The Slow Guide To Hong Kong - Part 1

Written on February 12, 2008 by Tezza

“A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.” - Lao Tzu 

Travel brings with it a sense of freedom and adventure unlike any other endeavour. Some prefer to travel to far flung places with the comforts of home, staying in four or five star hotels. They are taken from sight to sight in air conditioned buses and cultural exchange is almost inevitably experienced through the interaction of local merchants intent on selling them over priced souvenirs.

Others prefer a more authentic experience if you will, exploring outside the tourist dominated zones, eating with the locals at local eateries and following no set itinerary. I’ve certainly done both in my time and both have their merits and detraction’s. This guide though is tailored to the latter since if you are relying on organised tours you won’t have any need for this information anyway.

Transport

You can’t go past the cost and convenience of the public transport system in Hong Kong. It is fast, convenient, clean and reliable. If you’re staying in Hong Kong for more than a few days then it’s definitely worthwhile getting yourself an Octopus card, almost every commuter uses it here. You can purchase it from any customer service window at MTR and KCR stations.

There is one for tourists which are for three days unlimited use on the MTR and use of the Airport Express journey for between $220 and $300HK depending on the card you select (Includes $50HK refundable deposit). Or you can as I did get the normal Octopus card for $150HK which also includes the $50HK refundable deposit minus a $7HK fee if returned within 3 months.

The great thing about the Octopus card is that you won’t have to scrounge for exact change for buses and line up to buy tickets for the MTR. The Octopus card is also widely accepted for payment in fast food restaurants, convenience stores and many other places displaying the Octopus card machines.

There really is no imperative need to use taxi’s in Hong Kong, it’s small and the public transport system will get you to almost every sight you would want to visit conveniently.

Money

The Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the US dollar at about US$1 = HK$7.8 although the exchange rate you get from the bank or money exchangers is going to vary. Credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted in Hong Kong and ATM’s are everywhere so getting access to your money is not a problem.

Language

Hong Kong’s official languages are English and Cantonese (a southern Chinese dialect). Since the influx of mainland Chinese visiting/living in Hong Kong the Mandarin language is also gaining in popularity known in Hong Kong as Putonghua. In most places like the MTR and tourist dominated areas you will hear announcements made in all three languages and most people who work in areas catering to foreigners will speak English.

While English is one of the official languages, in Hong Kong the locals almost exclusively use Cantonese in their everyday lives. So brushing up on some basic Cantonese is helpful and outside tourist areas it will come in handy as not everyone speaks English.

Top Sights

Hong Kong Skyline

The Hong Kong skyline is a sight to behold and worth a look. The two best vantage points are the Peak which is a stop most tourists inevitably make on their whirl wind visit to Hong Kong, a lesser known vantage point is the 55th Floor of Two IFC tower.

The Peak is situated about 552 metres above sea level and is the highest mountain on Hong Kong island making it an ideal vantage point to see Hong Kong and it’s surrounds from the viewing platform known as the Sky Terrace. From the Sky Terrace you are given an uninterrupted 360 degree panoramic view of Hong Kong. The Peak Tram is by far the best way to make your way to the top. It makes a near 45 degree ascent up to the top offering up spectacular views along the way.

Two IFC Tower on the other hand is situated in the heart of the financial district in Hong Kong. It is one of the tallest buildings in the world standing at 88 storeys. While you can’t go all the way to the top you can view the Hong Kong skyline from the 55th Floor open free to the public. It offers up stunning views of Hong Kong, Victoria Harbour and the Kowloon Peninsula.

Lantau Island

On a good day make your way to Lantau Island. It is Hong Kong’s largest Island and much of it is designated country park thanks in part to it’s mountainous landscape. It makes for great hiking but it’s most prized attraction is the Big Buddha. It can be found adjacent to the Po Lin Buddhist Monastery.

The Buddha statue is claimed to be the largest seated outdoor statue in the world and is worth the 200 odd stairs up to the top to view it. A stop at the nearby monastery for a vegetarian lunch before making a short walk to the Wisdom Path is a great way to round off the day. If you are adventurous enough you can take several hiking trails on the island with some as long as 70km taking you to the top of the Lantau peak.

To get to the Po Lin Monastery you can either go by ferry, catch a bus from Tung Chung station or for a scenic ride on a clear day you can go up to the top by Cable car.

Tsim Sha Shui Promenade

The waterfront promenade is home to the Avenue of the Stars. It makes for a picturesque view of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline from the ground. At night daily at 8pm you can watch “A Symphony Of Lights” which was named the worlds largest permanent light show by Guinness World Records. It includes over 44 buildings which come alive with lights and laser synchronised to music.

Close by you’ll find the Old Clock Tower which is a relic from the Kowloon Canton Railway Terminus that has since been demolished. If you have the time several museums are close by including the Museum of Arts and the Space Museum.

The Hong Kong Museum of History though is by far the best museum in Hong Kong. It is huge and houses an amazing array of exhibits, information and short films. It covers the History of Hong Kong from the prehistoric time through to post war modern times. If you want to have a greater appreciation of the country your visiting then this has got to be a stop on your itinerary. Museums are free on Wednesdays and are around $10HK other times.

Photo the Copyright of Tezza

Popularity: 7% [?]

If you're new here, this site is dedicated to inspiring, motivating and encouraging anyone who is young at heart to live a life of significance filled with peace, joy, and success. If you enjoy your stay consider Subscribing to my Feed or Subscribe Via Email. Thanks for visiting!

Posted in Hong Kong, Travel and Recreation, Travelling Tips