Hong Kong (HK) is an exciting and vibrant city. Full of shopping and foodie opportunities around almost every corner. Served by an efficient and convenient MTR network (metro), it’s easy to get around HK; though extremely short distances within the city (especially if you have 3-4 pax) might be worth via taxi.

For accommodation, my advice is to look for something close to the MTR stations (focus on the few stations close to Victoria Harbour or Tsim Sha Tsui). I personally stayed at 2x hotels near the Jordan MTR station (Nathan Road area; see below reviews) and found them convenient and value-for-money.

We’ve visited HK twice (in May-2012 and Nov-2013), way before this blog was started. As such, we did not have the full review of all the attractions that we visited in HK. Instead, below are the limited reviews of the hotels/attractions that we experienced. Rest assured that reviews will be added if we visit HK in future!

Eaton Hotel (Stayed May 2012)

New and reasonable priced hotel. The interior design was great and the rooms comfortable. Great if you need a clean, new and comfortable room for the night. The rooms are quite small, but if you’re going to spend most of the day outside, it doesn’t really matter. Next to temple street; so it’s quite convenient at night if you need shopping and dining.

http://hongkong.eatonhotels.com
(No.380 Nathan Road, Kowloon)

Novotel Hotel (Stayed Nov 2013)

The hotel is great! The rooms are in great condition and clean. Location of the hotel was centralised. Very near to Jordan MTR station and the famous temple street. Plenty of food outlets just beside the hotel.

(No.348 Nathan Road, Kowloon District)

Ngong Ping Village and Big Buddha Statue

(Visited May 2012 & Nov 2013)

Average place. Only went there because I was on the way to the big Buddha. There’s really nothing much worth seeing at the village. Looks like a usual tourist trap for those tourist whose real intention is to visit the Buddha. Having said, the Big Buddha statue itself is worth the trip.

How to get there:
Take MTR to Tung Chung Station (end station). From there, transfer to the cable car to get to Ngong Ping Village. The cable car station is a short walking distance from Tung Chung Station. The queue for the cable car can be quite long.

There’s an option of the taking the crystal cabin for the cable car. The difference between a crystal cabin and a regular cabin (other than the premium you pay) is that the crystal cabin has a glass bottom that allows you to see thru.

View from the cable car on the way up to Ngong Ying Village. Notice the HK airport on the left and the Tung Chung Station is on the right amongst the highrise buildings.

Once at the village, you’ll alight from the cable car and walk pass a few rows of shophouses (selling touristy items). You’ll then be greeted by the sight above (if you’re lucky enough to have a clear weather!).

After the visit to the Big Buddha, make the trip back to Tung Chung Station as there’s another major attraction to be explored: Citygate Outlet Mall! (www.citygateoutlets.com.hk)

This mall is without doubt my FAVOURITE shopping spot in HK! Not least because it hosts a number of brands that I love (think Timberland, Columbia, Nike, Adidas). A shopping tour here + dinner at the foodcourt would wrap up a meaningful day.

Hong Kong Tramways (Visited Nov 2013)

A cheap and nice way to see HK island. What better way to experience HK than a ride on it’s iconic trams!

We got on from Central station, then took a tram in the direction of Happy Valley terminal. Dropped off halfway at Causeway Bay MTR station for shopping. Try to take the trams during off-peak hours, else you will have to squeeze with the locals. We took it between 2-3pm and it was ok. There’s plenty of tourist taking the trams; it’s cheap and a great experience.

You do not have to pay when you board (note: boarding is only via the trams’ rear entrance). You only pay (via cash/octopus card) when you alight from the front of the tram. If not mistaken, I think it’s a flat fare regardless of distance.