Joanna James
Hidden from the naked eye of the unsuspecting tourist, Hong Kong possesses quieter and serene areas that lie hidden among the usual commotion and the chaos of the city. Here are some of the places where you can indulge your senses away from the usual skyscrapers and subways.
Eating at a Da Pai Dong would provide an exceptional experience for its customers with flavoursome dishes that are usually prepared in large woks. Reminiscent of hawker centres in Singapore, these open-air food stalls are mostly known for their community engagement with locals and foreigners alike. Being a tantalising tribute to the culinary roots of Hong Kong, it remains unclear why the culinary journey provided by these places are largely understated.
PMQ is a local creative oasis nestled away from the bustling city of Hong Kong. PMQ stands for Police Married Headquarters which was a restoration project initiated by the HKSAR government in 2009. Although it serves as a landmark at present, it was used as a residence for the married police staff in the earlier days. Nowadays, PMQ is used as a place to identify the up and coming creative and talented individuals and to foster a community that nurses a love towards all things creative.
Dragon's back is undoubtedly one of the best hiking trails in Hong Kong. Surrounded by the lush greenery and the turquoise sheen emanating from the ocean, the hiker is blessed with a view that calls out to his inner poet. Although it may take 3-4 hours to complete the hike, it would be utterly worthwhile as the hiker is provided with an uninterrupted panoramic view of Hong Kong city. The Dragon's Back hike can be defined as the ultimate romantic respite away from the high-octane energy of the bustling streets of the city.
According to Lonely Planet, Sai Wan Swimming Shed is one of the top ten insta-worthy places in Hong Kong. It provides fascinating angles for the enthusiastic photographer. A wooden pier jutting out to the turquoise waters brings about an exhilarating sense of isolation that is both calming and unnerving at the same time. The sunset, as seen from the pier, can be described as a brilliant portrait of Mother Nature which sends its viewer into a bewitching trance.
There are many themed cafes hidden in the different nooks and crannies and around 4-star hotels in Hong Kong. These cafes are based on some of the best-loved characters from childhood, such as Charlie Brown, Pom Pom Purin, and Hello Kitty. Food emerges from the creative kitchens of these eateries with fantastic presentations that make you gasp with delight. Dim Sum Icon that lies within a 5-minute driving distance from properties such as Park Hotel Hong Kong is one such themed eatery that brings all your childhood dreams to reality.
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