AMAZING HONGKONG

HONG KONG

Hong Kong is a superb experience . The Harbour is so exciting . Take the Star ferry over Kowloon. We spent a wonderful week in Hong kong .What a place.Up there with the best . Exciting very Exciting . Once you have made your way through passport control . Hong Kong hits you . So different from the British airport we had just left.

We chose to stay in Causeway Bay because we wanted to be handy for most places and it also has a few bars and western restaurants. Causeway Bay is crowded but here you can eat and shop until very late. Some major supermarkets and eateries stay open 24 hours. Times Square in Causeway Bay is a major focal point, especially at the 'calendar' New Year

Hotel was quite expensive

hk$2000 a night £120

Best deal we could get . Hotels in Hongkong are very expensive

Aberdeen harbour is home to hundreds of people living on fishing junks. Their traditional lifestyle is dramatically juxtaposed against a modern high-rise community spread over the nearby hillsides. In the evenings, the thousands of twinkling lights reflected on the water are a magical sight.

To get a close-up look at the Aberdeen way of life, we took a sampan ride or take in the view from one of two magnificent floating restaurants anchored here. Three storeys high and elaborately decorated with swirling red and gold dragons and other traditional Chinese motifs, the experience is not to be missed. Neither, of course, is the delicious fresh seafood and the excellent Cantonese fare on offer.

Aberdeen is also the site of Ocean Park, one of Southeast Asia's largest oceanarium and theme parks.

A crossing of Victoria Harbour on a Star Ferry has been named by the National Geographic of Traveler as one of the "fifty places of a lifetime".

Step aboard the fabulous double-decker "Shining Star" ferry, a beautiful re-creation of the ferries that plied Victoria Harbour in the 1920s. Relax and enjoy the magnificent view or soak up the sun on the open decks while enjoying the cooling sea breezes.

WENT TO OCEAN PARK www.oceanpark.com.hk

Hong Kong's ever-popular homegrown theme park is now home to two cuddly new residents! Giant panda cubs Le Le and Ying Ying are gifts from the Chinese government to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR.

This year is also the 30th anniversary of Ocean Park, set up in 1977 to create one of Asia's most popular theme parks mixing entertainment, education and conservation in an exciting package. The 80-hectare (200-acre) park, situated on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, features thrill rides as well as amazing aquarium exhibits and performances by various sea creatures. A cable car system links the lowland and headland sections, offering spectacular views en route.

New and fun-filled entertainment facilities are introduced from time to time and a major refurbishment is underway. In addition to the new giant pandas, Ocean Park recently unveiled a fascinating Sea Jelly Spectacular, featuring more than 1,000 sea jellies of all sizes from all over the world.
The whole family will enjoy SkyFair, a thrilling balloon ride where you can soar more than 100 metres into the air for a breathtaking view of the majestic south side of Hong Kong. Other popular additions have been the Abyss Turbo Drop, the Mine Train, Amazing Amazon, the Flying Swing and the Film Fantasia Simulator Ride.

TAKE TRAM TOTHE PEAK TO SEE SKYLINE AT NIGHT

Among the Hong Kong Tourist Attractions Victoria Peak is the right place that gives an incredible view of the entire harbor glittering with illumination. If you are looking out for some entertainment then one must not forget stopping over at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Auditorium. Yet another favorite destination to stopover would be Madame Tussaud Wax Museum where one may come across wax statutes of celebrated artists. Ocean Park in Hong Kong is a themed marine park where it is always fun time for kids. If you are on a shopping spree then a must visit would be to Stanley Market that boasts of several shops

RAM TO HAPPY VALLEY RACE COURSE

Happy valley racecourse AM TO WEST POINT

Currently the region of Kowloon in Hong Kong is partitioned into 5 districts for administrative purposes. They are Kwun Tong, Kowloon City, Wong Tai Sin, Sham Shui Po and Yau Tsim Mong. Kowloon in Hong Kong, though is congested is an extremely thriving city filled not just with industries but also several interesting and attractive places.

There are temples like Wong Tai Sin (named after a recluse and monk) and Tin Hau Temple.

The other places of attraction in Kowloon in Hong Kong are Tsim Sha Tsui which translates as 'elephant's trunk', Nathan Road which is also called the 'golden mile' for harboring tourist's needs like hotels, markets, restaurants and food-stalls. The "Good Wish Gardens" in the Wong Tai Sin Temple complex, Jade Market that is so known for its selection of jade articles ranging from jewelry to artifacts. The other attraction includes Hong Kong Cultural Centre; Man Mo Temple; the Space Museum; Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum, the Museum of History and several others.

Depart: 20 Oct 2007 10:25 Arrive: 20 Oct 2007 11:50

Nathan Road's famous "Golden Mile" bustles with shoppers day and night. It's renowned for its dazzling array of brightly-lit, neon-decorated shops, hotels, restaurants and nightspots that flank the wide thoroughfare.

Q: Where is the best area to stay?
A: Hong Kong is compact, so visitors are never too far from shopping and major sights. Hong Kong also has an excellent transportation system so visitors can easily reach other areas, no matter where they stay. Most hotels are located in the heart of the city, in Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island and in Tsim Sha Tsui and Tsim Sha Tsui East in Kowloon. There are also a growing number of resort-style hotels in the New Territories that offer relaxing alternatives.

Q: Is local transportation easily accessible?
A: Public transportation via bus, ferry or train is efficient, relatively inexpensive and user-friendly. The system covers extension areas of Hong Kong with signs in English and Chinese.

Q: Will I be expected to pay tips?
A: Most restaurants will levy a 10 per cent service charge but waiters will expect to be given some loose change. Restaurants that don't add a service charge will expect a 10 per cent tip. However, tipping is left to your discretion. Bellboys, porters, restroom attendants and taxi drivers will happily accept loose change.

Q: Will I be able to use my electrical equipment in Hong Kong?
A: The standard electrical voltage in HK is 220 volts AC, 50HZ, so you will need an adaptor for your 100-volt appliances and electrical equipment.The majority of electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged plug. You can buy an inexpensive adaptor for your equipment when you arrive in Hong Kong.

Q: Is Hong Kong safe for the visitor?
A: Yes, Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world even at night, when people may walk alone with confidence.

Q: Is English widely spoken?
A: Very widely spoken. There will be no problems in communicating with people in most hotels, restaurants and evensome taxis.

WEST END WALKS OF GLASGOW

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