Overview
Hong Kong is divided into three main sections; Hong Kong Island , Kowloon and the New Territories.
Hong Kong Island is usually the most important and popular district for travelers. This is really the heart and soul of the city in almost every sense of the word; shopping, business, culture and politics all prosper here and it is this skyline that has graced the pages of limitless glossy magazines and postcards over the years.
The island is made up of several districts with Central being the business and financial center of Hong Kong , where the Bank of China building dominates. Victoria Peak grants panoramic views of the island and Causeway Bay to the east of Central, is crowded with shoppers and shopping centers.
Kowloon is across the harbor from Hong Kong Island , and is connected to the Chinese mainland through the New Territories . This area is also popular with tourists enjoying the hustle and bustle of the markets and sights. TsimShaTsui is the main district in the southeast of Kowloon with the Hong Kong Cultural Center , and promenade along the waterfront, along with the Peninsula Hotel, arguably Hong Kong 's finest! Mong Kok is north of here and includes many of the regions best markets.
The New Territories is the area of land connected to the Chinese mainland. A lot of open space can be found here along with some nice beaches.
There are also some calmer and green areas of Hong Kong found on the outlying islands. Lamma Island offers both the beauty of the sea and the rural lifestyle of Hong Kong in the pretty fishing villages and Lantau Island is famous for its Discovery Bay, large Buddha and the fact that it is now home to both the International airport and the Hong Kong Disneyland!!
Hong Kong Island
First time visitors to Hong Kong can never fail to be impressed by Hong Kong Island , the oldest area in this fantastic territory. The atmosphere here is intense. This is the business and financial heart not just of Hong Kong but of East Asia . The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is based here, as are numerous international companies and offices. The Island carries the weight of history with it too. Until 1997, this was the oldest colonized part of Hong Kong and there are numerous buildings and sites relating to Hong Kong 's British past worth a visit. There is a wealth of British and Chinese culture here too. The ancient Chinese Man Mo Temple sits in the west of Central , surrounded by some great antique shops and close to the city's trendiest night spots in Lan Kwai Fong. To the east, Hong Kong Island becomes more residential. Wanchai and Causeway Bay are where many locals live and there is some great shopping to be done around here too. The beauty of Hong Kong Island is that there is so much squeezed into one space. Some of the new architecture is spectacular too and the Hong Kong Shanghai Bank is particularly breath taking. The best thing about this Island though is the space that can still be found despite the hectic pace of life here. There are some great Beaches here, that let you get away from the skyscrapers for a while and Victoria Peak affords one of the most exciting and striking views in the world.
Kowloon
As part of the territory once ceded to the British in 1860, Kowloon has since prospered and become the main commercial heart of Hong Kong . This area is home to some of the city's best shopping centers and markets around Tsim Sha Tsui . Once seen as a cultural desert, Kowloon is fast catching up with Hong Kong Island in terms of sites and entertainment. The Hong Kong Cultural Center and Art Museum are housed in a fantastically modern building on one of the most prestigious sites in Hong Kong . Both complexes have helped Hong Kong to gain a reputation as an important cultural city and there are often famous international exhibitions or performances on here. From the Star Ferry in Kowloon , there is a great walk along the promenade on the seafront affording spectacular views over to Hong Kong Island . The New Territories , where a large percentage of Hong Kong's population now live, offer a peaceful escape from the shops and bustle that typify Kowloon. But even these areas are developing quickly. Disney World is now planned for the area, and Chep Lak Kok International Airport , one of the most impressive and intriguing designs of its type in the world, is up and running.
Lamma Island
Archaeologists believe that Lamma Island was the site of the oldest civilization in southern China . It has long been home to fishermen and their families, and the romantic atmosphere on the island today attracts aspiring poets, artists and other idealists seeking a break from the rat race in Hong Kong .
No cars are allowed on the island and one of the nicest things about Lamma is the lush, unspoilt, green scenery. Banana trees abound, frogs and crickets hum, and palm trees provide shade from the sun. There are some great walks around the island that allow you to take in some of the spectacular vegetation. Most boats arrive in the village of Yung Shue Wan . From here, there are numerous signed paths around the island to some good beaches.
Yung Shue Wan is a charming little place, filled with good seafood restaurants, a few nice bars and some quirky little shops. It is becoming a bit of a trendy hippie hang out but hasn't lost any of its charm. The best restaurants here all have great harbor views where you can watch your food coming in from the sea. The Sampan do some great shellfish and The Waterfront is popular with the ex-pat community. The Bookworm Cafe is a healthy cafe serving up vegetarian food in environmentally friendly surroundings! The most popular beach is at Hung Shing Ye . The sand and sea here are clean and, although it is usually quite busy the facilities are good. The worst thing about this bay though, is the sight of the huge power station pumping out fumes on the other side of the Island . It takes about half an hour to walk here from Yung Shue Wan.
There is a more tranquil and private beach offering shade under palm trees at Lo So Shing . This beach is a ninety minute walk from Yung Shue Wan but it is a lovely stroll and the beach is pretty. Follow the signs from Yung Shue Wan to get there.
The other small village on the Island is Sok Kwu Wan . Boats arrive here from Aberdeen and the walk from Yung Shue Wan takes approximately one hour. There are some good restaurants here including The Rainbow Seafood Restaurant . The beach closest to the village is small but clean and un-crowded. It takes about twenty minutes to walk from the village.
How to get there: The easiest way to get to Lamma Island is to take a ferry from pier # 6 in Central . Ferries leave at regular intervals throughout the day and the last boat back is at 10pm.
Costs: The Ferry costs between HK$10-20 depending on the type of boat and the day.
Lantau Island
Lantau Island is the largest island in Hong Kong and almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island . This island has gained international fame recently as the site for the Hong Kong Disney World. The fabulous Chek Lap Kok Airport has also been completed on Lantau Island . What was once a relatively peaceful spot, is fast becoming a popular tourist destination. Despite this however, there are still some nice spots to visit here and with a little effort, you can find yourself on quiet beaches and away from the crowds.
Most of Lantau's population and a large percentage of Hong Kong 's ex-pat population live in Discovery Bay . This is the most spoilt and developed part of the island although the beach is decent and the facilities here are good. There are numerous restaurants here, none of them shine but all serve up good, fresh food. The Star Ferry hovercraft (HK$25) connects with the bay at regular intervals throughout the day.
Although much of Hong Kong 's population live here, the vast majority of the island is uninhabited due to the fact it is densely covered with mountains. (Hence the island's Chinese name, Tai Yue Shan or Big Island Mountain .) The highest of these peaks (and the second highest in Hong Kong ) is Lantau Peak . You can climb to the top of the peak although this involves some preparation as it takes at least one day. There is a Youth Hostel at the mountain to stay in which helps to break up the hike and the views from up here are well worth the effort. There are also good walks which are less strenuous in Lantau Country Park .
Mui Wo is the main town on the island. This is a pleasant place with a great restaurant, the San Lee Chinese on the bay. A five kilometer cycle ride or bus trip (No.7) from here will bring you to a great beach at Pui O . There are also other good beaches nearby. Among the best are Fan Lau and Cheung Sha .
There is a pretty little ancient village at Tai O with some fantastic and authentic Cantonese seafood restaurants. Most of these are not named but it is a safe bet to try one of the ones with lots of locals eating! Near here is an ancient Buddhist Monastery, the Po Lin . Here is seated a Giant Buddha on the hilltop, 34 meters high and weighing 220 tonnes, which took 10 years to construct. The views of the surrounding countryside from the base of the statue are stunning.
How to get there: Monday to Saturday - Ferries leave from the pier # 6 in Central between 6.10am and 11.50pm to Mui Wo. The trip takes approximately half an hour. The last ferry back to Central from Mui Wo is at 11.30pm . Sunday - Ferries leave from the same pier every half an hour between 7am-11.30am . The last ferry from Mui Wo is at 11.30pm . From Mui Wo you can take a bus or hire a boat or bike to get around the island. For up to date information call the Ferry hotline on 2131 8181. You can also get to Lantau via the new highway and the Tsing Ma Bridge. The airbus connects with Central but is not as convenient or scenic as the boat.
Cost: The boat costs between HK$10 and HK$32 depending on the type of ferry and day.
Places to See
Aberdeen
Aberdeen , with a population of more than 60,000 is the largest town on Hong Kong Island . The harbor here was once famous for being home to more than 6,000 people who lived on moored junks. Many of these people today however, have moved on and up into high rises, and there are less boats in the harbor than previously. Nevertheless, it is still a picturesque and photographic place. On arrival at the harbor, one of the numerous Sampan boat women will try and accost you and whisk you away for a sail. It is a fun thing to do and there are some great photo opportunities. These tours cost approximately RMB 50-70 per person for about 30 minutes, but this can be negotiated if there are more of you.
There is also a lovely Country Park here on the Aberdeen Reservoir Road . Tracks from the Park lead up to Victoria Peak .
Hong Kong 's Beaches
Many of Hong Kong 's beaches are a real pleasure. After a few days in the middle of the city surrounded by smog, a day trip to one of the island's bays is a pleasant way to break up a trip.
From the west of the island, the beaches stretch around in a curve. The first bay that you arrive at from Hong Kong , Repulse Bay is of course, the most popular. There is a reasonable beach here but it is consistently busy, especially on weekends and holidays. The two small beaches (mid bay and south bay) just a ten minute walk in either direction, offer a little more peace and quiet. The area around here is home to many of Hong Kong 's most rich and famous residents. Luxurious villa's and apartments dominate the hills and there is also a big shopping arcade and park close to the bay.
How to get there: To reach Repulse Bay take bus No. 6, 6A , or 61 from Exchange Square or the Star Ferry terminus in Central .
The next beach to the east is Deep Water Bay . There is a nice beach here, and the bay is only a few kilometers east of Aberdeen . Trees along the edges of the beach offer shade from the heat of the sun and there are some nice restaurants and bars to eat around here too. Visitors can also set up their own barbecue at the end of the beach.
How to get there: Take bus No. 6A , 260 or 262 from Exchange Square in Central .
The last two beaches in this stretch are the prettiest. It is worth making the effort to get out here, especially if it is peace and quiet that you seek. The beach in Shek O in the southeast is one of the best beaches on the island. It is quiet, clean and the town here is very pleasant too. There is a great laid back feeling about this place, and there are a few great restaurants to try including the Black Sheep . This is a very small, family run place serving up great Mediterranean style cuisine at reasonable prices. The restaurant can be found at 452 Shek O Village.
Just 2km north of here is an even nicer beach, Big Wave Bay . To get here you can either walk or hire a bike from the village. It is usually lovely and quiet and the sea is clear and great for swimming.
How to get there: Get the subway to Central Station and go to Exchange Square to take bus No. 6, 6A , 6X, 260 at the bus terminal and get off at Shallow Water Bay station.
Hong Kong Disneyland
In 1955, Walt Disney created a place for the young to have fun together, which he called Disneyland . Nowadays, in Disneyland theme parks all over the world, the enchanting stories and timeless places literally come to life right before the eyes.
The Hong Kong Disneyland opened in September 2005. There is Main Street, U.S.A. , Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Adventureland, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Hollywood Hotel. Meet all of your favorite Disney friends in person: Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Mulan right in Hong Kong !
Opening Times : 9.30 or 10.00 until 19.00 or 21.00. Please check before you arrive or at the Entrance Gate.
Park Tickets : From Monday to Friday: HK$295 per adult, HK$210 per child (aged between 3 to 11). Children under 3 years old are welcome free of charge. Prices and calendar are subject to change. Pick-up your tickets at the Hong Kong Disneyland Main Entrance on the day of your visit!
Transportation : Located on Lantau Island , it is most easily accessible by the MTR (subway). Travel on the Tung Chung line to Sunny Bay Station, then onwards to Disneyland Resort Station - only 10 minutes from the International airport and 24 minutes from Hong Kong Station.
Hong Kong Park
Hong Kong Park, tucked discreetly behind Central and the imposing Bank of China building, is one of the most charming and surprising areas in the city. This is a gorgeous and lush urban park, beautifully designed with modern fountains, bamboo and palm trees but also incorporating some fantastic colonial style buildings.
The Park sits in a dip and is sheltered by the huge tower blocks and mountains shooting up into the horizon that surround the area. The Park contains a lovely aviary , and the Museum of tea ware in Flagstaff House . Hong Kong Park also has over 2000 types of plant and there is a pottery and plate-painting center here too.
It is free to enter the Park and it's a gorgeous place to take a break from the high rises and hectic streets of Hong Kong . If you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of a bride as Hong Kong newly-weds love to have their photographs taken here.
Opening hours: The Park is open between 7am and 11pm everyday.
How to get there: From Exit F of Admiralty subway station follow the signs through the shopping centre Pacific Place , and go up to the 2F by escalator.
Ticket Price: Free
Ocean Park
Ocean Park is a huge, fun entertainment park which is great for kids or the young at heart! The Park is situated to the east of Aberdeen .
Ocean Park is an amusement park filled with roller coasters, slides, swings and other fairground rides. It's on a huge scale and a lot of fun if this is your thing. There is also a sea life center here, complete with penguins, seals, sharks and dolphins and a huge 4 level aquarium so you can watch the many types of fish from the top level through to the 'sea bed'. A cable car runs through the park connecting with the Middle Kingdom , a slightly naff collection of Chinese model villages, pagodas etc.
Opening hours: The Park's opening hours are 10am-6pm from Monday to Sunday although it often stays open later on weekends.
How to get there:
1. Take the subway and get off at Admiralty station, then take special bus 629 to get to Ocean Park .
2. Take a special bus from the Star Ferry Dock in Central, with buses leaving every 10-30 minutes.
Cost: Ocean Park costs HK$185 for adults and HK$93 for children under 11. Free admission for children under 3.
. Sai Kung Penisula and Clear Water Bay
Sai Kung peninsula and Clearwater Bay are out in the New Territories- the area where one third of Hong Kong residents live. The New Territories are hugely popular with locals who want to escape from the city at the weekends. One of the nicest and most convenient spots to do this, is around Sai Kung.
The area around Sai Kung Town (once only a tiny fishing village), is a great place to do some good walking, take in some gorgeous scenery and do some swimming at the great beaches nearby. (Watch out for sharks however!)
One of the nicest ways to see some of the scenery and the beaches is to hire a small boat. By boat, you can either take a tour of all the islands (approximately HK$150) or just take a ride to one of the nearby beaches. The boat owners moor their vehicles by the pier in the town and will haggle to determine the fare. The boats regularly visit Sharp Island (Kiu Tsui Chau) , White Sands Island (Pak Sha Chau) , Pillow Island (Cham Tau Chau) and Salt Field Island (Yim Tin Tsai) where there is a small Christian Church.
After a hard day hiking or sunning yourself on the beach, there are some great little restaurants to eat in. Among the best ones are Pepperoni's Pizza and Cafe on Po Tung Road and the Tung Kee Restaurant which serve exquisite Cantonese seafood on Man Nin Street .
How to get there: Take the MTR to Choi Hung and leave at exit B. From the bus station on Clearwater Bay North Road take bus #92 or minibus #1 to Sai Kung Town .
Clearwater Bay is another favorite beach with locals and ex-pats from the city. This beautiful area is surrounded by rough rocks and wild scenery, which provide a stunning contrast to the slick city life of Hong Kong .
Clearwater Bay Country Park has some great trails which head off into the surrounding countryside or down to the beach. These trails are clearly marked and there are various lengths and difficulty levels too. There are two beaches here, both have clear white sand and gorgeous water for swimming. They can get fairly busy at weekends however, as they are quite easy to access from Kowloon and Hong Kong Island .
How to get there: Take the MTR to Choi Hung. From there take bus No.91 to the final stop.
Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak provides the most famous views of Hong Kong . It is a must see for any traveler to the island and it's almost worth making the trip twice- once in daylight and once at dark.
The Peak has long been the most expensive and exclusive area of Hong Kong . Before the arrival of the Peak tram in 1888, the wealthy were carried up the mountain in sedan chairs. In colonial times too, this was the most prestigious district and many governors and business men bought extortionately priced houses up here, away from the smog and heat below. Today, nothing much has changed and this remains THE place where the fashionable and rich make their homes-snapping up houses at prices which are among the most expensive for real estate anywhere in the world.
It is not hard to see why this area is so popular when you reach the top. The views from the Peak Tower are truly spectacular and this is also a great place to get your bearings of Hong Kong and Kowloon . The Peak Tower stands at 400 m above sea level and was built to withstand all typhoons. This is where the Peak Tram terminates and the Tower contains various entertainment facilities (most are great fun for kids), shops and a few cafes. Check out the prices in the estate agents window in the Tower for property on the Peak if you fancy a pad up here!
Standing next to the Tower is the Peak Galeria . This is another complex filled with restaurants, bars, shops and even a McDonalds. Both these shopping complexes slightly spoil the area and it can be nice to take a walk away from the crowds and commercialism to the real peak of the mountain.
Walking half a kilometer to the west of the Tower brings you to the Old Governors Mountain Lodge and Gardens . This is actually the real Peak, situated 140 meters above the Tower. The lodge itself is a ruin today, but the gardens are very pleasant, offering an alternative to the tower but equally impressive view in a more peaceful setting. There are numerous paths and tracks around the Peak and this is a popular spot for jogging and walking with the ex-pats who live up here. A particularly nice walk is around and down to Hong Kong University . Walk west of the peak along Lugard Road and follow the path down hill. Finally, there is also a popular walk with locals slightly lower down the hill at Bowen Road . This route affords great views and eventually takes you down to Hong Kong University .
If you get hungry and thirsty up here, the Peak Cafe is a nice place to try. In summer, there are tables out the back with gorgeous views over the island bays and it is especially nice at sunset. The food and drink are good though expensive. The other restaurant that is good up here is Cafe Deco . This restaurant serve all kinds of international cuisine. Again, prices are not cheap, but the views (if you get a window seat) are spectacular.
How to get there and costs:
1. The Peak Tram goes up and down the mountain approximately every 10 minutes. It is a fun ride (although VERY steep) and takes about eight minutes. The trip costs HK$20 one way. Children and OAPs pay less.
2. or take No.1 minibus from City Hall in Central.
3. Take No.15 double-decker bus at the terminal of Exchange Square , Central. |
