Day 1
This guide covers my Hong Kong vacation in July 2007. I landed at the airport in the afternoon and my first destination was the Causeway Bay Times Square Mall, a mega shopping complex with hundreds of stores for your retail therapy. I had to fill my stomach first, so I walked into a fancy-looking Japanese restaurant for my first meal of the trip. It’s dark inside with red lighting and decor, creating a relaxing feel and serving decent fusion food at reasonable prices. I had a smoked salmon pizza before going shopping there.
In the evening, I decided to head to The Peak. You can’t say you’ve been to Hong Kong if you haven’t been to The Peak. I took the Peak Tram that leads to The Peak, and the tram ride is very very steep. However, the tram never had an accident in its years of service (since 1888), and that is a reassuring thought throughout the journey.
The views at the top of the peak are breathtaking. You can see the outline of the island and in front of it, the mainland of Kowloon. It is the best place to see Hong Kong at a glance, with neon lights in their best color. There are many restaurants on The Peak, with options for everyone from Chinese to Japanese, Indian and Western cuisine. Some restaurants even offer stunning views from their location. The Peak offers a pleasant atmosphere and enough activities for one to spend a pleasant evening at one of the highest points in Hong Kong.
Day 2
The second day begins with a hearty breakfast in front of the hotel in a ‘cha can teng’ (Hong Kong restaurant). Their menu is certainly overwhelming with options. With over 100 dishes to choose from, there is sure to be something you can’t wait to try.
After breakfast, sightseeing tours start from Jordan to Tsim Sha Tsui (TST). I bought a few things on the way, while trying to avoid water dripping from the air conditioning ducts of the buildings. This is the only thing I don’t like about Hong Kong. You really have to be vigilant and vigilant to avoid dripping water. I did this by looking for puddles of water along the sidewalks. But sometimes it can be exhausting.
Shopping on a Sunday at the malls means crowds practically everywhere. For those who wish to bring their children to the Teddy Bear Kingdom in Tsim Sha Tsui, the venue is now closed and there is only a small bear exhibit available upstairs.
In the afternoon, I took the MTR to Mong Kok and headed straight to nearby Ladies’ Street and Sportswear Street. I tried the famous desserts at the Hui Lau Shan dessert shop before catching the train back to Tsim Sha Tsui in the evening for the laser show on the Avenue of Stars. Personally, I think the laser show is over the top, but the night view of the harbor is a must see. It is simply romantic.
Day 3
Day 3 started early with a trip to Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island. I took the MTR to Tung Chung station, before changing to bus no. 23 to Ngong Ping Village. The recently opened cable car service was suspended due to an accident involving the fall of a cable car during maintenance. It’s a shame, as the view from the gondola is supposed to be magnificent. The bus ride lasted about 45 minutes and took visitors to the foot of the long stairs where the big Buddha sits. This place is crowded on weekends and it is the largest outdoor Buddha you can find (according to their website).
Right next to Tung Chung MTR is the City Gates shopping complex. In it are the factory outlets of Nike, Adidas, Timberland, Esprit, Columbia, Body Shop, all offering great discounts. I did some shopping there before I finished the day and headed to Disneyland. The luckiest ones, at the entrance to Disneyland, have a drop-off counter where visitors can deposit heavy bags and luggage before entering the theme park.
Hong Kong Disneyland is divided into Fantasyland, Pirateland, Tomorrowland and Main Street, USA There are thrilling rides to boost your adrenaline levels and street entertainment where anything can happen. Don’t be surprised if a trash can suddenly speaks, or if a musical show suddenly takes place in the streets. There are many charming shops and restaurants within the complex, so anyone can spend a full day here.
The best part is witnessing the night sky come to life with dazzling fireworks at 9:00 PM. M. Every day. Incredible fireworks explode to the choreographed sounds of classic Disney music. It is an amazing screen not to be missed.
Day 4
Day 4 is a tour of the island of HK. I went from Central to Admiralty, and finally to Wan Chai. I walked a long way to find the famous dim sum restaurant in Central, the Maxim’s Place City Hall. But it is worth it. They are still serving dim sum in the traditional push cart way, and sealing our card with little stamp chops. And I thought I could only see that happening on TV.
In Wan Chai, there is the modern Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, with Bauhinia Plaza in front. It is one of Victoria Harbor’s most prominent landmarks, and was where Hong Kong’s major handover to China took place in 1997.
At the time of departure I was still craving the pork chop burger which was so delicious but had to wait until I made another visit to the city again.