Where Familiar Meets the Fantastic:
My Unexpected Love Letter to Hong Kong
words by Donna Manio & images by Gabriel D. Dela Cruz and Hong Kong Tourism Board
words by Donna Manio & images by Gabriel D. Dela Cruz and Hong Kong Tourism Board
I thought I was visiting a city I already knew — glossy malls, dim sum, and Victoria Harbour views, but Hong Kong surprised me. What began as a checklist trip turned into a rediscovery of how layered, soulful, and full of magic the city really is.
Before July even began, I had already packed my excitement for Hong Kong. I’ve visited a few times before when I was much younger. When I was a bit older, it was always for quick layovers; I didn’t have the time to revisit Hong Kong’s well-loved spots. Before my visit, I thought I had the city neatly filed in my mental cabinet: glossy malls, quick dim sum fixes, ferry rides across Victoria Harbour. But something nudged me this time — a desire to see what Hong Kong had become post-pandemic, post-everything. What followed was a joyful rediscovery of a city that is, at once, cosmopolitan and comforting, polished yet playful, familiar yet full of fantastic surprises.
The trip began in style, thanks to Cathay Pacific. Their lounge — sleek, serene, and immaculately run — felt like a pocket of calm before takeoff. The lounge was outfitted with comfortable furniture fit for discerning jetsetters and was absolutely the perfect setting while waiting for our flight to Hong Kong. The service was prompt but warm, the food freshly prepared. I particularly enjoyed the dim sum such as vegetable dumplings and pork siu mai. I also appreciated that they had small pastries, a variety of cheeses, and cold cuts for those who wanted a quick nibble.
After the relaxing stay at the Cathay Pacific Lounge, I headed to board the plane, which was quick and efficient. As I settled into my seat on the plane, a flight attendant welcomed me and everyone who was going onboard with a warm, kind smile. The entire flight was smooth and restful — the kind of journey that gently sets the tone for what’s ahead. And what lay ahead was far more than
I expected.
Touching down in Hong Kong, I was greeted not only by its iconic skyline but also by a sense of ease — everything just worked. My home base for this trip was the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel in Aberdeen, and what a home it was. Nestled right by the theme park and surrounded by lush greenery and a mountain view, the hotel is a haven for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
The design is modern and calming, with oceanic touches in the lobby that hint at the marine park next door. A true highlight is the massive cylindrical aquarium that serves as the centerpiece of the lobby — a living, breathing wall of marine life that had both children and adults mesmerized. I was delighted to learn that a scuba diver enters the tank daily to maintain it, an act that’s part performance, part care routine, and wholly hypnotic.
Even the pathways to the rooms were interesting, with a touch of whimsy. The hotel carpets going to my room are designed with schools of little fish swimming across the floors, which guests — especially children — love to follow as if on a mini-aquatic adventure. And once I stepped into mine, I was greeted by a charming dolphin mural — a sweet, cheerful accent that instantly made the space feel joyful and welcoming. It was a nice and thoughtful touch I appreciated a lot.
My room was spacious, simple, yet tastefully appointed. It also had an accent wall that had a wooden sculpture in the shape of a whale, a fitting detail that blends well with the rest of the hotel. But more than the aesthetics, it was the service that stood out–a true trademark of every Marriott property the world over. Every staff member I interacted at the Ocean Park Marriott with was warm and proactive — from helping me map out the easiest taxi routes to remembering how I liked my coffee. It felt like personalized hospitality in a big city setting.
Ocean Park Marriott
Breakfast at Marina Kitchen was a treat — an abundant buffet with everything from fresh fruit to steaming congee, buttery pastries, and even western breakfast staples like sausages and pork and beans. There are also healthy options such as a salad bar, a selection of yogurts and cereals. There’s everything for everyone at the breakfast buffet and it was a joy seeing other guests have their breakfasts in a calm, comfortable setting. I couldn’t help feeling calm and comfortable myself.
At night, the hotel’s restaurant at the Pier Wing transformed into a relaxed and modern dining hub. Pier Lounge & Pier Bar served up barbecue dinners that were smoky, tender, and satisfying — just the kind of indulgence you’d want after a day of exploring. They had grilled meats like steaks, suckling pig, and sausages. But what I appreciated the most was the grilled seafood such as scallops, crabs, and of course–lobster! Cooked to perfection, they were a true delight to the tastebuds. To end the evening’s meal, there were also standout pastries and sweets such as an earthy, chewy black sesame macarons and the Signature Salted Egg Cheesecake which was the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and creamy. These helped end the evening on a very sweet note.
Hong Kong’s food scene is legendary, and it didn’t take long before I was deep in the belly of it. It was my second day in town and I couldn’t imagine a more perfect activity. No one goes to Hong Kong without making time to taste some of its best food!
Central’s narrow lanes led me to Lin Heung Lau, a dim sum institution that locals have loved for many generations since 1926. In the unassuming restaurant, I saw diners from all walks of life enjoying their meals: elderly patrons reading their newspapers, young professionals on their lunch breaks, and fellow travelers alike. I feasted on har gow, siu mai, and cheung fun that were delicate and full of flavor. There was absolutely no need for sauces— the dim sum were already delightful on their own.
Just a few blocks away was Yat Lok, the famed roast goose restaurant with a Michelin star to its name. The place was packed, a sure sign that it was a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike. The goose was really good and mouthwatering-crispy, yet rich skin gave way to succulent meat, paired with a simple bowl of noodles and a cold drink. It was goose goodness in its most unpretentious form.
Midweek in Hong Kong isn’t quiet — it gallops. At Happy Valley Racecourse, a regular racing night turns into a citywide celebration called Happy Wednesday. Designed to attract younger audiences, it’s an unforgettable blend of sports, food, and festival energy.
Food trucks dished out global flavors, live bands filled the air with music, and strangers danced under city lights. When the races started, the excitement surged — hooves thundered, people cheered, and I found myself swept up in the thrill, most especially since I got to experience the season finale.
Even better, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, which runs the venue, is also one of the city’s largest philanthropic organizations — supporting education, arts and culture, healthcare, and community causes. That blend of excitement and purpose made the night feel all the more meaningful.
At the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park, the spirit of progress is alive. Built on the site of the old airport and opened to the public in 2024, this massive complex is a showcase of Hong Kong’s modern vision.
The arena, situated in a sprawling sports complex which includes recreational areas, public spaces, and shops, is modern. Its exterior is sleek and looks futuristic. From international sports events to blockbuster concerts, the venue has hosted global acts like Coldplay. Blackpink is also slated to perform in the massive arena in January 2026. Undoubtedly, the Kai Tak Arena is poised to be one of the world’s premier entertainment venues.
For those wanting a quick bite, there’s the newly opened Champion Sports Bar, where the portions were huge and hearty — think towering burgers, hotdog sandwiches, and sizzling platters — all served in a high-energy setting that felt more like a party than a simple pit stop. They also serve beer and a variety of cocktails and mocktails for those who want to feel refreshed and energized. A personal favorite of mine is the Virgin Piña Colada, which was a delightfully creamy and fruity concoction.
Public art installations, like the striking Nine Dragons sculpture by local artist Kacey Wong, weave cultural identity into the space. It is a good touch just situated outside the Kai Tak Arena. The sculpture, symbolizing strength and prosperity, is both commanding and poetic. It’s a wonderful addition to the area, as it lends it a creative, sophisticated touch.
Not far from Kai Tak is Joypolis Sports, a new kind of playground that fuses technology, nostalgia, and sheer fun. With floors of immersive arcade games, VR rides, retro machines, and interactive zones, it’s a wonderland for the young and young at heart. It’s a place brimming with energy and fun. Having Sonic the Hedgehog as its main mascot makes it even more appealing both for millennials like me and even kids!
I saw people dancing through rhythm games, surviving a virtual rollercoaster, and challenging themselves to beat claw machines I swore were rigged (but weren’t). It was dizzying, energizing, and just plain fun. It’s a spot I’d highly recommend to parents with children with extremely high energy: they’ll surely have lots of fun in this place!
At the very top, a chic rooftop resto-bar called Hungry Tiger, Hidden Dragon, offered great cocktails and a great view of the city — proving Joypolis isn’t just for kids. It’s for anyone craving a little joy.
Surfing in the middle of Hong Kong? I wouldn’t have thought! At Groundswell, an indoor surf park, visitors can strap themselves on a board and tackle the mechanical waves under the guidance of cheerful, encouraging instructors. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a beginner just trying not to fall over, it’s pure fun. While nothing can compare to actual ocean waves, this is a great alternative, and it comes quite close to the real thing. For those who love to surf, but like staying out of the sun, Groundswell is the perfect place.
With its beachy decor, vibrant energy, and après-surf refreshments, Groundswell brings summer to the city year-round.
A return to Ocean Park revealed the heart of the entire trip. At the park’s panda sanctuary, I spent a morning with Ying Ying, the gentle mother panda, and her twin cubs, Jia Jia and De De. Jia Jia was busy attempting tree-climbing stunts while De Derolled around dramatically in a pile of bamboo, both stealing the hearts of everyone watching. Watching them share (or argue over) snacks was like watching toddlers— endlessly entertaining and oh so charmingly adorable
The nearby golden snub-nosed monkeys were equally fascinating, leaping from rock to rock with theatrical flair.
Then came the Grand Aquarium, a glowing tunnel of marine life — luminous, immersive, and calming. It was like descending into a dream — massive curved glass walls, schools of glittering fish, graceful stingrays, and the occasional shark cruising past. Children stood with noses pressed against the glass, and adults were no less enchanted.
And then there was Old Hong Kong, a charming retro-style street built inside the park that recreates the sights, sounds, and flavors of the city’s 1950s and ’60s era. It’s whimsical, colorful, and filled with nostalgic details — from vintage-style trams to old-school candy stalls. Wandering through it felt like walking into a living memory.
At M+, Hong Kong’s flagship museum of visual culture, the experience is world-class. Spanning contemporary art, architecture, design, and moving image, M+ is as much about dialogue as it is about display.
The building itself is sleek and sculptural, rising beside Victoria Harbour like a beacon for the culturally curious. Inside, I moved from one thought-provoking gallery to the next. Works by Yayoi Kusama, Pipilotti Rist, and Zhang Xiaogang have lined its walls and stood on its halls.
But the exhibit that truly captured my heart was a feature on the Nakagin Capsule Tower in Tokyo — a brilliant, bittersweet meditation on modernist architecture, innovation, and impermanence. As someone fascinated by how cities evolve, I found it deeply moving.
What struck me most was how M+ isn’t trying to mimic Western museums — it confidently carves its own identity. With its mix of media, cultures, and voices, it places Asia at the center of the contemporary art conversation. And it deserves a spot alongside the world’s best — MoMA, Tate, Centre Pompidou. M+ belongs in that company. It is boldly, unabashedly, and proudly rooted in Asia.
No visit to Hong Kong is complete without indulging in a little retail therapy. Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui is a luxe runway of global fashion brands — Louis Vuitton, Chanel, YSL, Hermès — shimmering beneath mirrored facades.
Just a few minutes away, K11 Musea redefines what a mall can be. Here, high-end shopping meets contemporary art, gourmet food meets intellectual curiosity. It’s a curated experience — and a beautiful one.
At twilight, I strolled along the Avenue of Stars, a promenade that honors Hong Kong’s cinematic icons. Bronze handprints, poetic plaques, and a stunning statue of Bruce Lee serve as a love letter to the city’s film legacy.
And beyond that? The skyline. The harbor glittered, ferries drifted by, and the breeze carried the soft hum of a city in motion. I sat, looked out over the water, and realized: this wasn’t just the end of my trip — it was the crescendo.
On my last morning, I lingered just a bit longer at Ocean Park Marriott Hotel — sipping coffee at Marina Kitchen, relishing the soft hum of the morning, and quietly wishing I had more days to spare.
Later, at Hong Kong International Airport, I made my way to Cathay Pacific’s business class lounge, The Wing — a sanctuary of glass, wood, and calm. The interiors were sleek and sophisticated: marble counters, leather chairs, and warm lighting that made even an early departure feel luxurious. The lounge offered a sweeping view of the tarmac, where planes came and went like clockwork, but inside, everything felt still.
I found a quiet corner with freshly brewed coffee and buttery pastries, then made my way to the iconic Noodle Bar for a bowl of noodles — delicate, flavorful, and served with a level of care that mirrored the entire trip. The lounge was more than a waiting area; it was a refined, peaceful pause — a final taste of Hong Kong’s sophistication and attention to detail. The lounge was modern, calm yet bustling with life, efficient and elegant — seemingly a microcosm of the city itself.
I came to Hong Kong expecting a well-loved checklist — a city I thought I knew. But what I found was something more: layers I hadn’t noticed before, surprises around every corner, and an energy that’s always evolving. It’s the kind of place where you can see cute pandas, have some retail therapy, admire a world-class sculpture, and eat Michelin-starred roast goose all in one day — and somehow it all feels natural.
Hong Kong is what happens when the familiar is reimagined, and the fantastic is made accessible. Whether you’re traveling with kids, seeking out culture, hunting for new flavors, or just chasing a good view, the city meets you where you are — and then takes you a little further.
I left with more than just shopping bags and camera rolls. I left with a full heart, a lifted spirit, and a renewed sense of curiosity. And I know I’ll be back — because in Hong Kong, even what you’ve already seen still has the power to surprise you.
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