December 5 2023  |  Events

Photo journal: 12 hours in Hong Kong with FORMIA

By Jane Hobson, in Kowloon, Hong Kong

PAX International's Jane Hobson (left) with FORMIA's Natalie Solebo atop The Peak in Hong Kong

Those in the aviation industry may know better than anyone else the rewarding work-life balance that business travel can offer. PAX International Managing Editor Jane Hobson stopped by for a visit at FORMIA’s headquarters in Hong Kong recently. With about 12 hours to spend, Marketing Director Natalie Solebo showed PAX the best way to mix business and leisure in Asia’s world city.

Read Jane’s photo journal below.

Twelve hours in Hong Kong with FORMIA
After a long but relaxing flight to Hong Kong from Toronto, Canada, I landed at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) around 4:30 a.m. I freshened up, stored my hand luggage (such a convenient service offered by the airport for HK$14 [US$1.80] an hour) and grabbed a ticket for the Airport Express. Located right outside Arrivals Hall A, the train comes every 10 minutes. A one-way ride to Hong Kong Station to meet Natalie cost HK$115 (US$18.60).

Quick opportunity to freshen up after a long flight

View on arrival at Hong Kong International Airport

The train ride into the city was efficient and convenient

The Express train showed me my first glimpses of Hong Kong—rolling green mountains and blue water sparkling in the sun. In about 25 minutes, I arrived at the station located in the International Finance Centre.

From here, Natalie suggested a quick taxi ride up to The Peak to do the Circle Walk. The 3.5 kilometer walk offers views of the world-famous Victoria Harbour, winding around the highest point on Hong Kong Island. The views were spectacular, and we lucked out with a very sunny day. It felt great to get some physical activity in after the flight, too.

Spectacular view from the Peak

Tram ride back down

Star ferry ride

We took the Peak Tram down and were ready for our next activity—a ride on the Star Ferry.

For HK$4 (US$0.50), the 10-minute ferry ride brought us across the harbour to Kowloon. This part of Hong Kong is also home to FORMIA’s headquarters where Natalie and Chief Operating Officer René Lux generously gave a behind-the-scenes look at the amenities expert’s offices. Read more on that visit here: A tour of FORMIA’s Hong Kong office.

René Lux, Chief Operating Officer at FORMIA, poses for a photo in the Kowloon office showroom holding Heralbony amenity kit

With nearly 10,000 steps at this point, we figured it was time for dim sum. Locals were enjoying the sun during lunch hour at the historic Tai Kwun. The square consists of the former Central Police Station, Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison. The annual Christmas tree at Tai Kwun was being set up and other festive decor could be seen around.

Converted into a bustling gathering place for shopping and dining, we tucked into Madame Fu Grand Café Chinois on the third floor of the former prison for the Free Flow Dim Sum lunch. The environment was beautiful, the service was excellent. The dim sum was some of the best Chinese food I’ve ever tasted. It was all delicious—but Natalie and I particularly enjoyed the Mozzarella & Spinach Dumpling, Assorted Mushroom & Black Truffle Dumpling, Vegetarian Spring Roll and Deep-fried Curry Chicken Dumpling.

The Free Flow Dim Sum lunch at Madame Fu Grand Café Chinois

The Christmas tree was in construction at the historic Tai Kwun square

The sun was shining as locals gathered for lunch at the site that used to be Central Police Station, Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison

Tai Kwun square consists of the former Central Police Station, Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison

With a full belly and just a touch of jetlag setting in, it was time to head back to the airport. I hopped back on the Express Train and was at HKIA within thirty minutes.

One day is not nearly long enough to experience it all, but Natalie’s itinerary is a tried-and-true one-day introduction to the beauty of Hong Kong. At this time of year, temperatures hang around a moderate 24 degrees Celsius during the day and the humidity has lifted, making it a great season to enjoy the sun, see the sights and indulge in meals on the many terraces. I highly recommend a visit to Hong Kong—even if just for a few hours. And having a local to show you the way makes for an unforgettable day!

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