Hong Kong
Wow, what an unexpected treat! I booked a flight from Singapore to LA with an 11 hour layover in Hong Kong. I love long layovers because they really do feel like a free trip. I just wish this one was longer because Hong Kong was AWESOME. Every interaction with someone — barista, 711 lady, airport security — was 10/10.
To explore Hong Kong, I added an Octopus card to my Apple Wallet to use on public transportation, including the Airport Express. The Octopus card is just like Japan’s Suica/ Pasmo cards. I took the Airport Express to Hong Kong Station and then walked to Barista Jam for a coffee. I explored Tai Ping Shan, a trendy area that was once the epicenter of the bubonic plague EEK. I used the Soho House as my basecamp since they had lockers and showers available, plus great views of the city from 28 floors up. The buildings are SO tall - it felt a bit like NYC, but with skyscrapers that were 10x taller.
I visited the Hong Kong Catholic Cathedral (I try and visit a church in any city I visit) and then began the ~1 hour hike up to Victoria Peak via the Peak Trail. Sadly I realized I was cutting it close on time so stopped half-way through and called a Grab (similar to Uber). Turns out my driver had lived in LA for a few years and he became my new best friend and Hong Kong tour guide. He drove me up to the peak and encouraged me to get out and take photos at a few different lookout spots. We caught the sunset there and it was one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen!
I ran out of time to take a Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour but it is definitely top of my list for things to do in Hong Kong on my next visit. I will certainly return and stay much longer next time!
Hong Kong Airport Lounges
I headed to the airport a couple hours earlier than I usually do (I am normally running to my gate) to check out some of the famous first class lounges - The Pier and The Wing. Although I wasn’t flying first class, my American Platinum Pro status (OneWorld Emerald) gave me access. VERY COOL.
While I arrived early at the airport, I made one MAJOR mistake - I left my phone in the bathroom and only realized after clearing security and entering the terminal. The security staff were incredibly helpful, and after several frantic phone calls, they suggested I check with an airport information desk. I decided to try a lounge’s help desk instead and headed to The Wing. I used Find My iPhone to locate my phone, and the amazing front desk staff at The Wing arranged an airport escort through the ~very exclusive~ employee area, where I retrieved my phone and went back through security. Everyone was SO helpful, and I was grateful to be in Hong Kong and NOT the US, where my phone would probably have been stolen.
I had some time left to kill so I headed to The Pier, heralded as one of the best lounges in the world. It was visually impressive, but I was underwhelmed. The service in the restaurant was slow and clunky and the staff seemed confused by my presence. I’m a Wing girlie I guess.
Hong Kong info
Tipping: Not customary though a 10% service charge might be included on your bill
Water: Safe to drink
Outlets: Plug type G (same as UK); 220V
Credit Cards: Widely accepted
Language: Chinese (Cantonese), English
E-Sim: I bought one from Airalo that covered 18 countries in Asia, including Singapore and Hong Kong. It was WAY cheaper than doing the Verizon TravelPass ($10/ day) or the International Monthly Plan ($100/ month). Shameless plug: use my referral code HANNAH8604 to get $3 USD off your first eSIM purchase.
An 11-hour layover in Hong Kong turned into a trip highlight. Explore Victoria Peak, the city's towering skyscrapers, and the renowned airport lounges. Despite a major phone mishap, Hong Kong's friendly locals and stunning views made this brief stopover truly memorable.