Hong Kong - Travel Information

The main characteristic of Hong Kong is the impressive integration of east and west. 150 years of British rule has turned Hong Kong into a blooming business and economic center. On the other hand, Hong Kong inhabitants did not give up on the Chinese characteristics of their culture, so the skyscrapers that outline Hong Kong's skyline and traditional temples and markets can be found side by side in its streets.

In 1997 Hong Kong has passed from the British's rule to China. This transition was subject to China's agreement to preserve Hong Kong as capitalist province within communist China. The common traveler will probably notice no difference caused by the fact that today Hong Kong is a part of China.

The geography of Hong Kong

Hong Kong is divided into 4 parts: Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, New Territories and Outlying Islands. Kowloon and the New Territories are situated on the peninsula that connects to Asia (mainland China), Hong Kong Island is located in front of the peninsula (across the Victory Harbor) and the Outlying Islands are any of the 234 islands that assemble Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Island is the business center of the city and Kowloon is the place where most backpackers arrive, especially to the Tsim Sha Tsui area.

Hong Kong's size is 1,098 sq km and it's population is about 6.7 millions.

When to travel to Hong Kong

Most backpackers use Hong Kong as a passing point and not as a travel destination by itself. The best time to arrive to Hong Kong is November-December and March-April. January-February can be a good time, but it might be a bit cold.

In May-September it is already hot. In September-October there might be typhoons in the area.

In and Out

Visa is automatically granted for 90 days to all western nationals on entrance to Hong Kong.

Travel Costs to Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a relatively expensive place for traveling, but usually travelers don't stay there for a long period. $25-$35 (US Dollar) is the average spending per day for backpackers.

Hong Kong's local currency is Hong Kong Dollar. $1 US = 7.78 Hong Kong Dollar, updated for June 2005.

Transportation

Hong Kong does not have too many cheap accommodations, so I will recommend a small clean and cheap place for the cost-concious backpacker. The rooms includes air-conditioning and television.

Wah Tat Guesthouse
66-70 Nathan Rd. 5th floor

Telephone: 852-23666121

Rooms' tariff (in Hong Kong Dollar, updated for March 2004):
With common showers:
$200 double, $150 single
With private showers:
$300 double, $250 single

Arriving from Hong-Kong's airport

The best way to get from the airport to Kowloon (the place where most cheap hotels are located)
is by bus number 21A that leaves from the airport. The bus operates between 05:30-24:00 every
15 minutes and costs 33 Hong Kong Dollar. If you purchase a return ticket (open with no date)
in advance then the price is a bit lower.

To get to the hotel I recommended, ask the driver to take you of in front of the Tsim Sha Tsui
subway station (MTR). The hotel is right near the bus station.

For updated information about the Bus,
click here.

Another option to get from the airport is using the Airport Express, a train that goes to Kowloon and
Hong Kong Island. The train operates between 05:50-00:48 every 12 minutes. The ride dtakes 23
minutes to Hong Kong Islands. There is a free transportation service from the train stations in the
city to the main hotels. The cost of the journey is 90 Hong Kong Dollars to Kowloon and $100 Hong Kong
Dollars to Hong Kong Island. A return ticket costs $160 (Kowloon) or $180 (Hong Kong Island). If you
go and return at the same day, then the ride back is free.

For updated information about the Aiport Express,
click here.

It is advisable to check the option of buying octopus! Read about it below.

Subway - MTR

Hong Kong's subway (MTR - Mass Transit Railway) is very convenient for getting around in Hong Kong's
central areas. For remote destinations you will need the bus. The cost of a ride in the train depends
on the length of the ride, and is in the range of $4-$26. Tickets are purchased from automatic machines
at the train stations.

An interesting idea is to purchase the Octopus Card that lets you pay without a need for coins in all
types of transportation in Hong Kong, including the subway, buses, ferries and even fast food stands.
To use it, all you do is pass it over a card-reader, even when the card is in your wallet. The card is
usable as long as it is loaded. When it becomes empty, it is possible to load it in automatic machines
at the MTR stations or at Seven Eleven stores. This card is specifically important because most places
require exact change and don't return change, which requires dealing with coins.

The cost of Octopus Card on the first purchase is 150 Hong Kong Dollar, including $50 deposit, which
you get back when the card is returned. When returning the card, remaining balance (the money that was
not used) is also refunded. The card can be loaded at the multiple of $50.

There is also a card called Airport Express Tourist Octopus card which can be purchased at the airport.
This card is good for those who come for a short period, and plan on using mostly the subway. The card
includes 3 days of free rides in the subway and another $20 for usage in buses and ferries. It also
includes one train ride to the city or a free back and forth ride. The card cost 220 Hong Kong Dollar
(one ride) or $300 (back and forth). When the card is returned, the $50 deposit is refunded and also
what is left from the $20 for the buses.

In my opinion it is worthwhile purchasing one of those mentioned cards right after landing in Hong Kong.

For the Octopus Card web site, click here

מקום לינה מומלץ

Hong Kong does not have too many cheap accommodations, so I will recommend a small clean and cheap place for the cost-concious backpacker. The rooms includes air-conditioning and television.

Wah Tat Guesthouse
66-70 Nathan Rd. 5th floor

Telephone: 852-23666121

Rooms' tariff (in Hong Kong Dollar, updated for March 2004):
With common showers:
$200 double, $150 single
With private showers:
$300 double, $250 single

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