For my homegirl Michelle's birthday, she decided she wanted to go to Hong Kong. Now that we are both living in Southeast Asia, it's so much more accessible and affordable to hop from country to country. A vibrant city, Hong Kong has so much to offer! Known for its food, fashion and tourist attractions; going to Hong Kong was a no brainer!
When it comes to traveling, my main objectives include easy airport to hotel commute, great food options, even better shopping options and awesome places for taking photos for the gram. So here's my view on Hong Kong!
Airport Commute
The airport in Hong Kong is located on a separate island. In order to the main island, you can either take the train or a taxi to which ever zone your accommodations are located. We took a taxi, which was relatively inexpensive.
Hotel
When deciding where to stay, I first ask my friends or colleagues. Quietly, I hope they share my perspectives on accommodations. Then I check a few sites, I like NY Times 36 Hours in a particular city, Goop, Travel + Leisure and a couple of others. I can't give you my good good places...lol. We decided to stay at the Hotel Butterfly on Hollywood, it was both decently priced and centrally located. Caution, if you are looking for a spacious hotel - this is not the place for you. However, the room was efficient and comfortable. Insider tip: even if you are traveling alone; get a room with double twin beds, it equals more space.
Activities
Hong Kong like any other cosmopolitan city, it's your combo of real life and tourist attractions.
Hello Hong Kong - Private Lantau Tour
During our visit, we went on a private tour of Lantau Island with Hello Hong Kong. We were met at our hotel by a native English speaking tour guide, who actually had lived in Hong Kong for the past 20 years. After walking around our neighborhood to see some of the things we may have missed, we hopped on the MTR for about 30 minutes to arrive at our first attraction of the day, Ngong Ping Cable Car. The Cable Car ride was an excellent opportunity to get an aerial view of Hong Kong. Then we walked up about 268 steps to meet the Big Buddha at the Po Lin Monastery. After greeting the Big Buddha, we went to a small fishing village called Tai O. Following the boat ride through the fishing village, we had lunch at Heritage hotel located in a restored Old Police Station. After lunch we walked through another village and visited temples built as early as the 1400s. Logistical Info: $3,890HK/per person, lunch is not included Verdict: Don't waist your money, find another tour operator that will facilitate your visit to Lantau Island. All Riding the cable car to the big buddha is the only thing you need to do!
Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak was the most enjoyable tourist attraction. You ride this old school trolley all the way up the highest point of the peak. There you will find a shopping/restaurant complex that is also home to Madame Tussauds. Please prepare for huge crowds. Because our mama's told us never to wait in line, and the line for Victoria Peak are terribly ridiculously long, we bought a ticket from Madame Tussaruds which allowed us to skip the line for the Peak, go to Madame Tussauds and the Peak as well. I'd recommend you do the same or pay money for the fast-track line. There are many restaurants at the Peak but we had to eat at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Because when you live in Asia, you value the moments when you can eat American food, prepared in an American way that also taste like American food! Logistical Info: $249HK/per person Verdict: Definitely purchase the combo and buy it in advance online to avoid the long lines.
Ocean Terminal
Our visit to Hong Kong coincided with the celebration of a national holiday unbeknownst to us. So we planned on going to Ocean Terminal, to walk around and get a bite to eat, but we were quickly informed after boarding the Star ferry to Ocean Terminal that the return ferry would be after the firework display. Now, none one like to be trapped on an island, but we actually had a great time. We had a delicious meal at a Thai restaurant named Greyhound, then had drinks while watching the fireworks.
Straight Facts
- If you flight doesn't arrive to late, hop on the MTR (subway) to your hotel. It's a quick and cheap form of transportation that allows you to see and a get a feel of the city.
- Purchase an octopus card. You basically put cash on the card and use it for the MTR, purchases at 7-11ish type stores! Totally worth it!
- Select your tour operator based off our your interests and don't use Hello Hong Kong
- Go Shopping
- Eat Dim Sum
- Go see the Big Buddha
- Check out Hong Kong's many speakeasy's!