No One Told Me Hong Kong Was This Cool
I didn’t think I’d fall for Hong Kong. Really, I didn’t. I booked the trip on a whim, lured mostly by the sweet, sweet deal on a first-class Emirates flight to Hong Kong (pro tip: it’s the cheapest Emirates First Class route). And yes, I absolutely took a shower mid-air on the A380, because when else are you going to be 38,000 feet above sea level and squeaky clean?
I was expecting hustle, crowds, humidity, and maybe a decent dim sum or two. But what I got? An unexpectedly soulful city that, dare I say, charmed me more than Singapore.
Let me explain.
Flying Fancy: Emirates First Class and That Infamous A380 Shower
Let’s just get this out of the way: Emirates First Class is a whole different universe. You get your own suite with closing doors, caviar served with mother-of-pearl spoons, and pajamas handed to you like you’re royalty. The shower spa? I felt like a Bond villain freshening up before a helicopter escape.
Also, a quick LOL moment: when I went through the priority immigration lane with my first-class boarding pass, the officer definitely did a double take. I could almost see the thought bubble above his head like, “Wait, what’s this Indonesian girl doing here?” Not surprising, Indonesian domestic workers are common in Hong Kong, and I even overheard people speaking Bahasa or local dialects around the city. It was both comforting and eye-opening.
I know this part doesn’t scream "authentic Hong Kong experience," but it set the tone. I was feeling fabulous, clean, and ready to conquer the city.
Nathan Road (Neon, Chaos, and a Surprisingly Great Base)
I based myself on Nathan Road, smack dab in the middle of Tsim Sha Tsui. If you like neon signs, people watching, convenience stores every 10 meters, and just a little bit of organized chaos, this is your place.
I was walking distance from the harbor, shopping, street food, and, most importantly, the MTR. Also, for the solo travelers out there: I felt safe walking around even after midnight. The city felt alive but not threatening, just energetic.
The MTR: A Love Letter to Public Transport
Can we talk about the Hong Kong MTR system for a second? Because honestly, it’s a masterpiece. As someone who has spent too much time confused in foreign subway systems, I was expecting a daily fight for survival. But nope.
The MTR is fast, clean, air-conditioned, and makes complete sense. I was zipping around the city like I lived there. Even when I got on the wrong train (okay, twice), it was easy to reroute and get back on track.
Quick tip: Get an Octopus Card as soon as you land. It works on the MTR, buses, trams, ferries, and even convenience stores. Life-changing.
Singapore's MRT is great, don't get me wrong. But Hong Kong's MTR? It has more character. The stations are like mini underground cities, and the signs are clear, multilingual, and somehow charming.
Disneyland Hong Kong: A Childhood Dream Come True
Look, I’m a grown adult. But when there’s a Disneyland within 45 minutes of where I’m staying, I’m going. Not just going, I’m marching in with sparkles in my eyes.
I didn’t grow up in a family that could afford theme parks or overseas holidays. We could afford what we needed, but never what we wanted. So going to Disneyland? That was a fantasy for rich kids in American movies. But now? I was there. And I paid for it all by myself.
I know it sounds dramatic, but I genuinely teared up multiple times throughout the day. Seeing the castle in person, eating Mickey-shaped snacks, going on the rides I once only saw on TV, it was a surreal, full-circle moment. And when the closing fireworks show started, with the castle all lit up and the music swelling... I cried. Like, full tears. Childhood me was cheering somewhere inside.
Hong Kong Disneyland is smaller than others, but it felt adorable instead of underwhelming. It wasn’t too crowded, the rides were smooth, and the castle, refurbished and massive, was stunning.
I booked my ticket online like the organized adult I pretend to be. Highly recommend getting the Disney Premier Access pass, it lets you skip the long lines and feel very VIP, even if your outfit screams “theme park amateur.”
Also, download the Hong Kong Disneyland app. Not only can you check ride wait times, but it’ll also stop you from aimlessly wandering in search of the next churro.
I wasn't expecting Hong Kong Disneyland to be so Marvel-heavy, but I’m not mad. You can hop on the Iron Man Experience (a flight simulator where you battle Hydra over the skies of Hong Kong, just your typical Tuesday) and then go straight into Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle!, which is basically laser tag on a moving ride.
Castle of Magical Dreams isn’t just Sleeping Beauty’s anymore, Hong Kong really said, “Let’s honor 13 Disney heroines,” and built a multi-cultural, pastel dream palace. Each spire represents a different leading lady, and honestly? We love inclusivity in our architecture.
Stick around for the “Momentous” nighttime show. Fireworks, lasers, projections, music that makes you question all your life choices, this show has it all. I ugly cried between the “Circle of Life” and “A Whole New World” segments. Again, no judgment.
Real Talk: Is It Worth It for Adults? 100% yes. Go in with a little curiosity, leave with a heart three sizes bigger. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia, trying to impress a date, or just want a break from emails and existential dread, Hong Kong Disneyland delivers.
You’ll laugh, scream (politely), eat too much, and possibly buy a Duffy hat. And you’ll love every ridiculous minute of it.
Victoria Peak: Million-Dollar Views (and Residents)
If you Google "things to do in Hong Kong," Victoria Peak is on every list. Normally, I’d roll my eyes at this kind of tourist magnet, but I went anyway.
And guess what? It’s popular for a reason. The view of the skyline, Victoria Harbour, and distant mountains is a stunner. The tram ride up is fun, if a little chaotic, and the walking trails at the top are a breath of fresh air (literally).
Also: it turns out that people who actually live on Victoria Peak are rich beyond belief. I did a bit of Googling while sipping coffee up there and nearly choked when I saw the property prices. Think jaw-dropping.
Tip: Go late afternoon so you catch daylight, sunset, and city lights all in one go. Buy tickets online in advance to skip the long queue for the tram.
The Food Scene: Michelin Stars, Chaos, and Comfort
This is where Hong Kong really flexes on Singapore. The food scene is diverse, intense, emotional, and unapologetically messy in the best way.
In one day, you can go from a 3-Michelin-star dim sum joint where the servers don’t smile (but the food makes up for it), to a cha chaan teng that serves buttery pineapple buns and rich Hong Kong milk tea with zero pretense.
I tried roasted goose that made me rethink poultry. Curry fishballs that singe your lips and warm your soul. Egg tarts that are still warm from the oven. And congee so comforting, I swear it healed me on a cellular level.
What sets Hong Kong apart? It’s the layers. The tension between old-school Cantonese flavors and global fusion. The way locals line up for hole-in-the-wall joints that haven't changed their menu in 40 years. There's a kind of culinary honesty here that I didn't expect.
Foodie tip: Be adventurous. Order what the locals are ordering. And always carry tissues, some smaller eateries don’t offer napkins.
Singapore has amazing food too, but in Hong Kong, I felt like each meal came with a story.
A City With Soul (Sorry, Singapore)
I love Singapore. It’s clean, efficient, and ultra-modern. But sometimes, it can feel a little sterile. Like a showroom for a perfect city, rather than a lived-in one.
Hong Kong has grit. It has layers. It’s messy in the best way possible. You walk down one street and see colonial architecture, Cantonese signage, a 7-Eleven, and a dried seafood shop, all within a few meters.
It pulses with history and stories, even if they’re sometimes hidden behind scaffolding or neon.
Other Famous Places I Checked Off the List
Avenue of Stars
Avenue of Stars was surprisingly touching. Sure, it’s a bit touristy, but seeing the handprints of legendary Hong Kong actors felt like a love letter to Asian cinema. I spent longer than I thought I would there, reading plaques and taking in the harbor view with Bruce Lee’s statue striking a perfect pose.
I ended up just sitting on a bench for a while, soaking up the view. The skyline from here is unreal, especially around sunset. The lights begin to twinkle, and the city really starts to glow.
Temple Street Night Market
I expected Temple Street Night Market to be crowded and chaotic, and it was, in the most delightful way. Think neon signs, sizzling street food, knockoff designer bags, fortune tellers, and the loud hum of a city that never seems to sleep. I didn’t buy much, but the people-watching alone was worth the visit.
The whole place felt like it belonged in a Wong Kar-wai film. Atmospheric, busy, oddly romantic.
Tip: Bring cash, expect to haggle, and don’t be shy about trying the street snacks.
Belcher's Bay Promenade
This spot isn’t on every tourist list, but it should be. Belcher's Bay Promenade is a peaceful waterside walk with stunning views of the harbor and sky-high residential towers looming in the background. Locals jog here, couples walk hand in hand, kids ride scooters, and old folks sit on benches chatting in Cantonese.
It gave me a glimpse into everyday life in Hong Kong, away from the tourist circuits. Plus, the breeze here was a dream after a humid day of exploring.
Next Time I Go to Macau...
Yes, when, not if. I’m already plotting my return to the region and next time, I’m going to Macau.
I want to ride the ferry over, see the Portuguese architecture, snack on egg tarts where they were born, and maybe try my luck at one of those giant casinos I keep seeing in travel videos. I’ve heard the old town is full of charm, and I want to stroll down every cobblestoned street.
And of course, I’ll come back to Hong Kong too. There’s still more to explore, more to eat, and more to fall in love with.
I’ll Be Back, Hong Kong
I thought Hong Kong would be a one-time visit. A checkbox on my travel list. But now? I can’t wait to return.
The city caught me off guard, it was more raw, more real, and far more lovable than I anticipated. It made me feel something, and that’s not easy for a city to do.
Sorry Singapore, I still like you. But Hong Kong? She’s got soul.
Thank you for reading and now back to happily roaming!