Hong Kong: Need help planning 2 days pre-cruise and 2 days post cruise.

Hi everyone;

 

We are a family of 3 with a 17 teenager daughter.

DH is from HK but it has been at least 20 years since he went back.

 

We are planning to fly to HK 2-3 days . Then to fly out to Singapore to board the cruise. The cruise starts in Singapore and ends back in Hong Kong. The ship arrives on Saturday night, and we only have to get off Sunday morning around 9:00 AM.

Our return flight is at midnight on Monday morning.

So, we'll have 2 days in HK, and 1.5 day after the cruise.

 

Questions:

 

1/ Best way to go from airport to hotel or apatment on arrival day?

We will have 3 suitcases and one carry-on

Any suggestions of hotel?

Should we buy the Octopus card at the airport? How much? How do we pay, credit card?

 

2/ Best way to return to airport to fly to Singapore?

3 suitcases + 1 carry-on

Flight is around 11:00 AM

 

3/ Best way to go from Kai Tak cruise port to closest MTR ( without luggage)?

 

4/ Best way to go to Kow Loon Airport express on Sunday morning around 8:30-9:00 AM?

It will be at the same time than 2000 other passengers.

3 suitcases + 1 carry-on

 

5/ Please suggest an itinerary for tourist's attractions. What should we see and in which order?

We would like to go to Macau. Should we go on the 2nd day pre-cruise or on the first day that the ship is in Kai Tak port? Is the ferry to go to macau close by the port?

 

Thank you in advance for all your suggestions. You guys are the best!!!

Plenty of recent threads on HKG

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2330539

 

 

Kai Tak Cruise terminal was the old HK airport and as your DH should know a bit out there.

 

Macau is a full day and you'll need your passports.

Depending on where your hotel is located, Kowloon side or Hong Kong Island, you can take the Airport Express to the appropriate station and take the free hotel shuttles (tip the driver a few bucks). Most major hotels are serviced.

Edited April 6, 2016 by Philob

Dear Philob;

 

My husband has been in Canada for the last 40 years so I don't think he is up to date with all the changes and he is also really not a good planner. That's the reason why I rather rely on you guys on CC :-)

 

We will be arriving after a 29 hours flight so will it be a problem finding a txi from HKG to a hotel in Kowloon side?

 

Thanks

Airport Express to Kowloon, free shuttle to most major hotels if your up to it after a 29hr flight :p

 

Taxis are a plenty at the airport, plan about $50 USD for the ride.

 

Taxis only take HK$ cash, but ATMs are right outside the HK custom/immigration door.

How about getting a taxi from the hotel or apartment back to HKG?

How easy or hard is it?

 

So if I understood well, the only place it is hard and long to get a taxi is from the Kai Tak cruise port? Right?

When you fly out of Hong Kong the airline desks are within the station so you can check in your suitcases at the station before you get in the express train.

If you look on HK airport website it will tell you more.

 

Other option you could leave your large suitcase at left luggage in the airport then travel light for your days in HK at the start of your holiday

Thanks

 

How long is it to get a taxi when you get off the cruise ship at Kai Tak port?

 

Any suggestion for the order of attractions and what to visit?

How about getting a taxi from the hotel or apartment back to HKG?

How easy or hard is it?

 

So if I understood well, the only place it is hard and long to get a taxi is from the Kai Tak cruise port? Right?

 

HKG taxis are like "fleas to a dog", there will be plenty;) At 2 am, maybe not:p

 

Should not be any problem at a hotel, the doorman will get one for you. Apartment :confused: depends on where it is. My aunt used to live in Mong Kok district, but taxis could not get to her apartment because of the permanent street market. Had to walk a block or two to a main arterial street

 

Haven't cruised out of Kai Tak, so others can remark about taxis from the cruise terminal.

Edited April 6, 2016 by Philob

Any suggestions for which attractions and in what order?

Any suggestions for which attractions and in what order?

 

Go to post #3 http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2330539

 

And there's always Disneyland :)

HK's city centers hasn't changed much since the early/mid 1990's - Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui & Central are all pretty much the same ... Star Ferry & Victoria Peak, too (if you haven't been there at all) Octopus Card was in use then so DH should be comfortable getting around - assuming he is bilingual or has some fluency/competency in Cantonese, not to worry ... unless he left as a young child then.

 

Here's a good thread on Flyertalk - happy reading - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hong-kong-macau/1038795-flying-hk-weekend-first-time-what-do.html

 

Will you be staying in 1 hotel room as I'm not sure what you meant by "apartment" (better known as "flats" locally by expats) like airbnb ?? Did he grew up or live on the island side or Kowloon side, N.T. or "remote" islands. Newer hotels are smaller in square footage/size but efficient & modern, older ones like the Nathan had been remodeled to bring them up-to-date & have more space ... with the recent drop in mainland visitors & occupancy rates - hotel rates are dropping and the lowest in years (although, with cruise ships docking - the usual supply & demand factors come into play ... location, location & location)

 

If your family is comfortable using MTR, good with mass transit & waving the Octopus Card around & all over town, places like the North Point can be an inexpensive alternative, or, even Sha Tin for that matter. Everyone wants to book the YMCA in TST, except they only have so many # of rooms to be booked on a given day, often gone up to a year + in advance.

 

I was looking at a # of 3 stars & 4 stars hotel in the Hung Hom area, close enough to TST but not quite easy walking distance - very good prices but the rooms are small & will be a cozy fit for 3 adults (teen included)

 

We're in HK for 4 days in 2010 before flying to Vietnam, then onward to Shanghai & return to HK afterward - left our larger suitcases with the hotel as we also book our stay at the same, at no charge - tipped the bellhop for "free" storage.

 

Taxi staus in 2014-2015 was horrible but most recently - a week ago, situations much improved as reported by local news media & cruisers on the Cunad ships - good availability of taxi & shuttles to nearby shopping mall, no more 2 or 3 hours queue to get into one - but, still lots of queue jumpers (offenders are "comrades" from mainland China) Red taxi will easily fit all 3 of you + luggage and DH should know, it's metered & regulated, just avoid Uber or unlicensed one using Apps, HK police has been cracking down harshly & for good reasons, they are not properly insured & illegal ***

 

 

After 30 hours in transit - you might want to just take a taxi from HKIA to the hotel for about $45 to $50 USD or $65 Canadian, just for peace of mind, IMO. You already know about the AE discounts so not repeating it again - instead of taking the train, switching to the shuttle route & then walk another block or two or three to the hotel. HK can be hot & humid, even in October or November - DH should know & you won't be happy pulling your spinners & rollers to the hotel, just to save $15 or $20 USD after several flight connections & possibly quite tired & hungry - and, most definitely, jet-lagged for the next 2 to 3 days at a minimum.

 

You can buy the discount AE Pass for visitors with your passport at the airport's arrival hall, after you clear immigration/border control & custom, before the greeting hall - where there's also a visitor's help desk, currency exchange and other traveler's info behind staffed counters.

There are ATM's where you can withdraw local currencies in HKD from U.S. / Canadian banks - or, if you have HSBC bank branches near you in down in Montreal, get some HKD before leaving home (exchange rates at the airport is poor - it's far easy to use ATM's & just pay the transaction & conversion fees)

 

Macau is at least 3/4 of a day to a full day, overnight if you plan to see the sights, otherwise - what's your interest in going there ... casino's ?? If your stay is longer - then, do it leisurely as you would otherwise, barely get to see & enjoy HK and sample its diversity, food & otherwise - shopping is expensive these days, mostly high-end oriented.

Dear mking8288;

 

The main reason we are visiting HK is to let DD see where her dad comes from. DH is fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin so getting around shouldn't be a problem. The problem is I don't think he knows about the touristic sites besides the night markets and Nathan street. And he will definitely not be able to plan in order to get the most out of our short time.

We will actually have Wed-Thur-Fri ( 3 full days) since we will be arriving on Tuesday at 15:00, and will leave to Singapore on Saturday 11:00.

Then, we'll be back again in HK after a 12 days cruise, and we'll have Saturday whole day and get off the ship Sunday around 9:00 and have a midnight flight ( early Monday morning). So total time will be 4 full days and a good 12 hours on Sunday.

 

We would like a hotel or flat near Tsim Sha Tsui or Jordan MTR so we can be near to most of the sites. I will try looking for a hotel which offers a family room since renting a flat on Airbnb is not easily cancelable in case our plans change.

 

After reading a few posts and suggestions, I think I have narrowed down to a few things (besides the dim sum, the seafood restaurants and the usual night markets) we may want to see. Please let me know in which order to visit them in order to make the most of the time we have:

 

1/ star ferry crossing from Kow Loon to HK island

2/ Victoria Peak: instead of taking the tram up, which bus do you suggest to go up? From which MTR station?

3/Macau: take the turbojet to Macau. Maybe get on the HOHO and have a look around. The main reason we are going is to visit one of his friends who lives in Macau. Do you suggest we book the turbojet's tickets online? I read somewhere that you can get on an ealier time than the one you booked, but a later time. is that true?

Any suggestion for attractions and itinerary?

4/ Big Buddha: should we save this for the last day when we check in the luggage at the Airport Express in Kow Loon Station, take the AE to the airport, put the carry on in a locker ( is there a locker big enough for a carry on at the airport), then go to Lantau island? If yes, how to get from the airport to Lantau island ( bus, tram)?

 

Yes, we will definitely take a taxi from HKIA to hotel/flat and same for return.

My only big concern is the taxi from KaiTak to Kow Loon AE station. You are really scaring me with the 2-3 hours wait . Should I book a private car? Will they accept such a short ride?

I am not sure that Celebrity will offer a shuttle ride to the AE Kow Loon station? I have looked at their website but didn't find it.

 

What is the AE pass for visitors that you mentioned in your post? The one we can buy at HKIA? Are you talking about the AE tickets for the train to Kow Loon?

 

Sorry to ask a lot of questions. I am a obsessive planner and like to plan for all eventualities.

 

Thanks for your help. I am looking forward to your suggestions.

We arrived into HK at Kai Tak and my biggest fear was queuing for hours for a taxi. It was not an issue at all. We self -disembarked our luggage, leaving our room at 8.30 am and were getting into at taxi at 9.15am. Those in our group who chose not to do the self-disembark were behind us by just over an hour.

This was only last week Tuesday 29th March.

We only had a day and a half post cruise and I don't think it was long enough but at least it gave our group a taste of HK.

My most enjoyable place to visit was the Chi Lin nunnery and gardens at Diamond Hill. Perhaps because it was a peaceful quiet area compared to the busy streets of HK. We also enjoyed a bus ride to Aberdeen. The peak was extremely busy with long queues so go with mtking's advice to go up the back way. Bus 1 from star ferry terminal according to info I was given by other travellers. We also enjoyed the hop on hop off bus, there are 2 different buses. We took the rickshaw but there is also the big bus which is a lot more expensive, Either way we enjoy the ho ho bus, saves the legs. A ferry ride across the harbour is pleasant. We ran out of time for the light show and ladies market both of which I have done previously so knew it wouldnt be any big loss.

Edited April 7, 2016 by Tara Jane

I see, you are not traveling abroad until January of 2017, still lots of time to plan. Don't worry about the taxi horror shows for now, it seemed to be much improved as more ships are docking at KTCT in the coming year and services being enhanced.

 

The Nathan Hotel is a classic & blocks from Jordan MTR, there's a Novotel & Eaton nearby - closer to TST's MTR is The Mira, our best friends stay there as a family & they had bigger rooms, important for the teenager. Langham Place is further north in Mong Kok, directly above/exit into the MTR station below ground - but a possible hotspot with the civic unrest recently. I suggest taking a look at these hotel's websites first, checkout some of the Tripadvisor's reviews & ratings - and the size of the rooms & upgrade prices for more space & amenities. DH should know, you don't need to worry about breakfast included as a bundle, they are overpriced at almost all hotels (just pay a la carte if you must eat inside) - it's everywhere & Octopus Card is cheerfully accepted for debit payment against available stored value.

 

Winter pricing is still early, according to our TA sources - so wait and/or book something in your price range that's fully 100% cancellable as a backup, keep shopping around for a better deal - the retail climate isn't positive with outlook, so expect downward pricing pressure if occupancy - CNY is Sat. Jan 28th for 2017, as long as you aren't there during the week - flexibility is the buzz word for now.

 

With 4 days in HK pre-cruise, I think the 3 days AE Tourist Pass might now be a good value, let me checkout & read the fine prints, as MTR is doing all sorts of promotions year-round - there are "regular" Visitor's Pass (all based on the Octopus Card) - it is complicated, it's accepted for Star Ferry & even light rail in N.T. You can hold off "planning" the details about it for now - HK has a world class public transport system, well integrated - and you can even consider visiting Macau for an overnight stay, take a special turbojet on a schedule direct to HKIA for your onward flight to SIN to join your cruise - or, on your last day to fly back directly via Macau-transfer to ferry, depending on timing & flight schedule, etc. Again, complicated logistics but can be done - especially if you plan to travel "light" and can manage a 24" or 25" roller or spinners (my limits for not exceeding 50 lbs / 22 kg when packing/flying) plus a backpack. There are classic landmarks to see in Macau, skip the casinos if you been to/seen Vegas in the U.S. but my favorite is the Portugese resort hotel with a view not far from the small city center, for afternoon high tea. More details & ideas on these later on or over the weekend - time to lookup & do facts-checking first.

 

TaraJane just returned - for going up to the Peak, ride the Star Ferry from Kowloon to Hong Kong, the nearest bus stop for CityBus #15 route is less than 5 minutes walk away heading toward the Hong Kong AE Station on the island side, it's a scenic ride (sit upstairs on the front by the windows) thru the heart of the city, heading uphill in a twisting & turning road with wonderful views of the high rise city of concretes - ending at the Peak Tower's bus terminal on top. http://www.hk-victoria-peak.com/bus-15-peak.html Do this on a clear day without clouds, smog or otherwise - sunset is beautiful. A faster way to come down to Central or perhaps over to Causeway, favorite place for locals to shop but most important, tons of food choices for dining - take one of the PMB (Public MiniBus) that head downhill to get you there - or from Central, ride the good old Electric Tram (double decker) on Queensway to Wan Chai and onto Causeway.

 

Big Budda is on Lantau island, still developing with plenty of farmlands & cows around, many abandoned by rich land owners due to the development of HKIA (airport) which was built on landfills on the north shoree of the island - go to YouTube for a virtual view first, many videos to see if you really "must" go - been there, done it & not impressed and it's a tourist trap, IMHO - the cable car run is nice but somewhat expensive, especially the ones with the "glass bottom" views :rolleyes: - there are fishing villages to see (Tai O) instead that are more educational & informative about HK's colonial past. Tung Chung is the outlet mall in HK on Lantau Island, 10 to 15 minutes via local bus from the airport & served also by MTR - where you can catch the NP 360 cable car up to see the Budda statue, one-way or round-trip. There are options if you want to do it - to be discussed later.

 

That's all for now - I will see if I can locate our photo collections from earlier trips to illustrate. Otherwise, you will be amazed by the tons of useful info out on Youtube - everything you wanted to know about HK for the past 150 years & then some.

 

Lastly, are your airfares & tickets booked/locked in - flying Air Canada ?? connecting via YVR or YYR or both - or on Cathay or other carriers - lately, RT tickets from NY to HKG are as low as the $500 (unbelievable) to the $600's (yes, possible) to $700 (definitely avaiable) with 1-stop connection or about 20 hours flying time with layover. I realize you are coming from Quebec and that's an extra stopover somewhere but review your options - DIY or use a trusted TA locally, with 3 sets of RT tickets plus flight to SIN - trimming a few hours off that almost 30 hours transit time is going to a big bonus.

 

To be continued - time to get some zzzz's

We arrived into HK at Kai Tak and my biggest fear was queuing for hours for a taxi. It was not an issue at all. We self -disembarked our luggage, leaving our room at 8.30 am and were getting into at taxi at 9.15am. Those in our group who chose not to do the self-disembark were behind us by just over an hour.

This was only last week Tuesday 29th March.

We only had a day and a half post cruise and I don't think it was long enough but at least it gave our group a taste of HK.

My most enjoyable place to visit was the Chi Lin nunnery and gardens at Diamond Hill. Perhaps because it was a peaceful quiet area compared to the busy streets of HK. We also enjoyed a bus ride to Aberdeen. The peak was extremely busy with long queues so go with mtking's advice to go up the back way. Bus 1 from star ferry terminal according to info I was given by other travellers. We also enjoyed the hop on hop off bus, there are 2 different buses. We took the rickshaw but there is also the big bus which is a lot more expensive, Either way we enjoy the ho ho bus, saves the legs. A ferry ride across the harbour is pleasant. We ran out of time for the light show and ladies market both of which I have done previously so knew it wouldnt be any big loss.

 

Dear Tara Jane.

 

Thank you for the reply. It really helps knowing that the taxi's problem is gettting better.

We are getting off on a SUnday so maybe there will be more taxis waiting then. If the line is too long, we'll just take a paid or free shuttle like mking had suggested.

 

Regarding the HOHO, which comapny did you use? Is there more than one company?

 

Thanks again for the reply. Melboourne is on our bucket list for Jan 2018. Maybe I will have to pick your brain then :-))

 

Cheers,

 

Stefanny

Dear mking8288;

 

Wow!! You are better than any travel book.

 

I will look into the hotels that you have suggested. We are quite easy to please, not looking for luxury hotels, just clean and convenient.

Regarding the food, we'll eat like the locals ( noodles and sticky rice) since we'll have continetal breakfast on the cruise for 12 days straight. I forgot to mention I am Vietnamese. Even if we live in Quebec for the last 41 years, I still sometimes like a Tonkinese noodles bowl in the morning :-))

 

Macau: we'll probably just go for one day, early in the morning and come back late at night. Probably do it on Saturday, the day before flying to Singapore. Have you been able to find out if my question regarding booking a fixed time and taking an earlier turbojet is right?

Once we get off in Macau Ferry terminal, any suggestion of taxi/ shuttle bus/ itinerary for things to see and most importantly, to eat? ( We love food...We're skinny like a toothpick but we LOVE food...)

 

Victoria Peak: we'll take the bus #15 like you said. Do we need a ticket for the Peak or is it open to everyone?

Then take the PMB down. How does a PMB looks like? Are they easy to find?

 

Big Buddha: we have to go to see it otherwise DD will complain that we don't do any touristy thing...

We'll probably drop the luggage at Kowloon AE, take the train to HKIA, put the carry on in the locker then head out to Big Buddha.

Please give direction for bus/MTR/ other.

 

Flights: there was an option for Premium Economy with Cathay Pacific ( YUL-YYZ-HKG) for 19 hours but we found some very good Business seats (YUL-LHR-HEL-HKG) with lie-flat seats all the way. So we are taking the longer but more comfortable way to get there. We will be visitng Helsinki this summer so it will be nice to go back there again. Apparently HEL is one of the most " comfortable" airport to have a layover.

 

Thanks for all the help but planning is part of the fun. I like to plan in advance and have lots of different options. It makes me look forward to the trip and the excitement lasts way longer than the actual trip itself.

 

I'll be waiting for more suggestions for MTR 3 days pass and other details.

 

Have a great day (it's snowing right now in Montreal...)

Edited April 7, 2016 by stefanny28

\The problem is I don't think he knows about the touristic sites besides the night markets and Nathan street. And he will definitely not be able to plan in order to get the most out of our short time.

We will actually have Wed-Thur-Fri ( 3 full days) since we will be arriving on Tuesday at 15:00, and will leave to Singapore on Saturday 11:00.

Then, we'll be back again in HK after a 12 days cruise, and we'll have Saturday whole day and get off the ship Sunday around 9:00 and have a midnight flight ( early Monday morning). So total time will be 4 full days and a good 12 hours on Sunday....I am looking forward to your suggestions.

 

The first two times we visited Hong Kong, we got around the city on our own and saw the typical tourist sites. We had no trouble with the transportation, but we felt we were skimming the surface of what we were seeing. On our the third trip, we hired guides from the Chris Rowland Company -- two different guides for two days of touring. The first day, touring the Hong Kong Island side, the itinerary focused on a mixture of history, government, and traditional life. The second day, touring Kowloon we focused on the traditional Chinese life of the city. One of our most interesting experiences was wandering past the traditional Chinese stores and learning the names and use of the many items being sold. That day included lots of visits to markets -- Jade, Goldfish, Bird, Flower, etc. -- but these were intended to showcase the daily life of the people. I doubt the tour has any relationship with any of the vendors. Certainly, we weren't encouraged to stop at any stalls with an eye towards buying something there.

 

The two tours we selected are still being offered, but Rowland's company offers a one-day tour that hits the highlights of both Hong Kong and Kowloon. There are other tours: the outer islands, a food tour, and a seriously long one-day trip to Macau.

You have had a lot of good suggestions already.

 

I have been to Macao and didn't find it that interesting.

 

You can take a day tour that includes Victoria's Peak, Aberdeen Harbor and Repulse Bay. Also, you will see other sites.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g294217-Activities-Hong_Kong.html

 

Consider taking the ferry to Cheung Chau Island, it is like going back into time.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294217-d1367748-Reviews-Cheung_Chau_Island-Hong_Kong.html

 

Also, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294217-d1645928-Reviews-Nan_Lian_Garden-Hong_Kong.html

Victoria Peak: we'll take the bus #15 like you said. Do we need a ticket for the Peak or is it open to everyone?

The Peak can either refer either to the top of the mountain that is called Victoria Peak (aka Mount Austin), or to the general area around it.

 

Most people (especially visitors) who go to the Peak are really going to the saddle where two shopping centres are situated: the Peak Tower and the Peak Galleria. From there, you can walk further up towards the top of Victoria Peak, although the summit itself is not open to the public.

 

You can also take a circular walk around the Peak at the level of the shopping centres by walking around Lugard Road and Harlech Road (actually they are mostly pedestrian-only). You'll see this on a map of the area. You can get some pretty good views by doing this, many of which you cannot see if you stick to the shopping centres' viewing galleries.

 

Also next to the shopping centres is a venerable old institution called the Peak Cafe (now, I think, known as the Peak Lookout) - a bit of Hong Kong history.

The Peak can either refer either to the top of the mountain that is called Victoria Peak (aka Mount Austin), or to the general area around it.

 

Most people (especially visitors) who go to the Peak are really going to the saddle where two shopping centres are situated: the Peak Tower and the Peak Galleria. From there, you can walk further up towards the top of Victoria Peak, although the summit itself is not open to the public.

 

You can also take a circular walk around the Peak at the level of the shopping centres by walking around Lugard Road and Harlech Road (actually they are mostly pedestrian-only). You'll see this on a map of the area. You can get some pretty good views by doing this, many of which you cannot see if you stick to the shopping centres' viewing galleries.

 

Also next to the shopping centres is a venerable old institution called the Peak Cafe (now, I think, known as the Peak Lookout) - a bit of Hong Kong history.

 

So if I understood correctly, when people go to the Peak, they pay for the tram to go up but access to the shopping centres are , of course, free?

Like mking8288 mentioned, we can take the bus and go to the same malls without paying the expensive tram ride?

 

Great info! Thanks.

... continuing

 

Before I forget, dress warmly in layers for HK & Macau, it's cold and comfortable walking shoes are a must, bottled water for hydration when going outdoors to places like NP 360, otherwise - you will find 7-11 and equivalent every other street corners as well as drug stores to buy all your cold beverages.

 

Here's one YT video for an overview - gives you some ideas on how to plan your 3 days in HK - pretty self explanatory - the World's longest escalators between Central & HK island's "Mid-Level" is worth doing & fun, it's switched to downhill for the morning commute for fols to come down to go to work, school & shop, etc. and then, later on - reversed & go uphill. When it's not going in the direction you needed to go, take a short taxi ride to your next stop - easy.

 

The tram ride for tourist has long lines and there isn't a lot to see on its way up or down, and you pay a lot more (esp. for 3 adults) to go the slow way - did this like 25 years ago when there weren't tons of mainland Chinese tourists flooding the city everywhere & cheaper then, LOL) The #15 bus (double decker) is scenic & air-conditioned, besides, it can be bone-chilling coled in HKG in January - homes & commercial buildings are not insulated nor have heating systems, except for hotels (more reasons to not book a "flat" via airbnb.

- the last stop on the #15 bus is at the Peak's bus terminal at the end of the video, you will also see the PMB in the parking stall next to the buses, and yet another parking stall for taxis. Signs are bilingual & visitor's friendly.

 

The Peak Tram station, gift shop & other buildings on Victoria peak are open to the public, there is no admission fees whatsoever, clean restrooms, McDonalds & Starbucks/local Cafe (forgot the name at the moment) - the paths around is where folks do their early morning walks & others use it as a jogging path - check the local weather before heading up there. There are restaurants & bars up there, including upscale $$$ dining - western & classic Cantonese - one at rooftop level. Here's a virtual ride on Peak Tram - one of the many YT videos -

Not much to see, saved yourself money & I will send you my "ebill" for advice later, LOL - just kidding.

 

What are the 16 seaters PMB like - well, you can't mistaken them for something else, except there's no space or room for luggage (small backpacks or shopping bags are fine, there's a little space next to the driver by the door)

 

Google map is great on the go - used it all the time in HK. If you need fast & inexpensive access to data via cellular & WiFi hotspot - there is a 3 day, refillable & cheap with 1GB worth of data + calling minutes to use, good to go & easy to activate with unlocked, popular smartphones or iPhones - for about $15 to $20 CDN all inclusive - you can buy it at 7-11 shops at the airport and everywhere in town, sponsored by HK Tourism (go to discoverhongkong dot com - it has tons of resources)

 

NP 360 - this video also capture the Big Budda & you also see the HKIA (airport) along the way - Macau is in the far distance. Video ends with the cable cars coming back into Tung Chung, with the MTR station & bus terminals, taxi stands, retail (outlet mall & airport hotel) & residential complexes - airport is about 15 minutes away by taxi & slower buses. The hiking trail below is for the serious "walkers" and there's no turning back - IMO, not recommended for the casual visiting tourists.

 

- to be continued

Edited April 8, 2016 by mking8288

What is your hotel budget - did you book anything yet for contingency ?

 

I just did a quick hotel lookup for rates for mid January - as I don't have your arrival & departure dates for the 4 night stays pre-cruise out of SIN, wow - oh mine. Must be cruise ship seasons in HKG, rates are crazy for some of the popular 3 stars & 4 stars in the Kowloon area mid-week, mid-January 2017 - in the $300 to $400 USD dollar ranges, and some are fully SOLD OUT (meanwhile, they are crying about drop in occupancies & less tourist bookings)

 

I found better rates out in Sha Tin & places like that, under $200 USD nightly (and, keep forgetting your Canadian exchange rates - costs will be higher, roughly 100 USD to 130's CDN - just spoke with one of my BIL who lived in Montreal for years before moving south of the border, just filing for his early retirement benefits ... soon to collect)

 

I strongly suggest finding something quick & book it, just to lock in the rates so it won't go higher, and if better deals come along - cancel after making the new booking. Use a site like Agoda dot com as they often have better deals & rates vs. Hotwire or major US/other hotel booking sites in the Americas when it comes to hotel specials in popular cities in Asia, including HK - as always, cross-check rates against those on Tripadvisor (as it will do bookings too, a new feature)

 

- to be continued -

There are 2 hop on hop off companies that I know of.

We did the rickshaw hop on hop off

the other company is big bus

On Macau - not an expert on it. but it's small on the peninsula & mainland China's border just on the other side of town, a quick ride by bus or taxi, and you are at the gateway - here's a view of modern Macau, most of the casinos are on this landfill/man-made island extension (lower section of photo) - including its new airport facilities - connected to mainland Macau by bridges.

https://lonelytravelog.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/dsc072071.jpg?w=882

 

Start early out of HK and yes, a DIY day tour will cover most, if not all the tourist sites, skip seeing the casinos (unless you never been to Las Vegas, which they attempted to replicate ... with success) & start with old town, once you are out of the ferry pier.

 

There are regular & frequent turbojet services from HK island and also on the Kowloon side (near TST pier, slightly northwest a bit further away from the old Ocean Terminal, where cruise ships used to & continue to dock there (smaller ships & casino junkets, that is) Coming from the Jordan area, you can practically walk to the Kowloon ferry terminal for Macau. On the island side, it's in Sheung Wen area & not far from the MTR Station nearby - 2 ferry operators alternate their departures, usually 15 minutes apart - so if you missed one, the wait is short or if you haven't brought tickets - just walk across to the other ticket windows or automated kiosk & go thru security, passport control & head down to the waiting area for the gangway to the turbojet.

 

There is no advantage to buying tickets online, although Saturday/weekends are busy - with flexibilty on not worrying about your return time to HK & not worried about standing by for an earlier or later sailing. Here are the links to both turbojet operators -

https://www.turbojet.com.hk/en/about-us.aspx

http://www.cotaiwaterjet.com/ferry-promotion.html

On motion sickness, these are high speed turbojet & locals often complained of getting dizzy - it was a fast & smooth 55 minutes ride for us. Fog & weather issues can delay sailings despite radar navigational aids & latest marine electronics.

 

Exit the pier after border control (yes, passports needed & fill out the simple arrival form) & you will see numerous free casino shuttles, in addition to buses & taxis. Things to do - go visit St Paul's (church) ruin, nearby Monte Fortress on the hilltop overlooking old town, great views & classic buildings and the Museu de Macau (inside the fortress) next. This is an older picture of Monte Fortress & nearby - http://global-mariner.com/1973-17-012-Web-MonteFort.jpg Perhaps a late lunch and then go see some of the old churches near Senado Square, walk thru the narrow & crowded streets packed with people. A-Ma Temple is popular with tourists (another World Heritage site) http://en.macaotourism.gov.mo/sightseeing/sightseeing.php?c=10

 

My favorite fort - Barra Fort is next to/near Sai Van Lake on a small hilltop, overlooking the harbor - a quick taxi or bus ride will take you over to the west side of old town. http://en.macaotourism.gov.mo/sightseeing/sightseeing_detail.php?c=6&id=59 It's home to the Pousada De Sao Tiago (a classic small inn) - great place to stop for afternoon tea/coffee & relax. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g664891-d455869-Reviews-Pousada_De_Sao_Tiago-Macau.

 

Continue to explore the rest of the city & return by way of/passing Hotel Lisboa and the new Grand Lisboa - owned/run by the influential Ho family, and have dinner at one of the many Portuguese/Macanese restaurants - finally, return to the pier & catch the next turbojet service to HK ... a quick nap onboard as it will likely be a long & tiring day.

 

Google is a good friend of HK & Macau, type in or say it - it will link you & show a world of info & details.

 

** to be continued ** (with the MTR / Octopus / AE fares, etc. & other misc. questions)