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Travelogue: Stopover in Hong Kong for 3 days

If you are going to the Philippines or anywhere in Asia like Japan, Singapore or Korea and feels like spending a worthy stopover somewhere, a three or four days in Hong Kong is ideal. Don’t get me wrong, Hong Kong is also a great tourist destination where you can spend a week or two but if you have planned to go on a different route, having this as a layover destination isn’t such a bad idea. Hong Kong is eight hours away by plane in Dubai and is quite popular for its amusement park attractions like Ocean Park and Disneyland. Its street food and shopping options also draw revelers. And if time permits, some even take a ferry ride to Macau. But if have a tight schedule and budget and just want to see a glimpse of this bustling city, these are 5 tourist spots we’ve listed that are perfect for you.

Big Buddha (6)

Staircase to Tian Tan

Tian Tan, best known as Big Buddha is one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world. It is located in Ngong Ping, a highland in the western part of Lantau Island, Hong Kong. The majestic bronze statue was constructed in 1993 and sits 34 metres high facing north to look over the Chinese people. It draws pilgrims from all over Asia. Aside from the Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Nyong Ping Village, Twelve Divine Generals, Six Statues of Bodhisattvas among others are found in the vicinity.

You can go to Ngong Ping via cable car, taxi, train or bus.

Me (2)

Breathtaking city view from the Peak

If you are looking for the best place to see Hong Kong from above, a ride to the Peak Tram leading to Victoria Peak is the best thing to do. Whether day or night time, it offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city and its harbour. Victoria Peak is a mountain in the western half of Hong Kong Island. It is also known as Mount Austin, and locally known as The Peak.  Peak Tower, Peak Market and Peak Galleria are also within the vicinity to make the stay on top worthwhile.

To reach the Victoria Peak, best to use the Peak Tram. Some packages such as Peak Tram Sky Pass (The Peak Tram & Sky Terrace 428) costs HKD 88 for adults and HKD 42 for children and senior citizens. If you opt for a normal return passes using the MTR Octopus card it only costs HKD 40.

 

Star Ferry (2)

A ride on Hong Kong Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour

A ride on Hong Kong Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour You can’t say you’ve “done” Hong Kong until you’ve taken a ride on a Star Ferry. Since 1888, the Hong Kong Star Ferry has been one of the most unique and cheap things to do while traveling in Hong Kong. It is basically a short 10 minute ferry ride that takes you across the Victoria Harbour between Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon and Hong Kong island side. But that short cruise lets you enjoy the amazing view and ocean breeze whether day or night time.

It costs HKD $2 (less than one dirham) during weekdays and HKD $3.40 (Dh 1.61) for weekends and holidays. The Star Ferry runs from 7:20 AM to 10:30 PM daily.

 

Mongkok

Shop ‘till you drop in Mong Kok 

Whether you’re shopping on a budget or willing to splurge cash, it’s guaranteed that you’ll find what you’re looking for in Mong Kok. Even in wee hours, Mong Kok’s streets are as busy as that in daytime. With a wide range of products on offer, I advise shoppers to have a list of what they want to buy or else you’ll be  overwhelmed by the wide range of products on sale. From electronics, computers, high-end fashion, jewellery and traditional Asian ornaments, name it, you have it in this shopping haven.  Make sure to drop by in Ladies’ Market, Flower Market and Bird Market. You can also find happiness in the Sneaker Street, aka Fa Yuen Street  for excellent bargains on a huge selection of kicks that include limited editions. Also, take this opportunity to chow down on some of Hong Kong’s street foods. The intersection of Dundas Street and Sai Yeung Choi Street South hosts a lot of street food vendors, serving up local snacks like the fish balls, egg waffles, hotcakes, grilled squid tentacles and just about everything in between. Served on a stick or in a styrofoam bowl, they’re best eaten immediately. You can go to Mong Kok via taxi, train or bus.

Temple Street (1)

Non-stop bargain in the Temple Street Night Market

Another shopping destination is the Temple Street Night Market. It is kind of interesting and slightly different from that of the more commercialized Mong Kok. It only opens when the sun goes down. You can see Fortune tellers cluttered with their own tents. It is a popular street bazaar, named after a Tin Hau temple and a place so steeped in local atmosphere that it has served as the backdrop to many a memorable movie. Also, haggling with the local vendors is one of the fun experiences you’ll have in this night market. Hint. They’ll eventually give in with the price you give, no matter how low it gets. Souvenir pieces such as chopsticks, magnets, tea ware, electronics, watches, jade and antiques aren also up for grabs. You can go to Temple Street Night Market via taxi, train or bus.

 

Climate: The best time to visit Hong Kong is from October to early December, when the weather is sunny, cool, and pleasant. Summer is from May to September while winter is from midDecember to February.

Currency: Hong Kong Dollars

Means of transportation: Bus, train, taxi and cable car

Language: Cantonese and English Flight rates: Dh 1800 and up

 

 

 

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