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Top 10: Hong Kong Highlights
"A dream of Manhattan, arising from the South China Sea." For succinctness, modern travel writer Pico Iyer's description of Hong Kong has yet to be bettered. From opium port to Cold War enclave to frenetic financial capital, Hong Kong has never been boring. This is the hedonistic engine room of cultural fusion: East meets West in high style, and the results astonish and delight. Prepare to experience one of the most dramatic urban environments ever conceived.
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1. The Peak
Take the tram to the lofty heights of Victoria Peak for an amazing view of the city.
- 2849 7654
- Peak Tram 7am - midnight daily
- Bus 15C from Central Star Ferry
- Single/return HK$20/$30
- www.thepeak.com.hk
2. Statue Square
Hong Kong Island's northeast is the region's administrative centre. Colonial remnants and exciting modern architecture stand next to each other around Statue Square.
3. Happy Valley Races
Horseracing below the high-rises: Happy Valley is where Hong Kongers go to play.
- Less than a mile (1 km) south of Causeway Bay and Wanchai on Hong Kong Island
- Regular meetings Wed, Sat & Sun
- Dial 1817 for race details
- Regular meetings Wed, Sat & Sun
- Adm HK$10
- Racing Museum 2966 8065, free
- Come Horseracing Tour 2366 3995, HK$120 - 490
- www.hkjockeyclub.com
4. Star Ferry
Ignore the subterranean road and rail links between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The thrilling way to cross the water is on the Star Ferry.
- 2367 7065
- Ferries 6:30am - 11:30pm daily. Frequency varies from 5 to 10 minutes
- www.starferry.com.hk
5. Stanley
An old fort steeped in colonial history and reminders of World War II, Stanley on the Southside of Hong Kong Island is a peaceful diversion from the frenetic city.
- Buses 6, 6A, 6X or 260 from Central
- Stanley market 11am - 6pm daily
6. Temple Street Night Market
Kowloon is at its most atmospheric at night. Head up the peninsula to the narrow lanes of Yau Ma Tei for some serious haggling.
- The market gets going after 7pm and goes on until as late as 11pm
7. Heritage Museum
Near Sha Tin in the New Territories, Hong Kong's best museum is a must. Splendid high-tech audio-visual displays cover the region's rich cultural heritage and natural history.
- 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin, New Territories
- 2180 8188
- Free shuttle bus from Sha Tin KCR
- 10am - 6pm Tue - Sat, 10am - 9pm Fri
- Adm HK$10
- www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk
8. Tai Long Wan Coastline
The remote, rugged Sai Kung Peninsula in the New Territories is the place to find Hong Kong's finest beaches.
- Take the frequent 92 bus from Diamond Hill KCR terminating at Sai Kung town, then the half-hourly 94 bus (or 96R on Sun) to Pak Tam Au. Allow about 90 minutes from Kowloon or Central to the start of the path, plus at least an hour each way to hike to and from the beach
- Daily junk hire from HK$3000, see Yellow Pages for listings
9. Cheung Chau Island
Of the many islands around Hong Kong, tiny Cheung Chau is arguably the loveliest, with traces of old China.
- Daily ferries hourly or half-hourly from Outlying Islands ferry piers
10. Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery
In the middle of hilly Lantau Island, Po Lin Monastery is a major destination for devotees and tourists alike. The extraordinary seated Big Buddha image facing the monastery can be seen from miles away.
- No. 2 bus from Lantau Island's Mui Wo ferry terminal
- 10am - 6pm daily
- Free
