Hong Kong - Top 3 Travel Tips

Hong Kong is a perfect place to explore for a few days especially on a long haul flight with a stopover. On route to Bali this summer the wife and I decided to take advantage of exploring Hong Kong and we're glad we did. 

It's busy. Very busy. If I'm honest I was also a little surprised how many tourists there were which provides the basis for my first tip for tourist attractions - GET THERE EARLY!

Hong Kong is part of China but enjoys a high level of autonomy and independence including having it's own currency (£1 = $11.9HK & $1US = $7.75HK as of 30/8/15). The arrangement is often described as "one country - two systems"  

Accommodation

View from Room 2912 - Ibis North Point

Hotels aren't cheap in Hong Kong and after a bit of research we decided to stay at Ibis, North Point (click here for Trip Advisor reviews). This was one of the cheapest options which is also pretty central and next to a subway station. In fact the entrance to North Point station is approx 50 yards away. We were happy with our choice, although the rooms are very small, we got a free upgrade to a harbour view, air-con was good (and needed) and there was free wi-fi. We didn't eat at the hotel, I felt breakfast was overpriced. Instead we took a light breakfast in McDonalds in the main road behind the hotel. We found service to be good too. Read my review here.



Travel

HK has an excellent public transport system - the MTR. Upon arrival in HK at the airport we bought 2 tourist travel cards for $300HK each ($50HK returned at the end). This allowed a return trip to/from airport and all other MTR journeys for three consecutive days. We let this was a good investment and used the MTR every day. 


Things to do.

1. Victoria Peak.

We thought it would be wise to go up at dusk to be able to see the view in daylight and at night. There were horrific queues for the Peak Tram were running to about a 1.5 hour wait so we jumped in a taxi to reach the top. Regrettably we were completely ripped off by the taxi (paid approx £20 for 2 of us  to  get up the hill) but reconciled this by getting the bus down for approximately £1 each.  

Tian Tan Buddha (and Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car)

The Big Buddha is a major centre of Buddhism in Hong Kong and a major tourist attraction. In a trip there you can also experience a wonderful cable car ride. Tip - the queues for the 360 (glass bottom) are much longer than the normal cars. We chose a normal car.  
To get there - Head to Tung Chung on the MTR and follow signs to the cable car. Get there early. Be warned of the dreadful tourist 'village' Ngong Ping at the top of the cable car. An awful affair. 
Other than that, spectacular views all around. Was even able to see the buildong of the Hong Kong - Macau freeway that is being built. 

Star Ferry

The Star Ferry has been running across Kowloon Bay since 1888 and is a must - do when visiting Hong Kong. It is very inexpensive. Like many tourists we took it to Victoria Harbour for the less than spectacular 'Symphony of Lights' show which runs every day at 8pm.