I used to travel to Hong Kong numerous times a year and each time I arrived at the airport after a long 14 hour Trans Pacific flight, I was filled with renewed excitement, ready for a new adventure.
My very first visit to Hong Kong was when it was still a British Colony before it returned to be part of China again in 1997. I remember flying into the now closed Hong Kong Kai Tak Airport, an experience I am so glad I could have and will never forget. As we approached to line up with the runway on our last, almost 90 degree turn, it seemed that the airplane’s wing tips clip some of the buildings in Kowloon.
Hong Kong is filled with excitement and has so much to offer. One of my favorite things to do is to just walk through the bustling streets, take the ferry over to Hong Kong Island from Kowloon and enjoy the ocean breeze and the amazing city lights at night.
Any trip to Hong Kong should include a tram ride to the ‘Peak’ from where you will have a breathtaking view of the city and in just over 20 minutes by subway you can be on Lantau Island where you will find the World’s largest outdoor Buddha statue. It’s a wonderful place to walk around and you’ll feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You have to climb up 240 stairs to reach the statue where you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the outlying areas of Hong Kong.
From Hong Kong you will also have easy access to Macau and even though part of this once Portuguese Colony looks a little like Las Vegas, there is still a charming and historical part of town which will take you back in time.
Often people just spend a couple of days in Hong Kong as it is famous for its shopping and nightlife but I recommend to spend at least 3 to 4 days here as there are so many places outside of the city waiting to be discovered. Hong Kong has some great hiking trails and beautiful, authentic villages on the outlying islands.
Take your time and experience all the sights and sounds of this diverse city, which I always found to be the perfect jump off point to the rest of South East Asia.
Contact me if you would like more information on the different options, whether you would like to visit Hong Kong or wander beyond, I’d be happy to create an unforgettable journey just for you.
May all your travels stir your soul and change your life forever – Ales.
(A special thanks to Hong Kong Tourism for the wonderful pictures and video)
