going to Honk Kong solo - can I have some expert help pls
going to Honk Kong solo - can I have some expert help pls
I'm trying to make the brave decision to go to HK on the way over to Oz where I will be meeting friends. Having never travelled anywhere by myself I am feeling quite nervous about confirming it all. Have looked on the other forums created about HK but I'm still feeling very lost as it seems like one crazy place. Basically I'm thinking of going over there for 3 days but want to make sure I'm somewhere v central - but central to what!?!? I keep hearing Kowloon (sp) being mentioned alot - is that somewhere that is good to stay? Shopping is certainly on my agenda but I also want to see the beauty of HK. Are the night markets safe? Does anyone have any words of encouragement and advice for this nervous 1st time solo traveller (god, its only 3 days and already I'm wondering if I'm going to feel lonely!)
Answers:
I'm sure you'll be fine - you just have to take the same sort of crae you would if you were wandering around alone over here - i.e. pickpockets, dont put yourslef in dodgy late night situations etc. But generally people in Asia are really friendly and it's a pretty modern city.
I stayed in Kowloon. Basically most of HK is made up of two islands - HK Island and Kowloon which are linked by a really cheap and easy metro system, and a really cheap, a tad slower but much more scenic ferry. They are very close to each other and it's effectively like one big city - you just have to cross the bay to get from one part to the other. HK island to me seemed the more businessy side and it has a really cool tram that takes you the width of the island for like 50p or something ridiculous. Kowloon has tonnes to do as well though (and I think there are quite a few shops that side) - anyways I wouldnt have thought it would matter too much which island you stay on as you'll be hopping between the two anyways. I stayed at the kowloon shangri la which is lovely but if you want something a bit cheaper I believe the YMCA is actually pretty nice. I didnt really shop I just did sightsseing so I cant help with that, sorry. Make sure you go up the tram to the peak on HK island (god I cant remember the name!!) - it's fantastic.
Hope that helps!
Answers:
I think its Victoria Peak isn't it? Believe me Salsa, I don't think you could have chosen a safe place to stopover (except maybe Singapore!) but Hong Kong has got so much to offer. When we first arrived and I saw the amount of people I thought, oh my god, what have we done. Our hotel was in a residential area of Kowloon outside the Mongkok area and there were hardly any western faces around yet we didn't feel out of place one bit. The people are soooo friendly and helpful. The last bus back to our hotel was 11pm so we were walking back at 2am down unlit back streets and actually passed young women walking home alone. I couldn't believe it, you certainly wouldn't do it in England. One of them even went to draw money from a cash machine on her own at 2 in the morning down a dark street with hardly anyone around. Imagine feeling safe enough to do that here. I have to say, I think Hong Kong is one of the safest places I've been (except for Singapore as I said before) Its a round-the-clock city and the public transport systems great. Ooh, I wish I was going back, you'll absolutely love it!
My advice is book it! I would probably arrange a transfer from the airport for when you arrive though because it may be a little intimidating at first.
Have fun!
Donnaroo
Answers:
As already mentioned Hong Kong is a very lively place with plenty going on in its commercial centres until very late. As a first timer, I would definitely recommend that you find somewhere to stay in Kowloon (incidentally not an island as incorrectly stated above, although there are over 200 other islands in the HK SAR. Kowloon is the southern tip of the mainland peninsula facing Hong Kong Island). Whatever your budget then a Lonely Planet or Rough Guide will provide lots of accommodation options from the cheapest hostel addresses - located in the labyrinthine Chungking Mansions off Nathan Road, through the popular clean and cheap accommodations of Kowloon/Mongkok/Yaumati through to the glitziest plush places of the Kowloon and Causeway Bay/Central waterfronts.
A guide book or the Hong Kong tourist website will have maps so you can get bearings.
It's incredibly easy to make your way round using public transport. From the airport (located out on Lantau island), you have the express train which takes you in comfort and complete security to the western edge of Kowloon or one stop further to Central on HK island. Easy taxi, bus and metro connections from the stations, although be warned that HK taxi drivers rarely speak or read much English.
There is shopping galore to be had in HK, from the glossy, open-late shops of Central and Kowloon to the specialist boutiques and markets dotted all over. Stanley market is brilliant for clothes, bags, Chinese friperies, ornaments and gadgets, etc - an easy and scenic (if not taking the tunnels) bus ride from Central/Wanchai. Temple Street Night Market in Yaumati (north of Kowloon) will keep you occupied all evening (haggling for bargains) and has many tasty snack places.
The only times I ever felt lonely in HK were when I was longing for a big Yum Cha / Dim Sum feast, which to be properly appreciated in all its myriad variety really needs a crowd of diners to share the dishes.
To see the beauty of Hong Kong then you need to escape the crowds and find the quiet areas - and there are so many. From the top of Victoria Peak (the Peak) you can take a 3km walk around the Peak taking Harlech & Luguard roads. Within minutes you'll have left the tourists behind and find yourself on a lush butterfly-laden path with paradise views of sea and hilly islands. There is also a 50km HK island trail and a 70km Lantau trail for more serious walking!
Catch a ferry to Cheng Chau island and see laid back fishing village life. Go swimming at Repulse Bay. See the houseboats in Aberdeen. There are temples tucked away in hidden locations all over, many dedicated to the sea Tin Hau - these are havens of peace. Visit the Po Lin monastery on Lantau island. Take ferries all over. If you have time, always take the Star ferry between HK and Kowloon - I NEVER get tired of it. Sit on the Kowloon promenade and watch the night fall over Causeway Bay and all the buildings light up. Take the escalators up and down The Levels. My favourite museums are the teaware collection located in Flagstaff House Museum in Hong Kong Park and the Museum of History (of Hong Kong) located in Kowloon Park.
Anyway, I've gone on at length, as it's so easy to do with my favourite city! :) You'll see that three days will go by so fast, shopping, exploring, eating, riding trams, buses and ferries... I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time there.
I'm trying to make the brave decision to go to HK on the way over to Oz where I will be meeting friends. Having never travelled anywhere by myself I am feeling quite nervous about confirming it all. Have looked on the other forums created about HK but I'm still feeling very lost as it seems like one crazy place. Basically I'm thinking of going over there for 3 days but want to make sure I'm somewhere v central - but central to what!?!? I keep hearing Kowloon (sp) being mentioned alot - is that somewhere that is good to stay? Shopping is certainly on my agenda but I also want to see the beauty of HK. Are the night markets safe? Does anyone have any words of encouragement and advice for this nervous 1st time solo traveller (god, its only 3 days and already I'm wondering if I'm going to feel lonely!)
Answers:
I'm sure you'll be fine - you just have to take the same sort of crae you would if you were wandering around alone over here - i.e. pickpockets, dont put yourslef in dodgy late night situations etc. But generally people in Asia are really friendly and it's a pretty modern city.
I stayed in Kowloon. Basically most of HK is made up of two islands - HK Island and Kowloon which are linked by a really cheap and easy metro system, and a really cheap, a tad slower but much more scenic ferry. They are very close to each other and it's effectively like one big city - you just have to cross the bay to get from one part to the other. HK island to me seemed the more businessy side and it has a really cool tram that takes you the width of the island for like 50p or something ridiculous. Kowloon has tonnes to do as well though (and I think there are quite a few shops that side) - anyways I wouldnt have thought it would matter too much which island you stay on as you'll be hopping between the two anyways. I stayed at the kowloon shangri la which is lovely but if you want something a bit cheaper I believe the YMCA is actually pretty nice. I didnt really shop I just did sightsseing so I cant help with that, sorry. Make sure you go up the tram to the peak on HK island (god I cant remember the name!!) - it's fantastic.
Hope that helps!
Answers:
I think its Victoria Peak isn't it? Believe me Salsa, I don't think you could have chosen a safe place to stopover (except maybe Singapore!) but Hong Kong has got so much to offer. When we first arrived and I saw the amount of people I thought, oh my god, what have we done. Our hotel was in a residential area of Kowloon outside the Mongkok area and there were hardly any western faces around yet we didn't feel out of place one bit. The people are soooo friendly and helpful. The last bus back to our hotel was 11pm so we were walking back at 2am down unlit back streets and actually passed young women walking home alone. I couldn't believe it, you certainly wouldn't do it in England. One of them even went to draw money from a cash machine on her own at 2 in the morning down a dark street with hardly anyone around. Imagine feeling safe enough to do that here. I have to say, I think Hong Kong is one of the safest places I've been (except for Singapore as I said before) Its a round-the-clock city and the public transport systems great. Ooh, I wish I was going back, you'll absolutely love it!
My advice is book it! I would probably arrange a transfer from the airport for when you arrive though because it may be a little intimidating at first.
Have fun!
Donnaroo
Answers:
As already mentioned Hong Kong is a very lively place with plenty going on in its commercial centres until very late. As a first timer, I would definitely recommend that you find somewhere to stay in Kowloon (incidentally not an island as incorrectly stated above, although there are over 200 other islands in the HK SAR. Kowloon is the southern tip of the mainland peninsula facing Hong Kong Island). Whatever your budget then a Lonely Planet or Rough Guide will provide lots of accommodation options from the cheapest hostel addresses - located in the labyrinthine Chungking Mansions off Nathan Road, through the popular clean and cheap accommodations of Kowloon/Mongkok/Yaumati through to the glitziest plush places of the Kowloon and Causeway Bay/Central waterfronts.
A guide book or the Hong Kong tourist website will have maps so you can get bearings.
It's incredibly easy to make your way round using public transport. From the airport (located out on Lantau island), you have the express train which takes you in comfort and complete security to the western edge of Kowloon or one stop further to Central on HK island. Easy taxi, bus and metro connections from the stations, although be warned that HK taxi drivers rarely speak or read much English.
There is shopping galore to be had in HK, from the glossy, open-late shops of Central and Kowloon to the specialist boutiques and markets dotted all over. Stanley market is brilliant for clothes, bags, Chinese friperies, ornaments and gadgets, etc - an easy and scenic (if not taking the tunnels) bus ride from Central/Wanchai. Temple Street Night Market in Yaumati (north of Kowloon) will keep you occupied all evening (haggling for bargains) and has many tasty snack places.
The only times I ever felt lonely in HK were when I was longing for a big Yum Cha / Dim Sum feast, which to be properly appreciated in all its myriad variety really needs a crowd of diners to share the dishes.
To see the beauty of Hong Kong then you need to escape the crowds and find the quiet areas - and there are so many. From the top of Victoria Peak (the Peak) you can take a 3km walk around the Peak taking Harlech & Luguard roads. Within minutes you'll have left the tourists behind and find yourself on a lush butterfly-laden path with paradise views of sea and hilly islands. There is also a 50km HK island trail and a 70km Lantau trail for more serious walking!
Catch a ferry to Cheng Chau island and see laid back fishing village life. Go swimming at Repulse Bay. See the houseboats in Aberdeen. There are temples tucked away in hidden locations all over, many dedicated to the sea Tin Hau - these are havens of peace. Visit the Po Lin monastery on Lantau island. Take ferries all over. If you have time, always take the Star ferry between HK and Kowloon - I NEVER get tired of it. Sit on the Kowloon promenade and watch the night fall over Causeway Bay and all the buildings light up. Take the escalators up and down The Levels. My favourite museums are the teaware collection located in Flagstaff House Museum in Hong Kong Park and the Museum of History (of Hong Kong) located in Kowloon Park.
Anyway, I've gone on at length, as it's so easy to do with my favourite city! :) You'll see that three days will go by so fast, shopping, exploring, eating, riding trams, buses and ferries... I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time there.