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We’re still well within the clutches of Hong Kong’s rainy season, so what better way to keep entertained even as it’s chucking it down, than spending an afternoon hurling heavy balls to knock stuff over? That’s right, we’re here to recommend the best places to bowl in the city! While many residential complexes and private membership clubs have such facilities, we will focus on the few bowling alleys dotted around the territories that are open to the public. Let’s work on smashing that strike!
Tikitiki stands out from the rest of our bowling alleys, because this is Hong Kong’s only one that is Polynesian themed. Wanna feel like you’re in a tropical resort surrounded by palm trees, bamboo and rattan furniture, and heady cocktails that come in coconut shells?
Book a spot at one of Tikitiki’s ten bowling lanes, and have a whale of a time, helped along by their indoor and outdoor bars, and live music. The only downside we can think of is getting too tipsy and dropping a bowling ball on your own feet! Prices start from $99 per hour. Do note that Tikitiki Bowling Bar is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Tikitiki Bowling Bar, 4/F, Centro, 1A Chui Tong Road, Sai Kung | (+852) 2657 8488
Tucked away in the quiet end of Causeway Bay, the South China Athletic Association is home to the most accessible bowling alley on Hong Kong Island. This non-profit sports organisation has a long history and has been around since 1908, so though its heyday is admittedly in the past, this is still definitely a bit of a Hong Kong institution. Besides, their bowling facilities are huge—up to 60 lanes!
This is technically kind of a members club, but membership is easy to apply for and only costs $200 per year. If you’ve got a friend who’s already a member, simply tag along. Prices start from $28 per hour. Children under eight years old are not allowed to bowl at the SCAA.
South China Athletic Association, 88 Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay | (+852) 2890 8528
With four branches across Kowloon and New Territories, Dragon Bowling offers professional and casual classes, events and tournaments for more serious players, and even has a specific lane for disabled use. Out of their locations in Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun, and Ho Man Tin, it is their U.S. Dacos Tsuen Wan branch that stands out because of its chandelier-adorned entrance corridor—much loved for the ‘gram, of course.
All of their locations house approximately 30 lanes, with facilities such as snack kiosks and pro shops as well. There may be a new branch in Shatin coming up, so keep your eyes peeled! Prices start from $55 per hour for one lane, and $20 per game, depending on location.
Located right near the giant boat mall in Whampoa, Thunder Bowl houses a total of 22 well-maintained lanes. Two of these are bumper lanes for children to use so demoralising gutter balls are non-existent. They’ve also got a VIP area that you can book out for private parties, including a couple of lanes that are specially designed with LED lights to elevate your bowling experience. Prices start from $35 per game.
Thunder Bowl, Shop 2, B1/F, Screen World Site 8, Whampoa Garden, Hung Hom | (+852) 2122 9822
This is very much of a local hangout for people living in the Shatin area, as Belair Bowling Centre is hidden away in a shopping and residential estate with nary a sign announcing its presence. Definitely a case of “If you know, you know”, its 22 standard lanes are very popular with students in the neighbourhood.
Because it caters to a family-friendly crowd, they’ve set aside four bumper lanes specifically for children. Though not at all done up in a fancy way, they do also have a café that serves food and snacks. Prices start from $30 per game.
Belair Bowling Centre, Shop 4, 2/F, Belair Gardens Shopping Arcade 1, 52 Tai Chung Kiu Road, Sha Tin | (+852) 2649 9022
Catharina has recently returned to her hometown of Hong Kong after spending her formative years in Singapore and the UK. She enjoys scouring the city for under-the-radar things to do, see, and eat, and is committed to finding the perfect foundation that will withstand Hong Kong’s heat. She is also an aspiring polyglot, a firm advocate for feminist and LGBTQIA+ issues, and a huge lover of animals. You can find her belting out show-tunes in karaoke, or in bookstores adding new tomes to her ever-growing collection.
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