HK Living &#8211; The HK HUB

Lanson Place Waterfront Suites — Sai Wan Ho

The 1-bedroom duplex features floor-to-ceiling windows and a dazzling view of the harbour (© Lanson Place Waterfront Suites)

Located at the lovely seaside neighbourhood of Sai Wan Ho, Waterfront Suites offers an ideal mix of luxury living and home-like comforts with modern and stylish rooms and suites, complete with kitchenettes, workspaces, sofas, and even balconies. If that’s not enough, there are daily complimentary grab-and-go breakfast and evening cocktails at Lounge for you to unwind after a long day. All guests have access to the 24-hour gym/library, you may also enjoy a yoga class at the Yoga’rden, relax and take a quick dip at the outdoor plunge pool equipped with swim jets, that comes with BBQ and function area for a private gathering.

There are eight rental options available for different budgets with monthly rentals ranging from HK$24,000 for a studio and HK$37,500 for a spacious 1-bedroom duplex to HK$69,800 for a penthouse unit. Lanson Place Waterfront Suites can be reached easily via a mere 5-minute walk from Sai Wan Ho MTR station or a 10 minutes’ drive from Quarry Bay. Also, the complimentary shuttle service to Taikoo, Causeway Bay and Wan Chai will be able to take you around Hong Kong Island easily.

Address: 1 Oi Tak St, Shau Kei Wan
Contact: enquiry.wfhk@lansonplace.com | +852 2178 2288

Weave Residences – Robinson — Mid-Levels

Weave Residences – Robinson offers luxury 2-bedroom apartments in one of Hong Kong’s most desirable neighbourhoods (© Weave Living)

Weave Living offers some of the finest fully-furnished accommodations in Hong Kong. Weave Residences – Robinson is their latest self-contained two-bedroom apartment, following the success of Weave Residences – Mid-Levels on Hospital Road. Situated in the heart of Mid-Levels with walking distance to Central, SoHo and Sheung Wan, this luxurious apartment provides 25 spacious two-bedroom whole-floor units and a unique rooftop residence fitted to the highest standards, with modern Scandinavian-style interiors and homely touches.

Weave Residences – Robinson collaborated with contemporary Danish furniture brand BoConcept to outfit its space with artisanal, functional furniture that provides an elevated lifestyle for its residents. Some highlight features include smart TV, open or closed kitchen layout, built-in oven, hotel-grade King size bed, walk-in wardrobe, 24/7 security, as well as optional cleaning service; some of the units are pet-friendly, too.

Address: 68 Robinson Road, Mid-levels
Contact: hello.hk@weave-living.com | +852 2155 1405

Gateway Apartments — Tsim Sha Tsui

Photo is for reference and may have been enhanced by computer graphics (© Gateaway Apartments)

Gateway Apartments offers 256 fully furnished apartments across 14 floors with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and Kowloon Park. Located in Harbour City, just five minutes from the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station, these modern apartments range from 712 to 2931 square feet, available from studios up to three-bedroom units. They are ideal for families, and executives. Residents have privileged access to a private 140,000 square-feet club with fine dining, a fully equipped gym, swimming pool, tennis courts, and comprehensive recreation programmes.

Address: Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website | +852 2119 3000 | enquiry@gatewayapartments.com.hk

Apartment O — Causeway Bay & Happy Valley

Apartment O is a great option for those who fancy trying something different, it offers a unique living experience where authentic style meets total comfort in the form of premium vintage-style apartments, taking you all the way back to the charming 1930s Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Address: 5 Hoi Ping Road, Causeway Bay & 25 Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley
Contact: info@apartmento.hk

EAST Residences — Quarry Bay

Located in the Taikoo Place business district, East Residences is just steps away from public transportation, shops and restaurants. Make yourself at home in the beautifully-appointed apartments, each featuring separate living and dining areas, a spacious kitchen, and large windows that let in natural light.

Address: 23 Tong Chong Street, Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay
Contact: +852 2901 3628

Hong Kong Parkview — Southern District

What sets Hong Kong Parkview apart – An Oasis in the City, just 15 minutes away from the CBD yet on the doorstep of a beautiful green HK. Hong Kong Parkview Serviced Suites offer a relaxing stay full of luxury, providing an exclusive state-of-the-art living environment. Full access to Parkview’s private club where you will find all of the practical comforts you need for a perfect “Home Away Home”.

Address: 88 Tai Tam Reservoir Road, Tai Tam
Contact: +852 2812 3456 or +852 5200 8060 (WhatsApp)

Kornhill Apartments — Quarry Bay

This homely serviced apartment block situated within the Kornhill Metropolitan Complex offers offer a total of 450 units of apartments ranging from studios to 1, 2 and 3 bedroom suites, with or without kitchenettes. There are also a wide range of recreational facilities and services to complement the cosy residences, including indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna and jacuzzi.

Address: 2 Kornhill Road, Quarry Bay
Contact: +852 2137 8101

Kowloon Harbourfront Hotel — Hung Hom

There’s plenty to like about Kowloon Harbourfront Hotel, spacious apartments with two bedrooms and separate living rooms, with views overlooking the Victoria Harbour or the city skyline, and an all-round clubhouse, as well as a “kids paradise” play area that is ideal for family stay.

Address: 8 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom
Contact: +852 2186 9036

Little Tai Hang — Tai Hang

Little Tai Hang is a homegrown boutique hotel and serviced apartment destination that offers cosy rooms with charming decor, stocked with everything you need for your stay.

Address: 98 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang
Contact: +852 3899 8888

Pacific Place Apartments — Admiralty

The 268 spacious fully-serviced suites at Pacific Place Apartments are ideal for singles and couples, as well as families with kids and pets, with unit sizes ranging from 1,200 sq ft to 2,650 sq ft. Other highlights include its convenient location in Admiralty, large windows with stunning views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Park, walk-in wardrobes, and home office space.

Address: 88 Queensway, Admiralty
Contact: +852 3515 6565

Residence HK — Online Concierge

ResidenceHK strives to streamline the market by being the centralized rental platform to save tenants’ hassle of contacting multiple service providers without extra cost. They cover all types of serviced apartments according to your specific needs for a lease term from 1 month to 12 months. Exclusive wholesale rental packages can also be achieved by gathering multiple tenants through their network to rent serviced apartments. Tenants’ benefits are not only maximized in real estate, but also in dining, shopping, networking and professional services by leveraging their Residents’ Club.

Contact: Website or info@residencehk.com

The Mercer Hong Kong — Sheung Wan

Being at the centre of Sheung Wan, your stay at The Mercer will allow you to explore the lively neighbourhood that is filled with restaurants, cafes, bars and art galleries. The studios and one-bedroom apartments here are most suitable for singles and couples looking for a cosy and practical accommodation.

Address: 29 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan
Contact: +852 2922 9988

The Nate — Tsim Sha Tsui

Conveniently located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, The Nate offers flexible studio rental, available for both short-term and long-term stays. This design-led property boasts stylish studios of different sizes and a spacious common area which includes a fully-equipped kitchen, work and lounge spaces, and a rooftop with stunning city views.

Address: 176 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: +852 6688 3746

Yin Serviced Apartments — Central

Take a look at Yin if you are searching for a high-quality serviced apartment right in the heart of Central, with SoHo, Lan Kwai Fong, and Central and Sheung Wan MTR stations just a stone’s throw away. Distinctly modern, the serviced apartments perfectly combine convenience and comfort, making Yin an excellent choice for business travellers.

Address: 97A Wellington Street, Central
Contact: +852 2851 6966

_{Header image credits: EAST Residences}

Creative Fabrica : Your One-Stop Online Design Tool

The HK HUB — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 04:20:58 +0000

In Collaboration With Creative Fabrica

The designing software market is bloated with useless freeware, making it hard for designers and hobbyists to choose a tool that delivers as marketed. Whether you need digital assets to enhance your design or AI help to overcome creative block, Creative Fabrica is your tool. It offers vast and diverse asset libraries, AI design assistants, tutorials, and a super-intuitive UI.

What is Creative Fabrica?

Creative Fabrica is an online design tool that serves as a comprehensive resource hub for creative individuals and businesses. It offers subscription-based access to an expansive collection of over 6 million fonts and graphics, and numerous crafting resources, including embroidery and crochet patterns.

Users benefit from daily updates with fresh content and have unlimited access to high-quality designs, including Print On Demand assets. The platform supports creativity with tools like FontCloud and ShapeCloud, enhancing project design and execution. Additionally, Creative Fabrica hosts a variety of video classes and tutorials to sharpen crafting skills and foster a community of designers and craft enthusiasts. Subscribers can also request bespoke designs to meet specific needs, ensuring every creative vision can be realistically brought to life.

Vast and diverse libraries

Creative Fabrica has a vast asset library, boasting around 6 million assets with over 115,000 fonts to choose from thousands of other valuable graphics, including vector illustrations, clipart, and digital patterns—pretty much everything that adds life to your artwork.

You can also choose from various free templates available for paper crafts, scrapbook layouts, and card designs. Then, you can customize them according to your needs to create beautiful projects with just a few clicks.

These assets and templates also ensure you don’t rely on third-party sources and separate licenses to improve your designs and deliver whatever you or your clients require. The cherry on top is that the library keeps growing, so you practically never run out of resources.

An all-in-one suite

Libraries are just a part of what Creative Fabrica has. The platform is the Creative Fabrica Studio, a full-fledged, easy-to-use design tool suite that makes the process simple, fast, and intuitive. So, you don’t have to go off-platform to complete your designs, you can do it right there, using Studio, which means no more relying on technical third-party tools!

The Studio suite includes all tools, from setting the canvas sizes (even choosing from presets) to adding texts, editing the background, browsing photos, and most importantly, playing with layers—which most other designing tools, except for the high-end ones, do not offer.

Integration of AI with Spark

Creative Fabrica has recently launched Spark, an AI-powered design tool, to help you maximize your efficiency, creativity, and performance. This revolutionary feature not only helps you brainstorm new designs in real-time but also pushes you to rethink your creative process.

Spark AI is more than a one-job tool. It is a full suite of AI assistants.

Spark Art lets you describe and bring your vision to life.
Spark Writer helps you create text instantly for articles, posters, or ads.
Spark Flow enables you to transform your ideas into images and animations.
Spark Patterns generates repeatable patterns to add decoration to your designs.
Spark Crystalline lets you create simple cut files for making clip art and design elements for die-cutting.
Spark Coloring Pages lets you create coloring pages for all ages.
Spark Sketch makes black and white pencil sketches.
Spark ImageMix helps you breathe new life into old and existing images.
Spark Prompt Builder lets you create perfect prompts for AI image generation by selecting styles and details.

Though other tools may now have AI assistants too, none matches the diversity that Spark by Creative Fabrica offers.

Print on demand and commercial licenses

Creative Fabrica offers Print On Demand and Commercial Licenses so you can confidently use your designs.

The Commercial License applies to the vast majority of Creative Fabrica’s resources, promising you the freedom to use them without any issues in projects you do for your clients or other commercial purposes. It eliminates copyright concerns, allowing you to focus on creating and profiting from your craft rather than worrying about legal consequences.

On the other hand, Creative Fabrica offers Print On Demand or Licenses for specific resources, allowing you to use these designs directly on any POD products you’re working on.

Classes and tutorials for all

Here’s what makes Creative Fabrica much more than a designing and editing tool.

Creative Fabrica has a built-in school overflowing with tutorials and classes catering to all skill levels, from beginner to intermediate to advanced. You can choose from the vast array of categories that offer tutorials for everything from sewing to gel printing.

The classes are short and manageable, so you don’t have to take much time out of your busy routine. Learning from talented individuals in Creative Fabrica’s classes will help you master any craft you love and expand your skill set.

Daily gifts

Creative Fabrica knows inspiration can strike at any moment. So, it offers a treasure of freebies with its Daily Gifts program. Every day, you get 3 gifts you can use within 24 hours.

These include a font to give your projects a new typeface, an SVG cut file compatible with various cutting machines allowing you to create stunning designs, and a clip art or design to add a touch of personality and visual appeal to your creations.

This daily gift scheme incentivizes you to use tools you may not have otherwise considered using, allowing new creative ideas to flood in.

Discover Creative Fabrica

Creativity is in trying new things out. You can either keep using your current tool, which may be, by the way, adding to your creative block. Or, you can use Creative Fabrica, and benefit from its libraries, AI assistants, tutorials, and, most importantly, daily gifts, maximizing your brain’s capacity to be creative, just like the platform itself.

Cost: US$ 4.99/month or US$ 47/year
Contact: hi@creativefabrica.com
Website:https://www.creativefabrica.com/

3 Types of Event Insurances You Should Consider In Hong Kong

The HK HUB — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 23:44:23 +0000

With Hong Kong’s event scene roaring back to life, and myriad must-see and must-attend activities happening throughout the remainder of 2024, it feels like the upcoming Hong Kong Rugby 7’s is just the start for a year filled with excitement.

If you are planning on of these events, however, the news indicating Hong Kong may be experiencing a major summer of typhoons will be concerning. While events can be cancelled or postponed for a number of reasons, event organizers, production companies, and management teams have options to ensure that even in a worst-case scenario all that time, effort, and money has not gone to waste. One of these options is Event Insurance.

What is Event Insurance?

Event insurance is the catch-all term for insurance designed specifically to cover the financial and liability risks associated with holding an event, of any kind. There are many types of protection that can be bundled into a Hong Kong Event Insurance policy, for different types of events.

Whether you are obtaining a booth at an upcoming exhibition, fair or festival, or you are producing your own prestige event, like a concert or high-profile sporting competition, or even if you are attempting to protect your wedding, event insurance offers flexible and bespoke protection against a range of potential risks.

Liability Insurance for Events

The first type of protection that is commonly bundled in Event Insurance products is going to be Public Liability protection. This will likely be required by most venues as a condition of using the space, and will normally form part of the lease requirements.

Concert (© Gilaxia)

Event Liability insurance covers your risk, as the party responsible for any given event, against financial repercussions due to damages suffered by third parties.

For example: if you are holding a concert and stage lighting falls and hits a attendee on the head, you would be financially responsible for compensating that individual against the injuries they have suffered.

With an event liability insurance policy, you are protected against financial losses in this situation, with coverage starting at HK$10,000,000 per claim, and the option to increase the protection if the event necessitates it.

Event Liability insurance will protect you against:

Accidental Damage to Property
Accidental bodily injury to any person
Accidental wrongful detention or obstruction
Accidental trespass or nuisance

Event Cancellation Insurance

As one of the biggest concerns for any Event is that it will be cancelled or postponed, making sure that you are covered against losses due to factors beyond your control is going to be important for many event producers.

Hong Kong Rugby Sevens (© HKCR)

Event Cancellation Insurance is designed to protect you against irrecoverable expenses due to the organization of an event if that event is cancelled for any reason not specifically excluded by the policy. Typical exclusions include things like Bankruptcy or Insolvency of the production company or its vendors, or terrorist attacks, so the coverage is actually extremely broad.

It should be noted that, for many event insurance plans, if your event is being held indoors, you will automatically receive weather cancellation protection – outdoor events will normally need to apply, and pay for this benefit separately. But, with a weather cancellation benefit you are protected against any extreme weather events which force the abandonment of your activity.

For example:You are organizing an outdoor concert. You read the news about heightened Typhoon and weather activity this summer, and purchased an event cancellation insurance plan with weather cancellation coverage. On the morning of your event, it is raining, and by 3pm a black rainstorm warning is announced and expected to remain in force for the rest of the day. With your coverage, you would be protected from the financial consequences of having to cancel your concert in light of audience safety.

Non-appearance Insurance

Making sure all the things you need for your event are where they need to be is a critical component of holding a great function, but as always, the human factor can be unreliable and if your main talent doesn’t show up, you’re probably not going to be able to move forward with the occasion. For this reason, it is possible to obtain Non-appearance Insurance benefits on your event policy.

Wedding (© SatawatFoto)

Opting to purchase additional non-appearance protection ensures that you are able to recover your costs if the keynote speaker, and star attraction of your conference, comes down with a sudden illness that prevents them from travelling, or if the sports star playing an upcoming match is unable to perform due to a recent injury you are able to refund tickets to disappointed fans.

Non-appearance could even be purchased for a bride and groom as a benefit on a wedding insurance policy – if the person matters, and they are not able to attend, you won’t be losing all the money in place for the function.

About CCW Global

No two events will ever be the same, and a comedy show doesn’t have the same set of requirements as a multi-day sports tournament. As such, no two event insurance plans will ever be the same, because you are in control of building the perfect policy in line with your needs and budget.

Whether you’re looking to specifically protect your photographic and videography equipment, or you’re worried about damage to the sets you’re renting, there is an event insurance solution for you. For more information Contact an Expert Hong Kong Insurance Broker at CCW Global. With a no-obligation, no-cost consultation process, our independent advisors will work with you to design the most robust coverage possible.

Header Image Credit: SatawatFoto, Gilaxia, HKCR

More about insurances in Hong Kong:

Everyworld Paves The Way for Sustainable Gaming

The HK HUB — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 00:57:44 +0000

In Collaboration With Everyworld

The environmental impact of the gaming industry has always been a concern to many. The massive data centers and the e-waste generated by discarded electronics contribute significantly to the industry’s environmental footprint. We’re caught in this bind: enjoying our digital adventures, yet wanting to do our part for the planet.

Can we have our cake and eat it too? Balancing both without compromise seemed like a fantasy. To address this issue, Everyworld has recently launched its Web3 rewarded ads platform, a watch-to-earn platform that aims to become the global advertising alternative to television and social media.

Everyworld was built by the Everyrealm team and is a unique space on Discord which merges the joy of blockchain gaming with a sincere push for environmental conservation. The concept is quite simple. Users just need to engage with curated video content, earn points, and then use those points for a chance to win cryptocurrency rewards.

But here’s the twist: these rewards aren’t solely for the winner. It uses a dual incentivisation approach to split the prize money equally, where half goes to the lucky winner and the other half is donated directly to a designated environmental cause. So far, the startup has made two contributions to The Ocean Cleanup, a global non-profit foundation dedicated to removing floating plastic from the oceans.

“Our vision is to build the world’s first decentralised ad network designed to benefit users and the planet equally,” said Janine Yorio, team lead of Everyworld.

Everyworld goes beyond passive video watching. It’s a vibrant Discord community where one can earn points through various activities. Invite friends, complete quests and tasks – all while building a standing within this dynamic ecosystem. And the chance to win cryptocurrency in the draw added another layer of excitement. Everyworld’s more than just entertainment. The mix of content, which varied from wildlife documentaries to green technology innovations, offers a refreshing change from the usual.

With major investors such as A16Z Crypto, Hashed, Coinbase Ventures, Animoca Brands and Dragonfly, Everyworld is more than just an ambitious idea. It’s rather a well-funded and supported venture with the potential to make real-world impact.

In just over two weeks, more than 80,000 players from over 20 countries have joined the network. Over 500,000,000 points have been earned, with more than 3,000 videos watched per minute. Currently players contribute their points to regular drawings, resulting in a winner of one massive point jackpot, but in the future, these drawings will be paid out in $EVERY, the native token of Everyworld.

Join the Everyworld community on Twitter @JoinEveryworld for more updates.

66 Organizations Offering Volunteer Opportunities And Charity Work in Hong Kong

The HK HUB — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 09:05:00 +0000

When it comes to giving back to society or protecting the environment, the first step is deciding to take action. Luckily, there are numerous volunteer opportunities available in Hong Kong that cater to a variety of interests, skills, and backgrounds. Whether you’re looking for English-speaking community service opportunities, student volunteer programs, or charity work, here are more than 60 volunteering options to choose from, that align with your personal and professional strengths. By dedicating your time and skills to a cause you’re passionate about, you can make a meaningful impact on the world while doing something you enjoy.

Community care

^{© Crossroads Foundation}

Asian Charity Services

Asian Charity Services is a community connector that bridges skills-based volunteers with NGOs. Leaders of small-to-medium sized NGOs lack access to professional training and the know-how to grow their organizations to better help the most vulnerable. As a skills-based volunteer, you can engage with NGOs directly through their pro-bono capacity building programs to expand your social reach, meet like-minded professionals and make our society a better place. Visit their website and connect.

ImpactHK

ImpactHK works with homeless individuals to help them find a secure place to live, recover their health and wellbeing, increase their self-esteem and social standing, and find their purpose. You can become a kindness walk leader, join the walk or do skill-based long-term volunteer work.

Hong Kong Red Cross

Most people around the globe are familiar with the work of the Red Cross and the iconic logo often seen amidst disaster relief areas worldwide. The Hong Kong branch has more than 22,000 volunteers who take part in diverse projects in community service. Caring for mentally and physically challenged students at local schools is one of the ways you can help, or by bringing a dose of happiness to others through the “Red Cross Volunteer Puppet Theatre”.

Crossroads Foundation

The Crossroads Foundation deals in global distribution – they collect donated quality goods and send them to people in need, both locally and abroad. They always want help to pack goods, as they get a lot coming in. But there is a range of other opportunities for volunteers of all ages. You can pick a specialization that interests you, for example, IT, theatre, retail, or administration. You can register as an individual, group, student, organization, and even do an internship.

Po Leung Kuk

Po Leung Kuk is committed to providing services to all members of the community to achieve holistic development. They hope to provide public enjoyment, protect the environment, pass on cultural heritage, and bring good to society. You can volunteer in recreational events, workshops, medical appointments, household upkeep, childcare, schoolwork assistance, and translation.

Society for Community Organization

SoCO strives to aid the impoverished and politically disadvantaged in the community in recognizing their rights. They also work in mobilizing resources and people from many domains to assist with social welfare. You can help by providing tutoring sessions and individual therapy to help youngsters. You might also help with administrative work or fundraising efforts.

Oxfam Hong Kong

The international organization fighting poverty and injustice employs volunteers for a lot of their work, from providing admin support at their North Point headquarters, to helping out at their secondhand shop in Jardine House. For those wanting to get out and interact more, they also need people to pitch in at their fundraising events in the community like the Oxfam Trailwalker and Oxfam Musical Marathon.

Food Angel

Food Angel is a food rescue initiative that saves excess edible food from the food industry to give to the deprived. They are looking for volunteers to assist with the preparation and sorting of fresh veggies. However, volunteers must be Hong Kong residents or have valid working or student visas.

St. James’ Settlement People’s Food Bank

There are often calls to donate food items to those less fortunate around Christmas and other major holidays, but we tend to forget that the need for food donation is yearlong. St. James’ Settlement People’s Food Bank sorts and delivers food for struggling families and individuals throughout Hong Kong and relies on volunteers when it comes to food drives, fundraising, and other services. You can donate your time on a short-term or weekly basis.

Feeding Hong Kong

Feeding Hong Kong transfers surplus food from places where it is abundant to others in short supply. Individual and group volunteers are vital to Feeding Hong Kong’s efforts to decrease wasted food and feed charity. If you’re interested in helping, you can sign up as an individual or as a group.

HandsOn Hong Kong

HandsOn Hong Kong is a volunteer network with a focus on meeting pressing social needs. They recruit and manage volunteers to take part in activities run by local charities, like helping students learn English, taking care of the day-to-day at a local food bank, escorting youngsters with impairments on trips, visiting isolated seniors in their houses, and tending to infants from refugee families so their moms may participate in sports. They regularly put up posts that need filling on their website.

Hong Kong Sports Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability

They offer various sporting events for people with intellectual disabilities, intending to maximize their athletic potential, cultivate great sportsmanship attitudes, and facilitate their inclusion into society. Volunteers receive training to improve their awareness and knowledge about people with intellectual disabilities and their sense of togetherness.

Soap Cycling

Soap Cycling collaborates with schools, hotels, corporations, volunteers, and WASH organizations around Asia to recycle soap to minimize avoidable hygiene-related illnesses by delivering this resource where it is most required. People may contribute directly by participating in Soap Cycling, which provides an enjoyable volunteering environment.

Cause Corps

Cause Corps is a non-profit grassroots initiative whose purpose is to make ‘doing good’ a lifestyle. If you want to get more involved in volunteering, this is the place. You can meet like-minded people in cafés and public spaces throughout the world to craft, knit, plant, and educate, and make helping others a daily habit.

Make It Work HK

Make it Work HK aims to empower Hong Kong’s working poor by giving them the means to make their lives better. They do this through food distribution, job placement, and training. Volunteers are constantly needed to share their knowledge during exercises, serve meals, and assist their team.

Women

^{© MicroForests}

Association Concerning Sexual Violence Against Women (RainLily)

Since 1997, the Association Concerning Sexual Violence Against Women (ACSVAW) has been a pivotal NGO in Hong Kong, dedicated to raising awareness about female sexual violence. They launched RainLily in 2000, Hong Kong’s first 24-hour crisis centre for sexual violence, offering one-stop comprehensive support from medical treatment to legal advice. Over the years, they have helped victims of sexual abuse over the age of 14 receive counselling and crisis assistance. ACSVAW believes in upholding basic human rights, promoting freedom for all women, and fostering a society that is respectful and free from violence.

MicroForests

MicroForests is a social enterprise that sells MicroForests artwork and hosts workshops to give training and career possibilities for females who are single moms, immigrants, or from low-income households. They want volunteers to assist with babysitting, activity support, promotional material assistance, developing a social support network for mothers, and participating in their outreach initiatives.

The Women’s Foundation

The Women’s Foundation is a non-profit committed to enhancing the wellbeing of Hong Kong’s women. Their goal is to break down gender stereotypes, empower impoverished women, and offer women a chance to lead. They’re seeking volunteers to teach English or run skills workshops, help in their activities or just spread the word.

HER Fund

Through funding, skill training, and resource linkage, HER Fund supports women’s rights and enhances poor living situations, particularly for marginalized and disadvantaged women. If you want to discover and share your unique abilities, there are positions open. You can do volunteer work in office support, fundraiser support, graphic design, marketing and communications, and writing and editing.

Mother’s Choice

Mother’s Choice is a heartfelt charity in Hong Kong focused on a mission: to support children without families and pregnant teenagers. Since 1987, they’ve been changing lives by providing care homes, foster programs, and non-judgmental support for young mothers. They also run educational workshops to prevent crisis pregnancies and facilitate adoptions, creating loving families for children in need. Led by experienced professionals and a strategic board, Mother’s Choice is dedicated to ensuring every child finds a loving family.

Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation

Breast cancer has long been the most common cancer affecting women in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation (HKBCF) stands as the pioneering non-profit organisation fighting against breast cancer, focusing on education, support, research, and advocacy. They advocate the mantra “Early Detection Saves Lives”, providing comprehensive services for patients and their families, including free screenings, financial aid for treatment, support groups, and educational talks. Every International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they host the “Pink October” campaign to ramp up awareness with a range of activities and collaborations.

Hong Kong Federation of Women’s Centres (HKFWC)

The Hong Kong Federation of Women’s Centres (HKFWC) is a non-partisan and non-religious organisation in Hong Kong, dedicated to supporting grassroots women and promoting gender equality. Through a variety of services, including but not limited to counselling, legal support, training, and childcare, HKFWC empowers women to build their Confidence, Independence, and Competence. With programmes ranging from gender education to volunteer development, they are committed to making a difference in women’s lives and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

The Association for the Advancement of Feminism

Founded in 1984, The Association for the Advancement of Feminism (AAF) champions women’s rights and combats discrimination. AAF promotes equality across all genders through policy advocacy, research, and resource development. They offer a free legal advice service hotline at +852 2708 3600 for women experiencing discrimination or sexual harassment, and house a free-entry Women Resource Centre filled with informative materials.

Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry

The Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry is the first to create a biobank for Chinese hereditary cancer research, offering a vast database and genetic counselling to battle hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Partnering with leading institutions, it helps advance precision medicine and cancer management. Moreover, the annual Pink Run event raises awareness and funds for high-risk families, promoting knowledge of BRCA gene mutations and supporting the community with testing and counselling.

Children & youth

^{© Changing Young Lives Foundation}

Pathfinders

PathFinders is an organization that provides child protection, counselling, accommodation, healthcare, education, and legal assistance to vulnerable and poor children. They ensure that their migrant moms have the resources they need for a brighter future. Be a volunteer if you want to help guarantee that every kid in Hong Kong has a fair chance at a good life.

Changing Young Lives Foundation

Changing Young Lives Foundation aims to motivate underprivileged children to work towards a better life through educational and developmental projects that nourish the mind, body, and soul. They give them the information and skills required for the children to grow and thrive. You may sign up to volunteer, and they will call you when opportunities arise!

Autism Partnership Foundation

The Autism Partnership Foundation uses professional Applied Behaviour Analysis treatment to help autistic children reach their full potential and assists families in improving their quality of life. They accept Hong Kong residents above the age of 15 as registered volunteers. APF will allocate appropriate responsibilities based on each volunteer’s capabilities and interests, as well as their workload.

Mother’s Choice

Mother’s Choice helps Hong Kong’s numerous orphaned children and pregnant adolescents. Their vision is that every child should be raised in a loving home. You may help children without families and pregnant teens in the community by offering your talents as a photographer or translator, perhaps, caring for a kid without a family, or assisting in generating funds and awareness.

KELY Support Group

KELY aims to provide young people with the skills, information, and opportunities they need to help themselves. Their work revolves around drug and alcohol awareness, mental health and wellbeing, and positive youth development. You may assist in program development and execution, seminars, events, guidance, and consultation, as well as administrative tasks.

Make-A-Wish Hong Kong

The purpose of Make a Wish is to grant life-changing wishes to children with severe diseases ages 3 to 17 to enrich their life with optimism, strength, and happiness. This will have a life-changing influence on the child and his family. There is volunteer work available in Wish planning, administrative work, photography, and event participation.

Life Buddies

Life Buddies is a mentoring program in the community to help children from low-income families advance in society. Businesses and public members can actively participate as youth mentors, providing ambitions and guidance, especially to senior secondary students, to help them build a vision for their future.

Sprouts Foundation

The Sprouts Foundation helps impoverished children in Asia improve their quality of life by delivering excellent educational programs that are generally unavailable to them. Any time you spend with the kids is much appreciated. You may help by teaching a class or a sport, narrating a tale, supervising a weekend activity, and more.

Adoptive Families of Hong Kong (AFHK)

The AFHK consists of members who have in some way been touched by adoption. The organization hosts social gatherings, educational events, support groups, and advocates on behalf of those affected by adoption and foster care. They’re always on the lookout for volunteers to assist in the running of events, and are currently looking to fill several coordinator (marketing and social media, membership, children and family events) and translator roles.

Marginalized groups

^{© Justice Centre Hong Kong}

Vision First

Vision First is an NGO that works to improve the living of refugees in Hong Kong. They have volunteers working at their office, from home, and at events. You can utilize your skills and do administrative work, writing, or even researching. Volunteers can also open up their workplaces to be used as venues for refugee programs or counselling rooms.

Justice Centre Hong Kong

They are a non-profit body that visualizes Hong Kong as a just and inclusive society where even the marginalized have access to essential privileges. Their team provides legal information, quality legal representation, counselling, and social welfare. If you share their vision, explore opportunities to join the team at Justice Centre as a volunteer.

Resolve

Rising leaders from disadvantaged and neglected communities are given fellowships to help them become change-makers and social activists. Resolve recruits experienced and devoted interns, volunteers, and staff focused on social progress in areas like fundraising and development, project management, and communications.

Christian Action

Christian Action seeks to help marginalized, displaced, or abandoned individuals by providing hope, respect, and self-sufficiency. There are projects for ethnic minorities, migrant domestic workers, refugees, among others. From clerical employment to photography, tutoring, and translating, Christian Action offers many possibilities.

Education

^{© Bring Me A Book}

Bring Me A Book

Bring Me a Book is a renowned NPO in Hong Kong that works to create the love of learning. Volunteers can engage in storytelling to young people in community centres and libraries across the city. You can also assist them in making plastic protective covers for the books they distribute, training as a narrator for storytelling activities, or marketing on their website and social media pages.

Rainbow Project

The Rainbow Project provides unique educational facilities as well as therapies to autistic children. They seek to educate families impacted by autism and assist low-income families with therapy at a reduced cost. You can volunteer as IT support, a classroom assistant, a photographer for events, or an outing helper.

Music Children Foundation

The Music Children Foundation’s mission is to give free music programs to underprivileged kids in Hong Kong aged 16 and under. There are volunteering opportunities for documentation, musical instrument training with children, accompanying children to concerts and plays, and organizing regular courses, orchestra, and choir sessions.

The Child Development Centre

The Child Development Centre envisions a Hong Kong where all children have equal access to education. They provide specialized instruction, treatment, and evaluation. You have marketing, visual design, human resources, staff mentoring, and training as options for volunteer work. You can also volunteer in a classroom or at an event.

Public health

^{© Orbis}

Beyond Vision Projects

BVP focuses on social inclusion, social equality, and social engagement to improve the lifestyle of both the visually impaired and elders with poor eyesight. You can volunteer individually or as a group to assist the visually compromised in experiencing art, culture, history, and historical sites.

Orbis Hong Kong

Orbis is a global charity that educates, mentors, and encourages eye care professionals in low-resource areas so that they may help save and restore eyesight for people in their communities. As a volunteer, you can help with outdoor activities like fundraising walks, spreading awareness among districts, social media management, or administrative tasks.

Health in Action

Hong Kong’s Health in Action is an NGO with a mission to reduce health care access disparity in society. They believe that everyone, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or political allegiance, has an equal right to good health. They are in need of volunteer psychotherapists, social workers, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, occupational therapists, clinical psychologists, attorneys, and others.

Hong Kong Alliance for Rare Diseases

The organization is dedicated to raising awareness of rare diseases and working together to strengthen rare disease regulations and treatments. Their work allows patients with rare illnesses to have access to medical treatment, social benefits, and schooling. They rely on volunteers to raise social awareness and support patients with rare diseases and their caregivers.

Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation

The HKBCF is the first non-profit organization committed to reducing the risk of breast cancer in the community via education, intensive care, research, and outreach. They are looking for volunteers to help with patient support, charity events, translation, proofreading, reviewing, and administrative duties.

AIDS Concern

The organization aims to see zero new HIV infections, zero stereotyping for HIV-positive persons, and zero AIDS fatalities in Hong Kong. They call this the ‘Triple Zero’ initiate. With excellent support and participation from the community service done by committed volunteers, they aim to create HIV care and preventive programs for the community.

Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre

Maggie’s aids people in preparing for and manage cancer diagnoses, therapies, and the mental and emotional effects of the disease. To ensure that their monthly fundraising events operate well, there are ample volunteering opportunities. You may also help out by tending the centre’s garden, organizing the library, or assisting with administrative tasks.

Environmental

^{© Hong Kong Cleanup}

Green Earth

Green Earth is an NPO that hopes to transform Hong Kong into a healthy green economy. Their work mainly revolves around three major areas: plastic reduction, minimizing solid waste, and energy conservation. You can join this voluntary service and bring about change, given you are at least 16 years of age.

EcoDrive HK

The NGO EcoDrive raises awareness about the plastic crisis and encourages the decrease of single-use plastic in Hong Kong. They educate the public, engage with businesses, and offer potential solutions like their My Impact App that tracks your recycling actions. You can assist them by participating in their multiple community outreach programs like beach clean-ups or recycle collection days.

Hong Kong Cleanup

Hong Kong Cleanup seeks to enable Hong Kong residents to become active participants in keeping the city’s beautiful coastline regions, parks, and streets secure, tidy, and garbage-free. Their yearly Cleanup Challenge is accessible to the entire public from January 1st through December 1st. All you have to do is register your team of 3 or more!

World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong (WWF)

WWF organizes its activities around oceans, wetlands, biodiversity, wildlife, and green cities to have a genuinely global preservation effect. Volunteers are needed at all levels of the WWF, from event helpers to fundraisers to fieldwork in places like Hong Kong’s Mai Po. You should either be over 18 or have a guardian’s permission to volunteer.

Clean the World

Clean the World delivers recycled soaps and sanitary supplies donated by over 8,000 hotel partners to areas where pneumonia and cholera are common causes of death. Volunteers must be at least eight years old, with guardian supervision required for children aged 8 to 15. The most typical volunteer work is to filter through incoming goods from their hospitality providers and prep them for reprocessing.

e-Farm

E-Farm grows fresh organic veggies for the community, increases environmental consciousness, researches on many farming topics, and encourages community gardening. You may try your hand at animal care, vegetable gardening, and educating children about the natural world. Volunteers are given training and instructions.

Green Power

Community service at Green Power is an excellent option if you are interested in local environmental problems. Eco-monitoring, climate, butterfly surveying, community education, coastal clean-up, and recycling are just a few of the initiatives they provide. You can sign up as an individual or as an organization to take part in their projects.

Green Hub

The goal of Green Hub is to “help people help themselves” by encouraging individuals to pursue a lifestyle that is in touch with nature and their surrounding community. Volunteers must be Hong Kong residents who are at least 16 years old and under 63. They must also be able to communicate well in Cantonese, English, and Mandarin.

Hong Kong Wetland Park

Interested in nature conservation and preserving Hong Kong’s wetlands? Give your time and energy to the Hong Kong Wetland Park and be a visitor guide or help out with ecological monitoring projects, habitat conservation work and educational events at this popular, and important, ecotourism spot.

Animals

^{© Hong Kong Dog Rescue}

Hong Kong Dog Rescue

The goal of Hong Kong Dog Rescue is to save dogs who have been abandoned. Along with rescuing and rehoming, they also host seminars aimed at improving dog-human understanding. HKDR offers a variety of dog rescue volunteering opportunities, including dog walking and fostering. You can also work in other areas as a handyman, photographer, or designer.

Hong Kong Alley Cats Watch

HK Alley Cats Watch was founded with the primary purpose of assisting Hong Kong’s street cats. They seek to inspire people to be more tolerant of animals in general and educate the public on ethical pet ownership in collaboration with other animal welfare organizations. Hong Kong Alley Cats Watch constantly needs foster homes to care for young cats while they search for their forever home.

Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society

The Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society (HKDCS) is a non-profit organization committed to preserving Hong Kong’s whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The program seeks volunteers to assist with various activities, including program implementation, administrative labour, design, and event assistance, among others. Specific task training is provided.

Hong Kong Shark Foundation

The organization works to spread awareness about shark protection, notably the unsustainable shark finning activity, and to minimize shark product consumption in Hong Kong. They want volunteers to work as interns, IT persons, administrators, student Shark Ambassadors, and animal activists.

Kirsten’s Zoo

Kirsten’s Zoo Limited is a non-profit animal rescue organization managed entirely by volunteers. They offer a haven and medical treatment to abandoned, lost, and frequently tortured animals until they are adopted. The aim is to stop the influx of homeless ‘undesirable’ animals. To learn more, animal lovers can fill out a volunteer form.

Lifelong Animal Protection (LAP)

The mission of LAP is to help animals in distress and ensure each one has a safe home. They need volunteers for transporting the little critters to and from veterinary clinics, dog-walking, matching shelter pets with prospective adopters, event organizing, and more. When filling out their volunteer forms, be sure to specify your area of interest.

Sai Kung Stray Friends

Sai Kung Stray Friends is a Hong Kong volunteer group that rescues abandoned, sick, injured, and stray dogs and extends the chance to fully recover until they find permanent families and homes. You can spend time with the dogs, adopt them, or help spread awareness. Volunteers under 13 need an adult accompanying them.

Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong

They are dedicated to advocating for and facilitating Asian wildlife conservation, with a particular focus on Chinese white dolphins and giant pandas and their habitats. Volunteers can help with everyday operations, documentary work, videography, translation, fundraising, and promotional events, among other things. Every volunteer must be at least 16 years old.

SPCA Hong Kong

Their goal is to promote animal compassion, safeguard animal health and welfare, and prevent cruel treatment while developing a great respect for life in the community so that all living creatures can coexist in peace. You’ll be able to get up close with animals by cleaning, feeding and grooming them… and there’s probably room for some play time too. Or help out in animal care support by volunteering as a veterinary assistant, although this is currently only open to veterinary science and nursing students/graduates. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old.

Featured image credits: Hannah Busing via Unsplash

Moving Overseas: The Ultimate Checklist To Plan Your Move Abroad

Anjali Muthanna — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 06:55:27 +0000

In collaboration with AGS Global Solutions

Moving countries can be a whole new adventure if you’re changing jobs or pursuing a new career opportunity, but the experience can also be quite daunting. International moves involve logistics like getting work visas, immigration paperwork, and customs clearances in place. However, you can ease the transition to your new home abroad by using this international moving checklist that we’ve put together.

How To Prepare Yourself To Move Abroad

Some of the most important things to consider before you move abroad is how you will find a place to live at your destination, what documents you need to set up your new home, and what you need to do to close up your old home.

Learn about the culture and language

Spend some time researching aspects of the country you’re moving to, such as when the major holidays are or when you’re permitted to schedule maintenance work at residences – which will impact how much time it takes for you to settle into your new home. Learn key phrases in the local language to help you to ask for directions or when banks are closed, and understand customs revolving around festivals and food. Figure out which apps you need to navigate the city – from transportation and translation aids, to cashless payment and online delivery platforms.

Research the various options that an international mover provides customers in terms of insurance, secure storage, and shipment tracking.

Prepare your documents and visas

If you’re applying for a visa, you’ll need standard documents like your birth certificate, passport, recent passport photographs, travel and health insurance, marriage certificate, immunisation records, and documents attesting that you have no criminal record where you currently reside. Once you’ve secured visas for yourself and your family, find out which documents you’ll need to sign a rental agreement, set up electricity and gas connections, open a bank account, and get a local phone number at your new destination.

Notify about the change of address and cancel subscriptions

Depending on your current place of residence, you may need to close bank accounts and cancel certain subscriptions before you move abroad. You may also have to close your gas and electricity accounts and get your refundable deposits (if applicable) for these connections, and let your internet and streaming service providers know when your last billing cycle will be. Cancel local insurance and health policies that you won’t need in a foreign country.

Pick a moving company that gives customers personalised and innovative solutions to suit their families.

The timeline to prepare for an international relocation

Work backwards to figure out how long you will need to move your household belongings. Choosing the right movers to take care of all the details — from packing and tracking, to customs clearance and door-to-door delivery — can make the process much easier. Pick an international removals company experienced in coordinating relocations and with a vast global network to ensure that shipments arrive safely and within a specified timeframe. Start researching and meeting with international movers to assess your options no later than three months before your expected moving date.

AGS Global Solutions has a 49-year history of helping customers with their international moves. They have a comprehensive network spanning five continents and help 150,000 families move countries every year. The company, which has been in Hong Kong since 1976, specialises in providing customers with personalised and innovative solutions to make the process as hassle-free as possible.

Here’s a moving-abroad checklist with everything you should consider when picking an international moving company, as well as the services that AGS Global Solutions provides customers to ensure a seamless transition to their new lives.

Choose a mover with an international network

It’s easier to communicate with international movers that have a big global network.

Pick a moving organisation with a vast international network, so you only need to communicate with one company at your origin and destination. You will benefit from better coordination between the moving teams in your departure and destination countries, as they will follow the same overall process and have access to the same information. Company representatives in each city will also be aware of tax and customs requirements for regulated items, such as alcohol and cigarettes, and will know how the laws in your destination compare to those in Hong Kong.

AGS can help by: Linking you to their points of contact in 147 locations across 100 countries, thanks to their offices in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and partners in the Americas and Oceania.

Consider your shipping options

Moving your household goods by ship is generally cheaper than taking them abroad by air.

Think about whether you need to ship your belongings by air or sea. Air freight is quicker as it generally takes a couple of weeks for your belongings to reach their destination, while sea shipments from Hong Kong take anywhere from 4-8 weeks, depending on whether your destination is in Asia or further away. Although faster, air freight is more expensive, and you may end up paying more if your belongings exceed a certain weight. In contrast, ocean shipments are more economical for heavy items like furniture and vehicles. If you’re moving between two major international port hubs like Hong Kong and Singapore, it may make more sense to opt for sea freight.

AGS can help by: Providing you with guidance on air freight and sea shipment options, based on the weight or volume of their belongings, and how quickly you need them to reach their destination.

Schedule surveys with prospective movers

If you don’t have the time to attend an in-person survey of your belongings, schedule a virtual visit instead.

Schedule appointments with prospective movers so they can come to your home to assess how many items you need packed and shipped. This will allow them to estimate how much your move will cost. This is also a good opportunity to clarify how the movers will pack the mementos you have collected from Hong Kong and other parts of the world that may be fragile or unusually-shaped.

AGS can help by: Giving you a free assessment of your shipment. This will help them create a customised quote for your move. Schedule an online home visit if you don’t have the time for an in-person appointment.

How much packing will the movers do?

Choosing an international moving company that does the packing for you will save a lot of time.

While it is not uncommon for movers in Hong Kong to focus on the transport aspect of your move, if you want to save time on packing, choose a company that can also pack household items using their own packing material. You can, of course, pack your goods yourself, but reputable moving companies have many years of packing experience and know every technique to minimise the risk of damage to your items. Check whether they can disassemble and reassemble bulky items like cupboards and sofas, create boxes for specific types of furniture, and ensure special protection for high-value and fragile items.

AGS can help by: Using 30 different specialised moving boxes and cover protections, and tailoring moving cartons or cardboard flat sheets according to the size of specific items. AGS Global Solutions also provides custom-made crates for valuable items and fine art.

Do the movers provide door-to-door services?

Take the hassle out of moving abroad by choosing an international mover that provides door-to-door services.

This is a vital part of an international relocation checklist, especially if you’re shipping a large volume of household items. Consider a company that can provide complete door-to-door services that include packing, freight, clearance, delivery, and unpacking services at your destination.

AGS can help by: Providing moving assistance to customers across Hong Kong — including harder-to-reach areas and neighbourhoods that are only accessible by ferry, such as Lamma Island, or residential townships with restricted access like Discovery Bay.

Find movers that handle customs clearance

Experienced international movers will ensure your belongings clear customs when they arrive without any hassles.

Don’t want the burden of clearing your shipment through customs when it arrives? Choose a moving company experienced enough to handle all the necessary paperwork on your behalf, and that is well-versed in what you can and cannot bring into your destination country. Check if they need special clearances for specific items and whether there are levies on electronic items like phones, vacuum cleaners, or ovens. There is no tax or excise duty on items taken out of Hong Kong. Hoiwever, vehicles, and goods such as liquor, tobacco, and certain chemicals are subject to an import tax.

AGS can help by: Guiding you through the customs regulations in your destination country to help you understand which of your goods may be taxed and by how much.

How will you track your shipment?

Ensure that you can track your shipment once it’s left your home.

Find out how various international movers allow you to track your shipment. Do they give customers a tracking number or ask them to download an app? Check how often you get updates on your shipment’s status. This will help you monitor any potential delays in your shipment out of or into Hong Kong due to delays caused by typhoons or other global shipping disruptions.

AGS can help by: Assigning you a dedicated moving coordinator who will update you on every moving milestone from origin to destination.

How to calculate insurance on your shipment

Calculate the cost of each household item based on what it could cost to replace it at your destination.

Research the insurance policies of different companies before you zero in on an international mover so that you are aware of how they will reimburse you for damaged or lost items from your shipment. Some companies have additional insurance policies to insure your belongings for a certain percentage of the valuation of the entire shipment. A certified international mover will have two types of policies available: one based on a volumetric valuation, and a second based on a detailed inventory of your goods and what it would cost to replace them in your destination country. This is especially important if you’re moving to a city with a high cost of living, such as Hong Kong or Switzerland.

AGS can help by: Providing both types of policies, where the insurance cost is calculated according to the total volume of the shipment or according to the valuation of an itemised inventory. You can even complete your inventory online at your convenience.

Do you need secure storage?

If you need time to find a place to live in a new country, choose international movers that provide storage facilities with 24-hour surveillance.

Need to store your shipment in a safe facility with 24/7 security for a few weeks, or maybe even months, while you find a home at your destination? Look into what your options are in terms of how much space you need, and how well the storage facility is protected against the elements. You can even get certain items delivered to your home as soon as they arrive at your destination, but keep other items in your shipment in storage until you find a house or flat that can accommodate all your belongings – a common practice in Hong Kong, where living spaces are typically smaller than in other cities.

AGS can help by: Providing you with access to over 185,000 square metres of secure storage space at any of its 100 destinations across the world, on a short-term or long-term basis. These facilities are specifically built for the storage of household items.

How will you ship your vehicle?

Find out whether your car should be shipped on an open-air carrier or in enclosed transport.

If you have to ship your car to another country, you need to consider several aspects before you choose a moving company. Factor in your car’s make and weight, where you need it picked up from and dropped off, the total distance it needs to travel, and how it will be shipped once it reaches its destination. Check whether your car will be shipped on an open-air carrier or in enclosed transport. If you’re shipping your vehicle to or from Hong Kong during typhoon season, you may prefer to store it in a shipping container to protect it from wind and rain.

AGS can help by: Giving options for all types of vehicles, such as utility vans, sedans, hatchbacks or SUV, luxury cars, vintage motorbikes, caravans, etc. You can choose between transporting your vehicles as part of a larger household move or on their own, as part of a Consolidated Car Shipment policy.

Meet AGS Global Solutions

Website: www.agsmovers.com
Phone: +852 2885 9666

Image credits: AGS Hong Kong

3 Home Insurance Plans To Protect Your Things In Hong Kong

The HK HUB — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 00:23:34 +0000

In Collaboration With CCW

Hong Kong has a global reputation as a fast-paced city with a high cost of living, so protecting your possessions and belongings is important; things can get lost or go missing amidst the bustle of every day life. Home insurance, often an overlooked component in a comprehensive risk management portfolio, is a crucial tool in safeguarding not just your living space, but also the valuables within it, and it is important to understand that there are a number of separate policy types.

Why you should get home insurance?

Hong Kong’s unique geographical and social landscape brings poses a variety of risks to residents; including typhoons and floods, and dense living conditions which may amplify the effects of incidents like fires and water damage. Hong Kong Home insurance can be a vital resource to all residents of the city, ensuring that you can recover from unforeseen events to your home, or your property, without having to bear the financial burden alone.

Such insurance offer various advantages, whether you’re a tenant or a landlord:

Protection for Renters: Whether you’re renting a flat or living in shared accommodation, home insurance shields your possessions from unexpected events like theft, fire, or natural disasters. It covers not just your personal belongings but also provides liability coverage, protecting you financially if someone is injured on your rented property.
Asset Security for Homeowners: As a homeowner, insuring your property ensures that your investment remains protected against potential risks, providing a safety net for your family’s future. Home insurance covers not only the structure of your home but also your personal belongings within it, giving you comprehensive protection against a range of perils.
Financial Reassurance: Home insurance offers financial support to cover the costs of replacing or repairing damaged belongings, offering reassurance during challenging times. Whether it’s replacing stolen items, repairing damage from a burst pipe, or rebuilding after a fire, having insurance minimises the financial burden and helps you get back on your feet quickly.

By investing in home insurance, you’re not only protecting your assets but also ensuring a sense of security in an unpredictable world. It provides peace of mind knowing that you have a safety net in place to mitigate the financial impact of unexpected events, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – your home and loved ones.

What are the types of home insurances in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong Contents Insurance

Collection of ladies wrist watches in storage box (©Maria Kray via Canva)

Contents insurance, also known as “renters’ insurance” elsewhere in the world, protects against damage to or loss of your personal belongings. This can range from furniture and appliances that you have installed in a rental property, to personal items like jewellery, cash, and electronics.

Although Hong Kong is a very safe city, given the compact living spaces, where every square foot is valuable, insuring the contents of your home can be invaluable – and can mean having critical financial support during a stressful situation, where often the last thing you need to be worrying about is how you are going to afford a repair or replacement of a personal item.

Further to this, it is important to note that many Hong Kong Home Contents Insurance plans will allow for the protection of insured items on a “worldwide all risks” basis, meaning that your belongings are protected against any eventuality, anywhere in the world.

Fire and Allied Perils Insurance

Apartment fire caused by electrical outlet faults (©andriiafanasiev via Canva)

For homeowners, fire insurance is an absolute necessity. This type of protection covers the physical structure of your home against damage from fires, and damage caused by fires.

In most cases, it is only property owners who need to concern themselves with Fire Insurance protection, and if you are taking a mortgage from a bank to purchase a property then the lender will normally require Fire Insurance be taken out to cover the property as a condition of the loan.

However, it is essential to note that Fire Insurance can actually be extended to cover far more than simple fires. Property damage from Wind, Rain, Landslides, and even Earthquakes can be obtained under a fire insurance policy by including “allied perils” protection.

Property Liability Insurance

Hong Kong building under renovation (©Glowonconcept via Canva)

Liability insurance is another critical component, protecting you against claims made by others for injuries or damages that occur within your property. This is particularly important in a densely populated city like Hong Kong, where accidents can easily have an impact on your neighbours or visitors.

Properly installed air conditioning units could come loose and fall onto the street, a home renovation could leave construction debris leading to an accident, a city worker could trip and fall in your flat while doing an inspection. These are all likely reasons for public liability insurance coverage to come into effect.

Fortunately, many Hong Kong Home Insurance plans can be customized to include public liability protection – giving you robust coverage against any and all eventualities that may occur in your home.

Not all home insurance policies are created equal. Depending on your living situation, the value of your belongings, and your individual needs, your insurance requirements will vary. Customizing your policy to fit your life is crucial and remember to always choose an insurance that offers transparent policies, comprehensive coverage, and excellent customer service.

About CCW

As an independent broker, CCW Global Ltd works with leading international and local insurance companies to give you the unbiased information you need to make an informed decision about the coverage best fit for your needs. With dedicated administration and claims teams, CCW Global is able to support you over the lifetime of your policy, and help you when you need the support of your insurance protection.

If you are looking for help with your search for Home insurance in Hong Kong, then CCW Global is able to assist. Contact CCW Global today to arrange a no-cost, no-obligation consultation to compare all your Hong Kong Home insurance options.

Header Image Credit : Leung Cho Pan via Canva

More about insurances in Hong Kong:

Chinese New Year: History, Dates, Zodiac And Traditions

The HK HUB — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 04:50:00 +0000

Called ‘Chinese New Year’ in Chinese cultures but more accurately called ‘Lunar New Year’ or ‘Spring Festival’ across different Asian cultures, this holiday marks the beginning of a new year in the lunar calendar. Lunar New Year Festival is rich in tradition dating back roughly 3,500 years, and considered by many as the most important festival time in Hong Kong.

Occurring on the day of the second new moon after Winter Solstice Festival (which usually falls around the end of January and early February), Chinese New Year is a time to bid adieu to the old and welcome new beginnings, just like the new year at the beginning of January in other cultures. Here’s everything you need to know about Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year celebrations.

What is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year display in Hong Kong (© Robert Vins via WikiCommons)

Chinese New Year marks the beginning of a new year in the lunar calendar. In 2024, Chinese New Year lands on February 10. Being the biggest and most renowned holiday in Asian cultures, celebrations actually span 15 days, with symbolic activities on each day.

Chinese cultures follow the lunar calendar, which tracks the moon’s movement, while Western cultures follow the Gregorian calendar, a solar calendar. The number of days in a lunar year is a bit shorter, generally from 353 to 355 days, while the solar calendar accounts for 365 days, the revolution of the Earth around the sun. With the lunar calendar, every three years, there is a leap month to keep everything in sync.

The Chinese zodiac (© Courtesy of Snowflake Books)

In the Chinese zodiac, each year is represented by an animal. So, how do you know what year of what animal it is? The calendar has a 60-year cycle, which is split into five smaller 12-year periods. Each year in the smaller 12-year cycle represents one of the 12 animals, and once the 12-year period has ended, a new cycle begins. The year 2024 marks the Year of the Dragon, the only mythical creature and the most powerful sign in the Chinese zodiac. The Year of the Dragon is considered particularly special, symbolizing health, strength, and good fortune.

What are the origins of CNY?

Chinese New Year is the most important Chinese holiday that was first noted in the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC). It began as a celebration to welcome spring and was later on recognized as a public holiday in 1914. But, the height of the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s put a halt to the festivities. The public holiday was later reinstated and remains one of the most significant festival periods.

Historically speaking, Chinese workers who ventured out from their rural communities for work would travel back home, no matter how far, to reflect on the time that has passed and ring in a new year filled with positivity and fortune together with family. The cultural significance of Chinese New Year is deeply rooted in reuniting families and honouring gods and ancestors.

How to celebrate during the 15 days of CNY?

Compared to Western culture, Chinese New Year celebration spans for 15 days. In 2024, the festivities for Lunar New Year will occur from February 10 to 24.

In the days leading up to the new year, people clean their homes to sweep out the end of the year’s accrued dust, which represents bad luck. Shopping for clothes also take place, where even the most frugal indulge in buying new clothing for the brand new year. People visit Lunar New Year fairs around the city to purchase fresh flowers, tangerine plants, and snacks like ginger candy, peanut candy, baked seeds, and candied strawberries.

On Lunar New Year’s Eve, families reunite to dine over dinner and hang up spring couplets outside their doors to ward off evil and bring in prosperity.

On New Year’s Day, the first of the 15 days of festivity, family members wake up and wish each other the traditional greeting, gong hey fat choi (恭喜發財), meaning “Best wishes for a prosperous new year!”

During the first day of Chinese New Year, it is a custom to visit and pay respect to the eldest member of the family. If you have a guest, you should welcome them with eight sweet treats or fruits on a round platter. This symbolizes togetherness and luck. As a courtesy, guests give oranges or tangerines to their hosts as they bring prosperity and fortune to their household. This visitation with family and friends occurs throughout the 15 days, during which you wish each other luck for the upcoming year.

Red envelopes that contain money are also given at that time. Called hong bao in Mandarin (紅包) or lai see in Cantonese (利是 or 利事), they will be given while bestowing spoken blessings upon each other. Firecrackers are also set off (the louder, the better) and sacrificial offerings made to ancestors.

On the second day, people offer sacrifices to the God of Wealth, Caishen (財神), burning a picture of the deity while wishing for a prosperous year. Many will also pray for their ancestors and other gods. The second day of the new year is also referred to as the birthday of a dog. So, if you love animals, you should feed pets and stray animals too.

In Hong Kong, it is also customary to have a fireworks display over Victoria Harbour on the second day of the Lunar New Year. This year, we can look forward to a grand return of the fireworks show after a hiatus of five years.

A dish that is associated with the second New Year’s Day is wontons; if you love them, you can eat as much as you can during this day! Some say it will bring you good fortune because it resembles the shape of a gold ingot.

During the third and fourth days, families usually visit their deceased loved ones. But, house-visiting and going outdoors for too long are not advisable on these days because some believe that evil spirits roam around.

On the fifth day, people pay respect to the God of Wealth again. He may visit the home to bring his blessings, so people make sure to be there to welcome him with incense and food offerings.

On the sixth day, people go to the temples to worship their chosen deities and visit friends and relatives.

The seventh day of the new year is the day of Renri (人日), which can be considered the birthday of all mankind, the day human beings were created. To honour the deity who created humans, the mother goddess Nüwa (女媧), you should eat only raw fish or yusheng (鱼生), a salad with raw or soy fish and shredded vegetables.

On the eighth day, people have another family gathering and give thanks to the Jade Emperor. The emperor’s birthday falls on the ninth day of the new year, when there is even more festivity. From the 10th to 12th days, the celebration is continued with friends and family.

On the 13th day, people go on a diet to flush out the copious amounts of food from previous days of feasting. If you ate all the wontons on the first day, this is the perfect time to start eating healthier in preparation for the rest of the year.

On the 14th day, people start planning the Lantern Festival to be celebrated the next day.

Drawing a close to the festivities, on the 15th day, lanterns are hung throughout the city to light the path for gods and ancestors to return home to the afterlife. The bright paper lanterns, usually red, also symbolize a bright future ahead. People gather on the streets to watch lion dance parades and play with colourful lanterns hung on sticks. Sometimes, riddles will be written on slips attached to the lanterns.

As with every festival, involvement of food is paramount. Round, glutinous sweet rice dumplings, a.k.a. tang yuan (湯圓), are eaten as they symbolize wholeness and completeness, concluding the lunar new year festivities.

What to eat during CNY?

During Chinese New Year, certain foods symbolize good fortune and prosperity, based on the pronunciation of their names as well as appearance.

If you want longevity, you should eat noodles. Fish is symbolic of bringing a surplus of luck. Dumplings are also a staple since their shape resembles an ingot of precious metal, representing wealth; the more eaten, the more wealth is accrued. Glutinous rice cakes called nian gao (年糕), literally meaning year cake are devoured in both sweet and savoury forms to ensure a higher position in life. Other food that will bring you luck are spring rolls, fish, and rice balls.

Poon choi (盆菜) is another dish eaten specifically in Hong Kong during Chinese New Year, which is layers of seafood, meat, and vegetables cooked in and eaten from a basin. The dish originated from a story about a king going into a village to visit the townspeople; the poor village folk gathered all the best food in their homes and presented it to their king in a large basin.

While visiting the homes of relatives and friends, be sure to spot a platter full of dates, nuts, dried longans and lotus seeds served. Tangerine tree plants are also a common sighting as they represent overall abundance and fullness.

What to gift during CNY?

As for the gifts, the lucky red envelope is the most popular. This is a monetary gift, usually given to younger people and relatives. However, packets containing small amounts are also given out to people seen on a regular basis, such as security guards in your building or shopkeepers. As far as non-monetary gifts, since round fruits are lucky, they are generally given as gifts. Drinks and tea are standard, also.

CNY superstitions

An important Chinese festivity doesn’t come without superstitions and there are certain things to avoid during Chinese New Year. For example, it’s advised not to take the trash out in the first two days because it’s believed to sweep away all the good luck left from the litter of the firecrackers and fallen red decorations. The number four should be avoided as it sounds like the word death in Chinese. Sharp kitchenware like knives should be used as little as possible since they symbolize the cutting off of wealth. Hair shouldn’t be washed because it symbolizes washing away one’s fortune. Dishes shouldn’t be broken as it’s considered bad luck. You should decorate your house abundantly with red because it scares demons away.

Lunar New Year in other Asian cultures

Chinese New Year is observed in other Asian countries that also follow the lunar calendar. During Tết in Vietnam, people perform ancestral rituals and pay off as much debt as possible to start on a clean slate. For Seollal in South Korea, people celebrates for up to three days by paying respect to ancestors. During Khmer Lunar New Year or Choul Chnam Thmey (meaning “Enter the New Year”) in Cambodia, which is celebrated in April, people exchange gifts, visit temples, and play traditional games over three days. Despite the differences in traditions throughout the world, the one common thread among all these countries is reuniting and enjoying food with loved ones.

FAQ about Lunar New Year

Why is Chinese New Year so important?

Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the lunar calendar, which Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, and other Asian cultures still follow. Compared to the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the position of the sun, the lunar calendar was historically used to guide agricultural activities.

When is Chinese New Year in 2024?

In 2024, Chinese New Year will fall on February 10 and celebrations will last from February 10-24.

What animal is it for Chinese New Year 2024?

2024 is the Year of the Dragon. In the zodiac chart, the mythical creature – dragon represents health, strength, and good fortune.

Other traditional Chinese festivals: Lunar New Year — Lunar New Year Fair — Birthday of Che Kung — Chinese Lantern Festival — Kwun Yum Treasury Opening Festival — Ching Ming Festival — Tin Hau Festival — Cheung Chau Bun Festival — Buddha’s Birthday — Birthday of Tam Kung — Dragon Boat Festival — Birthday of Kwan Tai — Qixi Festival — Hung Shing Festival — Hungry Ghost Festival — Mid-Autumn Festival — Monkey King Festival — Birthday of Confucius — Chung Yeung Festival — Winter Solstice Festival.

Header image credits: The HK HUB

12 Dating Apps In Hong Kong For Meeting Friends, Lovers & Forever Partners

Renee Ho — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 02:45:00 +0000

It’s no secret that HongKongers are always on the go, and finding time for romance often falls by the wayside. This is where dating apps step in, offering a fun, if not always successful, path to romantic encounters. A 2022 Rakuten Insight survey revealed that over 50% of users in Hong Kong prefer Tinder, with Coffee Meets Bagel, Goodnight, and SweetRing following suit.

Remember, dating is all about exploring and finding what clicks for you. From swiping for a match to engaging in deep conversations and going for a date, each site has its own flavour. We have compiled a variety of apps catering to different preferences and experiences, so read on to find the one that might just lead you to your next great adventure in love!

Bumble

Bumble empowers women to make the first move. This women-dominated platform promotes gender equality and safety, requiring female members to initiate conversation within 24 hours of a match, after which the connection expires. This approach is a safeguard against harassment and unwanted attention. Bumble isn’t just for dating; it offers BFF and Work modes for platonic and professional networking. It’s ideal for those who prefer quality connections, whether for dating or networking. The site tends to attract users looking for serious relationships rather than casual hookups.

Best for: Meaningful relationships initiated by women
Pros: Empowers women to initiate contact, reduces unwanted messages, versatile, user-friendly
Cons: 24-hour time limit to start a conversation may be restrictive
Cost: Free; premium upgrades starting at HK$118/month
Available on the App Store and Google Play

Coffee Meets Bagel

Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) is a dating app tailored for those seeking meaningful connections. With its “women-first” approach, female users choose from men who have already expressed interest. This unique model ensures deeper engagement and reduces unwanted matches. However, the app’s chat rooms are not permanent; conversations and matches disappear after seven days, encouraging users to take swift action in establishing a connection. CMB is ideal for people who prefer quality over quantity in their dating journey, focusing on shared interests and preferences to create potential matches.

Best for: “Women-first” approach
Pros: Prioritizes meaningful connections, women-centric approach, focuses on shared interests
Cons: Limited time frame for conversations, might have fewer options due to curated matches
Cost: Free; premium membership starting at HK$273/month
Available on the App Store and Google Play

Feeld

Feeld is a dating app for the adventurous and open-minded, offering a platform for those interested in exploring polyamory, kinks, threesomes, and other alternative sexual experiences. With options for over 20 genders and sexual identities, it’s a welcoming space for singles and couples looking to dive into their fantasies without judgment. Feeld stands out for its commitment to ethical non-monogamy, casual encounters, and more, providing a safe and inclusive environment for exploration. It’s ideal for anyone looking to expand their sexual horizons in a respectful, open community.

Best for: Open-minded singles and couples seeking to explore non-traditional relationship dynamics
Pros: Inclusive of various sexualities and gender identities, safe space for exploring kinks and fantasies
Cons: May not appeal to those looking for traditional, monogamous relationships
Cost: Free; Majestic Membership starting at HK$118/month
Available on App Store and Google Play

Goodnight

Goodnight stands out with its unique voice chat feature. Rather than the usual text-based communication, Goodnight encourages real-time phone conversations. After matching, users can call each other and chat for seven minutes, focusing on building an emotional connection before seeing each other’s photos. The site also includes a forum feature for discussing interesting topics with other users. Designed primarily for college students and young adults, Goodnight offers a refreshing approach to online dating, where conversations happen from 10 pm to 4 am – perfect for those late-night chats.

Best for: College students and young adults looking for emotional connections
Pros: Unique voice chat feature, forum for discussion, encourages deeper connections before seeing photos
Cons: Limited chat hours (10 pm to 4 am), may not appeal to those preferring traditional text messaging
Cost: Free; premium membership starting from HK$188/month
Available on App Store and Google Play

Grindr

Grindr, established in 2009 in Los Angeles, is a groundbreaking dating app tailored for gay, bi, trans, and queer people. Renowned as the world’s most popular free LGBTQIA+ dating app, it’s the go-to platform for queer men to connect for hookups, friendships, or even more. Setting up a profile is straightforward: upload your best photo, answer some questions, and select a ‘tribe’ that best describes your type. Grindr lives up to its reputation of fostering connections within the queer community, making it ideal for those seeking everything from casual meetups to deeper relationships.

Best for: Gay, bi, trans, and queer men and LGBTQIA+ community
Pros: Large user base, straightforward to use, caters specifically to queer men
Cons: Primarily focused on hookups, may not be ideal for those seeking long-term relationships
Cost: Free; Grindr Xtra Lite starting at HK$88/month
Available on App Store and Google Play

Happn

Happn is a unique dating app that connects you with people you’ve crossed paths with in real life. It’s like playing out your own ‘missed connections’ story, but with a digital twist. As you go about your day, Happn uses location-based tracking to show you profiles of other members you’ve passed by. If both parties like each other’s profiles, it’s a match! The site is perfect for those who want to connect with that intriguing stranger they spotted on the street or in a café.

Best for: Connecting with someone you’ve encountered in your daily life
Pros: Innovative way to meet people, reduces risk of being catfished, real-time encounters
Cons: Location-based, might not be ideal for those valuing privacy
Cost: Free; monthly subscription starting from HK$118/month
Available on App Store and Google Play

Her

A premier dating app tailored for the queer women community. It’s an inclusive space welcoming lesbian, bi, queer, non-binary, trans, and gender non-conforming individuals. The app operates on mutual interests – simply like someone’s picture, and if they reciprocate, a conversation can start. More than just a dating platform, Her also keeps you informed with LGBTQIA+ news and articles, making it a holistic space for both connections and community awareness.

Best for: LGBTQIA+ community
Pros: Inclusive and safe space, easy to use, good for exploring identities
Cons: Limited to a specific demographic, conversation dependent on mutual likes
Cost: Free; Her Premium starting from HK$118/month
Available on App Store and Google Play

Heymandi

Heymandi (HMD) is a text-based dating app, well-known among the local dating community for its emphasis on anonymity and one-on-one chat rooms. Developed locally, it allows users to start conversations based on shared interests without the need for profile pictures. Each user chats with only one person at a time, creating a focused and intimate chatting experience. However, the lack of pictures and personal information can lead to mismatches in expectations, and the site’s reliance on Cantonese slang might limit its appeal to non-Cantonese speakers. Other than that, Heymandi is a popular choice for those seeking quick, straightforward connections.

Best for: Knowing the person via text first
Pros: Anonymity, focused one-on-one chats, popular in Hong Kong, quick setup
Cons: Potential mismatches, limited to Cantonese speakers, no profile pictures
Cost: Free; Hey Silver starting from HK$98/month
Available on App Store and Google Play

Omi

Omi is a rising star in the Asian dating app scene. Developed in Singapore, it targets a more mature user base, typically over 25 years old, with stable jobs and lifestyles. Its main selling point is its rigorous user verification process, weeding out fake profiles and scammers to maintain a high-quality user community. The app is user-friendly with a swipe mechanism for matching features like MBTI tests and zodiac compatibility. Omi also includes mini-quizzes to deepen connections between matches, adding a twist to the online dating experience.

Best for: Mature individuals over 25 seeking quality matches
Pros: Strict user verification, innovative features like MBTI and zodiac compatibility, user-friendly interface
Cons: Limited functionality in the free plan, user base in Hong Kong still growing
Cost: Free; Omi Premium starting from HK$158/month
Available on App Store and Google Play

OKCupid

OKCupid, renowned as the OG of online dating, stands out for its comprehensive approach to finding genuine connections. With an impressive track record of pairing millions of couples annually, it’s no wonder the app remains a popular choice. OKCupid’s inclusivity is notable, offering 22 gender options and 13 sexual orientations. The site’s detailed questionnaire increases the likelihood of finding a compatible match. While it’s excellent for those seeking serious relationships, it also accommodates those looking for casual dates or even friendships.

Best for: Serious relationships, but also open to those looking for casual connections or friendships
Pros: Inclusive with numerous gender and orientation options, detailed questions for better matches
Cons: Time-consuming questionnaire, may not be ideal for those looking for quick matches
Cost: Free; OkCupid Premium starting from HK$158/month
Available on App Store and Google Play

Paktor

Paktor, meaning ‘date’ in Cantonese, focuses on shared interests over appearances. It offers a distinctive photo rating system, allowing you to rate others’ photos while they can see your ‘like’ and decide whether to connect for a chat. When signing up, you’ll answer questions about various aspects of your life, which Paktor uses to find compatible matches. Interestingly, photos are not initially displayed; you see only basic details like gender and occupation, encouraging connections based on more than just physical attraction. This approach aims to foster deeper, more meaningful connections.

Best for: Relationships based on shared interests rather than physical appearance
Pros: Encourages deeper connections, unique photo rating system, focuses on shared interests
Cons: No initial photo display may not appeal to everyone
Cost: Free; Paktor Gold starting from HK$199/month
Available on App Store and Google Play

Tinder

Known globally and widely used in Hong Kong, Tinder revolutionized dating with its simple yet addictive swiping mechanism. Swipe right if you’re interested, left if you’re not, and if both parties swipe right, it’s a match! The app has a broad demographic, primarily attracting those looking for more casual connections. While it’s possible to find long-term relationships, Tinder is more renowned for quick flings and spontaneous meetups. The ‘Superlike’ feature notifies someone of your heightened interest, potentially increasing your chances of a match. However, be prepared for fast-paced interactions and remember that not everyone may be seeking serious commitment.

Best for: Casual dating, flings, and quick meetups
Pros: Easy-to-use interface, large user base, quick connections, ‘Superlike’ feature
Cons: More suited for casual encounters, may not be ideal for those seeking serious relationships
Cost: Free; Tinder Gold starting at HK$118/month
Available on the App Store and Google Play

Header image credit: Aurelian Lupu’s Images via Canva

7 Questions Answered About VPN

The HK HUB — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 07:55:00 +0000

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When was the last time you haven’t connected the Internet for an entire day? Nowadays, being connected is part of our life, especially in Hong Kong, and if we care more and more about data privacy, VPN companies have emerged, to bring more security over our daily connections.

What is a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a software that provides an encrypted internet connection so that your browsing activities remain anonymous and secured.

It creates an encrypted tunnel to ensure that all your outgoing and incoming data is transmitted safely. With a VPN, it is possible to prevent unauthorized people from spying on your internet habits. It protects your online activities by hiding your actual IP address. Thus, you can access public WiFi hotspots without worrying about your privacy at all, and you know that, in Hong Kong, connecting a public WiFi is like ordering a Dong Leng Cha (凍檸茶).

Using a VPN is an affordable option to secure your internet connection on your desktop or mobile by encrypting the transmitted data.

How Does a VPN Work?

Previously only businesses and organizations used VPNs to protect their corporate data. However, now, it is used by individuals for protecting themselves from being exposed to hackers, who can steal personal and financial details.

A VPN establishes an encrypted connection between the devices. Often VPNs use the SSL/TLS or IPsec encryption protocols. The devices that connect to the VPN create encryption keys. Thereafter, the keys are used to decode and encode the details sent between them.

The effect of the encryption is that a VPN connection will remain private even if it stretches across public internet infrastructure. In short, VPN protects your data and “data” can include many things like emails, instant messages, login information, downloaded files, financial information, and the websites you visit.

_{A VPN can prevent hackers to intercept your personal data}

A VPN change the IP address to a different server location. This makes it look like you are using the device somewhere else, allowing you to access sites that have otherwise been blocked in your region.

Is It Legal to Use a VPN in Hong Kong?

Yes, it is completely legal to use a VPN in Hong Kong. That being said, we don’t recommend you to use a VPN to engage in some illegal activities that would be forbidden by the government.

Unlike in mainland China, Hong Kong upholds an open internet due to the semi-autonomous status of the city. Newspapers, social networks or messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and VPNs that are banned in Mainland China are legal in Hong Kong.

At this stage, it is still unclear how the National Security Law will impact the online world but NordVPN declared last year that the company saw a massive surge in download in Hong Kong, prompting efforts made by the company to add some new servers in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Is It Safe to Use a VPN?

A VPN is a way to protect your privacy when you are online, especially when you log in from a public space, such as the coffee shop, hotel lobby, airport, or library in Hong Kong.

As you sign up with a VPN provider, you have to log into that service prior to connecting to the internet. When you are connected, malicious individuals will not be able to see your IP, nor intercept your data, due to the encryption.

But, online privacy isn’t absolute even when you use a VPN because the provider will know your IP and your online activity for instance, and therefore, not all VPNs have been created equal, so, you use a VPN that you can trust.

How? A reliable and trustworthy VPN provider provides a zero-logs policy and doesn’t store any information about your internet activities.

What are the Differences Between Free and Paid VPN?

You can’t really expect perfection out of the products you get for free.

While free VPNs can be a good choice for individuals who want to try out a VPN before moving to a paid one, note that they come with their flaws.

Some free VPN track users and some sell browsing and personal data to third parties (so that other companies can send you ads or else). Thus, your online privacy is compromised, defeating the main purpose of using a VPN.
Other free VPN providers that operate as P2P networks and send data through someone else’s device and route the traffic of other users through yours. This can be downright dangerous.

Paid VPNs are however, owned by legit companies, and therefore, are trustworthy.

Why Use a VPN?

A VPN allows you to access geo-restricted content. If you’re in Hong Kong and that you want to have access to the British, American or French version of your favorite streaming app, change your IP and you can access new movies.

Unlock streaming platform catalogs with a VPN

Or, if you go to Mainland China and you want to access Google or Facebook, just change your location, and you’re all set.

Also, since Public WiFi is free, networks tend to be less secured, and there are threats linked to that, such as attacking malware and data breaches. A VPN can provide a secure tunnel for your online activities over public WiFi, when you’re working from Starbucks for instance.

How To Choose A VPN?

There are various criteria such as the encryption protocol, the number of servers and their locations, the number of simultaneous connections, the no-log policy, the speed of the servers, and obviously, the cost.

In Hong Kong, NordVPN is one of the best VPN and comes with DNS leak protection, a double 2048-bit encryption, two kill switches, and many other features. The virtual network offers both security and speed. The VPN provider has a strict no-log policy. It has more than 5400 VPN servers in 59 countries, including in 70 in Hong Kong and 120 in Taiwan.

Celebrate VPN Awareness Month and get a premium VPN for less than 30 HKD per month.

Know more about VPN:

Cybersecurity and vpn

3 useful vpn features

Where Are The Best Video & Photo Spots In Hong Kong (And Tips To Get Amazing Shots)

The HK HUB — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 23:03:53 +0000

Hong Kong, a vibrant metropolis with a blend of old and new, offers endless inspiration for creating visually appealing content. Known globally for its skyscrapers, Hong Kong surprises travelers with busy unspoiled markets, peaceful mountains offering breathtaking views, and many Instagrammable restaurants and places that are a hit with those looking to create unique snapshots of the city. Whether you’re new to video content creation or an experienced pro looking to enhance your skills, discover some tips to uncover Hong Kong’s vibrant spirit through captivating video content.

Why Is Hong Kong A Unique Place For Visual Artists?

From landmarks to buildings, from lively street markets to traditional temples, Hong Kong is a haven for photographers and videographers. This unique city stands out as a treasure trove of creative inspiration, thanks to its rich blend of modern architecture, historic sites, vibrant street life, and cultural diversity. The city offers countless worthy spots for visual artists to explore and capture their unique perspectives.

The juxtaposition of gleaming skyscrapers against the backdrop of ancient temples, hills, or mountains, creates striking visual contrasts while the bustling street markets, such as Mong Kok’s Ladies’ Market, offer an explosion of colors, faces, and textures for photographers to capture. Hong Kong is a place of contrasts, and the city’s dynamic fusion of East and West cultures provides endless opportunities for artistic exploration.

What Are The Best Spots To Take Photos And Videos In Hong Kong?

Sunset over Victoria Peak (Leung Cho Pan via Canva)

Whether you’re drawn to the capturing skyline of Victoria Harbour, the serene ambiance of Wong Tai Sin Temple, or the kinetic energy of Causeway Bay, Hong Kong offers an array of settings to fuel your creative vision. Every corner of this city is a canvas waiting for visual artists to craft their masterpieces.

Hong Kong Skyline and Victoria Peak

Hong Kong skyline at night with visual effects (Leung Cho Pan via Canva)

Hong Kong’s skyline is nothing short of amazing, and you can admire it from different angles and perspectives. From the Victoria Peak, enjoy breathtaking views of the futuristic skyscrapers along Victoria Harbour, but from Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade near the Avenue of The Stars, you’ll experience a more immersive view at eye level. For visual artists, this contrast offers the opportunity to capture the skyline’s grandeur from afar while also getting up close to highlight intricate architectural details and the vibrant energy of the bustling waterfront.

Skyscrapers in Hong Kong Island

One & Two IFC towers at night (molchanovdmitry via Canva)

The city’s cool architecture, especially in areas like Central, Admiralty and Causeway Bay, provides a rich visual playground for visual artists, from sleek modern skyscrapers to charming colonial-era buildings. You can take unique snapshots there, highlighting architectural contrasts and capturing the city’s dynamic fusion of old and new.

Monster Building in Quarry Bay

Airplane fly over monster building in Quarry Bay (Mongkolchon Akesin via Canva)

The Monster Building, a striking complex of five interconnected buildings in Quarry Bay offers an irresistible canvas for photographers and videographers. Originally built in the 1960s, it has since become an iconic landmark, known for its dense, urban architecture. With 18 floors and 2,243 units, it’s a unique visual spectacle. Its appearance in films like Transformers: Age of Extinction and Ghost in the Shell showcases its cinematic potential, making it a must-visit destination for creative visual artists.

Choi Hung Estate, a.k.a “The Rainbow Building”

The colourful facade of Choi Hung Estate (Kristian1108 via Canva)

Choi Hung Estate, also known as the “Rainbow Housing,” in Ngau Chi Wan, Kowloon, Hong Kong, is a visual delight for photographers and videographers. Its colorful exteriors and iconic playground offer an excellent backdrop for creative work. However, it’s worth noting that redevelopment plans were announced in November 2023 by the city’s Housing Authority, potentially changing its character. Capture its unique charm while you still can, preserving its vibrant history in your visual storytelling.

Temple Street in Mong Kok

Temple street in Mong Kok (Raymond Tam via Canva)

Temple Street’s distinctive charm extends to its popularity as a cinematic backdrop. It vividly represents Hong Kong’s diverse life, from bustling markets to gritty urban scenes. Numerous films, including Queen of Temple Street (廟街皇后) and The Prince of Temple Street (廟街十二少), have captured its essence. For photographers and videographers, Temple Street offers an authentic slice of Hong Kong’s cinematic history and urban culture.

Hiking Trails And Beaches

Man enjoying Hong Kong view from the Lion Rock (Creative-Family via Canva)

If you’re looking for a change of pace, Hong Kong also offers plenty of natural landscapes that will amaze video and photo enthusiasts. These locations provide an ideal setting for capturing the calming beauty of the mountains, the sea, and stunning sunsets. While there are hikes on Hong Kong Island, heading to the New Territories and visiting the Outlying Islands will help you discover picturesque backdrops. From unique rock formations to stunning beaches, you can unveil a different facet of Hong Kong’s beauty. Our favorite spots include Lion Rock for hiking, Tung Ping Chau for a remote island experience, and Sai Kung and Tai Long Wan for beautiful beaches.

How to Make Stunning Social Media Videos

Now that you know where to head to get amazing snapshots in Hong Kong, creating stunning social media videos is an art that involves several key practices.

Capture engaging angles and perspectives

In Hong Kong, you have a wealth of captivating subjects. Think outside the box when framing your shots and experiment with unconventional angles, like low-angle shots that accentuate the dramatic heights of skyscrapers or bird’s-eye views that unveil the city’s intricate layout. Diverse angles can vividly enhance the visual appeal of your videos.

Use lighting and video effects

Lighting is paramount, especially in a city known for its stunning cityscape. Harness natural light and strategically placed artificial lighting to elevate your video’s visual quality. Hong Kong’s golden hour, with the city bathed in a warm glow, adds a magical touch to your shots.

Video effects are the creative ingredients that make your videos extraordinary and while YouTube proposes some options to edit your videos, using a more professional YouTube video editor like Capcut is better as such tool proposes more options. They function like the brushstrokes of an artist, adding unique touches to your footage.

These effects help set the mood and establish deep emotional connections with your audience:

Colour grading is your video superpower, allowing you to control and enhance the colours in your footage. In Hong Kong’s bustling streets, you can make colours pop, intensifying the energy of neon signs and markets. For tranquil beach scenes, you can create a soothing ambiance by adjusting colours to cooler tones.
Slow motion and time-lapse are storytelling tools that add drama and showcase the passage of time. In Hong Kong, slow motion emphasises the dynamic movements of vibrant streets, letting viewers savor every detail. Time-lapse captures the city’s day-to-night transformation, revealing its ever-changing character.
Blur and focus effects guide your viewers’ attention precisely where you want it. It’s like a spotlight, highlighting essential elements. For instance, you can sharpen the iconic Hong Kong skyline while blurring the surroundings, making it the focal point of your video.

Incorporating dynamic camera movements

Embrace the bustling by incorporating dynamic camera movements. Use pans, tilts, tracking shots, and zooms to convey the dynamic energy of the city. These techniques create a sense of motion and keep viewers immersed in the vibrant culture and lively atmosphere of Hong Kong.

Enhancing Videos With Effects and Filters

Use the power of effects and filters to enhance your content is the next step after you’ve mastered the technique of taking fascinating film in Hong Kong, and here again, CapCut creative suite is a must-have. With the use of sophisticated tools like video effects and filters, you can produce visually attractive and fascinating material by enhancing the visual appeal of your videos.

Filters are like a set of special lenses for your camera, each offering a unique perspective on your video and most tools will have – at least – these types of filters:

Urban: This filter gives Hong Kong a modern, sleek look, ideal for highlighting its contemporary side and making the iconic skyline stand out.
Vintage: The vintage film filter adds a classic touch, perfect for portraying Hong Kong’s historical aspects, evoking nostalgia and enhancing traditional elements.
Nature Enhancers: These filters intensify the lush greens and blues, making Hong Kong’s natural beauty, from hiking trails to serene beaches, even more vibrant and captivating.
Low Light Enhancement: When night falls, this filter brings Hong Kong’s nightlife to life by enhancing low-light scenes, adding an extra layer of excitement to your video.

In a world where captivating content reigns supreme, let Hong Kong be your muse and our techniques be your guiding star. Take advantage of the distinctive character of the city, let your creativity run wild, and create edits that will captivate your audience. Capture the spirit of Hong Kong, tell gripping tales, and use effects and filters to create visually appealing video content.

Header Image Credit: Leung Cho Pan via Canva

Hong Kong Disneyland: The Complete Guide To Rides, Restaurants, Tickets, Opening Hours & More

Anjali Muthanna — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 04:24:00 +0000

If you’re heading to Hong Kong and are obsessed with all things Disney — or have little ones who can’t get enough of Elsa or Iron Man — then a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland has to be a high-priority item on your must-visit list. It is only one of six Disneyland parks in the world, and when it opened in 2005, it was only the second of its kind in Asia.

Hong Kong Disneyland is a great option for a day trip in the 852, a half-day outing, or even a staycation at any of the park’s three hotels. As a bonus, it has several indoor attractions where you can get a respite from Hong Kong’s hot, humid, and rainy weather. This theme park is much smaller than its American counterparts, but the upside is that, with a little planning, you can cover most of the attractions in a single visit.

The Momentous Nighttime Spectacular is a light-and-fireworks show that takes visitors on a nostalgia-fuelled trip through popular Disney films (© Hong Kong Disneyland)

And if you thought that a trip to Disney is only for children, think again! While there are rides that go a slower pace for kiddos — think the Cinderella Carousel, Flying Dumbo, and Orbitron — there are attractions that will give adults their fair share of fun, such as the Toy Soldier Parachute Drop and Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars.

So check out our handy guide to Hong Kong Disneyland, complete with the most popular attractions, ticket prices, restaurants, and tips for how to plan your visit to the park to get the most out of your time there.

How is Hong Kong Disneyland different from other Disney parks?

At 68 acres, Hong Kong Disneyland is the smallest of all the Disney parks. Its compact size means that it’s pretty easy to hit all the major rides and shows in one visit, even with the long wait times on busy days. It’s close to the Hong Kong International Airport, so a trip to the park during a long layover is very doable and convenient if you use their luggage and locker storage options.

The MTR train that ferries passengers between Sunny Bay Station and Hong Kong Disneyland has Mickey ears for windows and other Disney-themed décor as part of its interiors (© LN9267 via WikiCommons)

And when you take the MTR — the city’s vast network of trains — you can hop aboard the Disneyland Resort Line at Sunny Bay Station. The train carriages are designed to get you primed for your day at Disney, with its plush velvet seating, Mickey-ears windows and handles, and statues of characters from the Disney universe.

What makes the Hong Kong theme park unique is that it has two attractions not seen at any of the other Disneylands. The first is Mystic Point, which has a Disney’s Haunted House-meets-Indiana Jones vibe. The other is the World of Frozen — Disney’s only zone dedicated to the characters and locations of the hit film Frozen and its sequel — which will open on November 20, 2023.

Opening hours of Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland is open six days a week and closed on Wednesdays, unless it’s a public holiday or a special day. It is generally open from 10.30am-8pm. The operation hours may be extended on weekends and during the holiday season, so make sure you check the park calendar before your trip there.

We recommend that you start your date with Disney early so that you spend as little time as possible waiting to board the rides or watch the shows. Finish your top picks by noon, as wait times for the attractions can be quite long after lunch. And as with most large-scale theme parks, it’s best to visit Disneyland on a weekday if you don’t want to spend most of your time there standing in queues — especially if you’re with kids.

Hong Kong Disneyland tickets and pricing

The first step on your Hong Kong Disneyland journey is to buy tickets to enter the park. This is fairly easy as you can purchase them on the park website, on the Hong Kong Disneyland app, at the park entrance, or at any of the hotels.

One-Day Tier Tickets

There are different prices for One-Day Tier Tickets, depending on whether the day you intend to visit the park is a regular weekday, weekend or public holiday, or a “popular day”:

Tier 1 Tickets: HK$639 (adults), HK$475 (children)
Tier 2 Tickets: HK$719 (adults), HK$539 (children)
Tier 3 Tickets: HK$799 (adults), HK$599 (children)
Tier 4 Tickets: HK$879 (adults), HK$659 (children)

Senior citizen tickets for all tiers are HK$100, while guests with disabilities get 30% off one-day ticket tiers. Children under three years old can enter Hong Kong Disneyland for free.

Magic Access pass

If you’re a frequent park visitor, it may be worth picking up a Magic Access pass, AKA an Annual Pass, which gives you unlimited entry to Disneyland for a year as long as you plan a trip when the pass is valid and not on blockout dates. You’ll also get discounts on tickets, merch, parking and meals, as well as special birthday offers. There are three types of annual passes:

Silver (access only on weekdays): $1,468 (adult), HK$1,088 (child), HK$1,148 (student)
Gold (all-year access except for certain public holidays) : HK$2,558 (adult), HK$1,818 (child), HK$1,918 (student)
Platinum (unlimited access): HK$4,678 (adult), HK$3,368 (child), HK$3,558 (student)

Magic Access pass holders get unlimited entry to Hong Kong Disneyland and special privileges at restaurants (© The HK HUB)

Early Park Entry Pass

Want to start your Disney day early? Then get your hands on an Early Park Entry Pass—a one-time ticket priced at HK$199 that gives you access to Main Street U.S.A., and select Fantasy Land and World of Frozen attractions up to an hour before the park’s official opening.

Disney Premier Access

The Disney Premier Access pass is an add-on to a ticket or pass that you can buy to help you skip the queues at certain rides and shows. You can choose from any of the following passes:

1 Attraction: HK$99-HK$129
3 Attractions: HK$299-HK$599
8 Attractions, Momentous Castle Show, and 2 entertainment shows: HK$799

If you’re looking for great deals on Disney tickets, we suggest buying them on Klook or KKday. You also need to make a reservation before visiting the park, which can be done online or even by scanning a QR code on any of the standees at the entrance area.

Main zones in Hong Kong Disneyland

There are eight main areas in Hong Kong Disneyland, with a total of more than 30 attractions. Here are our top picks from each of them:

Main Street U.S.A.

Walk down Main Street U.S.A., which runs from the Hong Kong Disneyland Railroad Station to the Castle of Magical Dreams. The street has a turn-of-the-century — 20th, not 21st! — aesthetic, and is lined with souvenir shops, food stalls, cafés (yes, there is a Starbucks), and restaurants. Once you’re done strolling down the street (and presumably getting that iconic castle pic), you can make your way to the other “lands”.

Tomorrowland

If you’re a fan of all things Marvel or Star Wars, then you’ll want to make a stop at Tomorrowland. Head to the Iron Man Tech Showcase to meet the superhero himself — try and get there early enough to watch him make his mind-blowing entrance — or engage in a heroic battle to vanquish Arnim Zola and his Swarmbots at the Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! Visiting with kids? Then hop aboard one of Orbitron’s flying saucers or meet their fave heroes at the Tomorrowland Stage. Star Wars fans can be part of the Battle of Jakku at Hyperspace Mountain.

Fantasyland

This is the best place in Hong Kong Disneyland for kiddos as they can ride on the Cinderella Carousel, go dizzy with excitement on the Mad Hatter Tea Cups, or get airborne with Dumbo the Flying Elephant — though you can skip that last one if you’ve already done Orbitron, especially since the wait times for this are usually long. It’s got several indoor attractions — from the relatively short It’s a Small World boat ride (with that trademark earworm song) and Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, to longer shows like Mickey’s PhilharmonicMagic and Mickey and the Wondrous Book (both very popular in the afternoon when it gets hot).

Princess-mad visitors will enjoy a stroll through Fairy Tale Forest to check out vignettes featuring Snow White, Aurora, Ariel, and several other Disney beauties. The Castle of Magic Dreams is the place to go if you want to get some face-time — and pics, of course — with the princesses, but remember to book a free Standby Pass after you enter Disneyland first! You can also stroll through Fantasy Gardens, where you can meet Mickey and his pals if you’re there before 6pm.

Adventureland

Make a beeline for this zone if you want a river safari courtesy the Jungle River Cruise, on which you will be guided through jungles from around the world and see rhinos, hippos, elephants, apes — and even cannibals and headhunters! For Tarzan’s Treehouse, which is currently closed, you have to take a raft to get to the treehouse and explore its bridges and small rooms. If you want to cool off, head to the steam- and water-spewing totems at Liki Tikis or grab a seat to watch Moana: A Homecoming Celebration. Need a longer break from all that outdoor activity? The Festival of the Lion King has got you covered with a good half-hour of air-con time, along with spectacular music, acrobatics, and singing to boot!

Grizzly Gulch

The Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars are a popular roller coaster attraction in Hong Kong Disneyland (©
加農炮試鏡室 via Flickr)

Fancy a trip to the Wild West? Look no further than Grizzly Gulch, with its Frontierland-inspired locales, complete with mining mountain, gushing geysers, gold nuggets, the town jail, and roller coaster. The main attraction here are the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, which take visitors on a thrilling ride all over the mountain that gives it its name. Take a break at the Geyser Gulch, where water erupts from the ground to help you cool off after a day of walking through the park. Take pictures at the town jail and meet Mickey and his pals in their Old West avatars.

Mystic Point

Mystic Manor houses antiquities and other paraphernalia from Lord Henry’s travels across the world (© Mark Willard via flickr)

The standout attraction at this zone, the smallest at Hong Kong Disneyland, is Mystic Manor, which houses Lord Henry and his mischievous monkey Albert who take visitors on a tour of the mansion and its collection of antiquities from Henry’s travels around the world. If you prefer something less intense, check out the sculptures and treasures at the Garden of Wonders.

Toy Story Land

This was the first area in the Hong Kong park dedicated to a single film franchise and has a great mix of rides for kids and adults. Younger fans of the movie franchise will be tickled pink to hear larger-than-life replicas of Woody and Rex greet them as they enter Toy Story Land, and they can even meet their favourite characters from the films at the Barrel of Fun. Young children can head to the Slinky Dog Spin, a toned-down version of the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, while older kids (and grown-ups too) can get their share of thrills at the RC Racer and Toy Soldier Parachute Drop.

World of Frozen

World of Frozen is the only Disneyland attraction dedicated to Elsa, Anna, and other characters from the popular movie franchise (© Hong Kong Disneyland)

Arendelle will finally open up its gates at Hong Kong Disneyland and give anyone who’s Frozen-obsessed the adventure of their lives. The biggest attraction is Frozen Ever After, which will take visitors on a musical voyage to Elsa’s Ice Palace. Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs is the park’s third coaster ride and will take adventurers through Arendelle Forest. Explore Anna and Elsa’s childhood safe space at Playhouse in the Woods, which will give guests the chance to immerse themselves in an interactive experience during which they will meet characters from the Frozen films.

Parades and shows in Hong Kong Disneyland

While you walk around the park, keep your eye out for the live interactive performances that can pop up anytime at Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, and Grizzly Gulch. Head back to Main Street for the Mickey & Friends Street Celebration or watch Follow Your Dreams, a 20-minute show at the castle at which fan-favourite Disney songs will be performed.

The biggest extravaganza at the park is undoubtedly the Momentous Nighttime Spectacular — a closing-time light show that features 150 characters from about 40 Disney and Pixar films, all synchronised with large-scale projection mapping, lasers, theatrical lighting, choreographed water fountains, and of course, fireworks.

If you want to get a great spot to watch all these shows, download the Hong Kong Disneyland app to find out when each performance or parade begins so that you can line up for the best seats. Don’t have the time to wait? Then pick up a Disney Premier Access to save yourself the hassle in case you have a packed day.

Where to stay when visiting Hong Kong Disneyland

While you could stay at a hotel in neighbouring Tung Chung, Discovery Bay or at the airport, if you want the full Disney experience, we suggest making a booking one of the park’s hotels. The Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel is straight out of a fairytale, with its Victorian mansion-inspired décor and new Frozen-themed suite, along with an on-premises pool, playground, and outdoor maze.

If you want something a little more low-key, relatively speaking, make a reservation at the Explorer’s Lodge or the newly reopened Hollywood Hotel. Check the park’s hotel website for deals and offers they may have, especially during holiday seasons.

Restaurant and dining options at Hong Kong Disneyland

There are several cuisines and dining options at the park. Super-size your experience at Hong Kong Disneyland by trying the Disney-themed dim sum at Crystal Lotus or the Cantonese food at Plaza Inn — for which you may need to make a reservation if you plan to eat at a busy time. Starliner Diner at Tomorrowland has fried chicken-and-fries combos that are good value for money, while The Explorer’s Club at Mystic Point has international fare like Italian, Indian, and Singaporean on its menu.

Prefer to eat on the go? Grab some Mickey-shaped doughnuts and waffles at Main Street Bakery or Disney-themed ice cream at any of the carts dotted around the park. Jessie’s Snack Roundup at Toy Story Land serves up churros, ice cream and fruit cups, while you can get Korean squid and turkey leg at Karibuni Marketplace.

Seasonal shows at Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland pulls out all the stops during the holidays by decking out the park in festive décor and organising special shows. Every Halloween, visitors can catch the Let’s Get Wicked show where Disney villains take centre stage in a musical performance, while the highlight of the year-end celebrations is the Disney Christmas Live in Concert show in front of the Castle of Magical Dreams. Check the website before you go to the park to find out if there are any special events or performances during your planned visit.

Map of the various attractions at Hong Kong Disneyland (not yet updated to include World of Frozen)

When is the best time to visit Hong Kong Disneyland?

The best time of year to visit Disneyland’s Hong Kong park is between October and January as the weather is great — clear, blue skies and low humidity — and the park gets into festive mode then, with its back-to-back Halloween, Christmas, and Chinese New Year celebrations.

The park’s outdoor attractions are off-limits when a T3 signal is in place, and all rides and shows close when signal T8 is raised (© Hong Kong Disneyland)

While the park does have special events organised during the summer, the weather can be tricky as July-September is peak typhoon and rainy season in the city, apart from being extremely hot and humid. According to the Hong Kong Disneyland adverse weather protocol, if a T3 warning is in place, all outdoor rides and attractions are closed. When a T8 signal or anything higher is raised, the entire park will close.

Getting to Hong Kong Disneyland

There are several ways for you to get to the park as it’s very well connected by public transport:

MTR: Take the Tung Chung Line — easily accessible from major MTR stations like Central and Kowloon — to Sunny Bay Station and then take the Disneyland Resort Line to the park. If you’re coming from the airport, take the Airport Express to Tsing Yi Station, and transfer to the Tung Chung Line.
Bus: Hop aboard the R42 (from Tai Wai Station), R33 (from Tuen Mun Station) or 36 (from Tung Chung) to get to the park. If you’re heading there via the Lantau Link Interchange, take any ‘A’ or ‘E’ bus there and then hop on the R8 to head to Disneyland.
Taxi: You can take a taxi to get to the park and hail either a red, green, or blue taxi out of the park, depending on whether you’re going to Central or Kowloon (red taxi), the New Territories (green taxi), or Lantau (blue taxi).
Car: There is car parking available at Disneyland for anyone who prefers to drive to the park.

Guests at any of the Disney hotels can use the free shuttles to and from the park every 10-20 minutes between 6am and 1am.