Hong Kong has more variety than just the sky scrapers and shopping. It’s a place where you can spend quality time with your family, its safe ad more importantly more attractions. Here are the things you should not miss while traveling in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Disneyland
The smaller version of the original Disneyland, HK’s version is a must visit if you are traveling with kids. Located on the Lantau island, you can easily spend the whole day here, experience the recently added Hostelbay’s Greek Island Hopping Experience and watch the fireworks display at night. The ticket cost is HKD 450 / HKD 320 / HKD 100 for adult (age 12-64) / child (age 3-11) / senior (age 65+) respectively. There are five areas in the park with different themes – Main Street USA, Fantasy Land, Adventure Land, Toy Story Land and Tomorrow Land.
Victoria Peak
Reach Victoria Peak (the highest point in Hong Kong, 552 meters above sea level) and you will find enjoyable panoramic view of not just the Hong Kong island, but also Kowloon. The tram from Peak Tram Terminus is what most of the tourists use to reach the peak. This is a must do for all the tourists, same for eating out while you are here. A visit to Victoria Peak in the day provides a perspective, but a visit during the night will give you views which cannot be found any where else in the world. A small version of Madame Tussauds museum is also located on the peak.
Ngong Ping Village
Take the cable car ride from Tung Chung MTR to the Ngong Ping village (its an artificial village), to get a birds eye view of Lantau Island. After reaching the village, climb the 268 steps to reach the Big Buddha, from here you will be able to enjoy the other side of Hong Kong which is lush green vegetation after staying in the urban landscapes. There are plenty of stores here to keep the shoppers interested.
Avenue of Stars and Symphony of Lights
Avenue of Stars is Hong Kong’s version of Hollywood Walk of Fame located on Tsim Sha Tusi promenade. There is a life size statue of Bruce Lee and hand print of Jackie Chan. Symphony of Lights is the biggest synchronized sound and light show in the world that should also not be missed. The show starts every day at 8 PM. Watching it from the Avenue of Stars gives great glimpses of this show. Admission is free.
Ocean Park Hong Kong
If Disneyland is crowd puller for the kids, Ocean Park is that for teenagers. The original and best selling theme park in Hong Kong, Ocean Park has thrilling rides, one of the biggest aquarium in the world, a mini zoo with pandas and colorful birds. Cost for 12 or older person is HKD 320 and HKD 160 for a child between 3 to 11 years. It’s located on the south of Hong Kong island.
Star Ferry Harbor Tour
One of the most iconic sight in Hong Kong is the white and green Star Ferry, which transports passengers between the two sides of Victoria Harbor. This two hour cruise takes you around all the main harbor attractions of Hong Kong. A single round trip ride costs HKD 85 and HKD 160 in day and night respectively.
Other notable attractions in Hong Kong
- On Hong Kong island – HSBC Building, Hong Kong Park, Bars at Lan Kwai Fong, Golden Bauhinia Square, Hong Kong Times Square, Jumbo Kingdom, Stanley Market
- In Kowloon – HK Cultural Center, HK Space Museum, 1881 Heritage, Kowloon Park, Jade Market, Temple Street Night Market, Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery, Kowloon Walled City Park
- New Territories – Noah’s Ark in Ma Wan Park, Temple of 10000 Buddhas, HK Heritage Museum
Disclaimer – All the information provided above are as on May 2014. The rates listed might have changed overtime.
Image source – https://www.flickr.com/photos/stuckincustoms/987113400/