HONG KONG – There are plenty of recommendations online about where to go in Hong Kong, but nothing compares to insights from those who’ve truly embraced the city. We’ve talked with four Filipinos who’ve called Hong Kong home for nearly a decade. Discover why they swear by their favorite spots and get inspired to explore the city like a local:
Dive into the arts scene with Reana Bachiller
Illustration artist Reana Bachiller has her finger on the pulse of Hong Kong’s arts and culture scene. Coming from a very traditional Filipino background, she was hesitant to pursue a future in art, but it was in Hong Kong where her story as a creative mind truly began. Reana had since participated in various exhibitions like Affordable Art Fair, and collaborated with HKWALLS and Casetify.
Reana doesn’t gatekeep her art endeavors, either. She raves endlessly about the bustling art scene in the city. If you’re into DIY, she recommends giving Amazing Neon a visit. “You get to create your own neon sign and take it home!” she explains. When it comes to immersive digital art, Reana points to Arte M. “A captivating and beautiful experience that lets you escape reality,” are the words she uses to describe the exhibition. The core concept of Arte M interprets the subject and space of nature as media art under the theme of “eternal nature” that is suitable for art enthusiasts of all ages.
Get your nature fix with Rob Fogerty
Think Hong Kong is all skyscrapers and neon lights? Rugby player and adventure seeker Rob Fogerty is here to show another side of the city. To Rob, Hong Kong and its different facets have always been about the freedom to pursue sports, develop friendships, and travel. “The city’s natural beauty is more impressive than many people realize. You just need to know where to look,” Rob says. For him, Victoria Peak Lugard Road is the ultimate spot to catch stunning views, get your daily steps in, and find some peace in the middle of the city. For those who prefer the calming presence of water, Silvermine Bay Beach and Waterfall are where you can find your next favorite spot and travelers can get to both so easily.
Rob also believes that the eclectic city, with both its towering skyscrapers and nature trails, helped him to embrace his Filipino heritage even more. “My roots have been strengthened here, and I am proud to be amongst many Filipinos working in a variety of industries in such a diverse city.” Known for their hardworking, hospitable, and kind nature, Filipinos embody qualities that he strives to live out every day. But his love for nature goes beyond the views that gave him a sense of purpose. For a coffee break surrounded by nature, he recommends The Hideout, a hidden gem he thinks everyone should visit.
Eat like a local with Jen Balisi
Foodie alert! As a content creator and owner of a hip Filipino restaurant in Hong Kong aptly named “Barkada”, Jen knows exactly where to find Hong Kong’s best-kept culinary secrets. “Hong Kong’s food scene is renowned, but the real gems are often tucked away in unexpected places,” she said. Her blog and Instagram account are treasure maps that lead to some of the city’s most exciting food joints. But more than just recommendations, Jen believes that her blog was where her life took a turn for the better. It all started back in 2011 when she created her food blog, Indulgent Eats, as she has always been passionate about sharing her dining adventures and the Filipino cuisine she grew up eating through her social media platforms which now boast over 400,000 fans.
Hong Kong was another huge stepping stone for her culinary career. “While I moved to Hong Kong in 2017, it wasn’t until the pandemic that I wrote my cookbook Indulgent Eats at Home which included a number of Filipino recipes,” she adds. And since she’s been at it for years, Jen is an expert on all things yummy in Hong Kong. One of her top picks is Tai On Coffee & Tea Shop, which offers the perfect blend of vintage cha chaan teng interiors with modern menu items like molten lava egg tarts and a decadent pineapple bun with matcha white chocolate. And if you’re in the mood for a taste of history, don’t miss Tai Ping Koon, one of the oldest restaurants in Hong Kong. Their Swiss wings are to die for, and it’s one of the oldest restaurants in the world” Jen gushes. If you’re indecisive, Baseball 02 gives a unique spin to your basic food hall place. “There’s a curated collection of Hong Kong and international best food and drink experiences, so don’t miss out on that,” Jen says. And if it’s casual-as-casual-can-get that you’re looking for, Sing Kee is where it’s at. Jen goes on to explain that traditional outdoor eateries are big in Hong Kong, and they’re known as dai pai dong.
Shop ‘til you drop with Paul Sunga
Meet Paul, a fashion photographer whose keen eye for style extends beyond his work. Paul, who never shies away from a challenge, sees Hong Kong as his oyster, stating, “Hong Kong has always been my lucky city for discovering the right opportunities and achieving success. I moved here to embark on a career as a fashion photographer, drawn by the glam and glitz that fueled my thirst and hunger for creativity.” If it had not been for his major life decision to move to Hong Kong, he wouldn’t be where he is now. Bringing with him his Filipino work ethic, characterized by unwavering drive and determination, he considers himself fortunate to collaborate with numerous international brands and celebrities, allowing the vibrant city to become his bridge to the global fashion scene. He is incredibly grateful to this place he now calls home for all the doors it has opened and the dreams it has helped him realize.
When asked about his favorite spots for shopping and fun on his days off, he’s quick to recommend Glocal Mahjong at PMQ. “Skip the typical malls and head to PMQ,” Paul suggests. He’s amazed at the thought that a place once used as quarters for police officers and their families has now become a creative hub, home to unique shops like Glocal Mahjong where visitors can learn how to play Mahjong 101 and customize their own tiles – sparking new ideas for creative professionals like him. Paul also shares that he loves to explore Sham Shui Po, specifically Apliu Street. “It’s the ultimate spot for a fun day out – cafe hopping to discover hidden gems, hunting for vintage finds, or even getting hands-on at a DIY artisan soap workshop,” he adds.
Who knew that Hong Kong, a city known for its bustling streets, hides so many incredible gems? Watch the four-part video series via this link and take a page from them – you might just find your new favorite Hong Kong spot
Watch the videos here:
Arts & Culture Video | https://youtu.be/mZ3z_dTj9Vg
Nature & Adventure Video | https://youtu.be/E-Gi4rQpdvA
Food & Drinks Video | https://youtu.be/ZQ49jlckHZw
Shop & Play Video | https://youtu.be/9UE6hgqxlVE
Visit this link: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/what-s-new/highlights/ofcoursehongkong.html
Fact sheet: Locations featured in the videos
Arts & Culture Location Description Amazing Neon
Address: Flat 2, 13/F, Laurels Industrial Center, 32 Tai Yau Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
https://www.amazingneonhk.com/ A studio that specializes in designing and creating neon signs, also offers workshops for anyone who is interested in creating their own neon sign as a souvenir or gift. The workshop is conducted by an experienced tutor in their studio. Participants will be taught basic circuits necessary to make the neon signs work, as well explore neon as a method of art expression, and to transcribe an idea into a neon masterpiece. Arte M
Address: 2F, K11 HACC, K11 Atelier, King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
https://artem-hk-en.artemuseum.com/ An immersive media art exhibition space that interprets the subject and space of nature as media art under the theme of “eternal nature” in the heart of Hong Kong at K11 HACC. The museum uses visuals, sensuous sounds, and fragrances to create a spectacularly immersive experience. Tai Kwun
Address: 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
https://www.taikwun.hk/en/ A heritage-arts venue and a living record of the legal, judiciary and penal system in Hong Kong. Today, it’s home to 16 revitalized heritage buildings, including the former Central Police Station, Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison. It is now a popular spot for restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and galleries. Young Soy Gallery
Address: 40A Upper Lascar Row, Tai Ping Shan, Hong Kong
https://youngsoy.com/ An art gallery that specializes in contemporary Hong Kong art by local artists. Under the gallery’s representation lives a diverse cohort of artists forming not only different styles, but also different backgrounds and ideologies. Central Market
Address: 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
https://www.centralmarket.hk/en Used to be a wet market with great historical significance in Hong Kong, Central Market was revitalized in 2021 and now houses an eclectic mix of local boutiques, homeware stores, food stalls, specialty restaurants and event spaces. Nature & Adventure Lugard Road Lookout
Address: 31 Lugard Rd, The Peak, Hong Kong Island
https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/interactive-map/lugard-road-lookout.html Known to offer one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Victoria Harbour. Visitors can either start the hike from anywhere in Central, take the Victoria Peak Tram, or drive and then walk up Lugard Road for about 15 minutes from The Peak Galleria. Silvermine Bay Beach
Address: 1 Tung Wan Tau Road, Mui Wo, Hong Kong
https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/interactive-map/mui-wo-and-silver-mine-bay-beach.html A long beautiful beach in Mui Wo that is conveniently located near the ferry pier. The beach offers changing rooms, toilets, and lifeguards. There are also snack shops, restaurants, and even a resort located next to it. Visitors can swim, kayak and paddle in the clean waters. Silvermine Waterfall
Address: Mui Wo, Hong Kong
https://www.hkoutdoors.com/silver-mine-waterfall-html/ A beautiful waterfall in eastern Lantau and one of the most easily reached waterfalls in Hong Kong. It is accessible by strolling gentle trails, passing by the beach, village houses, and through fields and woodland. The upper and lower Silvermine Waterfalls run beneath Silvermine Cave. Visitors can take a rest and view the beautiful waterfalls at the Chinese-style pavilion in the Silvermine Waterfall Park adjacent to the waterfalls. The Hideout
Address: Lantau Island, Ngan Kwong Wan Road, Mui Wo, Hong Kong
https://www.thehideout.hk/ A unique and peaceful hideaway in Lantau, which combines outdoor vegetable farming, bee farming, field-to-fork coffee and meals supporting local communities. Visitors can enjoy coffee, farm to table dining, art jamming sessions or yoga classes in nature. Food & Drinks Yum Cha
Address: 2/F, Nan Fung Place Nan Fung Tower, 173 Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong
https://nanfungplace.com/dine/yum-cha/ A restaurant that serves traditional dim sum and Chinese cuisine with a contemporary twist, Yum Cha is also popular for its cute dim sum such as the BBQ piggy buns. The restaurant has four branches in the city and the central branch also conducts private dim sum cooking workshops. BaseHall 02
Address: LG/F Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong
https://www.basehall.hk/ The vibrant new addition to Hong Kong’s diverse culinary landscape, Basehall 02 revolutionizes the traditional food hall format, presenting a curated collection of Hong Kong’s best food and drink experiences. From counters serving up the city’s most sought after concepts and Michelin Guide recommended local eats, to late-night DJ events fuelled by bespoke cocktails, BaseHall 02’s fluid space leads the way in modern, multi-concept experiential dining. Visitors can experience Hong Kong’s best eats under one roof, including Kamcentre Roast Goose, CCT by Shop and many more. Tai On Coffee and Tea Shop
Address: G/F 830 Canton Road, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong
https://www.instagram.com/taion_coffee_and_tea/ A 50-year-old Hong Kong style cafe that was saved from closure by a group of young Hongkongers determined to preserve a piece of history in the charming neighbourhood of Yau Ma Tei. To appeal to the younger generation, a few modern twists were added to the well-loved Hong Kong cafe classics. One of which is the red bean pineapple bun with matcha chocolate that is an interesting twist to the classic pineapple bun. Tai Ping Koon
Address: 60 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong
https://www.taipingkoon.com.hk/home.html Known to be one of the oldest western restaurants opened by Chinese in China and Hong Kong, Tai Ping Koon is a historical restaurant known for its fusion of Western and Chinese cuisine, offering a nostalgic dining experience. It is a must-visit for anyone looking to taste a piece of Hong Kong’s culinary history. Signature dishes include roasted pigeon, swiss style chicken wings and baked souffle. Sing Kee
Address: 82 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong Island
https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/interactive-map/sing-kee.html A traditional outdoor eatery, also known as dai pai dong, Sing Kee is one of the last remaining ones in Hong Kong that offers the quintessential Hong Kong dining experience. It is a greasy-spoon favorite among the street-side vendors on Stanley Street and offers delicious cantonese fare for an early morning snack or late-night nosh. Popular choices include chili pepper squid, spare ribs and stir-fried crab. Shop & Play Apliu Street
Address: Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, Hong Kong
https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/interactive-map/apliu-street-flea-market-electronics.html A bustling pedestrian only street market lined with shops and stalls selling electronics, tools, equipment, vintage goods and it is the place to go for bargains. It is now a popular hunting spot for pre-owned digital cameras. Savon Workshop
Address: 191-193 Tai Nan Street, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong
https://www.savonworkshop.com/en A fragrance store for a momentary escape from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Sham Shui Po. The store sells handmade bars of soap crafted from a range of all-natural ingredients such as lavender, rose and coffee. The store also offers classes or private workshops, where visitors can learn how to make their own bars of soap at home. Dozy Cafe
Address: 199 Ki Lung Street, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong
https://www.dozyhk.com/ Nested in the charming neighborhoods of Sham Shui Po and with rustic and industrial interiors, Dozy Cafe has adequate space and different varieties of botanicals between each seat for visitors to enjoy as much privacy as possible. The cafe serves coffee with a nutty blend and a strong, smoky flavor, as well as small treats such as cakes and sandwiches. Cat Street
Address: Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/place-to-go/upper-lascar-row.html A pedestrian-only lane lined with antique and curio shops and stalls selling movie posters and old Hong Kong photos, cheap jewelry and newly minted ancient coins. It is a fun place to trawl through for souvenirs. Glocal Mahjong at PMQ
Address: S405, 4/F, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong
https://www.pmq.org.hk/shop/glocal-mahjong-by-the-hk-room-s405/A mahjong-themed store for all who are interested to learn about the iconic Chinese game and also shop for themed collectibles. Apart from selling mahjong sets from around the world alongside local creations, Glocal hosts mahjong classes for beginners and creative workshops such as mahjong tile coloring. Wan Chai Waterfront Promenade
Address: Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
https://www.lifestyleasia.com/hk/whats-on/hong-kong-promenande-water-sports-and-recreation-precinct-opensThe waterfront promenade is a popular spot to visit for the stunning view of the Victoria Harbour. The addition of two retired MTR trains that are now officially settled at “Harbour Station” of the “Water Sports and Recreation Precinct” on the Wan Chai Harbourfront has made it an even more popular spot for photos.