Fragrant Harbour Hong Kong

Hong Kong can overwhelm you. The busy streets, the traffic, the densely populated city, the packed pavements, bustling lifestyle, the aromas of food on almost every street – all these attack your senses. But once the initial wave is over, you find that Hong Kong is an absolutely delightful place, safe and extremely well organised. Hong Kong’s personality is mostly Chinese bearing strong British influences due to the long term British Colonization. It is one of the major tourist destinations in South East Asia. Along with Macau, it is the Special Administrative Regions (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China, though the economic and political system differs from the one governing China. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world and is one of the leading international financial centres. The Hong Kong Dollar is in the top 10 most traded currencies in the world. Hong Kong sits at the mouth of Pearl River and means Fragrant Harbour.

 

Some General Information

Country : People’s Republic of China

Official Language : Cantonese (Chinese) , English

Religion : Religious freedom is one of the fundamental rights enjoyed by the people. The variety of religious groups include Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Hinduism, Christianity,Sikhism and Judaism.

Currency : Hong Kong Dollar ( HKD)

Time Zone : + 8 hours GMT

Temperature : Both Hong Kong and Macau have a subtropical climate characterised by hot, humid summers and cool, relatively dry winters. October, November and most of December are the best months to visit. Temperatures are moderate, the skies are clear and the sun shines. Hong Kong’s subtropical climate can make it a punishingly hot and humid destination during the summer months. June to mid-September is the hottest time when humidity soars.

Sightseeing : Hong Kong has a host of memorable tourist attractions. The Victoria Peak, Victoria Harbour, Ocean Park, Disneyland, Jumbo Kingdom, Giant Buddha, Mme Tussauds, Repulse Bay, Aberdeen, Mong Kok, Stanley Market, Ladies Market, Night Market etc.

 

Getting There

Hong Kong International Airport

Hong Kong International Airport is one of the world's best and most modern airports offering a comprehensive range of facilities and services to travellers entering and leaving Hong Kong, giving every traveller a world class experience. The airport offers arriving passengers direct access to train, bus, taxi and hotel transport, as well as high-speed ferries to Mainland China. Hong Kong has excellent infrastructure making it easy to get around SAR. The HKIA, which was the world’s largest civil engineering project when it opened in mid-1998, is on Chek Lap Kok, a largely man-made island off the northern coast of Lantau. It is connected to the mainland by several spans. Among them is the 2.2km-long Tsing Ma Bridge, which is one of the world’s largest suspension bridges and is capable of supporting both road and rail transport, including the 34km-long Airport Express high-speed train from Hong Kong Island to Chek Lap Kok via Kowloon. The futuristic passenger terminal, consists of eight levels, with check-in on Level 7, departures on Level 6 and arrivals on Level 5. Outlets (including bank branches, moneychangers and five ATMs) total 150, and there are more than 30 cafes, restaurants and bars, and more than 280 check-in counters. If you are booked on a scheduled flight and are taking the Airport Express to the airport, most airlines allow you to check in your bags and receive your boarding pass a day ahead of your flight at the in-town check-in counters at the Hong Kong Island or Kowloon Airport Express stations between 5.30am and 12.30am. You are required, however, to check yourself in at least 90 minutes before your flight. Some airlines, including Cathay Pacific Airways, China Airlines and Thai Airways, allow check-in a full day before your flight.

Hong Kong International Airport (also known locally as Chek Lap Kok Airport)  Address:

Airport Authority Hong Kong
HKIA Tower
1 Sky Plaza Road
Hong Kong International Airport
Lantau
Hong Kong

Telephone Number: +852 (0)2181 8888
Website: www.hongkongairport.com

 

Tourist Information

The Hong Kong Tourism Board

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body. Their job is to market and promote Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide.

Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Information Services

The HKTB serves every visitor to the island. As service consultants, they not only handle general queries but also provide comprehensive tourist information. In addition to having Visitor Centres at Hong Kong's two main entry points (Hong Kong International Airport and the Lo Wu border crossing), the HKTB also has two in-town Visitor Centres conveniently located in Tsim Sha Tsui and on The Peak - Hong Kong's most popular attraction. They also offer visitors a convenient hotline + 852 2508 1234 (9am - 6pm daily).

Visitor Centres
Hong Kong International Airport
Buffer Halls A and B, Arrivals Level, Terminal 1
7am - 11pm daily
Lo Wu
Arrival Hall, 2/F, Lo Wu Terminal Building
8am - 4pm daily
Hong Kong Island
The Peak Piazza (between The Peak Tower and The Peak Galleria)
9am - 9pm daily
Kowloon
Star Ferry Concourse, Tsim Sha Tsui
8am - 8pm daily

 

Hotels

With more than 50,000 rooms available, Hong Kong offers a huge choice of accommodation to suit every budget, from modest guesthouses and youth hostels through every range of hotel up to super luxury. You can enjoy a harbour view or stay among the big city lights, in more rural settings or beside a beach. No matter where you stay, the excellent public transport system ensures all of Hong Kong’s attractions are close at hand. Many of Hong Kong's luxury hotels are ranked among the best in the world. Major international chains are well represented along with a large selection of local and regional hotels.

 

Travel Tips

1. It is the law to carry your identification at all times in Hong Kong. It is safer to leave your originals in the hotel room and carry photocopies.

2. Smoking is banned in public places and can attract a maximum penalty of $HK 5000.

3. Police who speak English wear a red shoulder badge.

4. Tap water is safe to have in Hong Kong, however people prefer bottled water.

5. Hong Kong has 4 seasons but it is advisable to carry a light jacket with you always.

6. Tipping isn’t mandatory but the done thing.

7. Be a little careful with cab drivers. Have your hotel write their address in Chinese, and of the places you wish to take a cab to. Drivers can be difficult and often don’t respond to English, even though it is widely spoken and accepted.