Trifter

As Asia’s world city, Hong Kong has much to offer, whether you are coming for business or for pleasure. It is a city of magical charm- the sophistication of an international city, culture diversity and cosmopolitan lifestyle are all at the core of Hong Kong attractions.

Hong Kong is a city of lights- it was awarded the world’s largest permanent lights and sound show, and it earned its place in the World book of records. This is a nightly 15 minutes, showcasing a symphony of lights which starts at 8 PM and gives an energetic spectacle of neon lights. This magical show combines interactive lights of 33 key buildings of booth Hong Kong and Kowloon islands with magical musical effects to showcase the vibrancy and glamorous night of the Victoria Harbour. Romantic walks along the piers and the Islands’ long stretched promenades are a must- you must not shy away from these calming walks.

Hong Kong at night is a lively city and it will put a sparkle back in your life if you are a sea food lover. Dining at various sea food restaurants that surround most of the waterfronts in all the islands, you get to order your own fill from the fish tucks displaying live sea delicacies- You will no doubt enjoy feasting on the delight of Chinese Sea food cuisines. Aboard a Chinese pleasure junk boat, which sails to Lai Yue Mun fishing village, not only will you experience a great sail on a Chinese primitive transportation, but you will enjoy an intoxicating view of the islands and the high rise residential buildings which line the islands shores.

Cooking classes won’t be a bad idea, not only to enjoy the taste food but learn to cook Chinese food even when you return home. You will learn how to prepare Chinese dishes from basic culinary art, to the oriental sophisticated dishes, like Dim Sum, fried rice, or a succulent fish dish. The Chinese use a wok, and their food is cooked on high heat, normally, they use only the freshest produce- be it meat , fish or vegetables. Part of the Chinese cuisine art is the blending of tastes to produce a mouth watery dish, and their greens are steamed to return the freshness and colour of the vegetables. The Chinese appreciate their food, which mostly comprises of the best ingredient with healing elements. With the Chinese, eating is an art- from the way you use the chop sticks to chewing, down to the swallowing and sipping of your teas. You can get more information on places to find self cooking restaurants at the hotel desk.

If your passion is shopping and bargain hunting- take advantage of your Hong Kong holiday, and visit the well known flea markets of Mong Kok and Stanley markets. An open bus tour will ignite your spirits too, and it starts from Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), and will take you along Hong Kong golden mile on Nathan road to Canton road where you will visit the famous Ladies Market in Monk Kok, known for its off the hook bargains. Price negotiations are like a sport here, and if you are good, you will meet your match in the shrewd, but polite traders.

Hong Kong’s natural beauty offers unspoiled natural parklands and intoxicating sceneries. Experiencing a Sub-Tropical, like Mediterranean climate, and mountainous landscape, Hong Kong is favoured by backpackers from all over the world. Hiking in Hong Kong is one of the great outdoor adventures, even for the locals, a good break from their appreciation of food, which of course is healthy and healing. Venture out to two of the best known peaks; the Amah Rocks and the Lion Rock country parks. The walk starts with a visit to the Che Kung Temple in shatin. The Temple is a dedication to general Che who earned his respect and fame for his loyalty during the last days of the Sung dynasty, which rule from AD960-1279. From the Temple you will walk uphill to the legendary Amah rock- the Amah rock has a legend tale by its unique appearance. The rock tip is believed to be the remains of a petrified woman, whose husband, a fisherman feared dead by drowning, but she sits there, facing the waters, in wait of her husband’s return. From here you have a magnificent, impressive view of Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong’s highest mountain. Then the trail will take you up- separating kowloon and the New Territories, the path leads you up to 495 meters-high Lion rock, which gets its name from the close resemblance to a Lion head. The Lion rock gives you a splendid view of the kowloon urban grid, Victoria harbour and Hong Kong Island. The hike heads down along hilltop ridges, going around the Eagle Nest mountain where you will have glimpses of monkey troupes. This is also a great nature reserve, and your long hike brings you down to Old Tai Po road.

Another favoured, spot is the Lantau Island- double the size of Hong Kong Island, this lush greenery has much to offer you. Not only does it accommodate the city airport, but it is also a great outdoor destination. With its high peaks, mostly in the mist, deep valleys and usually deserted sandy beaches, it is an opposite of the urban grid, with its unspoiled countryside, which makes Hong Kong so distinctly an attraction of its own merit. You may also want to cross the famous bridge the native way by boarding a boat from Central which takes 45 minutes to one hour to get a close up view of the Tsing Ma Bridge, which connects Tsing Yi Island to Ma Wan. You can also get a great view of the Bridge from Lantau Link Vistors Centre deck and viewing platform.

while you are on Lantau island, visit Ngong Ping, which sites a stunning spectacle of the Buddha statue measuring about 34 meters, which is the largest outdoor standing statue in the world. You can choose to walk the buddha mile by taking the 260 steps through the mountain ridge leading to the buddha statue and learn about the buddha history. Or you can take the new cableway, the Ngong Ping 360 degrees, which is approximately 20 minutes to cross over from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping. Ngong Ping village offers a diverse array of entertainment, dinning and souvenir shopping. You can finish your visit of the Island aboard the cableway Ngong Ping 360, back to Tung Chung City Gate Mall which houses factory outlets at bargain prices of Branded fashion- a must to visit if you are a brand cat.

There is so much to view in Hong Kong, from the great traditional Chinese culture, to the cosmopolitan hong Kong with its mega-architectural structures, and lifestyle. The once Isolated Island is growing rapidly, but this mountainous land will always be a retreat, hiding the Chinese hidden treasures, and a place of enchantment for the curious soul to find balance and harmony.

Hotels

Depending on your budget, you will get your money worth stay in the Hong Kong lavished hotels. Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), has a number of hotels , from two stars to five stars hotels. Most of the hotel costs includes a shuttle bus, gym, steamer, sauna, but massage therapies are charged at a minimal fee worth your take.

Transport

Hong kong transport system is one of the best in the world. Efficient and reliable you will never get lost in Hong Kong- MTR and KCR train companies are well structured serving the all of Hong Kong, inter-linking all the Islands, with a help of the Green and red taxis completing your transport satisfaction in the inner cities. Hong Kong has a very efficient pre-paid card called Octopus, you can buy it at any train station for HK$50 adults, and HK$28 for kids from 4 to under 12 years. An Octopus card is used for most of the Islands’ transport, except the taxis, you can also use it to pay for your small expenditures, and you can top it up at participating convenient stores, like 7 Eleven and the train stations’ inquiry desk. This card can be sold back and get your HK$50 back when you are leaving Hong Kong at any train station desk.

Visa

It is always good you check with the Hong Kong local embassy in your country if you may need an entry Visa to Hong Kong. Most of the countries, except the immediate neighbouring countries, do not need a Visa to enter- you receive a 90 days stay on entry stamped in your passport.

Currency

Hong Kong uses Hong Kong dollars and like other developed nations, you use credit cards to pay for your hotel fees. nevertheless, you need cash if you have plans to visit the flea markets, to pay for your transport, and some of the remote Chinese restaurants. Like any other travel destinations, do not carry too much cash around although Hong Kong has a very low crime rate in the world, be cautious. Tips are optional and you don’t pay any sales tax- you pay the tag price and you are all set.