DK and MH from Chic Locations return to Hong Kong as part of a mini tour around the region.
David Kevan was last in Hong Kong about 4 years ago, MH more than 20 years back. Here is DK’s review:
We flew with British Airways. The flight was delayed due technical issue but once sorted the onboard service (we were in Club) was super. A new aircraft with an older crew. They just could not do enough for us. Rather impressed. And due to strong headwinds, we made up the time.
We decided to take the train into Hong Kong to see how it worked. It’s quick. Just 24 minutes and frequent. It stops Kowloon side first before going through to Island side. It cost about 10 pounds per person, plus taxi to the hotel for 8 pounds once in Kowloon. Much cheaper than the 80 pounds plus you would pay for a private car. The downside is the struggle with 3 cases and hand luggage. Add 20 minutes wait at the station for a taxi as well.
We bought an Octopus Card which allows you unlimited travel in trains, buses, trams and star ferry. Really convenient and you get a refund for anything unused.
We both really enjoy Hong Kong. It is fast-paced and dynamic. If I have not visited for a few years I quickly recall what I have been missing. For MH, it was happy memories plus the shock of seeing even more people. The streets are literally rammed with people and the new road link to mainland China has just swelled the numbers.
We travelled on all forms of transport. The subway is good and fast. The star ferry is iconic but, for us, the most fun was the tram rides. Totally authentic, rickety and narrow. A great experience.
Saw so many hotels on both Kowloon and Island side. Some new to both of us, as well as several old favourites. Stand out properties for us were Langham, Four Seasons, Upper House, and the Peninsula.
If we were to be critical the restaurant scene seems either very local, Hotel or shopping mall-based, so dining was not a highlight, especially as MH is not a fan of Chinese cuisine. That rather limits the options as salads are not an HK speciality!
You do need to be comfortable with air conditioning, especially in upscale shopping malls. It may have been hot and humid outside, but once inside a jumper becomes important.
Brilliant three days. Saw so much at rapid speed. We were on the go from dawn to dusk. For both of us, Hong Kong remains a must on any tour around the region. We could have done with an extra day to revisit Aberdeen Harbour, gone to at least one of the smaller islands and taken a night cruise around the Harbour. Sadly time just ran away from us.
So that was officially Hong Kong Revisited. Now taking a 5-hour flight south to revisit the magical island of Bali.
David Kevan
chiclocations.com
