Sharmila Melissa Yogalingam reveals what not to miss when planning a trip to Hong Kong and Macau.
More than 10 years since Hong Kong was returned to China, this "special administrative region" continues to attract more than 23 million visitors each year - with 50 percent arriving from mainland China alone. International travellers keen on shopping and dining out are sure to find much of interest in this busy metropolis, but Hong Kong also has its fair share of historical sights and new attractions. With a bustling city centre, modern architecture alongside vintage façades, delectable aromas wafting from alleyway food stalls and designer fashions on every corner, Hong Kong is an ideal destination for a weekend or week-long getaway and offers something from everyone.
TO DO
One of the first things you'll notice when travelling by train and then taxi from Hong Kong's International Chek Lap Kok Airport to your hotel, are the numerous neon signs lining the city streets. For a good view of these glittering signboards head to Tsim Sha Shui in Kowloon. Tsim Sha Shui is Hong Kong's version of Singapore's Orchard Road and features countless shopping malls and restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines. Many five-star hotels such as The Peninsula (http://www.peninsula.com/) and Hyatt Regency (http://www.hyatt.com/) are located here and if want to get a feel of the local lifestyle, this is definitely a good place to start.
To see where Hong Kong's elite reside, cross the harbour on a Star ferry (http://www.starferry.com.hk/) and make your way to Victoria Peak (http://www.thepeak.com.hk/) - a prestigious area where many celebrities prefer to live, due to its spectacular location and magnificent views. Located on Hong Kong Island, Victoria Peak is accessible by tram and offers breathtaking views of Kowloon and the lower part of Hong Kong Island itself. Alighting at Peak Tower, head for Madame Tussauds (http://www.madame-tussauds.com.hk/) to view more than 100 waxworks of well-known international celebrities - including Madonna, Michael Jackson, David Beckham, Marilyn Monroe and Mahatma Gandhi. Don't forget your camera!
There are around 230 islands in the Hong Kong territory and Lantau Island is the largest. Once a sleeping fishing village, Lantau Island is now very active and boasts a new airport as well as Hong Kong's premier tourist attraction for families - Hong Kong Disneyland (http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/). This Disney theme park is packed with fun-filled rides and activities and features a daily daytime parade and fireworks at night. Another must-see attraction is Lantau Island's giant 85-foot high bronze Buddha which weighs a hefty 250 tons. Formally known as Tian Tan Buddha, it's the world's tallest outdoor, seated Buddha and can be reached by climbing 268 steps. Within walking distance of this huge statue is the Po Lin Monastry, founded by three Chinese monks in 1906. Open from 10am to 5:45pm, be sure to purchase a wooden bracelet for luck before making your descent!
SHOP
Causeway Bay is one of Hong Kong's most exciting shopping and nightlife districts. Start your retail therapy spree at the Windsor Plaza and finish at Times Square (www.timessquare.com.hk). Along the way, don't miss Hang Lung Centre, Fashion Island, Island Beverly Centre, World Trade Centre, Jumbo Sogo, Causeway Bay Plaza, Mitsukoshi Shopping Mall and Lee Gardens. You'll also find small shops and street stalls with eclectic offerings in the areas surrounding Jardine's Crescent and Jardine's Bazaar.
Hollywood Road is the place to head to in Hong Kong for antiques. Discover a wide range of museum-quality pieces including figurines from the Ming, Tang and Qing dynasties, 19th century snuff boxes, Chinese antique furniture and fascinating collectibles and artworks. Be sure to check authenticity and if you can't find what you're looking for here, head to the Ocean Terminal in Kowloon.
Central is the business and economic centre of Hong Kong and is also home to designer boutiques and exclusive shopping malls. Landmark Square houses luxurious brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Versace and more, while Pacific Place sells high quality leather clothing and counts Chanel and Tiffany & Co among its tenants. If you're looking for top Italian brands, head to Galleria Square
Repulse Bay is a short bus ride away from Central - be sure to sit on the right hand side of the upper deck for the best view. This upmarket residential area is home to a crowded sandy beach and a reasonable mix of shops and restaurants at The Repulse Bay - once a colonial-style hotel. Shoppers may be better rewarded by travelling on to Stanley Street markets to browse for gifts, quality clothing and souvenirs in a relaxed setting, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a lunch break at The Boathouse on Stanley Main Street and enjoy the steamed mussels in white wine - divine!
Mong Kok in Kowloon is where you'll find small malls and streets filled with young people out hunting for a bargain or trendy find. Women's Street - also known as Tung Choi Street - offers a variety of goods ranging from clothing and accessories to stationery, toys and souvenirs. And as you walk to Sai Yeung Choi Street, you'll also find many stores selling electronic items at competitive prices. Stop off at Flower Market Road to see rows upon rows of colourful blooms for sale. And if you want to experience how "Hong Kongites" live, take a visit to Fa Yuen Street, where you'll discover stalls selling a wide range of daily necessities from towels, toothbrushes, curtains and fabrics, to fresh fruits and interesting gadgets - all at affordable prices.
When it comes to food be prepared for an onslaught. Hong Kong is filled with restaurants serving any and every cuisine. One absolute must-do is to enjoy dim sum and a popular place for a leisurely meal is Jumbo Floating Restaurant (http://www.jumbo.com.hk/) on the water in Aberdeen Harbour. Select a variety of bite-sized morsels - including the delicious char siu bau steamed buns filled with barbecued pork - from a trolley laden with freshly steamed and deep-fried dishes.
One of Hong Kong's most exclusive and enduring dining experiences is the elegant high tea offered at The Peninsula (http://www.peninsula.com/), or an evening meal at Felix - an uber-contemporary restaurant designed by Philippe Starck - presenting unrivalled views of Hong Kong harbour and the Peak beyond.
Beijing Club (http://www.beijingclub.com.hk/) on Wellington Street serves an extensive selection of wines and if you like to dance, this club features DJ booths on both the second and fifth levels playing Hip Hop, R&B and House tunes. The third floor is more laidback, with a chill out balcony featuring movies projected onto an outdoor screen.
For a full rundown on Hong Kong's culinary scene, visit http://www.menulog.hk/, http://www.vibesasia.com/ or www.diningcity.com for the latest openings and dining specials. For a clubbing report on Lan Kwai Fong - Hong Kong's most popular nightlife district - check out http://www.lankwaifong.com/.
STAY
One of the best things about Hong Kong is the myriad of accommodation - including a great range of quality budget hotels from just US$60. One such hotel is the Bridal Tea House Yau Ma Tei (www.hkchhotel.com). Located in the heart of Kowloon, this clean and comfortable property is just two minutes away from Yau Ma Tei train station. If you have more money to spend, consider staying close to Tsim Sha Shui. The Marco Polo Hotel (Tel: +852 2113 0088, http://www.marcopolohotels.com/) is located on the doorstep of Victoria Harbour, while the Langham Hotel (Tel: +852 2375 1133, http://www.hongkong.langhamhotels.com/) is one of the finest European-style luxury hotels in this area. For something a bit funkier, check into JIA Hong Kong (http://www.jiahongkong.com/).
No trip to Hong Kong is complete without a side trip to the gamblers' paradise of Macau. Travel one hour by boat (http://www.turbojet.com.hk/) and be dazzled by The Venetian (http://www.venetianmacao.com/) - even if just to take some photos and enjoy the view. Designed after The Venetian in Las Vegas, this resort casino comes complete with gondolas and singing oarsmen. For a touch of culture, visit the ornate ruins of St Paul's Church at Rua de Sao Paulo -featuring religious carvings, statues, crypts and tombs, plus the Museum of Sacred Art housing religious works of art.
GETTING THERE
United Airlines (www.unitedairlines.com.sg), Cathay Pacific (www.cathaypacific.com) and Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com) and JetStar Asia (http://www.jetstarasia.com/) all fly direct to Hong Kong.
INSIDER INFO
Get in the know with www.dimsumandthensome.com.hk - a fabulous online resource created by a team of expat wives offering word-of-mouth recommendations.
Posted Oct 08
