Hong Kong Favourites (25-21)

Over the past two years I’ve worked on different versions of this subjective, unscientific and somewhat random list. Now, for a host of reasons, it makes sense to me to put this out there for others to read, ridicule and comment upon. So, let’s start with five places I love to visit,

25. Tsim Sha Tsui. It’s a (false) cliche that ex-pats never venture off Hong Kong Island and rarely, if ever visit the Kowloon side of Hong Kong. Personally, I love Tsim Sha Tsui and would always prefer shopping there than Causeway Bay (too busy), or Central (too pretentious). TST has developed a lot in my time here, in terms of the mix of retailers and also the walking/pedestrian experience. As more of Harbour City’s eateries and stores have opened up their water-views (my favourite mall), the number of cafes increases and the presence of both high end and affordable fashion are balanced off, TST has continued to improve.

24. Lamma Island. I’m not thinking of any one spot, but the whole vibe of the place. “Going to Lamma” implies getting away from the concrete jungle and having some random, unfocussed outdoor time. It’s an opportunity for a low pressure amble along the paved path that rides the spine of this charming and peaceful island.

23. The CD bar in Lane Crawford, ifc Mall. I don’t visit this place much now, but it was a regular stop in my first years here. Located in an upmarket fashion department store, this CD bar is an attempt at a curated, music outlet. For a while they had it right, with a blend of club, world, electronica, jazz R&B and even folk music. They’ve lost the plot now, but this outlet was partly the inspiration behind SoundWallah. I would love to work on a curated music store someday and this bar might be the template.

22. Chung Hom Kok. Hong Kong has some nice beaches and my favourite is Chung Hom Kok. Located on the South side of Hong Kong Island, this beach is small, protected, free from overdevelopment and often surprisingly quiet. Summer or winter I love going here.

21. Sim City, Mong Kok. This tight little shopping mall is one of the best places in Hong Kong to buy camera and photographic accessories. Many of the better retailers have branches here and there are also lots of small and independent stores. There is nowhere better in Hong Kong to buy camera bags, tripods, or tripod heads. Lots of fun – but note that most of the stores open late, some only after lunch.

I’ll continue the list next week, with a focus on some things I like about living here.