Hong Kong

We arrived in Hong Kong after a 14 hour flight. The new airport is very impressive.  On the journey to our hotel we had our first views of Hong Kong's spectacular skyline. It was just fantastic!

Kowloon Hotel Reception

We were staying at the Kowloon Hotel.  Thankfully due to a lot of research on Rick's part we  were situated just around the corner from Nathan Road with all it's shops, and just a short walk from the Star Ferry.  The hotel was great but to eat there was a little on the expensive side.  Food however was very good! Our room had internet facilities so we were able to keep in contact with family and friends via emails at no cost.

A typical room.

Hong Kong 

We were very impressed with Hong Kong's Skyline from the Harbour at night. If you have the chance to travel on a Junk at night  please do. We done several harbour tours and they were all very well priced and most of them included unlimited drinks, soft or alcoholic, so you really do get value for money  hahaha! 

Shopping is also very easy in Hong Kong as their are so many shopping malls  and markets everywhere, you will never get bored of shopping, just make sure you don't miss out on what is really important.

A walk along Nathan Road is a must for everyone.  There is so much to see and the place is just bustling with people  in the evening, but you will feel very safe, so don't worry.

If you take the Star Ferry across the water over to Hong Kong Island you can visit the Central District.  Over in the Central District you will find mazes of covered, elevated walkways to separate pedestrians from traffic. Some roads have no pedestrian walkways because  everyone uses elevated passageways.

There is also an interesting "people-mover", the hillside Escalator Link between Central Market on De Voeux Road and the Mid-Levels on Victoria Peak. It's a series of moving walkways and escalators that snake their way through the Central District up the steep slope of the Peak.  The escalators move downwards in the morning until 10am and then reversing uphill the rest of the day to accommodate those returning home - very impressive!  

Star Ferry

A trip across Victoria Harbor on one of the white-and-green ferries of the Star Ferry Company is the way most of the locals and tourists get across the harbor. It doesn't take long, about 5 mins to get across from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island and it is very cheap.  We found it so easy to use we traveled across many times. You just drop your correct fare into a slot on the ancient - looking turnstiles, follow the crowd down the ramp, walk over the gangway and find a seat on one of the polished wooden benches. A whistle will blow, a man in a sailor uniform will haul up the gangway and you are off.

The five minute trip has to be the best in the world day or night and it is definitely the cheapest. It costs HK$1.70 for ordinary (2nd Class) for HK$2.20 for (1st Class). First Class is located on the  upper deck and it has it's own entryway and gangway.  It is  just a little further down on your left from where you see  the first entrance to the Star Ferry. First Class is advisable if it is raining or cold as it has  glass windows surrounding it but we preferred the colourful lower deck.

Hong Kong Harbor is one of the world's busiest, and hosts one of earth's most breathtaking skylines.

Victoria Peak

You haven't seen Hong Kong at its best until you have visited the Peak. Take the Tram to Victoria Peak, which is famous for it's views of Central, The Harbor and Kowloon and take some time to take it all in.  The view is so impressive we stayed there  and looked at it again when it started to get dark,  we were not disappointed. It really is absolutely wonderful.

Stanley Market

This market is  probably one of the most visited, it has stall after stall of casual wear, silk clothing, sports wear, luggage and all types of souvenirs that you could wish for. Unfortunately we didn't spend enough time here but it is a good market to visit.

Lantau Island

IF you take an hour long trip on the ferry and visit the island you will get the chance to see the world's largest, seated, outdoor bronze Buddha. When you arrive on the island, take the bus through the lush hills (25 miles) and visit the Buddha. Look for the bus going to Po Lin Monastery. On arrival you will be greeted by lots and lots of steps, all of which have to be climbed if you want to see the Buddha.  You purchase your ticket and that also gives you admission into the monastery for a vegetarian  lunch.  If you can use chopsticks you are fine.. unfortunately Jan couldn't  haha!  The climb is steep but to get to see the Buddha and take in the views it is worth it.

Temple Street Night Market

This is the market to visit at night if you wish to buy souvenirs, CD's, DVD's and clothes. The prices are very good and you can barter if you so wish.

If you wish to see more of our photos of Hong Kong click here

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