10 fun things to do alone in Hong Kong – for the times you should (or just want to!) roll solo.
1 Visit the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
This monastery is fun to conquer solo for a number of reasons. Firstly, no-one’s around to see you wheeze your way up the 400-odd steps. Secondly, the ascent is lined with golden Buddha statues – perfect selfie buddies. Finally, when you reach the top you can soak up the mountain views. Alternatively, head up the road to Tai Po's Tsz Shan Monastery. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin, 2691 1067;10kbuddhas.org.
2 Dance in the dark
No Lights No Lyrca is a weird yet liberating dance session held completely in the dark. Shake it off and wave your hands in the air like you just don’t care, because nobody is watching. Formerly held at XXX, it’s now held at Sheung Wan’s Premium Sofa Club. 212 Wing Lok St, Sheung Wan; fb.com/nlnlhkg. Free.
3 Hang around in Mong Kok
Good ol’ Mong Kok. The Ladies Market. Tourists. People everywhere. With a population density of 130,000 people per square km, it’s one of the busiest districts in the world. Is it any wonder the Cantonese translates to ‘busy corner’? If you’re ever feeling lonely, hop over to Mong Kok and disappear in plain sight.
4 Buy yourself flowers
If you’re in the area, possibly after you’ve finished battling enochlophobia in Mong Kok, head over to Prince Edward’s Flower Market and treat yourself to a personalised bouquet. Even better, you can choose flowers you actually like!Flower Market Rd, Prince Edward; flower-market.hk.
5 Dine solo at MyHouse
MyHouse is a great place to dine or drink alone thanks to the installation of vinyl record players under several of the tables. Bring along your headphones and select from owner Alison Christ’s personal collection. The food and drinks are solid, and the chilled vibe shifts into a night of dancing from 8pm. Since you’re solo, follow Billy Idol’s lead and try dancing with yourself. 26/F, QRE Plaza, 202 Queen’s Rd E, Wan Chai, 2323 1715; myhousehk.com.
6 Join a gym
When you’re riding solo, you tend to have a bit more ‘me time’. So how about improving your fitness and toning up to raise your attractiveness? Health benefits aside, it could bring you one step closer to riding as a duo. If all else fails, striking up conversation in the sauna is never awkward...
7 Afternoon tea for one
If you’re feeling decadent and fancy an afternoon snack, Café Gray Deluxe at the Upper House serves up afternoon tea for one. Grab a window seat and gaze out over the harbour views from Upper House’s 49th floor perch. You won’t have to worry about splitting any of the cakes and sandwiches. $235 for one. Afternoon tea daily from 3.30pm-5.30pm, 49/F, Café Gray Deluxe, Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 2918 1838;upperhouse.com.
8 Sing about it at karaoke
Much like certain other activities in this Top 10, some things are just better done with a little privacy. We all pretend to love a group karaoke session, but why is it then that most people have to get fall-down drunk to have the courage to wail their tone deaf vocals into a mic? So, how about taking yourself to a karaoke room to really nail those high notes? Sing like nobody is listening and who knows, next time you go with a group, you might serenade that special someone.
9 Enjoy a solo spa day
If there’s not anyone else to spend your money on, splash the cash on number one. The Mandarin Oriental’s spa offers a three-and-a-half-hour ‘Indulgence’ programme that features a Quintessence salt scrub, full body massage, age repair facial, foot massage and a light Asian-inspired meal. Feel revived from head to toe and even more relaxed at the fact you don’t have to deal with anyone while in post-spa bliss mode. $4,290-$4,840.Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Rd, Central, 2522 0111;mandarinoriental.com.
10 Tap up Tinder
If all this riding solo gets you down, grab your phone and swipe right. Chances are if you’ve done one to nine on our list, at this point you’re desperate, so let go of your inhibitions and play ‘Tinder roulette’ to see what surprises arise. If even Tinder fails you, well, the internet will just have to be your right hand man...