Brought to you by guest blogger, Paddy in Buenos Asia!
Hong Kong has a reputation for being one of the most expensive cities in the world and there are more millionaires per square feet here than anywhere else in the world. The city is shopping heaven for those with platinum cards with massive shopping malls full of all the top designer shops. There is a fantastic selection of cuisine available from all around the world but once again it tends to come at an inflated price. Don’t let the ‘bling bling’ reputation dissuade you from visiting however since a little local knowledge can go a long way to making your budget stretch a long way. Here are some of my top picks for things to see and do that won’t break the bank.
Hiking
Hong Kong has a huge network of top notch hiking trails. You can escape the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle in minutes and be trekking the trails with majestic views of the city as your reward. The trails are clearly marked and you can choose to return the way you came or just on a hop a bus or train if you feel worn out. 2 of my favourites are the Big Buddha trail and Diamond Back trail where the panoramic views are fantastic.
The View from the Big Buddha
If hiking is not your thing then you can still visit the largest seated bronze Buddha in the world. Take a ferry from the piers at Central to Lantau Island where you will connect with a bus that winds its way up a scenic mountain road and drops you off at the Big Buddha. After scaling the steps to the Buddha and lunch you can return via cable car to Tung Chung and hop on a train back to Central.
Symphony of Lights
The Symphony of Lights is a spectacular free laser show staged from the tallest skyscrapers in Hong Kong every night at 8:00pm. The best spot to catch the show is from The Avenue of the Stars in Tsim Sha Sui where loudspeakers blast choreographed music to the lights. On special occasions the laser show is supplemented by fireworks and is truly a sight to behold.
Experience the night life of Lan Kwai Fong
Most of the expat night life is packed into this small area of just a few blocks in Central. You can choose to bar hop the expensive cocktail bars, pubs and clubs or just do as the locals do and buy a beer in a mini-mart at a fraction of the price and explore the streets where most people end up outside anyway.
Take the Tram (ding ding)
For a mere $2HK dollars you can travel the entire tram track on Hong Kong Island. Its a laid back albeit sometimes slow way to explore the city. Grab a seat upstairs at the front if you can and sit back and relax while the rest of the city seems to be scurrying around like ants.
View from the Peak
Forsake the touristy overcrowded expensive peak tram and take the number 15 bus from Central all the way to ‘The Peak’ where you will experience one of the best views in the world of a city skyline. The bus trip alone is spectacular so try and sit upstairs for a thrill ride experience as you wind your way up the narrow road to the summit. Tip: You can also time this trip to see an alternate view of the Symphony of Lights mentioned above.
Browse the Markets in Kowloon
Take the MTR (subway) to Prince Edward station and work your way south following the clearly posted signs for the numerous markets. Highlights include the massive Flower market, the Goldfish market, Ladies market for clothes, the Jade market for jewellery and at night the Temple market for a bit of everything. You can eat quality chinese fare at the food stalls around the markets.
Happy Valley Horse Racing
Most Wednesday evenings sees throngs of locals and expats descend upon this racecourse where admittedly a lot of money changes hands but for a mere $10HK dollars entrance fee you can enjoy the festivities. The minimum bet is also $10HK dollars so it won’t send you home broke if you don’t pick a winner.
So you see it is possible to live the high life in Hong Kong without emptying your pockets. It is a fantastic city that is easy and fun to explore. My advice for anybody visiting here is try and get a few locals to give you tips and advice as they can always get you a better deal and point you in the right direction.
Paddy in Buenos Asia is the general spiel of everyday life and experiences of an Irish expat moving to Buenos Aires then Hong Kong to travel the length and breadth of the countries, the continents and beyond. WARNING! – may contain Irish humour!
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