Cruise ship docked in Hong Kong © caspermoller
Overview:
The bright lights, neon and culturally diverse and pulsating
city and port of Hong Kong is a popular stop for cruise passengers
and is one of the world's busiest harbours. Renowned for its
incredible skyline, the cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong is a sensory
overload and a great place for travellers to experience a truly
east-meets-west city.
The surrounding outlying islands are definitely worth a visit and
features attractions such as the world's longest suspension bridge,
the Tsing Ma, fantastic beaches, casinos, the world's largest
outdoor sculpture of the seated Buddha, The Ocean Park and Middle
Kingdom, Statue Square and The Hong Kong Museum of History.
Cruise ships dock at Hong Kong's Ocean Terminal, in Victoria
Harbour, which is located on the Kowloon Peninsula and is within
walking distance of countless shops, restaurants, attractions,
markets and hotels.
Contact:
Hong Kong Tourist Office
Tel: +85 228 076 543
www.discoverhongkong.com
Transport:
Taxis can be easily hailed form the terminal and car rental
agencies can be found close by. Chauffeur driven cars are also
widely available. The Star Ferry docks just short distance from the
Ocean Terminal, transporting passengers to Hong Kong Island.
Attractions:
Cruise passengers visiting Hong Kong should be sure to visit
Victoria Peak, the tallest mountain in the city, while other key
attractions include Kowloon Park on Nathan Road, where Tai Chi
exercises are performed near the outdoor sculpture garden, the Las
Vegas-style city of Macao, and other outlying islands such as
Cheung Chau, Lamma Island and Lantau Island.
Restaurants:
- Kitchen at the W Hotel - stylish and modern restaurant with an
eclectic international menu
- Tim Ho Wan - good dim sum at reasonable prices
- The Ashoka - one of the oldest Indian restaurants in Hong
Kong
Best dish: Xiao Long Bao (steamed pork dumplings)
Shopping:
A shopper's paradise, Hong Kong is a great place for a spending
spree. The Temple Street Night Market is famed for its diverse and
eclectic array of merchandise and is a great place to find a
bargain. The Stanley Market is also worth a visit where hundreds of
tiny indoor and outdoor stalls tout goods from all over Mainland
China and popular buys include porcelain goods, jade jewellery and
traditional silk robes. Shopping opportunities abound in the port
too, with the Ocean Center and Harbour City shopping complexes
while the Tsim Sha Tsui area in Kowloon is also a wonderful place
to shop.
Best buy: Jade jewellery and custom-tailored suits
Excursions:
- Be a kid again at Hong Kong Disneyland
- Visit the Temple of 10,000 Buddhas
- Take the cable car up to Victoria Peak
- Discover secluded beaches and monastaries on Lantau Island
- Take Chinese cooking classes