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Hong Kong Overview
Hong Kong is one of the most exciting destinations in the world. It's
a colorful, thriving combination of ancient Eastern culture and Western
innovation. There's nearly 5,000 years of Chinese history and traditions
here, overlaid with 150 years of British colonial influence. Ceded back to
China by the British in 1997, the city remains a "free-market zone," a
veritable bastion of capitalism within the communist Chinese system.
Locals still refer to the "border" of mainland China, and visitors from the
West must acquire tourist visas in order to cross -- these require a photo
and generally take three days to process.
In terms of cultural diversity, architectural innovation, infrastructure and cosmopolitan edginess, it's hard to beat Hong Kong. The city is also one of the most vibrant commercial centers in the world. Hong Kong is the foremost deep water harbor in Asia, a fact evidenced by the scores of cargo vessels carrying watches, textiles and other manufactured goods to the rest of the world. It's a first-rate shopping destination, much to the delight of the cruise passengers who find bargains within walking distance of the impressive Ocean Terminal.
Hong Kong is composed of three main districts. The Kowloon Peninsula houses the city's famed outdoor markets, the upscale shops on Nathan Road's "golden mile," and the busy, tourist-friendly Tsim Sha Tsui area. Connecting Kowloon to mainland China are the scenic New Territories, where you'll find elaborate temples and woodlands. Hong Kong Island contains the city's financial district, and is situated across Victoria Harbour. Dubbed the "concrete forest," Hong Kong Island offers a stunning juxtaposition of imposing skyscrapers set against the verdant slopes of Victoria Peak.
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Other Asia Cruise Ports:
Bangkok (Laem Chabang) • Cochin • Da Nang • Hanoi • Hiroshima • Hong Kong • Kuala Lumpur • Mumbai • Osaka • Saipan • Singapore
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Language
Cantonese and English are the official languages. Most shopkeepers, hotel personnel, restaurant and service workers speak some English. Cantonese is the most widely spoken dialect, though use of Mandarin is growing. All major signage is in English or is bilingual.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money
The Hong Kong dollar is valued at US$1.00 to HK$7.80. Most major credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted. ATMs are widely available and dispense Hong Kong currency. It's best to check with your bank prior to departure for information about surcharges.
Where You're Docked
Cruise ships dock at Hong Kong's Ocean Terminal, in Victoria Harbour at
the southwestern edge of the Kowloon Peninsula. It's an ideal location,
within walking distance of world class shops, restaurants, museums, landmark hotels, markets, parks and the renowned Star Ferry.
Hanging Around
Hong Kong is a shopper's paradise -- and the cruise port terminal's location is ideal. A custom-tailored suit in one of the city's renowned tailors' shops just outside the Ocean Terminal costs less than US$200. The best-known of these shops belongs to Sam of Sam's Tailor Shop at 92 Nathan Road in the Burlington Arcade. Sam has measured the inseams of such notables as Margaret Thatcher and Prince Charles. Exquisite silks, jade and gold jewelry, arts and crafts, textiles, and antiques can all be found at China Cultural Arts, located on Salisbury Road, also within minutes of the Terminal. All of these items, along with high-tech electronics, are available at bargain prices in the commercial centers in the city blocks surrounding the Terminal.
For those with limited time and unlimited resources, shopping opportunities abound at the port itself, home to the gigantic Ocean Center and Harbour City shopping complexes. You'll find three magnificent floors of designer boutiques, gourmet specialty stores and a store that specializes in all sorts of Japanese snack food in kooky wrappers. Best of all, there's a Starbucks in the complex.
Definitely take a stroll along the Kowloon waterfront there. It's an amazing vantage point for admiring the cityscape of Hong Kong Island. And, if the lunar calendar is favorable, you'll see a plethora of happy brides and grooms posing for photographers.
Getting Around
Hong Kong is compact, with abundant taxis and excellent public
transportation, making local travel quick and convenient. Double-decker
trams offer some of the best city views and run from early morning hours for just HK$2. The Mass Transit Railway is slick, clean and efficient. Rental cars are rarely used, but chauffeur-driven cars are widely available. Many hotels have their own limousine services.
Don't Miss
 The Star Ferry docks just a stone's throw from the Ocean Terminal. Connecting Kowloon to Hong Kong Island, the Ferry is used mainly by commuters. At only HK$2.20 (about US$0.28) for passage on its upper deck, it is an extremely affordable way to begin a tour of Hong Kong Island. The highlight of the island is Victoria Peak, the tallest mountain in the city, and the most popular tourist attraction in all of Hong Kong. An 105-year-old Peak Tram funicular railway takes visitors to the summit for a fantastic panoramic view of Victoria Harbour, Kowloon and the New Territories. The wok-shaped "Peak Tower" complex atop the summit is filled with restaurants, internet cafes, and even a "Ripley's Believe it or Not" Museum. There's also a walking trail that encircles the summit, offering a pleasant stroll through lovely gardens, and, of course, a breathtaking 360-degree view.
If you have some spare time in the afternoon, pop in for afternoon high tea at the swanky Peninsula Hotel on Salisbury Road for a taste of the bygone colonial era. In the evening, enjoy a "Nine Dragons Cocktail" at the contemporary Intercontinental Hotel. The drink is named for nine mythological dragons that legend says descend from the mountains each night to drink from the bay. The Intercontinental's huge glass atrium offers guests splendid vistas of the Hong Kong Island skyline, which is transformed each night at 8 p.m. into a tapestry of color and light by means of computer-controlled lasers. On the way back to the ship, take a detour to the Temple Street Night Market for some night time bargain-hunting.
Stanley Market, on the south side of Hong Kong island, is another big attraction. It's a collection of tiny indoor and outdoor shops selling goods from all over Mainland China. You'll find loads of bargains on silk robes, jade jewelry and small porcelain goods.
In Kowloon, the Tsim Sha Tsui area offers vibrant shopping districts, colonial architecture, modern high-rises and lovely parks. It is home to Nathan Road, a must-see especially at night, when clubs, restaurants and hotels are illuminated with bright neon signs. Kowloon Park, which is on Nathan Road, is a lovely refuge in the middle of the bustling city. You'll encounter folks of all ages performing Tai Chi exercises near the outdoor sculpture garden and lake. For a unique experience, check out the Yuen Po Bird Market, where birds of all varieties chirp away for prospective purchasers.
Been There, Done That
In addition to its three districts, Hong Kong encompasses an array of
outlying islands within an hour's ferry ride. Each offers a number of
outdoor activities that are a marked contrast to the hustle and bustle of
the city.
For example, Cheung Chau is a perfect getaway for biking enthusiasts, as there are no cars on the island. Lantau Island is home to the ultramodern international airport, and the world's longest suspension bridge, the Tsing Ma. You'll also find superb beaches, scenic walks and a monastery with the world's largest outdoor sculpture of the seated Buddha.
Visit Lamma Island for great seafood and scenic surroundings. Sai Kung, referred to as Hong Kong's "back garden," offers numerous outdoor dining establishments.
If you've got a few days in Hong Kong, consider a trek to Macao. The former Portuguese colony reverted to Chinese rule in 1999. The island is about an hour from Hong Kong by "Jetfoil" boat, and makes for an amusing excursion. Macao's primary claim to fame these days is its Las Vegas-style casinos, some operated by Las Vegas gaming consortia. Dining is also a bargain there, and Portuguese wines are dirt-cheap. Macao is jammed on the weekends with folks coming in to party from Hong Kong, so it's best to visit during the week.
If you'd like more adventure, take a visit to Mainland China. It's pretty easy to get to the city of Shenzhen, a special "economic zone" in the southern coast of Guangdong Province. You'll need a visa, obtainable in Hong Kong, though it can take a day or two to process. A 45-minute train ride will take you to the Chinese border, or you can opt for a one-hour jetfoil ride instead. Shenzhen is a haven for those interested in fake designer goods, and it also has a few noteworthy amusement parks, in addition to thousands of years of history.
Lunching
Hong Kong has some of the best and most varied cuisines available in
all of Asia in every possible setting -- from elegant hotel and romantic al
fresco dining to the basic "come-as-you-are" food stalls, called dai pai
dong. Of course, the most popular type of cooking is Cantonese-style. But, you'll find restaurants that specialize in cuisine from every region of China. You'll also find an abundance of Western dining options, including the usual fast food suspects. Asian and Western beverages are widely
served; tap water is purified. If in doubt, always ask for bottled water.
The Intercontinental Hotel's contemporary seafood restaurant, Yu
(Cantonese for fish), is an excellent choice for a mouthwatering array of
fish and shellfish prepared both Asian and Western style. Australian-born Chef Jeff Haviland is famous for his superb version of a local specialty, drunken prawns (prawns marinated in rice wine) that is not to be missed.
Just over a mile from the Ocean Terminal in the Kowloon district of
Hung Hom is the 45,000-square-foot "concept" dining plaza, Whampoa Gourmet Place. Over 300,000 diners flock each month to the complex's myriad establishments, which serve traditional cuisine in settings reminiscent of Hong Kong dining establishments of the 1940s and '50s. Service is friendly, the prices are extremely reasonable, and it's one of the best places in Hong Kong to sample dim sum.
Accommodations
Closest to the Pier: The Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel and the Marco Polo Gateway Hotel are sister establishments, both located in massive shopping complexes on either side of the cruise ship terminal. You can't ask for a more convenient location for exploring Kowloon, or for jumping aboard the Star Ferry to Hong Kong Island. Best of all, both hotels feature a direct, air-conditioned walkway right to the cruise ship terminal.
Family Oriented: BP International House, in the heart of Kowloon, is close to Kowloon Park and major shopping areas. The hotel features "family rooms," with bunk beds to accommodate four people, and also offers baby-sitting. 852-2722-0270
Splurge: The luxurious Peninsula Hotel in Kowloon is the "grand dame" of Hong Kong hotels. Completed in 1923, the hotel's imposing white exterior is usually lined with Rolls Royces, and her two-story lobby, with its glittering chandeliers and imposing pillars, is the best people-watching spot in the city.
852-2920-2888.
For Hipsters: The sleek, modern, Inter-Continental Hong Kong on the waterfront in Kowloon is positioned so that rooms and public spaces take in a glorious view of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. The hotel's Executive Lounge is a high-tech fantasy, well worth the small daily charge. 852-2721-1211.
Bargain: The Park Hotel Hong Kong in central Kowloon may not be elegant or trendy, but it offers comfortable, spacious rooms, a business center and 24-hour room service at a bargain rate. 852-2736-0922.
Staying in Touch
Local calls are free in Hong Kong, and most of the large hotels offer
free internet access. You'll also find free wireless internet connections
at the chain of Pacific Coffee shops throughout the city, including the one at the Peak Tower complex atop Victoria Peak.
Shore Excursions
Most cruise ships offer several different versions of a "Hong Kong
Discovery" tour, combining coach travel with moderate walking. You'll visit temples, jewelry factories, and one or more of the city's famous markets. Tours often include a visit to the Hong Kong Cultural Center, or the Hong Kong Museum of Art.
For those who don't want to walk around a lot, a few cruise lines
offer Chinese cooking classes at local restaurants. "Hong Kong Cultural Tours" are also growing in popularity. These shore excursions emphasize ancient traditions and customs. For example, the morning will begin with a lesson from a Tai Chi master; then it's on to a traditional dim sum lunch, followed by an afternoon tea ceremony.
For the more adventurous, try one of the numerous helicopter tours for a birds-eye view of Hong Kong's harbours, mountains, islands and cityscapes.
For More Information
On the Web: www.discoverhongkong.com
Cruise Critic Message Boards: Asia
The Independent Traveler Message Boards: Hong Kong/Macau
All images appear courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourist Board.
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 Shore Excursions
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