Our first visitors to Asia have come and gone without any major trauma. My mother spent two weeks in Hong Kong while her friend joined us this past weekend. Tonight they leave on a two week hike and bike tour that romps through rural and urban China. They will cover thousands of miles on their way to Beijing.
I was able to warm them up with some adventurous days in Hong Kong. The following itinerary supposes you stay on the Kowloon side, which is common for tourists. Aaron and I recommend the Salisbury YMCA for a reasonable rate in a phenomenal location.
Day 1: Arrive in Hong Kong. Begin the slow process of adjusting your body to a very foreign time zone. When night takes the city, stroll down the promenade in Kowloon and stick around for the daily 8 PM light show. The choreographed music and dazzlement of Hong Kong cityscape will take the edge off the plane ride. Don’t forget to take some sleeping pills at night and have some melatonin on hand for when you wake up in the wee hours of the morning.
Day 2: Adventure back to the Kowloon promenade and visit the Hong Kong Art Museum. Familiarize yourself with relics of ancient worlds. Jade, copper, bronze… you name it. Then hop on the MTR subway transit to the Flower Market and Bird Market in northern Kowloon. Blocks and block and blocks of fresh flowers overwhelm the urban pollution. Rest at the Bird Market while watching old Chinese men gush over their caged beauties. Anytime after 4 PM hit the Temple Street night market in Kowloon for a dizzying array of knockoffs and Chinese gifts. Stop at one of the outside restaurants for some very fresh seafood with loads of MSG.
Day 3: Get ready to enter the belly of the beast. Take the seven minute ($0.27 USD) Star Ferry to Central. Walk to the Peak Tram and disorient yourself with a steep accent as skyscrapers fall behind. Hope for a clear day lending a most spectacular view from Victoria’s Peak. If you have the time and energy, take the one hour Morning Trail for more views of Hong Kong. Hop back on the Peak Tram and head to Maxim’s Restaurant on the 2nd floor of City Hall. Dim Sum anyone? They even have an English menu accompanied by a long line.
Day 4: Submerge once again into the MTR subway and head to Tung Chung. Transfer to the SkyRail for a 3.5 mile cable car ride overlooking Lantou Island. Arrive at Po Lin, home of the famous vegetarian monastery & cafeteria and giant Buddha statue. This trip is worth the commute because getting there is half the fun.
If you happen to be in Hong Kong on a Sunday, don’t miss the Kung Fu show in Kowloon Park. It’s a free show from 2:30-4:30. These amateurs put on a lovely show.
I’ve omitted dining options. Anywhere you go, it’s impossible to avoid a slew of restaurants in Hong Kong. However, expect MSG poisoning if you stick to Chinese cuisine.
Our first visitors enjoyed this schedule. They also got to visit Lamma Island (our home), however it’s a bit of a hike from Kowloon. If you happen to explore this eccentric side of Hong Kong, make sure you take a whole day to do it.
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