Racks MDB, the casual, unpretentious nightspot that brought billiards and beer pong to Central’s nightlife, is set to close its doors this weekend. After nearly five years of fun filled nights (and often hazy memories,) the final party will be held this Saturday, December 17th. (more…)

On Thursday, March 10th, the pool hall Racks is adding an additional game – darts! Already famous for hosting rowdy beer-pong competitions, the billiards bar was recently the site of a Puma Social event celebrating ‘after-hours athletes’. (more…)

Sometimes it’s just plain sad to see things go. Although there’s not much room for nostalgia in this fast-paced, land-scarce city, certain places have been around for so long that you think of them as landmarks and it’s difficult to imagine them ever leaving. The demise of California Tower and the California Entertainment Building in Lan Kwai Fong, both cornerstones of Hong Kong’s nightlife since the early 80′s is one such case. (more…)

Even some of Hong Kong’s most beautiful and remote beaches suffer from hazardous waste. Last year I spotted two syringes on the beach while hiking along the coastline to Tai Long Wan in Sai Kung. Just last weekend I happened upon another nasty object. (more…)

Arriving this summer is Turbo Feel, a 350-meter indoor racetrack inspired by actual Formula One racing. The scaled model outside the nearly finished course is very impressive.

This is no abandoned parking lot with a few dented cones. We’re talking about a premium track complete with pit-stops, a spectator stand, and even an awards podium! (more…)

There are few places in Hong Kong as remote or as beautiful as Tai Long Wan beach in Sai Kung. How remote are we talking? Depending on which phone company you have, your mobile phone might start roaming to China! (more…)

Say you’re looking for something to do besides hitting the usual nightspots. Or it’s a rainy day and you want to have some indoor fun. Bowling, that ancient sport not normally associated with Hong Kong, is a good option.

Though not very conspicuous, there are several major bowling alleys scattered around town. There’s even a well stocked pro shop hidden down a sleepy side street in Causeway Bay. Do you know which top Hong Kong singer / actor is also a famous bowler? (more…)

Just when you think you know everything, you discover something totally new. The Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park is a place I’ve passed by a dozen times, but never actually visited. Due to its location on a steep hillside, just below the reclusive Parkview complex, I’ve never had an occasion to go there.

Last weekend, wanting to go for a walk after lunch I suggested it to my friends. I actually had no idea what to expect. (more…)

With the weather warming up, I recently revisited a classic Hong Kong nightspot, the rooftop of the Fringe Club. Located just above Lan Kwai Fong, at the intersection of Wyndham Street, Glenealy, and Lower Albert Road, the Fringe Club is a landmark institution in Hong Kong. It occupies one of the only remaining old stone buildings left in the city. With art shows and occasional live performances, the place has supplied fringe entertainment to H.K. for years.

One of the secrets of the Fringe Club is that it has a large outdoor rooftop that makes for a great break from the noisy bars in Lan Kwai Fong. On the rooftop, you’re away from the claustrophobic confines and elbow-jostling of the bars below. Around you is a cut-away view of Central that includes the Mid-Levels neighborhood off to one side. The unique positioning of the rooftop and its location within the heart of the city, make it a sort of urban oasis. The thatched-roof mini-bar and green “grass” carpeting add to this effect. (more…)

I’ve walked past the aviary in Hong Kong Park for years without ever poking my head inside. I thought I could see it just fine from the outside, plus with the periodic threat of avian-flu I’ve never been too excited to check out the birds up close. Last week while walking around with some friends I finally had the opportunity to explore the place. Even if you’re not a bird lover, the aviary has a certain kind of Jurassic Park cool! (more…)