Things To Do When You're Stranded In Hong Kong

I was en route to New York from Manila when a horrible combination of delayed flights and a bomb cyclone left us stuck in Hong Kong for 36 hours.

Even though Cathay Pacific had rebooked my flight (and provided hotel accommodations), I wasn't scheduled to leave Hong Kong for a few days. A few passengers decided to wait it out at the airport and catch another flight. I figured, hey, I'm already here — I might as well have a good story to share when I get back to New York. Besides, if there was one place to get stranded, it was Hong Kong. Together with Alessandra, a fellow passenger, we set off with nothing but my camera and a last-minute itinerary.

Hong Kong MTR

Ysabel Cacho

Had this transportation system been as inefficient as New York's MTA, we probably wouldn't have had our adventure. Since the airport has its direct line, we were able to get into the city in less than an hour. The airport train is punctual, spacious, and is cleaner than any other public transportation I've been on (so far). Sure, the trains were fancy but did we even know where we were going? You bet. The MTR maps are color-coded and straightforward to understand even as a tourist. (As a friend of mine put it, it's so easy you actually have to try to fail this system.)

Wong Chuk Hang

Ysabel Cacho

At the I was in Hong Kong, Wong Chuk Hang was a new stop on the Spring line. Forget Ocean Park, which was a stop away. This neighborhood was said to be the next hotspot thanks to its booming art scene, which supports local and foreign artists. As we walked down the streets, we could see that the warehouses were converted into design studios, galleries, and swanky cafes. So what kind of art did we see? That brings me to an important pro-tip: Always double-check gallery hours before you go otherwise you end up glancing at the art through a small window instead. (Did I mention our itinerary was last-minute?)

Africa Coffee and Tea

Ysabel Cacho

We came for the coffee, but we stayed for the views. Since the gallery was closed for the day, Alessandra and I decided to refuel at a local café in the area. We initially found the Africa Coffee and Tea cart in the lobby of a building, but since the cart was closed for the day, the cashier advised us to go to the actual café on the 15th floor. (15th floor? Sure. We went along for the ride, and when the elevator opened, we were floored.) We just sat at the café taking in the views of the sprawling hills and the harbor reflecting the sunset. Occasionally we remembered to sip our coffee and eat our pastries, which I’m thrilled to say were just as delightful as the views.

Dim Sum

Ysabel Cacho

Even though this side trip to Hong Kong was unplanned, dim sum still found its way to the itinerary. (Or did we find our way to dim sum?) Another passenger, Ali, recommended trying the Dim Sum Library, a quiet restaurant in Pacific Place where the vibe was chill, and the food was delicious. This was a different food experience than what I was used to waiters pushing carts with piping hot steam baskets filled with tasty dumplings and pork buns and breathing in air thick with steam and soy sauce. Either way, I'm always down for some dim sum.

Star Ferry and Victoria Harbor

Ysabel Cacho

On my last day in Hong Kong, I took the Star Ferry to Victoria Harbor. The ferry has been around since 1888, but it still functions as a reliable mode of transportation that takes both locals and tourists from Hong Kong to the Tsim Sha Tsui. At night, the cityscape is usually ablaze with Hong Kong's famous Symphony of Lights show. Since I was there in the morning, I had no lights or music show. Instead, I took in the views of the towering mountains and buildings slowly disappearing behind the impending rain clouds.

In the 36-ish hours I had been there, I tried to cram as many sights, culture, and good food at the last minute. I'd like to think I did it. In case you were wondering, I am writing this from New York, so yes, I made it back from Hong Kong. Next time, I'll plan an actual itinerary.