There is nothing more rejuvenating than a long lazy vacation. Frazzled and burnt out from the constant bickering of my tinseltowners and spying on celebrities I decided that the sansyasin needs a break. Boy, talk about inner peace! Giving into the craving of my senses, I decided to temporarily renounce my daily duties. So I packed my bags and took off for a destination that came short in my countries-to-visit list, but quite within the reach of my budget as of now.
I zeroed in on Hong Kong for its much raved about culture, theme parks and more importantly cheap shopping spots. So after a thorough discussion with my travel agent followed by endless calls for modeling, remodeling, canceling to rebooking the million aspects of my vacation, I was on my flight. With a large group that comprised my family and friends, we were all relieved to catch the flight that we were sure to miss had the irksome traffic signal at Mehrauli acted a teeny-weeny more moody.
The four hours Jet Airways flight was mostly passed by me glued to the tiny TV screen and revising my itinerary. Browsing through the various travel brochures, I was still trying to squeeze in a place or two on my long list of must visit locations in Hong Kong, when Mr Pilot geared us all up for landing. Looking outside my window, I was left awe-struck to find small glowing islands as my flight landed on a strip that had ocean on its either sides. Being scenically located HK airport is bound to cast a very favorable first impression that is sure to last long too.
As far as the traveling technicalities go, Hong Kong offers visa on arrival so if you are traveling to the country for the first time your immigration process could take some time. Luckily for us it didn’t, as we had an early flight we were greeted with fresh welcoming officers much too keen to do their duties with brisk efficiency.
One of the best times to visit this country, like most foreign countries, is around New Year. With the festival season around, the country was a visual delight as it was decorated in all glitz to embrace the holiday spirit. Huge Xmas trees ornamented with sturdy stars, crystal figures and multi-coloured bulbs coupled with various pictorial themes inspired by Christ’s birth and the cuddly Santa Claus could have easily been mistaken for a Hollywood movie set, only this was real and inside the airport.
Outside the celebrations were far grander but before we get to that let me tell you that our hotel was in Kowloon, which is about one hour away from the airport in cab. Nevertheless, with mountains on one side and ocean on the other, crowded with jet boats and yachts, the drive from the airport to the hotel was simply breathtaking. Skyscrapers with as many as 150 floors are sure to leave your neck sprained, but who’s complaining, we were much too busy distinguishing one manmade marvel from the other. But here are a few things one must keep in mind when going to HK.
Firstly, it’s not meant for soul searching and by that I don’t mean it’s not peaceful. It’s as peaceful as Mumbai. Life here is fast moving. And you can feel the urgency in the air. It’s as cosmopolitan as it gets. So if you are looking forward to a countryside relaxing vacation slash HK of your list. However if it’s the parties, fun and exciting night life that you are caving for, then HK is your one stop destination.
Secondly, language is a sure matter of concern. Not everyone is comfortable with English which has in many ways become a universal dialect. So if you come across some locals, who give you a seemingly mean snub when you enquire about directions, make sure you give them the benefit of doubt. As far as courtesy goes, HK is a mixed bunch while some localities come across as inhospitable there are many which are overtly helpful.
Thirdly the most used phrases in HK are Okay, Also Okay, Bubye, Thankyou, Give me more and No.
So let me give you a quick rundown of all the things you must do here:
What to see:
The list can be endless. From theme parks that comprise the most exciting world renowned adventure spots like the Ocean Park and every child’s fantasy Disneyland to site seeing spots like Victoria’s Peak and museums, you are sure spoilt for choice here. But after doing some general site-seeing, my adventurous side took over as I hopped onto Ocean Park for the adrenaline rush. Be sure to wear a comfortable gear for this dream park visit as it is huge and a day is nearly not enough to cover this one on foot.
A marvel nevertheless, the park houses marine and forest life besides having some jaw dropping fast rides for the adrenaline junkies. Divided in two parts, the park has the Waterfront Lowland that is meant for toddlers and the Summit Headland that caters to adults. Connected via cable cars, it takes a beautiful yet thrilling fifteen minutes to hop from between the two lands.
But if heights give you a scare, there is also an underwater train, the Ocean Express that is your next best but equally exciting option. And though nothing is worth missing here, the one show that attracts a maximum number of tourists here is the Dolphin Show. Dancing and leaping across water, these dolphins are sure to melt your heart as you admire with wonder their perfect summersaults and love for their human trainers.
Done with this, hop on to the super scary rides. It’s nothing less than man versus nature as these rides challenge all laws of gravity. You need a strong heart and an unmoving faith in science when you are strapped to a machine and praying for your dear life, as you dangle between a mountain and ocean.
From jelly fish, large sized seals basking in the sun, giant whales, adorable cuddly pandas to Japanese gardens, Ocean Park is a wonderland and a must visit. In fact no trip to Hong Kong can be complete without this stop.
Our next halt was Disneyland. And yes I had butterflies in my stomach and was as thrilled as a five-year old for one glimpse of the dreamy characters I had grown up seeing. With celebrations in the air, the fairyland appeared even more magical. From Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Goofy, Donald Duck, Mermaid, Snow White to every single member of the Disney animated family making merry, it was nothing less than a dream. And if all this wasn’t enough, there is a daily parade wherein all characters join in to groove to ‘let it snow.’ No words are enough to explain this magical place!
But if it’s the serene views and tranquil sights that your heart desires, then Victoria Peak is your sure shot answer. Known as the Peak by the locals here, it attracts a maximum number of tourists each year. Situated at height of over 500 m, the peak offers a breathtaking view of Central Hong Kong, Victoria Harbour and its surrounding islands. And though the view is spectacular at all times, it’s the night view that is strikingly beautiful. Besides the view, the Peak also has a number of shopping centers and leisure spots. But the major attraction here is the Madame Tussaud’s in Peak Tower. With an entry fee that varies between $120 -150, the wax museum is a must visit.
How to commute:
HK runs on MTR. Sure there is no dearth of sturdy sport cars and luxurious sedans boasting some mean horse power, but it’s the MTR that is the country’s lifeline. It’s fast, safe and cheap so you don’t have to worry about some street smart taxi driver trying to fool you around.
Running at lightning speed, the MTR is by far the most popular mode of transport here. And yes traveling through this rollercoaster at peak hour does remind one of home for it’s as crammed as our desi Metro. Anything that is faster than the MTR is the escalators at these local stations. Trying to catch on with their fast lives, the locals here are in love with speed as are their machines. So if you are accustomed to the slow escalators, here’s goes a word of caution: Watch out when you are on these escalators or better still take the stairs. Besides the MTR there are also special open roof double decker buses that are especially meant for tourist.
What to eat:
Vegetarians beware of HK for you might have to go on empty stomach for most part of your trip. As for the non vegetarians there are endless options, which are not so tempting to the Indian taste buds. When you have items like pig intestines and octopus tentacles on the menu, you are bound to feel nauseated. So try these local delicacies if you have a strong stomach. Thanks to the fast food chains like McDonalds and KFC, HK was bearable to the palate. Yes there are number of Indian restaurants, but they are area specific so before you plan your trip keep this important aspect for survival - food - in mind and book a hotel as per its availability.
Where to shop:
Hong Kong is a shopper’s paradise. So if you are a haggler then this is the destination to put your bargaining skills to test. Right from sturdy malls that house the world’s best brands and designer gear to street markets that sell the exact copies of these renowned brands, Hong Kong has something for everyone. But if it’s the street shopping that holds your particular interest, then there are four main markets you must visit to find the best deals-- Ladies Market (as all shopkeepers here are women), Temple Street Night Market, Jade and Stanley Market.
So haggle all you can as these markets are extremely overpriced, but exceptionally bargain friendly. While the Ladies Market, Stanley and Temple Street Night Market are chiefly known for selling garments, souvenirs, silk garments and accessories, Jade Market like the name suggests, sells the smooth and cool to the touch stone.
In all HK is a one-time visit wonder.
(The views expressed by the author in the blog are his/her own)