It’s been more than a year since the city’s imposed lockdown and we are pretty sure that you already feel the travel itch. Did you know that you can still satisfy your wanderlust and explore what Hong Kong has to offer?

Besides having a magnificent Skyline, Hong Kong is home to beautiful rock formations, beautiful islands, and lush green hills. The only way to see and enjoy these wonders is by leaving the hustle and bustle of the city for a day and enjoy a quiet hike over these mountains.

We have put together our list of the best hiking trails that you can enjoy seeing the greener side of our beautiful city. Take out your list and start crossing them one by one!

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Enjoy Outdoors in Style with
These Gorgeous Glamping Sites in Hong Kong

Find yourself returning to the same attractions and places week after week? If you think Hong Kong is just a dynamic concrete jungle for you to explore its shopping, dining, and nightlife scenes, you may need to think again. The natural wonders of the city are just as fascinating, and you haven’t seen the best of Hong Kong until you have explored the great outdoors through hiking, trying exciting water sports, and of course, camping.

Aside from appreciating the beauty of nature, camping also offers a perfect opportunity to get away from it all and spend some quality time with your loved ones or even a little “me time.” From stargazing domes to unique transparent bubble tents and luxury caravan camping, here are some of the most beautiful glamping sites, without having to sacrifice creature comforts. Forget tins of baked beans around the fire—camping these days is a much more glamorous affair.

Welcome Beach

Many people only visit Lantau Island for the Big Buddha, but only a few know that there’s a glamping site—Welcome Beach—located on the island, where you can spend a night or two with your loved ones inside one of the luxurious caravans for a truly unforgettable getaway.

 All of the caravans at Welcome Beach are well-equipped with air conditioning, a mini-fridge, open-kitchen and Wi-Fi access. Spend your day at the beautiful Cheung Sha Beach nearby and make the most of the good weather by enjoying a cooling swim or water sports. As night falls, head back to the caravan and indulge in an outdoor barbeque feast. The site stocks barbeque packs, a selection of drinks and snacks available for purchase, and you can also bring your own food and ingredients to make your own recipes.

Saiyuen Camping & Adventure Park

Gone are the days when camping was only about pitching a tent and witnessing the sunset on top of a mountain. Located on the southwestern tip of Cheung Chau Island, Saiyuen Camping & Adventure Park is the place for glampers who have a thirst for thrills, priding itself on offering a wide range of outdoor activities including bubble soccer, archery, treetop canopy walk and rock climbing, just to name a few. 

If your friends aren’t that outdoorsy, worry not, the site also hosts a number of fun workshops that teach guests how to play djembe and make bubble waffles or mosaic coasters. Oh, and did we mention that there’s also a spacious goat pen where you can feed and play with the goats? 

The site houses a range of uniquely themed, well-appointed accommodations, such as the African Safari Tent, Mongolian Ger, and Star Gazing Geodesic Dome - each equipped with air conditioning, mosquito screens, indoor lighting and even a private bathroom with hot and cold showers to ensure your stay is as pleasant and comfortable as possible.

Long Coast Seasports

Water sports enthusiasts and beach lovers, this one’s for you. Situated at Lower Cheung Sha Village on Lantau Island, Long Coast Seasports is more than just a water sports centre that offers a variety of surfing and wakeboarding lessons. It’s a picturesque beachside camping destination to visit for a distinct holiday experience amidst unspoiled nature.

 The site features two types of accommodations, namely Safari tents and caravans, which come with air conditioning, shower facilities and deluxe camping mattresses to keep the glampers toasty through the night. What’s more, the campsite also offers an overnight stay package that includes breakfast, water sports equipment rental and access to other facilities such as snooker table, trampoline and playground for the kids.

 After a long day exploring the great outdoors, treat yourself to a barbeque dinner under the stars. If you’re yearning for a beachside dining experience, don’t forget to check out those laid back restaurants and bars located along the Cheung Sha Beach.

Moving to a different country and starting from scratch is intimidating. There is so much to figure out; where to stay, how to adapt to a new culture and the language barrier. You have probably have made countless searches on Google to gather some basic information about the city.

To make your life easier once you arrive in the 852 we have done the hard work for you and listed all of the essential apps and phone numbers that you will need to navigate your new life.

Feel like a local with Hello! Hong Kong Tours

Leisure

Klook - For travel activities and tickets. Available on iOS and Android

Meetup- For finding and building local communities. Available on iOS and Android

Food and Drinks

OpenRice - For reservations and discounts. Available on iOS and Android

Food Panda - For Home delivery. Available on iOS and Android

Deliveroo - For Home delivery. Available on iOS and Android

Black Sheep Restaurants GO - For Home delivery. Available on iOS and Android

Transportation

MTR Mobile - To help you plan your trip and get the latest traffic news. Available on iOS and Android

Octopus - For purchases at any local stores and transport. Available on iOS and Android (iOS mobile device requires an Octopus Mobile Reader) 

1933 KMB/LWB - Can be used to know the estimated bus arrival time, updates on bus services, and the latest route information to help with journey planning. Available on iOS and Android

CitybusNWFB - This lets you know the estimated arrival time and any updates on the bus services and traffic news. Available on iOS and Android

HK Taxi - Here you can get a real-time location and automatically search for nearby drivers. Available on iOS and Android

First Ferry - Get the latest ferry schedule, timetable, and pricing. Available on iOS

Citymapper - A public transit app and mapping service which displays transport options, usually with live timing, between any two locations in the city. Available on iOS and Android

Uber- Its services include ride-hailing, food delivery, package delivery, couriers, freight transportation. Available on iOS and Android

Medical

Doctors Direct - A convenient way of having your doctor’s appointment at the comfort of your home, office, or Hotel. Tel no. 6506 0250,

Hong Kong Emergency Medicine Centre - Specialists on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Tel no.  6511 8000

Hong Kong Home Doctor - For 24hrs on-call specialists, HK Registered Western Doctor & Pharmacist, and Expat / Traveler Consultation. Tel. no. 6628 5365, 

Household Needs

Cleaners:

Merry Maids - Your home cleaning expert. Tel. no. 2857 4038

Prestige Home Services - They offer a full range of cleaning services including part-time helpers, deep cleaning, move-in, and move-out cleaning, and pest control. Tel.no 2893 7387, 

Smart Home - Smart Comfort-Professional Hong Kong Home Furnishing Service Company. Tel.no. 2717 1196, WhatsApp: 5560 6050.

Top Maids Home Cleaning Co. - They offer exceptional home cleaning service at an affordable price. Tel no. 2151 1280.

Handymen:

Hello Toby - They offer a variety of professionals for all your needs from Home services to weddings etc. Email:  prosupport@hellotoby.com. Available on iOS and Android

Ace Handyman - Home repair service needs available in Hong Kong, Kowloon, and in New Territories. WhatsApp: 9078 1918.

Dr. Fix It All - A full-service professional handyman and moving company. Tel.no.2525 0055, WhatsApp: 9828 0996.

Dry Cleaners:

Impressed Laundry - Premium dry cleaning services contact them via WhatsApp: 5196 6752. Available on iOS and Android

Jeeves - Dry cleaning and valeting service of choice for the most elegant and stylish. Tel.no.2552 7557, WhatsApp: 6900 4603. Available on iOS and Android

Park Avenue - Provides a high-quality service for fashion-conscious and professional people about the proper care of their garments. Tel.no. 2893 9368,.

Finance

PayMe - A convenient way to go cashless for paying bills or transferring funds to any local banks. Available on iOS and Android

Apple Pay - You can make contactless, secure purchases in stores, in apps, and on the web. Available on iOS

Other Essential Apps

Wi-Fi.HK - Locate and access the free public Wi-Fi services in Hong Kong. Available on iOS and Android

Air Quality Health Index - To get the latest air quality status in the city. Available on iOS and Android

MyObservatory - To get the latest weather forecast. Available on iOS and Android

HKG My Flight App - Provides real-time flight information, assists on airport navigation, and keeps you stay connected to airport-free Wi-Fi upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport. Available on iOS and Android.

Socials

Most of the Facebook groups listed are closed groups so you will need to send a request to join but worry not as they get approved ALL the time!

Hong Kong Moms - A supportive, dynamic, and growing resource to thousands of people who are moving to Hong Kong.

Working in Hong Kong - A helpful community for people who are looking for jobs around Hong Kong.

Hong Kong in the 60’s - An interesting group that will help you know more about the colourful history of Hong Kong. People shares pictures of the old Hong Kong.

Hong Kong buy and Sell - Here is a free page for all to post all products that people are selling.

HK Quarantine Support Group - Get firsthand information and support from people who had or undergoing quarantine in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Expats - For all people living in Hong Kong. From finding friends to selling things you don’t need. This is the FB group for you.

Local News & Online Magazines

SCMP ( South China Morning Post) - A Hong Kong-based English-language newspaper

HK Free Press - A free, and non-profit news website based in Hong Kong.

Dimsum Daily - Your daily source of fun news and entertainment in the city.

Sassy Hong Kong - Your go-to guide for shopping spots and events in Hong Kong.

Sassy Mamma - Get the latest news of what hot in the city.

Timeout HK - Your neighborhood guide on the latest events, news around Hong Kong.

Localiiz Hong Kong - Get updates and interesting articles on how to live a well-rounded life in Hong Kong. You can visit their Localiiz Facebook page to keep yourself in the loop.

Zolima City Mag - A culture magazine that helps you to discover more about Hong Kong.

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The most anticipated Chinese New Year celebration is finally here. It is one of the biggest celebrations in Hong Kong, where people gather outside to watch different festivities across Hong Kong.

Now that we are still battling with COVID-19, it will never be like the previous year’s celebration where people enjoy outside to watch the annual Chinese New Year night parade in Tsim Sha Tsui or watch the spectacular Chinese New Year Fireworks display over Victoria Harbour.

Despite these changes and cancellations, Chinese New Year will always be a great time to celebrate in Hong Kong. By following the social distancing guidelines, you will never run out of Hong Kong activities to do.

Wishing everyone a Happy and prosperous Year of the Metal Ox

Photo credits: freepik.com

You and your family can still visit different places in Hong Kong to see beautiful Chinese New year decorations. See the Butterflies of Hope, Blessing Lantern display in Lee Tung Avenue, The Garden of Wishes in landmark, and Blossom of fortune in IFC mall are just a few places to check out.

Although most of our Hello! Hong Kong Tour Guides will be celebrating their Chinese New Year differently this year, they are still very hopeful and excited about the year ahead.

From the Hello! Hong Kong Tours Team to your family, we all wish you a happy and healthy Year of the Ox! We cannot wait to welcome you again and show you the beautiful city of Hong Kong.

#travel2021 #postcovidtravel #postcoviddestination #noncovidtravels #thetravellingnomads #intravelist #backpackersintheworld #travel #beautifulseason #tripscout #digitalnomad #sustainabletravel #photographeveryday #amazing #photographyislife #keepexploring #livetoexplore #wandering #travelanddestinations #seetheworld #tlpick #travellingthroughtheworld #postcardsplace

Director: Wilson Yip

Year: 2008, 2010, 2015 and 2019

IMDB Score: 2008 8.0/10, 2010 7.5/10 , 2015 7.1/10 , 2019 7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 2008 86%, 2010 76%, 2019 84%

Fist of the Ip Man sequel made in 2008. Photo credit: imdb.com

Sequel 2 made in 2010. Photo credit imdb.com

Third sequel made in 2015. Photo credit to Amazon UK

Fourth and final sequel made in 2019. Photo credit to Wikipedia

A Hong Kong biographical martial arts film based on the life of Ip Man, a grandmaster of the martial art Wing Chun and the teacher of Bruce Lee. The film focuses on events in Ip Man’s life that by accounts took place in the city of Foshan during the Sino-Japanese War

A sequel to the 2008 Ip Man film, this Hong Kong biographical martial arts film is loosely based on the life of Ip Man, a grandmaster of the martial art Wing Chun. Legend of the Grandmaster centres on Ip Man’s movements in British Hong Kong; Ip Man attempts to promote Wing Chun martial arts but faces rivalry from other practitioners

When a band of brutal gangsters led by a crooked property developer make a play to take over a local school, Master Ip is forced to take a stand. The year is 1959, where Ip Man lives in Hong Kong with his wife and his son.
Ip Man 3 is no doubt another action packed movie featuring Mike Tyson; this time however, have the tissue box ready at arms length.

In 1964, following a tragedy, Ip Man then discovers he has health problems. After his rebellious son Ip Ching fights back against a school bully and is subsequently expelled, Ip Man decides to travel to San Francisco in order to look for study opportunities.

Welcoming the year 2021 brings us hope and optimism about the possibility of traveling again. Now that vaccines have finally being rolled out to different countries, people are somehow seeing a silver lining in ending our continuous war for COVID-19.

Hong Kong will always be a great destination for a diverse cultural experience where east meets west. The Hello! Hong Kong team is thrilled to showing you the city with a picture-perfect skyscrapers, Instagram-worthy lmust see sites, and Michelin-starred local Chinese cuisines.

If you will be travelling to the city for the first time, we know that finding a great place to stay in Hong Kong is the first thing on your traveling checklist, and thinking of a great place to stay is a bit daunting.

To help you out, we have put together our recommended places to stay whilst you are in the city. Check out our City guide page for more information and tips on other Hong Kong activities that you can do when you are out and about the city.

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Hong Kong is doing its best to prevent further the spread of the COVID-19 virus. As a result, the government has extended the social distancing measures until January 20, 2021. which means, the public gathering is only limited to 2 people per group, and a curfew for the dine-in restaurant until 6 pm.

Hong Kong is known for its delicious food and local Michelin starred restaurants. Due to these restrictions, and also to avoid getting infected with the virus, most people opt to do their own cooking and some of them prefer doing take away.

We know that you miss Hong Kong, especially its local cuisines. You are not alone! Our Hello! Hong Kong Tour guides miss them too! So we have asked some of them, which of the restaurants they miss going to, and their go-to orders. Below are their top pick restaurant recommendations.

Tsui Kee Dim Sum

As of the lockdown, Mel, hardly ever go out. He highly recommends visiting the Tsui Kee dim sum restaurant at Prince Edward. The restaurant offers different kinds of mouthwatering local Dim Sum that everybody loves!

Dim Sum is a large range of small dishes that Cantonese people traditionally enjoy in restaurants for breakfast and lunch.

Fulongmen Seafood Hotpot Restaurant

Just like Mel, Ryan hasn’t been in a restaurant for over 2 months now and he recall missing Chicken Hot Pot at Fulongmen Seafood Hotpot Restaurant. An all you can eat restaurant which is a perfect place to satisfy your cravings for some good ole hot pot with friends and family or Ryan’s favorite the Chicken pot.

Dai Pai Dong

Alex, our newest guide miss going to Dai Pai Dong- a type of open-air food stall in Hong Kong. His go-to order whenever he visits are the local Oxen rice noodles- one the popular Cantonese street food and the soft and sweet white rice cake that can also be found in wet markets or some shops selling Chinese pastries.

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One of the lovely things about taking a tour with us at Hello! Tours is that you will form a friendship with our guides. We were so excited when Gail Holloway, one of our tour guests, got back in touch to let us know she had published her first book which is set in Hong Kong and Japan! Gail came on our evening History and Culture Tour in Singapore. You can see in the pictures below that she had a wonderful time exploring the city and also was able to meet Hello! Tours CEO/Founder Laura Blackhall.

First photo: Gail (from left) beside Laura, all smiles after a day in Singapore. Second Photo: Gail and friends Locked in a jail cell in the former Supreme Court

You can now grab a Kindle edition of her new book on Amazon and visit her website https://www.gailholloway.com/ for more information about her new book, travel blogs, and to keep yourself updated on her new future projects.

Cherry Blossom Footsteps: Adventures in Japan and Hong Kong

Author: Gail Holloway
Format: Kindle Edition
Buy it here: Amazon

Twenty-something Lauren is embarking on her first-ever overseas adventure - to Japan for the cherry blossoms, Zen gardens and majestic temples, where she makes use of her uni studies. She then travels on to Hong Kong, where she traces the 1960s footsteps of her beloved nan, in more ways than one. This enchanting tale follows Lauren on a fun journey, through two vibrant Asian cultures. With ancient history, modern life, new friendships and romance, Lauren’s is a story of discovery - of new lands, and herself.

Photo and description credit: Amazon

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2020 was definitely a challenging year for everyone. A lot of plans, events, trips were canceled because of the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus. The world stopped and borders were closed. Despite the challenges that everyone had experienced, people all over the world are resilient in overcoming the new normal and are hopeful for the year 2021.

In Hong Kong, the government replaced a traditional fireworks display over Victoria Harbour with a live-streamed virtual display to welcome 2021.

Video courtesy: Hong Kong Tourism Board

New year’s celebration probably is very different now from all over the world. How did your country celebrate new year's eve?

Hello! Hong Kong Tours team is very hopeful with what the year of the OX has to offer! We believe that we will all see you again in the year 2021!

#thetravellingnomads #intravelist #backpackersintheworld #travel #beautifulseason #tripscout #digitalnomad #sustainabletravel #photographeveryday #amazing #photographyislife #keepexploring #livetoexplore #wandering #travelanddestinations #seetheworld #tlpick #travellingthroughtheworld #postcardsplace #newyear #2021 #hknewyear

This year COVID-19 has put a stop to our ability to travel. We want to keep in touch and bring Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo to your doorstep. Hello! Tours team have come up with a very special program for all of you!

Every month we will send you a postcard and a thoughtfully chosen local gift with a video blog from one of our Hello! Hong Kong Tours guides telling you more about your gift and the place that we bought it. Your monthly membership fee will provide our team with some much-needed income. In return, we will select meaningful souvenirs, write a heartfelt message, and offer you discounts on future tours, when we can all travel freely again.

The Holiday by post membership program is available in all our 3 locations. Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan! Perfect for your personal collections and gift especially this coming Holidays!

#thetravellingnomads #intravelist #backpackersintheworld #travel #beautifulseason #tripscout #digitalnomad #sustainabletravel #photographeveryday #amazing #photographyislife #keepexploring #livetoexplore #wandering #travelanddestinations #seetheworld #tlpick #travellingthroughtheworld #postcardsplace #supportlocalbusiness #supporttourism #supporttourguide #supporthklocal