It’s that dreaded, sticky, humid time of year again: the insufferable Hong Kong summertime. With the temperature at an all-time high, sometimes hiding in your apartment blasting the A/C just isn’t enough to keep you cool. Here are our top 50 cool things to do this summer—you can thank us later.
Hang out with penguins, walruses, arctic foxes, snowy owls and spotted seals at Ocean Park’s new polar exhibit set to open on July 13; or take a ride on “Arctic Blast,” a roller coaster that simulates sledding. Aberdeen, 3923-2323, www.oceanpark.com.hk.
2. Take the Plunge in Tai Po
The 70-foot Ping Nam falls are part of a series of cascades that includes the eye-catching Hula Skirt Falls and Twin Falls as well as the Old Dragon Pool and Nine Pools. Take the MTR East Rail to Fan Ling station, then take minibus 56 to Nam Chung Road. Walk along Cheng Uk Village toward the dam, then down the path on the right-hand side for about 45minutes.
3. Take a “Storm Walk™”
Strap on a helmet and see how far you get through typhoon winds. (Not endorsed by the Hong Kong Observatory.)
4. Just Don't Go Outside
Beat the heat by totally avoiding it: Airport Express to IFC, MTR to Pacific Place, underground tunnel to Star Street, refreshing mojito at 1/5 Nuevo. 9 Star St., Wan Chai, 2529-2300.
5. Hide in a Cave
The Cheung Po-Tsai Cave in Cheung Chau is probably the most famous cave in Hong Kong, once serving as the hideout of local pirate Cheung Po-tsai. Get off the ferry and turn right, walking along the coast towards the very southeast corner of Cheung Chau. Before reaching the Tin Hau Temple on Tsan Tuen Road, there will be a Cheung Po Tsai Road sign on your left hand side that takes you to the cave.
6. Visit a Winter Wonderland
Take a trip over to Macau and peruse the artistic ice sculptures at the Venetian's Ice World. Take it from us, it's freakin' freezing in there. Coats provided—really. Estrada da Baia de N. Senhora da Esperanca, Taipa, Macau, (+852) 2882-8888, www.venetianmacao.com.
7. Commandeer the Top of a Bus
Stage a hostile takeover the upper deck of a bus and luxuriate in a long ride from Central to the New Territories and back again.
8. Rent a Junk
Prices for traditional red-sailed teak junk Aqua Luna range from $3,800-5,000 per hour (depending on the time) for up to 80 people. Departs from Pier 9 in Central and Pier 1 in Tsim Sha Tsui. 2854-1813, www.aqua.com.hk.
9. Dive into Disneyland
Head straight for the mine car roller coaster in the brand-spankin'-new Grizzly Gulch section opening July 14, and ride it over and over until your face freezes. Or get wet on the tamer jungle river cruise. Lantau Island, 1830-830, park.hongkongdisneyland.com.
10. Go Jump in a... Fountain
Hello, fountain in Hong Kong Park—you’re mine. :)
11. Fly High in a 'Copter
This is probably a roundabout way of cooling off—but take some helicopter lessons and get that cool breeze all up in your face. 2713-5171, www.aviationclub.hk.
Snappy Shows
12. Hear Some Strings
Guitarist Craig Ogden, with the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong, performs a number of works with a hint of the Mediterranean on June 29. $120-300 from www.urbtix.hk.
13. Watch “Ice Age 4”
Manny, Diego and Sid’s glacial adventure continues in “Ice Age 4: Continental Drift,” which opens on July 12 in all major cinemas.
14. See Snow Patrol Rock the Stage
The best-selling Irish-Scottish alternative-rock quintet will play at AsiaWorld-Expo on August 4. $580-780 from www.hkticketing.com.
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15. Surf with the Beach Boys
California’s iconic pop rockers are on their 50th anniversary tour. Don’t miss Brian Wilson’s mellow sound on August 25 at HKCEC. $588-1,888 from www.hkticketing.com.
