Welcome back to the third and final instalment of Man of Many’s series in which we’re discovering all the wonders of Hong Kong. For those who’ve been with us throughout this extraordinary journey, you’ll know that we’ve already enjoyed the incredible tastes and explored the remarkable cultural experiences Hong Kong has to offer. Now, feeling entirely satisfied after enjoying our fill of delicious food and enriching culture, we’re in search of a generous dose of unabashed fun. Fortunately, Hong Kong has an abundance of options in this regard that are nothing short of revelatory!
However, to ensure we only experience the best of the best, we’ve once again recruited the services of Big Sam Young. For those unfamiliar, Sam is a Hong Kong-born chef of immense talent and taste. His love for Hong Kong runs deep, returning to visit whenever S’more—his outstanding bistro serving Cantonese cuisine on Sydney’s lower North Shore—allows. So, for our final instalment, we’re going all out as Sam guides us through some of the most fun ways to indulge our playful side in Hong Kong. Let’s go!
Hong Kong: The Perfect Playground
As is the case with its food and cultural offerings, Hong Kong has such a broad range of options for letting your playful self cut loose that we’re very fortunate to have Sam’s guidance. You’ll simply never get through it all in a single trip (or even a single lifetime), which is why those who’ve discovered Hong Kong as a holiday destination keep coming back.
“Hong Kong is a 24-hour city. It never stops! It never sleeps!” Sam exclaims as we begin our journey. “When I was younger, we used to go out and party until the early morning and then we’d have yum cha at 6 am. There are so many clubs and bars open late and then there are also so many fun, adventurous activities to enjoy at any time, day or night.”
Bar Hopping
Putting Sam’s assertion to the test, our first mission is to explore Hong Kong’s bar scene, and what a scene it is! Hong Kong currently hosts 9 of the 50 best bars in Asia (as voted recognised by Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 awards). Naturally, we start our evening with the holder of the number one spot (i.e. the best bar in Asia), Bar Leone.
With a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere, incredible cocktail menu, and refreshingly unpretentious approach—not what we would expect from, again, the best bar in Asia—Bar Leone is an ideal place to mingle with locals and sip some truly delicious beverages. If you want a firm recommendation, try the Olive Oil Sour while you munch on delicious bar snacks like smoked olives and the extremely popular mortadella sandwiches. Check out the merch while you’re there, too.
Next on our list of must-visit bars is Coa, which has been recognised at Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards for six years running, winning the top spot for three consecutive years. This venue is a tribute to Mexican spirits—further proof of the variety on offer in Hong Kong—and it boasts the region’s largest collection of agave spirits, featuring over 200 bottles of mezcal and tequila, all of which are contained within its mammoth 41-page spirit menu. Sipping your tipple by candlelight, don’t be surprised if Coa has you feeling like you never want to leave.
Our final stop is Argo, which takes its name from the ship that hosted Jason and the Argonauts in Greek mythology. This stunning venue boasts incredible views of the Hong Kong skyline through its floor-to-ceiling windows, which flood the space with natural light during the day and really elevate the atmosphere as night falls. If you’re looking for a unique experience, this is the place as Argo offers a drink selection featuring artisanal, innovative spirits not found elsewhere in the city. Plus, bar staff here frequently use local ingredients while making their cocktails, showcasing a laudable dedication to sustainable practices.
A Symphony of Lights
Having enjoyed our bar-hopping escapade, Sam directs us to the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. From there (and several other vantage points on both the Hong Kong Island and Kowloon sides of Victoria Harbour), visitors can look out over the water and take in what’s guaranteed to be one of the most spectacular light shows they’ll ever see.
“A Symphony of Lights is one of the most mind-blowing attractions in Hong Kong,” Sam explains. “It happens every night at 8 pm over the harbour, and there’s no better time to take in the city. It’s just iconic.”
While it might sound like Sam’s overselling it, nothing could be further from the truth. This audio-visual feast will have you cheering as lighting systems, lasers, and giant LED displays work in sync to bring Hong Kong to life in a way you have to see to believe. Plus, during special holidays and major events, pyrotechnic displays and drone shows are added to the mix, elevating an already unforgettable experience to an even higher level of astonishment.
Water Sports
Next up, it’s time for a change of pace. As we touched on in this series’ second instalment, Hong Kong boasts 263 outlying islands, many of which offer irresistible opportunities to enjoy the region’s incredible water during the warmer months. Whether you’re into jet skiing, surfing, or snorkelling (or you just prefer floating around), you’ll find the perfect spot for any of these activities and more.
Plus, as Sam explains, getting hold of the equipment needed for your activity of choice is a breeze, so you can afford to be spontaneous: “It’s so easy. Whenever you go to places like Lantau Island, they always have stuff for you to rent, from surfboards to jet skis. It’s so much fun.”
This kind of excursion also provides a nice reprieve from the more fast-paced elements of the Hong Kong experience. “It’s definitely something different from all the shopping, all the hustling, all the bustling, which is a cool contrast,” Sam confirms.
Ocean Park
Sam’s excitement for our next stop is infectious: “I’m going to tell you now, and you might think I’m crazy, but I really love Ocean Park!”
We can certainly see why. Whether you’re excited for thrilling rides like Wild Twister, Crazy Galleon, and Hair Raiser; keen to discover family attractions like Arctic Blast’s snowscape-themed wonderland and Ocean Park Tower’s world-class outlook; or you’re excited to see the two giant pandas recently born as part of a remarkable conservation effort, Ocean Park has you covered.
“Every person who grew up in Hong Kong will tell you that it’s a must,” Sam says. Now we’ll tell you that, too.
Hong Kong Disneyland
While Disneyland shouldn’t need an introduction, if you’re anything like us, you didn’t realise there was one in Hong Kong. Whether you’re a Mickey Mouse devotee, Marvel fanatic, or Pixar lover, you’ll find plenty to love. Be sure to check out Hyperspace Mountain, the Iron Man Tech Showcase – Presented by Stark Industries, and the classic Jungle River Cruise — an essential Disneyland experience if ever there was one.
Plus, Hong Kong Disneyland features the world’s first (and largest) Frozen-themed land, and Disney also announced a new Marvel-themed Spider-Man attraction this month, so now there’s even more reason to visit!
“Everyone loves Disneyland, and in Hong Kong, it provides the perfect chance to just step away from the big city for a day and step into a Magic Kingdom,” Sam explains. “It really is just like magic, you go there and it’s like stepping into another world.”
Everyone knows that Disney delivers, and Hong Kong Disneyland is no exception.
Hong Kong Sevens
What better way to finish off our jaunt of playful activities than by taking in the spectacle of one of the greatest games of all? We Australians love our rugby, which it turns out is a passion we share with the people of Hong Kong.
“The Hong Kong Sevens is one of the biggest sports festivals in Hong Kong,” Sam reveals. “It’s such a draw for the people, and it’s just so much fun.”
With an exhilarating atmosphere as the world’s best players face off in front of thousands of fans, we can’t think of a better reason to schedule a flight to Hong Kong. While the competition has wrapped for 2024, the next competition runs from March 28th to March 30th, 2025, and will be here before you know it, so we’d recommend you start planning sooner rather than later.
As Sam tells us, “Obviously, rugby is huge in Australia and New Zealand, so I definitely recommend going to see the Hong Kong Sevens in Hong Kong!”
No need to twist our arm, Sam. We’re way ahead of you.
Getting to Hong Kong
From thrilling water sports to its incredible bar scene, you won’t find a more dynamic and varied playground than Hong Kong. However, in order to experience everything this must-visit destination has to offer, you have to choose how you’ll 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 hit the ground running without contending 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 exploring the Hong Kong playground?
