20+ Best (MUST TRY) Things to Do When You're Visiting Hong Kong

Okay lah, let’s be real—when we think of a quick getaway that’s got makan, shopping, and excitement all-in-one, Hong Kong is always top of the list. It’s close (only about 4 hours from KL ✈️), no visa needed for Malaysians, and it’s a city that’s buzzing 24/7. Think of it as the love child between Penang’s food culture and Singapore’s efficiency, but with its own unique Cantonese soul 😎

The beauty of Hong Kong? You can go with family, your sayang, your makan gang, or even solo if you're feeling adventurous. Whether it's shopping at street markets, screaming your lungs out at Disneyland, or hiking up to catch insane views of the skyline, there's something for every kind of traveller.

🎯 Must-Visit Attractions in Hong Kong

Let’s start with the essentials—if you’re in Hong Kong for the first time, these are the non-negotiables you confirm must go!

🌄 1. Victoria Peak (The Peak)

Hands down, the place to get that iconic postcard view of Hong Kong’s skyline 🏙️

Take the Peak Tram (super steep ride—feels like roller coaster minus the scream) and enjoy the panoramic views from Sky Terrace 428. If you're there during golden hour, the sunset glow over the harbour is chef’s kiss 😍

📌 Pro tip: Go on a weekday morning to avoid the tourist crowd. And bring a jacket if it’s winter—wind can be shiok but freezing.

🎢 2. Hong Kong Disneyland

Yesss, this is the happiest place in Hong Kong—especially if you’re a Disney kid at heart! 🐭✨

While it’s smaller than the one in Tokyo, the charm is still strong. Must-visit rides include Mystic Manor, Iron Man Experience, and the new World of Frozen (yes, got snow effect ❄️). Perfect for families or couples—confirm you’ll leave humming Disney songs.

📌 Pro tip: Buy your tickets online to skip the queue. Bring snacks or go early and makan nearby before going in (theme park food mahal sikit 😅)

🌉 3. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade & Symphony of Lights

If you want a romantic or chill night out, this is it. Stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, snap selfies at the Avenue of Stars, and stay for the Symphony of Lights show at 8pm—lasers, lights, and music across the skyline 😍

📌 Pro tip: Best viewed from Harbour City rooftop, or hop on the Star Ferry for a boat view experience.

🛕 4. Ngong Ping 360 & Tian Tan Buddha

Time to escape the city a bit. Head over to Lantau Island and take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car—glass-bottom option if you dare! The journey itself gives you breathtaking mountain and sea views.

Once you arrive, hike up to the Tian Tan Buddha, one of the biggest seated Buddhas in Asia. The whole area got peaceful zen vibes—nice contrast from the busy city.

📌 Pro tip: Wear comfy shoes—need to climb stairs. And bring water!

🛍️ 5. Temple Street Night Market

This is where you go to feel the pulse of old-school Hong Kong. Neon lights, street food, aunties shouting discounts, and stalls selling everything from phone cases to jade bracelets.

Bargain like your life depends on it—but always with a smile la 😆

📌 Pro tip: Eat first at nearby local eateries before shopping. Try the claypot rice and oyster omelette here—syok gila.

🗂️ Quick Summary Table – Must-Visit Spots

🕵️‍♀️ Hidden Gems & Local Favourites in Hong Kong

These spots may not be on the usual tour group itinerary—but they’re where the real charm of Hong Kong shines ✨

🐟 1. Tai O Fishing Village

Wanna see a totally different side of Hong Kong? Head to Tai O, a traditional fishing village on Lantau Island where houses are built on stilts above the water. It’s super quaint and feels like time travel.

You can take a boat tour to spot pink dolphins (yes, real ones!) and try local specialties like shrimp paste, dried seafood, and Tai O donuts 🍩

📌 Pro tip: Visit in the morning for cooler weather and less crowd. Bring small notes for street snacks!

🏝️ 2. Sai Kung Islands

If you love beach life and island vibes, Sai Kung is the perfect escape. It's known as the "back garden" of Hong Kong, and it’s full of hidden beaches, seafood villages, and even spots for cliff diving and kayaking 🛶

You can rent a sampan (small boat) and hop around islands like Sharp Island or Yim Tin Tsai, or just chill at the waterfront cafes with a big seafood feast 🦐

📌 Pro tip: Don’t go during typhoon season 😂 Bring sunblock, and wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet.

🧱 3. PMQ – Former Police Married Quarters

Located in SoHo (Central area), PMQ is now a creative hub filled with local artisan shops, designer brands, indie cafés, and weekend art markets 🎨

If you're the type who loves handmade items, artsy vibes, or just want to escape the crowd, this place is perfect for a chill few hours.

📌 Pro tip: Check their website for any special events or pop-ups. Also got some cool IG spots here 📸

🚲 4. Cheung Chau Island

This island feels like Pulau Pangkor’s distant cousin 😂 No cars, just bicycles, seafood, and cute seaside cafés. It’s famous for the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, but even on normal days, it’s a nice retreat.

Walk or cycle around, eat grilled squid by the beach, visit the Pirate Cave, and try the famous mango mochi! 🍡

📌 Pro tip: Take the ferry from Central Pier (about 40 mins). Go on weekdays if possible, weekends can be crowded.

🎨 5. Art Lane, Sai Ying Pun

If you’re into street art, this one is for you. Art Lane is a collection of mural-painted buildings tucked in an alleyway between modern apartments in Sai Ying Pun.

Perfect for IG pics, chill walks, and if you're already in the area for coffee or dessert. Super vibrant, not touristy, and just feels “very Hong Kong”.

📌 Pro tip: Come early morning or golden hour for best photos. It's a short walk from Sai Ying Pun MTR station.

🗂️ Quick Summary Table – Hidden Gems

🍜 What to Eat in Hong Kong (Confirmed Worth the Calories)

We Malaysians don’t play around when it comes to food, and trust me — Hong Kong is a wonderland of flavours. Whether you're hunting for traditional dim sum, slurping on silky milk tea, or chewing on street snacks while shopping, the city is non-stop makan mode.

Let’s break it down:

🥟 1. Dim Sum – The Real Deal

Nothing hits quite like authentic Cantonese dim sum in Hong Kong. We're talking bamboo steamers stacked high with siu mai, har gow, char siew bao... the works 😩

Where to go:

● Tim Ho Wan (Michelin-star but affordable!)

● Yum Cha (for those IG-worthy custard buns with cute faces)

● Lin Heung Tea House – proper old-school vibes, even the auntie pushing the cart looks like she’s been doing it since forever

📌 Pro tip: Go in the morning (before 11AM) to avoid the crowd, especially weekends. And yes, you can makan alone – no judgment, just joy.

🐙 2. Street Food – For Makan While You Jalan

You’re walking around and suddenly your nose picks up something crispy, sweet, spicy? That’s street food calling you.

Must-try:

● Curry fish balls (spicy & bouncy, addictive AF)

● Chee cheong fun with sweet sauce & sesame

● Egg waffles (gai dan zai) – crispy outside, fluffy inside

● Grilled squid – chewy and satisfying

● Stinky tofu – not for everyone... but YOLO right? 🤪

Where to find: Mong Kok, Sham Shui Po, Temple Street Market

📌 Pro tip: Don’t be shy to ask for “less spicy” if you can’t tahan the heat. And always bring tissue – messy food, happy heart.

🍛 3. Halal & Malaysian-Friendly Eats

Worried about halal food? Don’t stress — HK has been improving a lot in this department.

Try:

● Islamic Centre Canteen (Wan Chai) – Halal dim sum!

● Ebeneezer’s Kebabs & Pizzeria – multiple outlets, great for supper

● Wai Kee (Bowrington Market) – famous for roast duck rice (halal!)

Also, if you really miss Malaysian food, there’s Mak’s Place (Malaysian Halal Restaurant) at Tsim Sha Tsui — they even have nasi lemak 🥹

📌 Pro tip: Download the HalalZ app or check Google reviews for halal certifications — some are Muslim-friendly but not fully certified.

🍹 4. Hong Kong-Style Cafés (Cha Chaan Teng)

You must sit in one of these iconic diners at least once. Fast service, no-nonsense uncles, and a menu that has everything from milk tea to baked pork chop rice.

Must-order:

● HK milk tea (cold or hot)

● Yin Yong (tea + coffee)

● Bo lo bao (pineapple bun)

● French toast with peanut butter – can fight with our own kopitiam versions!

Where to try:

● Australia Dairy Company – legendary breakfast

● Tsui Wah Restaurant – classic chain café

● Kam Wah Café – famous for their bo lo bao

📌 Pro tip: Be ready to share tables (they call it “daap toi”), and decide your order fast. Don’t blur blur, the auntie might skip you 😂

🧊 5. Dessert Breaks – Sweet Tooth Heaven

Malaysians and dessert = best friends forever. Hong Kong doesn’t disappoint:

● Mango pomelo sago (楊枝甘露) – creamy, fruity, refreshing

● Tau fu fah – soft and silky soy pudding

● Ginger milk curd – like tong sui, but with a warm kick

● Herbal jelly (guai lin gou) – healthy(ish), bitter but cooling

Try dessert chains like Honeymoon Dessert, or random stalls in Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui. The hidden ones usually the best!

🗂️ Quick Summary Table – Makan Spots

🛍️ Shopping & Bargain Hunting in Hong Kong

We Malaysians love a good deal, and Hong Kong gives you both ends of the shopping spectrum — from atas designer boutiques to street stalls that let you haggle like pasar malam pros.

🛒 1. Ladies’ Market (Tung Choi Street)

This one is a must-go for budget shopping. You’ll find clothes, souvenirs, bags, accessories, and all the “I ♥ HK” T-shirts your heart desires.

Got that same energy as our Petaling Street — aunties and uncles will quote high, so you need to bargain like a boss. Don't be shy!

📌 Pro tip: If they quote HKD100, start at 40 and meet halfway. Just smile lah, no need to fight. Cash only for most stalls.

👟 2. Sneaker Street (Fa Yuen Street)

Calling all sneakerheads 👟🔥 This is THE place to find limited-edition shoes, sportswear, and cool street fashion.

Even if you’re not a hypebeast, the selection is huge and sometimes you can find older models or Japan exclusives on discount.

📌 Pro tip: Prices vary between shops, so compare before you buy. Try to go during off-peak hours so you can browse in peace.

🛍️ 3. Citygate Outlets

Branded goods at outlet prices? Say less. Citygate Outlets, near the airport in Tung Chung, is the place to go for Nike, Adidas, Coach, Kate Spade, Levi’s and more — all at discounted prices.

Perfect if you’re flying out and want to make one last damage to your bank account before going home 😆

📌 Pro tip: Bring your passport — sometimes they offer extra tourist discounts. And wear comfy shoes; the mall is huge!

💎 4. Harbour City

Now we go atas sikit. Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui is one of the largest malls in HK, housing high-end brands like Gucci, LV, Prada, AND mainstream brands like Uniqlo, Zara, H&M.

Even if you’re just window shopping, the experience is worth it. Plus, the food court here also very decent if you need to recharge.

📌 Pro tip: It’s right by the waterfront, so after shopping, go for a nice view of Victoria Harbour — best during sunset.

🛒 5. Sham Shui Po – Gadget & Fabric Heaven

This one’s for the DIY crafters and tech geeks. You’ll find everything from phone accessories to fabric, buttons, zippers, electronics parts, and random gadgets you didn’t even know existed.

A bit chaotic, but super cheap if you know what you’re looking for. Great for unique souvenirs or side hustle supplies 💡

📌 Pro tip: Go early morning when the shops are freshly opened and aunties are in a good mood — better prices, better service!

🗂️ Quick Summary Table – Where to Shop

🌳 Nature & Parks for Chill Days

If you need a break from the city buzz or just want to breathe in some fresh air, these places are perfect for slow, peaceful days — great for couples, solo adventurers, or even families with kids.

🥾 1. Dragon’s Back Hike

Arguably the most famous hike in HK — and for good reason. It’s beginner-friendly, got sick ocean views, and you can end the trail with a chill beach session at Big Wave Bay 🏖️

You don’t have to be fit-fit to enjoy this, just wear proper shoes and bring water.

📌 Pro tip: Start early morning for cooler temps. Total hike takes about 2–3 hours, and the views = 100% Instagrammable.

🌼 2. Nan Lian Garden

This one’s for the inner Zen master in you. Tucked in the middle of Kowloon, Nan Lian Garden is a beautifully manicured classical Chinese garden. Very peaceful, very aesthetic.

There’s a traditional tea house, koi ponds, and the iconic red bridge and golden pavilion that looks straight out of a painting 🧘

📌 Pro tip: It’s connected to Chi Lin Nunnery, another beautiful spot. Come on a weekday morning to avoid the tour groups.

🏯 3. Kowloon Walled City Park

History buffs, you’ll love this one. It used to be a lawless mini-city (you can Google the wild history later), but now it’s a peaceful park with preserved remnants, quiet gardens, and traditional architecture.

Great place to slow down and imagine what old-school HK used to be like.

📌 Pro tip: Very near MTR stations, easy to access. Bring a book, sit on a bench, and vibe.

🏖️ 4. Repulse Bay

For those who want beach but no time to go far. Repulse Bay is clean, chill, and less crowded than you’d expect. The sand is soft, and there are nearby cafés and shops. Plus, got cool Chinese temples by the sea, so it's a unique mix of beach + culture.

📌 Pro tip: Go during weekdays. If you're staying on HK Island, it's just a short bus ride away.

👶 Family-Friendly Activities

If you’re bringing the little ones (or are just a big kid at heart 🤪), these spots will keep everyone happy!

🐼 1. Ocean Park

The OG theme park before Disneyland came to town! Ocean Park combines rollercoasters, aquariums, animal exhibits, and scenic cable cars into one mega attraction.

Perfect for families — got adrenaline for teens, cute animals for young kids, and shade for tired parents 😂

📌 Pro tip: Split the day between the Waterfront and Summit zones. The cable car ride between both is also a highlight!

🔬 2. Hong Kong Science Museum

Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, this place is legit fun — with hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and even a giant energy machine that kids love.

Perfect for rainy days or if you want your trip to be “educational” but still fun 😜

📌 Pro tip: Admission is free on Wednesdays! Don’t skip the mirror maze and motion simulators.

🤳 3. Trick Eye Museum @ The Peak Galleria

If your kids (or you) are addicted to TikTok and IG, this museum is full of optical illusion backdrops and 3D murals for photo ops galore 📸

It’s a great indoor option after enjoying the outdoor views at The Peak.

📌 Pro tip: Use burst mode on your phone to catch the best moments — some illusions work best with movement.

🗂️ Quick Summary Table – Nature & Family Spots

🧠 Practical Travel Tips for Malaysians in Hong Kong

These are all based on real experiences, mistakes made (I learned the hard way ok 😅), and what I wish someone told me before my first trip!

🪪 1. Visa & Immigration

✅ Good news: Malaysians don’t need a visa to enter Hong Kong for stays up to 90 days. Just bring your passport with at least 6 months validity.

📌 Pro tip: Fill up the Online Pre-arrival Registration (PAR) to make immigration smoother. Print out your flight and hotel confirmation — sometimes they ask.

💳 2. Get an Octopus Card (Trust me, just do it)

The Octopus Card is your best friend in Hong Kong — works for MTR, buses, ferries, 7-Eleven, McD, vending machines, even some cafés.

Buy it at the airport, MTR stations, or order online. Top up anytime.

📌 Pro tip: You can refund the card when leaving — so don't top up too much on the last day.

🚇 3. Master the MTR

Hong Kong’s MTR system is clean, fast, and easy AF to use. Signage in English, announcements are clear, and even aunties can use it confidently.

Avoid taxis unless necessary — they’re efficient but pricey.

📌 Pro tip: Download the “MTR Mobile” app or use Google Maps. Tap on "Route" to see the best line to take.

🏨 4. Where to Stay (Based on your vibe)

📌 Pro tip: Look for hotels with airport shuttle or near MTR. Small rooms are normal — it’s Hong Kong 😅

💰 5. Budget Tips for Malaysians

Hong Kong isn’t cheap, but if you plan well, you won’t burn your wallet.

● Street food = cheaper than restaurants, and super good

● Shop at outlets, not flagship stores

● Free attractions: Garden walks, skyline views, beaches

● Tap water is safe to drink, bring a refillable bottle!

📌 RM to HKD rate: Usually around RM1 = HKD1.6, but check daily rates

📶 6. Internet & SIM Cards

You’ll need data to navigate and check halal makan spots. Just buy a prepaid SIM at the airport or use a pocket WiFi if travelling in a group.

📌 Pro tip: Get a SIM with unlimited data for peace of mind. Some local telcos: CSL, China Mobile, SmarTone.

🗣️ 7. Language & Culture

● Main language: Cantonese, but English is widely understood in tourist areas.

● People may seem a bit cold at first, but they’re usually helpful if you ask nicely.

● Queue up properly (HK folks are super punctual and organized).

● Don’t talk too loud in public transport — very paiseh 😬

Hong Kong — Close Enough to Feel Familiar, Different Enough to Feel Magical

So there you go — whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, Hong Kong always has something new to offer.

From riding cable cars to finding hidden murals in the city, stuffing your face with dim sum to shopping till your legs give way — it’s a place that feels a bit like home, yet constantly surprises you. 😍

And best part? With a little planning (and this guide!), you can experience it like a pro, save money, makan well, and go home with full luggage and full memories.