Hong Kong > Reviews > Joy g-in - The Real Hong Kong

Author's product rating:   

Value for Money
Shopping
Nightlife
Ease of getting around
Family Friendly

Advantages:	different, safe city, variety of things to do
Disadvantages:	when it rains, it really does rain !  !

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

*~* I went to Hong Kong last summer for 3 weeks. I stayed with some friends of the family, and i have to say, its one of the best holidays I've ever been on.

Though slightly daunting at first, i soon settled in to the Hong Kong way of life. Hong Kong is divided up into four main areas - Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands. My friends live in the New Terriories, and this gave me a chance to discover the real Hong Kong, and what is beyond the tourist trade. The New territories are very pretty, with countryside and beaches. Here is where a lot of european and american business people live.

The flight to Hong Kong was long. 14 hours to be exact. I flew non-stop to Hong Kong international airport with British Airways. Be prepared for jet lag - the time difference is GMT + 8 hours.

I visited Hong Kong in the month of July...it was boiling! very very humid, tempretures reached 30C+. Also, it was quite rainy. It really pours down, and then is brilliant sunshine afterwards. I dont mind the heat, but its generally agreed that the best time to go is either November/December or April/March. I would love to go for Christmas.

*~*~**~* What is there to do?*~*~*~*

Victoria Peak. This is a must. You can get a little tram up to the top of the peak, and when you get there, its breathtaking. Gorgeous views of the island and beyond. Of course, its comercialised, with a big shopping mall...however, prices here are expensive, save your money! Also, its supposed to be really pretty at night, but i only went up in the daytime.

Kowlooon - Tsim Sha Tsui. This is a major tourist area, with many shops. However, its best not to buy expensive items here, because you are liable to get ripped off. If you are a culture person, also here are Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Space Museum, the Peninsula Hotel and the Museum of History.

Stanley market - Shoppers paradise!!! What can i say, i loved Stanley market. You can get some great bargains here. There are clothes shops selling cheap stuff, such as GAP tshirts for £4. These arent fake, theyre made in Macau, and thats why theyre so cheap. Great for souvenirs here too. I picked up some great chinese dolls, and my bargain was a hello kitty watch for £5. (One year on, it still works!)

Aberdeen - This is a harbour, with floating restaurants. Very nice.

New Territories - If you can get away from the city, this is a must. There are little chinese villages and towns. Also, a village to a farm is well worth it (i saw a snake! amongst other animals)

Star Ferry - This is amazing. It goes from Hong Kong Island, i went on it after dark, and it was lovely to see the whole city all lit up. Its cheap too. Its one of those things you have to do, because its fairly famous.

Ocean Park - i loved this! its a theme park, which is great for the whole family. I got my photo taken with a sealion!

Macau - I didnt go here, but im told by my friends that its well worth a visit. Its an hours boat ride from Hong Kong.

These for me were the highlights. Of course, there are loads more things to do. We did something different every day.

*~**~*~*~*~**~*~*Practial information*~*~*~**~*~*~*

Its easy to get around by public transport. There is a wide range of accomodation, however, i cant really comment on the hotels, I havent experienced them. Of course, seafood and chinese food is the main type in HK. However, many restaurants also serve european food, if you dont like chinese. The chinese food i tried, was lovely, even though i dont like it in England, its very different. I also liked chinese tea.

The main language of Hong Kong is cantonese. You can get by with english, but here are a few phrases to help you -

How are you? - Nay ho ma?
Very well, and you? - Gay ho, nay ne?
Do you speak English? - Nay sick ying mun ma?
I don't speak Chinese - Ngor mm sick gong j-owng mun
How much? - Gay dor chin a?

I would reccomend a visit to Hong Kong to anyone. I'll definatly be going back there. Its a holiday with a difference, and a very good introduction to Asia.