5 last-minute Valentine's dates in Hong Kong

Picnic at the Peak

Admire the bright city lights from above and take your special someone on a picnic date at The Peak, and we don’t mean Whoppers on Burger King’s balcony.

The Victoria Peak Garden is the perfect setting for a Valentine’s picnic. This real-life secret garden is tucked away off the Morning Trail and features a rarity for Hong Kong parks: green, green grass to sink your toes into.

Lay a blanket onto these lush little blades or spread your meal out onto one of the many picnic tables available. 

Better yet, build a little dinner haven in one of the European-inspired gazebos.

From the Peak Tower, head up Mount Austin Road and build up your appetite over a leisurely 15-20 minute walk to find this emerald land.

Home-cooked rooftop dinner

If you or your partner is lucky enough to have access to it, a Hong Kong building rooftop is a great place for a romantic candlelit dinner.

These open spaces are sorely underused but most offer a unique, elevated view of our concrete jungle. Having a somewhat-functioning kitchen and knowing your way around it will help in whipping up a home-cooked meal to remember.

But otherwise, take a cooking lesson in advance, pick up some tips from Amanda Strang or pull a Mrs. Doubtfire and pretend you were holding out all this time. Dial-A-Dinner can help you out with that one. 

Temple Street Date – dinner, karaoke and tarot 

Or, you can forget the traditional candlelit dinners this Valentine’s and rub elbows with the locals over some greasy but delicious seafood at one of Temple Street’s outdoor eateries.

Be honest, we all feel a little uncomfortable in those upper-crust restaurants, so let loose and get those hands dirty peeling crab legs and giant shrimp by the handful. 

Afterward, go for a leisurely stroll through the night market until you reach the street karaoke stalls. This is where you’ll serenade your sweetheart under the floodlights and canvas sheeting, while trying to belt out your song louder than the tai tai next door. Could you think of anything more romantic?

See what the cards have in store for you and your lover and pay a visit to the tarot readers just round the corner, but be warned that the news might not always be good.

Secluded beach picnic

The winter so far has been a frigid one, but here’s hoping that Valentine’s Day will bring warmer weather to our pastures.

If the thermometer rises in our favor, whisk your sweetheart away to one of Hong Kong's many well-kept beaches for a romantic picnic by the water.

You’ll have to the weigh the cost-benefit ratio of a more remote location with how irritable your mate might get after a long hike or MTR/minibus/bus/boat journey.

Shek O is a good in-between, depending on your starting point. Once it gets dark, fill some small paper bags with sand and pop a tea light inside for your own home-made luminaries, a DIY touch that will set the mood.

Junk boat dinner

We normally associate junk boats with sunscreen, bikinis and cannonballs off the upper deck. But leave your football team/company/friends at the dock and treat the apple of your eye to a romantic junk for two.

The sun will set at 6:20 p.m. on February 14, so time your departure accordingly and set sail near the end of the afternoon. This way, you can take advantage of the sunset views and admire what many say is the world’s best skyline in both the day and night time.

The Symphony of Lights will make for a dazzling end to your date if you’re back in Victoria Harbour for the 8 p.m. showtime.

Island Junks offers a three-hour Valentine’s private junk hire, including a private chef on board to prepare dinner for two, with wine and champagne for HK$5,000.

Picnic checklist

If you’re opting for a DIY picnic, don’t forget these items for a successful dinner date:

Candles Tea lights work wonders for ambience and are available in most Wellcome and ParknShop locations. It’s best to avoid the heavily scented variety if enjoying over dinner. Look in the section where paper plates and cutlery can be found. And while you’re there, pick up a couple of those items if your dinner requires it.

Portable iPod speakers and batteries Serenading your partner with that Mariah Carey hit you first danced to in Privé must sound spectacular to your ears, but everyone needs a break at some point. So bring your iPod and speakers and plan a memorable playlist in advance.

Tablecloth and fleece blankets No one wants sand/grass/stucco in their Valentine’s dinner, so spruce up the surroundings with a tablecloth. A flat bed sheet will do in a pinch. When the winds pick up and the thermometer drops, you’ll be thanking us later when your partner wants to cuddle up with you in those fleece blankets you so thoughtfully packed.

Natural bug repellent If you’re venturing into the wild (i.e. beach or park) have some natural bug repellent on hand to keep the mozzies and other flying insects at bay.

Flashlight You don’t want your romantic Valentine’s date turning into the next "Blair Witch Project" after the candles run out. Best bring a small flashlight to safely find your way back to civilization.