Hongkongers have been bound to the city since its lockdown, meaning locals have been able to discover new gems, revisit old crowd favorites, and explore lesser-known neighborhoods. Tseung Kwan O in Kowloon East is a telling feat and has a lot more to offer than one would expect. Perched within lush nature, with accompanying seaside and plenty of shopping malls, TKO is one of the latest up-and-coming spots in Hong Kong. With its spike of new residences opening along the waterfront, comes an abundance of new restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. (Full disclosure: As a TKO resident myself, I’ve come to know this hidden gem quite well — and can confirm it’s worth a visit. Plus, it’s extremely pet-friendly.)

What to do

Walk along the promenade

Image: Flickr/snapcat101

Stretching between Tseung Kwan O and Lohas Park, the waterfront promenade is a breezy walk for active souls. You’ll see bikers, pet-walkers, runners, and families strolling along this picturesque route. Grab a few picnic necessities and sit out on the rocks for the day when the weather’s not too hot.

Hike High Junk Peak

Image: Flickr/Alexander K L Chan

For even better views, hike up High Junk Peak, the second-sharpest peak in Hong Kong. The hike proves to be a bit of a challenge due to its steep slope but remains a popular option nonetheless. Take a short minibus (103 or 103M) from nearby Hang Hau to Ng Fai Tin. You’ll end up at the idyllic Po Toi O fishing village — a well-deserved seafood lunch awaits.

Indulge in a spa treatment at ANGSANA

Image: ANGSANA Spa

Pamper yourself with a bit of spa time at ANGSANA, a renowned wellness brand. Nestled within ALTO Residences, this branch is popular amongst residents in the area looking for their weekly massage fix. Try it out for a bit of self indulgence.

G/F and B2/F, Alto Residence, 9 Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O, 2792-6626. Open every day 11:00am to 10:00pm.

Eat here

Chilli Lime

Image: Chilli Lime

Blending a menu of Malaysian, Indian, and Thai cuisine, Chilli Lime is a pan-Asian restaurant perched on Tseung Kwan O waterfront. The al-fresco eatery welcomes cool breezes and waterfront views, whilst nestled in an intimate space. If you’re craving a scrumptious pad Thai or a rich beef madras – this is the place for it. The venue is also frequented by happy hour seekers.

Image: Simply Life

Image: OpenRice

Located in TKO Gateway, #What The Food is a casual Spanish-inspired eatery designed for quick bites. Grab a takeaway or dine-in – the choice is yours.

Image: RISE Kitchen

Get your morning breakfast and caffeine fix at RISE Kitchen, a bakery founded by baker Icy Wong. RISE aims to promote the traditional French method of artisan bread and pastries by using a long fermentation process. Stop by on a weekend at this waterfront venue.

Restaurant No.4 G/F, 29 Tong Yin Street, Alto Residences, Tseung Kwan O, 2703-9388. Open Wednesday to Monday 10:00am to 8:00pm.

Drink here

FRITES

Image: FRITES

Madira

Image: Community Concepts

Owned by Community Concepts, Madira serves Indian and Malaysian delicacies in an al-fresco setting. The venue is also popular for its happy hours, which include HK$30 G&T’s — if that’s not a good deal, we don’t know what is. Plus, there are the iconic waterfront views just in front of the restaurant.

Shop 21, G/F, Papillions Square, 21 Tong Chun Street, Tseung Kwan O, 2869-9933. Open every day (hours vary).

Around the Block…

With its close proximity to the MTR, Tseung Kwan O is within easy reach of its neighboring hidden gems. Hang Hau Village is a secluded restaurant and bar area, serving everything from fine dining to street food. Take a bus to Sai Kung to explore the great outdoors and embark on a hike or swim in clear waters. Head to Po Lam for more shopping and dining, only a couple of stops away via MTR.