Just nine hours away from Hong Kong by direct flight, we've found the best things to do in Mauritius.
Whether we are getting lost in the streets of Ho Chi Minh or enjoy one of these short trips from Hong Kong, we love to explore the world, and relish the fact that Hong Kong makes it so easy to do so with it’s great geographic location. While Mauritius may seem like an unlikely tourist destination, it’s actually only a nine hour direct flight from Hong Kong — hello, public holidays 2020! — and we’ve got the inside gossip on the northern part of the gorgeous island nation. Here’s your guide on our fave things to do in Mauritius.
Mauritius: A friendly paradise in the Indian Ocean
If you need to get away to a sunny place that isn’t filled with loud partygoers, then Mauritius is sure to hit the mark. Located off the coast of Madagascar, the small island has a vivid history that has seen it occupied by the Dutch, British and the French. These varied influences are noticeable through the language, food and architecture of the island, but probably the biggest thing you will notice when you get there is the warmth and friendliness of the locals.
Around 90 minutes from the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in The South, The North is packed full of picturesque beaches and great restaurants, making it the perfect place to unwind.
Where are the best beaches?
The North part of the island undoubtedly has the most beautiful beaches. These are the vistas you see on postcards with stunning soft golden sand and outrageously blue water. Pereybere Beach is a must-visit. While it isn’t the longest beach by any shot, and is wildly popular, the warm water and inlet location make it the perfect place for the whole family to take a dip.
Another favourite in the northern part of the island is Trou aux Biches, one of the few beaches in Mauritius where you can rent an umbrella for the whole day (setting you back around $300HKD). Much larger than Pereybere, you will have more space to yourself, and there are also loads of tourism shops on the sand offering everything from banana boating to parasailing.
What should I eat?
In Mauritius, you can indulge in wonderfully delicious fruit from many of the roadside stalls, but be warned that no other fruit will taste as sweet afterwards. In terms of restaurants, the island offers everything, but it if you are in The North and you are looking to try the local Creole-style cuisine, then you can’t beat La Rougaille Creole in Grand Baie. Set in what looks like a house, the friendly owner makes everyone welcome by sending out special complimentary dishes throughout the evening, plus they have a live group of musicians who circulate throughout and play requests for each table. You’ve got to try their homemade rum too.
Around in Pereybere, Camaron Rouge is a fun restaurant where you can experience traditional Mauritian Sega dancing. The food here is all about beautifully fresh seafood that is stacked up high and comes served in giant clams; #loveit!
Of course, you can’t go to Mauritius and not try the street snacks. Gateaux Piment are small deep-fried chili cakes that taste divine, and you can pick them up from small food trucks in front of most beaches. They also sell samosas and a selection of noodle dishes.
Getting around
Mauritius has these colourful public buses that look like they’ve come directly out of a Wes Anderson film and have names like “Beautiful Lady” and “Magical Mystery Tour”. The buses are all very well connected and take you from small towns directly to surrounding beaches, just be sure to get on the air conditioned ones. Timetables can be found here.
Taxis also operate throughout the island, but are not metered, so be sure to ask and confirm a fare with the driver before you reach your destination. You will find taxi ranks next to most beaches and they can also be flagged down on the street.
If you need a change of scene from the whopping skyscrapers of Hong Kong, then Mauritius could be just the ticket.
Getting to Mauritius from Hong Kong
It’s really simple to get to Mauritius from Hong Kong, and only a nine-hour direct flight with Air Mauritius. Alternatively, you can fly indirect with Emirates, and a number of other airlines.
Air Mauritius flies direct from Hong Kong twice a week.
