With one of the most famous skylines in the world, Hong Kong offers travellers a taste of everything. Swanky high rise bars atop some of the world’s highest buildings, delicious street eats, hidden temples and pagodas burning incense in amongst crowded residential hubs, trekking amongst leafy green mountainous terrain – Hong Kong has it all.
It’s pristine yet grimy, modern yet dated, surprisingly affordable in some ways but also incredibly expensive in others – Hong Kong is a perfect example of a country that has surged forward in leaps and bounds since it’s war-time days, yet it’s struggling to keep up with its own economic boom at the same time.
Hong Kong will make your jaw drop, dazzle you, frustrate you and make your bellies rumble. It has more than enough to keep you entertained for weeks on end, and is so much more deserving than the several days most people give it. Find time to discover Hong Kong – and you might find yourself never wanting to leave.
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Affordability
It’s not a cheap place to visit, and some prices of things border on ridiculous, but it can be done on the cheap by staying in budget accommodation (check out Chunking Mansions in Tsim Sha Tsui for budget guesthouses), eating local food both on the street and small restaurants, and by keeping the majority of your entertainment and activities restricted to free and/or cheap sights.
Connectivity
Staying connected in Hong Kong is easy, with most accommodation and restaurants and cafes offering free wi-fi. You can also pick up a SIM card from vendors in most tourist areas – China Mobile offers 10 Day Unlimited Data Sim Cards for $100 HKD / $16.60 AUD.
Communicating
Cantonese is the official language in Hong Kong, but with so many foreigners and expats here you’ll hear half a dozen languages being spoken whilst walking down the street. English is therefore used as a ‘unifying’ language, with street signs, menus, maps and transport all in English as well as Cantonese. It’s very easy to communicate and get your requirements across.
Getting Around
Hong Kong’s MRT system is fantastic, taking you all over the island. It’s also incredibly affordable, with no legs more than a couple of dollars. Get yourself an Octopus Card to get around – this is much easier than buying a ticket and needing to queue up each time. The card is $150 HKD, including $100 credit and a refundable $50 charge for the card. If needed, taxis are also incredibly affordable as drivers to use the meter.
READ more about our adventures in Hong Kong!
A Visit to Lantau Island
Tired of the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong? Then you need to get outdoors, and explore all that Lantau Island has to offer – fishing villages, markets, pagodas, temples, Big Buddha and more – the leafy green outdoor paradise is just 30 minutes away by train!
The Peak – The Best View in Hong Kong
There are many ways to view this spectacular city from above, but the famous Victoria Peak takes the cake! If you’re planning a visit to the Peak, read this article for tips on when to visit, how to get there and how to get the best photographs!
A Guide to Hong Kong Disneyland
Experience everything a Disney park has to offer in a single day? Surely not – but it’s possible, by following this ULTIMATE guide to Hong Kong Disneyland! It might be the smallest of the parks, but that only means a more thorough experience for you!
House of Dancing Water – Macau’s Must See Show
A visit to the nearby region of Macau when in Hong Kong is incomplete without a stay overnight and spending it at the City of Dreams – home to Macau’s must see show, House of Dancing Water!
20 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a seriously photogenic city. We loved exploring its streets, transport, buildings, temples and great outdoors!
