The Star Malaysia - Star2

Fun for all

With its many family-friendly experience­s on offer, Hong Kong is a good option for the next school holidays.

- By CHESTER CHIN star2trave­l@thestar.com.my

JUST a four-hour flight away from Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong makes for a great family getaway for both young and old alike.

Creative arts scene? Check. Lush outdoor trails? You bet! Foodie adventures? Most definitely.

Hong Kong also has everything that a cool family needs. We track down various experience­s for families to uncover in Asia’s World City.

Great outdoors

Who says hiking is only for experts? Dragon’s Back is a relatively easy nature hike that even kids can do. With easy-accessibil­ity from the city, the popular ridge provides stunning views of Shek O, Tai Long Wan, Stanley, Tai Tam and even the South China Sea.

If spending a night outdoors sounds tempting, then go on a camping trip in the outlying islands of Hong Kong. Cheung Chau offers family fun-activities like cycling and some adventurou­s pursuits at the Sai Yuen Farm.

Retail heaven

There’s probably no better place to shop than the Harbour City Mall when you’re in Hong Kong. After all, it’s the city’s largest mall and boasts some fantastic brands. The shopping complex is also fashion central for young ones with over 40 luxury labels like Alexander Wang, Chanel, Burberry, Gucci and Stella McCartney.

After all the shopping, head over to the Ocean Terminal Deck for a 270˚panorama view of Victoria Harbour and breathtaki­ng views of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

Another retail paradise to visit is the PMQ at Old Town Central District. The venue houses more than 100 local designers, craftsmen and entreprene­urs selling creative, quirky and handmade items.

Foodie fun

Restaurant hopping is not just about seeking great food these days. It’s also about feeding the insatiable hunger of our social media friends and followers.

9¾ Cafe is equal parts flavour and fantasy. As the name hints, this cafe is inspired by everything Harry Potter.

Relive that wingardium leviosa moment as you chug down some tasty Butterbeer. The young and young at heart will certainly be spellbound.

Elsewhere, Yum Cha showcases contempora­ry Chinese cuisine in a vibrant East-meets-West atmosphere. Dining at the restaurant is made memorable with a number of “camera eats first” moments that will arouse diners’ visual interest and appetite.

Thrilling tours

Gather the kids and jump on board a unique 1920s-style tram and discover Hong Kong’s rich history with a one-hour sightseein­g journey provided by TramOramic Tour.

With an open-top upper deck and a vintage cabin lower deck, Hong Kong’s past and present are brought to life through authentic tales of local life delivered through personal headsets in your choice of eight languages.

If the family is fine with heights, take a tour on Ngong Ping 360, the longest aerial cable car system in Asia. Stretching 5.7km from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping, it offers a visually spectacula­r 25-minute journey with panoramic views.

Be sure to visit Ngong Ping Village, where the family can enjoy a wide range of dining, shopping and entertainm­ent options and cultural themed attraction­s.

Magical time

Whether it’s for the kids or parents, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort will certainly enchant all with its childhood magic.

Explore seven diverse lands in the magical kingdom theme park

and while you’re at it, interact with all your favourite Disney characters.

For an underwater escapade, visit Ocean Park and see marine animals up close. The venue is also a theme park with over 80 attraction­s and rides.

Over at Madame Tussauds, marvel at more than 100 incredibly lifelike wax figures. Or head to Noah’s Ark that boasts 67 pairs of life-sized animal sculptures.

Don’t forget the Sky100 observatio­n deck that offers dizzying 360˚ views of Victoria Harbour.

AirAsia offers all-in fares to Hong Kong from RM179. Show your AirAsia boarding pass to enjoy attractive attraction­s deals.

Visit www.airasia.com/my/en/promotion/discover-hongkong.page or discoverho­ngkong.com for more informatio­n.

 ??  ?? The sky100 is located on the 100th floor of Hong Kong’s tallest building, offering dizzying 360° views of Victoria Harbour. — Photos: Hong Kong Tourism Board
The sky100 is located on the 100th floor of Hong Kong’s tallest building, offering dizzying 360° views of Victoria Harbour. — Photos: Hong Kong Tourism Board
 ??  ?? Old Town Central District is one of the city’s oldest and most archetypal neighbourh­oods.
Old Town Central District is one of the city’s oldest and most archetypal neighbourh­oods.
 ??  ?? Take in the sights of Hong Kong in a different way and discover rich history aboard a unique 1920s-style tram.
Take in the sights of Hong Kong in a different way and discover rich history aboard a unique 1920s-style tram.
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