Travel Diary: Hong Kong
It’s gritty, it’s grimy, it’s absolutely gorgeous: It’s Hong Kong, a true metropolis where the East and the West meet. This shopping mecca and foodie haven has been pegged with a high price tag and is often overlooked. Well, it is time to dispel this dark myth. Hong Kong is full of fabulous and affordable opportunities for any type of traveler. Here you will find just what you need to keep money in your wallet and a smile on your face without skimping out on any of the action.
Booking flights early and choosing your accommodation’s location are key in keeping initial costs low. Do you prefer digs on Hong Kong Island? Or are you up for embracing the lively scene of Kowloon just across the bay at one of the budget-friendly, conveniently-located hostels in Mirador Mansion? Having visited a few times myself, I cut lodging costs by at least half by opting for a Kowloon sort of stay and didn’t regret it. Currently with the conversion rate, 1,000 Korean wonroughly equals 7 Hong Kong dollars (HKD), and from there the U.S. dollar, euro and pound sterlingeach strike an even better deal respectively.
Divvying up your days between all the sites, the snacks and the shopping takes some savvy scheduling, but you have to be willing to change your to-do list at the drop of a hat, as weather is temperamental. If there’s even a hint of sun, heading to the top of Victoria’s Peak via the Peak Tram or catching a glimpse of the entire bay from above for the bargain price of 40 HKD round-trip is an absolute must. If you are a dice roller, wait until dusk as the view is absolutely spectacular. Other options to see this #1-rated skyline in the world include riding the Starry Ferry across from HK Island and then copping a squat along the waterfront just before the Symphony of Lights show starts to snap a few stunning shots. Still not satisfied? Head to Ozone, the world’s highest bar, situated on the 118th floor just above the Ritz-Carlton, is also on the Kowloon side. Entrance is free but if you want to indulge a bit, your best bet is to buy a glass of red wine to sip on as you relish the view.
Love nature? Start a dreary day off by heading to Lantau Island to see the Tian Tan bronze Buddha, Po Lin Monastery and any of the hiking trails found around the island. Reach these sites by taking bus number 23 from the Tung Chung MRT station for a mere 35 HKD round-trip. Do not be lured in by the Npong Ping 360 and its clear glass cable cars at six times the price, as even on the bus you will still be bombarded with beautiful coastal views. If you prefer a less touristic trek, make your way to the Dragon’s Back to experience what has been named “Asia’s Best Urban Hike.” For a bit less active but still equally wonderful refuge, stop off at the Nan Lian Garden and the Chin Lin Nunnery to enjoy the greenery goodness, free of charge.
What’s left? Food and shopping. Trying dim sum is a requirement. If you are the more adventurous type, the Lin Heung Tea House, an institution and local hang-out on the back streets of Wellington on HK Island, is just the place for you. Still hungry? Head to the Tsim Chai Kee Noodles Shop nearby and grab a bowl of the famous King Prawn noodle soup for just 22 HKD. If dining with strangers is not your scene but you still want to try local delights, head to Din Tai Fung in Kowloon and give their Xiao Long Bao a go. While you are there, hours can be spent scouring markets filled with foods and trinkets galore. Just for kicks, why not stop by Prada?
All this is only a flight away, so now is the time to start planning your next budget-friendly escapade!