Hong Kong Archives - Page 2 of 4

Why Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery Need to Be on Your Hong Kong Bucket List

November 12, 2024February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

If you read my recent post about eating at the popular Singaporean-originated Shanghainese chain ‘Paradise Dynasty’ in Kai Tak the other week with my Old Man, then you already know that it was one of my favorite Hong Kong days ever.

And that’s because it wasn’t just any typical lunch. It was one with purpose.

That’s right. It was time to go be a tourist in my own city and revisit an area that honestly, I hadn’t stepped foot in since several years prior when I was still playing baseball and probably 15 kgs lighter – enter the iconic Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden in Diamond Hill.

Here’s why the Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery need to be on your Hong Kong bucket list…as of YESTERDAY!

When is the Best Time to Visit Hong Kong? Recommendations From a Man on the Ground

October 25, 2024February 19, 2025Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel, Travel Tips, Tricks, & Resources BigBody Leave a Comment

As someone who has lived in Hong Kong for nearly 7 years now (and is still here), I can emphatically state that there are certain times of the year that I recommend traveling to Hong Kong and steering clear of the city altogether.

However, things aren’t always as straightforward as ‘X month’ or ‘X season good’, and ‘X month’ or ‘X season bad’. There’s nuance to it and if you ask me, every point of the year in Hong Kong has its advantages and disadvantages.

It all boils down to what you prefer. It also boils down to timing, feasibility, and affordability. Unfortunately, the holy triumvirate of harmonious circumstances is rarely on the table.

That said, I recommend visiting Hong Kong in either fall or winter, as the comfortable weather undoubtedly allows you to tick off the most items on a Hong Kong bucket list – specifically outdoor activities and exploring. However, if you’re on a budget and don’t mind unpredictable weather, spring is the time to go!

Below are the pros and cons of visiting Hong Kong during each season, including when I would plan my trip to Asia’s World City (if possible). I’ll also break down what you can generally expect in Hong Kong each season of the year, including weather, events, budget-wise.

Winter	Spring	Summer	Fall
Best for outdoor enthusiasts with extra $$$ who want want to take advantage of its incredible hikes, theme parks, and Chinese New Year festival!	Best for milder weather, blooming nature, fewer crowds, and festivals galore (like Rugby Sevens and the Qingming Festival) at a semi-affordable price.	Best for beach bums who want laid-back beach vibes, those seeking summer shopping sales, and festival lovers who want to experience Hong Kong at a heavily discounted price.	Best for cultural and musical festivals up the wazoo, cooler, drier weather, manageable crowds, and experiencing nearly everything Hong Kong has to offer.

My Hong Kong Packing List: 10 Items I Wouldn’t Touch Down in Asia’s World City Without

October 23, 2024February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel, Travel Tips, Tricks, & Resources BigBody Leave a Comment

You’re currently reading an article written by the king of traveling somewhere and realizing halfway through the flight that they forgot nearly every essential item to ensure the trip goes off without a hitch. How can someone spend so much time just trying to remember to bring their $25 Amazon seat cushion (aka my ‘butt pillow’) yet forget the undergarments that they wear every single day?

That’s me. Hi. I’m Big Body. Spelled with the same ‘B’ that you use to spell ‘Bozo’.

Having lived in Hong Kong for nearly seven years (I’m currently here), I’ve been around the block or two. Been there, done that. “Gotten” several T-shirts. Traveling to and from the city, packing and unpacking, making hectic and spur-of-the-moment runs back and forth between Japan Home Centre and wherever I’m staying. Rinse and repeat several times.

So, I know a thing or two about what you absolutely need to pack for your trip to Hong Kong and what you can feasibly pick up at one of the many electronic stores, beauty chains, or one-stop destination retail chains.

Luckily, nearly every item and amenity you (probably) need for your trip is easily accessible in “Asia’s World City.” However, just to be safe, there are several things I’d make sure to definitely include in my Hong Kong packing list.

Here they are…

9 of the Best Hong Kong Hikes For Intrepid Explorers, Weekend Warriors, & First Timers

October 16, 2024February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

I don’t know about you but when it comes to hiking for this Big Body, I’m less of a Nirmal Purja and Tenzing Norgay, and much more of a Preston Blake. You know, that eccentric, pompous billionaire in the Adam Sandler classic Mr. Deeds, who freezes to death while climbing Mount Everest, sans the money, of course.

Roast Goose & Bowl: The Strikin’ Geese Take on the South China Athletic Association

May 27, 2024February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

If you don’t have a South China Athletic Association (SCAA) membership, go get one right now. No, this isn’t like the American Club or Carlyle & Co which requires you to sell plasma or beg your bozo British boss for significantly more than your measly expected 3.5% raise just to afford a membership. And, you don’t have to forcefully mingle with people named ‘Tavis’, ‘Blaire’, and ‘Zac’ (‘‘Z-A-C’ does not spell Zack, what the eff is with all that?’’ – Big D & The Kids Table) while discussing Instagram follower counts, Bali beach club bottle service, and other “wannabe Hi-So expat drivel.”

The SCAA is the most affordable club membership in Hong Kong, starting at just HK$130 per month for ‘visiting members’ or HK$250 per year for ‘ordinary members’. Even better, a lifetime membership will only run you HK$3,000. So, if you’re planning to live more than 12 years, this is an absolute steal. And, your membership allows you to bring 3 people at any given time. Simply walk in, fill out a short form, and you’re now a full-fledged member, all in under 10 minutes.

You now have access to one of the most underrated sports complexes and organizations in Hong Kong.

If you’re not already jazzed up enough on your own personal driving range, billiards room, and of course 60-lane bowling alley (that’s just the beginning), you’re going to scream like Buddy the Elf when he thought the original Santa was making an appearance at the mall when you learn that the SCAA houses a dim sum and Cantonese restaurant, rowdy sports bar with outdoor seating, and one of the city’s best roast goose and fatty char siu (BBQ pork) haunts.

So, grab your crew, lay off the McDonald’s nuggets and McDoubles the night before, and head on over to the SCAA for a day of “goose and bowl”. I recently did, with my newly named bowling team (just a duo) – ‘The Strikin’ Geese’. And no, ‘The Strikin’ Geese’ are not underprivileged inner city waterfowl who come together to form a rag-tag group of underdog bowlers – however, I could see ‘Hardball’ being remade with an all-Anatidae cast (still with Keanu…obviously).

Is American Express Accepted in Hong Kong? Convenience, Tips, & Reality

May 21, 2024February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel, Travel Tips, Tricks, & Resources BigBody Leave a Comment

As someone whose first credit card was an American Express, it has sat comfortably at the forefront of the inside of my wallet ever since. The fact that over 99% of merchants in the United States accept Amex, along with the unparalleled travel perks (and points), stellar customer service, and exclusive access to lounges and other experiences definitely contributed to this as well.

However, after moving back to Hong Kong in 2020, I learned that one of the most recognizable credit card brands in the world actually might need to take a back seat in my wallet due to the lack of acceptance at restaurants, cafes, shops, and other establishments.

While American Express has enjoyed a presence in Hong Kong for several decades now, even offering dedicated personal, corporate, and branded Amex cards tailored to Hong Kong residents, I estimate that less than 50% of all merchants in Hong Kong accept American Express.

While most major mid-range and fine-dining restaurants, hotels, department stores, shopping malls, and bars in Hong Kong accept American Express, it still hasn’t achieved credit card ubiquity amongst businesses like Visa and Mastercard.

Below, I’ll provide a breakdown of the common spots that accept American Express in Hong Kong along with where it definitely is not accepted.

Is There Tipping in Hong Kong? Etiquette & Rules Explained By a Long-Term Resident

May 18, 2024February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

As an American, the concept of tipping is at the forefront of almost every single interaction. From standard dine-in restaurants to Starbucks and other artisanal coffee shops, taxi drivers, hotels, and even takeout, I fully acknowledge tipping culture has gotten out of control. I was even prompted to tip at a liquor store once after picking up my own booze and paying at the counter. I’m not against tipping but the line is becoming blurred more and more when it comes to requesting a tip vs. what is expected in the ordinary course of one’s job description.

Frankly, America’s tipping culture is a driving reason why I love eating, drinking, and living in Hong Kong – as tipping in Hong Kong has not even come half as close to reaching the ubiquity (or absurdity) it has in the United States. Except for select situations or events, tipping in Hong Kong is not expected – the default rule is that you don’t need to tip in Hong Kong. Tipping just isn’t part of the culture. It is, however, always appreciated.

In my opinion, the only ‘mandatory’ time to tip in Hong Kong is during one specific cultural event and festival – Chinese New Year. However, there are several other key situations where I tip in Hong Kong, which I’ll walk you through below. I’ll also break down several key situations I don’t tip or aren’t typically situations most people tip in Hong Kong.

Having lived in Hong Kong for six-plus years, the below tipping practices and situations are based on my personal experience. I also asked my father (who has lived in Hong Kong for far longer than I have) and friends who grew up here when they tip in the city and incorporated their answers in this post.

3 of the Best VPNs For Hong Kong to Enjoy Uncensored, Uninterrupted Internet Use

May 10, 2024February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel, Travel Tips, Tricks, & Resources BigBody Leave a Comment

Hong Kong is changing. For better or worse, there’s a palpable shift in Hong Kong’s political, social, and economic landscape that stands to carry significant repercussions (or benefits) for its residents – both local and foreign. One of the most pressing questions that seems to be echoed amongst both travelers and citizens of Hong Kong is, “At what point do I need to worry about internet censorship?”.

Well, I’d argue now – and that answer isn’t even fully driven by the changing political landscape. Virtual proxy networks, aka VPNs, aren’t just an invaluable tool for protecting yourself against unfettered government surveillance and censorship. They are also practical tools that can make everyday life much easier (and electronically safer).

Whether it’s accessing geo-blocked television shows on your favorite streaming service (the American Netflix catalog in Hong Kong), preventing hackers from intercepting sensitive financial data on poorly secured public networks (ex. cafe), using dedicated work servers while on business trips, or otherwise obfuscating your internet browsing activity, VPNs aren’t just an added value tool in today’s digital world, they are a necessity. I’m currently using one while I write this from a Starbucks in Wan Chai as I just wired some “dollhairs” to another account for my upcoming Europe trip.

Here are 3 of the best VPNs for Hong Kong so that you can enjoy uncensored, uninterrupted internet use (or watch whatever trash bag television show you live for) – all three of which I’ve personally used during my six-year-plus tenure in Hong Kong.

5 Affordable Hotels in Hong Kong I’ve Personally Tested For Convenience, Comfort, & Cleanliness

May 8, 2024February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

I was inspired to write this post as we’re currently in the thick of Golden Week in Hong Kong, one of the busiest times of the year where hotel prices are through the roof and available rooms are few and far between. Even as someone who has lived in Hong Kong for six-plus years, I have been through it all before, trying to find an affordable, mid-range hotel in Hong Kong that doesn’t break the bank nor compromise on comfort.

Moving back to Hong Kong amid a global pandemic saw me quarantine in a hotel for two weeks, followed by a month in limbo while trying to nail down an apartment. My lease expired in 2023, after which I spent six months out of Hong Kong and returned to yet another month-long stint in a hotel. During my time traveling to and living in Hong Kong, I’ve had to figure out a roster of affordable, mid-range hotels that won’t bankrupt me and also don’t have me living with the roaches or like the kids from Oliver Twist.

Depending on the time of year, hotel prices can definitely vary in Hong Kong. The hotels below generally start anywhere from USD 50 to USD 70 for a standard room. I should note that I, at points, have paid even less than this and up to USD 125 per night. For the convenience, amenities, and quality, there aren’t many better bang-for-your-buck Hong Kong hotels out there.

Here are five affordable hotels in Hong Kong that I’ve personally stayed at – all for more than two weeks each – so that you can spend your money on what really matters when visiting Hong Kong, the food and drink (and Disneyland?). But first, a pros and cons list for each so that you can easily reference and/or scan the post.

4 Simple Ways to Buy Ethereum in Hong Kong

April 30, 2024February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel, Travel Tips, Tricks, & Resources BigBody Leave a Comment

This is part two of an article that I was inspired to write thanks to a nice, gregarious Italian man who sits next to me at the coworking space where I spend most of my days. He was in desperate need of purchasing Bitcoin so that he could pay for a stream of Series A football. It gave me considerable pause as, after 10-plus years of dealing with and/or working in crypto, I still wasn’t even sure the easiest and most affordable way for him to purchase it.

While Bitcoin, like the Brady-era New England Patriots, dominates all others, Ethereum is the next “top dog” when it comes to total cryptocurrency market capitalization. And, like buying Bitcoin in Hong Kong, it is almost identical to the steps, wallets, and available platforms.

The two quickest and least painful ways to buy Ethereum in Hong Kong are by using a crypto ATM or creating an account with a cryptocurrency exchange like Binance and utilizing their peer-to-peer (P2P) portal.

Below, I’ll break down in simplified terms the four key ways to buy Ethereum in Hong Kong. So, whether you want to purchase your first bit of ETH to get started in crypto and simply hold, or you want to use ETH to transact and enter into the wild world of DeFi, or you are somewhere in between, I’ve got you covered.

A Beginner’s Guide: How to Buy Bitcoin in Hong Kong

March 12, 2024February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel, Travel Tips, Tricks, & Resources BigBody 2 Comments

I was inspired to write this article thanks to a guy I sit next to at my coworking space. He’s a smart, capable guy in his mid-40s and came to me one day mentioning that he needed to figure out how to buy Bitcoin so that he could pay for a streaming service to watch one of his favorite football (soccer) teams. He knew that my work involved Bitcoin and the crypto space and asked what the quickest and easiest way to buy Bitcoin in Hong Kong was.

Honestly, I sat there for several minutes unsure of how to answer his question and provide him with the quickest, easiest way to get started. For those who have been transacting with and stacking Bitcoin for the last several years (or more), easily purchasing Bitcoin (or knowing where to buy it) may be second nature.

But that’s also not the reality for the majority of the Bitcoin retail landscape. Buying Bitcoin in Hong Kong isn’t as intuitive or simple as going to a standard HSBC ATM to “withdraw” it and go on your merry way. However, there are more than a handful of ways to buy Bitcoin in Hong Kong and I’m going to break them down for you in simplified terms.

Do I Need a VPN in Hong Kong? Advice From an Average Guy “on the Ground” & on the Web

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

Having undergone extreme political turmoil and censorship in the past decade, a common question I receive from travelers and expats moving to Hong Kong is, “Do I need a VPN in Hong Kong to access Google and other specific websites?”

While VPNs may seem like “overkill” and a tool “only for those engaged in seditious or unlawful activities,” that’s far from their complete purpose or reality. There are countless reasons why you might consider using a VPN not only in Hong Kong but anywhere in the world.

Hint hint: you may want to access your favorite streaming service that isn’t available or a specific catalog of shows or movies that is only available in your home country. And that television show may or may not be ‘Love Island’.