Tour Hong Kong: The Ultimate Guide

A metropolis where the contradictions between a modern lifestyle and traditional China become visible. That's Hong Kong. Here you will find temples with Buddha's and on the other hand endless shopping streets and neon signs. Although Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China, the same communist laws do not apply here. It is a country in itself with its own government, except for defense and foreign affairs. The influences of its time as a British colony are still visible here.

1. Features Hong Kong

2. Prepared for round trip to Hong Kong

2.1. Vaccinations

No special vaccinations are recommended for a Hong Kong trip. Nevertheless, it is recommended to make an appointment with a vaccination agency in your area 4 to 6 weeks before departure. You may need personal vaccinations. The costs for a consultation are around €24. The price differs per vaccination agency and you can ask for the exact costs in your region.

2.2. Passport and visa

You need a passport to travel to Hong Kong. This passport must be valid for at least 1 month after you leave Hong Kong and have at least 1 empty visa page. For a stay up to 90 days you do not need a visa.

3. Travel advice Hong Kong

It is always advisable to check the travel advice of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travelling to Hong Kong. The situation on the spot can be different than you are used to in the Netherlands. Be alert for demonstrations and roadblocks. These are not always announced in advance. It is best to avoid gatherings and possible confrontations between demonstrators and police. If you are somewhere where something is happening, you should always follow the instructions of the local authorities. We share a few points of interest for a safe journey through Hong Kong:

• You can't take pictures of the army or the police in Hong Kong.

4. Best travel period Hong Kong

The summer in Hong Kong is hot and humid. Temperatures between June and September of up to 35 degrees Celsius are normal, with humidity in excess of 80 percent. By the way, these are both the sunniest and wettest months of the year. And the sea water, compared to spring, is so warmed up that it can cause tropical storms or typhoons. Between May and November, cyclones can occur. Between mid-June and mid-October you have the most chance of bad weather because of a tropical depression. If you travel during this period, it is advisable to follow the local reports for the latest news.

In winter, from mid-December to early March, the northeast monsoon influences the climate. Temperatures are lower than the rest of the year, but there is no snow or frost. The average temperature is 17 degrees Celsius. Chances are that the cloud cover over Hong Kong will remain, as the sun is not strong enough.

5. Transport in and to Hong Kong

It is a flight of about 11 ½ hours directly from Schiphol (Amsterdam) to Chep Lak Kok, the airport of Hong Kong. This is located on the artificial island of the same name, north of the island of Lantau. The only disadvantage of the airport is that it is relatively far away from the capital Hong Kong Central. You can take a taxi from the airport to your final destination, the bus, the Airport Express train or choose the cheaper alternative the Mass Transit Railway (MTR), the local metro. However, the metro does not have a stop at the airport, so you will have to take the bus to the nearest metro station first.

5.1. Ferry

To get from one island to another, you can take a ferry. It's an effective way to get around and for some islands it's the only way to get around.

5.2. Leg cart

Hong Kong is partly good walking. The city is a pedestrian area with good footpaths and places where you can cross safely. On Hong Kong Island you will even find elevated footpaths. In Hong Kong you will also find subways. These are underground connections for walkers, for example to 'cross' a street. However, if you want to travel longer distances, you will have to choose another means of transport.

5.3. Taxi

To move within Hong Kong, you can opt for a taxi. You'll find plenty of them in Hong Kong. Keep in mind, however, that not every taxi driver knows English. Make sure you have the address in Chinese as well. A taxi isn't expensive, but it's not the cheapest way of transportation, and it's certainly not the quickest way when the road is busy. In general, taxis drive with one meter for the fare and charge the same rate.

The public transport in Hong Kong is very efficient and frequent. You pay with an Octopus card, a kind of public transport chip card. The MTR is very suitable for small as well as larger distances. You can choose from several metro lines in Hong Kong. Some of them go under the water to Hong Kong Island. You can also take the bus. This is not always the fastest way of transportation. But it gets to places where the subway doesn't. In general, buses run from morning until midnight. And on Hong Kong Island you'll find closed double-deck trams that take you from A to B.

5.4. Car hire not necessary

It is not necessary to rent a car in Hong Kong. This is not only expensive, it is also awkward because it is very crowded. In addition, public transport is many times faster.

6. Hong Kong sights

Hong Kong consists of more than 200 islands, the largest of which are Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island and Kowloon Peninsula. Hong Kong is mainly characterized by the crowds - both in the form of people as well as traffic and skyscrapers. In contrast to the hustle and bustle, there is also a lot of nature with white sandy beaches and national parks. From the well-known sights to the special places. We'll list the Hong Kong sights you shouldn't miss.

6.1. Sai Kung Islands

6.2. Lion Rock

On Kowloon Island lies Lion Rock, also called Lion Rock Hill. It is an almost 500 meter high mountain whose top is made of granite that is sparsely covered by shrubs. This granite is estimated to be 140 million years old. The name comes from the shape of the mountain, which resembles a squatting lion. You can climb the mountain to get to the top. From here you can enjoy a fantastic view over the city and Hong Long Island in the distance. A tip is to bring a flashlight if you are going to walk the path around sunset. There are no lights here. Keep in mind that the hike goes over steep parts and is considered exhausting by some people. So take plenty of breaks. However, the view makes the climb worthwhile. You can start the tour at subway stop Wong Tai Sin, you will have to leave a few hours before the outward and return trip.

6.3. Nan Lian Garden

For a leisurely walk through a traditional Chinese garden visit the Nan Lian Garden on Kowloon Island. It is designed in the Tang dynasty style with hills, ponds, trees, stone and wooden structures. The philosophy that man and nature are in harmony comes back here. And each element is carefully placed according to specific rules. The beautifully landscaped garden cuts through a tangle of apartment buildings.

6.4. Nathan Road

6.5. Temple Street Market

The most vibrant place in Hong Kong when night falls is the Temple Street Market on Kowloon Island. At the end of the afternoon you'll find a string of food stalls and market stalls here. This street bazaar is also home to singers and soothsayers. And you can buy all kinds of trinkets here. If you want to enjoy the traditional Chinese cuisine, you should also go here. You can enjoy noodles and street food for little money. The market is crowded until the night and you look out of your eyes at this local market. By the way, it is held near Nathan Road.

6.6. Star Ferry

To travel between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, the Star Ferry ferry service is highly recommended. You'll cross Victoria Harbour in less than 10 minutes. And enjoy stunning views over the harbour and both shores of Hong Kong. You can pay for the crossing with an Octopus Card. Or buy a token from a vending machine that gives you access to the ferry. For the price you don't have to leave it. You pay less than 50 cents for a crossing. The ferry service runs from early in the morning until late in the evening.

6.7. Victoria Peak

If you want to admire the skyline of Hong Kong, go to Victoria Peak. From this viewing platform you have a spectacular view over the many skyscrapers that stand on Hong Kong Island. Provided of course it is not cloudy. Victoria Peak is with over 500 meters the highest point of this island.

If you want a 360 degree view, you should go to the panoramic terrace of the Peak Tower. You have to pay an entrance fee, but then you have a largely unobstructed view over the city. To get to Victoria Peak, take the Peak Tram which will take you up the hill. This funicular is 1.4 kilometers long and bridges 400 meters. Because the tram goes up at an angle of ascent, it sometimes seems as if the buildings you pass are lopsided.

6.8. Ocean Park

Ocean Park is a favorite place to see animals. It is a sea aquarium together with an amusement park. You will also find various land animals here, with the giant pandas being a highlight. This park is located on Hong Kong Island and is divided into different parts and themed areas. Each has its own attractions, animal enclosures, shows and of course restaurants and shops. The park founded several foundations in the nineties which now exist under the name Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong. The aim of the foundation is to improve nature conservation in Hong Kong. There are also goals that focus specifically on giant pandas.

So it's a combination of an amusement park and zoo. You will find among others:

• Theme park for children
• Large aquarium
• Rainforest theme
• Polar theme
• A kind of Christmas theme (Thrill Mountain)
• Adventure theme (with roller coasters)

6.9. Repulse Bay Beach

Hong Kong also offers beautiful beaches and Repulse Bay is a favourite. It is located in the south of Hong Kong Island and is popular with locals and tourists alike. You'll enjoy a fine, wide sandy beach and calm seawater against a backdrop of high quality architecture.

6.10. Hong Kong Disneyland

For a relaxing day out full of attractions and fun for the whole family, visit Hong Kong Disneyland. This amusement park is located on Lantau Island. It combines classic features from the park in California, America with Chinese culture, traditions and customs. The construction has taken into account traditions customary in China such as Feng Shui. For example, the location of the park has been rotated a few degrees and the access road has a slight bend. This to prevent life energy from flowing into the South China Sea.

It is recommended to buy your ticket in advance. Special events are regularly organised and you will need a dated ticket for them. You can check this on the website of the park.

6.11. Tian Tan Buddha

At the other extreme of Lantau island you will find Tian Tan Buddha. This is a bronze statue of a sitting Buddha of 34 meters high. The statue is in the open air and the Buddha sits on a lotus throne above an altar. It symbolizes the harmonious relationship between man and faith and nature. To take a closer look at the statue you can climb a staircase with no less than 268 steps.

The image is near the Po Lin Monastery. Here you can recover from the crowds and see the many incense that is sacrificed to the gods outside in front of the temple. You can also enjoy a vegetarian lunch. To get to the Tian Tan Buddha you can take a boat to Lantau Island. Another way is to take a cable car back and forth.

6.12. Ngong ping 360

Another attraction on Lantua island is Ngong ping 360. Ngong ping 360 is a tourism project consisting of the Ngong ping 360 cable car and the Ngongping village. In the village you will find many shops and other entertainment.

7. Book a round trip to Hong Kong: compare accommodations and providers

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