Chek Lap Kok / 35km west of city centre
To the city:
Airport Express to HKG Central, 24mins
Trains run every 10 mins / $HK110 ($A19)
A generation after the end of British rule, Hong Kong showcases some of the best of the New World China.
Truly representing the international melting pot that is Hong Kong, the streets of Central are packed with traditional and international-influenced restaurants, cafes and bars.
From the locals
Grab an Octopus Card for $HK50 (refundable deposit, plus $HK100 in travel credit) to move between districts. Even a cross town MTR costs around $HK15 ($A2.50), and your Octopus card can be used at selected convenience stores and cafes. Taxis are a great & inexpensive way to get around when the MTR isn't an option - just remember, cash only.
The free MTR In-Town check-in is a fantastic service that allows you to check your luggage in up to the day before, to continue exploring the city and ease of transit out to the airport with just your carry-on.
18 Gough St, Central, Hong Kong
From 8am
One of three NOC Coffee shops open on Hong Kong Island. Sit and watch the daily rush of caffeine-fiends, or grab some breakfast and head upstairs for some peace and quiet elevated above the maze of city streets.
Coffee aside, scrambled eggs are a speciality here. Enjoy the scrambled eggs and sautéed kale on sourdough.
66 Staunton St, SoHo, Hong Kong
From 6pm
Small burger joint serving beef, pork belly, fried chicken and vegetarian options on streamed bao buns.
Must try the Szechaun Fried Chicken Bao (Fried Chicken, Chinese black vinegar glaze, Szechuan mayo, coleslaw) and the Green Tea icecream dessert bao.
Big Wave Bay Road, Shek O, Hong Kong Island
MTR Shau Kei Wan Station, Exit A3. Take bus 9 or a Taxi (about $HK90 / $A15) to Big Wave Bay Beach
A sheltered cove on the Eastern coast of Hong Kong Island, overlooked by the mountains that contain the 'Dragon's Back' hike. Popular with locals and tourists alike, it's a side of Hong Kong that many don't know exist, perfect to get away from the hustle of the city.
Grab a local beer from one of the small stores on the beach for $HK20 ($A3.30) or head back up the road towards Shek O beach for more food options and walk around a local coastal town.
Bonus spot
The Airport itself is a engineering masterpiece and model of how truly efficient cities work.
With over 70M passengers per year and over 1,110 movements per day, HKG is a case study in large scale efficiencies and reliability. With that much traffic, everything must work smoothly - and nothing showcases this better than the In-Town Checkin, whisking our bags to the airport and onto our next destination.
The airport itself has great facilities including free & fast WIFI, comfortable semi-private rest areas at selected gates, and well-maintained power and USB charge stations throughout.
For frequent flyers, the selection of lounges are some of the best in the world. OneWorld Emerald? The Studio Ilse designed Cathay Pacific 'The Pier' is without a doubt the most comfortable First Class lounge in the world. Book in for a quick massage, eat up at the private dining room then relax until your flight in the best seats in the airport - overlooking runway 07L/25R.
Worth a look
84 Shantung Street, Mong Kok
From 10am
15 Hak Po Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
From 12pm
28-36 Wing Kut Street, Sheung Wan
From 11:30am
142 Des Voeux Road, Central
From 8am
Tailhead: Lion Rock Park, Chuk Un
The best hiking trail in the city
