All along the south coast of China this week, hatches were battened down as people braced for Typhoon Utor. In Hong Kong, as the storm closed in, the T8 signal was hoisted and many businesses shut up shop for the day. For event planners, such occasions can cause chaos, particularly for anyone expecting to host outdoor activities.
Here are three unique indoor options in Hong Kong that would make excellent contingencies when a typhoon strikes.
Play Batting Cages, Kwun Tong
Opened in 2011, Play is currently the only indoor baseball facility in Hong Kong. Located deep within the heavy concrete shell of an industrial building in Kwun Tong on Hong Kong island, it remained open throughout the recent T8 storm. The venue features automated machines that hurtle baseballs toward batters at speeds that can be set to exceed 150 km per hour – faster than the winds required for a T8 warning. Open all year round and with a total of five cages, it is an ideal indoor destination for an incentive trip or teambuilding event. For those less keen to get in the line of fire, the centre also features a pitching lane, which tracks the speed of balls thrown. For an even more sedate experience, live baseball is streamed to the centre’s 150-inch screen every day. For larger groups, a 232-sqm event space is also available.
For more information, visit: 321play.com.hk
Escape Hong Kong, Mong Kok
As the typhoon edges closer to the city, some may wish to find a way to get out. Thankfully, Escape Hong Kong in Mong Kok, offers the perfect indoor opportunity to feed those escapist fantasies. A popular game in the USA, Japan and China, the concept sees teams trapped in a room and in order to escape, they must first work out a series of clues. Teams are timed which can turn the experience into a competitive exercise. Teamwork, ingenuity and observational skills are all put to the test and a variety of scenarios are available. The scenarios regularly change, which makes the location a good choice for repeat visitors. In the past, groups have had to work out a murder mystery or escape from a plane, but not once have they had to figure out how to stay dry during a typhoon.
For more information, visit: freeinghk.com/en/
Typhoon Bar, Wanchai
Famous for its nonchalant attitude to weather warnings, Wanchai’s Typhoon bar is a popular spot in a storm. All year round, you can enjoy the bar’s T8 craft ale but, when the actual signal is hoisted, it’s free shots all round for everyone in attendance. The venue has an events space suitable for 60 people. So, if your original choice decides to close its doors, Typhoon is a viable downtown alternative.
For more information, visit: cafedecogroup.com
