If you have visitors in town or friends asking for Hong Kong travel tips, we have some excellent news. New website hkison.com is curating deals from tourist attractions and restaurants around town. There are some great bargains on classic tourist experiences, including Ocean Park and the Big Bus Tour. Plus, some of our favourite places, like PMQ, are getting involved. This means hosting visitors can be a more affordable experience than in previous years.
Visitor itinerary
The Big Bus Tour has a Buy 1 Get 1 Free deal on a two-day ticket. This means getting around on the bus costs about $130 a day per person. The bus offers three routes: a Hong Kong Island route, a Kowloon-side route, and a south-side route. If you chose one route to focus on each day, you can take your time and marry this day out with some of the other good deals around town. The bus has free Wi-Fi while you’re onboard, so it’s a handy place for visitors to get a free connection while out and about.
Here’s our suggestion for how to make the most out of the Hong Kong Island route (or red route):
Hong Kong Island Route
#1 Peak Tram
Your bus ticket comes with access to the Peak Tram Sky Pass. This gives you a ride up to the Peak and access to the lookout platform. The tram opens from 7am, so it’s a great way to start your day with Hong Kong’s best city views. Once up on the Peak, of course you can marvel at those amazing views, but also go for a wander around the tree-lined walk on the other side. Madame Tussauds is also in The Peak Tower and there is currently a deal on for this experience too. Once you’re done up in the clouds, head back down on the tram to jump on the bus.
#2 Mid-Levels Escalator and Man Mo Temple
These two are so close together, you could consider riding the escalator up and walking along to the Man Mo Temple. There’s so much to see on the way, it’s more interesting on foot than in the bus. If you get hungry or need a decent (Aussie) coffee, drop in to Kim & Co opposite the Man Mo temple. Stroll down Cat Street while you’re there and browse through the markets. PMQ is also not far from here; check the hkison.com website to see if the latest PMQ deals are relevant for you.
#3 Waterfront
From Sheung Wan, the bus meanders past LKF and will take you down to the Star Ferry and the Hong Kong Observation Wheel on the waterfront. At this time of year, it’s a nice chance to get off, ride the wheel and have a look at the AIA Carnival from above. The carnival is an interesting option for families, but that activity is a day or evening out in itself. However, it’s worth just getting a look at it from above to excite the kids! If you’re looking for somewhere to eat on this stop, we recommend Cafe 8 above Pier 8. This cafe is a fantastic social initiative and the food is fab (try a Tai Tai Pie!).
#4 Causeway Bay
Jump back on the bus and ride it all the way to Causeway Bay. Your guests can explore this incredibly dense part of Hong Kong or take some time to chill in Victoria Park. There are some wacky experiences to be had in Causeway Bay, including the Rabbitland Cafe. This experience is more about petting and feeding bunnies and less about food. Lost is a popular family-friendly, non-retail experience in Causeway Bay, along with Red MR karaoke. There are also fun bar experiences for adults, like Strokes mini-golf and arcade. It’s an easy afternoon to fill.
#5 Dinner
Once you finish your day in Causeway Bay, head to Little Bao for dinner. Little Bao is a really popular Hong Kong modern classic restaurant, and it’s offering a 30% discount on the food menu through hkison.com right now. Check the website for details of the deal and more Hong Kong travel tips for foodies.
#6 Wan Chai Computer Centre
If you’ve got time before dinner, jump back on the bus to the Wan Chai Computer Centre down the road. Here, you can spend your Christmas money on the latest tech. Hungry? Impress your guests by taking them for a stroll around the corner and treating them to a Michelin-starred snack. The humble Mammy Pancake egg waffle is a delicious street food that has received plaudits as one of the best snacks in the world. It’s likely one of the more affordable Michelin-starred meals you’ll get to enjoy. (Note: Mammy Pancake opens around 12.30pm, so this will need to be an afternoon bite.) Don’t forget to keep an eye on the hkison.com website for festive deals if you or your visitors are foodies.
Hong Kong travel tip: Take a break from each other with a staycation
If hosting guests at home is becoming a little intense, try breaking it up with a staycation. There are lots of great deals on offer at the moment. One that expat families are raving about is the Ocean Park Marriott Hotel. There is also a great deal on The Peninsula Hong Kong. Now could prove the perfect time for grandparents to tick off this quintessential Hong Kong experience. Check out all the staycation deals here hkison.com/en-hk/staycation.
This story was created together with the Hong Kong Tourism Board. hkison.com will continue to feature deals from local Hong Kong businesses and also travel specials from other countries which may be relevant for family and friends visiting Hong Kong.
See our Living in Hong Kong section for more restaurant recommendations and things to do around town. Or, try these popular stories for more Hong Kong travel tips:
Best Sunday Brunch places in Hong Kong
Top things to do in Hong Kong
Guide to Hong Kong’s international schools
