Hong Kong comprises of 1100 square kilometres of the South China coastline and a number of islands East of the Pearl River.

The principal urban area is spread along the North shore of Hong Kong Island that offers not only traces of the old British colony, from English place names to ancient, double-decker trams trundling along the shore, but also superb modern cityscapes of towering buildings teetering up impossible slopes, along with whole districts dedicated to selling traditional Chinese medicine and herbs.  

The South of the island offers several decent beaches, a huge amusement park, and even hiking opportunities.

Hong Kong consists of Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, the Northern Territories and numerous islands surrounding the Delta. Hong Kong was a British Colony up until 1997 when the area was returned to China. However, a treaty was signed for a 50 year term protecting the territory and keeping it a capitalist region.

What Does Hong Kong Offer

There is so much to do and see in Hong Kong that unless you have a couple of weeks to spare fitting it all into a few days is almost impossible.  The idea here is to prioritise what you wish to see. My visit to Hong Kong were four days with one of these days set aside to visit Macau.

HONG KONG ISLAND

Is the oldest colonised part of Hong Kong, its bustling administrative and business hub, and a playground for those who can afford the sky-high real estate prices. Hong Kong Island is undeniably the pulsating heart of the territory. Yet, don’t be fooled—this island stretches a mere 9 miles (15 kms) across. Development is crammed along its chaotic North shore, a vibrant battleground of shops, restaurants, bars, and financial institutions, while the South coast lags behind with its serene greenery and scarce beaches, inviting those craving a break from the madness.

Hills between the two rise to ‘Victoria Peak’ that offers some of the islands best scenery and its freshest air. Transport around the island is easy, with the MTR and trams covering the North shore, and plentiful busses throughout.

The most efficient method to travel throughout the North of the island is to use the Tramcars.  The tramway runs from Kennedy Town  to Shua Kei Wan. Fares are based on distance but an average fare would cost around HKG$2.30

HONG KONG ZOO

Hong Kong’s Zoological and Botanical Gardens, on the slopes of Victoria Peak, are home to hundreds of animals – including flamingos, orangutans and alligators – plus more than 1,000 different plant species. Entry into the zoo is free.  Click here to know more about the zoo.

VICTORIA PEAK

You can reach the peak via the Funicular Tram. The 120 year old funicular railway departs from its terminus on Garden Road. If you are staying in Kowloon and have taken the MTR to Hong Kong Island then look for the HSBC building – walk through the building and turn left.  As you exit the building look left to notice a street that bares right up a hill.  Follow this road and it will lead you to the tram station (it is clearly signposted).

The cost of a return fare? Just HKG$168 (a mere GB£16.00) for a view that will take your breath away. Let’s be real—I’ve seen countless skylines worldwide, but nothing quite compares to the breathtaking spectacle from the top, particularly as the sun sets. Don’t just take my word for it; click here and see for yourself.

At the pinnacle of the Peak, you’ll find a tourist center brimming with shopping outlets begging for your attention, along with trendy cafes and a plethora of restaurants serving up bites that will tantalize your taste buds. But the real kicker? An observation platform granting you breathtaking 360-degree views of Hong Kong that will make your jaw drop. After you’ve indulged in some culinary delights, why not embrace your adventurous side and tread along the nature trail? Navigate the lush canopy of trees in your quest to uncover the hidden gems of local flora and fauna that await you.

If you are in search of somewhere good to eat and have a few drinks Happy Hour at ‘From Dust till Dawn’  bar on Jaffe Rd, Wan Chai is great.

In the midst of the overpriced business district, this hidden gem defies the norm; here, drinks and food are not just cheap—they’re deliciously enticing, complemented by electrifying live music on select evenings that will make you question why you ever paid more.

Kowloon District

TEMPLE STREET NIGHT MARKET

Once the sun sets make your way to Temple Street Market located off Jordan and Yau Ma Tei in Kowloon.

Temple Street Night Market isn’t just a popular street bazaar; it’s an electric playground named after a Tin Hau temple that dominates its bustling main drag, teeming with an intoxicating local atmosphere that pulls you in and dares you to explore its hidden gems.

Trinkets, tea ware, flashy electronics, stylish watches, dapper menswear, coveted jade, and tantalizing antiques are fiercely scrutinised and mercilessly haggled over, while delectable clay pot rice, succulent seafood, slurp-worthy noodles, and other irresistible treats are devoured with abandon.

NATHAN ROAD

Nathan Road is the pulsating lifeblood of Kowloon, a relentless artery that stretches from Tsim Sha Tsui to Sham Shui Po, daring you to walk its length, where every step unleashes the chaotic essence of urban life.

Nathan Road buzzes with the relentless energy of shops and restaurants, overflowing with tourists at every turn. The sole downside? The incessant barrage of street vendors, fiercely hawking everything from suits to flashy watches—unless that’s exactly the chaos you’re seeking.

CHI LIN NUNNERY

Chi Lin Nunnery is a large Buddhist temple complex located in Diamond Hill, Kowloon. It was founded in 1934 as a retreat for Buddhist nuns and was rebuilt in the 1990s following the traditional Tang Dynasty architecture.  

Don’t even think about making the same mistake I did, believing it would be a leisurely stroll. I dragged my feet up Nathan Road through Kowloon City, and guess what? It took me over an hour and a half, all while being battered by the relentless heat—it was downright exhausting.

If you want to visit the nunnery without suffering, just take the MTR to Diamond Hill Station, cross the road, and trail along the perimeter fence until you finally reach the entrance. I had the common sense to hop back underground to Tsim Sha Tsui station on Nathan Road.

Lantau Island

Lantau Island proudly showcases the breathtaking Cheung Sha Beach – a true gem that holds the title of Hong Kong’s longest beach, mesmerising visitors with its soft golden sands and the soothing rhythm of the waves.

Once on Lantau, embark on a thrilling ascent up the winding mountain road to Ngong Ping Plateau, where the awe-inspiring Tian Tan Buddha looms over you, a colossal presence beside the Po Lin Monastery. Famously dubbed the Big Buddha or Giant Buddha, this towering statue obliterates the ordinary at over 111 feet (34 meters) high, boldly claiming its title as the world’s largest seated, outdoor bronze Buddha.

For added views take the Ngong Ping 360 sky rail cable car to the Ngong Ping Plateau – a 3 mile distance away. This 25 minute journey across Tung Chung Bay offers breathtaking panoramic views of the South China Sea along with the awe-inspiring Giant Buddha nestled in the lush mountains landscape.  Click here for more details

Harbour Night Symphony of Light

At 8pm each evening, prepare to be mesmerised by the breathtaking 20-minute Symphony of Lights show, where dazzling laser beams dance across the skyline, illuminating the skyscrapers that line both sides of the harbour. With synchronised music and captivating commentary, this spectacle tells the incredible story of Hong Kong’s transformation from a humble fishing village to the vibrant, world-class metropolis it is today, stirring the heart and igniting the spirit of all who witness it.

The New Territories

The New Territories is a captivating expanse of wetlands, parks, and rugged mountains that defy the mundane, lurking just north of Kowloon. It’s a realm that boldly includes outlying islands, with Lantau Island flaunting its presence in the southwest, beckoning adventurers to explore its untamed beauty.

My time in Hong Kong, though brief, was incredibly fulfilling, and even though I didn’t have a chance to explore the New Territories, my eagerness for exploration was truly satisfied, and knowing that I have yet to experience the territories only strengthens my resolve to return.

GETTING AROUND HONG KONG

A tourist travel pass costs HK$65 (GB£6.50)per day and covers unlimited travel on the metro, tram, and light rail service. Individual tickets are based on distance and range from HK$7-23 (£0.70-£2.30) so a day pass is your best option if you’re going to be travelling a lot or travelling long distances.

The subway runs late into the night and is very clean and efficient. Fares will cost between HK$5-25 (GB£0.50-£2.50) depending on where you’re going.

The Star ferry between Hong Kong and Kowloon island is HK$2 (GB£0.25).

There is also a train to the airport (Airport Express Line) which departs every 10 minutes and costs HK115 (GB£11.50) per person. The journey takes around 25 minutes.

If you need to take a taxi, prices start at HK$25 (GB£2.50) and go up per kilometer. Uber is also available, though it’s around the same price as a taxi.

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