13/03/2026

LYFE FRIDAY | MAR 13, 2026

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Hong Kong travel hacks I F you are thinking of your next getaway from Malaysia, Hong Kong should be on your radar – not just for its iconic skyline or Breathe in nostalgia at the Kowloon Walled City movie set exhibition. – PICS FROM HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD

Taste Hong Kong is a chef-curated culinary guide to the city’s diverse neighbourhoods.

o How you can enjoy big experiences without big spending Smart, easy transport Grab an Octopus Card as soon as you arrive – this reloadable smart card works on MTR, buses, ferries and even at convenience stores, letting you zip around with a single tap. From the airport, the city is just 30 minutes away thanks to the affordable and efficient Airport Express. For classic local vibes, hop on the Hong Kong tram, or called “Ding Ding” by the locals, on Hong Kong Island to soak in urban life from the top deck. The flat fee of about HK$3 (RM1.50) applies regardless of distance travelled, providing for an astoundingly cheap way to get around. And of course, the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour costs just a few Hong Kong dollars – delivering sky-high views without sky-high fees. Free, low-cost highlights Some of the best Hong Kong

dim sum legends, but for the wealth of experiences that do not cost a fortune. Easy to reach, crazy efficient to get around and absolutely full of surprises around every corner, Hong Kong proves budget travel can still mean rich rewards. Quality experiences that do not break bank One of the first things you will notice about Hong Kong is how much culture and scenery you can enjoy for free. The West Kowloon Art Park is perfect for a romantic stroll, with many dining options along its long waterfront promenade, which gives dazzling sunset views of the harbour. Furthermore, nearby museums such as M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum will please the most discerning cultural aficionados. Looking for a quirky plan? Check out Cheung Chau or Lamma Island – charming ferry rides away – where you can spend the day hiking, beaching or enjoying seafood villages.

Oi Man Sang’s typhoon shelter crab is a perennial favourite of locals.

The Yau Ma Tei Police Station is famous for its association with Hong Kong police and crime movies. – PIC FROM YAU MA TAI POLICE STATION

blazing while cooks toss ingredients in the hot wok and quickly stir-fry vegetables, meat and seafood. For quick pointers on where to eat, you can consult Taste Hong Kong. More than 50 master chefs have collectively handpicked 250 restaurants throughout the city in this culinary guide, shining a spotlight on the places they return to time and again. Whether you are craving skyline views, local eats, lush hikes or cultural corners, Hong Kong offers value travel without compromise. Find the best travel offers and packages at

moments, especially for movie buffs and foodies, are affordable or free: 0 Kowloon Walled City movie set exhibition For no cost at all, visit the nostalgia-evoking sets of the award-winning film Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In at the Kowloon Walled City. This exhibition showcases not only the movie sets but also the outstanding creativity and craftsmanship of Hong Kong film professionals, who joined hands to recreate the famous Walled City, which was demolished in the early 1990s. 0 Yau Ma Tei Police Station For HK$30, visit one of the city’s few

surviving pre-war police stations, where classic Hong Kong police and crime films were shot outside of. Past a retro-style cinema entrance, you will encounter iconic heroes and villains, and immerse yourself in the intense world of brawls and the gritty realities faced by police and criminals. 0 Oi Man Sang restaurant Hong Kong food is legendary across the globe, but you do not need to splurge to get a good meal. Oi Man Sang is a spectacular example of this – this iconic establishment offers an elevated and quintessential dai pai dong experience, with a live cooking station by the street side, stove offers a two-night stay in the family themed rooms and suites, focused on fun for everyone. For parents, package also comes with HK$1,000 (RM502) hotel credit usable across Island Shangri-La’s luxurious amenities, including at any of the hotel’s restaurants, to the nature-inspired Yun Wellness for a peaceful poolside afternoon in a private cabana or at any of the tranquil wellness rooms at the urban oasis. Island Shangri-La’s Family Floor features family services and amenities that recreate the comforts of home. Along with The Hangout – which is stocked with child-friendly meals and snacks – there is also The Pantry, fitted with washing machine and tumble dryer, a wash basin, microwave, buggies to borrow and other essentials for added convenience for travelling parents.

www.discoverhongkong.com and look up where you can eat once you land by visiting tastehk.discoverhongkong.com/en Travelling with kids? Island Shangri-La unveils family-friendly package ISLAND Shangri-La has launched its latest family-focused

As for guest rooms, each one tells a unique story of its own. The Family Floor seamlessly combines learning and discovery for children aged between five and 10, with themed guest rooms hand-painted by local artists and hidden with secret motifs revealed only under a special UV torch. Weave through the corridors that lead to 10 imaginative suites, including the Hong Kong Wonders, Safari Adventure and Underwater Treasure for two-bedroom family suites, and the unique Airship Voyage and Fairy Garden for three bedroom family suites, where each comes with a slide, interactive sounds and lights, playful toys and costumes to spark imaginations. The Questers Family Adventure package starts at HK$32,600 for a two-night stay and is available until May 31.

programme – the Questers Family Adventure, which invites curious young explorers to learn, discover and unlock the secrets behind Hong Kong’s traditions. The Questers Family Adventure is set against the backdrop of Island Shangri-La Family Floor, which is dedicated to families and has set a benchmark for luxury stays centred on togetherness, imagination and ease. Home to 21 themed rooms and suites, the Family Floor combines style and comfort with seamless family-friendly touches, complemented by exclusive services such as The Hangout, a welcoming living-dining-play space, and The Pantry, stocked with practical child-related appliances to simplify travel with little ones. The Questers Family Adventure

The Questers Family Adventure offers a two-night stay in the family-themed rooms and suites, focused on fun for everyone.