7 rainy day activities in Hong Kong, from bowling to skating to visiting a library, that don’t involve shopping
- When Hong Kong’s summer rains drive you indoors, there’s more to do than wander around a shopping centre – a multitude of activities, in fact
- How about some speed skating, a tenpin bowling bar, a virtual-reality game with friends, a truly quirky museum or a trip to the library to take out a book?
People in Hong Kong are spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor activities: scenic hikes; beaches; sports on water or land. However, when rain, humidity and the odd approaching, still-distant typhoon play havoc with your plans, it’s sometimes difficult to know what to do indoors beyond browsing the shops at your nearest shopping centre.
Nevertheless, we’ve come up with a few suggestions:
1. DB Ice Rink, Discovery Bay
Introductory lessons continue on Sundays on July 3 (typhoon permitting) and July 17 (7pm-8pm) ahead of an as-yet confirmed course through the summer. The HK$295 (US$38) fee includes rental of speed skates, a helmet and gloves. The rink on Lantau Island also offers ice skating lessons and a public skate option (HK$60, including skates). It is also used by ice hockey teams.
The year-old rink is built to standards compatible with international hockey and ice and figure skating competition, so there is plenty of ice to share.
2. Tikitiki Bowling Bar, Sai Kung
The neon sign on Hiram’s Highway, heading into the New Territories’ Sai Kung from Choi Hung, gives an idea of what’s waiting. Inside, orchids, palm trees, lava rocks and rum cocktails in tiki-shaped mugs set the scene. On the fourth floor of the Centro plaza, the interior of the Tikitiki bowling bar is influenced by Caribbean and Polynesian design.