well i have been in on this trip with friends, colleagues for about 3 weeks, but never gave much thought of what w would do, i dont ant to be touristy but i know noon in hong kong, anythin i could do there without being to touristy?

Hello! Glad to know that your friends and you are visiting Hong Kong - the City of Life! Hong Kong welcomes you!

Right now, Hong Kong has a lot to offer our valuable visitors! For example the "Hong Kong Superdraw", "Welcome Passports", "Strato-Fantasia",etc! There is so much to offer that I can't tell you in a few words! Let's visit www.DiscoverHongKong.com and www.hongkongwelcomesyou.com for further information! Enjoy your stay!:D

i typed a pretty long reply on the "Hong Kong Photography" thread. check that out.

hello everybody! i'll be hongkong from Feb 4th to 8th for a training and the palce for training is in the Jockey Club near the central and the hotel is the Park lane. Can any body can tell me how can i visit the nearest skyscrapers of hongkong and the bus i can take, thanks!:? :)

Originally posted by sailinsky

hello everybody! i'll be hongkong from Feb 4th to 8th for a training and the palce for training is in the Jockey Club near the central and the hotel i will be live in is the Park lane. Can any body can tell me how can i visit the nearest skyscrapers of hongkong and the bus i can take, thanks!:? :)

There are two Jockey Clubs in Central that I can remember of. One is in Star Ferry and the other is in Connaught Road Central. Either places, public transportation is very accessible. Local bus routes such as 2, 5, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5X, 10, express local routes like 720, 780, 788 etc all suit your needs. These routes generally serve Central and the East of HK Island.

When I say local, it means those routes are within Hong Kong Island. You can take the cross-harbor tunnel routes 1XX, 6XX, and 9XX but you have to know exactly where you're going. All in all, you can take them if they are heading to destinations in Hong Kong Island. They are less crowded than the local routes and generally the fare is $5.4 whereas $3.4 for local routes mentioned above. A tip of detemining whether the bus is going to Kowloon or the New Territories, the fare is usually $8.9 or above.

You can also try to take the tram as it is not far from Park Lane Hotel (Within 5 mins walk). Once you walk into the heart of Causeway Bay, you find tram and buses. Walking is also another good alternative because you won't get bored while walking, simiply there's a lot to see unlike in the US, all you can see are houses and trees without people. It's also a 15 min walk from Park Lane to Central Plaza.

In Central, walking is the first priority (at least for me) since most buildings are connected with skywalks, tunnels or even the Central MTR station. So, it's not that far to go everywhere within Central. If you're on ground level, it's pretty easy to see IFC, BoC and HSBC in Central. Once you can locate one, get inside and see the view outside, you should be able to see the others...;)

Hope this helps :)

Park Lane is close to Causeway Bay MTR. Take the MTR to Wan Chai (1 station west of Causeway Bay) for Central Plaza. Take the MTR to Admiralty (2 stations west of Causeway Bay) for Bank of China. Take the MTR to Central (3 stations west of Causeway Bay) for the IFCs. The IFCs are directly above Hong Kong MTR/AEL Station.

thanks a lot!

thank you very much!

your hotel is only half a block East from the Causeway Bay MTR Station.
i guess u can actually just walk all the way to The Center in Sheung Wan, and visit Central Plaza, boc, 2ifc on your way. I would say it takes around 5 hours if you walk from your hotel to The Center (include the time to get in skyscrapers, eat etc....)
you can get to the observation deck in boc at 40 something floor. Just ask the staff in the lobby.

btw, you can go to the promenade in Tsim Sha Tsui to see the laser/light/firework/music/skyscrapers show. The show is featured from Jan 17th to Feb 17th. Get there either by Star ferry or MTR (get off at Tsim Sha Tsui station). I guess you can get there by ferry and then MTR on your way back.

Don't take the bus. HK's bus system is too complicated for tourists.

The tram is a must. The #2 bus is pretty safe for tourists. It hugs along the tram line most of the time. You can ride it into Central from Causeway Bay.

I'm going to be in HK in about a week and a half and I have a couple questions.

1. I understand I'll be arriving on the first day of the Lunar New Year. How many days are establishments closed for?

2. I'm staying in the TST area and was wondering if anyone new of some good cocktail bars in the area?

3. Never been there without family before so I will be experiencing Hong Kong nightlife for the first time. Any suggestions?

Thanks everyone!

So you mean you have been there before?

Been there a few times, but never really did anything besides visting relatives. Not the most exciting way to see HK I think.

Originally posted by vincent

your hotel is only half a block East from the Causeway Bay MTR Station.
i guess u can actually just walk all the way to The Center in Sheung Wan, and visit Central Plaza, boc, 2ifc on your way. I would say it takes around 5 hours if you walk from your hotel to The Center (include the time to get in skyscrapers, eat etc....)
you can get to the observation deck in boc at 40 something floor. Just ask the staff in the lobby.

btw, you can go to the promenade in Tsim Sha Tsui to see the laser/light/firework/music/skyscrapers show. The show is featured from Jan 17th to Feb 17th. Get there either by Star ferry or MTR (get off at Tsim Sha Tsui station). I guess you can get there by ferry and then MTR on your way back.

5 hours?...I can walk from Wan Chai to North Point 5 times....:D

Yes i agree that the bus system for tourist is a little complicated. Take the tram cause its cheap or take the mtr if you want to get to somewhere real fast.

I can't answer #1.

#2+3. There's a smaller version of "Lan Kwai Fong" in TST which is located on Knutsford Terrace.

i dont know if going to kowloon promenade and see the light show would be part of the "night life".

Originally posted by ailiton

I can't answer #1.

#2+3. There's a smaller version of "Lan Kwai Fong" in TST which is located on Knutsford Terrace.

and the Knutsford Terrace is right behind the Mirama Hotel( Opposite to Kowloon Park in Nathan Road).

I merged four existing threads about the above topic, and made it sticky. Hope this will help to serve as a one stop info centre and not have them all over the place and having the same questions asked over and over again. ;)

If there is anyone asking question like this in any of the forums or elsewhere, do direct them to this thread! And I leave it to you guys to spice this thread up for your potential visitors. :colgate:

Hi fans, friends and residents of Hong Kong!!!

Now it is only a week , then i will be in HK again.
Finnally:) ...after 1 and a halve yr.

I have planned many hiking tours this time...
eg: Lion's Rock , Wilson Trail part 2 and 3 and so on...
Of course i also will visit all Construction sites wich i know.
And be prepared to see some very amazing pics soon hehe
i managed a "special trip" ...shhht secret :D (get surprised)

Now i need your help:
A few time ago we talked (here or in SSP) about a church at top of Central Plaza...
Unfortunatelly this thread is old and deleted.
I only know there is a church service held on sundays.
But i dun remember the time and wich lift to take.
Who can help me?

And of course any1 who is in HK from 11th till 27th June feel free to contact
me if u wanna meet me :) maybe we can make a group meeting ? hehe
pm me or try to find me in icq ( i use go.icq.com when i'm in HK and got time :P)

CU maybe in HK
:cheers1:
Mike

.

thats great!!!
u know hk so well!!!
I wish I can go there this summer ...
but unfortunately I can't ...
Please take some street scenes also if you have time
of like older neighborhoods like wanchai, western and sheung wan ...

2ifc has a floor open, west kowloon helipad is opened too i believe ...

church on top of central plaza? wow, i dont know dude, sorry

well dont forget to make cool pix for us, and a update of union square and nina tower if u have some time :) hehehe :)

u can go up in the Bank of China, Central Plaza, 2ifc and Hopewell center

good luck!

Wow, that's cool. Is it a Catholic Church?

After a bit of searching on the net, I found the following info :

Community Church Hong Kong (Non-denominational)
75/F Central Plaza
18 Harbor Rd., Wanchai
Tel: +852 2551-6161
Fax: +852 2892-2466

Community Church (hk)
http://www.cchk.net
Welcome to Community Church Hong Kong. We are an international, interdenominational and inclusive congregation. This web site serves to inform and encourage visitors or members of our extended community. Community Church Hong Kong's services are held at the Apex on the 75th floor of Central Plaza, Hong Kong's tallest building. Services are held every Sunday starting at 11:00 a.m.

Upon arrival at Central Plaza, proceed to the lift lobby on the second floor, where you will find our welcome desk. Since the Apex is not normally open to the public, you will need to collect a nametag from the desk, before proceeding to the Apex. Follow the signs to worship. Please allow 10 minutes to get to worship from the building lobby.

i think that "special trip" will be a helicopter tour?

Mike (SanMiguel)-- do us all a favor, and SHOOT 100,000,000 pics of HK!!

have a great trip to the world's BEST skyscrapercity... :horse:

best, scorpion-igzaklee :grouphug:

Well, what can i say....San Miguel, you're probably one of the biggest hk city fan i've ever met on this forum. Anyway, i wish you a pleasant journey here in hk and snap it all the way.

a lot of people here are just enthusiatic as he does. But a lot of the forumers are student so we are financially, and phsically (have school) can't go back to hk as often.

Hi fellow forumers! :wave:

I would be visiting Hong Kong probably on the 19th till 25th July. This is not confirmed yet as I need to confirm on the hotels :D

I've been given a list of hotel:

Hong Kong Island
1) Newton Hotel
2) The Charterhouse Hotel
3) City Garden Hotel

Kowloon
1) Majestic Hotel
2) Park Hotel
3) Eaton Hotel
4) Royal Plaza

I am not too sure of the accessibility of these hotels to MTR stations and the quality of these hotels as I do not trust the graphical maps and the pictures provided by the hotel so I need some input from locals ;)

I hope some of ya might able to lend a little assistance :D .....I'll be flying Cathay Pacific! :)

ANyone wants to do a meetup? ;)

thx for supporting HK economy by choosing Cathay Pacific! hehe...j/k

how did you narrow your choices down to these? I guess it would be easier if you give us the price range and the location that you want to be in.

some general info for each hotel:
Hong Kong Island
1) Newton Hotel (North Point, right next to Fortress Hill MTR station, skyline view of kowloon anywhere above 10 floors)
2) The Charterhouse Hotel (can't find this hotel in the map search engine)
3) City Garden Hotel (North Point, one or two blocks from Fortress Hill MTR station, skyline view of kowloon anywhere above 30 floors, not sure if the hotel has 30 floors though)


Kowloon
1) Majestic Hotel (three blocks North of Jordon station, super old building view ;-), not very convenient for tourist)
2) Park Hotel (two blocks east of Tsim Sha Tsu station, not much view except a small park locates on one side of the building, the location is ok for tourist)
3) Eaton Hotel (four blocks North of Jordon station, super old building view ;-), not very convenient for tourist)
4) Royal Plaza (North of Mongkok KCR station, five blocks east of Mongkok MTR station, not good for tourist since the KCR tst extension is not in operation yet)

thx for supporting HK economy by choosing Cathay Pacific! hehe...j/k

how did you narrow your choices down to these? I guess it would be easier if you give us the price range and the location that you want to be in.

some general info for each hotel:
Hong Kong Island
1) Newton Hotel (North Point, right next to Fortress Hill MTR station, skyline view of kowloon anywhere above 10 floors)
2) The Charterhouse Hotel (can't find this hotel in the map search engine)
3) City Garden Hotel (North Point, one or two blocks from Fortress Hill MTR station, skyline view of kowloon anywhere above 30 floors, not sure if the hotel has 30 floors though)




Kowloon
1) Majestic Hotel (three blocks North of Jordon station, super old building view ;-), not very convenient for tourist)
2) Park Hotel (two blocks east of Tsim Sha Tsu station, not much view except a small park locates on one side of the building, the location is ok for tourist)
3) Eaton Hotel (four blocks North of Jordon station, super old building view ;-), not very convenient for tourist)
4) Royal Plaza (North of Mongkok KCR station, five blocks east of Mongkok MTR station, not good for tourist since the KCR tst extension is not in operation yet)




Hey Vincent! :wave:

Thanks for your prompt reply! :okay:

Actually this is the list of hotels provided by Cathay Pacific as part of its package. Its a 'free and easy' tour....meaning I am not tied to any tour itenary. ;)

I was thinking of staying in HK island itself but I would prefer any hotel that is just right next to an MTR station as I would be using the system extensively :)

So if I am correct, you're saying that Newton Hotel is the nearest to an MTR station of the bunch right? I would prefer to stay in a reputable hotel with a distance of not too far from any MTR station so which would you personally suggest? As for the rates are concerned, all these hotel rates are almost similar so no worries. ;)

Any other HK residents here would like to share their view too? :) ......would greatly appreciate as I need to confirm the hotel fast! ( sorry for being last minute......got the list day before yesterday :D ) :okay:

Thanks again Vincent! :cheers:

i prefer to live on island if i have choice ...
newton hotel is right across from fortress hill station ...
city garden hotel is at least a ten minutes walk from fortress hill station ... charterhouse hotel is located in Wanchai ... its three - four blocks west of nearest MTR station(CWB)
Newton would be closest to MTR ... Chaterhouse would be in older wanchai ... City garden would be in a neighborhood part of north point ...

Oh goodie! Thanks InitialD18! :okay:

Why do you have the opinion that staying on the island is better? More 'happening'? :D ......pardon my ignorance but I just need to know more before going .....hehehe :D

So Newton Hotel now tops my list! :)

hmmmm........How bout in terms of room quality? :? .....any of the hotel on my list is good or which is the better ones? :)

As a local in HK, I could hardly tell the quality of room service since I don't have the need to stay in a hotel in HK...:D

Anyway, I'll talk about the locations. I agree pretty much to what Vincent and InitialD18 said.

HK Island:
Newton Hotel and City Garden Hotel are both near Fortress MTR station with Newton the closest. Fortress Hill is considered to be a little quiet (lesser shops) compared to North Point or Causeway Bay, but you still see traffic and people on streets.

The Charterhouse Hotel is located between Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. It is 5-10 minutes walk to Time Square where Causeway Bay MTR station is. It is also closer to the Central and Tsim Sha Tsui if travel by MTR. Causeway Bay (like Mong Kok in Kowloon) is best for electronics/computer shopping, dinning, cinema, and karaoke.

Kowloon
I would say Majestic Hotel and Eaton Hotel are actually very convenient for tourist considered that Jordan is near Tsim Sha Tsui and these two are located on Nathan Road. They are one block from each other and it is just a 5-10 min walk to Jordan MTR station. The location is best for shopping and eating.

Park Hotel is in Tsim Sha Tsui East. Again a 5-10 minute walk along Cameron Road is needed to Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station. The location is best for dinning and nightlife.

Royal Plaza is north of Mong Kok KCR station. The location is best if you travel to the New Territories such as Shatin, Tai Po, Sheung Shui and even Mainland China. A 10-15 minute walk along the busiest street is required to Mong Kok MTR station. The hotel is right next to a mall called Grand Century Place. Mong Kok is the best location electronics/computer shopping, dinning, and karaoke.

A last word I would say is that you won't get bored while walking from the hotels you mentioned to the nearest MTR stations. As for room quality, if you trust Cathy Pacific like I do, the hotels they listed should be better than average. They wouldn't partner with hotels that will ruin their image...:)

wow, u can live in the hotel for free? one plane ticket comes with a free hotel room for how long? 1 week?

I just found where Charterhouse hotel is. The location is good. But no view.
Between the Newton, CityGarden and Charterhouse, all of them are liscensed with the gov as listed here http://www.info.gov.hk/had_la/english/hotel/locat.htm
CityGarden and Charterhouse are also licenced under the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance (HAGAO) and are registered as Tourism Services Provider by Hong Kong Tourism Board as shown here http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/mustknow/search/mk_sear_resu.jsp?qLocation=ALL

The Charterhouse hotel
http://www.charterhouse.com/content/services_facilities.phtml


Citygarden hotel
http://www.citygarden.com.hk/main.php?page=3


Newton hotel
http://asiatravel.com/hongkong/newtonhk/accom.html

along all of the three, only Citygarden got wireless broadband connectivity, as well as tv. The other two has TV but no broadband.

In terms of view, Newton has the best view (kowloon view, no TST skyline view though) (ask for a room in the most northern part of the hotel for a wider range of view) along all seven hotels in your list, with probably the Royal plaza being the second. Newton also has a rooftop swimming pool also. Forget about what i said about Citygarden having view above 30 floors, i just found out that you won't see any skyline view even if you live in the roof. For Charterhouse hotel, it locates in the heart of the most exciting entertainment/shopping district in hk; even though the walk even MTR stations are slightly longer than Cithgarden and newton.

I think the quality is about the same for all seven hotels. Your decision should be based on facilities, view, and location.

http://www.hkha.com.hk/main.asp?sec=3
all seven hotels are part of the HK hotels Association. So the quality is pretty much guaranteed.

Thanks a lot HKT and Vincent! :okay: :grouphug:


I really appreciate both of your detailed explanation on the facilities and location and also on hotel recommendations :)

However my aunt said better for us to get a hotel at Kowloon as they are staying in Kowloon so easier for em to meet us. So I had to choose one of those Kowloon hotel.........

HKT > In your asessment, all the Kowloon hotel seems good for nightlife and are near to MTR station except for Royal Plaza.......so which one give the best location actually? :?

Vincent > haha....the hotel rooms are not free but part of the package that only offers hotel room and air ticket. It also comes with a complimentary half day tour. ;)

If anyone here could further assist me as I've got to make this important decision by Monday .....appreciate a lot - Thanks! :okay:

^^^
haha... i wish i can go more often...
last time i was here was in Jan/Feb 2003.
and i'm not rich either...

Finally i arived in HK and today i had a nice trip together with my friends(non-forumers).
We were at 11/F of 1Peking Rd for lunch.
walking thru TST (i took a lotta streetscenes) and lunch at
5/F of Guangdong London Plaza(?)
Oh and we were at HK China Ferry Pier for some nightviews.

tomorrow i probably go to the church at Central Plaza...

:cheers:

Mike
.

Szehoong, nightlife is there along Wan Chai-Causeway MTR Station on HK Island and Tsim Sha Tsui - Jordan - Yau Ma Tei - Mong Kok - Prince Edward MTR Station, which runs under along Nathan Road on the Kowloon side. Nightlife does exist in other parts of HK and Kowloon but it will be limited to restaurants that offer TV to their customers. With the coming of the European Soccer Cup, they can be crowded too.

Anyway, back to your question, if you let me do a quick pick, I would probably choose Eaton. There are more tourists in Tsim Sha Tsui and Jordan. Places along stations north of Jordan to Prince Edward have more locals. That's why I choose Eaton because it's the intersection of nightlife cultures. The reason I didn't choose Majestic Hotel is perhaps the room view. You probably can see only Nathan Road. At Eaton, you can also see views from Cascoigne Road, which has more open spaces and greenery. Both hotels are located on Nathan Road and north of Jordan MTR station with Majestic Hotel one block closer to MTR.

i think that "special trip" will be a helicopter tour?

OH thanks Vincent.... that would be a great idea!
maybe i should try that :D

haha
yea, the price is very cheap i heard. I read that they got a special cheap plan because of the "free" tourist coming from china.
Check out US7 site during a clear day, and just go to that heli-pad right south of us7 site to check out the price. hehehe

u will be fine by choosing either Majestic, Eaton, or Park hotel. Majestic and Eaton are basically no difference in terms of location since one of them is just at the next city block of the second. So u need to check out their website and see what facilities they got. You don't need to worry going home at 2 or 3 at night since Majestic is right at Nathan rd, and Eaton is one building from the nathan road. (the MTR stop the operation at about 12:40 at nite though)

I don't quite recommend Royal Plaza because the location is a bit remote compare to other hotels in your list.

Your choice priority should be (based solely on location):
1 and 2 (top choice): Majestic, Eaton
3: Park hotel
4. Royal plaza

Have a great trip :) Bon voyage!

theres a heli-pad where the westkowloon-foster canopy is located ...
theres a bar called Aqua on the top floor in One Peking Road which i heard has views as great as Felix ...

the two major heli service provider:

http://www.heliservices.com.hk/

http://www.helihongkong.com/

OR you can call this http://www.info.gov.hk/gfs/ for free and pretent you need to be rescuited from some mountain trail in kowloon.....hahhaha

Oh , i didnt knew there is a helipad next to US7...
anyways! i will walk there soon, so i will see.

Vincent! i think the cheap one u mention is a tour by HKTB
its 800HK$ including lunch/dinner at Jumbo Floating Restaurant and a boat tour from Central to Aberdeen.
BUT: the heliflight is only 12min and u cannot ask the pilot where to fly...

OK now its out :P
yessss i will take a helicopter ..next sunday; i got connections and will bargain a bit :D
the heli starts from top of Penninsula :banana:

InitialD18!
i will be at Aqua on 21st
reservation(window seat of course) still done hehe

BTW: Yesterday i didn't went to that chrurch. got up too late haha
i met the forumer justin(chisinchai)from SSP and i showed him RadioCityTower(22/F)
then we walked from Happy Valley to Stubbs Road where we ended up with a lotta tourists from China Mainland and Japan.
They were sooo noisy haha
It was at that little Observation Point above Lover's Rock.

today i got up late coz i meet some leng lui last night for late dinner.
so i will just take some pics in TST , YauMaTei and Mongkok and have dinner with one of that leng lengs again :D

:cheers: Mike

Remember to take some snap shots of the "leng lui" too!! Hahaha!!

Thanks HKT and Vincent for your suggestions once again! :okay:

I choosed Eaton Hotel outta that bunch........ ;)

Thanks to Hkskyline for your best wishes! :)

Okay........let me confirm and I'll let ya guys know the details :D

Thanks HKT and Vincent for your suggestions once again! :okay:

I choosed Eaton Hotel outta that bunch........ ;)

Thanks to Hkskyline for your best wishes! :)

Okay........let me confirm and I'll let ya guys know the details :D

haha... maybe i'm a bit late to reply.

yeah eaton is definitely the most convenient one among them... for me i'd choose the royal plaza because it's actually a very very nice + grand hotel. if it's in a slightly better location, it'll definitely be a 5-star hotel. you'll be amazed by how many marbles and granites they use in the lobby and corridor. :P

in fact, it's actually not too inconvenient. it's right at mongkok KCR station and it's right next to the huge shopping mall complex and there's a covered walkway connecting the hotel and the mtr station. (10 minutes walk approximately)

check the virtual tour in the hotel website and you'll see.

website:

http://www.royalplaza.com.hk/

cool! how much discount will you get for the heli tour?

i agree Royal Plaza is quite nice but mongkok kcr will be quite troublesome to get to Central and TST ...
its better to lived close to MTR station ...

vvill > Thanks for your suggestion! :okay:

Actually still not too late but by looking at the map, the location is a bit out of da way and it is not too near an MTR station. Yea.....the hotel is the best of the bunch but I guess I'll have to sacrifice hotel luxury to location :D

not sure yet...
instead of 7500HK$ it will be 6000something

cool!

:)

I would pick Eaton. I stayed in a lot of hotels in Hong Kong before but the ones you listed Eaton seems the best choice. Its actually very convenient very close to Tsimshatsui, the subway station is just a few walks away(im sure nobody is that lazy). There are some old buildings next to the hotel but you're not gonna be staying in the hotel looking out the window all the time anyways. Eaton hotel also is located right next to Nathan Road which is the main road in Hong Kong that leads you straight out into the harbor. Check out Eaton Hotel's website if you have not:

http://www.eaton-hotel.com/

Eaton Hotel

5-minute walk to Jordan MTR Station, Temple Street and the Jade Market
5-minute drive to the China Hong Kong Pier
10-minute drive to Kowloon/Canton Railway (KCR)
45-minute drive to Hong Kong International Airport


http://www.langhamhotels.com/eaton/hongkong/eng/location_facts/images/11.jpg

I would pick Eaton. I stayed in a lot of hotels in Hong Kong before but the ones you listed Eaton seems the best choice. Its actually very convenient very close to Tsimshatsui, the subway station is just a few walks away(im sure nobody is that lazy). There are some old buildings next to the hotel but you're not gonna be staying in the hotel looking out the window all the time anyways. Eaton hotel also is located right next to Nathan Road which is the main road in Hong Kong that leads you straight out into the harbor. Check out Eaton Hotel's website if you have not:

http://www.eaton-hotel.com/


Thanks a lot pal! :okay:

yea........I've already confirmed with my aunt whom are making the bookings.......so now I am waiting for the good news :D

Of course I dun mind walking a lil......plus the hotel looks great in their website. Since you've stayed there before, I am just wondering if the Internet connection is available in all rooms and how are they charged? :?

Thanks! :cheers:

Thanks a lot pal! :okay:

yea........I've already confirmed with my aunt whom are making the bookings.......so now I am waiting for the good news :D

Of course I dun mind walking a lil......plus the hotel looks great in their website. Since you've stayed there before, I am just wondering if the Internet connection is available in all rooms and how are they charged? :?

Thanks! :cheers:


Hmm, I believe they have internet connections in most rooms not sure, but you can always suggest a room with it. I didn't bring my laptop last time while I was in HK, I just used the Hotels lounge to go online and other bookstores =)

Oh btw, my friend told me that Harbor City has wireless access throughout the mall, so you could also use that area to get online, but of course nothing beats your own private hotel room.

It's a bit late but for the record, I recommend this hotel on HK island:

http://www.bishopleihtl.com.hk/

The harbourview rooms offer a great sight of the skyscrapers and the location is excellent just near Soho. A bit far from the MTR station though, but the travelling down and up the outdoors escalators makes up for it :).

cheers

oh.....Thanks Princeofseoul & Zegcerebrates!

Apparently my HK trip is in a limbo now as my aunt suddently wants to pull-put and that leaves 3 of us. The previous tour package is not possible already as they require an even number of people as the rooms are twin sharing :rant:

Anyway I would appreciate anymore hotel recommendations here so that it wouldn't burn a hole in our pockets........I am now on a new hunt of hotels .....sigh.....all over again! :cry:

Oh btw, my friend told me that Harbor City has wireless access throughout the mall, so you could also use that area to get online, but of course nothing beats your own private hotel room.


I can confirm this, we used those when we where in HK to check out the SSC forums! :D

oh.....Thanks Princeofseoul & Zegcerebrates!

Apparently my HK trip is in a limbo now as my aunt suddently wants to pull-put and that leaves 3 of us. The previous tour package is not possible already as they require an even number of people as the rooms are twin sharing :rant:

Anyway I would appreciate anymore hotel recommendations here so that it wouldn't burn a hole in our pockets........I am now on a new hunt of hotels .....sigh.....all over again! :cry:


Are there still any other packages being offered by Cathay Pacific? Sometimes they might not have it online but travel agencies might have some kind of tour package being offered to them from Cathay. How long are you gonna stay in Hong Kong again? Most hotels in Hong Kong have package deals it really depends how long you stay. BP International(3star) not bad its a boyscout hotel, prices are reasonable. Eaton Hotel well keep checking, Marco Polo Gateway Hotel(4star) located on top of Harbor City sometimes pricey, but at times they have great packages. You might wanna check Miramar Hotel since they usually have packages related to Cathay Pacific travellers. For now thats all I can think of because most Hotels in Hong Kong are kind of expensive compared to many places. What is your price range?

Hey Sze Hoong, looks like we'll both be doing HK next month!! But i'll be there from 3-10 July with a side trip to Guangzhou. Will be staying at the Kowloon Hotel right in the heart of TST.

Since i'm on this topic, could any of the HK forumers provide info on which is the reigning tallest building in HK, and whether there is an observation deck open to the public in it or in any of the other skyscrapers on HK island. I've been up to the 46th floor of Central Plaza before (in 2001) but no photography is allowed from the deck.

we stayed (with a package of Cathay) at the Royal Pacific, like the 'next door neigbour' of the Marco Polo Gateway...:)

We went in 2IFC, BoC, Central Plaza and we went to the Hopewell Center, at all 4 locations we made tons of pics! no problem what so ever! :)

2 IFC does not have an observation deck, but the Hong Kong Monetary Authority has a public library on the 55th floor :

More information : http://www.info.gov.hk/hkma/eng/info_centre/index.htm

Following 9/11, the Central Plaza skylobby has been closed to the public. The no public visit and no photography policies are strictly enforced, but you can visit the Bank of China Tower skylobby for free. There are windows on 3 sides, including views of the Midlevels hillsides, west towards 2 IFC, and north towards Kowloon.

Hopewell Centre was Hong Kong's tallest until the late 1980s and is now dwarfed by the giants that have grown around it. It has a revolving restaurant on the top floor (60-something) and you ascend by a glass elevator with a very nice view of the city. Alternatively you can just take a ride on the elevator and skip the restaurant.

2 IFC does not have an observation deck, but the Hong Kong Monetary Authority has a public library on the 55th floor :

More information : http://www.info.gov.hk/hkma/eng/info_centre/index.htm

Following 9/11, the Central Plaza skylobby has been closed to the public. The no public visit and no photography policies are strictly enforced, but you can visit the Bank of China Tower skylobby for free. There are windows on 3 sides, including views of the Midlevels hillsides, west towards 2 IFC, and north towards Kowloon.
......

Then how comes that we visited Central Plaza skydeck last february and could walk around as long as we wanted and take pictures???!?!?!?
Or is it closed again then???? :? :? :? :? :)

>>>Then maybe we were lucky indeed!!. Anyway: ALWAYS TRY and you will find out soon enough if you are allowed to go up there! :)
Here 2 views of the skydeck:
http://www.skyscrapers.nl/hk2004/cpview1.jpg
http://www.skyscrapers.nl/hk2004/cpview2.jpg

You guys were lucky! I was there last year and a security guard was on my toes about 10 minutes after I started taking photos. He explained since there were many consulates in the building they have taken extra security precautions a long time ago. The tourist association confirmed that visitors are no longer allowed on the skylobby. I actually knew that beforehand but it never hurts to try my luck!

I wonder if SanMiguel is allready back from HK :? :) Yeah we can't wait for pictures! :)

nor can i.....

Wah! :eek: Thanks eveyone for the replies! :okay:

I've just bought the tickets a while ago at a travel fair and I'll be arriving on the 21st July evening and departing on the 27th July afternoon. The bad news is that due to the fact that MAS is offering cheaper tickets - I guess I won't be experiencing Cathay Pacific anytime soon :(

Anyway I have a bit of a dilemma here. I have to choose my hotel by Tuesday 4:30pm. And the list they've given me is:

1) Empire Hong Kong

2) Stanford HillView

3) Stanford Hong Kong



I was wondering which is a better location...thanks! :D

Thanks and sorry for the previous trouble of helping me to find a better hotel. As that tour didn't work out, I guess I'll have to go on another tour package :(

Thanks again! :)

Hey Sze Hoong, looks like we'll both be doing HK next month!! But i'll be there from 3-10 July with a side trip to Guangzhou. Will be staying at the Kowloon Hotel right in the heart of TST.



Wow! What a coincidence! :D

I am not too sure if but I might make a side trip to Shenzhen! :happy:

I have a feeling my trip is a bit too short........ :D

Empire Hotel

http://www.asiatravel.com/hongkong/empire/gifs/logoem.gif
33 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
- good location in the heart of downtown
- close to skyscrapers (Central Plaza & new Police HQ) and subway

http://asiatravel.com/hongkong/empire/gifs/map.gif

Stanford Hillview
- reasonable location in Kowloon
- near subway
http://www.stanfordhillview.com/image/location_map.gif

Stanford Hong Kong
- should be the farthest from any subway station
- very close to the busy street markets of Mongkok
- close to the train station for trains to the Chinese border
http://www.stanfordhongkong.com/image/locat_map.gif

I would recommend the Empire Hotel because it is downtown, even though price-wise Stanford Hong Kong seems to be the most expensive (from a preliminary check of hotel prices). I personally prefer Hong Kong Island than Kowloon.

Hey Sze Hoong, looks like we'll both be doing HK next month!! But i'll be there from 3-10 July with a side trip to Guangzhou. Will be staying at the Kowloon Hotel right in the heart of TST.

Since i'm on this topic, could any of the HK forumers provide info on which is the reigning tallest building in HK, and whether there is an observation deck open to the public in it or in any of the other skyscrapers on HK island. I've been up to the 46th floor of Central Plaza before (in 2001) but no photography is allowed from the deck.


IFC2 is currently the tallest building in Hong Kong. Its located right next to the Central Starferry and on top of Hong Kong Airport Express Station, which connects Central MTR station. :)

Thanks a lot HKSkyline! :okay:

I am gonna book my hotel today and since my aunt insist I stay in Kowloon so I guess I would go for Stanford Hillview....not much of a choice :(

Anyway thanks again everyone! :)

IFC2 is currently the tallest building in Hong Kong. Its located right next to the Central Starferry and on top of Hong Kong Airport Express Station, which connects Central MTR station. :)

Thanks guys for all the info! :) I read somewhere that the 43rd floor of the BOC has an observation deck. Will have to check it out. But i'm sure the IFC2's 55th floor would be a good bet.

Glenj > Have an enjoyable trip to HK!!! :wave: Bon Voyage! ;)

Yes i'm back now..unfotunatelly i catched a cold when i came back , so i was not in mood to edit pics yet.
OK finally i began :) and here are the first 2 pics of my trip:


HongKong: http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=115693
Singapore: http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=115735

hope you like them

Have a good trip?

Hi fellow forumers! :wave:

As you all might have noticed in my previous thread on the tedious process of choosing a hotel.......now I am faced with another 'problem' :D

I am conversant in Cantonese but unfortunately I am unable to read Chinese (thanks goodness my sister and mom does and they are with me on this trip!) :D

ANyway as they are not skyscraper fans.....they wouldn't know the names in English so I do have a request here to 'translate' certain skyscraper/significant building names into Chinese characters so I could print em out as a reference. I also need a 'Cantonese translation' - for example....Bank Of China = "Chung Kwok Ngan Hong" so I could speak it out hehehe :D


I need to know:

1) HK Convention Centre
2) IFC II
3) Central Plaza
4) The Peak
5) The Centre

anymore recommendation? I couldn't think of more now as it is 5:45am! :D


Oh and I would also like to have a meetup with anyone in HK...sorry for the late notice! Anyone interested? ;)

And thanks a bunch again for all ya help a few weeks ago on my hotel selection. You guys had been a great help! THANKS!!! :okay:

Hi fellow forumers! :wave:

As you all might have noticed in my previous thread on the tedious process of choosing a hotel.......now I am faced with another 'problem' :D

I am conversant in Cantonese but unfortunately I am unable to read Chinese (thanks goodness my sister and mom does and they are with me on this trip!) :D

ANyway as they are not skyscraper fans.....they wouldn't know the names in English so I do have a request here to 'translate' certain skyscraper/significant building names into Chinese characters so I could print em out as a reference. I also need a 'Cantonese translation' - for example....Bank Of China = "Chung Kwok Ngan Hong" so I could speak it out hehehe :D


I need to know:

1) HK Convention Centre
2) IFC II
3) Central Plaza
4) The Peak
5) The Centre

anymore recommendation? I couldn't think of more now as it is 5:45am! :D


Oh and I would also like to have a meetup with anyone in HK...sorry for the late notice! Anyone interested? ;)

And thanks a bunch again for all ya help a few weeks ago on my hotel selection. You guys had been a great help! THANKS!!! :okay:

Hmm I only know this:

1) HK convention center: Heung Kong, Wan Chai wui tsin chong sum.

Well in HK you can survive with English. Most signs are in English and Chinese anyways.

This version is for people who don't know Cantonese
1. Heung Gong Wui Yee Jin Lam Jung Sum (or simply Wui Jin)
2. Kwok Jai Gum Yung Jung Sum Yee Kei (or simply Kwok Gum Yee Kei)
3. Jung Wan Gwong Cheung
4. Tai Ping Shan
5. Jung Wan Jung Sum


This version is for people who know Cantonese "pinyin"
1. Heung Kong Wui Yi Chin Lam Chung Sam (or simply Wui Chin)
2. Kwok Chai Kam Yung Chung Sam Yi Kei (or simply Kwok Kam Yi Kei)
3. Chung Wan Kwong Cheung
4. Tai Ping Shan
5. Chung Wan Chung Sam

Too bad I have left HK already.

Good job!

Aliton & Zergcerebrates > Thanks a bunch man! :okay:

Aliton > haha....thanks again for painstakingly listing down both the official Cantonese 'pinyin' and the 'dunno Cantonese' version. I however find both kinda similar hahaha.....maybe because I speak Cantonese and English? :D

ANyone knows any other vantage lookput points or observation decks? :?

And how to get to 'Tai Yue Shan' (Lantau Island) giant Buddha? :? What about going to The Peak too?

I'll be wandering around HK without a tour guide for 7 days so I need all the help I could get hehehehe! :D

np Szehoong.

For the Budda, take the MTR to Tung Chung (you will be staying in Kowloon, right? If so, take the Tsuen Wan Line to Lai King and change for the Tung Chung Line) and change there for Lantau Bus route 23 (it shows "Ngong Ping" as the destination at the front).

For the Peak, take the MTR to Admiralty and change there for New World First Bus route 15 (it shows "The Peak" as the destination). The peak tram station is actually not too far away from Admiralty so that can be an alternative.

Some good vantage points on Hong Kong Island :
Lugard Road
- ends at the Peak Tower and heads west
- some sections are exposed, but they're the best spots for photos

Bowen Road
- starts below Highcliff & Summit (take bus 15) and heads west to Admiralty
- there is a staircase on the south side as you walk west that goes up to Lover's Rock
- quite well shaded so it won't get too hot walking the trail

For the Peak, take the MTR to Admiralty and change there for New World First Bus route 15 (it shows "The Peak" as the destination). The peak tram station is actually not too far away from Admiralty so that can be an alternative.


For going up to The Peak I recommend taking the "Peak Tram" its a very nice experience.

http://www.wam.umd.edu/~kfrauwir/vacation/peaktram.jpg

http://www.worldadventure.pe.kr/img/259_bmounttram.jpg

And this is the Peak Tram station:

http://hongkong.fateback.com/images/HongKong/Central/Central-PeakTram.jpg

@ szehoong

i dont think u will meet anyone :(

we didnt meet any forumers when we went to hong kong :(

next year i wanna meet someones, if we go back we can do a big asia meeting :D

Aliton & Zergcerebrates > Thanks a bunch man! :okay:

Aliton > haha....thanks again for painstakingly listing down both the official Cantonese 'pinyin' and the 'dunno Cantonese' version. I however find both kinda similar hahaha.....maybe because I speak Cantonese and English? :D

ANyone knows any other vantage lookput points or observation decks? :?

And how to get to 'Tai Yue Shan' (Lantau Island) giant Buddha? :? What about going to The Peak too?

I'll be wandering around HK without a tour guide for 7 days so I need all the help I could get hehehehe! :D

Hmm for 7days its more than enough in HKG. You might wanna consider going to Macau as well for a day. In HKG theres several places you can go to fill up your schedule.

Festival Walk(its a huge modern mall)
Shatin's "New Town Plaza" (one of the biggest in HK)
Mongkok's women street, Argyle Street and others nearby
Causeway Bay just walk all around it haha
Tsimshatsui. Shops shops and more shops, and also pubs.
Central(for skyscraper fans)
Admiralty (skyscrapers and for going up to the peak)
Stanley Bay. The bus ride going there is worth it part of the sightseeing trip. The starting point is in Exchange square take "Citybus" it will terminate at Stanley Bay and they have a marketplace for tourists.
Lan Kwai Fong. For clubbing,drinking, and midnight entertainment.
Lan Tau(for buddha as you've mentioned)

@ szehoong

i dont think u will meet anyone :(

we didnt meet any forumers when we went to hong kong :(

next year i wanna meet someones, if we go back we can do a big asia meeting :D


I'm going back to HK in December for sure. :banana2:

That budha was cool! I have been there! Its impressive! :)
You could also go a day to Shenzhen instead of Macau? Its an idea? :) Anyway enjoy HK to the full! :) :okay:

That budha was cool! I have been there! Its impressive! :)

I agreed Big Buddha is grandeur
Did the bigger in the world?

@ szehoong

i dont think u will meet anyone :(

we didnt meet any forumers when we went to hong kong :(

next year i wanna meet someones, if we go back we can do a big asia meeting :D

it's because most of the hk forumers here are currently not in hk. some of them are from the uk (incldg me), some of them are from the states, canada...etc

i think there are about 4 forumers that are currently in (or living in) hk now.


Isan, the title that was set for that Buddha is tricky enough to have many conditions. It is the world's biggest bronze sitted Buddha.
I think there are some bigger standed one in Japan, or maybe some bigger one made of stone somewhere in China.

7 days is definitely not enough if your purpose in HK is to take some serious and professional photos.

im going to hk for christmas trip!

For going up to The Peak I recommend taking the "Peak Tram" its a very nice experience.

http://www.wam.umd.edu/~kfrauwir/vacation/peaktram.jpg

http://www.worldadventure.pe.kr/img/259_bmounttram.jpg

And this is the Peak Tram station:

http://hongkong.fateback.com/images/HongKong/Central/Central-PeakTram.jpg

Taking the bus, NWFB 15, isn't a bad idea either. You can see both northern and southern HKI on top of the hill during the ride; and it's probably gonna scare you out with a double-deckers running 50km/h 2 feet off the cliff. :lol:

Also, if you take the minibus Rt. 1 from Timor, you can experience some of the steepest and oldest roads in HKI. If you want some excitiment, I recommand take this when you go downhill.

The Peak Tram is a tourist attraction. Other than that it's nothing really special. I find the bus ride more interesting since it winds its way up the hill, passing Highcliff and Summit along the way, and offers some nice views of the skyline as it ascends. Get a front seat on the upper deck.

The Peak Tram is a tourist attraction. Other than that it's nothing really special. I find the bus ride more interesting since it winds its way up the hill, passing Highcliff and Summit along the way, and offers some nice views of the skyline as it ascends. Get a front seat on the upper deck.

He's still a tourist. :)
That is why I recommend taking the double decker bus to Stanley Bay, the journey is much longer and has more views, and yes you must sit on 2nd floor at the very first seat.

i feel like vomiting after taking a bus to stanley, the roads are so windy. But stanly is a good tourist attraction!

@ szehoong

i dont think u will meet anyone :(

we didnt meet any forumers when we went to hong kong :(

next year i wanna meet someones, if we go back we can do a big asia meeting :D


it's because most of the hk forumers here are currently not in hk. some of them are from the uk (incldg me), some of them are from the states, canada...etc


i think there are about 4 forumers that are currently in (or living in) hk now.


Isan, the title that was set for that Buddha is tricky enough to have many conditions. It is the world's biggest bronze sitted Buddha.
I think there are some bigger standed one in Japan, or maybe some bigger one made of stone somewhere in China.

7 days is definitely not enough if your purpose in HK is to take some serious and professional photos.

Well, it is understandable that many HKers have many activities to do on weekends besides work and school on weekdays. That also explains HK is a city of life and why HK forum in SSC isn't as active as other sub-forums.

I, myself, like many overseas HK forumers, used to online nearly 24/7 and check things/news about HK when I was in the US. However, this isn't the case if I'm in HK....

Anyway, I'm open to meet someone who will be visiting HK soon if they like to go sightseeing, photo-taking, hiking, cycling, bus/tram riding, and perhaps visiting HK's outlying islands, Macau, or even China. But going to bars or discos is not my cup of tea...

Well, whenever I'm in Hong Kong for a prolonged stay I tend to fly around to neighboring countries because the tours out of Hong Kong are so cheap!

Taking the bus, NWFB 15, isn't a bad idea either. You can see both northern and southern HKI on top of the hill during the ride; and it's probably gonna scare you out with a double-deckers running 50km/h 2 feet off the cliff. :lol:

Also, if you take the minibus Rt. 1 from Timor, you can experience some of the steepest and oldest roads in HKI. If you want some excitiment, I recommand take this when you go downhill.

The Peak Tram is a tourist attraction. Other than that it's nothing really special. I find the bus ride more interesting since it winds its way up the hill, passing Highcliff and Summit along the way, and offers some nice views of the skyline as it ascends. Get a front seat on the upper deck.

True. Just like today, I was at the star ferry and saw many people waiting for the Route 15C open-top double decker bus to the Peak Tram station. The bus was crowded and many left behind. Some people who weren't able to board that bus didn't even get onto the next single decker bus that was available. Because NWFB has only one open-top bus on that route, they literally had to wait for that open-top bus to return, which might take 30mins or so. And that was only the beginning, there was still a long queue for them to wait at the Peak Tram Station.

So riding the Route 15 NWFB or Route 1 Green Mini Bus to the Peak is really a better choice. 15 runs on a steadier Stubbs Road while 1 runs on a steeper Magazine Gap Road. Both roads offer different view of the northern part of HK Island. However, 15 and 1 will share the same road, which is Peak Road, which offers the same view of the southern part of HK Island during the final portion of the routes... :)

Well, whenever I'm in Hong Kong for a prolonged stay I tend to fly around to neighboring countries because the tours out of Hong Kong are so cheap!

Exactly... :cheers:

HKT, you are working in hk now after your study overseas?
what's your major again?

May I request some nice renderings of Union Square here please. :bow:

Yup.

Electrical Engineering.

wow, me too. Which university did you graduated from? (i will graduate in may 2005)
for ee, i thought working in America got higher salaries and better oppurtunity. Your job in hk is in the field of ee? if yes, which company?

wah! Just landed in KL after a week in HK! :okay:

Nice meeting you HKT! ( although it was last minute! :D ) .....I reallyenjoyed your mini-tour of Central! ;)

ANyway I'll post some pictures later as I would be busy with work after a week's absent..........HK is really great and looking forward to go there again.

BTW I took the minibus next to Queen's Pier to the Peak passing southern HK windy roads and decends on the double-decker ( I was seated on the 2nd level 1st seat! :D ) passing in front of Highcliff and Summit ;)

:okay:

wow, me too. Which university did you graduated from? (i will graduate in may 2005)
for ee, i thought working in America got higher salaries and better oppurtunity. Your job in hk is in the field of ee? if yes, which company?

I PM you...

wah! Just landed in KL after a week in HK! :okay:

Nice meeting you HKT! ( although it was last minute! :D ) .....I reallyenjoyed your mini-tour of Central! ;)

ANyway I'll post some pictures later as I would be busy with work after a week's absent..........HK is really great and looking forward to go there again.

BTW I took the minibus next to Queen's Pier to the Peak passing southern HK windy roads and decends on the double-decker ( I was seated on the 2nd level 1st seat! :D ) passing in front of Highcliff and Summit ;)

:okay:

No problem, looking forward for your photos

Hello guys, well its time for me to ask this time. I will be going to HK during December and I need to book the hotel these few days because a lot of them are already full. So I was wondering does anyone know a decent not too expensive hotel where I can stay for like 2 weeks? Any location is fine considering I went to HK before but I usually stay in TST but most TST hotels are mostly full and pricey except BP international.

Try the Royal pacific on Canton Road, kowloon

iv been to that one and it was really good

depends on your price range la ...
and if u prefer hkisland or kowloon ...
if u want hostels theres one in causeway bay called wang fat ...
its like 100-200HKD a night for a room ...
if u want actual hotels ... u might want to try the salisbury ymca the one beside the peninsula hotel ...
city garden hotel in fortress hill isn't too bad either ...
i prefer hotels on hk island though ...
cheers

Try expedia or other the internet travel sites. I see some reasonable tourist-class hotels that are going for about $70US a night or less :

Harbour View International House - Wanchai
The Charterhouse - Wanchai / Causeway Bay
Newton Inn North Point

Just checked travelocity ... they have a bunch going for about US$50-60 a night.

Ah thanks..fast replies. =)

Wow $50-60? During December? Thats amazing!

X'mas time in HK is quite to more expensive

And most of all hotel booking form travel agent that daily breakfast not included
In frankly I don't think hotel in H.K. is quoted for resonable price to which compare with its service and cost indeed

If you are taking by CX and than CX holiday package is one of the best to purchasing at competitive base caused most attractive range to selection inside

In addition, booking of FIT package through from you country especiually in major city of N. America can find a very good and pretty price, air ticket + hotel accommodation but book in advance :)

Long stay program can be offering at most middle range hotel both at Hk island and KLN side even in NT

Such as allocating in North Point, and Mong Kok & shatin etc.
Also some services Apartment is now available at causeway Bay district

Contact with local agent and will get more info

you can stay at the regal riverside hotel in sha tin for quite a affordable price, but you'll be having to beat peak hour traffic every morning to get access int kowloon and HK.

Hello everyone, just need some travel advice please. I've booked a trip to hong kong in march from 24th to 29th only to realise its the easter weekend. Will everything be closed, or will the town be buzzing more?? should i move my holiday forward a week?

Also i'm staying at the Novotel Century Hong Kong in Wan Chai but others are now telling i should have booked in Kowloon.

Everybodys opinion would be appreciated....

Theres not CX packages available from LA.. Sad. But yah I'll be taking Cathay which cost US$1248.00

Thanks for the useful thread everyone - your advice is really appreciated.

I go to Guangzhou in December each year now, always passing through Hong Kong which I love. I'm thinking this year I should go to Hong Kong for New Year - ie. December 31 because I'd love to see some fireworks there.

Are those crazy light shows from the skyscrapers done on New Years? Or is it Chinese New Year? And if the light show is on December 31, where's a good place to watch? I suppose from Kowloon somewhere, but I don't know Hong Kong that well

Thanks for any help

Daniel

Hello everyone, just need some travel advice please. I've booked a trip to hong kong in march from 24th to 29th only to realise its the easter weekend. Will everything be closed, or will the town be buzzing more?? should i move my holiday forward a week?

Also i'm staying at the Novotel Century Hong Kong in Wan Chai but others are now telling i should have booked in Kowloon.

Everybodys opinion would be appreciated....

I went to HK for the first time the day after Easter. Why didn't I go during Easter? My dad said it is too crowded. Easter is a vacation day, when most of the people don't work. There are UNBELIEVABLE sales in department stores on Easter though. I think it usually lasts ~3 days or so. GO! If you think you can handle the density of millions of people trying to bargain and relax, go for it. :)

Thanks for the useful thread everyone - your advice is really appreciated.

I go to Guangzhou in December each year now, always passing through Hong Kong which I love. I'm thinking this year I should go to Hong Kong for New Year - ie. December 31 because I'd love to see some fireworks there.

Are those crazy light shows from the skyscrapers done on New Years? Or is it Chinese New Year? And if the light show is on December 31, where's a good place to watch? I suppose from Kowloon somewhere, but I don't know Hong Kong that well

Thanks for any help

Daniel

there'll be fireworks during the chinese new year only and also on 1/7 (annual celebration for the turnover of hong kong). but there'll be some other countdown celebrations in different parts of hong kong.

yes definitely, viewing the fireworks from kowloon (tsim sha tsui promenade) is probably the best. the peak (hk island) isn't a bad choice as well. but you'll have to be there say like 1-2 hours in advance or you just can't reach the waterfront.

you can stay at the regal riverside hotel in sha tin for quite a affordable price, but you'll be having to beat peak hour traffic every morning to get access int kowloon and HK.

but it's not too cheap i think though they have complimentary shuttle bus service going to tsim sha tsui. i remember it's around 10000 for 30 days but not sure if they have 2 weeks offer.


i think bp is a good choice if you wanna keep it cheap. try royal pacific as well. it can be quite cheap at times.

Theres not CX packages available from LA.. Sad. But yah I'll be taking Cathay which cost US$1248.00

http://www.cathaypacific.com/chl

Try in booking from that web site based in Hong Kong by Hotel selection on line
:)

If you are the Club member and also could able to contacting them when you are placing reservation at the same time through 800-2747-5500, asking for " Stay-A -While" package :cheers:

http://www.cathaypacific.com/chl

Try in booking from that web site based in Hong Kong by Hotel selection on line
:)

If you are the Club member and also could able to contacting them when you are placing reservation at the same time through 800-2747-5500, asking for " Stay-A -While" package :cheers:


Hey those hotels are decent and they have good price too! For those packages I will have to fly Cathay though right?

Here are some spots that shouldn't be as busy as the typical tourist areas of Kowloon and the Peak :

1. Bowen Road, Hong Kong Island
- it opens up for a nice view of the Wanchai skyline with full view of the harbour
- hillside path, should not be too busy
- bus 15, get off at Highcliff / Summit and walk a little bit westbound

2. China Macau Ferry Pier
- there are pedestrian bridges leaving the eastern end of the Shun Tak Centre heading towards IFC in Central with nice views of the harbour

3. Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter
- for the adventure-seeker, go along the rocks on the sandbar, but be careful not to drop into the harbour!

Smart indeed :)

CX hoilday is not bad especially both for HKG & BKK
Happy holiday in X'mas
:cheers:

Thanks for the information. I noticed on http://www.tourism.gov.hk/symphony/ that there are light shows every night. Every night!

So, I'm still unsure when I should spend a few days in Hong Kong - either mid-November or over Dec 30 - Jan 2. So, just to clarify, are there any special celebrations involving the sky scrapers on December 31st?

Thanks again :)

I went to HK for the first time the day after Easter. Why didn't I go during Easter? My dad said it is too crowded. Easter is a vacation day, when most of the people don't work. There are UNBELIEVABLE sales in department stores on Easter though. I think it usually lasts ~3 days or so. GO! If you think you can handle the density of millions of people trying to bargain and relax, go for it. :)

Thanx AzN8oi, will i have a problem with things being closed over the easter period or will everything be open and running as normal?? eg public transport, tourist attractions, shopping centres, markets etc etc..

Hello everyone, just need some travel advice please. I've booked a trip to hong kong in march from 24th to 29th only to realise its the easter weekend. Will everything be closed, or will the town be buzzing more?? should i move my holiday forward a week?
Also i'm staying at the Novotel Century Hong Kong in Wan Chai but others are now telling i should have booked in Kowloon.

Everybodys opinion would be appreciated....

Thanx AzN8oi, will i have a problem with things being closed over the easter period or will everything be open and running as normal?? eg public transport, tourist attractions, shopping centres, markets etc etc..

Everything you mentioned opens 24/7 during Easter and other public holidays. However, some of them will be closed down in the first 3 days of Chinese New Year. And yes, that's the only time in the year Hong Kong gets less crowded.

thanks for the replies, i think it will be a good thing that we've booked over the easter period then!

i can tell you that nothing will be closed down... only one day when everything closes down and that is chinese new year.

Definately stay in Novotel, Wanchai. That's where a lot of the nightlife is and where most of the attractions are. You have Causeway Bay for entertainment/ shopping, Central to see all the famous skyscrapers, Victoria Peak, etc.

Thanks for the replies i feel a lot more confident with my choices now, can't wait to be there.

Theres not CX packages available from LA.. Sad. But yah I'll be taking Cathay which cost US$1248.00
where did you buy the ticket?? i believe there is a better deal for CX.
I believe something like 950 from LA to HK for christmas is more reasonable (for CX)

the location is very good, very close to Wan Chai MTR station, you don't have to worry about going back to hotel even at 5am in the morning coz of the hot street life around the area, but you only get street/building view.
i think you should stick with your travel in easter weekend, the city will be buzzing more, and i am pretty sure there are more discount available for shopping...and no, nothing will be closed down.

btw, first time in hk?

yeah first time, cant wait to go, have heard nothing but great things about the place.

also good food, and great shopping...and natural setting...

the only information i can find for union square-- http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/properties/content-overview-kol.htm

Hi,

i stumbled on this thread and thought i'll just try if any kind souls can help me out.

I'm visiting HK this saturday on 23rd october, staying at Bishop Lei International House. How do i get to the hotel?? Is it really far to walk from Central MTR to the hotel? Also, I'm going alone to relax (joining my uncle on business... so almost alone) but what can i do in HK? I've been to HK twice but only in TST and Shenzhen... oh well... anyone to help?

http://www.centamap.com/scripts/centamapgif.asp?lg=B5&tp=2&sx=&sy=&sl=&ss=0&mx=833845&my=815517&vm=&ly=&lb=&ms=2&ca=0&x=834129&y=815730&z=4

copy and paste to your IE and see the map. The red pointer is where your hotel is located, and you can see the Central station in the upper right corner.

when was your last time in HK? If you like to see more chinese culture stuff, you can check out the big Budhha in Lantau Island, Wong Tai Sin temple in wong tai sin... for shopping/entertainment: Mongkok shopping area, Causeway Bay shopping area. Skyscrapering: Central area, Wanchai, west kowloon...Relaxing: Stanley in south of hk island, Gold Coast near Tuen Mun (new terroriteries)

I last went to HK in 2001. Yups, i'm thinking of visiting the bronze buddha and shopping in CWB.

The tough part now is how to get to my hotel from the airport. If i take the airport express to HK stn and then take mtr to central... should i walk to my hotel or try my luck with the green mini bus? hahahah. Thankfully i stay near LWF, so my nights won't be as boring

if you got to Hong Kong Station, you can just walk to Central station. (there is no subway service between these two stations anyway). I guess the best way to get to your hotel is by taxi. Your hotel is 5 mins walk away from LKF. Good for you!

Here are some spots that shouldn't be as busy as the typical tourist areas of Kowloon and the Peak :

1. Bowen Road, Hong Kong Island
- it opens up for a nice view of the Wanchai skyline with full view of the harbour
- hillside path, should not be too busy
- bus 15, get off at Highcliff / Summit and walk a little bit westbound

2. China Macau Ferry Pier
- there are pedestrian bridges leaving the eastern end of the Shun Tak Centre heading towards IFC in Central with nice views of the harbour

3. Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter
- for the adventure-seeker, go along the rocks on the sandbar, but be careful not to drop into the harbour!


I'd like to add another couple here too if I may...

4. Stanley
- but only during the week - weekends get way too crowded out there. It takes 30 mins on the bus to the other side of HK island and has a complete different feel - relaxed, tranquil and good local markets. Take the number 6 bus from Exchange Square bus terminus.

5. Soho
- A bit off the normal tourist track and one of my favourite places (helps that its right near my house), interesting antique shops, wonderful restaurants, laid back funky bars and a very diverse bunch of people makes this a very enjoyable place to spend an afternoon. Watch out for some Sunday afternoons when some streets get closed off for al fresco wining and dining (anyone know when thats on again?)! Walk up the escalator from Central.

If i only have 1 free day in HK, what are the 'must' go places there? maybe like a shopping street, or a place where i could get a sense of HK lifestyle:) I am planning to go there in about 2 weeks. What's the weather like?

I know this question has been asked many times. sorry about that.:)

The typical must-see tourist traps are :
1. Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront
2. The Peak
3. Stanley & Aberdeen
4. Mongkok street markets

The best places to see the Hong Kong lifestyle is a street market and the wet markets where people buy food. There is a big outdoor wet market near Hopewell Centre in Wanchai, but most suburbs have air-conditioned indoor facilities. I suggest taking the bus or tram as well and not the MTR.

In Mongkok, try Fa Yuen Street and Lady Street. A lot of tourists go there but locals like shopping there as well. There is a goldfish street around there as well (last time I heard they even sell pet clams now) and the bird and flower markets are on the north side of Prince Edward Road West.

The weather should be dry and cool around this time of year. Temperatures should hover around the high teens to low twenties, but it should be hazy. The northern winds tend to bring in smog from mainland China. Bring a light jacket.

thanks hkskyline. I haven't been to HK for quite a long time now. very excited about going there again:)

Any of you guys have a good map of HK? maybe in Central/Causeway area and Kowloon (Tsim Tsa Tsui). thanks in advance.

Try the online map service at : http://www.centamap.com
Very good paperback maps are available in bookstores and newstands throughout the city. A reasonable one costs from HK$60-90, and has detailed public transit route information on the street maps themselves.

I'm pretty sure there are free maps available in the information counter in HKIA and the Tourism Board in the Star Ferry Tsim Sha Tsui side.

thanks guys for the info. and you have info of Shenzhen (map, places, etc.). I am planning to go there as well.

Hello, can any Hong Kong forumers help me? I'm thinking of visiting HK in either October or November this year but I'd like some info before I go, could you tell me:

What the climate is like in October or November, are there better months to visit HK?

What are your top 10 things to see and do? I'd like a mixture of modern, traditional, natural etc.

How much do various things cost, public transport, a cheap restaurant meal, a beer, what is the best hotel could I get for about HK$1000 per night?

Are there any things I need to beware of? scams to rip off tourists, dangerous areas etc.

Is it easy to get into mainland China? Are there any sights worth seeing near enough to HK to go on a day trip?

Thanks for your help :)

Oct to Nov is not the peak season so you probably could get a good 3-4 star hotel for HK $1000 per night. Check online listings.

Cheap meals can be really cheap in HK although you might want to ask a local friend, if you have any, to take you there.

also it can be hot during october.

Hello, can any Hong Kong forumers help me? I'm thinking of visiting HK in either October or November this year but I'd like some info before I go, could you tell me:

Good to hear you visiting Hong Kong. I wish you enjoy the city.

What the climate is like in October or November, are there better months to visit HK?

The weather is colder and less humid than Summer but sometimes there is still typhoon in early October. It should not be less than 20 degrees C normally.

What are your top 10 things to see and do? I'd like a mixture of modern, traditional, natural etc.

My list:
Victoria Peak (at Night)
Buildings (Esp. 2IFC, BOC, HKCEC, The Peak Tower and Penninsula Hotel)
Tsing Ma Bridge (http://www.tsingma.com.hk/Web_pages/Intro_tmca/tsing_ma_bridge_e.htm)
Hong Kong International Airport (http://www.hkairport.com/)
Tian Tan Buddha Statue
Sai Kung Country Park (http://parks.afcd.gov.hk/newparks/eng/country/cps/cp_sk.htm)
Wong Tai Sin Temple (http://www.siksikyuen.org.hk/ssy_en/page/wongtaisin.php) (Famous, crowded)/Chi Lin Nunnery (http://www.chilineldser.org/) (Quiet)
Museum of History (http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/History/)/Hong Kong Heritage Museum (http://www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk/)
Jumbo Restaurant (http://www.jumbo.com.hk/)
Kowloon Walled City Park (http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/parks/kwcp/en/tour.php)
Tai O Fishing Village
Tsim Sha Tsui Habourside (inc. Clock Tower, Cultural Ctr., etc)
Temple Street/Ladies Market

Sorry, more than 10. There should be more to see, but you will need more time to explore. Details: Hong Kong Place (http://www.hk-place.com) (Traditional Chinese, use translator to see)

How much do various things cost, public transport, a cheap restaurant meal, a beer, what is the best hotel could I get for about HK$1000 per night?

Public Transport: (see the official websites)
MTR (http://www.mtr.com.hk/) (Subway)
KCR (http://www.kcr.com.hk/) (Suburban Railway)
KMB (http://www.kmb.com.hk/), Citybus (http://www.citybus.com.hk/), NWFB (http://www.nwfb.com.hk/) (Bus)
Tramway (http://www.hktramways.com/) (Tramway)
The Peak Tramway (http://http://ec.hku.hk/hiking/Hong_Kong/peak_tram/default.htm) (Peak Tramway)

Are there any things I need to beware of? scams to rip off tourists, dangerous areas etc.

It is safe to travel in Hong Kong, but beware of the pickers in crowded area, and beware of the robbers (mainly illegal immigrants) in country park.
Advise: walk with someone else you know is safer.

Is it easy to get into mainland China? Are there any sights worth seeing near enough to HK to go on a day trip?

You have to have seperate visa for travelling to mainland China. If you already have it, it is easy to travel. However, it is less safe compared with Hong Kong. And the nearest city to Hong Kong is Shenzhen, which is a young modern city similar to Hong Kong, and has few place worth to see, in my opinion.
Advise: DON'T go to mainland China main tourism spots near 1st Oct, which is the National Day of PRC, because it is VERY crowded during this holiday.

Thanks for your help :)

You are most welcome. Addition: there will be a firework show over the Victoria Habour on 1st Oct.

When to go :
Avoid the National Day golden week that starts on October 1st. Hong Kong was bursting with tourists from mainland China last year. You don't want to compete with them and pay an extraordinary amount of money for accomodation.

October and November should be quite comfortable. It's not too hot and sometimes you even need a light jacket. The humidity drops and gets quite dry around that time of year.

Museums
Consider visiting the Museum of History in Tsim Sha Tsui and the Heritage Museum in Shatin. There's a new maritime museum but I haven't visited yet so I'm not sure how good it is.

Island Hopping
I recommend visiting one of the outlying islands such as Cheung Chau or Lamma Island. These are fishing-based settlements and the ferry ride takes about an hour from Central. The ferry terminals are next to 2 IFC. Avoid visiting on weekends since fares are higher than weekdays. Budget half a day for an island.

Hiking
There are a number of trails that snuggle along the hillsides. You can hike Lugard Road and Bowen Road along the hillsides of Hong Kong Island on your own. There's quite a lot of pedestrian traffic and it's very safe. For the other trails such as Lion Rock, try to go with a group of people and bring a cell phone. Unfortunately, there have been sporadic incidents of robberies from illegal immigrants hiding in the hillsides, but they won't dare take on a group of people. The emergency number is 999 just as in the UK.

The Mai Po marshlands near the Chinese border is a very important ecological reserve.
Website : http://www.wwf.org.hk/eng/maipo/

Passport Essentials
Photocopy the front and back pages of your passport and keep it somewhere else. I've heard a lot of tour guides give this recommendation because it speeds up the re-issuance process if you lose your passport overseas.

Hotels
I did a search on Expedia and I notice the brand new Langham Place hotel costs about HK$1000 a night. It's right in the heart of Mongkok and within walking distance of the MTR and several major street markets.

Shopping Tips
Do not buy electronics from the smaller stores in Kowloon. Unless you are an expert in this field, you might not be able to spot subtle model differences and warranty concerns when you buy from these stores. For example, you need to ensure the plugs work and the voltage is correct to bring home. Two electronics chain stores that are very credible are Fortress (orange) and Broadway (green and white). Again, check the plugs fit into the outlets back home and the voltage is correct. Ask them about the warranty requirements and whether it is for Hong Kong only.

I'll be visiting Hong Kong in just over a week and I think most of my questions have already been answered by this thread, just one more for now though......which buildings in HK have public viewing galleries and which is the highest, I'm sure I read somewhere that there is a public library on the higher floors of 2IFC????

The library of the "Hong Kong Monetary Authority Information Centre" is on the 55th floor but there is no public viewing gallery in 2IFC sorry. You could always go to Victoria Peak, but imho the view from there is sort of cliche if you've seen it about a billion times in videos and pictures. The view from below is much more interesting. :)

Bank of China Tower has an open area at its skylobby that is open to the public. It is not well-marked on the ground floor but as long as you catch an elevator to the higher floors, you will arrive at the skylobby.

Central Plaza's skylobby may be open. The Dutch contingent successfully visited last year but I wasn't as lucky the year before.

Are there all free entrance to those observation desk/ sky lobby in Hong Kong ??

Are there all free entrance to those observation desk/ sky lobby in Hong Kong ??

yes all free entry. :)

Thanks for your tips everybody :)

For cheaper overnight rates you could check out hostels, which also have private rooms with ensuite facilities (toilet, shower), for around €25 a night. Normal budget hotels can go for €40 to 70/night.

Mcdonalds is very cheap, think €2.15 for a Bigmac menu with medium fries and medium coke.

For Shenzhen you can get a visum (only valid for Shenzhen for max 5 days) at the border train station within 30 minutes, visum cost around €25.

Visiting Macau, a former Portuguese overseas territory, with the ferry boat might be a nice trip.

Wow what can I say? Most people said what needs to be said.

Anyways I guess I can share some other stuff.

If you want tons of local shops and restaurants go to Mongkok during nightime its very lively. Don't know if you're interested in malls but anyways theres a few worth visiting such as Langham Place, IFC mall, Harbour City, and Festival Walk.

As for drinking you can always go to Lan Kwai Fong or Tsimshatsui area they have tons of pubs there. Theres a place in Tsimshatsui(kowloon area) called "Knutsford Terrace" its located on the back of Miramar hotel theres quite a few pubs there good priced considering the location. Besides the cheap food thingy you can try a few good restaurants at night its really worth it besides its not really that expensive.

Theres this restaurant/pub called "Aqua" its very nice and its located on top of the "Peking One" tower in Tsimshatsui and you can see the entire victoria harbour, very beautiful view especially at night. Check out their website just click on Aqua Spirit/roma its the first one and click gallery. Drinks there cost around HK$58 http://www.aqua.com.hk/

As for hotels around the HK$1000 range you can check

Langham Hotel(MongKok)http://www.langhamplace.com.hk/main/hotel.htm
Marco Polo Hotels(http://www.marcopolohotels.com/)
Standford Hotel
Hyatt Regency
Holiday Inn
Kowloon Hotel
Miramar Hotel
Eaton Hotel

Oh and you can also visit the huge siting Buddha on Lantau Island. You can take the metro(TungChung line) or the bus.

As for going to Shenzhen you really have to becareful while crossing the border lots of pickpockets there and its quite chaotic while you entered the Shenzhen border but whats you're out of that area you're fine. I think visiting Macau is a good idea you can see the fusion of Portuguese and Chinese architecture and culture.

BTW You can get a Chinese visa at CTS(China Travel Service) in Tsimshatsui if you do decide to travel into China, you can get it within one day or 4 days depends on the rate you are willing to pay. If I remember it correctly if you want to get the visa the next day the price is HK$840 if its 2 days later its HK$480.

yes all free entry. :)

Thanks for your info :)

I've seen the Wang Fat hostel mentioned in a few places for about HK$300 per night, has anybody stayed there? I'm not really bothered about luxury as I'm not planning to spend much time in my room, I just want somewhere clean and pleasant to sleep.

The library of the "Hong Kong Monetary Authority Information Centre" is on the 55th floor but there is no public viewing gallery in 2IFC sorry. You could always go to Victoria Peak, but imho the view from there is sort of cliche if you've seen it about a billion times in videos and pictures. The view from below is much more interesting. :)

The Bank of China and The Central are open, too. But it is not the highest floor. The observation decks there are around the 45th floor. But there is no chance for The Center. A stupid security man gave me no chance to go up.

It is a little bit stupid to visit only the Victoria Peak. You should walk around the mountain. The view there is 2 times better than that on The Peak.

One year after my visit my memories of HK becoming better and better. I think now only about the good stuff, one reason for this is that HK was not responsible for the bad weather i had. I was just unlucky.

BTW: I like Kowloon much more than HK Island.

The Peak Tower's views aren't that great. A walk around on Lugard Road or some of the other roads around there offer great views.

Hostels are not a popular mode of accomodation in Asia, unlike in Europe, so do consult a lot of opinions before you book. There is a reasonably-priced hotel in North Point. The building is fairly new. It's the IBIS : Hotel Website (http://www.ibishotel.com/ibis/fichehotel/gb/ibi/3563/fiche_hotel.shtml)

The price per night is HK$550.

It is a little bit stupid to visit only the Victoria Peak. You should walk around the mountain. The view there is 2 times better than that on The Peak.

I am totally agreed :)
Take a hour walk trip around the peak is absolutely to enjoying superb scenery to the anohter side of island :okay:

Breath-taking ;)

im also going to HK later in the month.. this thread has given me alot of ideas! thanks!!

take the star ferry at TSC and you can enjoy the beautiful harbour view.

my friend stayed at wang fat hostel in Causeway Bay
Its actually quite nice ... the location is great
its not five stars but its decent, safe, super convenient, clean and most of all cheap ...

As for things you should do ...
definitely walk around central, sheung wan, wanchai and causeway bay on island side ...
take bus to stanley(upperdeck), take tram to peak(walk around lugard road), take boat to lamma island(yun shue wan side), walk around TST, mongkok on the kowloon side and feel the difference between kowloon and island side, take ferry to macau if u have more than 4 days
theres a few malls you can visit if you need a rest ...
Festival walk in Kowloon Tong, IFC mall+landmark, Ocean Terminal are considered best in hk ...

if you have more time ... consider going to Sha Tin/Ma On Shan just to see a few skyscrapers suburbs or to North Point and Sum Shui Po if u want to see older neighborhoods with more grit ... for markets at night
i would definitely check out Temple Street Market/Ladies Market there are also streets for more specific things such as streets for sneakers, birds, fishes, car accessories ...

and of course dont' miss the tram on the island, star ferry across victoria harbour and the great TST promenade nightview ...

a tour of Tsang Kwan O instead of Ma On Shan would be more conveniet. (more towers there too) for the large group of ultra-tall residental skyscrapers.

If you like suspension bridges, you should visit Ma Wan, which is an island that separates the Tsing Ma and the Kap Shui Mun Bridges. The view of the bridge is quite nice from there. I can provide more information if you are interested. The island has a new residential development complex and an old fishing village behind it.

If you want to take photos of the Tsuen Wan skyline with Nina Tower, walk along the waterfront promenade on Tsing Yi Island.

BP international is priced quite cheap, no need to stay at hostels.

I stayed many time at one budget hotel, Dorsett Seaview Hotel @ Yaumatei district, adjoins temple street priced around HK$500 though room is smaller but clear & comfort enough resemble as business hotel at Japan

Best value and good for booking at arrival concourse inside of Hong Kong Int'l airport hotel reservation counter

http://www.hotelclub.net/Common/ImageGallery/HotelImage.aspx?hid=1726&s=0

Cheap hotel? try Island Pacific Hotel in Sheung Wan.

FUN ON A BUDGET: Hong Kong for $20 a day
By CHUCK CHIANG
31 May 2005

HONG KONG (AP) - Visiting Hong Kong brings out the urge to splurge. Travelers are surrounded by glitzy shopping arcades filled with boutiques and stores selling the hottest fashions and the latest electronic gizmos.

But it's easy to have a great time on $20 a day -- just over 150 Hong Kong dollars -- in the city whose name means "Fragrant Harbor" in Chinese.

A good place to start is on one of the old wood-sided streetcars that clatter along the northern coast of Hong Kong Island. The brightly painted rail cars belong to the world's only fully double-decker tram fleet.

Jump aboard a tram on Queen's Road in Central Hong Kong, climb to the second tier and sit back and watch the blue-suited office workers and the designer bag-toting shopping queens scurrying around in the canyon of skyscrapers.

It's a wonderful urban show for about a quarter a ride.

Get off the tram at Wan Chai -- the setting for the 1960 Hollywood blockbuster "The World of Suzy Wong" -- and walk a few blocks toward the harbor. Find the pedestrian bridge that leads to Central Plaza, the city's second-tallest building.

During business hours, tourists can take the Central Plaza's elevator to the sky lobby, which wraps around the 46th floor, providing a free panoramic view of the harbor to the north, skyscrapers to the west, and mountains and the Happy Valley horse track to the southeast.

As you leave Central Plaza, walk toward the turtle-shaped Convention Centre on the waterfront and hop on another one of Hong Kong's classic transport systems: the Star Ferries that have been cruising back and forth between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon for over a century.

For about 28 cents, the ferries provide spectacular views of one of the world's most dazzling waterfronts. The best time to sail is during a clear night when the skyscrapers and billboards are lit up on Hong Kong Island. The ferry in Wanchai goes to Tsim Sha Tsui, one of Kowloon's most famous shopping districts.

Kowloon's waterfront has a variety of cultural venues for budget prices. The Hong Kong Cultural Center has free performances in its foyer Thursday nights and Saturday afternoons. Next door, the bulbous Space Museum displays astronomy and science items -- admission is about $1.28 -- and houses an IMAX theater. The Museum of Art features calligraphy, paintings and jade artifacts, also about $1.28 a ticket.

The path to the museums eventually leads into the Avenue of Stars. This is Hong Kong's version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where stars like Jackie Chan and Jet Li have their names and handprints in concrete slabs on the sidewalk.

For cheap eats at lunch, forget McDonald's. Try some of the local fast food served up by the seemingly ubiquitous chains Maxim's, Café de Coral and Fairwood. They sell traditional Chinese barbecue and some Western hybrids like Cantonese spaghetti for as low as $2.50 or so a meal.

Take the ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central on Hong Kong Island and walk a few blocks up the hill to Hong Kong Park. For no charge, visitors can stroll through fountains and the massive bird sanctuary.

If you're tired of walking, head to the Mid-Levels Escalator, the longest of its kind in the world. The moving stairs take people from Des Voeux Road (near the Central MTR subway station) to the Mid-Levels, a neighborhood popular with expatriates.

The escalator goes past funky little restaurants, pubs and shops selling clothes, paintings and other items.

Finish the day at Lan Kwai Fong, the Western-style bar district, which just happens to be near the end of the escalator route. "The Fong" is a single block of pubs and trendy restaurants.

A couple of beers at about $6.40 a bottle can quickly blow your budget. Here's a local trick: Pop into a convenience store in the neighborhood and buy a bottle of beer for about $1.30.

Take your beverage to the Fong, where the crowds usually spill out of the pubs and become a big block party. Sip your drink and toast yourself for spending nearly nothing in one of the world's most expensive cities.

It will save more if one has HK friends or relatives ;)

The return ticket on Jetstar from SIN-HK and back + airport charges etc costs me S$240. One meal with my friend was between HK$50 - 150 depending where we go to. The cheapest meal we had was breakfast at Delifrance - HK$54 in total for 2.

Hi, I'll be holidaying in HK at the end of yr, just wondering if anyone could suggest some unique sight-seeing places in HK & also some delicious eateries/places to eat ?? Thanks

first time in HK? your budget for meals? family tour? skyscraper tour? chinese cutlure stuff? what kind of sight-seeing are u looking for? nature? cityscape?

Food really does depend on budget and tastes - Chinese/South-East Asian/Continental/American etc...

How about checking out The Peak and enjoy the breath taking view of the city. Also there are hiking trails in that area if you want to hike. The Peak tower is also has a Madame Tussaud's museum.

There are a few must-do's while you're here...

Peak Tram and view from the Peak
Bus trip to Stanley and Stanley Markets
Star Ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui
Causeway Bay shops on a busy weeknight
Nathan Road Mongkok
Lamma Island and the Big Buddah
Tram along the north of HK Island

If you get through all that and still have time for more try...
Eating seafood at Sai Kung
The many bars and restaurants to be found at Soho (Staunton St)
Macau... just one hours ferry ride but well worth the trip. Completely diff vibe to HK, a lot more European with the old buildings and culture.
Botanic Gardens

As for places to eat, there's so much on offer you're bound to find something. But if you do eat at one place, make sure its City Hall for lunch dim sum. Get there early (about 12ish) to grab a table and don't worry if you don't speak Cantonese - they'll give you a handout with English descriptions of what it is you're eating.

Have a good stay!

yeah, its my 1st time back in 10 yrs, we immigrated while we were young so we dont know our way around HK, so it'll be good to know what some really good local places that you may know as a local living in HK.

price is not a big issue, we want to taste abit of everything, from commoner to luxury is fine, but not very spicy food.

i dont know what to expect in HK, so metropolis sightseeing? and gadget shopping? and nature trails?

Thank you for relying daveo18, wanch, 00deathscar, vincent ! (my 1st time using this forum!)

This is the website for the Hong Kong Tourism Board, hope it would help you out

http://www.discoverhongkong.com

This is the website for the Hong Kong Tourism Board, hope it would help you out

http://www.discoverhongkong.com


Thank you ! :) I will take a look to see what HK is like

How I can get VISA before moving to Hong Kong in future?

How long that forgeiners can get job and live in HK?

Is there permanetly resident that people want live in Hong Kong for long time?

I don't want be deport to USA after VISA is expired in after 3-6 month.

http://www.immd.gov.hk/images/etopical_11.jpg

Visa Application for Hong Kong : http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/topical_11.htm
Entry Visas : http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/evfhk.htm

http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/images/flow.gif

It's hard to find for form. :ohno:

Bump.

It's hard to find for form. :ohno:

Public Forms

Visa / Entry Permit Application Form - English version

To view / fill in / print the 'pdf' forms, you need Adobe (R) Acrobat(R) Reader 5.1 or above. For proper display and printing of Chinese characters, you may need to install the Asian Font Packs. Please download the required software(s) from the following URLs:

Adobe Reader -
www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
Asian Font Packs -
www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/acrrasianfontpack.ht

Actually, I don't think it's hard to hunt for job in HK for foreigners.
There is a relatively large foreigners' community in HK compared with other Asian countries.
And I think HK would be a wonderful place for those who are full of energy (^o^)
Try getting a job in HK

And you can learn more information from the following weblink

http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/

Hey,

Kinda need help here.

I am planning to visit Hong Kong this coming Oct for 4 days. I am now looking for a good hotel to stay in (preferably in Hong Kong island) with a not so expensive charge to cut the cost as low as possible.

Can you guys help to recommend some?

Thanks.

Don't visit in the first week. That's the Golden Week holiday and a lot of mainland tourists will inundate Hong Kong. Prices are expected to skyrocket.

For reasonable accomodation and a good location, try the YMCA in Tsim Sha Tsui. It's only a block to the Star Ferry.

Dorms : HK$210/night
Hotel : HK$800/night for a single

http://www.ymcahk.org.hk/sales/html/weeklypkg.htm

Most Filipino tourists that I know choose the Marco Polo Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui. But if you're talking about HK Island, how about checking hotels in Wan Chai or Causeway Bay!

How I can get VISA before moving to Hong Kong in future?

Chinese Consulate.

How long that forgeiners can get job and live in HK?

Application normally takes about 4-6 weeks. Working visas are usually 2 years.

Is there permanetly resident that people want live in Hong Kong for long time?

Permanetly resident of the US?

I don't want be deport to USA after VISA is expired in after 3-6 month.

You can apply for an extension in the Department of Immigration. Another easier way is take a day trip to Macau or Shenzhen for another extension of 3-6 months. But they will question you upon arrival and might put you in black list after several trials.

im going HK next week. Can i know where i should go?

What are your interests? How long is your stay?

Anyone can recommend a cheap hotel in hk with high-speed internet access??
what's the name of the motel that SanMaguel stayed btw?

thanks guys

I think he stayed in Langham Hotel.

I'm not familiar with 3-star hotels with Internet access but I'm sure you can get it in major malls, Pacific Coffee, and Internet cafes.

do you know roughly the cost for internet cafe? like per hour?

Yea, the last time he was there stayed at Langham place. But his previous visits stayed in some 3 star motel in Causeway bay (with internet access). I forgot the name.

Langham Hotel is 5 stars
Can't to find any cheaper hotel in HK with WI-FI/ internet

Just known Kowloon Hotel; Rosedale and Metropark are the cyber hotel and $$ below HK$1,000

PS: TRY BP International, it would be the one to more cheaper than those

do you know roughly the cost for internet cafe? like per hour?

I used to be visited PACIFIC Cafe
Like as starbucks, nice and great ;)

do you know roughly the cost for internet cafe? like per hour?

Yea, the last time he was there stayed at Langham place. But his previous visits stayed in some 3 star motel in Causeway bay (with internet access). I forgot the name.

Local Internet cafes usually range from HK$10-30 per hour depending on the number of hours you use, and the config of PC you need and the time you visit. If you just check emails and don't want to feel isolated from the gaming crowds, then I would recommend you going to the cafes in early morning to beat the crowds. The cafes can get crowded during lunch, after school hours, and happy hours. Anyway, they always serve basic drinks like soda, lemon tea, and HK style milk tea.

Plus, you can go to Pacific Coffee as suggested earlier but they tend to offer a limited number of machines, usually 3-4 PCs that you may need to share with other tourist, whereas you can reserve the entire PC you are using in the Internet Cafes, say..to have a toilet break..etc.

try in mongkok

theres one in CWB vincent that is in the 200-300 range I believe ... more like a motel
I will send you the contacts ...
its in the patterson street area: on top of starbucks ...

steve, i think the one u are talking about is the San Manguel one, also the one that recommended to your friend. Did you send to info to my email? or you can simply put it here.

HKT, what about if i bring my own laptop?? Can i access internet other than internet cafe? is there "hotspot" in hk that has wireless?

There is a free internet cafe at Star House besides the computer stores.

steve, i think the one u are talking about is the San Manguel one, also the one that recommended to your friend. Did you send to info to my email? or you can simply put it here.

HKT, what about if i bring my own laptop?? Can i access internet other than internet cafe? is there "hotspot" in hk that has wireless?

Theres internet access in MTR stations as well. Its like $20 an hour.

Anyone can recommend a cheap hotel in hk with high-speed internet access??
what's the name of the motel that SanMaguel stayed btw?

thanks guys


When are you going to HK anyways? Hotels in Hong Kong are getting expensive even cheaper ones. Due to Disney opening and the upcoming Asia World Expo that is going to be held in December. You can stay at BP international its a 3 star hotel and at their lounge theres internet access. If you have a laptop with LAN you can bring it to Harbour City as well they have wireless access, most starbucks should offer this service too.

i am planning to go there in Dec. Yea, i can live in my relative's place. But i just don't want to bother them too much. I am still thinking if i should go next summer or in Dec. The visibility in July is usually lot more clear.

Steve, please send me the hotel website.

I don't know if it's still there, but there used to be internet access at Cafe De Coral, HarbourCity.

InitialD18, please send me the link of that motel.


thank you guys for your help!

Hello guys!
:hi:
My name is David, I am from Barcelona (Spain) and I am in holidays 25 days in China.
:yes:
My last week will be in Hong Kong! I would like to meet some forumers...
:wink2:
Xie xie!!
:bowtie:
Nobody met up with me in Beijing, now I am in Shanghai 5 days.
:dunno:
Thanks for your replies.
;)

maybe, you can try PM forumer HKT. hkskyline would probably be out of HK after this week. :)

If I am not wrong, most HK forumers are not in HK.

Lucky man. Take some photos if you have a digicam!

yeah there are not many forumers actually in HK. I hope you'll make some nice pics for us! Have fun!

My average is 100 photos per day...
:eek:
Come on, any HongKonger available between 30/10 and 5/11?
:wink2:

unfortunately, most of the forumers here are OVERSEAS Hong Kongers :-/

You don't treasure what you had until you lose it... :-(

i totally agree ... just don't treasure until you lose it ...
try HKT and aboveday ... they maybe available
if you have any questions or if you need suggestions we could help answer for you ...

Unfortunately, I just left Hong Kong yesterday. I landed in North America a couple hours ago for my convocation. This time I don't think my stay should be very long :).

Perhaps we can meet up the next time I'm in Barcelona. I'm very eager to visit Spain again!

What a pity, hkskyline...
:(
Anybody else, please?
:wink2:
I am sure, somebody will be there!
:yes:

I'm in HK, but it seems like you'll spend your holiday in HK during weekdays, which I have to work.

I'm in HK, but it seems like you'll spend your holiday in HK during weekdays, which I have to work.
I will be 6-7 days in Hong Kong, so we can meet on Saturday or Sunday!
;)

How's HONGKONG DISNEYLAND? :D

The shows are absolutely stunning! While the park may be small, it still took me a day to cover the key rides and to watch the shows. Remember to get a Fastpass to avoid line-ups.

Hi guys, does anyone know if i should use HK id card (was born in hk) or US passport (got us citizenship) or both when i enter HK border (from US)??

hk id card is faster but both are ok. (i think)

Do not use both. Use your HKID card only. The queues are much shorter.

I have no problem using HKid (from US to HK). But i think there would be problem when i return to US, and the immigration officier in US see there are no stamps in my US passport. That means i didn't enter any country, and somehow return to US. I am not sure if this is a problem though.

Would the Americans even care where you're landing from? You can tell them you flew in from Canada, since Canadian customs don't usually stamp American passports. I've never been questioned about where I've been upon my return even though my passport could be completely empty.

I think it's perfectly acceptable to tell the US you have dual citizenship. However, I doubt Hong Kong accepts dual citizenship, so HKID is a better bet to enter HK.

I have no problem using HKid (from US to HK). But i think there would be problem when i return to US, and the immigration officier in US see there are no stamps in my US passport. That means i didn't enter any country, and somehow return to US. I am not sure if this is a problem though.


I live in Canada, When I return to HK, I use HKID and when I enter Canada, I use Canadian Passport. I just tell them I came back from HK and nothing went wrong!!!

Nobody ever asked me where I came in from. They don't even check for a foreign stamp.

Same here when I went to the US! I just showed them my passport and that's it :)

Nobody ever asked me where I came in from. They don't even check for a foreign stamp.
do you have the same situation as i do? US citizenship (US passport) + HK citizenship (id card)

HK got problems with dual citizenship??
hmm, so what should i do when i renew my HK id card to the Smart ID card? They need proof why i am unable to be in HK to renew the card. Should i show them the US passport?

They usually flip through the passport to see if all the pages are there. Other than that they'll scan the photo page for your data and that's about it.

When you're in HK, tell them you were studying overseas so you couldn't renew at the set times. But if your card has expired then it's a different story. You might even have problems entering HK.

They usually flip through the passport to see if all the pages are there. Other than that they'll scan the photo page for your data and that's about it.

When you're in HK, tell them you were studying overseas so you couldn't renew at the set times. But if your card has expired then it's a different story. You might even have problems entering HK.
no, i don't think my hk id card is expired. I got the card that was for people that is 18 years old+ back in 2002.
So what if they ask you to show proof? what do i show?

The ID card alone is perfectly fine for entering Hong Kong. I presume it has 3 stars (below your date of birth).

I live in Canada, When I return to HK, I use HKID and when I enter Canada, I use Canadian Passport. I just tell them I came back from HK and nothing went wrong!!!

I did the same :hahaha: but from the Netherlands.
In HK they accept dual citizinship. So no problem at all.
Since both countries registered your stay with either HKID or foreign passport.

Hi from Xi'an now!
:hi:
I am approaching Hong Kong...
:D

I will be 6-7 days in Hong Kong, so we can meet on Saturday or Sunday!
;)

Perhaps on your arrival date.