Where am I – on the way home to Australia, in the bustling mega metropolis of Hong Kong.
Where we stayed – The Murray on Hong Kong Island. Part of the contemporary Niccolo collection of hotels, and a member (the only in HKG) of the prestigious ‘Leading Hotels of the World.’
Highlight(s) – the food! It’s a city quite rightly acclaimed for it’s vibrant food scene; from Michelin starred institutions to humble street food and night markets. I’d highly recommend seeking out a cha chaan teng (all day local diner) for an inexpensive and unique bite to eat. We popped by Yat Lok Restaurant at lunch to sample it’s Michelin 1* roast goose (but tbh preferred the char siu pork.) Loved the selection on offer at One Dim Sum, which you’ll just next to the Central-Mid-Level escalators. Can’t miss a sourdough egg tart at Bakehouse either which is conveniently nearby.
Over on Kowloon we strolled through the bustling Temple Street Market, tucked in to some unforgettable Cantonese wonton soup noodles at Mak Man Kee, a 60-year-old establishment. And indulged in a little moreish steamed milk pudding at the Australia Dairy Co which is virtually next door.
One of our favourite evenings ended with a few cocktails at the rather hard to find Twenty Fifth Hour bar, located on level 13 of a nondescript office building - when you exit the lift, you’ll have to figure out how to get in (or ask me!) It’s well worth the effort, cocktails and service were top notch and the atmosphere was divine.
Must do - You can’t visit and not check out, at least once, the nightly 8pm light show - viewed from the Kowloon side of the harbour (perhaps best vantage point would be the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.) I’d also recommend setting aside an hour or two for the Hong Kong Museum of Art, which has some fantastic (and free) permanent exhibitions on Chinese antiquities and calligraphy as well as some more modern galleries. As mentioned below, the Peak Tram is another “must do.” If the weather is fine, a day trip by bus out to Stanley is a nice thing to do as well - the drive is particularly scenic (the market there is nothing overly special, but the town itself is charming.) And of course for anyone with children (or the young at heart) a visit to Hong Kong Disneyland may be on your agenda!
The Murray – proved such a nice respite from the hustle and bustle (and humidity.) Our room was bright and airy, with a leafy green outlook and one of the best rainfall showers - with a view!
The pool is great for laps, though indoor (and chilled to an exercise tempting temperature) so not an overly conducive space to while away an entire afternoon. The staff there were especially attentive though and it was a very welcome spot to freshen up before the journey home - with all the lovely ‘Grown Alchemist’ branded products they utilize throughout.
Each evening they host a happy hour from 3 until 6pm on the Popinjays rooftop. Aperitivo hour (Mon-Fri) at Murray Lane on the street side is a vibrant spot for locals to catch up from the neighbouring business district. With lunch and refined dinner offered at both Mian (regional Chinese) and Tai Pan (a classic grill, with a contemporary Asian twist.)
The hotel is right next to the Peak Tram stop - and if you haven’t been up there before, it’s an experience not to be missed. The historic funicular has been transporting passengers to the scenic mountaintop since 1888 and gives the best vantage of the harbour and sprawling city. It’s also a conveniently short walk from the high end shops and big business of Queens Road and the hub of Central Station - to give you access via metro to everywhere within 20mins or so.
