When opened in 1998 the Hong Kong International Airport was the world’s largest and today 12 years later the airport is the one of the world’s busiest for both passengers and cargo and caters for around 300000 aircraft movements a year. There are more than 70 boarding gates with over 60 jet bridges and is used by around 50 million people a year. The airport was built in the sea, two islands Chek Lap Kok and Lam Chau were flattened and to make the 12 1/2 square kilometre airport. The airport took only six years to construct at a cost of about $20 billion US, replacing the old Kai Tak Airport which was wedged between Hong Kong’s skyscrapers and Victoria Harbour which had become dangerous and too small to handle the enormous growth in traffic Hong Kong required to move forward. Chek Lap Kok has tow huge runways of 3800 metres in length and suitable for the biggest of aircraft including the new Airbus A380. The runways are able to handle over 60 aircraft movements an hour. Passengers are moved around the massive airport by the HKIA Automated People Movement which is a tram like system and an Airport Express rail service which reaches the heart of Hong Kong in just over 20 minutes.
We really shouldn’t be making fun of this, but it is just too funny. Check out this wonderful hissing fit by a lady at Hong Kong airport recently. She has thrown an absolute banana after missing her flight. Stamping, shouting and throwing a real wobbly. Turn the sound down a bit before watching this one as the shrieking is just terrible. Where’s the tranquilizer gun when you need it. A good lesson for everyone- get to the airport early.
The Hong Kong tramways has been operating for over 100 years and has the world’s largest fleet of double decker trams. There are only six tram routs and the total lenght of tracks only totals 30 km but the tramways carry and amazing 240,000 people per day accross there 161 trams. Stops are around 250 metres on average and there are 123 stops on the network. The trams offer a quick and cheap way to see some of Hong Kong island, One great trip is out to Happy Valley the city’s racecourse you can visit the racing museum or if its a race day have a flutter. The Central Admiralty & Wan Chai line offers easy access to many of the Hong Kong sights including Central District skyscrapers, Statue Square, the Ocean Terminal and the Zoo and Botanical gardens which are a great place to enjoy a relaxing stroll and a picnic- and best of all its’s free. The trams operate from 6am to midnight and at only $2 HK for any stop you like you won’t find a better bargain in Hong Kong other than the Star Ferry. Read the rest of this entry »
Hong Kong is fast becoming one of the best places to holiday with kids, there’s Hong Kong Dinseyland, Ocean World and now Snoopy’s World. Located on top of the New Town Plaza shopping city at Sha Tin in the new territories Snoopy’s World features heaps of fun for the young. There are six themed zones including a huge playground, canoe ride, mini golf. Over 60 huge figure of Snoopy and all the characters like Charlie Brown, Lucy and Linus are there and you never know who might show up for that special hug and photograph. The park is specially suited for toddlers and preschool kids but the larger ones should enjoy it too. Don’t forget to pack a few Hong Kong dollars for the gift shop at the end of your visit- there’s some pretty cute things to buy.
Hong Kong’s Happy Valley is one of the world’s busiest racecourses. Originally swamp land’s the course is now the largest stretch of flat land on the Hong Kong island. Wednesday evening races are the best for atmosphere, they are held evey second week and the fun kicks off at 7:30, with thosands attending. It pays to get there early as quiet offten the 55,000 capacity track sells out. For something really special make a booking at the Moon Koon Restaurant which is on the second floor of the main stand, food is good and price not too bad and the view is amazing, a great way to watch the action. Billions are bet at the track every year, Hong Kong runs on money, and if there’s a chance to win some just about everyone will give it a go. Just remember not everyone wins! Read the rest of this entry »
The Ladies Market is one of Hong Kong’s best markets and a must for anyone looking for bargain priced clothing, bags, accessories or even toys, nick knacks and small electricals even fresh vegetables. It’s not only geared to women, there is stuff for everyone. The market is on Tung Choi street in Mong Kong and opens every day from noon to nearly midnight. Bargaining is the norm so don’t even think about paying full price and don’t be too surprised if some of those fancy brand names you have bought are not the real thing, there is a lot of counterfeit brand name products around. Many of the store holders don’t speak English too good, but don’t fear they can all use a calculator- money talks all languages. They just punch in the price and it comes up on the screen for you to start negotiating. While you are there, the market is only a short walk to the flower and the goldfish markets which are also well worth a visit.
Hong Kong is a shoppers paradise and there is no better place to pick up a bargain at one of the many markets. The ladies market on Tung Choi Street in Mong Kok Kowloon is no exception it is full of amazing merchandise for the shopper. The market dosn’t only sell products for the ladies although there is a huge range of clothing, jewelery and fashion accessories it sells just about everything, toys, DVDs, food, you name it. A lot of the high fashion products are a fraction of the retail price but be ware many goods are pretty convincing fakes. The market opens about lunch time and goes into the evening closing at about 10:30 pm. Remember half the fun is to bargain you can save heaps of the first price. The easiest way to visit the market is to catch the MTR to Mong Kok Station then a quick walk along Prince Edward Road from the B2 exist will get you to Tung Choi Street. While you are there visit the gold fish market, it’s only a few blocks away and amazing.
Hong Kong’s Star Ferry dates back to 1888 and still today is one of the best ways to cross the harbor from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon. The 10 – 12 minute journey from Central To Tsim Sha Tsui Service only costs $2.20 HK which works out to to be about an American Quarter a trip. The Star Ferry Company has a fleet of 12 ferries and they carry over 26 million people a year. They have a few different routes and also have a tourist service which stops at Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Wan Chai, and Hung Hom. Read the rest of this entry »
The Peak Tram is one of Hong Kong’s most popular and historic tourist attractions. Dating back to 1888 the 373 metres of steep track up The Peak offers spectacular views of this magnificent harbor city. The tram travels through the lush mountain through palms and other tropical growth. At the top of the peak there is a magnitude of things to do other than be dazzled by the glittering city below. There is are dining options and of course shopping, you cant seem to escape it in Hong Kong! Recently the world famous Madame Tussaunds has opened a display as well as a huge gaming centre where electronics company EA offer their latest computer games. Twilight is the best time to visit although it can be quiet busy but next to the Star Ferry it has got to be one of the cheapest treats in Hong Kong with one way trips costing only $20HK.
Step back to a bygone era and ride the Star Ferry across Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour for an amazingly cheap and fun trip from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon. With trips starting at only $2.20 HK each way you can cross one of the world’s most amazing waterways where you will see the skyscrapers of this bustling city and the rugged backdrop of the island’s mountains. The ferry service has been operating for over 100 years with the most popular service being between Central on Hong Kong Island and Tsim Sha Tsui on Kowloon, boat was the only way of crossing the water until the Cross Harbour Tunnel was opened in 1972. There are 12 ferries in service operating on four different routes and over 70,000 people use the services every day.
