Fun Summer🌞😎 Activities on Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong being the vibrant city that it is, offers plenty of activities for both residents and visitors alike. If you find yourself in Hong Kong during the summer holidays, fear not, there are plenty of things to do in the city that don't involve traveling. Our LocalHood Website Team Volunteer, Saravanan, looks at some of the best activities to keep you entertained, both indoors and some outdoors
The summers in Hong Kong can be wet, air so thick with humidity that you’ll be sweating bucket-loads when you step out, so why not stay indoors by paying a visit the many museums that we have around Hong Kong. There are a total of 23 museums in Hong Kong to be precise, ranging from art, space history to jellyfish (yes you read it right, JELLYFISH). One of the most interesting museums in Hong Kong is of course the Cube o Discovery Park. Located in Tsuen Wan, it is an interactive jellyfish themed ocean experience centre that welcomes everyone who wishes to explore the mysteries the ocean has to offer.
In Pic: Cube O Discovery Park, Tseun Wan
Another interesting thing that most residents might not have known about is of course Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery. It is tucked away in Quarry Bay Park and is definitely one of the lesser-known museums in Hong Kong. The vessel which is the museum itself, served as the flagship boat for the Hong Kong Fire Services Department, conducting fire-related rescue operations in the waters of Hong Kong. Here you can learn about how the Hong Kong sea rescue worked and the unique firefighting artefacts that were used between 1953-2002.
In Pic: Fireboat Alexander Grantham
If you’re more into an active activity but still wish to remain indoors, why not try heading to the ice skating ring, or the roller blading arcade and last but one of the most fun one can have, the trampoline park! If you are a resident of Hong Kong, it is most likely that most of you have heard of the ice skating ring in TST. It is pretty big and allows one to be pretty much free in doing what he or she loves on the ring. However, did you know there are a few more scattered all over Hong Kong! All you have to do is google search and et voila, the listing will appear right at the ease of your palm (or mobile phone). If one likes more of a non-ice activity with a slight bit of twist in terms of music and lighting, then this would be right down your ally! Kodak house, located in quarry bay has a sizeable indoor roller blading rink and boy does it look impressive!
In Pic: Ryze Trampoline Park, Hong Kong
Located in the same block, is Ryze trampoline is worth the visit as well. You can unleash your inner child (or wild child like me) and jump to your hearts content and reach to the ceiling! Do be careful as it’s not for the faint of heart.
In Pic: Ryze Trampoline Park, Hong Kong
Another indoor activity that is on offer whole year around is of course bouldering. Scattered all over the islands, bouldering is gaining popularity among the residents of Hong Kong for its whole body work out functionality in our crowded urban jungle. There’s one continently located in Quarry Bay named Verm City, and another in Wan Chai named n bouldering if you’re in the island. With shoe rentals available on site, showers and other user-friendly environment catered for beginners and other users alike, this should definitely be on your go to list!
In Pic: Practicing Bouldering in Hong Kong
If you're looking to get out of the city and yet still stay within the city limits while stretching your legs, Hong Kong doesn’t disappoint as it has plenty of hiking trails to explore. The Dragon's Back Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the city, offering stunning views of the coastline and surrounding mountains. Another great option is the Lantau Peak Trail, which takes you to the highest point on Lantau Island and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area
The list is ever so long and I could only narrow it down to visiting the beaches of Hong Kong, visiting the parks and taking a hike up the many hills and hiking paths that we have to offer in abundance. Some of the beaches connect to the hiking path! Making it a great option to start hiking and dipping yourself in the water after arriving the end of your hike. There is the hiking trail from Tung Chung to Mui Wo, which will lead you to silvermine beach! Not only is it a relatively easy hike, it is also rewarding with some spectacular views and last but not the least, it allows you to have a dip in the waters or silvermine beach! Another great choice for you to hike and head on down to the beach would definitely be Dragon’s Back to Big Wave Bay. Not only is it an easy hike, it also pays off at the end where you can view great surf spots and grab a meal in Shek O!
In Pic: Shek O beach, Hong Kong
Moving on from hiking, Victoria Peak is an easy hiking choice as well but on a lower easier level, we have Victoria Park located in Causeway Bay. This venue gets packed busy during weekends, Chinese New Year flower sales and not forgetting some other sporting events, but did you know it’s a peaceful place to spend during an early summer morning. It is both peaceful and if you are someone who loves to people watch or even read in the outdoors, I highly recommend this peaceful park. Other parks scattered around the island include, Hong Kong park in cotton tree drive, Hong Kong zoological and botanical gardens (highly recommended if you have kids) and not forgetting Kowloon Park. All easily accessible and in the city. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can venture out to the Hong Kong Wetland park and Hong Kong Global Geopark! Just be sure to pack your mosquito repellent, plenty of fluids, sunblock and some towels as you know how humid and hot it can be in the great outdoors.
In Pic: Botanical gardens , Hong Kong
If you’re more in the mood to party whilst still enjoying the outdoorsy weather of summer, you should definitely go on a junk boat trip or even hold a tram party. What’s the best way to party, have a good time outdoors and yet be able to dip yourself in the water when you feel it gets a tad bit too hot? Go on a junk boat trip of course. Now that we are back in full swing of summer and post covid world, bring your shades, trunks and sun block out! So many vendors offer a day trip to the islands or the open waters around Hong Kong and most cater the food and drinks as well! The junk boat itself varies from something a bit more affordable to exclusive yacht like boats all depending on your budget!
In Pic: A junk boat Saturday in action 😁
If water sports is not your cuppa tea, but you still wish to enjoy the scene to party and see what Hong Kong Island has to offer, why not book the tram for a fun night “out”. With an open top tram which can hold up to 30 pax and booking from 730pm to midnight, it is definitely bound to be filled with laughter, joy and some interesting sights of Hong Kong.
In Pic: Open Top Tram
Overall, Hong Kong has plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to offer, making it a great place to be in even during summer, regardless of the weather outside. Whether you're interested in art, science, or just having fun be it indoors or outdoors, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city!