There is so much to do and see in Hong Kong. We were there for 8 days and we felt like that wasn't enough time! As I mentioned in my previous post, we started exploring Hong Kong with the Big Bus Tour, but alternatively you can easily get around by using the MTR and ferry (which depends on where you are staying). As we were staying on the Kowloon side, we caught the ferry to Hong Kong Island to begin our tour. The ferries have a vintage-British feel, which I absolutely loved. Getting across the harbour was very quick from our port to the other - about 10 minutes each way.
Victoria Peak
Our first stop in terms of site seeing was Victoria peak. We arrived here via their tram system, I definitely recommend getting to the peak this way. You can catch a taxi up there, but I imagine you will experience a lot of winding roads as it approaches the peak. As we boarded the tram, the station displayed many pieces of history by museum-like exhibits of how the tram was created and when.
With the Big Bus tour, we already had tickets to the tram up to Victoria Peak. This allowed us to jump the queue dramatically as we could avoid the massive line-up for tram tickets.
The ride up to the peak in the tram was extremely steep, as you could imagine. It was amazing to see the sweeping views of Hong Kong as we ascended the mountainside. When the tram arrived at the peak, we entered the Peak building through a gift shop and I couldn't help but feel like we just got off an amusement park ride. We ascended on many flights of escalators to get to the viewing deck at the top of the building. Afraid of heights myself, I felt a little anxious walking through the deck and my hand gripped the railing every step I took.
The view of Hong Kong was incredible, regardless of the smog that day. I'd definitely recommend this if you are visiting Hong Kong, and being part of a tour helps you get tickets and avoid the queue.
Big Buddha
Out of every tourist attraction we went to, visiting the Big Buddha was my absolute favourite! The entire journey was such a memorable experience. A recommended way of getting there is via a cable cart that they called Ngong Ping 360 that you board in Tung Chung. We got to Tung Chung very easily through the MTR (Hong Kong Subway system). We bought our cable cart tickets online, which not only saved us 15% but it also allowed us to skip the queue that were buying tickets. We arrived to the cable cart station to a very discouraging "90 minute wait" sign. Showing our tickets to the staff there, we discovered that the sign was for those queuing up to purchase tickets. We were able to walk straight past this queue directly to the one that boards the cable cart. I'd definitely recommend people to purchase tickets online HERE to avoid long waits, especially if you are visiting during the weekend or a public holiday (like we did).
The cable cart ride was amazing, we saw how lush and green the hills of Hong Kong are (particularly Lantau island). We took a standard cabin, but if you are a brave soul (which I was not) you can take a crystal-floor cabin that allows you to enjoy the journey with a clear floor.
We arrived in the cable cart to Ngong Ping village was an adorable oriental-style modern village. I felt like I was walking into a scene in Mulan! This housed souvenir stores, cafes, restaurants - even a Subway and a Starbucks cafe. As you follow the path ahead, you were lead to the foot of the Big Buddha and to the courtyard of beautiful Buddhist temples.
There are 260 steps to get you up to the Big Buddha where you find amazing views of lush Lantau Island, little souvenir shops and displays of history of this Big Buddha of how it was built. Some visitors would make the journey to worship this statue, where they offer prayers, money and food based on their beliefs. I wondered how far some of these worshippers came to pay their respects, and if this was a kind of pilgrimage for them.
After the Big Buddha we went down to the Buddhist temples. Be weary of (nearly suffocating) incense of those worshipping there and paying their respects. The intricacy in the design and architecture inside the temples and out really impressed me. The colours are so vibrant as if they were constructed only yesterday.
From the cable cart to Big Buddha and everything in between, this experienced definitely left an impression on me. I was so grateful that we visited the Big Buddha, and thankful to my friends who recommended it (you know who you are!). I'd definitely make time to visit this whilst you're in Hong Kong, no matter how little time you have.
Aqua Luna 'Junk Boat'
We did the Aqua Luna Junk boat cruise on our last night in Hong Kong. There are many time slots you can take a junk boat cruise and for many different routes, but we decided on a night time 45-minute harbour cruise. To be honest, the name 'junk boat' didn't appeal to me at all and I wondered why this came so highly recommended. Seeing photos and even seeing them throughout the harbour during our stay definitely changed my mind! A junk boat is ancient Chinese sailing ship that has beautiful vibrant red sails. The Aqua Luna junk boats are obviously a very good replica of just that. I'd definitely recommend this for couples and friends who are looking for a relaxing evening. We sat on the top deck near the front of the ship on cushioned day-beds. We had a great view of the sails and the harbour from there - it was prime seating for sure! The warm sea breeze was beautiful and helped the cruise feel really cozy. Your ticket comes with 1 complimentary drink of wine, beer or soft drink that you can enjoy during the cruise. This was the perfect way to end our Hong Kong trip!
Hope you enjoyed the read! One more blog post to come on Hong Kong of different restaurants and eateries we went to - stay tuned.
Sincerely,
Tia
Victoria Peak
Our first stop in terms of site seeing was Victoria peak. We arrived here via their tram system, I definitely recommend getting to the peak this way. You can catch a taxi up there, but I imagine you will experience a lot of winding roads as it approaches the peak. As we boarded the tram, the station displayed many pieces of history by museum-like exhibits of how the tram was created and when.
With the Big Bus tour, we already had tickets to the tram up to Victoria Peak. This allowed us to jump the queue dramatically as we could avoid the massive line-up for tram tickets.
The ride up to the peak in the tram was extremely steep, as you could imagine. It was amazing to see the sweeping views of Hong Kong as we ascended the mountainside. When the tram arrived at the peak, we entered the Peak building through a gift shop and I couldn't help but feel like we just got off an amusement park ride. We ascended on many flights of escalators to get to the viewing deck at the top of the building. Afraid of heights myself, I felt a little anxious walking through the deck and my hand gripped the railing every step I took.
The view of Hong Kong was incredible, regardless of the smog that day. I'd definitely recommend this if you are visiting Hong Kong, and being part of a tour helps you get tickets and avoid the queue.
Big Buddha
Out of every tourist attraction we went to, visiting the Big Buddha was my absolute favourite! The entire journey was such a memorable experience. A recommended way of getting there is via a cable cart that they called Ngong Ping 360 that you board in Tung Chung. We got to Tung Chung very easily through the MTR (Hong Kong Subway system). We bought our cable cart tickets online, which not only saved us 15% but it also allowed us to skip the queue that were buying tickets. We arrived to the cable cart station to a very discouraging "90 minute wait" sign. Showing our tickets to the staff there, we discovered that the sign was for those queuing up to purchase tickets. We were able to walk straight past this queue directly to the one that boards the cable cart. I'd definitely recommend people to purchase tickets online HERE to avoid long waits, especially if you are visiting during the weekend or a public holiday (like we did).
The cable cart ride was amazing, we saw how lush and green the hills of Hong Kong are (particularly Lantau island). We took a standard cabin, but if you are a brave soul (which I was not) you can take a crystal-floor cabin that allows you to enjoy the journey with a clear floor.
We arrived in the cable cart to Ngong Ping village was an adorable oriental-style modern village. I felt like I was walking into a scene in Mulan! This housed souvenir stores, cafes, restaurants - even a Subway and a Starbucks cafe. As you follow the path ahead, you were lead to the foot of the Big Buddha and to the courtyard of beautiful Buddhist temples.
There are 260 steps to get you up to the Big Buddha where you find amazing views of lush Lantau Island, little souvenir shops and displays of history of this Big Buddha of how it was built. Some visitors would make the journey to worship this statue, where they offer prayers, money and food based on their beliefs. I wondered how far some of these worshippers came to pay their respects, and if this was a kind of pilgrimage for them.
After the Big Buddha we went down to the Buddhist temples. Be weary of (nearly suffocating) incense of those worshipping there and paying their respects. The intricacy in the design and architecture inside the temples and out really impressed me. The colours are so vibrant as if they were constructed only yesterday.
From the cable cart to Big Buddha and everything in between, this experienced definitely left an impression on me. I was so grateful that we visited the Big Buddha, and thankful to my friends who recommended it (you know who you are!). I'd definitely make time to visit this whilst you're in Hong Kong, no matter how little time you have.
Aqua Luna 'Junk Boat'
We did the Aqua Luna Junk boat cruise on our last night in Hong Kong. There are many time slots you can take a junk boat cruise and for many different routes, but we decided on a night time 45-minute harbour cruise. To be honest, the name 'junk boat' didn't appeal to me at all and I wondered why this came so highly recommended. Seeing photos and even seeing them throughout the harbour during our stay definitely changed my mind! A junk boat is ancient Chinese sailing ship that has beautiful vibrant red sails. The Aqua Luna junk boats are obviously a very good replica of just that. I'd definitely recommend this for couples and friends who are looking for a relaxing evening. We sat on the top deck near the front of the ship on cushioned day-beds. We had a great view of the sails and the harbour from there - it was prime seating for sure! The warm sea breeze was beautiful and helped the cruise feel really cozy. Your ticket comes with 1 complimentary drink of wine, beer or soft drink that you can enjoy during the cruise. This was the perfect way to end our Hong Kong trip!
Hope you enjoyed the read! One more blog post to come on Hong Kong of different restaurants and eateries we went to - stay tuned.
Sincerely,
Tia