See The Most Astounding Views in Hong Kong With Helicopters

You’ve been to a number of beautiful places and have seen everything on the ground in your city. But what about enjoying the view of vistas from high above? It’s time to see Hong Kong from another angle!

If you’d like to travel without leaving the city, booking a helicopter ride is your answer. Here are five helicopter experiences to take you high above to enjoy the breathtaking Hong Kong landscape that has been here all along.

Get up close with The Pearl of the Orient

Source: Wpcpey

The five-star helicopter experience begins at The China Clipper, an exclusive lounge located on the 30th floor of The Peninsula Hong Kong. The ride offers spectacular views of Victoria Harbour, one of the world’s natural landform harbor which separates Hong Kong Island in the south from Kowloon Peninsula to the north. Known as The Pearl of the Orient, the dazzling night views attract hundreds and thousands of travelers every year. You'll enjoy the skyline of Hong Kong and the glitziest beaches and bays on South Hong Kong Island. The scenery is something so indescribable that it would definitely leave you in awe.

Go On A Spiritual Journey and admire The Big Buddha from above

Source: Hong Kong Tatler

How does it feel to admire one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world from above on a scenic helicopter ride? The iconic Big Buddha has been a spiritual pilgrimage for travelers from afar since its debut in 1993. It rests high up on a hilltop on Lantau Island, one of the biggest islands in Hong Kong. On this private flight, enjoy an intimate spiritual experience of admiring the Big Buddha from different perspectives. Don’t forget to keep an eye out on the planes taking off in the sky as the Hong Kong International Airport is just right next door!

Explore Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark in total comfort

Photo credit: Matthieu Paley

Get ready for an unforgettable trip that highlights Hong Kong’s magnificent nature at Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark with a private helicopter ride. The park showcases the city's timeless and beautiful landforms, including rare hexagonal rock columns formed from a series of violent volcanic eruptions in Sai Kung 140 million years ago. Enjoy the tranquility Sai Kung offers, and get up close with different islands, rare volcanic rocks, cliffs, sea caves, and even a tombolo on a private helicopter ride. It’s definitely the best way to explore Hong Kong’s natural history without breaking a sweat.

From helicopter to luxury yacht

Source: yachtharbour.com

From the air to the sea, this extravagant experience allows you to enjoy a whole new perspective of Hong Kong from a unique vantage point. The sightseeing flight will take off from the rooftop helipad of The Peninsula Hong Kong, followed by a sweep over Victoria Harbour before landing at Wan Chai Heliport. It’s time to enjoy the unparalleled view of Hong Kong’s skyline. Let the chauffeur whisk you away to a three-hour cruise where champagne and canapés await on a luxurious yacht.

Travel to Macau in style

Source: Getty images

We know traveling within your own city might not quench your thirst, so here comes another solution. Why not take a 15-minute helicopter flight to and from Macau? Enjoy full aerial views of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers, landmarks, and Victoria Harbour before landing in Macau, followed by a visit to the city’s entertainment and shopping complexes, and lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant. As the night falls, catch the city's famous daily laser light show, A Symphony of Lights, just in time on your evening flight back to Hong Kong.

Let’s leave your work behind for a while, take some time off, and enjoy some of these jaw-dropping helicopter experiences.

48 Hours in Siem Reap

Home to glorious Angkor Wat Archaeological Park, Siem Reap features at the top of most travellers’ lists when visiting Cambodia.

It's not a large city but it is key to the Kingdom's tourism sector and is home to its cultural and historical roots.

However, there is much more than temple trekking to squeeze into a 48-hour stay in the city. With a huge variety of excellent dining options, luxurious hotels and spa retreats, Temple City is a beacon for relaxation and exploration.

Taking visitors to Artisan Angkor’s silk farm on the outskirts of the city

Day One: Morning

No trip to Siem Reap is complete without a trip to Angkor Wat, and what better way to start your day than a spectacular 6 am sunrise at the iconic archaeological masterpiece?

With Angkor Archaeological Park being the main draw, you’ll be hard pushed to find a hotel or guesthouse that doesn’t cater for temple tourists wanting to watch the sun peek from behind Angkor’s iconic spires, with tuk-tuks on stand-by and breakfast available to take with you.

Don’t expect to have the temple to yourself though, because dawn is Angkor’s busiest time, with thousands flocking around the lotus lake to the front of the 12th-century temple to capture the perfect photo.

After a quick exploration of the sprawling grounds, head to the neighbouring Angkor Thom. The ancient city is home to Bayon Temple and its 216 gigantic faces. We recommend finishing off the morning with a trip to root-riddled Ta Prohm, which had a starring role in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. There is no shortage of makeshift restaurants throughout Angkor serving Khmer dishes to help you to refuel from the morning’s temple trekking.

If you want to have a pampered and exclusive temple experience, consider heading skyward in a hot air balloon, or charter a private helicopter for a romantic and intimate aerial tour of the Angkor temples.

Day One: Afternoon

Make the most of your Angkor day pass and head to Banteay Srei, a rural district that sits about 30km from Angkor Wat. Here, you may well stumble upon peace and quiet, with the 10th Century red sandstone temple remaining relatively off the tourist trail.

While the temple is tiny in comparison to its big sister, the intricate carvings remain intact and the crumbling ruins can be explored. If you’re all templed out, then fear not because Banteay Srei has plenty more up its sleeve.

Home to the pristine countryside and rural life, the Banteay Srei site showcases a series of community-driven activities in the area, authentic homestays and the chance to see local life up close.

Banteay Srei Butterfly Centre ($4/$2) is well worth a visit. Home to more than 30 species of Cambodian butterflies and moths, Southeast Asia’s largest fully-enclosed butterfly centre offers a colourful educational experience.

Day One: Evening

Start the evening with a leisurely stroll along Siem Reap River’s tree-lined promenade to sit down at one of the many fine-dining restaurants. Many will specialising in Pan Asian cuisine, and have contemporary choices, especially in the leafy French quarter.

Cocktails are a must to wind down the evening. There are charming spots set out in traditional Khmer wooden houses, serving a delicious array of cocktails. Get lost in the winding alleys near the Siem Reap market and in the famous Pub Street and discover a collection of quirky bars along the way.

Angkor Wat from above

Day Two: Morning

Start the day delving into Cambodia’s rich artisanal heritage at Artisans Angkor. Launched in 1998, the organisation strives to train Cambodians in the ancient arts, which were almost wiped out during the Khmer Rouge reign, and provide local artisans with employment.

Visitors can take a free tour of their workshops in Siem Reap centre, where traditional Khmer handicraft is being undertaken in the form of stone and wood carving, lacquering, silver plating and silk painting.

Two free daily shuttle buses also take visitors to Artisan Angkor’s silk farm on the outskirts of the city. Here, you can see how Cambodia’s famous golden silk is created, from silkworm to cocoon to finished product.

Day Two: Afternoon

Get on the ultimate high and enjoy alternative views of the temples. Helicopters are available to charter above the iconic temple complex. While they are not allowed to fly directly over Angkor Wat, we can catch views of it in the distance as we hover above the vast complex’s other temples.

After getting back on firm ground, head to one of Siem Reap’s hippest attractions, Kandal Village. Once a gritty grid of backstreets, the area has undergone a makeover and had some style injected into it in the form of cool boutiques, cafes, bars and restaurants.

The Little Red Fox Espresso is a great spot for a snack and caffeine hit (excellent coffee!) before browsing the stores that dot the area. Kandal Village is also home to TRIBE Urban Art Gallery, which celebrates local and international artists.

Another must-not-miss spot with art lovers is Theam’s House, the home and workspace of artist and designer Lim Muy Theam. He has opened up his exquisite traditional wooden house to visitors, who can meet him and his family and view his works in the making.

Evening tour at Angkor Wat

Day Two: Evening

Grab an early dinner at Cuisine Wat Damnak, where award-winning chef Joannès Rivière delightfully fuses authentic Cambodian flavours with superb French flair. (They have also opened up a restaurant in the capital of Phnom Penh in 2021 called Cuisine Wat Damnak Phnom Penh).

Next up is a trip to the circus. Phare, the Cambodian Circus Phare, the Cambodian Circus is by far one of Siem Reap’s top attractions, with ancient folktales retold on the stage through jaw-dropping Cirque du Soliel-esque performances.

Also worth visiting is Angkor Night Market, which stays open until the early hours and is full of bargains waiting to be bagged. Selling everything from souvenirs and clothes to art and electronics, finding space in your suitcase will be your only problem.

Love it or hate it, Siem Reap’s Pub Street has to be seen to be believed. Here, a deafening mix of music offends the ears and bucket-swigging backpackers bounce around until the sun comes up.

You can find out more Yugo Experiences in Siem Reap with an excellent range of hotels that provide spa services, gourmet dining, and more.

Beach Lovers: Malaysia’s Hottest Honeymoon Hotspots Accessible by Helicopter

There’s no shortage of paradise places dotted throughout Malaysia’s extensive coastline to cater to the needs of newly-weds seeking a stretch of blissful beach away from the crowds.

Romance is well and truly in the air in these hand-picked destinations that are perfect for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. And, of course, each is easily accessible by helicopter, capping off the special experience.

Tioman Island

Sitting off Peninsular Malaysia’s east coast is charming Tioman Island. The nature reserve is ringed by powder white beaches and the area is famed for its dive sites, thanks to colourful corals, sea fans and sponges, as well as shipwrecks. The island, which rose to fame featuring as a shooting location for 1958 hit movie South Pacific, is hugged by tropical rainforest.

The duty-free island’s interior is a magical mix of lush tropical jungle dotted with cascading waterfalls and a delightful array of flora and fauna. There are plenty of secluded spots for newly-weds to enjoy, with luxury resorts available to check-in at.

Getting there: Skip the two-hour ferry from Singapore and charter a helicopter or private plane and land on the island in style.

Best time to visit: March to October

Langkawi

Dubbed the Jewel of Kedah, Langkawi is a chain of 99 islands sprinkled in the Andaman Sea about 30km off the mainland coast of northwest Malaysia. The main island, also called Langkawi, is blessed with a stunning coastline, lush mountainous heart, ancient rainforests, mangroves and sprawling rice fields.

Also a duty-free haven, Langkawi is home to malls and boutiques galore, as well as a wide range of restaurants, bars and coffee shops ranging from budget through to high-end. Honeymooners will find no shortage of remote resorts that tick all the boxes for a romantic getaway.

Getting there: Langkawi is home to an international airport, with helipads available on the island for those wanting to arrive by helicopter.

Best time to visit: November to April

Pangkor Island

If a slice of idyllic tropical island paradise is what makes the perfect honeymoon, then Pangkor Island ticks all the boxes. Home to plenty of empty beaches, a laidback lifestyle and a collection of intimate romantic resorts, the island that sits of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia is a top honeymoon destination.

Home to some of Malaysia’s most beautiful beaches, Pangkor’s rugged jungle interior is a haven for wildlife, with hundreds of hornbills living there. The island is also packed full of culture, with temples, rural villages and a colourful Chinatown all found there.

Getting there: Trade in the 35-minute ferry from Lamut and charter a helicopter to the island’s helipad.

Best time to visit: January and February, and June to September

Redang Island

For postcard-perfect honeymoon memories, Redang Island hits the spot with its crystal-clear waters, powder white sand beaches and rugged interior. Sitting off the coast of Terengganu, the island forms part of the protected marine area, Terengganu Marine Park and is home to a vibrant ecosystem and biodiversity of flora and fauna.

The island is also home to a range of resorts perfect for newly-weds to forge ever-lasting memories. Discovering the colourful underwater world is a must, with plenty of snorkelling and diving activities available throughout the island.

Getting there: The island is home to an airport, with flights available from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. A ferry is also available from the mainland. Alternatively, some resorts offer helicopter transfers or charter your own.

Best time to visit: April to October