by HostelBookers

Hong Kong’s Unique Portside Atmosphere

The former British colony of Hong Kong is one of the world’s few truly beautiful manmade metropolises. Densely populated and with a thriving tourist culture, its harbours offer a blend of history, culture and unmissable attractions.


But few areas of the city can compare with the vibrant hustle and bustle of its harbours. Out on the water, scruffy junks and sampans vie with huge container ships and grand liners; inland one of the world’s most remarkable skyline surges skywards.

Victoria Harbour

One of the more famous snapshots of Hong Kong, Victoria Harbour is far and away the most impressive of Hong Kong’s many harbours. Responsible for the unmatched views of the Hong Kong skyline, it can be photographed from any number of positions.

One of the more exiting ways to see the harbour, and a great excuse to get away from the throng of hostels in Hong Kong, is to hop onto the Peak Tram and take a trip up to the formidable circular Peak.

Victoria Harbour is also home to Hong Kong’s oldest temple, the Man Mo Temple, built in the 1840s. A genuine historical treasure, it’s also surrounded by antique shops that make for an excellent place to pick up gifts for family and friends.

Double Haven Harbour

In complete contrast to the cityscape views offered at the Victoria Harbour, Double Haven is an expansive landscape of untouched beauty and wildlife. It’s also home to the Yan Chau Tong Marine Park set up to protect the rare wildlife and marine creatures that populate its unspoilt scenery.

There are few Hong Kong hostels or cheap accommodation nearby, but there are plenty of tours of the area’s extensive mangrove and seagrass beds offering a chance to see some of the harbour’s rare animals.

Aberdeen Harbour

Located on the south shore of Hong Kong Island, this mainly residential area features the impressive Jumbo and Tai Pak Floating Restaurants. Mixing fine dining and a unique experience, a meal at one or the other absolutely should not be missed.

Offering a more upmarket option to the sort of food found in Hong Kong hostels, both restaurants offer a range of traditional Chinese food including a delicious Dim Sum menu that even the most selective traveler would do well to give in to.

Amanda Diaz is a freelance travel writer for HostelBookers. Budget travel’s her specialty, and on a recent backpacking trip she stayed in a Hong Kong hostels writing up her experiences as she went along.