When people mention Hong Kong what do they imagine? Boats, chinese and not so good things may be the answer. Well the lesson of life is to never judge a book by its cover. To truly experience the real Hong Kong you have to go there in person. My last trip to Hong Kong was in July, I travelled with Cathay Pacific, a Hong Kong based airline that is one of the best in the world for customer service, I don’t think I’ve ever suffered a delay with them.
Before the new airport was built away from the main bulk of Hong Kong the landings were spectacular, flying over the neon lights of skyscrapers was a breathtaking sight. But now things are more sensible, and so they should be with the new super sized technological airport. An airport so big that when you land you have to get the express airport train to the main departures longue itself! One thing that will hit you as soon as you step foot outside is the dense humidity of the air, at first its hard to breathe but you get use to it. You won’t notice it much though as 99.9% of all vehicles and buildings are intensively air conditioned. Its like the UK but reversed! Cold inside but hot outside, if you get a night bus then you may feel cold but when you get off then it’ll feel like an oven, its a very strange feeling!
The transport in Hong Kong is very cheap and effiecient, also I commend them for their cleaniness. All the newer buses are very modern and clean, with air con and even a few television screens to entertain the passengers, the seating is very comfartable as well, just a touch under the average virgin train seat. The mini buses are also very cheap but are less luxurious. The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) that operates throughout the whole of Hong Kong puts the UK railway system to shame. Yes, I know that Hong Kong is only a city but its a vast area to cover and with some 6 million people living in Hong Kong then there must be a pretty good team to keep the MTR running as effieciently as it does. The trains are clean and fast, very cheap as well, The interiors are very basic but well designed, as people will have to stand. Trains run every five minutes and are never late, apart from in emergency situations. Its like a very souoed up London tube. Well the main area Kowloon, has its own mini tube system, and that pairs off well withs it big brother the MTR. One thing I noticed was that the majority of people use public transport in Hong Kong, probaly because they can’t afford cars, or just that the public transport is so cheap and efficient that they prefer to use that instead.
The shopping in Hong Kong is very good, there is a very vast variety of shopping areas to choose from, from markets to mega stylish shopping centers. I’ll start with the markets, these are where many Hong Kong people buy their food from, prices are good and food is ok, bit to smelly for me though. I think I’ll stick to the restuarants and supermarkets. The mid range shops are just the normal shops you will come across in the streets, can be modern or old, but one things for sure you’ll find a wide choice of whatever you want, phones, electronics, computers etc. For computers I recommend Sham Sui Po where they have the Golden computer mall, here you can find things for rock bottom prices, but always check you have what you want before handing over cash.
The upper class shopping areas such as Tsim Sa Tsui and Causeway Bay offer the top designers such as Gucci, Armani, Guess, DKNY, and Versace as well as many more. One of my favourites is Tommy Hilfiger, there are about sic Tommy shops in Hong Kong, I visited the ones in Tsim Sa Tsui and Causeway Bay. The prices for the items are much cheaper than the UK, the shirts are around £30 roughly, and the staff are very helpful too. Another one of my favourites in Hong Kong is DKNY, I’m jealous as they have so many DKNY stores in Hong Kong!
For shopping centers I would say Times Square in Causeway Bay is very good, big and modern. Inside their are designated floors for each department, e.g Mens Casual, Electronics and even a food floor! Prices are very reasonable, I would say you have to go there! Another shopping area is Ocean terminal in Tsim Sa Tsui, where all the top designers have big shops. Another good shopping area is the extremely large centre that is conjoined with the Sha Tin MTR station, here there are cinemas(playing western and honk kong releases), arcades(games are about 35p each! all the latest ones as well like the drum machine and para para, DDR with hands!)and lots beside.
The food in Hong Kong is very extravagent, there are lots of places for you eat, seems like there are restuarants for every culture in the world, you name it they have it, Thai, Mexican, Indian, American, and more! It feels like there is a McDonalds on every street such is the rate you pass them at. The prices for food are competitive so don’t worry about breaking your wallet too much, unless you go to the posh hotels for the buffets such as the Peninsula where prices are £40 per head. Also if you don’t mind spending money on good food I recommend Shark Fin Soup, it may be £30 a bowl but it is succelent. A true delicacy. For the self caterers there are Seven Elevens everywhere, if you look your sure to find one, also their are many Supermarkets such as Parkinshop. I just tended to get the instant noodles, very cheap and quick to make.
The attractions and sights to see in Hong Kong are definately the peak and the big budda, The Peak gives you a sensational view of Hong Kong, its best to go at night for the perfect view of Hong Kongs skyline, it’ll give you the real beauty of the skyscrapers with all the glitzy lights. The Budda is the biggest one in the world and is truly an amazing sight to behold, don’t forget to eat the vegetarian meals as well! Also the habour gives a good and romantic view of the Hong Kong skyline, take your loved one there! For entertainment I suggest Ocean park, a mini Alton Towers, they have rides such as rollercoasters and playstation, just don’t expect Oblivion or Nemisis though or you’ll be disappointed, still a good day out however. Also visit the cinemas and catch some Hong Kong flicks, they have English subtitles so don’t worry if you don’t understand Mandarin or Cantonese. Some of my favourite Hong Kong stars are Sammi Cheng and Aaron Kwok, so check out their movies and music, I guarantee they are nothing that you expect, they are funky and trendy.
I’m getting tired now so I’ll just finish with a few thoughts! The people in Hong Kong may come off as rude but once you get to know them they are very caring and considerate people, another thing is they love to gamble! If thats your scene then visit the racecourses. I hope this has gien you an insight into what Hong Kong is really like.