The coolest mums know that the secret to an awesome vacation is finding the best spots that cater to her families needs as well as her own. With just a 4-hour flight away from Kuala Lumpur, Asia’s World City is definitely a good choice for a mum who wants it all for her family! From the creative arts scenes to activities for family fun, and from foodie adventures to lush outdoor trails, let’s see what Hong Kong has to offer for you and your kiddos:
Explore the Great Outdoors
1. Dragon’s Back
With beautiful coastal scenery and easy-accessibility from the city, the Dragon’s Back is a popular escape that gets regular mentions in travel guidebooks. A relatively easy nature hike that is achievable even for young children, the Dragon’s Back hike promises stunning views of Shek O, Tai Long Wan, Stanley, Tai Tam and even the South China Sea. Kids will be entertained by the little streams along the hiking trail and will enjoy the hike which will require some scrambling at some areas.
2. Sai Yuen Farm at Cheung Chau
It’s not all bustling city life in Hong Kong – how about a camping trip in its outlying islands? Cheung Chau offers family fun activities like cycling and camping, and a visit to Sai Yuen Farm is definitely worth your while. Besides the lush greenery, there are also outdoor activities like the Tree Top Canopy Walk, craft workshops, goat feeding and more. Families can also top it off with a night’s stay at one of the outdoor camping tents at the farm. There are 4 camp concepts to choose from, including the African or Mongolian native culture camps. For a magical night, pick the Star Gazing Geodesic Dome that has a transparent ceiling so you can literally sleep under the stars. Makes a perfect story-telling moment for the children!
City Sights
1. Harbour City Mall
Harbour City is the place to be for all fashionista mums and bubs! Besides being the largest mall in Hong Kong, Harbour City boasts a kids shopping paradise of more than 40 branded children’s apparel. It is also home to Asia’s largest Toys R Us flagship store. After shopping, families can head over to the Ocean Terminal Deck – a rooftop observatory deck surrounded by the ocean view. This offers a 270-degree panoramic view of Victoria Harbour and breathtaking views of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. It’s the best vantage point to enjoy Hong Kong’s sunset views!
2. PMQ at Old Town Central District
Beneath the stunning skyline of Central, history, arts, food, and culture coexist in one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods. Plan your trip to visit PMQ for a deeper look into Hong Kong’s creative and entrepreneurial scene. The creative arts and design venue houses more than 100 local designers, craftsmen and entrepreneurs selling creative, quirky and handmade items. This is where Hong Kong’s contrasting elements blend and collide – it’s a feast for the eyes.
Gastronomic Foodie Adventure
1. 9 ¾ café
As the name hints, this café is inspired by everything Harry Potter! From décor and display of memorabilia, Harry Potter fans will be magically transported to the wizarding world of Potter. You can relive that Wingardium Leviosa moment as you chug down some tasty Butter Beer!
2. YUM CHA
YUM CHA showcases contemporary Chinese cuisine in a vibrant East-meets-West atmosphere. It brings you a glimpse of old traditional teahouses, yet adopts a playful twist on Chinese cuisine. Dining at the restaurant is made memorable with a number of ‘camera eats first’ moments – certainly something for the more Instagram-mad mummies out there! The best part? The culinary team emphasises the use of fresh, seasonal and quality ingredients and only serves food with no added MSG. That’s good for the tastebuds and better for our ease of mind.
Adventure Tour Rides
1. Ngong Ping 360
The longest aerial cable car system in Asia, Ngong Ping 360 offers an exciting opportunity for guests to experience a unique natural and cultural experience. The Ngong Ping Cable Car stretches 5.7 km from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping. It offers a visually spectacular 25-minute journey with panoramic views of the flora and fauna of North Lantau Country Park, Tung Chung Bay and the Hong Kong International Airport. Guests can visit the Ngong Ping Village, where they can enjoy a wide range of dining, shopping and entertainment options. Families can also be entertained at culturally-themed attractions, including the Stage 360, Motion 360 and Walking with Buddha.
2. TramOramic Tour
Take in the sights of Hong Kong in a different way – discover its rich history with a one-hour sightseeing journey aboard a unique 1920s-style tram. With an open-top upper deck and a vintage cabin lower deck, Hong Kong’s past and present are brought to life through authentic tales of local life delivered through personal headsets in your choice of eight languages. The tour package also includes a two-day pass offering unlimited free access to Hong Kong Tramways’ regular service to let you further explore Hong Kong Island.
Enchanting Family Fun Attractions
1. Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort offers unforgettable Disney experiences for guests of all ages and nationalities. In the magical kingdom theme park —filled with your favorite Disney stories and characters — explore seven diverse lands that are home to award-winning attractions and entertainment. In May 2018, the brave heroine Moana will sail to Hong Kong Disneyland and appear in an all-new atmosphere stage show. “Moana: A Homecoming Celebration” is an 18-minute live show set in an entirely new exotic outdoor venue in Adventureland. Jam-packed with inspirational music, dancing, puppetry and storytelling, it recounts Moana’s adventures after returning to her home village of Motunui.
2. Ocean Park
Not only can you see marine animals up close in Ocean Park, there is also an amusement park with over 80 attractions and rides. One main attraction that really does the trick is Mine Train, which is Hong Kong’s first VR roller coaster. Experience a whole new multi-sensory and immerse yourselves in the natural world through VR effects.
3. Madame Tussauds
Meet your favourite celebrities at Madame Tussauds with more than 100 incredibly lifelike wax figures spanning up to 11 interactive zones. Get up close and personal as you visit the K-Wave Zone, Kung Fu Zone and Yayoi Kusama Zone. Take those obligatory selfies with some of the world’s most respected historial and political figures!
4. sky100 Observation Deck
Hong Kong’s highest indoor observation deck, sky100, is located on the 100th floor of Hong Kong’s tallest building. It offers a dizzying 360-degree views of Victoria Harbour. Take the high speed lift and get from 1st to 100th floor in just 60 seconds! Explore the observation deck’s interactive exhibition or snap a photo at one of the photo booths. They are equipped with advanced augmented-reality technology and 3D effects, turning your photos into dynamic ones!
5. Noah’s Ark
Built to resemble Noah’s Ark, it boasts 67 pairs of life-sized animal sculptures. This venue also includes 5 interactive attractions, a nature garden, an expo offering multimedia experience and a 4D theatre. Located on Ma Wan island, the waterfront ark is a fun-filled attraction where entertainment, conservation and education combine delightfully.
Families can take advantage of attractive airfare deals to Hong Kong offered by Air Asia, or discoverhongkong.com for more details.
Information from the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
