HONG KONG Beyond neon signs
The financial hub and port known for its skyscrapers and
bustling markets has a scenic side waiting to be explored
Cut through the brick and mortar and Hong Kong can be
quite a revelation. The land we usually perceive as concrete jungle — dotted
with shopping malls and high rise buildings — has 40 per cent of area covered
by national parks. One wonders why there are not more people exploring its
majestic islands, beautiful trek and nature trails, scenic beaches, caves,
fishing villages, and some of the most adventurous cable car rides to reach
these vantage points. Just a bit of research can change the been-theredone-that
mindset that people usually have while visiting Hong Kong; especially the
frequent business travellers.
NATURE TRAIL
Get up early and enjoy one of the 25 hiking trails in
Hong Kong. Nicely paved and dotted with well laid steps along the way, these
hikes do not require you to be a fitness enthusiast. It was heartening to see
people from all ages — an octogenarian to an infant — along with their families
enjoying these trails. You could choose one from MacLehose trail, Dragon’s
Back, Hong Kong trail or Lantau trail. Each one of them is a different
experience, and takes you to spots that offer breathtaking views. If you think
these are just small artificial stretches laid out for hiking, you could not be
more mistaken. MacLehose trail is the longest and stretches up to 100 km –
meaning if you’re game, you can walk on and on.
SURF’S UP
Hong Kong has a beach for all kinds of people. If you
like surfing, head to Big Wave Bay beach. If lazing and soaking in the sun is
your idea, head to Cheung Sha and Pui O beaches. Enjoy barbecues at Hung Shin
Yeh beach and swimmers can head to Mui Wo and Silver Mine Bay beach. Tung Wan
or Kwun Yam beaches are perfect for windsurfing fans. And if you simply want to
enjoy a resort-like relaxed vibe, Repulse Bay beach is you must go.
GO FISH
For a peek into the original Cantonese culture and
gorgeous coastal scenery, head to seaside towns and villages like Tai O, Sai
Kung, Cheung Chau and Shek O. Narrow streets, single-storey homes with clothes
drying outside, roadside seafood stalls and cafes selling traditional Cantonese
seafood, quaint temples and a very laidback attitude is definitely not the Hong
Kong you may have seen or expected in your previous visits. These fishing
villages are mostly visited by locals on weekends rather than the tourists.
MUST TRY
Tim Ho Wan: Cheapest Michelin
Star chain across Hong Kong and the rest of the world with 50 outlets. Their
dim sums and roasted pork buns are to die for
The flea market of Sham Shui Po
uncannily resembles Mumbai’s Crawford market or Delhi’s Sarojini Nagar market,
selling daily household items, clothes and electronics. But mostly, it’s known
for its cheap and authentic street food. Try the snacks and desserts made from
soft silky tofu at Kung Wo Dou Bun Chung
A tea tasting workshop at
MingCha Tea house is a tea lover’s delight
Modern Cantonese cuisine is the
latest rage with many trendy high-end outlets here.
Nausheen Tareen
TL11OCT18
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