As it is said that First ones are always special whether it’s your work place, your school, friends, home, car or your first international trip.
Back in 2006, I had my first international trip to Hong Kong and since then this place had a special place in my heart as I went there in 2018 for the FOURTH time. Yes! You heard that right. It was my fourth visit to Hong Kong and every time I have been there I have fallen for this country the same way just like back in 2006.
So, I’ll be sharing some of my recommendations with you guys which you can consider while planning your trip to Hong Kong.
Indigo and spicejet being the low cost carriers have recently started their operations to Hong Kong. I have travelled by Cathay Pacific and Air India only. It’s a five hour long direct flight from Delhi.
You have to plan well in advance to get the best affordable deals.
In 2018, each ticket was priced at Rs.42000 per person (round trip)
VISA
For visa you have to submit an online visa application to HKSAR immigration department official website and take at least two print outs of the same and there is no visa fee.
Tip: while landing in Hong Kong, don’t miss out the splendid aerial view of the city, from there you’ll just get a glimpse of the beauty of this place.
As you proceed towards the exit, you can opt for an Airport express line or for taxi, you will come across three colored taxis distinguished on the basis of regions.
RED or urban taxi- they run almost throughout the Hong Kong except for the Tsung Chung area. You can chose to take red taxis for central or Tsim Sha Tsui as only when you can arrive there directly.
Green or new territories – they operate only in some area in new territories, including Tuen Mun, North district, Tai PO, Chinese university of Hong Kong in Sha Tin
Blue or Lantau island- these are the lowest and run only throughout the Lantau Island and Disneyland.
Tip: try to travel by using public transport like buses or MTR as they are way cheaper than the taxis and I must say that Hong Kong is well connected by buses and MTR.
The Hong Kong Star ferry is an another transportation, which connects the Kowloon to Hong Kong island they both are separated by Victoria Harbor It is very economical too.
PLACES TO STAY
I have always preferred to stay near Tsim Sha Tsui as you’ll find a good number of Indian restaurants in the Chungking mansion building, easily accessible to MTR station, ferry terminal and buses that run all around the Hong Kong, the streets are always bustling with people.
It is also well connected with airport by bus no. A21 and A20
Also by Airport express for that you have to take Tsuen Wan line till Lai King Station and then transfer to Tung Chung Line till Tsing Yi Station and then proceed towards airport express.
Hotel recommendations
•The panorama hotel
•Harbor 8 degrees
•BK international
•Holiday INN
•Panda hotel In Tsuen wan
•Harbor grand Kowloon
On my last visit I stayed in Panorama hotel for 5 nights, we paid Rs80000 on triple sharing basis. Our room was on 23rd floor having a beautiful view of the sea. It also has a sky garden on the 40th floor from where the view is just outstanding.
Though breakfast wasn’t that great, especially for vegetarians like me.
PLACES TO VISIT
• VICTORIA PEAK
Being the highest peak in Hong Kong, it gives an absolutely mesmerizing view of the Victoria Harbor and the whole city. There is an oval shaped peak tower climb up to Sky terrace 428 to have a 360 degree panoramic view. It also has a shopping complex with small cafes and restaurants.
- How to reach there?
If you are near Nathan road take the ferry and go to the other side of the Hong Kong, as you’ll get down you will see a bus terminal. Hop on to route no. 15 that’ll take you to the peak and the ride is for 15 min with some beautiful views. You can also opt of tram to reach at the top.
•NGONG PING 360 in LANTAU ISLAND
SKY-LAND-SEA
If you are an adventure seeker then this thing you cannot afford to skip. It’s a 25 min long cable car ride which gives a breathtaking view of the Lantau Island, South China Sea, the big Buddha and Hong Kong international airport. The ride ends at a small Chinese cultured theme village. From there you can walk up to the big Buddha, which one should not miss. On the way back you can shop for pretty souvenirs
Round trip will cost you HK$235 for adults and HK$180 for children. For some it might be a little expensive, but it’s worth the money.
Tip: opt for crystal/glass floor cabin for that extra thrill.
How to reach there?
The best and the cheapest way is to take the MTR, you need to take the Tung Chung line. The cable car station in adjacent to Tung chug MTR station.
If you choose to go by bus from Kowloon take route E21, E21A, E22, E22A, E23, and N21.
STANLEY
It is away from the bustling streets of the city which clean beaches and markets. Stanley is located on the southern coast of Hong Kong. And it is one of the expensive residential areas of Hong Kong. Recently this place is attracting a lot more tourists than before. It’s a pretty good place to just relax by the sea and take a walk. A number of shops are also there from where you can shop cheap jewelry, flip flops, cloths etc.
How to reach there?
Bus is the most convenient way, Bus 6, 6A, 6X (express), or 260 go to Stanley from the Central Exchange Square Bus Terminus.
You can also go to Repulse Bay by frequently running buses.
Tip: try to sit on the top deck of the bus and on the right side to enjoy some scenic views of the city.
•MACAU
Located just an hour away from Hong Kong, but having quite a different vibe. Famous for its massive casinos and hotels. Emerging as a new capital of the gambling of the world, having 5 biggest casinos of the tenth. It’s a beautiful city also famous for its Portuguese sites also.
How to reach there?
The best way is to go by ferry. It’s a one hour ride, but a very pleasant one. You can go to china ferry terminal located a kilometer north of Tsim Sha Tsui star ferry. Or Hong Kong, Macau ferry terminal adjacent to IFC towers in the Shun Tech Center. One way journey would cost you around HK4170 to HK$211 for economy class. Each ferry is scheduled after every one hour.
You can also go there directly by bus from Hong Kong Airport, Tsim Sha Tsui and central.
Tip: try to leave as early as possible from Hong Kong to make the best use of time.
-The Grand Venetian is supremely the largest resort having 3000 luxury suites more than 30 restaurants, more than 300 retail stores, 4 outdoor swimming pools. Also, it is one of the biggest casinos in the world, having 640 gambling tables and 1760 slot machines.
•LADIES MARKET
If you are a Shopaholic then this place would be GREAT for you. This long street market is located in Mongkok, as being a street market bargaining is a must and yes you can bargain a lot here. Yu will find some very pretty souvenirs also. They offer variety of products from a keychain to phone covers, belts to bags, electronic gadgets to suitcases and clothes to make up.
This market is easily accessible by all means of transport.
• DISNEYLAND
Most of have been a fan of Disney cartoons and movies. Disneyland is Hong Kong is just like a day in the wonderland, where you can relive your childhood memories. It is a must visit if you are with you family and kids.
There are several attractions inside such as tomorrow land, toy story land, sleeping beauty castle, adventureland,fantasylandland and so on.
You can buy tickets online or at the entrance itself.
How to reach there?
By MTR- You need to get into Disney land resort line from sunny bay station.
All three colored taxis also run there. For buses you can take any A’ or ‘E’ bus route to Lantau Island and interchange to route R8 that will take you to Disneyland.
So these were my recommendations for you all, make sure to include all these on your visit and I am sure that you won’t regret it.