Guide to All Things Touristy in Hong Kong

I have an amazing bestfriend. She’s creative, intelligent, helpful and simply brilliant. I could always count on her; when I told her I need a travel guide to Hong Kong (she’s been there before), she emailed her own Guide to Hong Kong. Imma share with you now:

Visiting Hong Kong by Marlisa Halidi, writer of The Fuschia. (Accompanied by my pictures & captions).

Things to note;

• Nothing is halal unless stated.

-Halal eateries are quite rare in Hong Kong. Travellers on a budget would probably opt for McDonald’s Fillet o Fish, or pack on some food from home (dry+frozen) to be fully utilized in the hotel rooms.

-Stuff in a tiny rice cooker and some frozen lauk pauk from home, and you’ll be fine.

Mushroom rice, egg tarts and corn from KFC! Yums!

Light meal at the airport while waiting to board.

• Language

-They don’t speak much English (but better than some European countries to be honest).

-Unless you know Mandarin, you will never know the exact way to pronounce something even if it is spelled out in normal alphabets.

-Instead, make use of the doorman/receptionist to write down the place you intend to go in Mandarin. So once you get a cab, just show the paper to the driver. Easy peasy. Also, to get back easily, grab a few hotel cards from the reception table, and show one to the driver if you are heading back.

• Going Places

-The MTR (HK’s version of LRT) is really simple once you get a hang of it. It is really efficient; time wise, but expect lots of fast walking from one station to another. Make sure the first thing you do once you arrive at the airport, is to get an MTR map. Lots of colours, lots of stations. For example, to go to Z, you’ll have to take a train from B, then switch to train R then switch to train H then later to train U , before you arrive safetly in Z. It’s like that because HK apparently, in case you don’t know it, is huge.

At the airport, obeyed bestfriend's instructions and got my hands on the MTR route map.

Superbly-easy-to-use touchscreen ticketing machine. Just pick your destination and pay price stated.

Trust me, you won't get lost.

-Taxis are expansive expensive :B , but it’s vintage Mercedes with an automatic door, what would you expect from that?

Airport provides efficient taxi service. The people in blue coat will guide you till you put your bags in the taxi! It’s easier if you go to Disneyland Resort first because hello, each and every taxi drivers know where it is! Just say Disneyland Resort!

Only RM50.00 to go to Disneyland Resort from the airport. All taxis use the price meter, fret not.

• Shopping

-Ultimately, the purpose of visiting Hong Kong

City Gate Outlet

Close to the airport. Tons and tons of Factory Outlets. A seasoned shopper would probably drag a few luggages (yes luggages) as they shop, because everything is affordable/cheap, so expect to buy stuff in bulk. To get to this place from Disneyland Resort is as easy as ABC. Take the MTR and it’s only a, more or less, 10minutes journey.

And many more. I love this place.

The area of 1881 Heritage

Tons of big labels in fashion. Don’t be too surprise if you see people lining up to get in Chanel and got out with paper bags as if Chanel is the new Giordano.

Space Warehouse

Where all the Prada lovers come along and shop.

Mongkok

A central of all things nice. Sneakers, high street labels and etc. Sneakers are apparently a big (and cheap) thing here. Expensive ones are like Anthropologie London, but there are the usual Chuck Taylors, Keds and Nikes. The place will start buzzing around late evening.

Sasa in Mongkok

It is definitely bigger than ours in Malaysia. A wonderful place to dwell in.

Ladies Market in Mongkok

The usual market-bags/vintage finds/necklaces, etc.

I’ve always love a pasar malam. I saw this place (Ladies Market Mongkok) in Amazing Race once, and can’t believe I’m finally here. Make sure you tawar-menawar kao kao if you want to buy anything; start off with half price and if they refuse, walk away.

Lane Crawford Warehouse

-Near the Harbour City, at Tsim Sha Tsui.

-Imagine getting a pair of Ferragamo’s for RM400? That is a steal. Places off-season stuffs, and for those who do not mind with that, feel free to visit.

Disneyland

-One word: Plan. It opens at 10.30 am. Upon arriving, do take the obligatory picture of yours in front of the iconic Mickey face made up of flowers. Then dash to get yourself a map.

-Don’t get seduced by the commotion of it all. Be calm and plan which shows to go first etc. The place is divided into four sections, so plan wisely. Prior to all this, do check the shows’ schedule at Disney hotel lobby.

-Have a Mickey Waffle!

-Take the Tour train that will bring you around the whole place so that you get a glimpse of each part of Disneyland.

-Watch Festival of Lion King Theatre! Brings me to tears .

-Merchandises are of course, expensive. But real fun to look at.

Ocean Park

Victoria Harbour

Symphony of Lights The Peak

Taking a tram up to the Peak might be the coolest thing you’ll do in your life. Cold air, and all.

Before I go, I must show you how beautiful their airport is.

See the clock behind me?

All the clocks in the airport = Rolex.

That is all, do visit Hong Kong when you have the chance.

Signing off, Hanis Zalikha in the street of Mongkok.