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Travel Diary: The Hong Kong You Don't Really Know

Hong Kong is my favorite cosmopolitan city in South East Asia. It's also probably one of the most lively and beautiful cities in the world. And when you've been there a number of times, you'll know for sure what I'm talking about. But in this post I will not talk about the shopping or going to Hong Kong's major malls and theme parks.

For those who think there are only about five really must-see places in HK, this list of not-very-popular, outlying places is for you. HK is not only east-meets-west amazing, it's also old-and-new awesome--in culture, arts, nature, and trips. There are some really nice hidden tour gems waiting for you in this small but irresistible country.

Spend the Afternoon at Stanley Village/Market

One of the most picturesque part of Hong Kong is Stanley village. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the cove, beach, market and Murray house.

Tai Tam Waterworks Heritage Trail

One of the places that really surprised me is this lush green trail in the tai Tam Country Park consists of dams, pumping stations, valve houses, staff quarters, aqueduct and bridges. The trail runs 5km with BBQ stops and tranquil sceneries for hiking enthusiasts. Unfortunately, we didn't get the chance to go through the trail, but it sure looks absolutely gorgeous.

Lantau Hiking Trail

A slightly tiring but totally-worth-it way to reach the Giant Buddha in Ngong Ping Island is through this 3-hour trail beneath the popular Cable Card Ride in Lantau Island. I know a friend whose done the hike and it looks like winter season is a good time to do it.

Hong Kong National Geo Park

This part of HK's new territories is breathtaking and expansive. It was quite overwhelming to the senses, to be honest. According to Wikipedia, Hong Kong Geopark is made up of eight Geo-Areas distributed across the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region and Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region. And indeed you'll find some really cool rock formations here. It would take more than an hour of dizzying bus ride to reach it from Kowloon, but the sight makes the long drive forgetful.

Sai Kung Seafood Market

Any market that offers fresh seafood is automatically amazing in my list. After a trip to the Geo Park, a visit to Sai Kung is necessary. Look at all these delectable fresh catch.

HK Wine and Dine and The 8th Estate Winery

I was quite fortunate to witness the yearly Hong Kong Wine and Dine festival were the food are vast and mouth-watering, and the wine, overflowing! The festival happens in November and for the whole month, most food establishments in HK offer great discounts and promos for locals and tourists. The festival is topped by the weekend events where wineries and distributors around the globe converge in one big drinking party!

The Beautiful Tai O Heritage Hotel

Once a police station from the British colonial rule, this beautiful building on top of a hill, overlooking the ocean is a historic land-mine that offers an experience in Hong Kong quite like no other. You can book a room here if you want to get away from the energetic city life in HK's main islands. The view from its decks and rooftop restaurant is quite romantic, too.

Tai O Fishing Village

After marvelling at the Tai O Hotel, shop some fish and other seafood at the fishing village, and see how locals make a living with fishing and ocean tourism.

You can also board the shrimping boat and experience catching some shrimps. =P

Temple Visits

There are a vast number of temples all around Hong Kong, and they look majestic, so make sure you visit one when you happen to go there.

Old Central Police Station Art Gallery

Historical buildings turned galleries is one of my favorite things about Hong Kong. Such a smart and cool idea. I've been in one pretty interesting and modern gallery in the Central Police Station and it's such a refreshing experience after going to the busy parts of HK.