Are you looking for a once-in-a-lifetime getaway that you’ll never forget? If so, Hong Kong is ready and waiting. Boasting an abundance of extraordinary experiences that you’ll cherish—regardless of whether you’re seeking enrichment of the culinary, cultural, or unencumbered fun variety—Hong Kong has everything and anything you could possibly hope to find within a world-class holiday destination. Yes, indeed, Hong Kong really does have it all.
As such, it’s our pleasure to welcome you to the second instalment in Man of Many’s new three-part series through which we’re immersing ourselves in the Hong Kong experience. Having tackled Hong Kong’s incredible culinary landscape in part one, here we’re looking at the plentiful cultural offerings, from the traditional to the contemporary. Once again, we need some assistance uncovering this veritable smorgasbord of unparalleled attractions and adventures, so we’re fortunate enough to have Big Sam Young returning to lead the way.
As mentioned in our previous instalment, Sam is a Hong Kong-born chef extraordinaire, but his love for Hong Kong goes beyond the mouth-watering culinary delights we outlined last time. Returning home from Sydney whenever his beloved neighbourhood bistro, S’more (which focuses on Cantonese cuisine) will allow him, Sam’s local knowledge is encyclopedic. So, without further ado, let’s embark on our expedition through Hong Kong’s rich cultural offerings with Big Sam Young at the helm!
Hong Kong’s Cultural Cornucopia
Much like its food experience, Hong Kong’s cultural offering is notable for its depth and breadth. There is so much to see and do that you’ll never manage to get through it all, which helps to explain why so many people return time and time again after their initial discovery. A theme Sam often returns to is how there’s always something new to discover, which helps Hong Kong maintain its vibrancy and undeniably electric atmosphere from one year to the next.
“I try to go back to Hong Kong every year because it’s a very special place for me,” Sam explains shortly after we meet. “You never get bored of it because there’s an east-meets-west vibe, which is awesome. There’s always something going on in a way that’s very unique to Hong Kong, because it has so many different cultures in a melting pot. Whether you like your holidays busy and intense or relaxed and laid back, in Hong Kong, you can have whatever you’re looking for.”
The Great Outdoors
If you’re anything like we were before we started on this journey with Sam, your impression of Hong Kong was dominated by that iconic cityscape — beautiful, for sure, but decidedly urban. So it came as quite a surprise to learn that there’s so much more to discover. Hong Kong actually features 263 outlying islands just waiting to be explored, which embody a completely different side to Hong Kong.
“Hong Kong obviously has the city side, the concrete playground side, which many people are probably aware of, but you also have some beautiful islands,” Sam explains. “There are so many different islands, and there’s also the countryside, which is so serene.”
Speaking of serenity, one particularly unmissable spot is undoubtedly Lantau Island. Home of the Tian Tan Buddha—known colloquially as the Big Buddha due to its scale, which has to be seen to be believed—along with the Po Lin Monastery, the island offers an atmosphere of pure relaxation. Plus, its highland climate can provide a refreshing change from the warmer temperatures served up by other areas of Hong Kong.
“Lantau Island is one of Hong Kong’s best places for visitors,” confirms Sam. “Not only is there the Big Buddha, but you can get there via the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, from which you get a really cool view on the way up and from the top. Just take the Mass Transit Railway to Tung Chun Cable Car Terminal, and you can make it a really great day trip.”
Central & Sheung Wan
As Sam explains, each neighbourhood in Hong Kong features its own character and its own signature vibe. From the highly traditional to the extremely modern and everything in between, you’ll be enraptured by the variety of experiences on offer. Continuing with the east-meets-west theme Sam touched on earlier, our first destination is Central, a particular highlight for our generous host.
“Central is the favourite spot for me when I go to Hong Kong,” Sam enthuses. “I go every time. There are amazing restaurants and amazing coffee shops — I call myself Australian now, so a cup of coffee is so important and that’s where you find the best coffee in Hong Kong. Plus, you can take a relaxing walk up and down the hills, and you can really feel that east-meets-west vibe.”
Beyond the food and coffee, Sam explains that Central is also a must-see due to the incredible architecture on display: “You can see beautiful architecture that has elements of the west and the east. It’s one of the most premium areas of Hong Kong, which makes it a favourite spot of mine to go for a stroll.”
Sham Shui Po
For those looking to experience a more traditional side of Hong Kong, you’ll discover a rich sense of history and some delicious eating options in Sham Shui Po. One of the oldest districts in Hong Kong, it offers casual dining that is nonetheless Michelin-recommended, alongside highly tempting shopping opportunities, including open-air street markets, the wares of local craftsmen and artisans, and electronics retailers offering unmissable bargains.
“Sham Shui Po is one of the places I have the most connection with because I grew up not far from there. It’s a very authentic and vibrant suburb of Hong Kong,” our host reveals.
“It can be chaotic!” he continues, laughing. “You have all these chefs cooking outdoors shirtless, and you sit on the street, eating and drinking big beers. Good vibes.”
As for his pick of the shopping on offer, Sam insists Sham Shui Po is the place to go if you’re looking for excellent computer and gaming technology without the premium price tag: “Apliu Street is the best place to get all the latest technology, from the cheapest computers to the latest Apple products. It’s very cool.”
West Kowloon Cultural District
Having eaten our fill and secured some stone-cold bargains, our next stop is a perfect example of how there’s always something new to discover whenever you visit Hong Kong.
“West Kowloon is quite a new development project in Hong Kong, which has transformed the district into a really rich hub,” Sam says. “You can see different artworks and performances, as well as a range of really impressive museums and venues.”
These include the Hong Kong Palace Museum, within which you’ll find over 900 priceless treasures; M+, which serves as a vibrant celebration of Hong Kong visual culture of the 20th and 21st centuries; and the Xiqu Centre, where you’ll encounter a wide range of stunning performances, from the traditional to the modern.
Architectural Landmarks
At this point, it feels appropriate to note that the remarkable structures found within West Kowloon Cultural District are not an anomaly. Everywhere you look in Hong Kong, you’ll find jaw-dropping feats of modern engineering and beautiful examples of classic design.
One of the most striking of these is undoubtedly the International Commerce Centre (ICC). As Hong Kong’s tallest building, its scale alone makes it a sight, but when you catch its glass surface reflecting the beautiful afternoon sun, it really is something else.
Jardine House is equally striking for different reasons. Completed in 1973, it’s a superb example of that era’s aesthetic, and with its charming round windows, it juxtaposes wonderfully against Hong Kong’s more modern developments.
Of these more contemporary designs, one of our favourites is undoubtedly the Jockey Club Innovation Tower, which is designed to look like a river-smoothed stone from afar, but reveals layers that suggest something more akin to an alien spaceship as you approach. It’s a building quite unlike anything we’ve ever seen.
Finally, The Henderson is Hong Kong’s latest (and most bold) architectural marvel, taking inspiration from the bud of the bauhinia flower—an iconic symbol of Hong Kong—it boasts an extraordinary 3D-curved all-glass façade that is sure to astound. Plus, if you can visit the rooftop ballroom, it’s worth the effort. A triumph of modern engineering, it features an eight-metre glass ceiling floating over a column-free banquet hall, the effect of which redefines the term panoramic view.
Star Ferry
While individual buildings can be singularly impressive, their collective effect is where the magic really happens. One of the best ways to take in the overall architectural statement that is Hong Kong’s incredible skyline is via the Star Ferry, an absolute must-try for first-time visitors to Hong Kong. Plus, according to Sam, the pier from which you catch the ferry is a bucket-list attraction in and of itself.
“Star Ferry Pier in Tsim Sha Tsui is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hong Kong, so you have to visit it,” he tells us. “Plus, if you have the time, the ferry is one of the best ways to get around because you get a spectacular view without paying a spectacular price. It’s the Hong Kong equivalent of recommending that guests to Sydney should take the Manly Ferry.”
When he puts it like that, it sounds absolutely essential.
Peninsula Helicopter Tour
If there’s one way to take in that aforementioned skyline that’s guaranteed to one-up the Star Ferry, it’s the Peninsula Helicopter Tour. You can choose from a range of dining, spa, and tea packages to pair with your helicopter ride, but no matter which one you select, prepare yourself to experience the absolute pinnacle of luxury as well as a flight you’ll never forget.
“If you feel like you want to be a baller, the Peninsula Helicopter Tour is definitely the thing for you,” Sam says. “There’s no better way to take in the sky view of Hong Kong while you feel like you’re on top of the world.”
Getting to Hong Kong
From incredible outdoor adventures to immersive celebrations of culture, Hong Kong has it all and more. However, in order to experience this must-visit destination, you’re going to have to find a way to get there.
Fortunately, Cathay Pacific’s business class flights offer the kind of premium travel experience that will stand you in good stead when you arrive and want to experience all that Hong Kong has to offer without having to contend with that dreaded jet lag.
From the comfort of fully flat beds and luxurious 400-thread-count bedlinen to the contemporary business menu boasting bold international flavours and classic Hong Kong favourites, you’ll be ready to make the most of your holiday as soon as you land. What better way to start your Hong Kong experience?
