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| Tourist
Guides for China |
Tourist Guide
for Hong Kong (September 2008) |
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General Comments:
Hong Kong is a fast and vibrant city, and leading
world financial hub. The land can be basically divided
into four areas: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsular,
The New Territories, and 107 other Islands. This supports
a population of about 6 million people, which swells
daily with visitors from all over the world
Hong Kong is a truly cosmopolitan city, bourne witness
by the diverse origins of the people and tourists.
The language spoken is Cantonese, with English and
Mandarin both being widely understood. Hong Kong,
along with neighbouring Macao, are both fledgling
democratic city-states, known as SAR's (Special Administrative
Regions). Beijing actually introduced democratic processes
here, and are proud to boast "One Country, Two
Systems".
Hong Kong offers many widely varied opportunities
for tourists to use their time: sight-seeing, bus
tours and water cruises, shopping in modern malls
or local street markets are all extremely easy. Numerous
restaurants featuring some of the best cuisine from
all over the world make eating a great experience.
There is also a highly developed and sophisticated
nightlife. Hong Kong also offers a full range of hotels
- from the very best International standard to lowly
chinese 2*, YMCA's, hostels, and even rooms by the
hour
The cost of living is generally a lot higher than
in China, but lower than UK. However, this can vary
tremendously depending upon the type of establishment
and its situation. It is usually best to examine all
your options before committing your money
In this guide we will tell you the best places to
go, with reference to the four main areas mentioned
above. We will also divide this into only two price
ranges - 5* and Basic. There are options in between:
Highlights at a Glance
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is the administrative centre and
traditionally a more exclusive area. You should think
of Tourist Hong Kong Island as being a strip of land
between The Peak and Victoria Bay, which runs for
about 2 miles and includes Central, Admiralty, and
Wan Chai. These areas are adjacent and interconnected
by old trams, which at $2HK are the best means of
transportation. Pay as you leave near the front.
1. Central - High class shopping malls,
Restaurants and nightlife near Central Station. Lan
Kwai Fong Hotel (aka LKF) and adjacent backstreets for
excellent bars and clubs area. More bars and local shopping
along the nearby Great Escalator route (Elgin Street
and Staunton Street). Also adjacent is Hollywood Road,
famed as one of the oldest streets in Hong Kong, which
also supports great shops for antiques and curios. Central
Downtown has pavements which are set above the roads
in a complex of interconnecting walkways - another world
exists up there!
2. Admiralty - The Peak via Peak
Tram - Pay one of the professional photographers to
take your picture. Restaurants on the peak are nearly
all expensive, although there is a MacDonald's in
one of the small shopping centres. There are also
marked walks for those wishing to explore during the
day. Last tram down again is at midnight, and most
buses stop soon after as well . Embassies and Government
occupy most of the area, but check out nearby HK Zoological
and Botanical Gardens
3. Wan Chai - This area is far more
Chinese in flavour, and more representative of local
Hong Kong. A slightly cheaper area which is more vibrant
and cosmopolitan. The shore is home to many ferries,
and The Exhibition Centre (Vaguely similar to Sydney
Opera House?). Using Wan Chai Underground Station
as a north / south axis; you will find modern malls
and walkways in the sky near the coast. As you head
south things become more Chinese and cheaper. Opposite
the extreme southern exit and across the tram lines
on Johnston Road are a warren of backstreets which
have extremely good and cheap street markets, local
restaurants, and ideal for those on a budget. There
is also a genuine Filipino foods shop here (Behind
one of the street stalls). Prices here are dirt cheap,
but don't believe the sizes on any clothing labels.
If you continue walking straight and up a small hill
(There are a couple of OK Jade etc stalls here) to
a T-Junction, go right and across the road for Banks
and ATM's + Park and Shop supermarket - the only place
in Asia we have found that sells real English Pork
Sausage (Walls Brand)
4. Hotels - Book near Exhibition
Centre, Wan Chai for general convenience. Book Lang
Kwai Fong Hotel and area for great nightlife. For
cheap hotels go to Sheung Wan area and look around
Bonham Street / Queens Road West. Smokers should check
smoking is permitted in rooms?
5. Stanley - A coastal village at
the extreme south of HK Island renowned for its Market,
and a very relaxing place for Expats to chill. I
have not been here yet, but people who have say they
prefer it to Aberdeen
6. Aberdeen - Similar in some ways
to Stanley, but easier to get to. Scheduled to be
connected to the MTR system - some-when? There is
a small market here, and it is a famous venue for
Dragon Boat Races. It is also a traditional fishing
village, and the fish market is well worth a look.
Nearby are traditional sampan's, which can be haggled
for trips to nearby Islands or Downtown
7. Ocean Park - On the south coast
near to Aberdeen. There are two entrances, the main
one having the Panda enclosure etc. Most of the better
rides are on the other side of a peak, which you get
to via cable car. Smoking is allowed in special areas
only. Allow one full day here, as there is an awful
lot to do - especially on the way out to the old entrance.
Apart from rides, the emphasis is far more on wildlife
and marine culture - which is lacking at Disney
Kowloon
The vibrant and quintessential epitome
of modern Hong Kong, and very different from Hong
Kong Island. 'Kow' is actually a corruption of the
Cantonese 'Gao' meaning Dog. 'Loon' could possibly
be considered as meaning 'End' - Draw your own conclusions
:- )
1. Hotels - Choose your hotel location
very carefully:
a. Tsim Sha Tsui
for Downtown and 5* + China Ferry, Airport and Mainland
Trains; saying " t'Shim Shar t'Shway" is
vaguely correct HK Cantonese btw. Impressive tourist
options are mainly: Marco Polo, The Langham, The Peninsula,
and the YMCA next door.
b. Jordan for
3* and convenient access to everywhere
c. Mong Kok for
2* and real Chinese Kowloon
2. The Peninsula Hotel - World renowned
for 'The quintessential British Afternoon Tea' = a
must do
3. Shopping - Modern malls near China
Ferry complex. Street markets recommended around Bowring
Street area, Jordan. Street shops great around Granville
Road. Jade Market ok-ish, but you must know Jade very
well (80% + is glass, other rocks, composite.
What is real is a very good buy). Ladies Market in
obscure location, and mainly a rip-off = waste of
time
4. Chilling - start at The Grand Stanford
Hotel:
a. Go left out of
the front door and head towards the Front. Find an array
of bars (Clubs) along this street - smoking allowed
in most
b. Centenary Square
is excellent (Regal Kowloon Hotel & East Ocean Building
are there also) - exit front door and cross the road
(barriers) to the right. Go to Cafe La Fontaine, near
the fountain. 2 drinks for price of 1 between 3 and
9pm + excellent assortment of eats
c. Knutsford Terrace
- Pedestrianised & obscure road crammed full of
great eateries (Just off Kimberley Road, Jordan)
d. Girls will enjoy
a 'Lazy shop' within the connecting streets (b &
c above), which are great for perfumeries plus stylish
designer clothes and shoes at rock-bottom prices (Haggle)
5. Mong Kok - You may not be ready
for this, as it is as Chinese as it gets - without
actually going to China. For me personally, this is
where East actually meets West
The New Territories
This is a large area with intensive city sprawl radiating
outwards from Kowloon. Further afield are towns mainly
along the Shen Zhen corridor. However, most of the
New Territories is wild mountainous land, interspersed
with nature reserves and a couple of rare and protected
marsh habitats
1. Hong Kong Racecourse - This is
very famous and plays host to horses and riders from
all over the world. The recent Olympic games equestrian
events were staged here. Get there via the KCR
2. Mei Po Wetlands - One of several
sanctuaries supported by WWF, this one being home
to many endangered species of birds and nesting site
for migratory birds. This also supports many other
mammals - don't litter here!
3. Tours - Various daily coach tours
are available which have many stops at interesting
temples and fishing villages
The Islands
Hong Kong consists of 108 islands, the major one being
Hong Kong Island itself. Some far flung islands may
be uninhabited, refuges for endangered species only,
or have small communities supported by twice daily,
or even once weekly ferry services. We will only mention
two major islands here, but certain others nearby
are also worth a look
Lantau Island
This is a large island connected to Kowloon by road,
rail and ferry networks. Those seeking relaxation
are advised to spend several days here. The main attractions
are:
1. The Giant Buddha - This is truly
enormous and forms part of the Lin Po Monastery area.
Go there by cable car (Famous for breaking down a
lot) from Tung Chung MTR terminus, or by island bus
2. Dolphin Cruise - Normally part
of a package from your Downtown hotel, but can be
booked specifically from Tai O Village
3. Tai O Village - 'The Venice of
the East' and famous as a fishing village from years
gone by. There still remain many traditional houses
built on stilts over the water, which provides a dramatic
contrast to the modern city
4. Cheung Sha Beach - The longest
beach in Hong Kong at over 2 miles, featuring beautiful
white sand set in a tranquil and unspoiled location
5. Disney - Everything you expect
from this Amusement Park Chain. Smaller than other
world locations, but planned to grow over the coming
years. Most local people prefer the comparable Ocean
Park
6. The Airport - The famous old HK
airport was quite difficult and dangerous for large
jet liners to use. The modern airport is very new
and excellent + exceedingly busy. It does have smoking
rooms after check-in - if you look very hard.
Lamma Island
A large island due south of Aberdeen, which has regular
ferry connections from Downtown. Hire local sampans
if you want to get away from the crowd and see different
aspects of this interesting island.
The tourist destinations are famed for their seafood's,
especially shellfish. Many also have traditional Tea
Houses, which also offer samples of Cantonese Opera
- especially on Sundays
General
Avoid:
1. Indians selling suits along Nathan Road in Kowloon.
Do:
1. Do consider Rules and Social interactions
as being very similar to UK.
2. Dial 999 for Police assistance.
3. Dial (00852) 2508 1234 for HK Tourist
Board Hotline
4. Get an Octopus Card - it covers
the whole Transportation Network
Don't:
1. Flash wads of cash around in a public
place
2. No smoking almost everywhere. Smoke
outside establishments, or in places where others are
smoking
3. Pickpockets do exist. They are more
common than in China, and operate similar to Western
versions - watch out in crowded places and on underground
trains
4. Obviously the normal precautions
apply anywhere in the world. Don't have unprotected
sex, and be careful when using Credit and Debit Cards.
Don't leave baggage unattended
5. Don't litter, especially cigarette
ends!
Smoking - do Know:
1. Very expensive Western Hotels have
smoking bars
2. Many very expensive or 'clique'
bars allow smoking
3. Most Hotels permit
smoking in rooms
Summary:
Dedicate one day to Ocean Park or Disney - Ocean Park
is considered far better by most people. Dedicate half
a day each to visiting The Giant Buddha on Lantau Island,
and to street shopping in either Wan Chai or Jordan.
Go to The Peak at night, and pay a professional for
a framed photograph. Visit Stanley or Aberdeen. Go to
Lamma Island for the best shellfish (Sampan from Aberdeen
harbour). Visit The Peninsular Hotel for Afternoon
Tea
Conclusion:
Hong Kong is fast, exhilarating, with quite places to
relax and chill. The nightlife is some of the best in
the world. This completely contrasts with small fishing
villages and lonely island communities. This cosmopolitan
city offers one of the best and most diverse destinations
anywhere in the world . Enjoy!
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| Related
Pages: HK Quick Guide
Ten Tips for HK
HK - China Transfers
Independent Travellers |
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| This
information is as supplied by the Chinese Embassy in
UK, as dated 20th June 2008, and/or other reliable sources.
Please check this information yourself as it may alter
without notice, and whilst we try our best to ensure
it is correct, please do not hold us responsible for
any errors - this is intended as a simple guide only |
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