How to Spend a Frugal Weekend in Hong Kong

First published in China Travel Blog on 8 May 2012.

Hong Kong is as materialistic as it can get, but we do offer some non-shopping alternatives for those who would like to explore the city's natural scenery. No, surprisingly, Hong Kong isn't just made up of shopping malls. In fact, it is famous for packing the beaches and mountains along with its central business district all within an hour's ride. We even get travelers that come over especially for the hiking and surfing. Here are a few secret hideaways known mainly to the locals:

Kowloon Walled City Park is right on the site where the locals stood against the Brits centuries ago and won victoriously. During the early colonial era, since the police had no right to patrol within the walls, it was infamous for gangsters and junkies. Now, the notorious settlement has been all cleared out, and the Hong Kong government has built a quaint Chinese style garden right on top of it, with a wee museum inside describing the curious history of the land. Kowloon City was also once where our city's airport was situated, which is why there is a huge variety of cuisine available for sampling. The park is relatively close to Islam Food, which does authentic juicy beef buns at an unbelievable price, so it isn't something you can afford to miss!


Wanna know where else is cheap and cheerful in town? Read the rest of the article at China Travel Blog!

Stanley Dragon Boat Race might only happen annually at Tuen Ng Festival, but you can count on the paddlers to be rowing all year round to keep their physique up. Head over to Stanley Main Beach during the weekends to watch them in action, and you might even be lucky enough to see them breaking off into races. This is an awesome alternative as oppose to getting squashed by a million other spectators on the race day, and you also get the luxury of catching up with the athletes at the Pizza Club. Done with all the dragon spotting? Spend the rest of the day sunbathing at the Stanley beach while munching on Si Yik's renowned French toast and Kaya toast. If you haven't tried the local dai pai dong before, this will be a great place to start!
Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defense is right on the tip of Lei Yue Mun Passage, commanding a spectacular view of the Victoria Harbour. Once a fort that played the role of protecting the city, it is built in a rather sturdy and unassuming manner, with lots of bomb shelters throughout the bushes. After exploring Hong Kong's past, why not stroll back over to Shau Kei Wan for a bowl of fish ball noodles that even the Honkies would travel across the island for? On Lee Noodles is known for their Chiu Chow style fish balls, which are promised to be made in the most traditional way with fresh fish every morning, ensuring you are getting the best deal out of it.
Finally, if you are in Hong Kong, how can you miss out on the hiking scene? Dragon's Back is renowned for its scenic view, and it makes a great place both for hikes and for mountain biking. Be sure to pack your swimming gear for Big Wave Bay, which is just at the end of the hike, and enjoy some nice action in the sea breeze! For some real local treat, why not try Tong Kee Store's instant noodles with assorted toppings? You will be rubbing shoulders with the Honkies in the true local way.