Hong Kong; the land of Disneyland, the go-to destination for a quick weekend escape or for all things shopping, and of course, where you can savour authentic halal dim sum ? With Hong Kong being a relatively small city, you'd think that you'd seen everything it has to offer, right?
There's so much more to Hong Kong than just towering architecture and scenic night views! We've rounded up a list of off-the-beaten places you never knew existed and sights you can't miss out on in the city ? Time to rediscover Hong Kong like never before!
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P.S. Malaysian travellers, find out how you can get RM300 off* all Klook deals with the code <YES300>! For Indonesian travellers, use the code <YES1JT> to get RP1JT off* Klook activities, attraction passes and more!
Getting around
Travelling around Hong Kong is pretty easy, given how the city is well-connected through a series of Mass Transit Railway (MTR) services that include trains and trams. Though bus services are also available, it takes much longer to get from destination to destination, which is why the MTR is the preferred mode of transport for most. If you're in Hong Kong for a day, opt to buy the MTR Tourist Day Pass, which gives you unlimited rides on all MTR services!
#HHWT Tip: Use our code TRAVELHHWT to get $5 off your first purchase on Klook!
Staying over the weekend and planning on travelling around? The re-loadable Tourist Octopus Card comes with HK$50 of preloaded credit; you can use it while shopping and dining at discounted rates! Octopus fares are around 5% cheaper than ordinary fares on the MTR, so you'll save both time and money. Purchase these two passes in advance on Klook to enjoy instant confirmation on your bookings plus easy pick up from Hong Kong International Airport!
#HHWT Tip: Get from the airport to the heart of the city in less than 25 minutes when you board the Airport Express! Get the cheapest express tickets on Klook and enjoy the free WiFi on the train ?
1. Dragon’s Back Trail
Nature enthusiasts, you'll fall in love with how peaceful and serene Dragon’s Back Trail is. A great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, this trail boasts some of the most stunning views in Hong Kong!
Credit: Naval Surface Warriors on Flickr
Named the best urban hike in Asia, the Dragon’s Back Trail is part of a much longer Hong Kong trail, which would take up to 6 hours to complete. However, the main hike up Dragon's Back from To Tei Wan is roughly 2 hours, inclusive of the walk down and snapping Instagram-worthy pictures along the way.
#HHWT Tip: Get up to $100* off your Klook purchase(s) with the code <YES100>! A minimum spending of $450 is required, so we’d recommend combining all your purchases together or sharing with friends to enjoy this awesome discount.
Credit: @jenny_nguy on Instagram
#HHWT Tip: If you're a beginner at hiking, you can consider taking a private hike tour with an English-speaking guide!
Once you've reached the peak of the 284-metre high Shek O viewing platform, take in the breath-taking sights of the surrounding wilderness ? Not forgetting, a mandatory shot of you overlooking the stretch of land connecting Shek O Peak and Wan Cham Shan! Fun fact: this natural formation resembles that of a dragon’s backbone - hence the name ?
Getting there: From MTR Shau Kei Wan Station Exit A, walk to to Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus. Take bus 9 or the minibus with the sign 'Shek O' next to the bus terminus. Alight at To Tei Wan, the starting point for the trail.
2. West District Public Cargo Depo
Also known as ‘Instagram Pier’, you can surely expect a horde of aspiring photographers and youngsters eager to capture picture-perfect shots for their Instagram feed. Located on the waterfront of Sai Wan, this place is famous for having gorgeous views of the Victoria Harbour, city skyline, sunsets and more.
Credit: @jacqueline_leung on Instagram
#HHWT Tip: If you’re a social media junkie like us, stay connected always with a portable 3G/4G WiFi router! You can connect up to five devices at one go, and easy pick up can be arranged at the airport. A WiFi router is really handy too when you’re trying to navigate around the city and for uploading your Instagram posts ?
Given its nature as one of the six public cargo working areas managed by Hong Kong's Marine Department, the pier boosts an industrial facade complete with massive metal containers and old lamp posts.
Credit: @ _sylwanderlust on Instagram
Locals and tourists alike have used this to their advantage, using the rustic, industrial background as a 'hipster' or minimalist backdrop for many of their social posts. Aside from being a photographer's haven, you can also spot people fishing or walking their pets in the early hours of the morning.
Credit: @1111ericho on Instagram
#HHWT Tip: The best time to visit the pier is during the golden hour (from 5-6pm). Catch the glorious sunset and play around with the softer lighting to capture awesome photos!
Getting there: Alight at the University of Hong Kong MTR station Exit B2 and walk for approximately 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the tram to Shek Tong Tsui and get off at Fung Mat Road.
3. Sai Wan Swimming Shed
Back in the 1960s-1970s, there weren't much public swimming facilities for the locals to enjoy. Small swimming sheds were then built along the sea shore, for locals to take a quick dip in the ocean and to soothe their tired, aching muscles with some much-needed relaxation. Nowadays, these swimming sheds are sparse, and the most famous one that's still standing is the Sai Wan Swimming Shed!
#HHWT Tip: Similar to the Instagram Pier, this swimming shed is also in Sai Wan, so you can hit up both locations in one visit!
Credit: @joanna_meow on Instagram
Originally built as a changing room and wooden pier for nearby residents swimming in the Sulfur Channel, this quaint shed now attracts more photographers rather than swimmers. Stand at the end of the small pier and take in the scenic sights of the surrounding sea, with the rhythmic crashing of waves in the background ?
Credit: @rainbow_loves on Instagram
Stay till the evening and watch as the sun dips into the horizon, casting a gentle orange glow to the rough seas and surrounding scenery. A picture-perfect way to end your day for sure!
Getting there: Alight at Kennedy Town MRT Station, Exit C. It's a 4 minute walk from there.
4. Sky100 Observation Deck
Recently opened in 2011, this indoor observation deck is located on the 100th floor of Hong Kong's tallest building - the International Commerce Centre (ICC). This prime location offers spectacular, 360-degree aerial views of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island and more ?
Credit: @kitspic on Instagram
To access the deck, simply take a high-speed lift that'll take you from the 2nd floor to the 100th floor in one-minute flat! Using the advanced telescope, you can also toggle between 4 different viewing modes, with pre-recorded views of sunny days and night sights.
#HHWT Tip: Enjoy major savings on Hong Kong's top attractions with the iVenture Attractions Pass! Aside from discounted entry to the Sky100 Observation Deck, you'll also save on attractions like Ngong Ping 360, Ocean Park, Noah's Ark, Macau Tower and many more. Book on Klook to arrange for easy pick up at the airport, it's a completely hassle-free transaction ?
Credit: @travelfotos101 on Instagram
Regardless of which time of the day you intend on visiting the deck, be rest assured that you'll still get amazing views of the city and create memories that'll last you a lifetime ?
Address: 100th Floor, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon
Opening hours: 10am–9pm; Sunday – Thursday (Last entry: 8.30pm), 10am–9.30pm; Friday – Saturday (Last entry: 10pm)
5. Choi Hung Estate
One of the oldest public housing estates in Hong Kong, the rows of pastel-coloured flats certainly stand out from the rest of the city's sleek, futuristic skyscrapers.
Credit: @izawakeiichi on Instagram
Compared to the fast pace of city-life, this well-preserved estate retains a nostalgic charm to it and remains unchanged, almost as if it's been stuck in time. You'll see locals taking serene strolls around the neighbourhood or crowding around the nearby basketball court for early morning exercises. It's certainly reminiscent of simpler times, don't you agree?
#HHWT Tip: Quote TRAVELHHWT to get $5 off your first purchase on Klook!
Credit: @ronlorocks on Instagram
Also known as the rainbow estate, locals and tourists alike make their way down to this hidden gem just to snap away for the 'gram. Popular shots include symmetrical photos of the pastel flats and OOTDs, with the colourful basketball court used as a background.
Address: Choi Hung Estate, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon East, Hong Kong
6. Ngong Ping 360
Take a short day trip to Hong Kong's largest islands, Lantau Island! Unlike the main city, there aren't much high-rise residential or industrial buildings scattered all over the island and the natural landscapes are relatively intact. For the best views of the island, hop on the Ngong Ping 360, a 25-minute cable ride from Tung Ching that'll change how you view Lantau Island forever!
Credit: digitonin on Flickr
Skip the crazy long queues and insane waiting times by booking your tickets on Klook! Choose between the standard cabin or splurge a little on a glass-bottomed crystal cabin for jaw-dropping views just below your feet ? What's more, with Klook's VIP Lane, you can completely skip the queue and redeem your ticket directly at the counter.
Credit: Klook
#HHWT Tip: Use our code TRAVELHHWT to get $5 off your first purchase on Klook!
Credit: @elainecharie on Instagram
Once you've reached the top, don't forget to swing by Tian Tan Buddha (the tallest, outdoor statue of a seated Buddha) and wander around Ngong Ping village for a bit of souvenir shopping.
Credit: @jakemclarnonon Instagram
#HHWT Tip: Get huge savings on Hong Kong's top attractions with the iVenture Attractions Pass! Aside from discounted rides on the Ngong Ping 360, you'll also save on attractions like Ocean Park, Noah's Ark, Macau Tower and many more. Book on Klook for instant confirmation and to arrange for easy pick up at the airport t ?
Address: Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Operating hours: Mon-Fri; 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun; 9am-6.30pm
7. Montane Mansion, Quarry Bay
Transformers fans, you'd probably recognise this urban architecture complex, which was used as a filming location for Transformers: Age of Extinction back in 2014. Since then, the popularity of these stacked apartments has risen to exponential heights, with many amateur and professional photographers striking this place off their shot bucket list.
Credit: @pinkyumipink on Instagram
Comprising of five old mansions (Montane Mansion being one of them), the individual buildings form an E-shaped complex, and when you look up, it resembles a walled city. Also referred to as the 'Monster Building' by locals, one can't deny how small and slightly claustrophobic they’d feel being surrounded by towering buildings all around.
Credit: @revuelta on Instagram
Nonetheless, this location is a photographer's playground; one can freely experiment with angles, using the symmetrical, 1960s Hong Kong styled apartments as a cool backdrop.
Address: Montane Mansion, 1028 King's Rd, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
Getting there: Take exit A at Quarry Bay MTR Station and walk along King’s Road towards Tai Koo. Walk pass the junction to Mount Parker, to reach the entrance(s) of Montane Mansion and Ocenaic Mansion. It's a short 2-3 minutes’ walk.
8. Old Town Central - Street Art
Exuding hipster vibes from a mile away, Old Town Central is Hong Kong's most historic neighbourhood, and within it lies the vibrant district of South of Hollywood Road (SoHo). Creatively drawn murals and graffiti fill the streets of SoHo, serving as the ultimate spot for quirky selfies and group photos to commemorate your stay in the city.
#HHWT Tip: Uncover the interesting stories behind these iconic street art by booking the Central Street Art Walking Tour on Klook! Conducted by an English speaking guide, you'll be introduced to hidden spots around the district only locals would know ?
#HHWT Tip: Use the code <YES100> to enjoy up to $100* off your Klook purchase(s)! There’s a minimum spending of $450, so you can combine all your purchases together or share with friends to unlock this awesome discount.
Rest your tired feet at one of the many cafes around the area before checking out the range of galleries and exhibitions showcasing awesome artworks by local talents. It doesn't get anymore hipster than this!
Getting there: Alight at MTR Central Station, Exit D2, and walk along Queen's Road Central towards The Center. Take the central–mid-levels escalator and get off at Staunton, Shelley or Elgin streets.
BONUS: Delicious halal local eats!
Islamic Canteen
No visit to Hong Kong is complete without sinking your teeth in authentic halal dim sum at the Islamic Canteen! From Siu Mai (烧卖), Har Gow (虾饺), Xiao Long Pao (上海小笼包) to Steamed Glutinous Rice with Chicken in Lotus Leaf (糯米珍珠鸡), you're in for a satisfying dim sum feast ?
Address: 5th floor, Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, 40 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: Breakfast & Lunch (Halal Dim Sum): 10am – 3pm, Dinner (Halal Cantonese Dishes): 6 – 9pm
Wai Kee
Home to THE best roast duck rice we’ve ever tasted, Wai Kee is our go-to eatery for breakfast, lunch and dinner when in Hong Kong ? We just can't get enough of that crispy roast duck skin and tender meat that just melts in your mouth ? Absolutely heavenly!
Address: No 5, Cooked Food Centre, 1st Floor, Bowrington Road Market, Wanchai, Hong Kong (inside a food centre)
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm
There's so many things just waiting to be explored in Hong Kong, and the ones we've mentioned are just the tip of the iceberg! Include these off-the-beaten path and Instagrammable locations in your itinerary for your next trip to Hong Kong, you're bound to discover parts of the city you never knew about before ?
HHWT’s Review of Klook
We booked all our attraction tickets and transportation passes on Klook – yes, you can find almost everything you need for your Hong Kong trip on Klook! We highly recommend getting the Peak Tram fast-track combo so that you can skip the long queues and board the Peak Tram from a special line. This allowed us to make it to Sky Terrace 428 in time to catch the beautiful sunset. If you’re planning a visit to Hong Kong Disneyland (which you must!), don’t forget to get your park tickets AND Hong Kong Disneyland Meal Coupon (Halal-certified restaurants included) on Klook so that you can save on your meal.
However, we highly recommend that you read through the descriptions of all your bookings carefully so you can book the best package to suit your needs. Was we mistakenly booked a 7GB WiFi device instead of the package with unlimited data for our trip to Japan.
Having all our booking vouchers available on the Klook mobile app was really convenient, so remember to download the Klook app before you leave for your vacay!
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P.S. For those in Malaysia, you can get RM300 off* all Klook deals with the code <YES300>! Indonesian travellers, use the code <YES1JT> to get RP1JT off* Klook activities, attraction passes and more!
This article was brought to you by Klook.