Hong Kong Mixing business and leisure in the city we call home - #lifewelltravelled - Life Well Traveled: Hong Kong
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Life Well Travelled Hong Kong Mixing business and leisure in the city we call home #lifewelltravelled 1
TEMPLE STREET NIGHT MARKET OZONE BAR HARBOR CRUISE MACAU (SHORT FERRY RIDE AWAY) HONG KONG MACAU FERRY TERMINAL PMQ DISTRICT THE PEAK TRAM TAILORED CLOTHING DISTRICT THE UPPER HOUSE HOTEL HONG KONG ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS WOOLOOMOOLOO STEAKHOUSE CÉ LA VI HOTEL BAR 香港 (Hong Kong) Hong Kong, brought to life. Whether you’re a business or leisure traveler, dive into this interactive tour—with information compiled from top articles on our online travel destination, Life Well Travelled Hong Kong. We hope you’ll enjoy these tips, and that your Hong Kong travel LAMMA ISLAND experience is as rewarding as possible. #lifewelltravelled 2
Six of our favorite things to do. What to do in six hours or less. THE PEAK TRAM For some, traveling to Hong Kong In the following pages, our staff HARBOR CRUISE is a well-choreographed affair. share a few of their top picks for PUI O BEACH But what happens when you find travelers short on time. MICHELIN-STARRED DIM SUM yourself here on a last-minute business trip? HONG KONG ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS MONG KOK MARKET #lifewelltravelled 3
ANIMATED CINEMAGRAPH WE COULD HAVE TREE BRANCHES MOVING 1. Ride a 130-year-old funicular. “Hong Kong is surrounded by mountains, and over a hundred years ago, the only way to get up the sides of many of them was by taking a funicular, a cable-pulled rail car that ran on an incline rail track. Believe or not, there’s still one in operation today. Called the Peak Tram, it takes visitors up to the top of Victoria Peak. Departing from its terminus on Garden Road (nearest MTR: Central, exit J2), it’s a lovely trip in and of itself, or a great way to get a remarkable view of the city lights far below.” —Joyce C. #lifewelltravelled 4
Top: A harbor cruise is great at any time of day. Top: Pui O Beach 2. Take a cruise through the spectacular harbor. 3. Relax on a white-sand beach. “There is no better way to see “If you’re looking to get a little sun Hong Kong’s amazing skyline than and sand, Pui O Beach is your best from the water. If you’ve been bet. A 30-minute taxi ride from cooped up in meetings or on a the airport, it’s a beautiful, peaceful plane for many hours, the gentle place to relax for a few hours.” rush of wind on the water is a great —Wayne C. way to recharge.” —Robecta M. #lifewelltravelled 5
Top: Tim Ho Wan, a 32-seat Michelin-starred Dim Sum restaurant Top: Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens Top: Po Lin Monastery Bottom Left: Lantau Island from cable car Bottom Right: View from Tian Tan Buddha pedestal 4. Try Michelin-starred dim sum. 5. Meet some local animals. “If you like dim sum, you won’t find Known as Tim Ho Wan, if you go, “With their picturesque grounds a better city in the world to enjoy you can expect long lines outside and amazing collection of animals, it in than Hong Kong. And did you the doors, but the wait is well the Hong Kong Zoological and know, right in the heart of the city worth it.” —Susan C. Botanical Gardens are one of my is a dim sum restaurant that’s won favorite places to visit in the city”. a Michelin star? —Eric O. #lifewelltravelled Thanks to the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and Department of Health for the use of content and pictures. 6
6. Visit bustling markets. “Visit Mong Kok, a multi-block area that has everything from bird shops and flower markets to an amazing amount of sneaker stores. A great way to spend an hour or even half a day.” —Bianca M. Top: One of the many Food stalls you’ll find at Temple Street Night Market #lifewelltravelled 7
南丫島 (Lamma Island) Top: Hung Shin Yeh Beach Lamma Island is just a short ferry ride away. Taste the island life on Lamma. Just to the southwest of Hong area, popular with artists and Kong Island, you’ll find a charming nature lovers for its easy hikes and place where locals and tourists go seaside eateries. Whether you to escape city life and wind down hop over for a fresh crab lunch or in the sights and sounds of nature. rent a bicycle to tour around the island’s gentle paths and beaches, Lamma Island, the third largest get to know a different side of island in Hong Kong, is truly like no Hong Kong on this stunning island. other place in the surrounding #lifewelltravelled 8
Get there in under 30 minutes. With regular ferry service Embarkation takes place at one throughout the day from Hong of Lamma’s two main piers: Yung Kong Island, a ferry trip to Lamma Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan. Island takes about 25 minutes. Both are connected by a popular And at USD$2 to USD$4 each nature trail that takes about an direction depending on the time, hour and a half to complete. it’s an affordable adventure. #lifewelltravelled 9
Left: Banyan Bay Top: Walk on one of Lamma Island’s two main piers. Pick a pier. Start an adventure. Yung Shue Wan, or Banyan Bay, The many trails that surround is where most of the population each pier allow visitors to explore lives. Take a leisurely stroll just everything from Sham Wan—an beyond the pier through the leafy important ecological area where town streets, past numerous cafes, protected sea turtles live — to souvenir shops, fresh markets the intricate system of Kamikaze and more. Caves that fortified the island during the Second World War. Further south on Lamma is the Visit the white-sand beaches of Sok Kwu Wan, or Rainbow Bay, Shek Pai Wan, the enchanting area: a classic Hong Kong fishing waterfall at Bride’s Pool and village where it’s still common to many other captivating points see brightly painted fishing boats of interest. But wherever you trawling the waters. Here, seafood adventure, make sure the weather restaurants and stunning views of is on your side. Hiking is best the coastline provide the perfect enjoyed in the cooler months, backdrop for a nautical adventure. as summer temperatures can be uncomfortable. #lifewelltravelled 10
Top: Tin Hau Temple, Lamma Island Right: Sok Kwu fisherfolks village, Lamma Island Explore the storied landmarks. The island is also home to Sham cultural festivals and icons, such Wan, one of the most important as traditional Chinese New Year archaeological sites in the region. observances, the Tin Hau Festival Recently discovered Bronze Age and the many Tin Hau temples settlements show evidence of that dot the coast to honor the people living in the area from as far goddess of the sea. With the back as 3,800–3,000 BCE. With surrounding natural beauty, it’s this rich history as a backdrop, easy to see why so many enjoy the area also plays host to many spending time here today, and for centuries prior. #lifewelltravelled 11
裁縫 (Tailor) Top: Where great style begins The Armoury and other famous tailors are easily found in the Central district. Enjoy a tailor-made trip. For many years, Savile Row in eyes, soon became the global London was the undisputed king leader. So what makes the of suit making. But over time, Hong experience of buying a suit in Kong tailors developed quite a Hong Kong so special? To answer reputation for high-quality hand- that, we need to go back to how tailored garments and, in many it all started. #lifewelltravelled 12
Left: From here to the board room Top: Some guys just make it look easy. A reputation 200 years in the making. From the expertly crafted garments A recent conversation with The the Guangdong Gang created Armoury founders Mark Cho and for the occupying British armed Alan See provides some insight forces to the “Red Gang” master into the modern industry. Both tailors after the Chinese Civil War, trained under WW Chan, one of Hong Kong’s tailoring traditions the best tailors in Hong Kong, and date back through the centuries. left successful careers to focus on Modern-day tailors draw from building a menswear business. As these traditions to serve everyone Mark says: “I used to work in real from world and business leaders to estate in the UK and China, but my celebrities and countless others first love was always tailoring and I in between. wanted to do something related to my passion.” Today the store names are legendary: Yuen’s Tailor; Sam’s Tailor; and, more recently, The Armoury, to name but a few. #lifewelltravelled 13
What to know when buying a suit. Good work takes time. The shop partners with Ring Jacket, the greatest tailoring The meticulous work at The factory in Japan, where prices Armoury reveals a love of start at 18,000 Hong Kong dollars craftsmanship and classic style. for made-to-order pieces that Or as the owners like to put it: deliver in about three months. “The passion of master tailors The finished garment can easily hard at work at their craft is be shipped home, but like many infectious to be around.” To them, customers, you may prefer to pick clothing is truly a language of it up in person for one last fitting if self-expression, and everyone your schedule allows. has the ability to speak it well. However, you won’t find any visible Confidence is part of the branding on anything that leaves package. a shop like The Armoury—a great perk for those who seek the quiet Part craftsman, part psychologist, confidence of looking their best a master tailor seeks to understand without a logo shouting out where the body and the mind of the they shop. customer. To get a proper fit, tailors study each customer in It’s expensive, but worth it. a process that often involves up to three fittings. During this Looking for bespoke Florentine time, styles, and materials are tailoring by Liverano & Liverano? discussed. Even where the suit A two-piece suit starts at around might be worn. Repeat customers 53,000 Hong Kong dollars and tend to become family, with no takes up to a year to make. Prefer topic too taboo to broach while something with a lower starting the subject is being inspected. price point and faster timeline? Loyal customers know that their tailor always has their best style interest at heart and isn’t above throwing a cautionary flag if the design the customer desires won’t yield a good look. #lifewelltravelled 14
元創方 (PMQ) Top: A traditional small business you’ll discover walking around PMQ PMQ is just a 10-minute walk from Sheung Wan Station. A stroll around PMQ. The Police Married Quarters, or Today, this spot on the iconic “PMQ” for short, is the unofficial Hollywood Road in SoHo is home of the city’s emerging home to a flourishing creative design scene. What started out as environment featuring local artists, a college in 1862 later became a design studios and emerging tech. dormitory for the police force. #lifewelltravelled 15
Art, everywhere. PMQ is where the latest trends in fashion, design and art take flight. Pioneering culinary delights from all over the world await at every corner, and there’s a sense of discovery at every turn. Stop in at Alice Wild-Luscious, a dessert café owned by a famous Hong Kong singer, and get a scoop of ice cream that can best be described as “volcanic.” With a tiny bit of dry ice in the cup, it looks like a science-fair project but tastes like nothing you’ve ever had. As you walk with your photo-worthy treat, take a snap in front of kaleidoscopic street art lining the walls, or emerge onto flea markets selling dim sum–shaped candles and locally made accessories. #lifewelltravelled 16
Top: Discover a flourishing creative environment. Top: PMQ Hulu Culture Meet the next big thing. Style built from the ground up. One of the first tenants of PMQ Walking around leads to unexpected Beyond the wonders exhibited in artists who come to Hong Kong was Harrison Wong Studio. With surprises along the way—like the the galleries and stores, the PMQ to host their exhibitions. From an eclectic mix of contemporary colorful boutique Cilo Cala, which building itself reflects the clean, the galleries and lodgings to the men’s clothing and accessories, in Japanese loosely translates modern architecture that emerged rooftop restaurant and mezzanine Wong’s one-of-a-kind, city- as “from white”: a stark contrast after the Second World War. Some floor that surrounds it, today’s inspired designs have been to the eye-popping colors of the original residential units PMQ is a perfect example of featured in major fashion reviews sparkling from their stylish bags have been converted into guest smartly repurposed space in a all over the world. and footwear. With everything lodgings—perfect for the visiting city short on square footage. from home décor to kidswear, it’s almost like shopping on a rainbow. #lifewelltravelled 17
澳門 (Macau) Top: The colorful main square of Macau Copyright © MGTO. All Rights Reserved Macau is a quick one-hour ferry ride away from Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal. Let the good times roll in Macau. Mention the name Macau and cobblestone lanes, colonial most imagine a decadent gaming mansions and impressive Art destination where the rich test Deco structures. Coupled with a their luck on high-stakes tables. Portuguese influence still visible And while that’s undoubtedly true, in the blue-tiled floors and garden it’s only one side of the Macau story. design featured through the city, Macau is one of the most eclectic This once-expansive fishing places in all of China. Ready to go village is also a place of win big? #lifewelltravelled 18
You don’t need luck to get here. One of the secrets about getting to Macau is that if you choose to leave from the Hong Kong International Airport on Lantau Island, you can avoid the security lines and travel direct by ferry. In fact, a new Cathay Pacific booking feature allows travelers to book both airline and ferry tickets on the same trip. Of course, if you’re already in Hong Kong on business and want to go explore, a 60- to 75-minute boat ride from Hong Kong Island is also an easy way to go, with several companies offering ferry service from the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan. #lifewelltravelled 19
Top: Senado Square Copyright © 2012 MGTO. All Rights Reserved Top: A-Ma Temple Copyright © 2011 MGTO. All Rights Reserved Welcome to the Cotai Strip. More than just casinos. Upon arrival, you’ll find yourself For those who come to play, the For those with a passion for If you have time and want to extend on the main boulevard, home to legal tender is the Hong Hong dollar, something other than gambling, even further out, visit charming many world-renowned casinos. with a gambling age of 18 and up. taking a trip to the old city is a Coloane, an area that, thanks to It’s a bit like Las Vegas in scale Most casinos look down upon worthy and wonderful adventure. very stringent zoning laws, has and Monte Carlo in sheer wealth. casual dress and many enforce a Once here, you’ll soon discover its remained largely untouched by The number of casinos has “no flip-flops or shorts” rule. Like many architectural delights. Stroll the hands of modern architectural increased significantly in the last their global counterparts, all of the grounds of Senado Square. design. Make sure to stop along 20 years, with a recent count at the casinos have entertainment Take in the beautiful Portuguese the way for an egg tart, the world- just under 50. options on property, with lavish churches and traditional Chinese famous sweet pastry that was born shows, boxing and music being temples that exist side by side, on the island. And if you’re looking popular attractions in addition to the before exploring the old walls that to do something really unique, take numerous high-end dining options. surround the city. a trip to Hac Sa Beach. About a mile long, it’s one of the few places on Earth with a naturally occurring black-sand beach. #lifewelltravelled 20
However you spend your time, it will all add up to quite a full day, or a most memorable week. Macau is a truly special place and, we think you’ll agree, anytime you can visit here is a win. #lifewelltravelled 21
End the day on a high note. At ground level, Hong Kong often with a well-made drink in buzzes with energy every day hand. The many rooftop bars and and night. But high above the city, elevated terraces across the city the world slows down, providing offer a vantage point to capture locals and visitors the perfect pristine views of the cityscape and opportunity to take it all in— surrounding harbor. Here are three that are high on our list. #lifewelltravelled 22
Top: OZONE, on the 118th floor of The Ritz-Carlton Top: CÉ LA VI rooftop patio 1. OZONE 2. CÉ LA VI At the top of The Ritz-Carlton But the sights at the bar are second When the weather is right, there’s The two-for-one drink special hotel in Kowloon, you’ll find one of stage to the main attraction: floor- no better place to be outdoors during Happy Hour is one of the world’s highest rooftop bars. to-ceiling windows that offer than on the patio at CÉ LA VI. Hong Kong’s best deals, and the Appropriately named OZONE, this unobstructed views of Hong Kong Located in California Tower in the Japanese-inspired appetizers is where Hong Kong movers and in almost every direction. Glancing famous Lan Kwai Fong, this is are as delicious to eat as they are shakers go to be seen. out, the world below appears in where locals go to chill out to the to look at. And for a place whose miniature and any stress feels just grooves of live DJ sets from up- name translates as “this is the life,” as far away. and-coming Hong Kong artists CÉ LA VI doesn’t disappoint. and, on occasion, big international names. If you plan to come with a large group, it’s best to make a reservation. #lifewelltravelled 23
3. Wooloomooloo Steakhouse If you’re looking for something If you have time, consider arriving a little more traditional, like, say, before your reservation to enjoy a steak paired with a fine glass a cocktail on the rooftop bar. The of wine, there’s no better place sunset from up here is epically than Wooloomooloo Steakhouse. beautiful and a great way to Located in Wan Chai, the rich, dark kick-start a fun-filled evening. interiors of the steakhouse make With the right group of friends, it’s for an intimate and cozy space a must-stop destination to view to chat with an old friend or meet the city and fill your belly with business colleagues. wonderful delights. #lifewelltravelled 24
Endless possibilities. The nightlife in Hong Kong is always changing, so if you find yourself with a few extra days in the city, here’s a list of other venues worth checking out: Ophelia Location: Wan Chai Zuma Location: Central Honi Honi Tiki Lounge Location: Central Little Creatures Brewery Location: Kennedy Town Le Jardin Location: Lan Kwai Fong Happy Valley Horse Races (seasonal, on Wednesdays) Location: Happy Valley #lifewelltravelled 25
奕居 (The Upper House) Top: Upper House Hotel The Upper House Hotel Rest and recharge. After a long flight, the first thing them, ranging from charming most weary travelers do is beeline colonial-style stays to comfy to the comfort of a nice hotel. In bed-and-breakfast boutiques, as a city like Hong Kong, there are well as sleek and sophisticated hundreds if not thousands of modern offerings. #lifewelltravelled 26
Top: Enjoy elite dining with a view to match. Top: Modern European dining at Café Gray Deluxe The Upper House Café Gray Deluxe One place that seamlessly The hotel is a short trip to many Café Gray Deluxe on the 49th floor blends all three worlds is The of the most popular tourist is not to be missed. Stunning Upper House. Located in the and business destinations in views of Victoria Harbour neighborhood of Admiralty, it offers the city, allowing visitors many complement a superb menu the perfect balance of Far Eastern transportation options, even created by highly acclaimed head grandeur and excellent hospitality including complimentary bike chef Gray Kunz, featuring organic right in the heart of Hong Kong. rentals. However, if your business seasonal ingredients enhanced by Designed by acclaimed architect needs should keep you close international and local flavors. Andre Fu, the hotel is a visual to the property, on-site dining is masterpiece of stone, wood, tile some of the best in the city. After taking it all in, we think you’ll and open space with breathtaking agree: There’s no better place to views from high above the city. unwind or prepare for your next day. #lifewelltravelled 27
Whether you’re a seasoned jetsetter or a first-time visitor, knowing and appreciating the cultural landscape of Asia is a quintessential step toward a successful trip. We hope you find our suggestions BOOK YOUR FLIGHT useful, and wish you the best TO HONG KONG. in all your adventures. #lifewelltravelled 28
Cathay Pacific Airways Cathay Pacific Airways is an This support has helped solidify international airline founded, Hong Kong’s position as the registered and based in Hong premier regional transportation Kong, offering scheduled cargo hub in China. Today, Cathay Pacific, and passenger services to its subsidiaries and its associates more than 200 destinations employ over 20,000 people. around the world. For over 70 As a founding member of the years, the company has made a oneworld Alliance, our combined steadfast financial commitment to network now serves over 1,000 developing the aviation industry in destinations worldwide, helping to the region. introduce travelers to our part of the world and far beyond. #lifewelltravelled Copyright © 2018 by Cathay Pacific Airways Limited 29
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