Think you’ve seen and done it all in Hong Kong? Think again. Our city may be small, but it boasts a plethora of quirky and unusual encounters, including squid fishing, cemetery tours and more. So, what are you waiting for? Forget your typical brunch, junk, repeat weekend and embark on one of these unique things to do in Hong Kong instead. Who knows, in doing so you might just get to know our home in a whole new light.
Alpacas in Hong Kong? If you haven’t heard already, we do in fact have them! The four at Go Green Organic Farm hail from Australia and are absolutely adorable. When we visited, we saw the staff attend to them well and with care. Entry into the farm costs $150 for adults and an extra $80 per person to enter the alpaca enclosure and feed them.
Sassy Tip: Go Green Organic Farm is known for its pineapples grown on-site, so be sure to sample some fresh pineapple and try the homemade pineapple ice-cream while you’re there!
Go Green Organic Farm, Sze Tai Shek, Kam Tin, Yuen Long, Hong Kong, 5579 2178, WhatsApp: +852 3489 2778, info@gogreenlife.com.hk, gogreenlife.com.hk, www.facebook.com/gogreenfarming
Japan may be a little out of reach right now, but at least Hong Kong now has its own CUPNOODLES MUSEUM! Arriving earlier this year, the museum features two workshops from the original museum in Osaka, Japan, plus a new world-exclusive workshop ($60) which allows you to customise your own original granola mix.
Always dreamed of creating your own flavour of cup noodles? At the My CUPNOODLES Factory ($60), you’ll be able to design your cup and fill it with your favourite soup base and toppings. With four soup bases and 12 different toppings to choose from, there is a total of 5,460 possible flavour combinations! If the Nissin’s Damae Iccho is more to your taste, there’s a workshop ($90) for that too! Book your visit here.
CUPNOODLES MUSEUM Hong Kong, Shop 26-35, 2/F, China Hong Kong City, 33 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3406 6600, www.cupnoodles-museum.com.hk
Looking for a new photo opportunity? Head over to San Tin Sunflower Farm in Yuen Long, which is known for opening up its Insta-worthy flower farm every summer for the public to enjoy. The blooms here are sourced from Japan and the Netherlands, and can grow to be up to 10 feet tall!
To get there, simply make your way to Shek Wu Wai bus station (hop on bus 76k at either Yuen Long West Rail or Sheung Shui MTR station, or taxi it from Yuen Long town centre); from there, take the path on the left-hand side of the tunnel (along the river) and follow the signs – the walk is around 10 minutes in total. The farm is open daily throughout the summer months, from 8am to 6pm.
How To Book: No booking necessary, but make sure to bring cash. Entry into the farm is $10, while access to the flower field is $60.
San Tin Farm, Yuen Long, Hong Kong, 9252 4348, www.facebook.com/SanTinSunflowerFarmHongKong
Picnics always look great in your head, but end up being a pain to execute. With the help of Karen Wong and her team at Picnicking at Misaka, you can have your dream picnic set up to perfection without having to lift a finger. With a range of picnic styles (including all white, bohemian and more) and affordable packages, Karen is prepared to make the very most out of your budget – we guarantee you’ll be the envy of the park. What’s more, they’ll even clear and pack up your picnic once you’re done!
Picnicking by Misaka, WhatsApp: +852 9852 0746, info@picnickingbymisaka.com, www.picnickingbymisaka.com
Whether you are a regular runner looking for a change from Bowen Road, or are simply wanting to explore more of the city you call home, runtheMTR provides a range of unconventional routes to accommodate all abilities. The routes are all created to balance runnability while staying as true to the MTR lines as possible. From the somewhat challenging Disneyland Resort Line to the scenic South Island Line, head here to explore the different routes that run across the city. One not enough? Challenge yourself to all 10 lines of the MTR and have your name added to the Wall of Fame.
runtheMTR, runthemtr.hk
Believe it or not, squid fishing is a popular pastime for many locals in Hong Kong. It’s a great way to while away an evening with friends, complete with sea breeze and relaxed ocean vibes. As well as sorting out the boat and fishing equipment, the team at Sea-E-O Boating will cook your freshly caught spoils onboard straight away so you can have a seafood feast before you head back to shore. Just be careful not to get ink all over yourself! Squid fishing season runs from the end of April to the end of August. Head here to book or call 5489 4061.
Sassy Tip: Fish in style with Sea-E-O Boating’s luxury Infinity yacht. Enquire directly for more information.
Sea-E-O Boating, 5489 4061, joey@sea-e-o.hk, www.sea-e-o.hk
Also check out Yacht Holimood and Jubilee for alternative squid fishing options.
Known for running off-the-beaten-path cultural and foodie tours around the city, Humid with a Chance of Fishballs Tours now also hosts beginner mahjong lessons! Get ready to learn how to “pong”, “chow” and “sik-wu” with the help of MJ pro Virginia Chan, who has taught over 50 mahjong courses since its inception in August 2020. Virginia offers private lessons on both Hong Kong/Cantonese-style mahjong and Taiwanese-style mahjong, which run over the course of two lessons (2.5 hours each lesson). After taking Virginia’s class ourselves, we must say we’re hooked on the game! WhatsApp if interested!
Humid with a Chance of Fishballs Tours, WhatsApp: +852 3916 7664, info@humidwithachanceoffishballs.com, humidwithachanceoffishballs.com
Calling all true crime and history buffs – this one’s for you. In this quirky tour by Hong Kong A La Carte, guests will have the chance to visit several cemeteries across Happy Valley in order to learn a little more about the famous names who made Hong Kong the city it is today. Expect plenty of fascinating anecdotes and facts along the way covering Hong Kong’s rich history, from the Opium Wars all the way to the Handover. Head here to book your tour.
Hong Kong A La Carte, 2798 9828, contact@hkalacarte.com, hkalacarte.com
Stretched over 11 acres of land on the southwestern tip of Cheung Chau is Saiyuen Adventure Park, a unique destination offering themed camping facilities and plenty of outdoor activities. Take a step out of your comfort zone and take on the challenging tree top canopy course, or try your hand at cooking in the wild. As for sleeping arrangements, look beyond the typical tent and stay the night in a bubble dome, Native American-style teepee, Mongolian Ger, tree cocoon or African safari tent. Talk about glamping in style!
Saiyuen Adventure Park, DD CC Lot 12, Sai Wan, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, 2981 1010, WhatsApp: +852 5532 1993, booking@saiyuen.com, www.saiyuen.com
They don’t call Hong Kong the Pearl of the Orient for nothing. In fact, situated just minutes away from Hebe Haven in Sai Kung is the Hong Kong Pearl Cultivation Association, Hong Kong’s only pearl farm. Here you can discover the 4,000-year-old history of pearls and join a three-hour pearl accessory making workshop ($720) where you can learn how to shuck, harvest and grade your own pearl before turning it into a beautiful piece of jewellery. Head here to book.
Hong Kong Pearl Cultivation Association, Ma Nam Way, Sai Kung, 6978 8050, info@hkpearlca.com, en.hkpearlca.com
