HKG - Plan & Logistics

The last time we did a stopover in Singapore and it was awesome. This time around we wanted to do a stopover in Hong Kong!

Hong Kong is a special administrative region (SAR) of China. Macau is another, but more on that later. Hong Kong still runs under the principle of "one country, two systems" since China resumed sovereignty from the British in 1997. Known for its expansive skyline, deep harbour and expensive real estate, HKG is an excellent tourist spot for outdoor activities.

Beware that hotel prices can be ridiculously crazy during popular season - Chinese New Year, Christmas and New year.  

Hueng Gong in Cantonese means 'fragrant harbour'. The main island gives the territory its name.  

Our plan was to cover the popular destinations as well as a few remote scenic spots. After researching the various points-of-interest, we started planning the stay.

Hotel Accommodation - In case I didn't mention, hotels are very expensive and our timing couldn't be better - post-Christmas and New Years. Finally, a month before the travel we got a good deal at City Garden Hotel - very nice and calm hotel, not much of view since it is flanked on all sides by taller buildings, but walkable (5 mins) to local bus/train transportation.

VISA - It is best to consult the HK Immigration Website. We enjoyed the privilege of being a VISA free visitor for 14-days.

Transport - HKG is a busy city with old and young, working professionals, students etc. The best way to get around are using the excellent and cheap public transportation, and ofcourse by foot to feel the place. 

Train - Get a copy of the MTA system map 

Bus - Get schedules from the two bus companies KMB and NWST. 

Ferry - If you plan to travel to neighbouring islands, get the ferry map from Star Ferry 

 

Planner : Self

Flight  : Cathay Pacific 

Flight  : City Garden Hotel, 9 City Garden Road, North Point

Duration: 5 Days

Apart from the usual things to pack, check your weather and pack some good sweaters and umbrella. Remember: some heritage sites require full pants and no PDAs.

We tried to cover as many places as possible - heritage sites, city skyscrapers, Macau, distant territories - Lamma and Lantau, hikes, gardens, parks, but as always there will be a wish list left out.

References:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Hong_Kong
http://hk.centamap.com/gc/home.aspx
http://www.tourism.gov.hk
http://www.hktb.com/
http://hketransport.gov.hk/routesearch.aspx

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/