On the way back from our Australian
adventure in January, we stopped off at Hong Kong and explored a very different
culture to Australia. Brad had always wanted to experience Asian culture and
the only place in Asia I’ve been is Thailand, so it was equally as exciting for both of us.
Surprisingly, I enjoyed Hong Kong possibly
more than Australia, which I didn’t expect! The culture was amazing to
experience, the people were so, so friendly and the general architecture and
feel of the place was just so special.
We stayed at the Kerry Hotel in Hung Hom, a
part of the city across the river from the main island. We were only in Hong
Kong for three days, so decided to treat ourselves with our hotel and it didn’t
disappoint. If you can afford a little more, definitely try and stay here.
Reasons to stay here:
Reasons to stay here:
Breakfast:
now, trust me when I say this is by far the best
breakfast buffet I’ve ever experienced! I’m definitely not a breakfast gal, but
this was just mental. You want a full English? They’ve got it. Pancakes? No
problem. Chinese food? Its there.
Food/Drinks:
there are two restaurants within the hotel and a
rooftop bar, so although the hotel isn’t in the main swing of things in the
city, it more than makes up for it. The rooftop bar was incredible, to sip your
cocktails whilst looking over the river at the skyline, just perfect. You also
get an insanely good view of the light show each night.
Service:
I couldn’t complain about a thing and you can tell
it isn’t just because it’s a fancy hotel, the Hong Kong culture is just
sickeningly nice in general!
Things
to do:
The
Peak: Its on everyone’s list when they visit Hong
Kong and it doesn’t disappoint. You can walk up it but it is incredibly steep, as in, I’ve never seen
anything like it, so most people prefer to take the tram up. You can buy
tickets prior to arrival, which in peak times may be worthwhile, but we only
queued for around half an hour.
There are two options for going up: just the tram or the tram and the view point. Do not, I repeat, do not, pay the extra for the view point. Its rammed with people and isn’t worth the money. Instead, take a right out of the building on the first floor up from where you come in and go down a little path. Walk for around 10-15min and you’ll see an incredible view of the city. Walk a little further and you’ll see it from a slightly different angle. Just as good, if not better, and totally free!
There are two options for going up: just the tram or the tram and the view point. Do not, I repeat, do not, pay the extra for the view point. Its rammed with people and isn’t worth the money. Instead, take a right out of the building on the first floor up from where you come in and go down a little path. Walk for around 10-15min and you’ll see an incredible view of the city. Walk a little further and you’ll see it from a slightly different angle. Just as good, if not better, and totally free!
Take
public transport: An alternative to taxis and a
hell of a lot cheaper. The MTR is like the underground only possibly simpler
and so much nicer. Tickets cost next to nothing and it gets you places in
minutes. Alternatively, if you need to get across the river then take the
ferry. It worked out to cost 20p to cross and you get to see the views from a
brand new perspective.
Markets:
These are really interesting to see, however, all
full of rubbish and fake designer wear if I’m being totally honest, but again,
seeing the culture and how they work and their day-to-day lives was the most
fascinating bit to our trip so definitely check some out.
Tian
Tan Buddha: Located in Ngong Ping, it’s a slightly
longer MTR ride out of Hong Kong, around 40min, but so worth it. This was probably one of my favourite, yet most scary
things we did. You have to get a twenty-five minute cable car up through the
mountains to a small Chinese village at the top where the Buddha is. I’m
terrified of heights but it was inexplicably beautiful. As well as the Buddha,
there are temples and various souvenir stores. They also have dogs and cows
just roaming around freely!
Disneyland:
Believe me when I say, do not go solely for this,
as you will be disappointed if you’ve been to other Disneylands. That being
said, its still the most magical place on Earth regardless! Disney is two stops
away from the Buddha so it was rude not to go. Its very small and you can get
round it in half a day, so don’t set aside a full day and especially not two! I
adore Disneyland and its on my bucket list to visit them all, which is why we
went.
If I could recommend Australia or Hong
Kong, I would probably suggest Hong Kong more so. Although it’s a big city and
could have the tendency to feel just like London, or New York, it has it’s own
personality and style to it, which I don’t think you’ll find in the Western
World.
X
