It’s difficult to define Hong Kong. A city? A state? A country? It’s officially defined as an autonomous territory of China, aptly named “Pearl of the Orient” and “Fragrant Harbor” that is densely populated, the skyline is filled with skyscrapers, countless nationalities all living within the archipelago of 260 islands and a city filled with fun filled activities all compressed into this tiny island territory. With such diverse history, this metropolis is a boiling mass of traditional vs. modern with great characteristics making it one of the top tourist destinations not only in the Far East, but on a global scale. This harbor city is sometimes described as Hong Koncrete with its crowded streets full of cars and people from all walks of the Earth. It has a complexity that can’t be defined precisely, yet it provides a certain charm not found in any area nearby. Here are some of the top 10 things to do in Hong Kong:
1. Take a trip on the Star ferry: This ferry transports visitors between the Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island. The ferry provides the most scenic route along the harbor showing Hong Kong’s skyline in the most picturesque way possible. For the best photographic opportunities, try to get on at midday then again at night for a spectacular view of the brightly lit skylines each trying to trump the other in height.
2. Victoria Peak or “the Peak”: Considered the highest mountain on Hong Kong island and lookout over the towering city skyline, the scenic lookout overlooks a sea of skyscrapers, the deep blue waters of the waterways and on a clear day even the green hills of the distant islands surrounding the territory. There are many vantage points on the mountain top as well as hiking treks along thee Cliffside paths. It’s best to check the weather forecast before heading out to make sure the weather accommodates the trip to the top.
3. Charter a Junk: Although Hong Kong is considered a modern day metropolis, visitors can get a glimpse of its historical past by hiring a “junk” charter, a traditional Chinese fishing boat that sets off through the scattered islands off the coast of the mainland. Trips usually take around 8 hours as it travels across the waters of the bay then anchors off a remote area so visitors can take dive off the deck for a quick swim. Companies that hire these “junk” charters usually provide meals and drinks but it’s best to check beforehand.
4. Temple Street Night Market: This night market is the liveliest market in the territory, with its lively bargain sellers, bustling atmosphere, a heady mixture of smells from street vendors selling many of the local delicacies, herbalists and the occasional open air Cantonese opera performances. This nocturnal bazaar-like market sells everything from bootleg DVDs to children’s clothing. The marketplace is filled with people flocking the area from 7 p.m. until closing time. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir from one of the decked out stalls in the area.
5. Take a trip to Ocean Park: You don’t need to travel to mainland China to witness the ever majestic giant pandas in its humble habitat. Ocean Park is a diverse park that also includes a zoo and an amusement park all in one. The park has recently introduced the ever so rare red pandas, living in the same habitat area as the giant pandas. There is the Grand Aquarium, Aqua City Lagoon at the waterfront, a dolphin show, a water dragon light show and amusement rides for those who seek a little bit of adrenaline pump. Ocean Park promises a full day of fun and enjoyment for the whole family.
6. Visit a day spa: Hong Kong provides an abundance of day spas with manicures/pedicures, traditional therapies, waterbed lounges, facials, herbal steam rooms and the list goes on. Spas are not a rarity here, the place is filled with them and one can book an appointment as late as 10 p.m. even. Massage menus span the four corners of the Orient. Travelers can take a couple of hours of their day to wind down and relax in one of the many spas available. Do try the full body massage using warm bamboo to knead and stretch the muscles. Another very interesting spa treatment would be the Imperial Jade Ritual using cool jade rollers to lift and tone the skin. A sure must.
7. Tea at the Peninsula Hotel: During the 150 years of British occupation, many locals still enjoy tea time just as the British do. The Lobby at the Peninsula, with its classic and elegant ambiance, live band playing classical music between glittering chandeliers and lush palm trees sets a great setting to enjoy high tea, 3 tier cake platter, savory canapés and crumpets. Be sure to arrive 30 minutes early to find a seat and do try to ignore weekends since it’s considered to be the busiest.
8. Dim sum, yes please! Literally means “touch your heart”, it’s simply impossible to visit Hong Kong and not try one of their celebrated delicacies. We’re talking steamed, bakes, pan fried, deep fried dim sum filled with rice rolls, shrimp, BBQ beef and the list is endless. Each creation strikes a balance between being traditional in taste and innovative in terms of choice of ingredients.
9. Stroll through Nan Lian Garden: This well preserved garden is one of Hong Kong’s most visited picturesque green spaces with traditional Cantonese architecture, perfectly trimmed bonsai trees, koi ponds and most important, immaculate landscape designs. This green space situated between the skyscrapers takes you back in time to the Tang Dynasty. Known for their vast gardens set for the imperial family, they were created to accommodate scholars, poets and influential personas and basically set an escape from the outside world.
10. Hong Kong Skyline: The highest observation deck in the city is at the 100th floor of the ICC building, Hong Kong’s tallest building. The indoor observation deck offers a 360 degree view of the Kowloon Peninsula. The peak times to visit the observation deck would have to be just around sunset and at night to capture this beautiful city still at the top of its hustle and bustle.
10 things to do in Hong Kong
10 things to do in Hong Kong
Review: A visit to AlUla’s ancient kingdom ‘Wadi Al-Naam’
- Exploration was organized in groups of three riding in desert buggies to reach the hiking location
The Quest for the Ancient Kingdoms is a thrilling treasure hunt and adventure experience in AlUla’s Wadi Al-Naam, also known as the Valley of the Ostriches.
Before the journey begins, participants are provided with helmets, gloves, and hiking sticks, and are treated to a short lesson about the valley by the tour guide.
During our visit, the guide did a wonderful job making the group feel comfortable and translating the lesson from Arabic to English.
Exploration was organized in groups of three riding in desert buggies to reach the hiking location.
The buggy ride is a great chance to enjoy the iconic orange-hued rocks and mountains of AlUla.
At the first stop, participants can get a closer look at the fine details of inscriptions that tell the story of the Dadanites, the ancient residents of AlUla.
The 500-meter-long hike features various obstacles, like climbing up walls and steep steps, while offering breathtaking views of the unforgettable AlUla terrain.
Participants can choose between the Challenge Edition for adult adventurers or the Family Explorers version for a lighter experience. The treasure hunts are ideal for family or friend groups who want to get active during their trip to AlUla.
The quest concludes with a certificate of completion, refreshments, and a chance to interact with camels.
The best part of the experience is connecting with new individuals and putting your heads together to problem-solve as a team to win the quest.
Before going on this journey, please ensure you apply sunscreen, wear comfortable shoes, and stay hydrated as it will involve physical strength and energy to enjoy.
The Wadi Al-Naam Discovery tour costs SR200 ($53) per person and will be open until Feb. 27.
For more details, visit experiencealula.com.
UK, Omani princes launch journey across historic Arabian route
- Camel trek first taken by British diplomat Bertram Thomas in 1928 to be retrodden by team of six travellers
- Prince of Wales, crown prince of Oman sponsoring historic coastal journey
LONDON: A group of explorers, backed by royalty, is set to undertake a historic journey, retracing a route across the coast of Oman first trodden by a British diplomat almost a century ago.
The Jewel of Arabia expedition, supported by William, Prince of Wales and Omani Crown Prince Theyazin bin Haitham, will feature six travelers, led by Mark Evans, following in the footsteps of Bertram Thomas, who first made the journey over 42 days in 1928.
Thomas made the trek to document the area and local wildlife, and was congratulated on his achievement by King George V.
The new journey, featuring camels but also modern off-road vehicles, will “raise awareness among young people both in and outside of Oman of the value of Oman’s natural heritage and biodiversity as well as the environmental challenges the country and the wider world face,” The Telegraph reported.
It will also feature podcasts and radio interviews with local stations along the way, meetings with local children and an online tracker so people can view its progress in real time.
Prince William told the modern explorers at the Royal Geographical Society on Monday: “I wish I was able to join you, but will be following very closely.”
He added: “The expedition will walk in the footsteps of British explorer Bertram Thomas and take in the wonderful coastline of Oman.
“They will be able to take in the beauty of Oman, and also see the damage done by climate change.”
Prince William added: “The expedition will not only highlight Oman’s biodiversity and natural heritage, but also symbolize the enduring friendship between our two countries.”
The prince added to guests at the Royal Geographic Society that he would “try and make something happen” regarding a future visit to Oman, teasing: “We’re in the planning process.”
The trek will see daily starts around 5 a.m. local time, and will aim to cross 25-30 kilometers per day. The travelers will sleep under the night sky, surviving in the desert without tents.
Evans, 63, said: “The stars of the show will undoubtedly be the camels.”
He joked that the animals are now in a “camel boot camp” in Oman to prepare for the arduous trek.
Alongside Evans will be Nigel Harling, Ana-Maria Pavalache, Dhirka Al-Mawali, Ibrahim Al-Hasni and Amour Al-Wahibi, all of whom are experienced explorers.
Thomas’ original expedition came at a time when the region was considered one of the world’s most inhospitable, known as Rub Al-Khali, or the “empty quarter.”
He worked for the sultan of Oman, and became the first Westerner to make the journey along the coast, spending much of his spare time exploring the country, navigating harsh terrain and warring local tribes.
Upon completion, he received a congratulatory telegram from George V, and used the experience as the basis for a book, “Arabia Felix,” which contains a foreword by T.E. Lawrence.
Meanwhile, 2025 will also mark 225 years since the signing of a friendship treaty between Britain and Oman.
Al-Baha farms offer an escape from busy lives
- There are activities such as cycling and hiking and some farms offer overnight accommodation
AL-BAHA: People seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives are flocking to tourist farms in Al-Baha region.
The centers offer a unique blend of natural beauty, agricultural experiences and recreational activities, where visitors can spend their time picking fruit, helping with crop harvesting or learning about organic farming techniques.
There are also activities such as cycling and hiking and some farms offer overnight accommodation, enabling guests to experience the beauty of the starry night skies.
The farms are committed to sustainability and use eco-friendly practices to protect the environment.
Fahd Al-Zahrani, director of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in Al-Baha, said agritourism was becoming increasingly important in the region as it created jobs, boosted the local economy and helped diversify the tourism sector.
Virtual, AI-powered Saudi travel companion impresses visitors at travel exhibition in London
- The new app, called SARA, offers users insights and advice about the Kingdom’s tourist attractions in a natural and seamless conversational style
RIYADH: The Saudi Tourism Authority unveiled the beta version of SARA, its new travel companion app for visitors to the Kingdom, at the World Travel Market exhibition in London this week.
It allows users to interact with a digital female guide, powered by AI, who is deeply knowledgeable about Saudi Arabia and offers insights and advice about the country’s tourist destinations, historical landmarks, archaeological sites, cultural diversity, international events, and anything else a visitor might be interested in.
SARA was on show in the Visit Saudi pavilion at the World Travel Market, which began on Monday and concluded on Wednesday. Officials said she interacted directly with attendees, who were captivated by her engaging stories about the Kingdom’s tourist attractions and experiences, and the extensive information she was able to provide.
The app reflects the nation’s progressive approach to smart tourism, they added, and leverages the latest developments in AI so that it can respond to questions, understand visitor needs, and offer personalized information and suggestions in a natural and seamless conversational style.
Off the beaten track in Sri Lanka
- New visa rules have made it easier than ever for Gulf tourists to visit the island nation
TORONTO: Sri Lanka has long been a favored destination for visitors from the Gulf. Easy access, budget-friendly offerings, and diverse experiences – from cultural and historic landmarks to idyllic beach resorts and scenic treks – make it an ideal getaway destination. And now, there’s one more reason for Saudis to take a trip to the island nation. Last month, the Sri Lankan government announced that residents of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and 31 other countries can now visit without a visa.
The capital, Colombo, is probably the most popular destination in Sri Lanka, along with Kandy and Ella, but the less-frequented areas in the central and southern regions of the country are well worth considering.
My Sri Lanka trip started in Hatton, in the Nuwara Eliya region. Often called “Little England,” the region is a reminder of the country’s former colonial rule, with Tudor-style architecture and sprawling tea estates named after their former British proprietors.
The central province is home to Sri Lanka’s renowned tea highlands. Tea is an integral part of the island’s history and culture — as its former name, Ceylon, suggests.
My encounter with Ceylon tea starts at the Dunkeld Tea Factory, owned by The Dilmah Group, a family-run business that has become a global name. The tea is single-origin — meaning it is picked, cultivated, and packed from the lush, rolling terraces of the region. The tour takes guests through the history of Ceylon tea, which actually began with coffee plantations in the 18th century. But leaf disease devastated those plantations, leading to the demise of the short-lived coffee industry in Sri Lanka. In 1867, James Taylor, a Scottish man, planted the first tea clearing in Kandy. By the late 19th century, the country had become one of the largest tea producers in the world. Guests are also invited to a tea-tasting experience, including the Orange Pekoe, the robust tea blend that is a specialty of the region.
I stayed at Summerville, one of the five palatial bungalows once home to English plantation owners which have now been refurbished into boutique properties by the Ceylon Tea Trails Hotel under the Resplendent Ceylon Group. Perched at nearly 4,000 feet and set across 2,000 hectares, the bungalows are perfect for those seeking a slow, luxurious vacation. Guests can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the emerald hilltops from various vantage points or unwind in the several tranquil lounge spaces scattered throughout the bungalows. Or — with a private chef and butler on hand — choose to indulge in a five-course dinner that features the likes of a Yatawatte tea-infused roasted chicken or the Earl Gray fondant.
The tea trails, ranging from four to 15 kilometers long, connect the various bungalows, offering scenic hikes through the valleys. For those seeking adventure, the newly-inaugurated Pekoe Trail (a 300-km route with 22 phases) allows tourists to explore the rich biodiversity of the area. This trail can be experienced on foot or by rail.
The next leg of my trip was drastically different. As we were making our way down from the central region to Sri Lanka’s southern tip, the hilltops, winding roads, and cool weather gave way to palm trees, speedy tuk-tuks, and tropical weather.
In the Hambantota district, the biggest draw is undoubtedly Yala National Park, the second largest national park of the country, and the one with the highest density of leopards. An early morning or afternoon game drive provides ample opportunities to spot wildlife, including the elusive leopard, sloth bears, and elephants.
After the adrenaline rush of a wildlife safari, I head to our ‘glamping’ lodge — the Wild Coast Tented Lodge, another one of Resplendent Ceylon’s properties. The luxury camp is unfenced and wildlife will often wander into the premises from the park, giving guests a sometimes-gleeful, sometimes-terrifying experience.
The lodge itself is an architectural delight, focusing on sustainable design and the use of organic materials, including bamboo. It includes 28 “cocoons” or pods scattered throughout the jungle wilderness. The interiors feature rustic touches like cooper hardware, a leopard-claw bathtub, and vintage leather furniture.
It’s also here that the jungle meets the Indian Ocean. As I wandered along the rugged coastline or enjoyed a sundowner, I was once again reminded of the serenity that Sri Lanka has to offer.
