HK over the summer - where to live, what to do

[christmastreewithhairyfairy]

I have to work for a few weeks in HK over Jul/Aug and bringing DH and DCs (5 and 7) along.

Firstly can anyone advise where would be a good area to find an apartment? My office is Wan Chai area.

Secondly given it will be super hot and humid, can anyone recommend things to do for DH and the kids during the day, or for all of us evenings (given we will be jetlagged so staying up late) and weekends? So far I only have Disneyland on the list...

Lastly while we were over there we want to combine it with a holiday somewhere nearbyish. Ideally - cooler climate than HK, under 3 hours flight time, fun and safe for kids. Does such a place exist?

bump

I lived in HK and took my DH on a week's to a few years ago. This was my list before I went. I think we did most of 1-7 and packed in so much poor DH didn't have time to think! The only thing that was disappointing was the Symphony of Lights - it's not as good as it was and only bother if you are in the area at that time.

Must-see

1. The Peak / Central / Starferry/ zoological gardens / IFC tower / HK Convention and Exhibition Centre (and Golden Bauhinia Square) / tram to Victoria Park

1. Lantau island + Giant Buddha

1. 10,000 Buddhas monastery, Shatin racecourse, cycling Sha Tin to Tai Po

1. Pink dolphins / sky100 / Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade/ symphony of lights

1. Disneyland + cable car

1. Hong Kong Geopark

1. Hiking (choose one trail) - Dragon's back trail + Shek-o-beach, Shing Mun Reservoir Hike, Fei Ngo Shan Observatory hiking or MacLehose Trail

1. Boat trip to Cheung Chau or Lamma island + cycling

If there is time:

Tsing Ma Bridge
Ocean Park
Hong Kong Space museum
Shek-o-beach
Hong Kong Science museum/ Hong Kong museum of history
Yuen Po Street Bird Garden
Nan Lian Garden
Macau
Shenzhen
Hong Kong park (Edward Youde Aviary)
Tsing Ma Bridge
Kung Fu in Kowloon Park

Wow thank you Sunrise that is a fab list!! Should keep them busy.

From your memories of HK in the summer, how much time can you spend time outside, do hiking etc, in the heat?

Also whereabouts did you live and can you recommend the area?

You're welcome! I forgot to say each number groups attractions by area so an ambitious person could do 1) in a day (maybe less with small children). Skip the convention centre but take the Star Ferry to cross the harbour at different times of the day, because it's fun, cheap (take first class) and the skyline looks amazing at during the day, sunset and at night. I wanted to take a junk boat tour as well but we were too tired. You'll probably go through Central as well, where there is a lot going on. I can't remember off the top of my head now, but Google some fun bus routes - you can see so much of HK from buses because it's so hilly and the journeys can be beautiful.

I don't remember any restrictions on going out when I was a child, we just got on with things. However after a few years of living in the UK I'm a bit more sensitive to heat and humidity so I haven't been back in the summer for a very long time now. It can be in the mid 30s on a hot day, but the worst part is the humidity which can feel suffocating - last fine we went in November and DH still struggled with the heat. The mosquitoes are really irritating as well, so invest in some protection, and consider using an umbrella as a parasol. As your kids are quite young, I would suggest short hikes in the morning and a different activity by lunchtime, preferably one that involves some time indoors where there is gloriously cold air-conditioning. This could just mean travelling on the trains to another party of HK, or lunch indoors - just a chance to recover.

I lived in the new territories, which is the north part of HK and quite residential, so probably not what you are looking for. I guess to be near the tourist bits you want to stay in the Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) area where there are lots of hotels. I think Wan Chai is mostly offices, but I'm not too sure familiar with HK island. But tbh that is the extent of what I know about accommodation!

Disneyland is fab! It's not as busy as other Disneys especially if you go on a weekday.

And there's plenty open in the evenings - I think shops can be open until 9, 10pm.

Hi. I live in Hong kong- in fact I live in Wan Chai. It's actually a pretty residential area now (just avoid the bit round Stormies/ Joe Bananas) and there are quite a few serviced apartments around. J-residence might work or Garden East. Otherwise Two McDonnell Road or Bishops Lei on Robinson are more Mid-Levels and fairly affordable. If I was your DH I'd probably prefer southside but there are fewer apartment options other than the Repulse Bay which is pricey. Also, longer commute for you. You could try Air BnB but it's risky- I know people who have had absolute shockers in terms of what they were expecting and what they got. That said, a lot of expats go home for the summer so there might be some reasonable sub-lets around. Bear in mind that the apartment will likely be very small and low spec compared to what you're used to.

Re. what to do, it's going to be very hot and extremely humid. My dc are the same age as yours and I would not be contemplating full days of sight seeing. It may also rain heavily for at least some of the time you're here so wet weather plans needed. Some suggestions:

Cheap/Free

• The outdoor public swimming pools are very good and practically free. Aberdeen and Kennedy Town are particularly good from memory.
• Beaches- I like Big Wave and Shek O. Repulse Bay is crawling with mainland tourists trying to pap your kids but if you can get past that it's easy to get to and has a nice promenade with restaurants and a playground.

-- Stanley Plaza and Market (pirate ship play structure)

• A lot of the cinemas have a heavily discounted morning showing- still probably expensive by UK prices.
• MTR and bus up to the Big Buddha on Lantau (also there's a cable car which is fun but more expensive). Vegetarian restaurant
• Museums- all very cheap but tbh they're not great unless there are special exhibitions. If you're used to London museums you're going to be disappointed. Exception is the Fireboat (Alexander Graham), the Maritime Museum and the Coastal Defense Museum
• The old police station on Hollywood Road- recently refurbed into an arts space. worth a wander.
• Peak Tram (go early to avoid queues and avoid weekends). At the top there's a nice circular walk all the way round the Peak with great views. Don't bother paying for the viewing platform.
• Botanic Gardens - quite nice. Lots of birds. Also has some primates which I dont really agree with but most of them are legacy.

Shenzhen- shopping mecca over the border. Can get visa at the border. I can't honestly recommend it but some people love it. If you want fakes, it's the place to go.

• Inspiration Lake next to Disney. Nice for a picnic. Used to have little play fountains/jets but not sure if they are still there.
• Discovery Bay (weird Truman Show like place on Lantau) but worth a ferry trip, lunch in the plaza and then play on the beach.
• HIking- as pp said there's a lot of it. Unless the dc are very good hikers I probably wouldnt go out to New Territories/ Lantau as gettting in and out of the trail heads can be a bit challenging via public transport and there arent many cut outs. There are a number of family trails.

Chi LIn Nunnery- very tranquil/beautiful but they'll tell the dc off if they run round so maybe not ideal.

Not cheap but good

• Ryze trampoline park in Quarry Bay. Timed sessions. Also has a kind of ninja-warrior set up.
• Verm City (clip and climb) in the same building.
• Ocean Park is better than HK Disney IMO. The rides arent as good but there's more there- animals and the playgrounds and when it gets too hot you can go in the arctic thing.
• Tai O waterpark (big inflatables park). Need to be 6 and 1m tall but they're not going to ID you.
• Ice skating at Elements or City Plaza
• Macau - China's answer to Vegas. Kids not allowed on the casino floor but quite fun for a look-see. The historical part if interesting and then the Cotai strip has the tacky Venetian fake canal etc. If you want to overnight, Sheraton does a "Shrek-fast" which is actually quite good and their family rooms are good value.
• Bar at the Ritz Carlton in ICC for the views. No flip flops. Not sure if kids are allowed so check before you go.

Racing season has finished so dont bother with the racetracks (kids not allowed in anyway). Mosquitos not bad on HK island other than in certain places after dark but worth bringing a spray in case you find one of those places. Get Uber if you don't have it already as helpful if you find yourself in a public transport black spot during taxi changeover time.

HTH. bit of a brain dump- sorry

I think if you want to go somewhere cooler at that time of the year then head to Malaysia and the Cameron/Fraser highlands which are near Kaula Lumpur. They were the old colonial tea plantations and in the mountains. Good for hiking, wildlife watching and lots of nice old fashion hotels for cream teas and G&Ts. They also sell the best tea leaves you’ll ever taste

A very belated thank you all! Amazing lists of stuff. I am now handing over the task of working out a schedule to DH
We leave this weekend so very excited!

How was it @christmastreewithhairyfairy?

I have been to HK a few times with work. Taking children for the first time this autumn 😏 I haven't done any of the tourist stuff really when I was there for work.

How was Disney?