Do you miss Hong Kong? Well, you're not alone. I've been thinking about Hong Kong a lot lately because it has given me so much joy and wonderful travel experiences in the past. Post-pandemic, I'm sure a lot of you want to visit Hong Kong ASAP (I do!).

Hong Kong has always been a popular destination for Filipino families, friends, and even for couples. A lot of our first trip abroad is Hong Kong since it is not only near our country, but also quite "affordable" if you know how to look for budget-friendly airfare. You don't have to break the bank just to have the entire family or clan just to experience the sights and sounds of Hong Kong.

Here are some of the activities we missed doing in Hong Kong--from its bustling city of skyscrapers surrounded by mountains, street art, trams, and, of course, its delicious cuisine.

1. Exploring the city on trams and trains
You can easily reach every tourist spot in Hong Kong by riding the double-decker trams or by riding on its trains since the Hong Kong MTR (mass transit railway) is considered one of the most efficient public transports in the world. It's easy to navigate the routes as there are no scarcity of signages and tourist maps translated in English scattered everywhere. It is so easy to explore Hong Kong, even for first-timers.

2. Dining with the locals
The best food experience in Hong Kong is not inside big fancy restaurants but in those small food stalls found on every corner and street, giving you the authentic local taste of Hong Kong dishes and street food. Find out where the locals are lining, for sure it's an excellent place to dine and experience a gastronomical adventure. But be ready with some essential Cantonese words when ordering and paying for your meal.

3. Shopping at night
Hong Kong is not only known for its luxury shops and branded boutiques but most of all, for its night markets. Safe, clean, and easy to find, these night markets offer great bargains (you have to haggle though). Drop by Mongkok or Temple street at night and I'm sure you'll find something you like.

4. Enjoying the city view from the top
Victoria Peak is a must-visit tourist spot in Hong Kong that gives you a spectacular view of the city's skyline and its surrounding bay. Those who have been to Victoria Peak will all agree that you need to get up and be there early as locals and tourists flock to this tourist spot, and a long line of people are waiting to board the Peak Tram. This wooden tram is another highlight of this tourist attraction, giving tourists a unique riding experience with picture-worthy sights. Once you reach the peak, enjoy an incredible 360-degree view of the Hong Kong city skyline.

5. Visiting the highlands by cable car
Hong Kong is best enjoyed not only via its train lines but also through its cable car, popularly known as Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car. This cable car line gives passengers a top ride of the wilderness of the hills, rivers, and mountains. This also bring you to tourist spots located in the highlands.

6. Finding peace and tranquility with nature
After being suspended on the air via the cable car, tourists will reach the bronze statue of Tian Tan Buddha, popularly known as Big Buddha, located at Ngong Ping, Lantau Island. It's made from bronze and seated on a hill surrounded by mountains and a monastery. Those visiting this place will have to prepare themselves physically for an uphill climb that can be exhausting as there are 268 steps just to reach the top. But once you're there, the view of the surrounding mountains and nature, and hearing birds chirping, is indeed a precious prize worth the climb.

7. Experiencing the happiest place on earth
One of the reasons why Filipinos love to visit Hong Kong is that it's the nearest Disneyland Theme Park from our country. Part of the travel bucket list of most, a visit to Hong Kong is not complete without a Disney experience.

Disneyland Hong Kong is accessible by train from the city center. Once you reach the park, you'll have a surreal feeling of seeing the Disney characters and movies come into life in the form of fun-filled activities and rides. The park offers a lot of attractions that can be enjoyed by the young and old, especially the Disney on Parade and the fireworks display at night, which is a backdrop of the Castle of Magical Dreams. While visitors are enjoying the fireworks, there is a light and sound show that is truly magical and indeed befitting of the title "the happiest place on Earth."

Those who have been to Hong Kong would definitely love to go back to this place where neon signages and night markets brighten the night sky. I just hope that this dreadful and long pandemic would come to end, so that we could all travel once more and experience the joy that exploration can bring.