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…)

On more than one occasion I’ve found myself heading off to one of Hong Kong’s outlying islands, but unable to find the correct ferry schedule online. I’ve also arrived at the pier only to find out that the timing is incorrect based on the official website (which may not have been updated.)

Last week while waiting for some (late!) friends, I decided to photograph all of the ferry schedules at the pier and put them up for reference. As I’ve mentioned before in previous posts, generally there are regular boats and fast boats. Sometimes the different boats are indicated by asterisks, or by color. Additionally, ferry times change depending on whether it’s a weekday, or Saturday / Sunday / public holiday. Typhoons also disrupt the schedules, but fortunately that’s a rare occurrence! (more…)

The Evisu Bar (or Evisu Baru, as it says on the extensive drink menu,) is now officially open. The address is 2/F, 43 Lyndhurst Terrace. It’s located above Pacific Coffee in the office building at the top of Lyndhurst Terrace called The Workstation. To get to the bar, walk into the building and take the elevator up to the second floor. (more…)

Last week I had a quick tour of the new Evisu Bar which is nearly complete. During my visit they were putting on the finishing touches since the soft-opening will be held later this week. (more…)

Trapped in the midst of Hong Kong’s unrelenting summertime humidity, pretty much the last thing on my mind was going skiing. But while hiding out in air-conditioned comfort, I received an intriguing invitation from my friend Ed to check out Slope Infinity, Hong Kong’s indoor ski and snowboard training facility. (more…)

Question: Where do you go when you’re at IFC mall and you find yourself in one of these scenarios: you’re waiting for a friend to finish shopping at Lane Crawford; you’ve got time to kill before a movie; you want to have a snack and get some sun; you’re looking for a quiet, romantic place to sit at night.

Answer: the IFC roof garden! (more…)

Last year I was too tired to attend the second annual beach party at Big Wave Bay in Sai Kung, but to quote friends of mine it was “one of the best days of my life,” and “the best party I’ve ever been to”. So with that in mind, I decided to make a little effort to check out the third edition on Sunday.

Three years ago, when the Hong Kong club, Volar was brand new, the owners organized a summer beach party out in Sai Kung’s Big Wave Bay (‘Tai Long Wan’ in Cantonese.)

This long, remote beach surrounded by rolling green mountains is known as one of the most beautiful spots in all of Hong Kong. The crowd that first year was a who’s who of Hong Kong’s party scene, in addition to a large contingent of models. Many of the people, up all night from the night before, hit the beach at dawn and continued partying until sunset. With the right mixture of people, an amazing beach, and perfect weather, a new tradition was born!

The anticipation for the third beach party has been building for several months. This year, in addition to the regulars, there was a reported waiting list of over 150 models who wanted to attend!

Despite its beauty, Tai Long Wan is never crowded. The reason? It’s hard to get to. The beach is about a 45 minute boat ride from Sai Kung, the nearest harbor. It’s more than twice that distance to Hong Kong Island. Tai Long Wan beach is cut-off from civilization. There are no snack stands or any structures intruding on the tranquility. Without a boat you need to get there by hiking over a mountain! Waking up too late to catch a ride, and being in the mood for a little adventure, that’s exactly what I did! (more…)

A trip to Hong Kong Island’s Big Wave Bay!

Known in Cantonese as ‘Tai Long Wan‘, Big Wave Bay is nestled between mountains in Shek O, a remote part of Hong Kong Island. Despite its location, it’s not that difficult to get to. (more…)

Since the last three days have been particularly clear, I decided to walk up to Victoria Peak, Hong Kong’s number one tourist destination. Normal people get there by taking a taxi, bus, minibus, or the famous Peak Tram, but I enjoy the exercise!

I’ve been up here countless times already and it’s still a wonder to behold. Walking along Hong Kong’s busy streets you have no idea how the city fits together – building by building, block by block, neighborhood by neighborhood. From the vantage point up on The Peak it all comes together. Peer down from above and you are rewarded with a fresh look at places you dash by every day. I come up here as often as I can to have a look at the city. You can read more about my trips and see additional photos by going here or here. I love this place. It’s rare for a city to have such an inspiring view.

Tuesday night I took a few photos. Wednesday during the day I was back up there again and decided to shoot a short video with my camera (don’t expect vivid colors!) Have a look at the 35-second tour! (more…)