Good to know…
Hong Kong & Beyond
Hong Kong International Airport acts as a gateway to parts of mainland China and a convenient stopover destination for much of Asia. There is so much to see and do here, but everything is wonderfully close, ideal for just a few days tacked on to the beginning or end of a longer itinerary. Hong Kong is one of Asia’s most popular airports, maybe it's time to find out why.
Hong Kong Island
When people envisage Hong Kong with its impressive skyline dominated by the glittering glass of soaring buildings, backed by green peaks, it is most likely Hong Kong Island that they see. Home to the economic, historical and political centre, this is the city’s heart where you will discover the shopping, entertainment and commercial heart on the north coast of the island on the southern shore of the deep Victoria Harbour.
Marvel at the blend of man-made and natural landscapes from Victoria Peak above the central region of Hong Kong Island, overlooking the streets, skyscrapers, harbour and Kowloon Peninsula below. Wander through the neon city and savour an array of peculiar delicacies such as shredded jellyfish, the potent tofu or snake soup, before signing up for a t’ai chi session at dawn.
Kowloon
For a city view from sea level take the Star Ferry between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon and, upon disembarkation, explore the shopping mecca of Tsim Sha Tsui including the Harbour City shopping centre. The Kowloon Walled City Park was once the site of a Qing Dynasty military station which grew to become a large sprawling city during the 20th Century. In the early 1990s the chaotic buildings were demolished and replaced with a park, where, to this day you can still see a number of structures and relics from the city as well as the beautiful Qing Dynasty garden.
What to see
If you can tear yourself away from the rugby, Hong Kong also has a myriad of other experiences available. One of the most popular is getting the Star Ferry from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon, a nostalgic and very cheap journey but a real must-do. There's also the Victoria Peak Tram, which offers you panoramic views across Hong Kong from the top of Victoria's Peak. If you want a break from city life, head out to the outlying islands, famed for their hiking and beaches, a lovely little escape from the bustle of the city. Hong Kong even has its own Disneyland.
Getting around
An Octopus card, a card similar to our Oyster card is essential if you plan on exploring the city with the help of public transport. Cards can be bought either at the airport or from one of the MTR railway stations and can also be used to purchase things such as food and coffee in various chains and stores. The MTR itself is clean, quick and safe, with air-conditioning in the summer and mobile signal throughout.
If you want to get out of the city itself, frequent ferry services are available to a collection of Hong Kong’s outlying islands, just head to the harbour front. This is also where you’ll find the well-known Star Ferry, which takes people from Hong Kong to Tsim Sha Tsui on the Kowloon side, and vice versa.
Shopping
Hong Kong offers some of the best shopping in the world, with most goods (except wine and cosmetics) tax free. Some of the best things to buy to make the most of this are clothes, cosmetics and electrical goods. Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon is Hong Kong’s most flourishing luxury shopping and recreational area. It is here you’ll find Harbour City, the largest multipurpose shopping mall in Hong Kong which is famed for its designer boutiques. Causeway Bay is another great spot as it’s shops have the latest closing times in all of Hong Kong, ideal for a little late night shopping.
Nightlife
Hong Kong offers a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty to see and do throughout the city. Whether you take a night cruise around Victoria Harbour to look back at the bright lights and epic skyscrapers of the city, or find yourself a spot in a trendy cocktail bar offering fresh and fruity delights, there is something for everyone. There are three popular nightlife areas, Central, Wan Chai and Tsim Tsa Tsui. Central is popular with expats and trendy locals, Wan Chai is near to Causeway Bay and is especially popular with those looking to dance till dawn whilst Tsim Tsa Tsui in Kowloon has a whole host of differing nightlife attractions, some aimed at locals and others for tourists.
Language
English and Chinese
Eating / Drinking
Hong Kong is the 'World’s Great Dining Capital', where you'll find an incredible range of Asian and western cuisines from Cantonese and Szechuan to French, Italian and even McDonalds. Apparently if you were to eat out three times a day, seven days a week, it would take about five years to try each restaurant.
Tipping
A 10% service charge is usually added to the bill. If the service has been good, add a little extra. Tip hotel porters 1US$ for 2 bags. Taxi drivers expect at least 10%.
This popular hotel rises high above the waterfront and has great views over Victoria Harbour. It offers easy access to bar and dining areas in Wanchai, shopping malls in Causeway Bay and Central, and the iconic Star Ferry to Kowloon.
