Hong Kong -what to do? where to stay?

In October we will debark ship and plan to spend two nights and two days in Hong Kong. Open to suggestions for hotels in tourism areas, or good for tourists (as opposed to a strictly business hotel) - we need nice, clean rooms but, not terribly expensive. Again location is important.

Also, how is the Hop-On Hop-Off bus there? I noticed they go just about everywhere a city tour goes. We appreciate all thoughts of other things to do during those two days?

In October we will debark ship and plan to spend two nights and two days in Hong Kong. Open to suggestions for hotels in tourism areas, or good for tourists (as opposed to a strictly business hotel) - we need nice, clean rooms but, not terribly expensive. Again location is important.

Also, how is the Hop-On Hop-Off bus there? I noticed they go just about everywhere a city tour goes. We appreciate all thoughts of other things to do during those two days?

Lookee here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2291339

And here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2304476

We like the PARK HOTEL in Kowloon. Book direct via Hotel website to avoid paying middleman commissions .

Sightseeing take your picK :

HONG KONG SELF SIGHT-SEEING. As at 01/02/16

Hong Kong has two parts the Kowloon side (on the Chinese mainland) and Hong Kong Island . The Star Ferry links Kowloon and Central and Wan Chai on HK Island as reliably today as it has done for over 150 years . A splendid MTR rail system also covers both sides and provides under harbour links . In addition a network of double decker buses also provide key tourist services. Oyster Card for all travel on HK public transport (trains, buses, trams, ferries).

Cruise boats primarily berth at Ocean Terminal on the Kowloon side alongside the Star Ferry Pier, and occasionally at Freight berths in Kennedytown on HK Island . Also a new cruise terminal at Kai Tak on the Kowloon side.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is located on Lantau Island.

Kowloon side - between Ocean Terminal and Nathan Road is the heart of great shopping for everything imaginable including clothes, watches, electronics and jewellery . Avoid the brand name department stores and search out the great deals with the smaller traders . Nearest MTR is Tsim Tsa Tsui.

The Temple Street Night Market operates nightly in Temple St , Jordan on Kowloon side . Nearest MTR is Jordan then a short walk . Temple St runs parallel to Nathan Rd several blocks back towards the harbour .

Hong Kong Island : here one finds Victoria Peak, Ocean Park, Stanley, and Aberdeen . Cross the harbour by Star Ferry and soak in the atmosphere of the world’s most exciting city . Step ashore at Central Star Ferry Piers . You will see a bus interchange on shoreside. Take bus # 15 for Victoria Peak, or # 15C for the Lower Peak Tram Station (then Peak Tram) to the Peak . From the Central Bus Terminal inland # 629 for Ocean Park Aquarium (at 0935,0955,1015 only Daily); 6, 6X or 260 for the Fishing Village of Stanley and the famous daytime (from 10am) Stanley Market .

To reach the Inland Bus Terminal after alighting from the Star Ferry walk to the shore line, then up in the elevator to an elevated walkway and head inland . After passing Hong Kong Post Office on LHS look for a turnoff on the right to Central Bus Terminal (Signage is above the walkway) . You go down stairs or escalator to ground level and the Buses to Stanley (and Stanley Market) leave from the street level under that building .)

Victoria Peak is best visited at sunset for stunning views across the harbour as HK lights up . Nightly harbour light show at 8pm. For stunning views come down from the Peak at night by bus # 15 . The peak bus terminal is under the Galleria Shopping Centre . If you are bound for Kowloon bail out of bus at Admiralty and take the MTR to Tsim Tsa Tsui or Jordan . If heading back to Ocean Terminal return to Kowloon from Central on the Island by the Star Ferry .

For those wishing to visit the Giant Buddha on Lantau Island here’s how to do that as inexpensive day round trip :

Leaving around 0830 by MTR to TUNG CHUNG, walk out the station cross a large open square and head for the Chairlift ( operates from 1000 to 1800) . At Chairlift buy the combined daily Chairlift & Lantau Island Bus Pass . Take the breathtaking chairlift which does 2 x 90 degree turns to NGONG PING . Alight walk through the village shops and climb over 300 stairs to the magnificent Buddha . Return to the lower Shopping area and from the adjacent Bus Terminal take bus # 21 (at 1035, 1120, 1220, 1320 )from NGONG PING to the fishing Village of TAI O . Walk slightly inland to discover the real village and a wonderful range of seafood restaurants where you can take in lunch. Walk back to the Shoreside bus terminal and take bus # 1 from TAI O to MUI WO . (40 minute frequency including 1300 & 1340). Then fast ferry from MUI WO (Hourly departures) will have you back at Central on HK Island next to the Star Ferry Central Pier . If you leave Kowloon on the MRT at 0830 , you will be on the chairlift at start up time (1000), and have time to explore Ngong Ping and the Buddha to make the # 21 bus from Ngong Ping at 11.20 to Tai O . After lunch in Tai O you easily make # 1 the 1340 bus to be in MUI WO to connect with the 1500 fast ferry to Hong Kong Island - Central Ferry Piers.

(MTR Details - from Tsim Sha Tsui take MTR in direction of Tsuen Wan and CHANGE at Lai King for TUNG CHUNG.

From Causeway Bay, Wanchai, Admiralty take MTR in direction of Sheung Wan and CHANGE at Hong Kong for TUNG CHUNG .)

Lunch at Lamma Island, cross island walk and twilight Dinner also on Lamma Island :

From the Central Ferry Pier 4 adjacent to STAR FERRY PIERS on Hong Kong Island take the HKKF ferry to YUNG SHUE WAN Lamma Island . On arrival at Yung Shue Wan walk to the shore end of pier and turn right . Continue along the foreshore shore and follow directional signs to SOK KWU WAN . Watch for a left hand turn inland. If you pass tennis courts on the right you have missed the signed turn on the left . Follow the signs till you arrive in SOK KWU WAN . Take in dinner at waterfront restaurant in Sok Kwu Wan . Return by HKKF ferry from the Pier in SOK KWU WAN to Central on Hong Kong Island. Ferry times : Central Pier 4 to YUNG SHUE WAN 1200, 1300, 1345, 1430, 1515, . SOK KWU WAN to Central Pier 4 : 1605, 1735, 1935, 2105, 2240 (Cross island walk takes 60 minutes, steps and ramps sealed, wear a hat and bring bottled water .)

Dinner ONLY on Lamma Island :

From the Central Ferry Pier 4 adjacent to STAR FERRY PIERS on Hong Kong Island take the 1650 HKKF ferry to SOK KWU WAN on Lamma Island . On arrival at Sok Kwu Wan walk to the shore end of pier and turn right for Waterfront seafood restaurants . Return by same ferry to Hong Kong Island by ferry leaving from Sok Kwu Wan at 1935, 2105 or 2240

Markets - General STANLEY MARKET Hong Kong Island from 10am DAILY .

Temple Street Night Market - Temple Street, JORDAN on Kowloon side . (MTR to Jordan and walk)

Jade Market - Daytime in Kowloon . Nearest MTR Jordan .

We like the PARK HOTEL in Kowloon. Book direct via Hotel website to avoid paying middleman commissions .

 

Sightseeing take your picK :

 

HONG KONG SELF SIGHT-SEEING. As at 01/02/16

 

Hong Kong has two parts the Kowloon side (on the Chinese mainland) and Hong Kong Island . The Star Ferry links Kowloon and Central and Wan Chai on HK Island as reliably today as it has done for over 150 years . A splendid MTR rail system also covers both sides and provides under harbour links . In addition a network of double decker buses also provide key tourist services. Oyster Card for all travel on HK public transport (trains, buses, trams, ferries).

 

Cruise boats primarily berth at Ocean Terminal on the Kowloon side alongside the Star Ferry Pier, and occasionally at Freight berths in Kennedytown on HK Island . Also a new cruise terminal at Kai Tak on the Kowloon side.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is located on Lantau Island.

 

Kowloon side - between Ocean Terminal and Nathan Road is the heart of great shopping for everything imaginable including clothes, watches, electronics and jewellery . Avoid the brand name department stores and search out the great deals with the smaller traders . Nearest MTR is Tsim Tsa Tsui.

 

The Temple Street Night Market operates nightly in Temple St , Jordan on Kowloon side . Nearest MTR is Jordan then a short walk . Temple St runs parallel to Nathan Rd several blocks back towards the harbour .

 

Hong Kong Island : here one finds Victoria Peak, Ocean Park, Stanley, and Aberdeen . Cross the harbour by Star Ferry and soak in the atmosphere of the world’s most exciting city . Step ashore at Central Star Ferry Piers . You will see a bus interchange on shoreside. Take bus # 15 for Victoria Peak, or # 15C for the Lower Peak Tram Station (then Peak Tram) to the Peak . From the Central Bus Terminal inland # 629 for Ocean Park Aquarium (at 0935,0955,1015 only Daily); 6, 6X or 260 for the Fishing Village of Stanley and the famous daytime (from 10am) Stanley Market .

To reach the Inland Bus Terminal after alighting from the Star Ferry walk to the shore line, then up in the elevator to an elevated walkway and head inland . After passing Hong Kong Post Office on LHS look for a turnoff on the right to Central Bus Terminal (Signage is above the walkway) . You go down stairs or escalator to ground level and the Buses to Stanley (and Stanley Market) leave from the street level under that building .)

 

Victoria Peak is best visited at sunset for stunning views across the harbour as HK lights up . Nightly harbour light show at 8pm. For stunning views come down from the Peak at night by bus # 15 . The peak bus terminal is under the Galleria Shopping Centre . If you are bound for Kowloon bail out of bus at Admiralty and take the MTR to Tsim Tsa Tsui or Jordan . If heading back to Ocean Terminal return to Kowloon from Central on the Island by the Star Ferry .

 

For those wishing to visit the Giant Buddha on Lantau Island here’s how to do that as inexpensive day round trip :

Leaving around 0830 by MTR to TUNG CHUNG, walk out the station cross a large open square and head for the Chairlift ( operates from 1000 to 1800) . At Chairlift buy the combined daily Chairlift & Lantau Island Bus Pass . Take the breathtaking chairlift which does 2 x 90 degree turns to NGONG PING . Alight walk through the village shops and climb over 300 stairs to the magnificent Buddha . Return to the lower Shopping area and from the adjacent Bus Terminal take bus # 21 (at 1035, 1120, 1220, 1320 )from NGONG PING to the fishing Village of TAI O . Walk slightly inland to discover the real village and a wonderful range of seafood restaurants where you can take in lunch. Walk back to the Shoreside bus terminal and take bus # 1 from TAI O to MUI WO . (40 minute frequency including 1300 & 1340). Then fast ferry from MUI WO (Hourly departures) will have you back at Central on HK Island next to the Star Ferry Central Pier . If you leave Kowloon on the MRT at 0830 , you will be on the chairlift at start up time (1000), and have time to explore Ngong Ping and the Buddha to make the # 21 bus from Ngong Ping at 11.20 to Tai O . After lunch in Tai O you easily make # 1 the 1340 bus to be in MUI WO to connect with the 1500 fast ferry to Hong Kong Island - Central Ferry Piers.

(MTR Details - from Tsim Sha Tsui take MTR in direction of Tsuen Wan and CHANGE at Lai King for TUNG CHUNG.

From Causeway Bay, Wanchai, Admiralty take MTR in direction of Sheung Wan and CHANGE at Hong Kong for TUNG CHUNG .)

Lunch at Lamma Island, cross island walk and twilight Dinner also on Lamma Island :

From the Central Ferry Pier 4 adjacent to STAR FERRY PIERS on Hong Kong Island take the HKKF ferry to YUNG SHUE WAN Lamma Island . On arrival at Yung Shue Wan walk to the shore end of pier and turn right . Continue along the foreshore shore and follow directional signs to SOK KWU WAN . Watch for a left hand turn inland. If you pass tennis courts on the right you have missed the signed turn on the left . Follow the signs till you arrive in SOK KWU WAN . Take in dinner at waterfront restaurant in Sok Kwu Wan . Return by HKKF ferry from the Pier in SOK KWU WAN to Central on Hong Kong Island. Ferry times : Central Pier 4 to YUNG SHUE WAN 1200, 1300, 1345, 1430, 1515, . SOK KWU WAN to Central Pier 4 : 1605, 1735, 1935, 2105, 2240 (Cross island walk takes 60 minutes, steps and ramps sealed, wear a hat and bring bottled water .)

Dinner ONLY on Lamma Island :

From the Central Ferry Pier 4 adjacent to STAR FERRY PIERS on Hong Kong Island take the 1650 HKKF ferry to SOK KWU WAN on Lamma Island . On arrival at Sok Kwu Wan walk to the shore end of pier and turn right for Waterfront seafood restaurants . Return by same ferry to Hong Kong Island by ferry leaving from Sok Kwu Wan at 1935, 2105 or 2240

 

Markets - General STANLEY MARKET Hong Kong Island from 10am DAILY .

Temple Street Night Market - Temple Street, JORDAN on Kowloon side . (MTR to Jordan and walk)

Jade Market - Daytime in Kowloon . Nearest MTR Jordan .

Great info. Thank you.

Many thanks Kuidalai!

We stayed at the YMCA Salisbury, right behind the Peninsula Hotel for a little over $200 a night. It was a great hotel for the price and centrally located. We took the HOP On Bus the two days we were there and one of the stops is across the street from the hotel. The main HO HO is at the Star Ferry which is about two blocks away.

see the site for transportation.

http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/hongkong/transportation/

A couple of extra tips to Kudalai's excellent sightseeing guide:

If you take the Route 6 bus to or from Stanley Bay it goes over the top of Hong Kong Island, not through the tunnel. You get spectacular views on thar route. Try to sit at the very front on the top level of the bus ... if you dare. ;)

If you do the Lamma walk, which is a very nice walk, take a small umbrella. There is very little shelter on parts of the walk. An unbrella will keep you dry if you get a passing shower, which we did, and also doubles as a sunshade.

We have been to Hong Kong a couple of times on holiday from Singapore.

I put some info on what we did in Hong Kong here.

On our most recent trip, we stayed at Hotel Panorama by Rhombus.

[YOUTUBE]jH4DH75MxUQ[/YOUTUBE]

Once again, many thanks. You all have peeked my interest and now I can't wait to get there! Still not sure if we should stay in Hong Kong or Kowloon. Is Hong Kong more for business sand Kowloon better for tourism? Where can you have clothes made in a day? (not sure I want to do that but it interests me.)

Stay at the Salisbury in Kowloon if you can. It has the best location in HK. 5 min walk from the ferry and on a subway line.

So, it is best to stay in Kowloon, rather than across the bay?

We stayed at the YMCA Salisbury, right behind the Peninsula Hotel for a little over $200 a night. It was a great hotel for the price and centrally located.

Stay at the Salisbury in Kowloon if you can. It has the best location in HK. 5 min walk from the ferry and on a subway line.

Another vote for the Salisbury. Yards from the cross-harbour Star Ferry terminal, short walk from Nathan Road shops, rooms above 11th floor have harbour views (tune the radio to the nightly harbour lights laser show music).

On the island is an ok location too, but stick to Wan Chai rather than Admiralty or Central. - and away from the immediate harbour front, which is reclaimed land and a concrete jungle of modern high-rise and long walkways.

Local buses, trams and ferries are cheaper, quicker and more fun than the Ho-hos.

JB :)

We've stayed at Salisbury, small rooms but great location. Cafe on the ground floor with decent prices.

We have also stayed at the Royal Plaza in Monkok on Prince Edward with good size rooms, which is more of a local area but the MTR station and a mall is right underneath. Great area to explore Nathan Road, Ladies Market, etc. Transportation is so convenient in HK, any hotel will work.

Once again, many thanks. You all have peeked my interest and now I can't wait to get there! Still not sure if we should stay in Hong Kong or Kowloon. Is Hong Kong more for business sand Kowloon better for tourism? Where can you have clothes made in a day? (not sure I want to do that but it interests me.)

We are struggling on whether to stay on Hong Kong Island versus Kowloon too, so would love to read more feedback. We are also interested in getting a suit made for my husband in a day.

And another vote for the Salisbury. :) We really enjoyed our stay there in April.

The MTR station right next to that hotel takes you over to Hong Kong Island or you can catch the Star Ferry which is only two blocks away. It's that simple.

I've stayed in both Kowloon and Hong Kong Island over the years and it is much of a muchness, it is so easy to get around Hong Kong.

The Salisbury is in such a great location and is a very nice hotel that it would be my first choice for any future trips to Hong Kong.

Salisbury Y is unquestionably an ideal location, I remember it going back 50 years or so, lots of changes on the extended waterfront development since - before the IC (known as the "Regents" back in the early 1980's) - except that you need to book it first, sometimes/often way ahead of time - with availability during the cruise ship seasons. Otherwise, it's just another dot on the map with half a dozen + hotels nearby, a little further away but still easy walking distance to the MTR, buses & Star Ferry.

With more ships visiting and calling on HK, folks staying pre- and post-cruise, I would be surprised to know that everyone is having good success in booking at the Salisbury. It's also a top choice for business flyers/travelers visiting.

Overall speaking, hotel occupancies are somewhat down in HK this year, apparently due to fewer group hotels coming across the China mainland borders as tour groups, so there's better availability & lower pricing for some dates this year - but, replaced with more "independent" tourists visiting on their own. Anyone with confirmed hotel reservations staying in HK should re-check & re-price their details and compare, shop around as you might find that harbor view hotel suite on the upper floors now within your price range ... good luck & share your success story.

However, we're pricing some rates for mid/late October & still not finding "great" bargains at some of the nicer hotels on our short/bucket list @HK ... lower than years past but not exactly inexpensive - a byproduct of bigger cruise ships calling on the new Kai Tak CT @ Kowloon Bay. ;)

MTR trains are easy to use, fast, reliable and to get around with the interline transfers, often just across the platforms - just about any good hotels aren't more than 20 to 30 minutes away; and, most offer free & scheduled shuttle services to the nearby MTR stations for their guests, if too far to walk. Taxis are metered & dirt cheap & HK police have been cracking down on the tiny minority of bad apples/drivers that tried to take advantage of/overcharge the unsuspecting tourists by using non-metered rates & surcharging. Always get & keep the printed taxi receipts as required by law & know the posted name/ID of the driver, when in doubt - snap pictures of the taxi & its driver/info for record & claims.

On a side note, getting around Kowloon, Hong Kong & in fact, all over including the smaller islands (favorite hideaway homes of many Expats) and N.T. - signage are excellent & typically bilingual, whereas spoken English of locals aren't necessary good depending on who you ask - the ones in the hospitality business usually have some proficiency, just not the drivers & taxi folks. There's an excellent network of free WiFi hotspots all over, especially on the MTR train concourse level as well as "symbol marked" public telephone booths at tourist locations.