Hong Kong's iconic Aqua Luna. Handout
My fingers are not enough to count the many times I've been to Hong Kong, which go as far back as the mid-2000s. Yet for some reason, the Aqua Luna was never part of my itinerary.
The red-sailed junk boat, which honors Hong Kong's maritime history, is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. For many, an Aqua Luna cruise on Victoria Harbour is a must — unlike the standard, no-frills Star Ferry, this leans more toward a stylish, premium experience.
My chance finally came in 2026, during a media trip organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. The weather wasn't exactly cooperative on the day of our cruise but somehow, it made the Aqua Luna shine.
Beyond the panoramic views, the vessel itself is an attraction — the varnished wood exterior, the handcrafted details, the bright red canvas sails above the spacious open decks, and the cozy lounge beds. Add a glass of white wine and some good company, and you're in for a memorable ride.
Daytime cruise on the Aqua Luna. Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News
After experiencing it myself, I'd have to agree: the Aqua Luna is one of the best ways to enjoy Hong Kong by the water (although going on an outdoor adventure is also a great idea). A daytime cruise is enjoyable enough, but you can level it up with dim sum or afternoon tea on board, or even dinner at an award-winning restaurant afterwards.
If you're not into boat rides, you can simply make the view come to you. Our hotel, Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong, has rooms with huge windows facing the waterfront. Even better, it comes with some bells and whistles: an infinity pool, a rooftop bar, a 24/7 gym, a curated breakfast buffet spread, and thoughtful welcome amenities.
Hyatt Centric is also a convenient base for exploring the city since it's only a short walk from the North Point MTR station. Upon check-in, you'll receive a cute little map of the surrounding neighborhood, complete with vouchers you can use to redeem free snacks like egg waffles and rice noodles as you take in the old-school local charm.
A standard room at Hyatt Centric. Photo from the hotel's website
Welcome amenities (left) and breakfast buffet at Hyatt Centric. Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News
The water theme carried on throughout our trip — the centerpiece was the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival, where we cheered for two Filipino teams as they proudly represented the country.
We also stopped by Hong Kong Disneyland to check out the Pixar-themed summer attractions, and I got hilariously blasted by water cannons mounted on giant character floats.
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Both were genuinely fun experiences, but there was something else in our itinerary that I was excited about the most: Ma Wan 1868, a newly revitalized cultural hub by the sea that's dotted with shops and colorful street art.
It sits on a tiny island in the New Territories, so going there involves a short ferry ride. Unfortunately, the rain stopped us from taking the journey.
The vibrant Ma Wan 1868 cultural hub, which we didn't get to visit because of the rain. Handout
Not letting the bad weather dampen my spirits, I focused on the food instead. One Duck Lane, which is right at our hotel, serves some of the finest roasts in the city alongside stunning views. I can still remember the signature Peking duck being wheeled out and expertly carved tableside, its glistening crispy skin an event in itself.
I mean look at that skin. Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News
Nanhai No. 2 is another dining spot with a Victoria Harbour backdrop and a solid menu of modern Chinese fare. A standout for me was the king prawn tossed in a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce (called "bang bang," we're told), with a fried mantou served on the side to soak up all that deliciousness.
I also liked the clean flavors of the stir-fried scallops and the steamed live grouper — although admittedly, I dropped everything the moment the roast goose landed on our table. Dessert, meanwhile, reminded me of home: the steamed white sugar cake with osmanthus was essentially a refined puto with floral notes.
Nanhai No. 2's king prawn (left) and lovely view of the water. Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News
Nature may have disrupted our itinerary, but I still got to see so much in just a few days. It's easy to see why many Filipinos love Hong Kong — it's the kind of city that can match your pace, and there's always something else to explore when things don't go according to plan.
Even after multiple visits, it still feels like I'm barely scratching the surface. And yes, I've already made a mental note of Ma Wan 1868 for a future art-themed trip.