As a top holiday destination, Hong Kong offers a wholesome package of delicious food, affordable shopping, beautiful nature and interesting local attractions. Their transport system is also very much like Singapore’s, which makes it easy for us to get around. Here are some of the attractions you need to visit especially if it is your first trip in Hong Kong to make it a memorable one.
1. Hong Kong Disneyland
Of course, you need to visit the happiest place on earth! Hong Kong Disneyland is the biggest theme park in Hong Kong and you can spend easily more than half a day there. If you happen to be a big fan of Disney, you can even choose to stay in a themed suite at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel!
Note: We do not recommend going visiting Disneyland or other themes parks during summer due to the summer break where the attractions will be extremely crowded with Mainland Chinese tourists as well as local families due to the summer holidays. You are likely to have to spend a long time queuing for each ride or show under the hot weather and the experience will not be as pleasant as it should be.
2. Catch the lights show at Victoria Harbour
Hong Kong is famous for its magnificent panoramic view of the glamourous Victoria Harbour. It lights up during the night with the Symphony of Lights, the world’s largest permanent light and sound show with at least 42 participating buildings.
Catch the Symphony of Lights at 8pm every day and goes on for about ten minutes. Be sure to arrive 10-15 minutes earlier so you can occupy a good spot and have a clear view of the show.
3. Victoria Peak
We are sure you have come across countless pictures of the view of Hong Kong taken from the Victoria Peak – on the internet, on travel guidebooks, or on your favourite social media influencer’s feed. Now it is time to witness it on your own. The Victoria Peak offers a fantastic scenic view of Hong Kong from the top, but be sure to visit when Hong Kong is having good weather, or you will be disappointed with the fog from dense clouds on rainy days.
4. Ocean Park
Ocean Park is the second biggest theme park in Hong Kong, after Disneyland. It is marine mammal park, an amusement park, an oceanarium and an animal park all in one, which gives you lots to do!
Watch animal shows, ride on roller coasters play games and also enjoy a good view of the surrounding nature as it on a mountain right by the sea. Since there are lots to do, you are likely to spend a whole day exploring, so make sure you stay outdoors to catch the beautiful sunset during the evening.
Similarly, we suggest skipping this attraction if you happen to be visiting during the summer break due to an overwhelming crowd.
5. Ngong Ping’s Tian Tan Buddha
This is where you can find the famous Tian Tan Buddha situated on the high mountain of Ngong Ping. The 268 flight of stairs leading up to the statue may look intimidating, but take your time and enjoy the walk up, with the view of the statue gradually getting clearer. Take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride and enjoy the beautiful green and blue view of Lantau – you can even see the Hong Kong International Airport from there!
6. Mong Kok
Mong Kok can be compared to our local Bugis Street, but much bigger. It is especially a joy to shop at Argyle Centre for their trendy and affordable clothes and accessories. Feel free to bargain reasonably. However do take note that in Hong Kong, the styles change with season so there is a much lower chance of getting summer clothes suitable for Singapore if you are vising during the months of autumn or winter. There is also lots of street food available in the area, so make sure you check them out.
7. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
This attraction is free of charge and got its name from the numerous Buddha statues (13000 of them, in fact), with every single one of them is unique. Be prepared to take a steep, long walk uphill which takes about 20 minutes so make sure you are dressed comfortably on the day of your visit, but you will be rewarded with a beautiful view when you reach the top.
Beware of wild monkeys along the way!
