Asia Archives - Pale Ale Travel

Visiting Hong Kong in March 2025

February 13, 2025February 19, 2025Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

March is one of the most happening months in Hong Kong. It’s when the city picks back up after the Chinese New Year holiday, ready to enter into the full swing of things once again. With no national holidays in March, cooler yet shifting temperatures, and the infamous (annual) Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament, residents and tourists alike make the most of the final months before the city enters into heat and humidity lockdown mode.

It’s one of my favorite months in Hong Kong.

Unsurprisingly, March in Hong Kong is a transition month between winter and spring. In the first half of March, cooler temperatures, low humidity, and manageable rains mean that nearly every activity and inch of the city is your oyster, ripe for the picking.

It’s safe to say that March in Hong Kong is the city’s most artsy and creative month, as it plays home to numerous literary fairs, art exhibitions, music festivals, and other concerts. Most notably, the world-renowned contemporary and modern art fair, Art Basel, comes to town to highlight both international and Asia-Pacific works across a diverse range of galleries and museums.

However, the end of March in Hong Kong is a crucial time of the month to pay attention to as travel becomes slightly more unpredictable and expensive thanks to the arrival of the Hong Kong Sevens (and hundreds of thousands of spectators), sneaky hot and rising temperatures, all-consuming humidity, and increased rainfall.

As one of the busiest and most social months of the year, March is the perfect time to visit Hong Kong for those who love hiking and exploring the outdoors, enjoy world-class art, literature, and performances, and want to experience the apex of the city’s energy and joie de vivre.

P.S. The feature image is from Sun Kwai Heung BBQ Food in Chai Wan – one of my favorite Cantonese BBQ (siu mei) spots in the city.

Pale Ale Travel Tip: If you’re looking for a more seasonal breakdown of what you can expect when visiting Hong Kong, make sure to check out my comprehensive guide ‘When is the Best Time to Visit Hong Kong?’.

17 Unique Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Hong Kong

February 3, 2025February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel, Travel Tips, Tricks, & Resources BigBody Leave a Comment

As someone who considers himself more of a ‘house cat’ than an ‘outdoors’ one, I welcome rainy days. They’re an excuse for me to justify not moving from my couch, combing my hair, or even putting on pants. You can find me in shorts on most days in Hong Kong.

However, I know there are plenty of you out there who like to carpe diem every single day. I applaud you and aspire to be you…one day. So, I know darn well that a little bit of rain ain’t gonna stop you. The word “rest” isn’t even in your vocabulary.

You’re David Goggins, reincarnated as a SoHo socialite and expat, and he isn’t even dead.

Or, maybe it’s your first time in Hong Kong and you want to ensure that no day goes to waste. After all, staying in your Hong Kong hotel cubicle all day with your partner has an 80% chance of making this your final trip together.

Fortunately, Hong Kong’s subtropical climate and frequent downpours, including ‘Typhoon Days’, means that the city and its residents know how to get down and boogie when it’s “bucketing down.” You know, when it’s “raining cats and dogs.” When it’s a real ‘frog-strangler’ out there. That last one is new to me and I now plan to make it a part of my daily (limited) vocabulary.

So, bust out those chic Le Chameau rain boots and Patagonia rain jacket you just ordered online because here are 17 things to do on a rainy day in Hong Kong.

Visiting Hong Kong in February 2025

January 30, 2025February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

Visiting Hong Kong in February is the ideal time of year for tourists who might otherwise be put off by Hong Kong’s hot and humid temperatures in the summer, want to take advantage of all outdoor activities the city has to offer, and want to experience one of Hong Kong’s biggest festivals – Chinese New Year.

However, it is one of the most expensive months due to the coming of the Chinese New Year, which generally occurs anywhere from the end of January to mid-February. The Lunar New Year holiday also means ‘downtime’ on certain days, where residents spend the day and night with family, and shops, restaurants, and bars are closed.

It can be a somewhat tricky time of the year in Hong Kong to navigate but I assure you it’s well worth it – especially watching the Chinese New Year Day Parade with mesmerizing dragons, traditional Chinese dancers, and vibrant floats that weaves through Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) and the Chinese New Year fireworks in full display over Hong Kong’s iconic skyline and Victoria Harbor.

Personally, February is one of my favorite months of the year, next to October and November. I have a feeling it might just be the perfect time for you to visit Hong Kong.

Pale Ale Travel Tip: If you want a breakdown of what traveling to Hong Kong at every point in the year looks like, make sure to check out my post ‘When is the Best Time to Visit Hong Kong?’.

30+ Fun & Surprising Facts About Hong Kong

January 27, 2025February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

Having lived in Hong Kong for nearly 7 years (hint: I’m still here), I’ve “been around the block” once or twice when it comes to exploring and getting to know the city. It’s my home. It’s where I feel most comfortable. And it’s where I’m betting on for the future.

However, after all these years, I’m still discovering countless quirks, facts, and sites. It’s endless.

As I typically write more serious and practical posts, I thought I would list out some fun and surprising facts about Hong Kong. These were all (mostly) unbeknownst to me before first traveling to and moving here.

So, here is your daily dose of Hong Kong inspiration with these 33 fun facts about Hong Kong.

I have a feeling that more than a handful will have you making that shocked Pikachu face all the youngsters like to post online these days.

What Currency Does Hong Kong Use? A Complete Guide to the Hong Kong Dollar

January 11, 2025February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel, Travel Tips, Tricks, & Resources BigBody Leave a Comment

Hong Kong is a special administrative region (SAR) of China that has its own currency, which is called the Hong Kong Dollar.

Below, I’ll explain what Hong Kong’s currency is called, provide an overview and brief history, its names in both English and Chinese/Cantonese, and how it’s identified in local and international transactions (denominations, symbols, abbreviations).

Taipei vs. Hong Kong For Expats: Which City is Right For You?

January 4, 2025February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

Hong Kong and Taipei are two popular cities that emerge as top contenders for expats considering moving to Asia thanks to a mix of thriving professional opportunities, personal and social growth, and a plethora of other practical considerations (I’m looking at you low tax rates!).

Having lived in Taipei, Taiwan for over 3 years and Hong Kong for nearly 7 years (hint: I’m currently living in HK) both cities have been incredibly formative both professionally and personally for me, with each providing distinct and unique (and memorable) experiences, vibrant cultures, and unparalleled advantages that have ultimately made my life richer and more fulfilling.

However, they differ significantly in key areas such as cost of living, professional industries, lifestyle, and overall environment. And, in my humble opinion, they cater to two very different types of expats.

Below, I’ll break down the key factors you should consider when asking yourself if Hong Kong or Taipei is the best fit for you.

So, whether you’re drawn to Hong Kong’s solidified and storied reputation as a global financial hub or Taipei’s eclectic blend of modernity, tradition, and island charm, this article will help you evaluate critical aspects that may be most important to you.

So, without further ado – Hong Kong vs. Taipei for expats – which city is best for you, your career, and your family? Let’s find out.

Factors	Hong Kong	Taipei
Cost of Living	One of the most expensive cities in the world.	Affordable across the board, specifically housing and necessities.
Professional Opportunities	A leading global financial hub that’s home to high-demand sectors like banking, law, and insurance, with no cap on professional growth.	A foreign job market underpinned by English teaching and other jobs in education, with a growing tech and entrepreneur scene.
Quality of Life	A high-pressure and demanding city that comes with long hours but surrounding nature and no shortage of activities to mitigate.	A more balanced and relaxed existence where you can clock-in and clock-out to enjoy surrounding nature and cultural events.
Education	World-class competitive international curricula that can cost a pretty penny.	An ideal destination for families seeking Mandarin immersion along with high global standards.
Expat Communities	The most eclectic expat community in Asia (and a top global city).	A small but inclusive expat community that is primarily centered around Anglophones and native English speakers.

9 Practical, No Upfront Cost Hong Kong Side Hustles to Stack More HKD

December 9, 2024February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel, Travel Tips, Tricks, & Resources BigBody Leave a Comment

Hey. It’s me. Big Body. Your friendly neighborhood blogger who just so happens to live in one of the most prohibitively expensive cities in the world – Hong Kong.

I get it. This is a tough city to be impecunious in.

Rent is exorbitantly priced, cocktails cost an arm and a leg, and the overall value of what you’re able to purchase seems to be dropping off quicker than your freshman-year GPA after you discovered Popov vodka, Swisher Sweets, and long-cut Grizzly Mint pouches.

Note: I’m American so you’ll just have to picture whatever the Hong Kong university experience equivalent of that is. Also, Tai Lopez is a huge bozo so don’t think that me including him in the feature image is an endorsement of this grifter.

Either way, you need to make some extra skrilla and you need to make it now. You know, dough, doll-hairs, cheddar, clams, shekels, Versace lettuce, Hong Kong pesos. As the Wu-Tang Clan so famously rapped, ‘Cash rules everything around me, C.R.E.A.M. get the money, dolla dolla bill y’all.’

Here are 9 Hong Kong side hustles you can do to earn some extra skrilla so that you have some breathing room when the financial stress of this city inevitably feels like it is getting to be ‘too much’.

Pale Ale Travel Note: My goal is to provide you with practical side hustles that you can theoretically do with minimal setup. I’ve read other Hong Kong side hustle and passive income articles that were, frankly, offering up dangerous advice – like investing in cryptocurrency (note: I’m a huge Bitcoin/crypto proponent but there’s still an inherent gamble/risk in doing so). Further, many of the side hustles suggested require you to already have a significant amount of money to get started. This is from the ground up.

Is Hong Kong Expensive to Visit?

December 4, 2024February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel, Travel Tips, Tricks, & Resources BigBody Leave a Comment

“Is Hong Kong Expensive?” is a common question I receive from readers, specifically those contemplating and/or planning a trip to ‘Asia’s World City’. Without sounding too much like a clickbait YouTube thumbnail (and failing), the answer might actually shock you, as Hong Kong may be more affordable than you initially might think.

However, that doesn’t mean you’re completely out of the weeds as several key expenses can ‘break the bank’ (so to speak).

Below, I’ll walk you through the cost of travel in Hong Kong, using anecdotes and personal experiences from my nearly seven years living here. You’ll walk away with a sound understanding of prices in terms of specific items but also experiences, things, and other categories of travel essentials.

You’ll also get a rough feel of exactly how much your trip to Hong Kong may cost. So, without further ado, how expensive is Hong Kong?

Pale Ale Travel Note: As people from all over the world are reading this post, I’ve decided to use Hong Kong Dollars (HKD/HK$) as the main currency for all costs – just to keep things simple.

My Go-To Spot to Exchange Money in Hong Kong

December 3, 2024February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel, Travel Tips, Tricks, & Resources BigBody Leave a Comment

If you’re traveling to Hong Kong, heading out on your next adventure, or are in the city and looking to convert some of your extra foreign currency for Hong Kong Dollars (HKD), making sure you have the right currency is essential for not only a smooth trip but basic survival.

That’s coming from someone who has shown up to a country (or two), realizing that he had completely forgotten to (responsibly) exchange for the local currency before departing or even learn what the actual currency of said country was, resulting in a hectic scramble to find the nearest ATM followed by my bank rejecting a withdrawal because I forgot to inform them of my upcoming travel plans.

The point is that it’s always a good idea to have a reputable and efficient currency exchange in your back pocket should you need to convert foreign currency to HKD or vice versa.

The reality of currency exchanges is that there are both official (and honest) and black market money exchanges, which will give you a fair exchange rate or milk you for all your worth. A reasonable and fair exchange rate can make or break a budget, especially in a city like Hong Kong where every dollar counts.

No one wants to get taken advantage of by unfavorable currency exchange rates or hidden fees. However, finding a trustworthy currency exchange in a city you’ve never been to, or don’t know that well, can feel like an insurmountable task.

Here is my go-to currency exchange in Hong Kong that has proven itself to offer fair and competitive exchange rates along with efficient, consistent service so that you don’t get ripped off and/or have to settle for less-than-ideal conversion rates.

The Best Way to Get From Hong Kong Airport to the City Center

November 20, 2024February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

Look, I know it was a long flight to Hong Kong. You didn’t sleep well. They only had 3 random episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm teed up on the TV. You sat next to that one dude with a long mole hair protruding from his face and would awkwardly lean on your shoulder whenever he fell asleep. And you had some questionable jellied meat and petrified eggs that may or may not put a damper on your first day in the city.

How do I know this? I’ve been there before. Got the T-shirt. Thrown out my underpants. Embarrassingly called the hotel front desk to ask if they could send up a plunger. Hid my face as I awkwardly grasped said plunger from the hands of hotel staff. Experienced the unabating headache. Started the trip out already feeling like it wasn’t on my terms.

There are a lot of variables when it comes to traveling, some of them well within your grasp, others far outside.

While you can’t control whether or not the plane hits a stretch of turbulence on your way to Hong Kong, turbulence so devastating that it has you typing out “love you” messages to everyone you can think of, including your high school sweetheart Maria, who is married and happy now and still thinks you’re a loser because you lived at home with your mother for an extended period while you were figuring things out – fortunately, you can control how you get into the city center.

No dilly-dallying. No pitstops along the way. No B.S..

Here is the best way to get from Hong Kong Airport to the city center so that you can start your trip off in ‘Asia’s World City’ on sound footing.

Is It Worth Visiting Hong Kong Disneyland as an Adult?

November 19, 2024February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

Frankly, this Big Body never revisiting Disneyland after his chunky 12-year-old self stuffed his portly frame into a Mickey Mouse t-shirt, his finest New Balance shoes (yes, I was a New Balance guy even at 12), and athletic shorts, armed with his autograph book, and made the trip with his father and brother one sweltering summer.

Side Note: It was actually a trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, which I Googled and learned there’s a difference between the two – Disney World being far larger and a complex of numerous parks, resorts, and on-site transportation systems. But I digress.

However, in the last four years in Hong Kong, I’ve been to Hong Kong Disneyland twice.

Count it. Twice.

As a single man in his early to mid-thirties (depending on how you look at it), I always assumed that my prime Disney days were behind me. That I was washed up and past my peak, that I’d look extremely out of place. I also imagined suspicious glances from parents and park employees, ready to call up the boys in blue to throw me in Disneyland jail, or worse, escort me out and toss me in actual jail.

But thanks to two of my top dawgz in Hong Kong, one male dawg and one lady dawgette, that mental barrier was broken down for Big Body – leading to what I’d consider two of the most memorable days of my past four years in Hong Kong.

Here is why you should completely shed any sense apprehension about visiting Hong Kong Disneyland as an adult, suspend disbelief for a day, and dust off and toss on a pair of those Mickey or Minnie ears you keep in that one box under your bed and wistfully glance at when trying to rustle up old receipts for tax season.

But first, let’s dig into some of the practical deets about getting to the most magical place on Lantau, what day(s) to book tickets, and several other administrative formalities that all adults should mentally prepare for (especially if you’re making the pilgrimage with children).

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Hong Kong

November 18, 2024February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel, Travel Tips, Tricks, & Resources BigBody Leave a Comment

“I wish that I knew what I know now…” Hong Kong is my home. My best friends are here. My company is here. My family is here (my ‘Fahza’). It’s where I feel most at peace, most productive, and most secure. But it has taken quite a long time to even feel marginally like I have my sh!t together here. And I use that phrase loosely.

Moving back at the height of quarantine and lockdowns in 2020 (after 6 years away) wasn’t all peaches and cream for Allen Iverson and me. Coming back as a newly minted 30-year-old came with its own challenges, delusions, and realizations.

Here are 5 things I wish I knew before moving back to Hong Kong in my 30s with some favorite pictures of mine from these last 4 years sprinkled throughout. Granted, it was extremely formative coming to these realizations and having these reflections the hard way and I wouldn’t trade anything for it.

I think there’s something to be said about sometimes needing to touch the stove just to know for yourself that the burner is actually on, so I don’t wish I had known ‘them’ before moving to Hong Kong. I’m glad I touched the burner and my palm ended up like Harry’s from Home Alone after Kevin McCallister heated the doorknob to an estimated 700 degrees Fahrenheit – but I’m also thankful I didn’t take a blowtorch to my already disastrous hairline.

Now, these are my confessions (reflections) – cue Usher’s soothing, sensual voice to take you into things.