Well where will I start? I have travelled to quite a few places around the world, but my love for Kowloon, Hong Kong will always be the same!!
By day, it's busy with business workers, shoppers, culture and by night, it all calms down with friends, family and couples taking a strole along the Tsimshatsui Harbour soaking in the night view of Hong Kong.
As a tourist, if you have a thick wallet, then Kowloon has many high class hotels to choose from. Hotels which will be situated at the heart of Kowloon some of which will have breath-taking views as you look out the window.
However, those of you with a thinner wallet like myself, well don't fret, as I have stayed at the Metropole Hotel, and I managed to get a packaged holiday - this tends to let you experience the joy of living in a top class hotel without breaking your bank balance.
Travelling is extremely convienent in Hong Kong. You have a choice of bus, taxis, tram, underground or the train. Most of which are minutes of walking to and from the hotel.
Food, well what can I say. You will be spoilt for choice in Hong Kong. The list is endless, and the prices will range from £1.00 for a bowl of Wun Ton noodles soup to £20 for a steak dinner. All you need to decide when it comes to food is which ethnic of food do you fancy - from Indian to English to Korean. However, alcoholic drinks in Hong Kong is expensive. They can be as expensive as double the prices compared to UK. Generally, people will go for happy hours to buy cheaper drinks.
People in Hong Kong will be extremely friendly to tourist. And they will help tourist to the best of their ability, although if you do find yourself in a situation where you are needing to ask a local for direction or for whatever query, you might be doing alot of hand gestures and guess work. My advice is to ask a smartly dressed local, as they tend to know English and will be able to communicate well in English.
Shopping. The phrase 'shop till you drop' - well this will literally applies to you in Kowloon if your are a shopper! Kowloon has many designer labels boutiques, and the service that comes along with the boutiques is first class. However, if you are like myself can only look and not purchase because my bank balance will probably fall out with me, then they are plenty of other shops to shop in. The fashion is up to date with affordable prices. Also, those of you who would like to purchase designer labes, but can't afford the real thing, then no worries, Kowloon, sells many replicas of designer labels that are in season that is almost identical to the real thing. Mongkok, Kowloon has street markets which comes alive at night which sells these designer replicas that I mentioned. It also sells many other things, you name it they will have it. You will find that you can pick up many bargains as souveniors to bring back to your friends and family. The only problem is you will need to control yourself, not to overshop!! Another thing is these night markets don't close til about 3am - yes 3AM!! - so if your feeling bored at night, then you will know where to go!
Ok - I have sold Kowloon like there is no tomorrow. Having said all this, I am not going to be completely biased, there is some disadvantages. The weather!! The months of May-August, is very hot and humid. I will recommend to go to Hong Kong between Oct-Feb, at this time the weather is more clear and less humid.
It can get crowdy in Hong Kong, which doesnt help in the heat you are in when it come to the summer months.
Another thing is also the public toilets. In the last 5 years or so, the conditions of the public toilets has improved alot, however, some still has the hole in the ground method. It is highly recommended to always bring a pack of pocket tissues with you, as this will come in highly useful.
Also, to travel to Hong Kong is expensive. Travelling from UK, in the peak seasons flights would cost between £500-£800. And travelling in the off-peak seasons, prices could range from £350-£600.
Those of you who, likes to explore, shop, eat, soak up new cultures, then I would highly recommend to go to Hong Kong for about 2 weeks. I have not heard anyone who has travelled to Hong Kong and coming back saying they have not enjoyed themselves.