On the recent trip to Hong Kong, my sister suggested that we visit the Monster Building that is located at Quarry Bay. This place is actually a residential complex that consists of five goliath 19-storey tower blocks. It is one of the most Instagrammable places in Hong Kong.
We went out early and took the MTR to Quarry Bay station. Then we walked to King’s Road where the Monster Building is located. It was not easy to find as the facade of this structure looks different from what we have seen on social media. Google map kept telling us that we have reached the place but we could not see anything that resembles the Monster Building. After walking up and down the same street, we decided to venture into one of the side lanes (right outside a shop that sells pork) and stepped into the courtyard.
This is the facade of the Monster Building that is filled with air conditioners, laundry and metal awnings.
Once we entered the courtyard, this is how the Monster Building looks like. The 5 imposing tower blocks that are densely populated is a sight to behold. It is reported that there are approximately 10,000 people living in this place. The ground floor was wet and I supposed this is due to the water dripping from the airconditioners.
There are 2 courtyards within these buildings where residents spend time to take a breather or play mahjong. We didn’t catch anyone doing that when we were there because we reached there at around 10am. We did see some tourists trying to get their best shot. There is even a % Arabica outlet on the ground floor and we had some coffee before we left.
I was trying to imagine how it looks like in the apartment. Is it small? How many people are staying in one unit? The Monster Building is a must-visit if you are going to Hong Kong. I actually enjoy walking there after exiting the MTR station. There is a morning market nearby and many little shops that sell cakes, breads, food, etc.
I managed to find a Youtube video of this girl who is staying in a sub-divided flat in the Monster Building. You can check it out here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUAIonOilyA. Although small, she managed to keep it cozy, neat and clean.
