21 Date Ideas in Hong Kong to Avoid Becoming “The Boring Couple”

I’ve been there before. You mindlessly scroll Reddit on your phone next to one another in bed, being intimate hasn’t been on the table since your mother-in-law moved in “just for a few weeks,” you look over at your partner and see them doing the same. Something snaps and you look at them, “Babe, have we become ‘the boring couple?” 

“We’re not boring, everyone’s like this.” “Do you remember when we went whitewater rafting in West Virginia? Or snorkeling in The Maldives?” You smirk, “Or the time we did…on top of…while there were people nearby…”. You raise your eyebrows and give them a playful nudge. “This weekend, what say you and I get out and try something different?” Your partner’s eyes widen as they abruptly sit up in bed and begin to visibly shake with excitement. 

“How about we ask ‘so and so’ and get a few drinks before?” “I said ‘try something different’ not ‘try someone different’.” “Oh. Alright. Then l know just the list of date ideas to choose from.”

Without further ado, here are 21 certified, tested, fun date ideas in Hong Kong for couples that want to avoid being referred to as “The Boring Couple” and reclaim a bit of spontaneity (without destroying your marriage) – or who just want to get away from their in-laws.

Ride the Iconic Star Ferry

Get ready for this view “up close and personal” while riding the Star Ferry at night.

Riding the Star Ferry in Hong Kong emphatically takes the first spot on the list. It’s possibly the most iconic piece of Hong Kong history and culture that exists to this day. And, it’s right in front of you. The sub-10-minute ride that it takes for the Star Ferry to cross Victoria Harbor isn’t the “full date,” but it’s an integral piece. If you’re coming from the Kowloon, make sure to snag a Mister Softee ice cream cone before you make the perilous journey over. If you’re making your way over from the Island, consider grabbing a drink at Ferry Pier 3 or Pier 4 to kick the night off.

Consider paying the HK$5 fare (HK$6.5 on weekends) on your way over to dinner on Kowloon or Hong Kong Island (depending on where you live and/or are staying) as a recap to savor the final moments of the night or simply ride it back and forth all day and night like an absolute mad lad. For that “chef’s kiss,” time your trip across the harbor just as the clock strikes 8 to catch the choreographed ‘Symphony of Lights’ multimedia show across 40 buildings and skyscrapers that make up the most impressive skyline in the world.

As a single man, I ride the Star Ferry at least two or three times a week. It’s the perfect way to destress after a long day of getting beat down by client work, to look up at something bigger than yourself, and to exist in a moment of stillness as you slowly glide across the harbor. Sharing that with a partner makes that all the better. 

Pale Ale Travel Note: If you haven’t, make sure to watch ‘The World of Suzie Wong’ and pay attention to the opening scene (and the rest of the movie), where the protagonist, riding the Star Ferry from TST to the Island first meets his future requited love and bridge. Most people don’t realize that before Hong Kong Island became the concrete jungle you see today, the Star Ferry used to take an hour to traverse the harbor – and that was considered quick.

Catch Late-Night Live Music Acts 

While Hong Kong is lacking in general music venue depth, there are several haunts that hold the fort down in the best way possible (like Aragorn defending Helm’s Deep). These are non-pretentious, affordable, live music joints where you can either start or end your night and typically don’t sport a cover fee (a nice change-up from some clubs in Hong Kong). 

The Wanch

First, The Wanch is an institution that has been around since 1987. It’s Hong Kong’s longest-running live music venue, where you can find everything from up-and-coming local rock bands to cover groups, jazz musicians, and other solo acts. And, the drinks don’t stop flowing. This is one of my all-time favorite bars in Hong Kong where I have more memories than I can count (mainly because I’m losing my memory), shoulder to shoulder with my best friends, belting out Oasis and Incubus lyrics late into the night. 

I still think back to the days when I’d see my favorite Hong Kong-based band ‘The Bollands’, who have since left for greener pastures and moved out of the city, prompt everyone to raise a glass in the air while they belted original folk tunes that instantly became a classic the second the lyrics left their mouths. 

The Aftermath

The Aftermath hosts everything from live comedy shows (as discussed below) and film meetups, to soothing, sexy jazz nights, classic rock and roll cover bands, and energetic, pick it up, pick it up, pick it up, ska bands. There are even old-school board games to accompany your craft beers as well. And you’re right in the heart of Lan Kwai Fong/SoHo. 

FoxGlove

If you gave a Japanese guy a three-piece suit, piano and double bass, and Jazz fedora, and told him to transport you back into the 1940s by playing a mix of full body-shaking dance tunes and baby-making music, you’d have FoxGlove. This live jazz music venue boasting a smart-casual dress code, classic cocktails with a quirky twist, and comforting dim sum, has become one of my favorite live music venues since I moved back to Hong Kong. 

FoxGlove is the perfect date spot for those who want to “sip good and look scotch” while unwinding to swingy and blue jazz (and even Latino and other ‘world music’ favorites). 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: If you’re looking for winter-inspired dates, make sure to check out my article breaking down the best Christmas date ideas in Hong Kong. 

Take a Walk Along Ferry Pier & Grab a Drink at Ferry Pier 3’s Rooftop Bar

A regular meeting spot for the dawgz and I. And they serve Erdinger beerus.

I’ve had many “a bro date” strolling along Ferry Pier, beer in hand, looking out over Victoria Harbour and discussing my inadequacies as a professional, friend, and lover. For couples looking for a completely free date idea in Hong Kong, this is one of the top contenders. 

For those who want to go heavier on the exercise and bring their trainers, consider continuing your stroll along the water all the way down to Kennedy Town or out to Tin Hau. 

If you want to sit down and take in the most breathtaking, dystopian skyline in the world, watch the Star Ferry criss-cross the harbor, and get to know your date or partner a bit better (or discuss everything you’ve done wrong in the relationship), Ferry Pier 3 (Discovery Bay Pier) boasts a fantastic rooftop bar and restaurant (emphasis on the bar being fantastic rather than the food) to post up with a drink. 

View of TST from the top of Ferry Pier 3. Beers are mandatory.

You can also bring your own drinks and settle down outside of Ferry Pier 3 on the steps or snag a draft beer, cocktail, or spirit from ‘Beer Point’ – the small beer and snack stand that replaced ‘The Beer Bay’ (which actually moved to Pier 4).  

When I was in my early twenties, this was my go-to pregame spot before a righteous night out with friends, where we would sit and pass around a bottle of vodka while loading up on 7-11 ham and cheese sandwiches for drinking sustenance. As I got older, strolls along Ferry Pier became a way to decompress, reflect, and transition from work mode to serenity.

Pale Ale Travel Note: During the pandemic, I was accosted by a group of undercover police officers one day while sitting down along Ferry Pier, listening to a podcast, and sipping water. Having taken my mask down for approximately 1.5 seconds to take a sip from my Nestle bottle triggered a whole task force investigation. One smarmy officer hit me with, “Do you even have a job?” since it was a Tuesday. The problem with Hong Kong police is that they are both corrupt and idiots – there are no redeeming qualities. 

Check Out a Laugh-Out-Loud Comedy Show

Hong Kong’s comedy scene is sneaky good. I first had the pleasure of getting a glimpse into the funny bone of the city back in 2012 when there were regular open mics at the now-deceased Hong Kong Brewhouse (loved their unlimited peanuts). Since then, Hong Kong’s comedy scene has grown exponentially, branching out to more than a handful of venues, running semi-regular comedy workshops, and hosting internationally recognized comedians. 

This is the perfect date idea for couples who want to toss a few drinks back, laugh until their stomach hurts, and cozy up in a somewhat intimate environment. 

Popular venues include: 

• TakeOut Comedy Club
• The Aftermath
• Basehall 2
• Bar 109
• Terrible Baby (fantastic cocktails)
• Backstage Comedy
• Comedy HK (Wan Chai)

I’d be remiss not to mention two of my favorite comedians in Hong Kong. The first is the popular, born and bred Cantonese and English-speaking comedian (and legend) Vivek Mahbubani who recounts tales of catching people off-guard with his Canto abilities and injects other observational humor into his sets. The second is Garron Chiu, a former finalist in the Hong Kong International Comedy Competition, who always induces full belly laughter from me when speaking about relationships, his mother, and the lunacy of present-day Hong Kong. 

For a complete list of upcoming comedy shows (including open mics) in Hong Kong, make sure to head over to Comedy HK’s website.

Head to a Cozy & Intimate Cocktail Bar

The Rednaxela on the left and Papaya Van Winkle on the right – Kinsman.

I’ve been on a huge cocktail bar kick lately with one of my top roll dawgs. Hey, this post also covers ‘bro dates’ as well. Big Body is no Casanova or Lothario. Not every single place or activity on this list was accomplished with the help of a romantic partner. In fact, most were done together with a platonic friend or two, who I’d look at during the activity and say, “This would make a great date idea.” 

Hong Kong is flush with world-class (and renowned) cocktail bars and lounges. The trick is finding ones that you don’t have to stand outside on the steps waiting to be let in for (I’m looking at you COA and Penicillin). 

Picture this, unassuming and secluded back alley speakeasies and lounges strategically designed with dimly lit booths, velvety barstools, and corners, paired with buzzing backdrops of Lo-fi, hip-hop, and jazz, and modern-day alchemists injecting creative takes into classics, incorporating local ingredients (and cultural homages), and spinning bespoke cocktails.

A glorious raspberry highball from The Diplomat – one of my top cocktails in all of Hong Kong.

Currently, four of my favorite intimate and cozy cocktail bars that I think are perfect for your next date night include:

• 001 – hidden in Tai Kwun (I mean really hidden), 001 is Hong Kong’s original speakeasy, serving up cocktails so creative that the aspiring scriptwriter (and part-time barista) you occasionally run into at your local Starbucks would be impressed. You’ll also find a wide array of finger foods like melty grilled cheese sandwiches, Korean chicken bites, and charcuterie boards (tried and tested by yours truly). My personal favorite is the ‘Yuzutini’, a potent elderflower gin and vodka martini with the namesake yuzu liqueur.
• Green Door – a new cocktail bar taking over where 001 left off (it’s in 001’s old location on Graham Street) that feels like you’re stepping into a space capsule with imaginative takes on classic cocktails and tunes so hip your grandpa needs to replace it. I’m a tequila guy (or I tell myself I am before I throw up all over Quality Goods Club’s bathroom at 3 AM) and was thoroughly impressed by the ‘Julia’ – a clear tequila with passionfruit, applejack, and an Italian herbal liqueur. 
• Kinsman – my buddy and I stumbled on Kinsman randomly after a big night at Lung Fu Pao (just up the road), wondering what happened to ‘Candour’. We found the answer – a much more palatable answer. Kinsman represents Hong Kong (and Cantonese culture) through and through with its cocktail homages to Kowloon Dairy, Maotai, and herbal remedies. Pair it with tea-smoked quail eggs, crispy egg noodles, baked ox tongue rice, or other original takes on Cantonese classics and that’s a damn good date night.
• The Diplomat – Getting a nod on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list and serving up ‘reimagined cocktails’ (a mean Irish coffee and Old Fashioned), The Diplomat is a speakeasy located a stone’s throw away from Hollywood Road that is more than a formidable candidate for your next date night. Oh, and some say they serve up the best burger in all of Hong Kong. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: If you’re traveling to Hong Kong and looking for an affordable hotel that is conveniently located (somewhere I spent over one month while apartment hunting), then make sure to check out my post on the Bishop Lei International House in Mid-Levels.

Ride Bikes on an Outlying Island

One of the best days of the year out on Lamma Island with the dawgz.

One of the best dates I’ve ever been on in Hong Kong was when the girl I was seeing at the time took me out to Cheng Chau to rent and ride bikes across the island for the day. This has truly stood the test of time when it comes to being one of the top date ideas in Hong Kong. 

It’s no surprise that many of us fall into a routine that seems near impossible to shake, especially when in a relationship), a routine that typically sees us spending the bulk of our time in the same one or two areas. There’s always one glaring omission when it comes to places in Hong Kong where people should be spending more time – the outlying islands (or at least the major ones).

View out on Cheung Chau.

The outlying islands that I know (for sure) have bicycle rentals are Cheung Chau, Lamma Island, Peng Chau, and Lantau (Mui Wo) – each of these islands can be accessed by a brisk 20 to 40-minute ferry ride from Ferry Pier in Central. Most bicycle rental shops are right along the pier, so simply hop off the ferry and have a quick look around. 

Hong Kong’s outlying islands are the perfect contrast to the city’s hectic, neurotic, crowded pockets that most of us exist in. They are very much a “go with the flow” (some Bohemian) type of vibe where you’re only worry should be the type of seafood to order at one of the local restaurants along the pier after you wrap up for the day. 

Cheung Chau is my personal favorite, which can be accessed via Central Pier No. 5, and boasts several serene beaches (Tung Wan Beach and Tung Wan Tsai Beach), peculiar rock formations (the ‘Reclining Rock’), and a pier packed to the gills with local seafood haunts. So, channel your inner Lance Armstrong (sans an intense doping regimen), throw on some trainers and shades, and tell your partner (or prospective partner) that the Tour De France came early this year. 

Get Active With an Easy or Strenuous Hike

A view of the Terrible Twins taken from Violet Hill.

If that guy in 127 Hours had taken a date on a hike that fateful day, he’d still have his arm. Just saying. The point is, that hiking is the ultimate date activity in Hong Kong for couples looking to get their sweat on together. And it’s completely free. 

As they say, “A couple that sweats together, stays together.” Except for that guy who pushed his wife off a cliff in Colorado. Apologies, I’m not sure how this seemingly normal date activity turned into a ‘morbid history Twitter account’. 

While you can hike year-round in Hong Kong, consider reserving the tougher hikes for the winter, as traversing an uncovered mountain peak in humid, 38-degree weather is a recipe for disaster. I’ve recounted numerous times on this blog my failed first date on Dragon’s Back, where I thought it would be a great idea in the middle of a sweltering and humid Hong Kong summer to hike with the woman I had a crush on. Needless to say, things didn’t work out and she’s happily married now. 

To find a date that jives with your desired skill or mood, I always recommend first checking out (a) AllTrails and  (b) Drone & DSLR – both of which provide trail difficulty ratings, directions, photographs, and reviews. However, for date-approved hikes, personally tested by this Big Body, here are a few of my favorites with my completely arbitrary difficulty levels:

• The Peak & High West (easy)
• Lion Rock (medium)
• Buffalo Hill (medium to hard)
• Dragon’s Back (easy but long)
• Lamma Island (extremely easy)
• Violet Hill & The Twins (Violet Hill is easy, Violet Hill + The Twins is hard)
• Ap Lei Pai (easy to medium – depending on the time of the year)

For short descriptions on each, check the links above or check out my post breaking down top Christmas date ideas in Hong Kong for a little about why I recommend each!

Spend a Night at the Horse Races in Happy Valley

I do see the irony of recommending you and your partner spend a night gambling your hard-earned money at the horse track when that is very much something that has destroyed a lot of relationships. However, sometimes going down with the financial stability ship together can actually be a bonding moment for couples and strengthen your relationship. You’re welcome.

All jokes aside, the Wednesday night horse races out at Happy Valley Racecourse are an institution and affordable date idea (only HK$10 to enter) in Hong Kong for couples looking for a lively atmosphere. Not just for gambling and washing large sums of HKD on horses with hilarious names like ‘Armour War Eagle’ and ‘Robot Master’ (these are all real names) but drinking and dancing the night away to live music in the racecourse’s signature beer garden. 

You don’t even have to bet if you go. However, you can place bets as low as HK$20, which does add a little extra excitement to each race.  

The only downside is that the races in Happy Valley don’t run year-round, so you’ll only be able to bet a ‘Quinella’ or ‘Trifecta’ with your beau from September to July. However, that leaves you several months to try and recoup your losses through something more responsible like the cornhole championships and cricket fighting. 

You can also spend a more low-key and chilled-out Sunday out at Hong Kong’s other racecourse in Shatin but that is definitely more for the seasoned gamblers and less of a “party atmosphere.”

Hit Up a Rooftop Shisha Lounge (or Cafe)

A fall shisha at Mono Lab with my buddy while he takes a nap.

There are not many better places to post up during the cooler winter months than at a rooftop cafe or shisha lounge in Hong Kong (the summer months may be a little bit precarious). I know, I know, shisha isn’t the healthiest of all date ideas in Hong Kong but I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t a go-to for me. Coffee can also be a vice, especially if you’re like me and find yourself slugging upwards of three or four espressos a day.  

However, a healthy percentage of shisha lounges in Hong Kong double as a cafe or cocktail bar, so you really can’t go wrong once you’re there. Two of my favorite rooftop shisha bars that also double as cafes and/or restaurants in Hong Kong include:

1. Mono Lab and 
2. Moonkok FOCO. 

Both are creative and laid-back spots that you can spend with your significant other for hours on end just chatting away. I’m particularly fond of sandalwood as a shisha flavor and would also recommend a “yogurt” mix for anyone with a bit of an adventurous side.

Pale Ale Travel Note: For a list of cafes I particularly like in the city, make sure to check out my post on the top laptop-friendly cafes in Hong Kong. 

Channel Your Inner Bowler or Golfer

While you might have gotten rejected by SoHo House like me or are also too poor to afford the American Club or Carlyle & Co…also like me, a “club membership” that is very much within everyone’s budget is the South China Athletic Association (SCAA) in Causeway Bay/Happy Valley. 

‘Ordinary Member’ prices begin at HK$200 per year and yield access to a number of sports facilities and recreational activities – such as bowling and golf (well…a driving range). There are still hourly (or half-hourly) costs per activity but these are typically no more than HK$60 to HK$80 per hour. For example, a single game of bowling runs just HK$30 between non-peak hours (10 AM to 6 PM) and HK$40 for the night.

‘Life Memberships’ clocks in at just HK$3,000 which is more than worth the price if you are planning on staying here for more than a year. Having this in the back pocket ensures that you’re never without something to do.

Bowling is an absolutely underrated date activity. It’s relaxed, it’s goofy, there’s no pressure whatsoever, and it’s always set to generate more than a few laughs – especially when I go with a buddy of mine who bowls like he’s a cartoon villain sneaking up on the main character. On top of a bowling alley and driving range, you’ll also have access to:

• Billiards hall, 
• Boxing room, 
• E-sports training center, 
• Fencing room, 
• Tennis center, 
• Yoga room,
• Gym and fitness center, and a handful of other recreational facilities. 

Oh, and it’s an absolutely slept-on spot to get your roast goose and fatty char siu (BBQ pork) fix at the famous Kam’s Roast Goose (you might know it from the Wan Chai location) as it’s located right in the bowling alley.

The SCAA really is one of the best value memberships that exists in the city. 

If you’re looking to get off the Island and head out to Sai Kung, consider checking out the tropical and tiki-themed bowling alley ‘Tikitiki Bowling Bar’ or heading over to ‘Thunderbowl’ in Hung Hom.

Ya’ Win Sum, Ya’ Dim Sum

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I couldn’t find where I had these pictures stored so just am sharing my Instagram which has pictures from Duen Kee.

A perfect date weekend in Hong Kong wouldn’t be complete without a “touch of the heart” (the literal translation of ‘dim sum’) and tossing back as many grilled radish cakes, char siu baos, and siu mai as humanly possible. For those unfamiliar with dim sum, also referred to as ‘yum cha’, it’s a popular, traditional Cantonese meal consisting of ready-to-serve small plates and bites that are served with tea. 

I personally don’t think referring to it as a “meal” does it justice. This is an institution, a mindset, a familial and social bonding experience – all rolled into one delicious, translucent, ball of har gow (a traditional Cantonese dumpling). In my humble opinion, dim sum is what Spanish tapas dreams of being (and never will even come close to being). 

Everyone and their grandmother (literally) are ‘yum cha’ing’ on the weekends, so make sure that you have a backup spot in mind in case the wait is a little too long (especially if you are eyeing Tim Ho Wan).

From traditional push-cart dim sum relics to self-serve joints up in the mountains, to fast-food-style get-in-get-out yum cha spots, and everything in between, there is no shortage of spots to win sum and dim sum every Saturday and Sunday. But here are several of my favorites:

• Dim Dim Sum – this is my personal favorite dim sum spot in Hong Kong. It is packed with generous servings of dim sum classics like xiao long bao, fried dumplings, grilled radish cakes, and chicken feet. 
• Tim Ho Wan – known as one of the “cheapest Michelin-star restaurants” in the world, Tim Ho Wan is a dim sum institution known for its signature BBQ pork buns.
• Chau Kee – another favorite of mine that serves up a salted egg yolk French toast that puts me in my happy place.
• Duen Kee Chinese Restaurant & Tea House (pictured above) – nestled at the base of ‘Tai Mo Shan’, Duen Kee is a self-serve dim sum restaurant that is unlike any other I’ve been to in Hong Kong. You’ll find rooftop dining and gladiatorial battles with other patrons over freshly made dim sum dishes. Consider hiking Tai Mo Shan (the highest peak in Hong Kong) after, if you aren’t too full – however, be warned that it’s an all-day type of affair and left me absolutely shattered for days to come.

Let me know your favorite dim sum spot in the comments!

Pale Ale Travel Note: If you want to get hands-on with dim sum, there’s no shortage of dim sum-making classes spread across the city. One of my favorites that was extremely memorable for one of my best friends’ birthday was at ‘Yum Cha’. However, their Central/Sheung Wan location is currently closed so I would recommend checking out to see their dim sum-making class offerings over in TST. 

Be Classy & Cultured at M+

Expect panoramic views from M+ – it’s the perfect spot to stroll with a coffee and discuss high-brow society things.

Every now and then I get an urge to ingratiate myself with those in higher society or engage in activities that I envision Hong Kong’s elite are doing “on the reg.” It may stem from being raised as “white trash” and now wanting to become a cultured man of the world instead of the knuckle-dragging Neanderthal that I have so long taken the shape of. 

The West Kowloon Cultural District’s 2021 addition ‘M+ Museum’ is the perfect spot to break out of that “you might be a redneck” shell and get a taste of Hong Kong’s finest contemporary visual art, architecture, and design. And, it sports a hefty fine view of Hong Kong Island and Victoria Harbour from a waterfront park. Grab a coffee, bottle of Rosé, or a light bite at one of the several restaurants and cafes along the promenade and make a day of it! 

200,000 of these miniature statues. The one in the middle is my favorite.

You’ll find rotating exhibitions that aim to strike a balance between Hong Kong’s local flavor and history and the city’s push for innovation and modernity. While it’s no longer there, one of my favorite exhibitions was by a British artist Antony Gormley, who traveled to Xiangshan village in Guangdong (Huadong town in present-day Guangzhou) and tasked them with creating 200,000 miniature clay figurines. Gormley provided the residents with three simple instructions and let them improvise the rest. 

For me, there was something special about memorializing the agency and identity of each villager in their clay creation – which was also accompanied by an individual portrait by photographer Zhang Hai’er. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: If you’re too lazy like me to walk or take the metro every now and again, make sure to check out my article breaking down everything you need to know about Uber in Hong Kong. 

Be a Beach Bum 

One of my favorite views from Chung Hom Kok beach at sunset.

Besides hiking, there aren’t many better activities to escape the urban hustle and bustle than going to the beach. Not only is it a laid-back date idea but it’s absolutely free (minus the negligible transportation costs to get wherever it is). Hong Kong is home to over 450 miles of coastline, 100-plus beaches, and over 250 outlying islands – most of which can be accessed within less than one hour (tops) – so there’s no excuse not to get out there and get some sand in every imaginable crack of your body.

Coke in a glass bottle out at Ham Tin in Sai Kung is a must.

As a boy who grew up near the water, there’s something calming and nostalgic for me every time I throw on my ill-fitting trunks, forcibly make one of my buddies rub the lotion on the skin (so they don’t get the hose), and do that awkward tip-toe dance as I make my way into the water. Several of my favorite spots in the Fragrant Harbor include:

• Repulse Bay – I usually combine this with a hike up Violet Hill/The Twins and then sip Aperol Spritzes and chow down on chips and guac while watching the sunset at Limewood. 
• Shek O – This would be my recommended double date/group date spot as you can rent one of the 14 BBQ pits to grill at and host a party. 
• Chung Hom Kok Beach – Many a Violet Hill hike, we will peel off and head down to Stanley, walk along the promenade, and make our way to Chung Hom Kok which is personally my favorite beach in Hong Kong (pictured above).
• Big Wave Bay – Back when my then-girlfriend and I visited Hong Kong for several weeks in 2018 (before I moved back), we hiked Dragon’s Back and spent the rest of the day drinking Cokes and crushing pizzas at Eric’s Kitchen (right along the beach). 
• Tai Long Wan – This is a collection of four beaches in Sai Kung (my favorite being Ham Tin Wan) that makes for both a great little hike and a bit of exercise before lounging on pristine (less crowded) beaches. They are also popular spots for camping. You can either hike out or take one of the speedboats back to Sai Kung at the end of the day! 
• Lower Cheung Sha Beach – My favorite Lantau beach that boasts several restaurants and awesome views for sunrise and sunset. It’s also camping-friendly for all you Robinson Crusoes out there.

Consider kicking your beach day up a notch by combining it with an activity such as paddleboarding, kayaking, or wakeboarding – however, these do require a little bit more planning (ex. Booking the equipment or boat) and will run you several hundred to one thousand-plus Hong Kong doll hairs. 

Pale Ale Travel Note: Living a stone’s throw away from the beach and mountains is just one of the major pros of living in Hong Kong. 

Watch the Sunset From Sir Cecil’s Ride

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The second and third pics are taken from ‘Lookout Rock’ – however, all spots on here are fantastic sunset watching perches.

While I’ve already included several of my favorite date-approved hikes on this list, there is one particular hike and/or walk that reigns supreme when it comes to sunset watching – ‘Lookout Rock’ on the Sir Cecil’s Ride loop. I’m not even going to try and describe the view as you can see from my above picture. It would be an injustice with my Neanderthal-ish brain to attempt to describe pure serenity and ocular bliss. 

You can access this hike with stunning views of both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon via the Tin Hau or Fortress Hill MTR. 

To clarify, I’m specifically talking about ‘Sir Cecil’s Ride’ and not ‘Sir Cecil’s Ride Stream’ or ‘Sir Cecil’s Ride Viewing Point’ – as the views don’t “hit” as perfectly for this Big Body as they do at ‘Sir Cecil’s Ride’. This became a regular occurrence for several buddies and me after I moved back to Hong Kong in 2020 due to a buddy living right near the Tin Hau MTR and it being the perfect Friday activity to pre-game the night (followed by several steaks with foie gras at Frites after). 

It’s no more than a 30 to 40-minute hike to get up to one of the best viewing points in Hong Kong. However, it will require Tenzing Norgay’ing several sets of steep stairs (if you make the trek from Tin Hau or Fortress Hill). You can follow the hike through or just head down the way you came (which is what I typically do) and grab a bite or drink in Tai Hang after. 

Ride the Central AIA Ferris Wheel

One of my favorite pictures with the AIA Ferris Wheel in the background.

When making your way to the Central Harbourfront, the Central AIA Ferris Wheel is hard to miss. As a boy who grew up in New England, there wasn’t a lot to do when it came to exciting dates, so anytime the carnival came to town, it was always a welcomed occasion to switch things up with my then-girlfriend. Now, living in Hong Kong, I have the luxury of experiencing the best part of a carnival all year round – the Ferris wheel. 

After a long night of Korean BBQ with the dawgz, a favorite pastime in this city is riding the AIA Ferris Wheel once or twice and then calling it a night. It always starts very peacefully, with the dawgz in a post-pork belly bliss, soaking in the world’s best skyline. However, it always turns stressful very quickly after one buddy decides to begin trying to rock the carriage and stomp on the floor. Don’t do this on your date.

Tickets cost just HK$20 for several loops around, which takes anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes. What’s absolutely free are the stunning views of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour, and Kowloon, and what I would consider one of the more ‘romantic’ date ideas on this list. After several orbits around, consider taking a stroll through the AIA Vitality Park (what a terrible name by the way), where there’s a handful of other attractions and food stalls (including a merry-go-round and Hokkaido milk ice cream stand).  

Team Up in a VR Game or Work Your Way Out of an Escape Room 

The dawgz and I lighting up some zombies at Sandbox VR in Causeway Bay. Not pictured are my deafening screams while firing blind.

I don’t know about you but I hate zombies, so much so that I constantly dream about lighting them up with a bazooka while I lean out the trunk of a military jeep. So, you can imagine how ecstatic I was when I found out that I could actually bring this bizarre fantasy of mine to life at a VR experience while on a date. 

Cue Sandbox VR Hong Kong, an immersive virtual reality arena in Causeway Bay (also with a location in Tsim Sha Tsui) for groups of up to six to play various games built by EA, Sony, and Ubisoft veterans. I have to say, it’s full-on. As soon as you get there, you’re strapped up with 3D precision body trackers, haptic suits, and custom hardware that makes you feel like you’re in Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell. 

But don’t worry, it’s not all zombies and gore. There are aliens and robot wars, Squid Game simulations, and pirate adventures (suited for children). I’ve only done the ‘Deadwood Mansion’ which entails you and several friends fighting against a zombie horde. I definitely pooped my pants at one point but that was all in the name of saving you ungrateful people from the zombie apocalypse – so show a little thanks. Prices start at HK$340 to HK$370 per person. 

There are also nearly a dozen escape rooms scattered across Hong Kong that are a hands-on, communicative experience requiring teamwork and a sharp mind. I’m not sure this is the best first date idea in Hong Kong but would recommend this for those who already have a rapport. Nothing would be worse than being trapped in an escape room for an hour with someone you already realized you have nothing in common with and are just an unlikable person. 

• ‘Lost’ in Causeway Bay is the go-to roleplay escape room on Hong Kong Island with feature rooms with themes tackling the Khmer Empire, Greek mythology, and Chinese kingdoms. Prices start at HK$200 per person. 
• Located in Kwun Tong, Fox in a Box is Hong Kong’s highest-rated escape room that sports themes ranging from a ‘zombie lab’, to a ‘Zodiac Killer’ theme and maximum security prison room. An experience for two at Fox in a Box will run you HK$520 (HK$260 per person), which you can book over on their website or via Klook for a discount with my affiliate link. 

Take a Walk Around Chi Lin Nunnery

‘Nun today, nun tomorrow’. That’s what you’ll be living if you don’t take your significant other to Hong Kong’s largest Buddhist temple complex in Diamond Hill. A peaceful free date activity that provides a tranquil retreat from surrounding high-rise apartment buildings – all under the watchful eye of Lion Rock. The Chi Lin Nunnery, constructed in 1934, was established as a retreat and refuge for Buddhist nuns. 

The Nunnery has seen several amalgamations over the years, ultimately taking a final form as one paying homage to the harmony of Tang Dynasty-style architecture, complete with sixteen mammoth cedar halls, a pagoda, a bell tower, and gilded statues of ‘The Buddha’ and various other bodhisattvas. A fun fact about the Chi Lin Nunnery is that it was constructed without the use of any nails, instead using a system of interlocking systems when cutting wood, and currently stands as the world’s largest hand-made wooden building. 

If you head to Chi Lin, it’s a must to pair it with a stroll around the Tang dynasty-style Nan Lian Garden (before or after) – which is maintained by the nunnery. You’ll find deliberately landscaped gardens, wooden walkways and bridges, and lotus ponds, adorned with bonsai trees and filled with Koi fish. 

Cap it all off with a stop by the Chinese traditional tea house ‘Song Cha Xie’ (located in Nan Lian Garden) to try a wide selection of high-end teas. There are no photos allowed but it’s worth turning off completely to let the knowledgeable staff walk you through the different teas and how to make them. You’ll also find ‘Chi Lin Vegetarian’ (located right in the garden as well), serving up refined vegetarian dim sum and other meatless Cantonese specialties.

Address:

• Chi Lin Nunnery: Chi Lin Nunnery, 5 Chi Lin Dr, Sheung Yuen Leng
• Nan Lian Garden: Fung Tak Rd, Diamond Hill

Ice Skating [in the Winter]

“What? Friends listen to ‘Endless Love’ in the Dark?” – Happy Gilmore

As I mentioned previously in my post on the best Christmas date ideas for couples in Hong Kong, I’ve only ice skated in this city as a single man. However, I recognize just how great of a date activity this is. 

Maybe it’s because one of the first dates I ever went on was as a chubby 7th grader who asked out an older girl from summer camp. We went to the University of New Hampshire’s Whittemore Center Arena (aka “the Whitt”) for a free skate. We held hands and awkwardly skated around in circles together and I left on cloud nine. Little did I know that this date would be the benchmark of dates that I would strive to replicate (and fail to do so) in subsequent years.  

Hong Kong boasts a surprising number of quality ice rinks. From small rinks that are perfect for a few laps around to international-size hockey rinks, there’s a rink for skaters of every level – and they provide skate rentals and snacks at each. 

My favorite rink for a relaxed, casual skate around is Cityplaza Ice Palace in Tai Koo but I also recommend LOHAS Rink and Mega Ice at MegaBox for more serious skaters.  

Get Boozy at a Free-Flow Brunch

We devoured more sushi and sashimi boats than I’m comfortable admitting at Zuma.

I’ve previously mentioned in my post breaking down the pros and cons of living in Hong Kong that personally, I don’t find it to be a great value for the quality of food in the city – unless it involves brunch or lunch specials. Then, it’s hands down one of the best cities (and bang for your buck) in the world. Leading this charge are the free-flow brunches (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) of Hong Kong. 

The nuts and bolts of it are – you and your date head to one of the below brunch locations, select the free-flow option (feel free to upgrade to the deluxe champagne option as well), indulge in countless cocktails, morsels, and other amuse bouche (along with a main), and (a) use it as a launching point out and pre-game for a big night out on the town, or (b) retire back to your quarters to “make the beast with two backs” as Shakespeare said. 

There’s also a chance of getting so loaded off of Dom Pérignon that the afternoon ends in a drunken airing of grievances that leads to you breaking up and finding the love of your life while sitting all dejected and glassy-eyed on the SoHo steps outside of Marks & Spencer.

The Coveted Zuma Brunch

Zuma is an internationally acclaimed contemporary Japanese restaurant serving up modern takes on traditional izakaya-fare (and this Big Body loves izakayas). Their weekend 2.5-hour free-flow brunch menu includes champagne, wine, beer, and Aperol Spritzes, assorted tempura, sushi/sashimi boats and maki rolls-galore, and individual mains (the Japanese wagyu is extra but my number one, followed by the miso marinated cod).

I’d be remiss not to mention that Zuma also does offer their ‘night brunch’, which feels like an absolute life hack to keep up with the Joneses without going broke from their a la carte menu. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: If you want to have a look at the full scope of what a Zuma free-flow brunch looks like, make sure to check out my post: 3:10 to Zuma: The Best Brunch in Hong Kong. 

Cruise: Sans Tom

Located at the Hyatt in North Point, Cruise is the newest ‘crunch’ spot on my radar after one of my best buddy’s birthday parties there. Frankly, the cocktails and boats of seafood were phenomenal. I must have devoured at least 13 ‘Captain Crunch’ cocktails to accompany four lobster tails and a heavenly short rib roti main. 

Oh, and the views of Victoria Harbour are primo.

Unlike Zuma, the food is not bottomless. However, you do get access to numerous dishes from their raw bar (including Canadian lobster and uni), a main (as I said, the short rib roti is the go-to), and dessert. Drinks are never-ending (except after your 2 hours are up) and include champagne, wines, beer, and signature cocktails for their ‘I Own the Boat’ package.

I will also definitely be back for Cruise’s ‘Dragalicious Brunch’, which sports bottomless bubbly, a four-course feast, and of course live performances by Hong Kong’s top drag queens. 

Cruise Crunch Menu: https://cruiserestaurantandbar.com/crunch-menu 

Aqua: Come on Barbie, Let’s Go Brunch

Always battling with Zuma for the most iconic and legendary free-flow brunch in Hong Kong, Aqua may slightly eke out the others (according to some) due to its breathtaking views of Hong Kong Island and Victoria Harbour. You’ll find a Japanese/Italian hybrid menu that consists of both beef katsu sandos (I can’t get enough of these) and seared octopus and black truffle tagliatelle and Margherita pizzas (all rounded off with a dessert platter).

2.5-hour free-flow packages include sake, white and red wine, beer, Bloody Marys, and juices. Once you’re fully lubricated, you can head over to Aqua’s outdoor terrace where you’ll find groovy DJ tunes spinning from 4 PM onwards. 

Pale Ale Travel: Make sure to check out my post on how I tested the limit of Aqua’s free-flow weekend brunch and the pain I was in the next day from all the booze. Also, see my complete list of the best free-flow brunches in Hong Kong for more ideas!

Trampolining at Ryze

Remember when your father came home one Sunday with a giant grin across his face and your mother instantly shook her head in disgust, telling him “If any of them break their necks, it’s on you.”? For anyone who had a trampoline in their front or backyard growing up, this is the perfect date idea in Hong Kong for you. 

Located smack dab in the middle of Hong Kong’s Quarry Bay and North Point MTR on Java Road, Ryze bills itself as the ‘ultimate trampoline park’ that boasts over 40 interconnected trampolines (including angled wall trampolines), foam pits, a ninja obstacle course (do you capitalize the ‘N’ in ninja?), bounce boards, a trapeze and more. 

Prices are very reasonable and start at HK$190 per hour (per person) on weekdays and run up to HK$315 for 2-hour sessions on weekends. You can book your experience at Ryze here or on their website.

I should warn you that Robin Boy Wonder’s (from Batman) parents died in the midst of a trapeze act that was sabotaged by crime boss Tony Zucco after he failed to receive his protection money. Take that information and do what you will with it but this is my Pale Ale Travel ‘caveat emptor’. 

Pale Ale Travel Note: When I was younger and would take ‘gymnastics lessons’ (which was essentially me bouncing around for hours to work off energy), my grandmother from Australia visited. She jumped into the foam pit and got stuck and needed more than a handful of people to help pull her out. I used to laugh at that but now, the older I get, I realize that could very well be me.

Unwind With a Couple’s Spa Day or Massage

Look, you’ve probably been fighting and there’s a lot of stress that’s built up. You know that you should have put the toilet seat down but feel attacked that it’s being brought to your attention for the third time this week so now you’re on the offensive this go-around. Relaxation is in order to achieve some sort of equilibrium in the relationship. 

This could take the form of a couple’s spa day, where you both pick and choose your respective massages and pamper seshes, or in tandem. Hong Kong is home to a wide array of high-end and wallet-friendly spas and massages that boast everything from cleansing body scrubs and mud wraps to intense deep tissue and sports massages and everything in between. 

Here are two massage spots that are my personal favorites in Hong Kong. Both are at differing price points but are still going to have you coming out feeling like a million bucks. 

Plateau Spa at the Grand Hyatt

Back when I was powerlifting in Hong Kong, my body was taking an absolute beating. It wasn’t just from squatting and deadlifting but probably also from the fact that I was eating prime rib and creamed spinach twice a week. In the lead-up to my first competition, for what I referred to in a post as ‘Big Body’s sacred day’, I treated myself to a 90-minute Swedish massage (HK$1,600) at The Grand Hyatt in Wan Chai.

This was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My masseuse had hands like Mr. Miyagi and I was a knotted-up, tense 1947 Ford Super Deluxe Convertible – wax on, wax off. 

I’m definitely a robe guy. It’s someone I’ve always seen myself as even though I’ve never actually purchased a robe for myself. So, donning a fresh robe with the Grand Hyatt insignia had me over the moon and of course practicing my best Hugh Hefner impersonation (minus all the…well…ya know…bad stuff). 

My biggest pro tip for the Grand Hyatt is that they usually offer special (seasonal) packages online, so I would always make sure to check their promotions and packages page. They also offer spa and tea set combos which is perfect for couples that want to get a light bite in as well. 

Instead of me trying to explain various spa treatments that I don’t understand and their prices, head on over to Plateau Spa’s menu. 

Sense Thai Massage

For a more budget-friendly massage in Hong Kong that will still have you in a state of exaltation, bliss, and relaxation, I recommend ‘Sense Thai Massage’ in Central. 

I first went to Sense thanks to a birthday gift from one of my best friends in Hong Kong. 

You know it’s going to be a great massage when you walk in and see one of those poles bolted to the ceiling that the masseuse holds onto as they hoist themselves up on your back and walk across it. 

After 90 minutes with a 5 foot 2 Thai woman who smacked me around more than Tyson in the first round of a title fight, I was made whole again and as ready as I ever had been for more prime rib and creamed spinach dinners. 

Sense Thai Massage doesn’t keep a website but all of this was booked/orchestrated via Klook (non-affiliate link). They were also extremely responsive via WhatsApp when I redeemed the birthday voucher and needed to select a time. Price-wise, traditional Thai massages range from HKD$285 (for 45 minutes) to just under HK$450 for 90 minutes. There’s also a handful of other Thai massage specialties and treatments that I am only just learning of as I reread their menu now. 

Pale Ale Travel Note: The other website that you can book Sense Thai Massage on is Bookfun.com – however, I’ve never used this platform and/or app before so I can’t comment on how effective it is. 

Dating in Hong Kong: “I Wish I Knew How to Quit You”

I rarely show my face but it would be silly for me not to share a picture with my first love.

Dating isn’t always the most straightforward thing out there – on all fronts. I mean, getting that first date or finding someone who you can eat a whole roll of Pringles next to on the couch on a Sunday is a special and rare thing. I’m still on the lookout myself – currently devouring Pringles cans by the dozen solo while I watch ‘About Time’ for the 37th…time. 

I know there have been numerous occasions where for the love of God I couldn’t figure out what type of activity or restaurant in Hong Kong we should go to – it was as if as soon as I knew I had a date that my entire ability to function normally shut down and Google was void of any sort of digestible information to point me in the right direction. 

But if you’re unable to find something to do with your partner or date after reading this list, then I don’t know what to tell you, maybe the single life is for you. I wrote it and am still single so I’m not sure what’s up with that.  

If you have any favorite date activities or date spots in Hong Kong, I’d love to hear from you in the comments or via email (info@palealetravel.com). 

Be well everyone,

Big Body