HONG KONG

FALL & WINTER GUIDE 2009/2010

The best places to eat, sleep and play in Hong Kong this fall and winter
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INTRODUCTION
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Youll find reviews for more than 450,000 hotels, 90,000 attractions and 560,000 restaurants on TripAdvisor.com. Learn from other travelers what to expect before you make your plans.

HONG KONG
Hong Kongs appeal as a modern metropolis amid an ancient culture thrives. Sometimes bustling, sometimes serene, this great city is divided into four distinct areas: Hong Kong Island, the busy, pulsating heart and financial and commercial center; Kowloon Peninsula, home to many of the upscale hotels; New Territories, where youll find traditional rural life; and the 200outlying islands, of which Lantau is the largest. The British took control of Hong Kong in 1841, after the First Opium War against the Chinese; in 1898, they also gained a 99year lease on the New Territories. When the lease ran out in 1997, the entire province was handed back to China. Today, British influence is still strong. As a result, most of the local population knows English (if not fluently, they know what youre saying). Learn a few phrases and especially know the numbers so you can bargain in the markets! Hong Kongs sub-tropical climate promises pleasant, temperate weather for half of the year. January and February tend to be cool and cloudy; between May and August, expect hot, humid weather with occasional showers. Cyclone season (July through September) can bring higher winds, thunderstorms and occasional flooding. tripadvisor.com 2

PACKING TIPS
1. Haggle like a local: Bring small bills for the markets, bargain from 1/3of the price they quote you and walk away if they wont budge; they will usually lower the price when you walk away. TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong 2. Hong Kong markets are a must. Leave extra space in the suitcase, so you can fit your bargain purchases in! TripAdvisor Member, Derby, England 3. A tripod is a must. I carry a cheap and light tripod everywhere in my backpack for a trip. I set it up for scenic shots, so my wife and I can be in the picture together. I also use it for night shots.TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong

Top

VIEWS
An excellent way to get from Kowloon to Hong Kong across the harbor, Star Ferry is quick, cheap and efficient and a real taste of old Hong Kong. You can sit on the top and enjoy the fantastic view. Especially stunning at night when all the skyscrapers are lit up. TripAdvisor Member, Nottingham, U.K.
Star Ferry, Star Ferry Pier, Edinburgh Place, 085223677065

HONG KONGS BEST VIEWS

The Lobby Lounge is among the best in the world for view, service, facilities and live music.TripAdvisor Member, Dallas, Texas
Lobby Lounge, Intercontinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, 0852 2721 1211

Victoria Peak (Tai Ping Shan) is billed as the number one tourist attraction in Hong Kong, and rightly so. The Peak Tram is a fun and easy way to get to the top of Victoria Peak, but it is the views from the peak that are the star of the show. We went up during the day, which being nice and clear, afforded great views over the harbor and across to Kowloon. TripAdvisor Member, Scotland
Victoria Peak, 1Lugard Road, 085228497654

Where to

PLAY
7. Lamma Island 10. Lantau Island

1. Star Ferry, Star Ferry Pier, Edinburgh Place, 0852 2367 7065 2. Victoria Peak (Tai Ping Shan), 1 Lugard Road, 0852 2849 7654 3. Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island, 0852 1830 830 4. Happy Valley Racecourse, 2 Sports Road, Happy Valley, 0852 2895 1523 5. Big Buddha (Tian Tan), Lantau Island

TOP 10 Attractions

6. Hong Kong Museum of History, 100 Chatham Road S, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, 0852 2724 9042 8. Chi Lin Nunnery, Chi Lin Road, Diamond Hill, 0852 2354 1735 9. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Man Fat Sze), Sha Tin, 0852 2691 1067

FAMILIES
Hong Kong Disneyland is indeed very small, but absolutley gorgeous. The park is so clean! My wife and I visited and had a truly magical day. The fireworks at the end of the day are the best we have seen at any Disney.TripAdvisor Member, Colchester, England
Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island, 0852 1830 830

Ocean Park is a theme park with rides and a butterfly house. My kids enjoyed the rides. The cable car view alone is worth the trip.TripAdvisor Member
Ocean Park, Ocean Park Road, Aberdeen, 0852 3923 2323

The Hong Kong Space Museum has exhibitions about space and celestial object shows, inside an egg-shell shaped theater. You can lie down and look at the stars. TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong
Hong Kong Space Museum, Hong Kong Cultural Centre Complex, Salisbury Road, Kowloon, 085227210226

ROMANCE
A trip on the Star Ferry is one of the most romantic journeys you can make. Traveling from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island with the mass of neon lights in the background is the perfect place to propose.TripAdvisor Member, Cheltenham, U.K.
Star Ferry, Star Ferry Pier, Edinburgh Place, 085223677065

The cable car view alone is worth the trip.

Youll find champagne and oysters galore at Felix Bar, where casual and superchic go hand in hand. Havent decided what I liked best: the food or the views!TripAdvisor Member, The Hague, Netherlands
Felix Bar, Peninsula Hotel, Salisbury Road, Kowloon, 085223153188

For a few moments of peace away from the crowds, take a stroll to the conservatory and the aviary at Hong Kong Park, a quiet oasis.TripAdvisor Member, Solihull, U.K.
Hong Kong Park, 19Cotton Tree Drive, Central, 085225215041

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Where to

PLAY
There is no admission charge for the Man Mo Temple, one of Hong Kongs most well-known temples. Built about 100years ago by the Tsat Yeuk Community of Tai Po, the Man Mo Temple is fabulous. TripAdvisor Member, Netherlands
Man Mo Temple, Hollywood Road and Ladder Street, Western District, 085228032916

BUDGET
For inexpensive clothes shopping, visit Stanley Market, open daily. The market itself is a maze of small shops and stalls with a huge array of thingssome of which you never knew youd need (or want!). My only word of advice would be to barter and, if you think youre not getting a good deal, just walk away. Youll be amazed how many stall owners will come after you to make a sale. TripAdvisor Member, London, England
Stanley Market, Stanley Beach

For less than a few dollars, you can take the tram on Victoria Peak for a stunning view of Hong Kong. Its a fun and easy way to get to the top, but it is the views that are the star of the show. The vista is breathtaking. TripAdvisor Member, Scotland
Victoria Peak Tram, Lugard Road, 085228497654

ADVENTURE
For the more energetic, theres the 43-mile Lantau hiking trail, for which you need a map and a plan. You can do it in stages, but allow at least five hours for the walk; bear in mind Lantau Island is the largest island in Hong Kong and it is very mountainous. It is not easy.TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong
Lantau Trail, Lantau Island, 085229848191

TripAdvisor members have posted more than 2,000,000 photos on the site. The good, the bad and the very candid. Its almost like being there! The Dolphin Encounter Program at Ocean Park was really good fun! Basically you get to go behind the scenes to meet, feed and touch the dolphins. I really enjoyed this!TripAdvisor Member, Aberdeen, U.K.
Dolphin Encounter Program at Ocean Park, Ocean Park Road, Aberdeen, 085239232323

The YMCA offers lots of amenities, including two indoor pools, squash courts, a climbing wall and exercise room. TripAdvisor Member, Cambridge, England
YMCA, 41Salisbury Road, Kowloon, 085222687000

EDUCATIONAL/HISTORICAL
The Museum of History takes you for a walk through time. There are various movie rooms, displays, recreations and photos of old Hong Kong. Youll learn so much about the rich culture and history of this vibrant city.TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong
Hong Kong Museum of History, 100 Chatham Road S., Kowloon, 085227249042

...and the big Bhudda, well it was impressive I must say.

The Po Lin Monastery features the largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha in the world. A fair way to spend half a day. We took the ferry out from Hong Kong island, and had a very enjoyable walk back down through the woods to Tung Chung. The monastery itself was interesting and the big Bhudda, well it was impressive I must say.TripAdvisor Member, Scotland
Po Lin Monastery, Lantau Island, 085229855669

If you or your child is interested in science, you wont be disappointed in the Hong Kong Science Museum. The hands-on displays are wonderful, and signs are in Cantonese and English.TripAdvisor Member, Yokosuka, Japan
Hong Kong Science Museum, 2 Science Museum Road, Kowloon, 085227323232

RELAXATION
All bets aside, the night was the winner at the Happy Valley Racecourse. There was pomp surrounding the occasion where the horses are led out by riders in a red uniform. The winner is then led to show off in front of the crowd. A fantastic evenings entertainment.TripAdvisor Member, Manchester, U.K.
Happy Valley Racecourse, Sports Road, Happy Valley, 085228951523

Repulse Bay is probably Hong Kongs most popular spot for a day at the beach. The clean water and gentle waves make it perfect for a relaxing swim. The walk along waterfront in Repulse Bay is recommended. You can sense the beauty of the countryside, its so green and lovely.TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong
Repulse Bay, South coast

With a collection of more than 14,000 objects, including paintings, calligraphy and antique treasures, the Hong Kong Museum of Art is down by the waterfront and a great place to spend a few hours on a rainy day. Go on a Wednesday, and its free to get in, too!TripAdvisor Member, Livingston, Scotland
Hong Kong Museum of Art, Cultural Centre Complex, 10 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, 0852 2721 0116

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Whats the

TOUR

How to Get Around

Slow boatAn Oxford TripAdvisor Member suggests using the old ferries instead of the faster catamarans: There is no better or cheaper way to see the skyline than from the balcony of the ferries.

Smart CardThe TripAdvisor Local Expert for Hong Kong suggests getting an Octopus Smart Card. It allows you to use public transport without worrying about purchasing ticketsand its cheaper. Brilliant viewsA TripAdvisor Member from Hampshire suggests traveling on the top deck of buses for brilliant views.

WHERE
FAMILIES
Claiming to be the worlds largest floating restaurant, Jumbo is an iconic Hong Kong landmark, constructed in the style of a Chinese imperial palace. If you want a more exotic experience, you can ask Jumbo to let you dine aboard a fishing boat. TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong
Jumbo Floating Restaurant, Shum Wan Pier Drive, Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen, 085225539111

to eat

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Let the kids choose their own dishes. Make it easy and simple at Nomads in Knutsford Terrace, where at a noodle bar you choose the noodles, all the add ons and sauce, and they make it for you.TripAdvisor Member, San Francisco, Calif.
Nomads, 55Kimberly Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, 085227220733

Dan Ryans is a good restaurant for families: good food, HUGE portions. My toddler loves it therethey give crayons, fun artwork to keep her busy, a free balloon and keychain. TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong
Dan Ryans Chicago Grill, 114 Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 085228454600

ROMANCE
Gaddis is one of the best French restaurants in Asia and a must if youre looking for gourmet, Michelin-starred cuisine. The dining room is very luxurious and palatial, and the service is among the best Ive ever experienced.TripAdvisor Member, Los Angeles, Calif.
Gaddis, Peninsula Hotel, Salisbury Road, Kowloon, 0852 2315 3171

Their desserts are to die for, if you are a chocolate lover, it is heaven!
Amigo gave me a magical night Ill never forget. If you want a wife, ask her here! TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong
Amigo, 79A Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley, 0852 2577 2202

...one of the best French restaurants in Asia

Reservations are essential for M at the Fringe, which both diners and food critics hail as one of Hong Kongs best restaurants. The menu embraces French, Turkish, Lebanese and Italian cuisines, and the pavlova is legendary. Their desserts are to die for. If you are a chocolate lover, it is heaven!TripAdvisor Member, Singapore
M at the Fringe, 1/F South Block, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, 085228774000

BUDGET
The smart but reasonably priced Thai Basil is a good modern Thai restaurant. TripAdvisor Member, London, England
Thai Basil, Lower G/F, Shop 005, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, 085225374682

The Sweet Dynasty, a dim sum restaurant opposite the Marco Polo Prince hotel, has excellent food, fast service and reasonable prices.TripAdvisor Member, Malaysia
Sweet Dynasty, 100 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 085221997799

I always want to go the Australia Dairy Company. Economic but with very nice light foodsthe best toast, fried eggs and milk tea in the city. You will also be delighted by the efficiency of the waiters. TripAdvisor Member
Australia Dairy Company, 7 Parkes St., Kowloon, 0852 2730 1356

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WHERE
HEALTH-CONSCIOUS
I highly recommend the Thai tofu sandwich at Life its easily one of the top five sandwiches Ive ever eaten. All sandwiches are served with sweet potato garlic fries and a small mixed salad. A great value, and the cafe also supports local organic farmers. TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong
Life Cafe, 10 Shelley St., 0852 2810 9777

to eat

Caf Siam at Lyndhurst terrace is a MUST VISIT. We ate there two nights in a row. Fresh, fresh food (Thai/Chinese mix) and healthy (greens, fish, chicken). Great prices, very home cooked taste, great mix of Chinese and non Chinese patrons, excellent service. TripAdvisor Member, Toronto Ontario
Caf Siam, 40-42Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 085228514803

Chungking Mansions in Tsim Sha Tsui (near the Star Ferry) has a number of curry restaurants that are also very cheap. TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong
Chungking Mansions, 36-44 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

a MUST VISIT.

HIDDEN GEMS
Kenjo is the best sushi restaurant in Hong Kong. It truly has the freshest fish. Go for lunch when they have much cheaper options (sets run from HK$90 to 200). Sit at the traditional sushi counter and enjoy watching your meal being made. TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong
Kenjo, 30 Minden Ave., 0852 2369 8307

In my opinion, the hidden gem at Peninsula is Chesa, the Swiss restaurant. I have been there many times and its consistently good.TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong
Chesa, Peninsula Hotel, Salisbury Road, Kowloon, 0852 2315 3169

If youre a first time HK visitor, take a morning ride to the Peak on the tram, enjoy the early morning view and book a late lunch at Cafe TOO. Relax with sushi, Chinese, Indian and Western food items at this favorite buffet.TripAdvisor Member, New York, N.Y.
Cafe TOO, Island Shangri-La Hotel, Supreme Court Road, 0852 2877 3838

SPECIAL EVENTS
Every evening at 8:00, Victoria Harbor is illuminated by A Symphony of Lights. Hong Kongs permanent light and sound show combines lights and lasers from 33 participating buildings with music and a narrative broadcast. (Nightly)
A Symphony of Lights, Victoria Harbour, 0852 2810 2555, http://www.tourism.gov.hk/symphony

Gear up for fast paced action at the Hong Kong Cricket Festival, the largest club cricket sixes tournament in the world. Admission is free, and funds raised from on-site attractions will benefit the MakeA-Wish childrens charity. (December 4 6)
Hong Kong Cricket Festival 2009, Mission Road, Kowloon, 0852 9422 5907, http://www.hkcricketfestival.com

Hailing from South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the U.S., Europe and Thailand, artists on the cutting edge of dance, music and theater come together at the New Vision Arts Festival, featuring edgy, boundaryblurring performances with an Asian influence, from modern adaptations of Shakespeare to Chinese folk-infused blues. (October)
New Vision Arts Festival, Various venues, 0852 2370 1044, http://www.newvisionfestival.gov.hk

Hong Kong heats up with Latin beats during the Hong Kong Salsa Festival, featuring workshops, championship competitions, performances, a street party and even a special Valentines Day salsa celebration. (February)
Hong Kong Salsa Festival, Various venues, 0852 9818 3542, http://www.hksalsafestival.com

Watch some of the worlds golf masters compete for a prize of $2 million at the 2009 Hong Kong Open. (November 12 15)
Hong Kong Open 2009, The Hong Kong Golf Club, 1 Fan Kam Road, Fanling, 0852 2621 6000, http://www.ubshongkongopen.com

Performance arts buffs cannot miss the Hong Kong Arts Festival, an extravaganza of dramatic feats from live concerts and musical theater to dance and opera, including the controversial Lady MacBeth of Mtsensk and Kafkas Metamorphosis. (February 5 March 8)
Hong Kong Arts Festival, Various venues, 0852 2824 3555, http://www.hk.artsfestival.org/en

Kick off the Christmas season with a spectacular parade and festivities at Disneys Sparkling Christmas, which draws over 250,000 spectators every year. (November 21 December 31)
Disneys Sparkling Christmas, Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island, 0852 1830 830, http://www.hongkongdisneyland.com

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Where to

STAY
JW Marriott is special to me because my husband proposed to me here. Weve stayed here several times, even with our two teenagers, and they love it, too! The pool has music underwater. My daughter asks every time we travel if the pool at that destination has music.TripAdvisor Member, Netherlands
JW Marriott, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, 0852 2810 8366

FAMILIES
My children did not stop smiling at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. Cinderella and Princess Aurora were in the check-in area letting children meet them my three-year-olds eyes nearly popped out of her head, and she was grinning like the Cheshire Cat.TripAdvisor Member, Doha, Qatar
Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Lantau Island, 0852 3510 6000

Novotel Citygate has a very interesting design, where innovation meets comfort. Floor to ceiling windows with beautiful panoramic views, large and comfortable bed, plenty of nice touches. Overall, a perfectly relaxing experience in an incredible city. TripAdvisor Member, Paris, France
Novotel Citygate, 51Man Tung Road, Tung Chung, 085236028888

ROMANCE
Arriving at the Peninsula is a true pleasure. The rooms are luxuriously decorated with all the latest technology. It is definitely the place to be and to be seen.TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong
Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Kowloon, 0852 2920 2888

Have questions about Hong Kong? Get insider advice from local experts in our forums. The majority of questions are answered within 24 hours. The Island Shangri-La Hotel also comes highly recommended for couples. The service was excellent. We felt like visiting dignitaries! TripAdvisor Member, London, England
Island Shangri-La Hotel, 2 Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, 0852 2877 3838

The Harbour Plazas harborside location, traditional style furnishings and excellent service lent the place a more old-world, elegant, feel. Its a very romantic setting. TripAdvisor Member, Toronto, Ontario
Harbour Plaza, 20Tak Fung St., Kowloon, 085226213188

BUDGET
I would whole-heartedly recommend this guesthouse to any travelers looking to save a few bucks, experience Hong Kong from somewhere else besides the tourist district and meet some very kind and welcoming people. The staff at Alisan Guest House made my visit to Hong Kong the enjoyable experience that it was.TripAdvisor Member, St. Louis, Mo.
Alisan Guest House, Flat A, 5/F Hoito Court, 275 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, 0852 2838 0762

We felt like visiting dignitaries!

Though Yiufai Guesthouse is not big, it is equipped with the basic facilities that I need. Its location is very convenientat the heart of the city. Most important of all, the service is surprisingly friendly. I never expected such excellent service at such a low cost! TripAdvisor Member, Shenzhen, China
Yiufai Guesthouse, Flat E, 6/FL., Golden Crown Court, 66-70 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, 0852 2722 5349

If you do not need all the bells and whistles of a full service hotel and are not claustrophobic you can save a LOT of money at Lee Garden.TripAdvisor Member, Hoboken, N.J.
Lee Garden Guest House, Blk. D, 8th Floor, 34-36 Cameron Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, 0852 2367 2284

LUXURY
For world class performance, try the InterContinental Hong Kong. Service is outstanding, from the porter that awaits you at the airport right down to the butler that brings you a fresh cup of Chinese tea shortly after your arrival. Overall, a fantastic experience, score 10 out of 10! TripAdvisor Member, Netherlands
InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, 085227211211

We were greeted by some freshly made Chinese tea.

The main thing that sets the Conrad apart from the others is the service. The staff could not do enough for you. Within 15minutes of our arrival we were greeted by some freshly made Chinese tea. The rooms were made up a number of times a day, and small gifts made us feel even more welcome.TripAdvisor Member, United Kingdom
Conrad Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, 085225213838

Four Seasons Hong Kong ranks six stars plus a whole lot more. Its clear that the trainers, management team and staff have a serious commitment to guests. The service is of the highest I have ever experienced at any hotel in the world.TripAdvisor Member, Sydney, Australia
Four Seasons Hong Kong, 8 Finance St., Central, 0852 3196 8888

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Where to

STAY
The stylish Royal Garden Hotel has one of the best views from a swimming pool ever.TripAdvisor Member, London, England
Royal Garden Hotel, 69Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui E., 085227215215

HIDDEN GEMS
At the Langham Place Hotel, rooms have every possible amenity, as well as wonderful views over the city. The rooftop pool and the wellness area are top-notch. The relaxed atmosphere of the staff also makes younger guests feel comfortable. TripAdvisor Member, Berlin, Germany
Langham Place Hotel, 555Shanghai St., Kowloon, 085235523388

The YMCA has the best location in Hong Kong. We had great views of the Harbor. Request a room on the 13th floor or higher, so that your view is not obstructed. We watched the light show each night from our roomfabulous.TripAdvisor Member, Victoria, British Columbia
YMCA, 41 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, 0852 2268 7000

One of the best views from a swimming pool ever.

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