Hong Kong has been becoming Home! Fighting with our mind time and again to call it a place where we can settle or not? we have spent almost 4 years now in this renowned World City. We have been in a Love and Hate relationship with this small place, Its just like Mumbai but Country in itself - Hong Kong, we love to call it modernized version of Mumbai!
Initially, we didn't fancy this huge high rises and sea faces and promenades. Eh, we are from Mumbai! We have born and bought with this similar looking city and lifestyle. So it never felt like a different place in World except that we terribly miss family, friends, social gatherings and events every now and then. Still a phone call from family at times makes eyes teary, an big occasion back home brings dullness in our moods here for not able to being there, still the smallest medical issue in family terrifies us, still a see off to loved ones from HK tears apart the heart and still a good bye from Mumbai always makes us cry!
I have some clear vivid memory of Sept 2015 when we landed in Hong Kong and we were welcomed with heavy downpour. Well, honestly it was not a great kickstart. We had our share of struggles to settle here and call it our own. We still doubt time and again only to accept later we are most centrally located in midst of World. Especially in an economy which is robust and flourishing since some time. If you are in financial Industry this is is one of the ideal location to be in to grow and prosper.
With doubts in mind, but spirit high we have explored this city In and Out and its neighboring countries. An opportunity which always makes us Smile and feel full of gratitude :) I probably would not have met AOL family and explored Meditation and Yoga and Swimming and Gymming with flavor blogging and conducting business if i wouldn't have been in Hong Kong. Not to forget love for mountains and beaches that these city has bought wouldn't have ever imbibed in me. From a struggling cook to a PRO, from an obesity to fitness and from lazying to walking is all this city has given!
Living like a localite and exploring the another side of this city has been a true privilege. Hong Kong is beyond High Rises. It has amazing patches of islands(260+), beaches (50+) and forest areas - country parks (20+) and it all has beautifully paved roads and ways to reach there. This blog is going to be mix of all these experiences of exploring HK as a local here. I will just draw a brief outline an my personal or friends recommendations on these places and leave it for you to decide where you would pick to go :)
Living like a localite and exploring the another side of this city has been a true privilege. Hong Kong is beyond High Rises. It has amazing patches of islands(260+), beaches (50+) and forest areas - country parks (20+) and it all has beautifully paved roads and ways to reach there. This blog is going to be mix of all these experiences of exploring HK as a local here. I will just draw a brief outline an my personal or friends recommendations on these places and leave it for you to decide where you would pick to go :)
Geographically Hong Kong is divided in 3 main islands like Kowloon Island, Hong Kong Island, Lantau island and approx 250+ other small islands surrounding it along with New Territories (Technically part of HK gifted by China).
Hong
Kong is an autonomous territory, and former British colony, in
southeastern China. Its vibrant, densely populated urban centre is a
major port and global financial hub with a skyscraper-studded skyline.
Central (the business district) features architectural landmarks like
I.M. Pei’s Bank of China Tower. Hong Kong is also a major shopping
destination, famed for bespoke tailors and Temple Street
Few quick tips /facts about Hong Kong for travelers:
Accommodation:
In
the Western District is Hollywood Road, lined with antiques shops, and
Man Mo Temple, honoring the gods of literature and war. Tram rides up
Victoria Peak afford sweeping views, while Star Ferry boats cross
Victoria Harbour to the Kowloon Peninsula. There, Tsim Sha Tsui offers a
waterfront promenade and Nathan Road, nicknamed the "Golden Mile of
Shopping.” Outlying islands include Lantau, famed for its massive bronze
Tian Tan Buddha, and Lamma, known for its bohemian beaches. Hong Kong
is also known for its lively food scene, ranging from Cantonese dim sum
to lavish afternoon tea. (wiki)
Accommodation:
Hong Kong is one of the most expensive city in World to live in. One can book either Hotel or Airbnb or Hostels or guest rooms depending on your budget. There are high range hotels which are beautifully built with some of the best views (Ranges from 2500 HKD to 40,000 HKD) to mid range hotels (1200 HKD to 2400 HKD) and affordable hotels (500 HKD to 1100 HKD). Hostels or guest rooms can come in range upto 500 HKD and Airbnb can start ranging from 500 HKD to sky is limit :)
Where to stay: Kowloon side (Especially TST if you want to be in Tourist hot spot easily accessible to all touristy places including all hot favorite food spots - One can find affordable to high end range of hotels and Airbnb here), Hong Kong side (This is good option for Business travelers and people who would like to explore Hong Kong island side more than overall HK), staying in New territories can get tricky since connectivity to all tourist places may not be best but if one want a holiday stay near quiet and relaxing place... New territories it is!
P.S. for Indian travelers (preferring vegetarian / Jain / Vegan meals) staying in TST is rewarding option since majorly all the vegetarian restaurant is in TST area :)
Traveling:
As soon as you land in Hong Kong by airways you can buy Octopus card for traveling around Hong Kong. Octopus is prepaid card which can be used in MTR (trains), busses, trams, and in fact in many many stores like 7Eleven, Wellcome, PArkNShop, lot of restaurants, etc. One have to pay deposit of 50HKD and 1st time refill 100 HKD. This can be refilled in 7Eleven or Kcircle or MTR customer services.
Buses are well networked and you can download HKeMobility App for a consolidated travel planning. It shows the fastest and cheapest way by any means of transport and its very handy and easy to use.
Buses are well networked and you can download HKeMobility App for a consolidated travel planning. It shows the fastest and cheapest way by any means of transport and its very handy and easy to use.
Key Tip: Taxis are not very expensive in Hong Kong but be aware that they may not always speak English and you should have chinese address or name of the place handy. Minimum start fare is 24 HKD.
Currency: One can bring currency in card or cash. Hong Kong is one of the safest place to stroll around even in mid of the night. If you are carrying USD, then one can get good price here for HKD.
Connectivity:
The good news is one can buy prepaid card for Hong Kong, Macau, China which is one SIM but can work in all the places for as small as 78 HKD (only for data valid of 30 dayss) to upto 200 HKD (for talk time and internet). There are many options like 3HK, CSL, 1010, and China Mobile.
Drinking Water:
Tap water is drinkable in Hong Kong. But generally people residing here use bottled waters. So, there is no standard MRP system for bottled water. The prices may vary from shop to shop. Best is to buy from some pharmacy in interior area and you will find a 1 Ltr bottle for 5 HKD which may cost 12 HKD in 7Eleven.
Food:
You will find lot of food options in this link. Indian / Vegetarian food in Hong Kong is quite expensive. For many many other options you can always download Openrice app or Happy cow App and check the food for your preferences.
Key Tip: You must try Dimsum when you are in HK!
Key Tip: You must try Dimsum when you are in HK!
Language spoken:
Cantonese is official language spoken. English is not very widely used and one has to surely use google translate for conversation with local shop owners.
Weather:
Now this one can hget really tricky! No, Not as tricky as in London but yes it can prety much rain during odd times and you want to be prepared so its advisable to keep Hong Kong Observatory app and plan your travel accordingly.
For example: If you travel to The Peak on a cloudy day or rainy day you may absolutely get no view or even Big Buddha on a cloudy day is a bad idea. So you got to have plan B ready incase you planned The peak but its cloudy on that day then u got to reach there some other day.
So key is to check weather pretty regularly during your visit and stay in Hong Kong
From where to book all excursion tickets:
All this information i have included in the link below named - Things to doand see in HK
Weather:
Now this one can hget really tricky! No, Not as tricky as in London but yes it can prety much rain during odd times and you want to be prepared so its advisable to keep Hong Kong Observatory app and plan your travel accordingly.
For example: If you travel to The Peak on a cloudy day or rainy day you may absolutely get no view or even Big Buddha on a cloudy day is a bad idea. So you got to have plan B ready incase you planned The peak but its cloudy on that day then u got to reach there some other day.
So key is to check weather pretty regularly during your visit and stay in Hong Kong
From where to book all excursion tickets:
All this information i have included in the link below named - Things to doand see in HK
Places to see:
P.S. Just for quick reference copy pasting the sheet here for a quick glace.
Source: most of descriptions from Wikipage
I am sure, you will be able to sort your interest from many activities and make a great trip for you own self. Many people who come to Hong Kong always will definitely want to visit Macau, Its neighboring country and also known as "Vegas of East". I will be coming up with a new blog on Macau soon.
Before closing, lot of friends and family has always requested to help with understanding budget for a trip to Hong Kong & Macau. Mumbai to Hong Kong flight costs on an average - Rs 32k - Rs 40k (if you are very lucky may find tickets for 25k). Mid-range hotel may cost up to Rs 8k to Rs 10k. And if you do all the famous activities then per head cost may be up to Rs 20k - 25k (depending on activities). So a stay for 6 Nights 7 days in HK & Macau may cost up to Rs 2 lakhs for a couple.
Key Tip: The best way to travel Hong Kong, Macau and extend tour upto Shenzhen is quite a great idea especially for one time visitors in this part of Asia.
Enjoy your holidays in Hong Kong an I am always available for any doubts regarding HK & Macau travel :)
List of activities to be done in Hong Kong can really get big and varied :) so I had to put this Excel link down, which one can click and check and also open the links mentioned in the sheet.
(The ones marked in grey are definitely must do for your visit in HK)
I am sure, you will be able to sort your interest from many activities and make a great trip for you own self. Many people who come to Hong Kong always will definitely want to visit Macau, Its neighboring country and also known as "Vegas of East". I will be coming up with a new blog on Macau soon.
Before closing, lot of friends and family has always requested to help with understanding budget for a trip to Hong Kong & Macau. Mumbai to Hong Kong flight costs on an average - Rs 32k - Rs 40k (if you are very lucky may find tickets for 25k). Mid-range hotel may cost up to Rs 8k to Rs 10k. And if you do all the famous activities then per head cost may be up to Rs 20k - 25k (depending on activities). So a stay for 6 Nights 7 days in HK & Macau may cost up to Rs 2 lakhs for a couple.
Key Tip: The best way to travel Hong Kong, Macau and extend tour upto Shenzhen is quite a great idea especially for one time visitors in this part of Asia.
Enjoy your holidays in Hong Kong an I am always available for any doubts regarding HK & Macau travel :)
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