Hong Kong's Secrets, Now Revealed!

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I must admit, quite frankly, that Hong Kong never ceases to amaze me. Rich and eloquent colonial landscapes merge with the clinical facades in a city teeming with wondrous sites to see, be it the glitzy shopping malls or the mellow suburbs. However, there is more to this self-indulgent city than the crowded skyscrapers, the shopping arcades and the usual tourist attractions. Take some time out to delve deep into the enigma we know to be - Hong Kong.

Book your rooms at The Wesley Hotel at WanChai. They offer rooms that are simply clean and impeccable with spacious suites that are a feast for sore bodies! Packed right between Admiralty and Wanchai MTR stations, getting to Kowloon Island or Central Ferry Station is effortless! The impeccable service, magnificent beauty and spectacular entertainment add to the luster. The eclectic mix of personalized service, airy rooms with fantastic views of the city and everything else about this hidden gem is simply phenomenal!

Keep your passport handy and sail around the Hong Kong Harbor on the Duk Ling, a fully restored Chinese junk. At just HK$50 for a sailing trip that lasts an hour, this attraction is one magical experience. Next on your to-do list are Hong Kong's heritage trails - Ping Shan and Lung Yeuk Tau in the New Territories that are choc-a-bloc with walled villages and traditional narrow streets. Maintained by the Antiquities and Monuments Office, they offer a glimpse in worlds lesser known!

The Mai Po marsh is up next, if you are a nature aficionado. Grab your camera and/or your binoculars and await the rare chance to spot some rare birds! Perfect for avoiding the long tourist queues and getting away from it all! Steer further away from the irksome crowds at Victoria Peak and head over to Cheung Chau, for some of Hong Kong's oldest, most pristine temples coupled with pedestrian-friendly walkways! This is also the perfect spot to dig into some scrumptious grub and laze around in your DIY cabana on any of the lesser-known yet wonderful beaches!

Po Toi O, an hour-long drive away from Hong Kong Island on an exhilarating minibus ride, is a quaint fishing village near Clear Water Bay in the New Territories. Expect to sample the freshest seafood brought straight to your table from the tanks! This village is humming with boutiques, cafes, restaurants and markets selling local produce every single day, no matter what! Out on the waterfront are restaurants serving some delectable gourmet fare! Skim through the pages of history with a visit to the 300-year-old temples in the villages close-by! Hiking trails in the hills are aplenty too!

Craving for some nightlife? If you are looking for something that has a unique charm, Fifty2 Lounge is one such bar at Somptueux Central in Central Hong Kong. This hotspot is proof that Hong Kong never sleeps. Perfect way to party the night away with some amazing cocktails in the glimmering warmth of the candlelight! With atmosphere that screams fun, frolic and unbound extravagance, it is indeed difficult to leave! The uber,China Club on 13th floor, courtesy the Old Bank of China building on Bank Street is another hidden gem. Resplendent in true beauty and elegance, the exquisite combination of sculptures, traditional furniture, classical Chinese art and the views from the balconies are dazzling. On the menu is a traditional Chinese feast that waits to be wolfed down by the after-party patrons! So what are you waiting for? Let the magic of the hidden gems of Hong Kong envelop you!

By Peter Lancer