As a westerner, the first time you cross the International Date Line and arrive in the Far East can be a bit of a culture shock; jolting, if you will. Overwhelmed, intrigued, disoriented…just a few of the feelings that swept over me and my best friend Amy the fist time we stepped into the sprawling urban jungle of Hong Kong. The bustling metropolis is a feast for the senses: an imposing skyline accentuated by an endless sea of illuminating lights, pungent smells emanating from lively food stalls and stands that dot the city streets, and bright and illustrative signs along with flashy and vivid storefronts waiting for you around nearly every corner.
Hong Kong is famous for its international hub, a place where west often meets east in finance, commerce, and entertainment. Like so many other megacities scattered throughout Asia, spiritual temples co-exist among the numerous ultra-modern skyscrapers and booming business districts that help define both the culture and identity of Hong Kong.
My very own gateway to Asia has left a lasting impression on my wanderlusting soul, serving as the catalyst for multiple return trips to the world’s largest continent. From Japan to India to Indonesia, every Asian destination we have visited has intoxicated us with its vibrancy, energy, and boldness. We are so excited to be returning to Asia soon–we’ll be heading to Seoul, South Korea in April 2019 (!!!).
Below are the highlights from our four-day stint in magnificent and thriving Hong Kong.
VICTORIA PEAK
If you only have time to do one thing in Hong Kong (but that would be really silly, wouldn’t it? To travel all the way to Hong Kong and only visit one thing? But just in case…), make visiting Victoria Peak your top priority. Towering almost 2,000 feet above sea level, the summit provides remarkable views of Hong Kong Island, the harbor, and Kowloon. You’ll feel like you are on top of the world here as you’re rewarded with an unparalleled perspective of just how phenomenal and expansive Hong Kong truly is.
There are various ways to reach the top but the easiest and most common method is a seven-minute ride on the Peak Tram, the world’s steepest funicular railway. Tickets can be purchased on-site and adult round-trip tickets cost around $12 USD/pp.
On our way up!
KOWLOON
Set amid a striking harbor, Kowloon is a popular neighborhood known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment districts. There are a lot of things to do and see in Kowloon, so plan on allocating some significant time here. Some favorites include:
Wong Tai Sin Temple
This highly popular shrine commemorates three major Chinese religions: Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. The ornate and stunning temple is famous among worshipers for bestowing good fortune, in which visitors shake a bamboo cylinder to receive wisdom and luck.
Victoria Harbour Waterfront
When it comes to views, Hong Kong does not mess around. While the best views are unarguably from atop Victoria Peak, the stunning scene from the Victoria Harbor Waterfront Promenade also promises striking views of the city’s impressive skyline.
Also, who doesn’t love a scenic and peaceful stroll along the water? No-one, that’s who.
Temple Street Night Market
One of my absolute favorite things to do while traveling is to visit markets and specialty shops. Now, I’m not talking about shopping for clothes, per se. God knows I do enough of that at home. Dynamic and exuberant markets filled with colorful handicrafts and local delicacies that offer a unique insight into the nation’s culture — that’s what I’m talking about. These are the places that feed and awaken my traveling soul.
Visitors usually begin flocking to Temple Street Night Market, a bustling, open-air market, around 8:00 pm to peruse the countless stalls lined with clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, fake bags, and electronic gadgets. There are also a number of food stalls here where you can enjoy authentic local fare.
Nathan Road
At first glance, you would never know that Nathan Road is Kowloon’s oldest road, complete with a plethora of modern shops, chic and high-end boutiques, and blinding neon lights. This iconic shopping and sightseeing street is a major lifeline not just in Kowloon, but in all of Hong Kong. Expect the thoroughfare to be crowded, lively, and chaotic, day and night. Be prepared (and excited!) for sensory overload here, but never fear, nearby Kowloon Park offers an inviting and tranquil reprieve from the busy area.
We stayed at the wonderful Majestic Hotel, which is now named the Novotel Nathan Road Hotel. As the new name suggests, the hotel is situated right on Nathan Road. Conveniently located, it’s a very short walk from the Jordan MTR station, and very close to all of the aforementioned attractions.
LANTAU ISLAND
The largest and greenest of Hong Kong’s islands, Lantau Island offers a welcomed break from the hustle and bustle that is so pervasive throughout much of the city. Nicknamed The Lungs of Hong Kong, Lantau has mountainous terrain, stretches of sandy coastline and the area’s largest park. This was definitely a highlight of our time in Hong Kong–highly recommend!
Perhaps the greatest draw here is the Po Lin Monastery, which houses the Big Buddha (Tiantau), known to be the largest, seated, outdoor bronze Buddha in the world.
It’s well worth climbing the 270+ steps for an upclose and personal encounter with Mr. Buddha himself, plus you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the island and its lush green hills.
Po Lin Monastery
ABERDEEN
Aberdeen is a self-sufficient fishing village where locals live and work aboard their house boats, rarely stepping foot on land. We toured the village by sampan boat to get a look into the lives of the village’s workers and residents, often one in the same. Tours are frequently piloted by elderly residents, zig-zagging around house boats, fishing vessels, and two large floating restaurants, including the famed Jumbo Restaurant. Aberdeen is a fascinating glimpse into Hong Kong’s off-the-grid community, so to speak, as well as the severe income disparity that plagues the city.
Hong Kong’s famous Jumbo Restaurant
RIDE THE STAR FERRY
In an expensive city like Hong Kong, you need to take advantage of rare bargains any chance you get. Riding the Star Ferry is one of the best deals in town. Its primary route runs between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon and offers — you guessed it — dramatic views of the city’s breathtaking skyline. It’s also further proof of just how much water dominates and impacts everyday life here.
MARKETS & SHOPPING
Located on Hong Kong Island, Stanley Market is a historic street market that is popular among locals and tourists alike. Unlike Temple Street Night Market, Stanley Market is strictly opened during the day and is set along the island’s coast, so while the market is typically boisterous and teeming with overly eager shoppers, the neighboring water and sea breezes provide a somewhat serene and picturesque setting, making this market truly unique. Expect to find a maze of stalls filled with local fabrics, paintings, cheap souvenirs, and a whole lot of junk.
Visit a Grocery Store
Do you know one of the best ways to immerse yourself into a foreign country’s culture? Visit a grocery store! I love wandering through the aisles to see the different and often exotic food and household items. And seriously, how adorable is Amy? I mean, seriously!
The general stores in Tokyo are among my all-time favorites, but as my very first introduction to Asian shops and food stores, Hong Kong will always hold a special place in my traveling-obsessed heart.
And the fact that this happened, well, all the better. What’s Amy doing, you ask?
Oh, just licking the package of a black chicken. Have I written a post yet about how not to be an obnoxious traveler? Clearly I have plenty of content.
Easily one of the best photos I’ve ever taken.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO NOTE:
*Hong Kong’s subway system, the MTR, is widely regarded as one of the best (if not the best) public transportation systems in the world. Similar to so many other incredible transit systems across Asia, the MTR is fast, reliable, clean, safe, and relatively affordable. Getting around is super easy and the subway pretty much goes anywhere you need to go–definitely take advantage of it.
*Be willing to be adventurous in your eating, even when, say, a chicken’s head is prominently featured as the garnish on your plate. Hong Kong’s dining scene is world-renowned and widely lauded as a culinary destination. Amy and I were too young to appreciate it and. umm, too poor to fully indulge in it, so I’m counting on you to dine at all of the hottest and poshest restaurants and report back. Thanks.
To think that this non meat-eating girl once ate this meal. Choking on my own vomit over here.
*Hong Kong is an expensive destination. As already mentioned, there are numerous markets, food stalls, stands, and carts throughout the city that serve delicious authentic food. A wonderful way to eat your way across the city on a budget. Buying daily transit passes can also help reduce costs.
*Like most amazing places, Hong Kong is best explored alongside someone you love. No, not T this time (sorry, babe), but my bestest friend in the whole wide world, Amy.
Cheers to friendship, adventure, and new discoveries! Love you lots, Big A!
Happy Traveling, All!
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