Speak now
I’m Sorry. I didn’t get that.
For many, Hong Kong’s cocktail of city skylines, culture and culinary delights is love at first sight. For Pia and Jeremy Jauncey, the city also played a special part in their love story.
“Hong Kong is actually where Jeremy and I had our second date, and where we fell in love,” says Pia. The Filipino native and Miss Universe 2015 winner first met the Beautiful Destinations founder in London’s Covent Garden. Soon, a trip to meet up again in Hong Kong was arranged and they sealed the deal with their first kiss ― and the rest is history.
The couple tied the knot in March 2023 and returned to Hong Kong as part of their globetrotting honeymoon. Hong Kong has been a regular destination for Pia, starring in many happy memories of family trips to Disneyland as well as in her travel show, Pia’s Postcards.
This time round, the couple rekindle their love affair with the city with a host of new experiences, including nature excursions and the city’s newest cultural landmarks.
Island hopping in Sai Kung
Hong Kong’s ‘urban jungle’ reputation is well-known ― but you’re missing out if you don’t venture further into the territory’s great outdoors.
Hong Kong is one of the world’s most iconic cities, but just a boat ride away in Sai Kung, you can explore beautiful natural sites like South Ninepin Island and Sharp Island.
Jeremy Jauncey
The newlyweds spent the day on a boat tour of the islands within the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, taking in unique volcanic rock formations, sun, surf and even some water sports in the South China Sea.
Discover marine life at Hoi Ha Wan
“Despite visiting Hong Kong many times, we’d never ventured far off the beaten path to find what lies a boat ride away,” says Jeremy.
That is, until their recent trip. While in Sai Kung, Pia and Jeremy also visited the Hoi Ha Wan Marine Life Centre to appreciate the natural wonders of Hong Kong’s marine world.
The sheltered waters were perfect for the couple to enjoy a glass-bottom boat tour of the protected marine reserve, offering a glimpse at more than 60 species of coral, teeming with tropical fish and seahorses.
Supersize your adventure on Lantau Island
Everything’s bigger on Lantau Island, where larger-than-life mountains like Sunset Peak and Lantau Peak offer nature trails. The island’s biggest star, however, is the famous Big Buddha. The 34-metre seated bronze Buddha is one of the world’s largest, so the Jaunceys made the popular pilgrimage to take in the landmark and explore nearby Po Lin Monastery. Popular attractions nearby also include the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, with spectacular views across the hills facing the South China Sea.
Step back in time at Tai O fishing village
The pace of life moves a little slower at Tai O fishing village. The couple spent time admiring traditional stilt houses, walked along the promenade and Shek Tsai Po Street, famous for its shrimp paste shops and the strings of salted, dried fish, and street art murals. Like many visitors, Pia couldn’t resist to help herself to a few fish balls and a tofu pudding at Fuk Hing Hong.
The sleepy fishing village on Lantau Island is also home to the Tai O Heritage Hotel, a former marine police marine police station dating back to 1902. More than a century later, the historical building was given a new lease of life as a UNESCO-recognised boutique hotel. Even if you don’t plan to stay overnight, their Tai O-themed afternoon tea is worth setting an hour or so aside for.
Get cultural in West Kowloon
The West Kowloon Cultural District is fast becoming the city’s most vibrant arts and culture precinct. Pia and Jeremy spent a morning at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, which showcases more than 900 priceless historical artefacts from its namesake museum in Beijing.
I particularly enjoyed the Forbidden City exhibition. It’s all so fascinating to see how the people of that time used to live.
Pia Jauncey
Just down the road at the Xiqu Centre, the couple then visited the Tea House Theatre for a Cantonese opera experience with a twist. The performance blends traditional Chinese theatre ― think intricate wardrobe, make-up and Chinese instruments ― with new arrangements and a modern setting, which truly epitomises the old-meets-new charm of Hong Kong.
Embrace nostalgic Hong Kong fashion in a qipao
As a Miss Universe winner, Pia is no stranger to costume changes. She decided to slip into the graceful silhouette of a qipao during her visit ― a unique way to embrace traditional Hong Kong culture. Naturally, her husband also suited up in a handsome Tang suit to complete the look. Book your qipao experience with 20s HK in Central and be transported to an era of sophistication and grace. Complete the experience with a photoshoot through Old Town Central for the ultimate souvenir.
Take in dinner with a view at Hutong
Perched atop Tsim Sha Tsui’s H Zentre tower, Hutong serves a marriage of Northern Chinese cuisine alongside views worthy of Beautiful Destinations’ Instagram feed. Enter through the brick-lined, traditional northern Chinese-style alleyway lit with red lanterns to enjoy signature dishes like the flaming Peking duck, marinated with Sichuan-style seasoning; and the Red Lantern crispy soft-shell crab, served in a basket of aromatic dried chillies. All that’s left to do is to drink in the stunning views across to the Victoria Harbour skyline with a cocktail in hand.
“This trip has reminded us that there are countless ways to learn new things, excite your senses and enjoy things with the one you love,” says Pia.
Discover more authentic local experiences with Malaysian pop star Lin Min-chen as part of the Hong Kong Buzz List.
