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HONG KONG TRAVEL GUIDE
Hong Kong, one of the most exciting cities on the planet is also one of its most crowded, with 6.8 million people crammed into a little over 1,000 square kilometres. It is a cacophonous city that manages to blend east and west in a mosaic of modern and ancient. However, tucked amongst this clutter and noise lies a serenity and calmness that can be seen in the temples, shrines and parks scattered throughout the city.
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HONG KONG WEATHER - When To Go
While Hong Kong is truly a year round destination, the mildest temperatures can be found from the middle of September through February. October, November and December are the best months to visit. May through the beginning of September can be hot and humid with a large amount of rainfall. Hotels will offer steep discounts if visiting any time of year except March-April and October and November. Stay away from Hong Kong during Chinese New Year (January through early February) as many natives take their vacations during this time and travel can be very difficult.
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HONG KONG ATTRACTIONS - Things to See & Do
The best place to begin a trip to Hong Kong is Victoria Peak. Overlooking the city, this is a great way to get a true lay of the land. Take the Peak Tram up to the summit and try to go on a clear day to get the best view. Ride on the right side of the tram if possible (closest to the entrance), as the sights are much better on this side. The Peak Tram will take you to Peak Tower where there is not only an amazing view of the city but shops, restaurants and even a wax museum to enjoy. Do not travel to Victoria Peak on a rainy or cloudy day, as there will be no view.
For a special evening treat take a walk along the Tsim Sha Tsui East Waterfront. The sparkling lights and amazing waterfront vista are quite romantic. Along this walk the ambler can see the Bruce Lee Statue and the Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower. Do not miss Kowloon Park, a relaxing oasis amidst the crowded streets. You should plan on taking a short rest from the waterfront walk here.
For an afternoon of shopping you can head to the Ladies Market in the Mongkok District of Hong Kong. Here the avid shopper can find enough clothing to satisfy the most discriminating fashionista. There are other delightful items for sale too, such as rugs, towels, and dolls. And as a reward to the men folk for visiting the Ladies Market, step around the corner to the Mongkok Computer Shopping Centre for a technological treat.
Even more shopping can be had at the Stanley Market in southern Hong Kong. While it is slightly touristy, souvenirs for all friends and family members are easy to find and at reasonable prices. There are also several restaurants in this area for a quick bite to eat. Next to Stanley Market is Stanley Beach with great views of the harbour. It is here the dragon boat races take place during the Dragon Boat Festival.
To spend an enjoyable, although crowded day at the beach you can head to Repulse Bay. The name sprang from the British army driving pirate invaders out of the bay. While there, keep an eye out for a rather unusual looking building. It has a hole in its centre!
Do not forget to stop at the newest of the Disney Parks, Disney Hong Kong. Although it is the smallest of the Disney Parks there is still much to do with plenty of rides and shops to purchase items with your favourite Disney character on them.
Hong Kong also has a myriad of temples and shrines to visit and these are great places to take a break from the crowded city streets. Stop at 10,000 Buddhas Monestary on Po Fook Hill. It actually has more than 10,000 Buddha statues strewn throughout the complex. Do not miss the nine-storey pagoda that can be climbed for a bit of exercise. There is also a vegetarian restaurant at the monastery.
Che Kung Temple, built in 1993, is the largest Tao complex. It is located in Tai Wai and dedicated to a Song-dynasty general who was thought to have destroyed a plague that was infecting Sha Tin.
Another large Taoist Complex is Fung Ying Sin Temple. This temple is located just opposite the Fanling KCR East Rail station and is connected to it by a walkway. With amazing Taoist murals, orchards, a restaurant and an herbal clinic it is a great way to spend a relaxing day. Do not miss the ancestral halls behind the main temple. The small tombs located here contain ashes of loved ones and their portraits.
For a bit of history and culture you can stop by the Chinese University of Hong Kong Art Museum. The West Wing of the museum is kept open for special exhibitions. The East Wing has a collection of Chinese art including jade flower carvings, calligraphy, paintings and ceramics.
One attraction that cannot be missed is the Hong Kong Park. Instead of emphasizing the natural flora and fauna, the park focuses on man-made items such as fountains, artificial waterfalls, a t’ai chi garden and a wall of skyscrapers. Stop by the Edward Youde Aviary to see 90 different species of birds. The northern edge of the park houses the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware. As the name implies, here you will find a collection of ancient teapots and teacups.
Finally, for an interesting day-trip (or longer), use the 1-hour ferry ride to reach nearby Macau and explore its sights and sounds.
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HONG KONG - Eating Out & Nightlife
Hong Kong comes alive at night with every king of entertainment from opera to karaoke. There are pubs, bars, casinos, nightclubs and karaoke bars. You can head to Night Park in Tsim Sha Tsui for some drinking, dining and dancing with the hip crowd. To spend the night dancing in a nightclub check out the hotels as these are where the trendiest clubs and hottest DJs can be found.
For the gambler, there is only horse racing and pari-mutuel in Hong Kong. For more variety you can go to Macau. There is a jetfoil boat ride that can get there in about 50 minutes. Be sure to have passports ready and dress should be evening casual to formal.
Karoake is the rage in Hong Kong. Karaoke bars can be found in hotels, clubs, and even restaurants. There are even private Karaoke rooms for rent so a group of friends or family can enjoy themselves in private.
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HONG KONG - Getting Around & Local Transport
Hong Kong’s public transportation system is quick and inexpensive. The bus is the best way to travel through the south side of Hong Kong Island and the New Territories. The rest of Hong Kong is serviced by rail. The railways are very modern and the way to go when travelling to the north side of Hong Kong island, and Kowloon. For fun take the double-decker trams that travel along the north side of Hong Kong Island. Be sure to sit up front for the best view. Ferries are another mode of transportation that can be even cheaper than buses and trams.
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HONG KONG FLIGHTS - Flying from the UK
If you’re flying to Hong Kong, try Cathay Pacific first for flight deals from London.
Other direct flights to Hong Kong’s Chep Lak Kok airport are available from London Heathrow with both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
Also try Expedia.co.uk for flight options to Hong Kong.
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