THE HIDEOUT HONG KONG LETS US DINE, PAINT, AND MEDITATE IN NATURE

So maybe we've had enough of that part of Hong Kong. You know, the places we've long been acquainted with because of family memories, recommendations from friends, historical connections, or the movies we watch (the spectrum goes from Bruce Lee to Wong Kar Wai, really).

There's this gritty image of Hong Kong that endures in our heads. It exudes a classic urban cool without even trying. We aren't all different as a people, ravaged by Western influences and neo-colonial realities. Our countries have great ties, to say the least. Hell, Rizal even practiced medicine here for a while.

For the Filipinos, the country has been one of our more cherished tourist destinations for years. There aren't any Visa restrictions, many Filipinos end up working in H.K., and yeah, Disneyland and all that (plus, hey, Hello, Love, Goodbye). 

The joys of staring at cascading hills

To locals, on the other hand, Filipinos have been a fixture in their lives, for both flattering and unflattering reasons. We are, after all, the largest ethnic minority in the country. The Philippines, too, was among the first countries to send workers to the country during the '70s, coinciding with H.K.'s own economic and manufacturing boom.

Mongkok, Central, Kowloon, and Nathan Road are obvious delights, but maybe we want something even farther away from the city, and to a lesser extent, farther away from who we are in the cityscape.

Let's take a look at a place like Lantau Island, for example. Best known as "the lungs of Hong Kong," it paints a gorgeous picture of what may well be considered a more foreign version of Hong Kong.

Away from the neon lights, swanky malls, busy streets, and cranky cab drivers. Lantau is defined by miles and miles of beautiful forests and mountainous terrains. This makes it an ideal spot for hikers and thrill-seekers alike. Exploring the deeper region of the area can mean seeing the Big Buddha, or perhaps visiting a hidden beach or a clandestine waterfall enclave. Simply put, Hong Kong's largest island gives people a quiet paradise that doesn't get talked about enough.

Getting Lost in the Hideout Hong Kong

On a recent trip to the island, we were brought to this interesting space situated at the foot of the mountains. The Hideout Hong Kong, which opened pretty recently, promises the traveler an enriching Hong Kong experience through other means. Here, the spot combines creativity, community, wellness, sustainability, and some style.

It's a hideaway that is equal parts farm, cafe, and workshop space. Upon entering the premises, we'll be treated to a tropical arcadia, boasting an impressive farm, gardens, and flowering orchards. Gardening plots ensure that it produces its own vegetables all the while helping independent farmers. The curated grounds actually function as a neat event space, as well.

The Parma Ham Pizza and the Mango Delight Smoothie Bowl

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The menu is no slouch either. Focusing on thoughtfully curated dishes and drinks, the Hideout Hong Kong puts together a rewarding ensemble for visitors. The pasta salad, black truffle pizza, and mentaiko stuffed chicken wings should be a great way to start the day. We can't also gloss over the mango delight smoothie bowl (a personal favorite), maybe a little bit of a Valley Girl thing, but it is pretty amazing to taste.

An Emphasis on Art and Meditation

It's always nice to have a little break from the noise every once in a while. In the Hideout Hong Kong's case, there are two ways to blow off some steam here. The first is its Nature Art Jamming workshop and Community Wellness sessions. These programs offer guests alternative ways to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Quiet. A little too quiet.

The package for the painting workshop comes with art supplies with a wide selection of acrylic paint. Each individual is also given a modest 20x20 cm canvas to work with. They're, of course, free to paint whatever subject they please (for anyone unsure of what they want to paint about, as instructors say, the lush landscape all around should be a good place to start) Complementing this are drinks and desserts, as well as a Message card and polaroid once guests are finished with their pieces.

Meanwhile, those keen on doing a wellness check on themselves might want to look into wellness sessions. Overlooking the river and cascading greenery, visitors may choose between the scheduled Breathwork & Sound Bath with Aigul Safiullina or Hatha Flow with Tina Borges. In both cases, restoration is always the goal.

The session setup & the painting I did

There are two ways to reach the Hideout Hong Kong. If we're coming from the island, we can take the ferry at Pier No. 6 in Central to Mui Wo. Upon arrival, you may head to the promenade and walk 500 meters. We'll be seeing a bridge on the right when we're near the farm. Walk on down 200 meters more until you reach the junction. Take a left and soon enough, the local fire station will appear on the right side. From there, a few steps more should lead us to a gate on a slope. It will take another 60 meters from that point before we reach our destination. The farm is situated on the left.

Alternatively, from Tung Chung, a Bus 3M from the station bus terminal should stop at Ngan Wan Estate. It's a bit easier from here. Head right and continue straight on for about 100 meters, again passing by the fire station. We should see the same gate on a slope.

For more information on the Hideout Hong Kong's Art Escape and Community Wellness in Nature classes, visit this link.

2024-07-05T08:11:51Z dg43tfdfdgfd