Hong Kong DL

[Mum from oz]

I know there is a sub forum for this but I thought I'd get some perspective from you guys. Plus it look pretty slow over there.

I know a few of you have been and I have no idea about it at all. We are thinking of going for 5 days at the end of September - start of October. Just DP and myself so no kidlets!

I have no idea on anything so a few questions.

What are some recommended places to stay? We are not 5 star people and are quite happy for somewhere clean and central. Hoping to stick to no more than A$150 a night

Language.... Will we get by on English only? Should we take a phrase book or something?

Other things to do - Other than Disney. Ocean Park? The Peak Tram? The Cable Car?

I'm so clueless.....

 

[Luisa]

You'll have no problem with English at all. I can highly recommend the Salisbury- it's a YMCA that's very popular with business travellers and backpackers- you can't get a better position, it's right next to the Peninsular hotel with a fantastic view of the harbour and it's very reasonably priced. Its also a great location for transport being right near the ferry terminal and around the corner from the subway.
The peak tram is great, Ocean Park not so but the pandas were cute and the cable car there has a great view. Loved the cable car to Niong Ping (forgive the spelling, gone blank on if that's even it's name!) - scary at first though.
If you go in October you might get the Halloween celebrations at Disney, I loved the parade with Jack talking Chinese, had no idea what was going on but it was fantastic!

 

[OzCath]

We stayed at the Holiday Inn on Nathan Road, probably not far from Luisa at the Salisbury. Good location, only a short walk to the harbour. Rooms were pretty standard holiday inn, although getting a bit on the old side.
Ngong Ping cable car is great. Try to get one with a clear bottom! Only costs a little more than the standard. Just a trip, try to get their early as there can be quite huge line ups.
Hong Kong is great to just walk around. We spent the best part of a day walking around Hong Kong Island, taking in little back streets. Plenty of markets too if you like that sort of thing.
We didn't get to go but I have hear Macau is an interesting place to go for a day trip. You can get there by ferry.

 

[Feej]

I went to HK for the first time in May, for work. You'll have no issues at all with the language and it's a great place to holiday in regards to the Oz dollar. I only had a couple of days and a few afternoons to hang out, but I'd reccomend the peak tram and taking a cruise on the harbour at night.

Also make sure you get yourselves an 'Octopus' card when you arrive at the airport and use the MTR airport express into central. You can recharge the cards almost everywhere and they can be used not only on transport, but in a lot of other places. (Macca's etc) http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/fares_tickets/about_octopus_index.html

If you're up to it, there's lots of 'interesting' eating available and I tried all sorts of things like Jellyfish and Shark Fin Soup (yes, I did feel guilty). There's also some intersting markets that can be quite confronting in the way that the food is handled, but very interesting nonetheless.

I didn't do Disney, but if I were there a little longer I may have.

Have a great time!

 

[Mum from oz]

Thanks guys. We will probably be staying at the Nathan Hotel on Nathan Rd. The reviews on Trip Advisor seem pretty good. I have been researching and the Octopus card seems the way to go!

Any recommendations for yum cha/dim sum? High tea? Also did you take currency there or a travel card?

My must do's are:

Disney
Ngong Ping
The Peak Tram
Star Ferry
The night light show
Do high tea at one of the hotels

 

[shushh]

We also liked Stanley markets.