HONG KONG: THE BEST EXPERIENCES ARE...FREE (OR NEARLY FREE)
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN HONG KONG...ARE ALSO THE CHEAPEST
Hong Kong consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities in the world. The high costs dissuade many a traveler from undertaking a long-term exploration, however, those that do soon realize how the local populace has adapted and are able to take advantage of Hong Kong's offerings. Below is a list of ways to "adapt" and experience Hong Kong's culture, food, sites, and experiences without obtaining a line of credit from HSBC or Standard Chartered.
1. RIDING THE STAR FERRY TO TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE - $0.50 USD
One of Hong Kong's best experiences is also one of its cheapest. For around $0.50 USD the best view of the Hong Kong skyline isn't from The Peak but instead from the Star Ferry. Most people ride the Central to/from Tsim Sha Tsui route, however, the Wan Chai route runs parallel to the skyline providing better and longer views. Hong Kong has developed its waterfront at several areas to provide excellent public space and skyline views. There are waterfront promenades beyond Central and Tsim Sha Tsui. During the day Kwun Tong and Quarry Bay both have recently opened waterfront walkway areas and Kennedy Town, Stanley, and Aberdeen continue to offer a different viewing perspective.
One of Hong Kong's best experiences is also one of its cheapest. For around $0.50 USD the best view of the Hong Kong skyline isn't from The Peak but instead from the Star Ferry. Most people ride the Central to/from Tsim Sha Tsui route, however, the Wan Chai route runs parallel to the skyline providing better and longer views. Hong Kong has developed its waterfront at several areas to provide excellent public space and skyline views. There are waterfront promenades beyond Central and Tsim Sha Tsui. During the day Kwun Tong and Quarry Bay both have recently opened waterfront walkway areas and Kennedy Town, Stanley, and Aberdeen continue to offer a different viewing perspective.
2. RIDING THE TRAM TO HAPPY VALLEY RACE COURSE - under $2.00 USD
Various tramways run along Hong Kong island from Shau Kei Wan in the east to Kennedy Town in the west. For less than $2 USD it's difficult to beat the excited of riding a tram to Happy Valley then watching the Wednesday Night races in the best horse track venue in the world. Admission to Happy Valley is under $2 USD with the first race starting around 7:30.
Various tramways run along Hong Kong island from Shau Kei Wan in the east to Kennedy Town in the west. For less than $2 USD it's difficult to beat the excited of riding a tram to Happy Valley then watching the Wednesday Night races in the best horse track venue in the world. Admission to Happy Valley is under $2 USD with the first race starting around 7:30.
3. HIKING THROUGH NATURE
For a first time visitor one of the major surprises is how green and hilly Hong Kong is - Kowloon translates as nine dragons, a reference to the hills dotting Hong Kong's landscape. Public transportation makes it easy to reach well laid paths that make for smooth hiking. Dragons Back on the eastern side of HK island has been voted the best urban hike in Asia. The best part of any hike is the after hike dining and drinking options - for example from Dragons Back its a ten minute bus ride to Shek O beach.
For a first time visitor one of the major surprises is how green and hilly Hong Kong is - Kowloon translates as nine dragons, a reference to the hills dotting Hong Kong's landscape. Public transportation makes it easy to reach well laid paths that make for smooth hiking. Dragons Back on the eastern side of HK island has been voted the best urban hike in Asia. The best part of any hike is the after hike dining and drinking options - for example from Dragons Back its a ten minute bus ride to Shek O beach.
4. SUNBATHING AT BEACHES
Even though Hong Kong is a series of islands it may not equate that the city has a few wonderful stretches of beach. On a sunny weekend afternoon there's few better places to spend your time than laying on the sand. Repulse Bay may be the most accessible but slightly farther away Shek O has a much more, laid back Southern California feel. There are also plenty of other picturesque beaches on the outer islands or accessible via hikes if you really want to escape the crowds.
Even though Hong Kong is a series of islands it may not equate that the city has a few wonderful stretches of beach. On a sunny weekend afternoon there's few better places to spend your time than laying on the sand. Repulse Bay may be the most accessible but slightly farther away Shek O has a much more, laid back Southern California feel. There are also plenty of other picturesque beaches on the outer islands or accessible via hikes if you really want to escape the crowds.
5. STEPPING BACK IN TIME AT A HERITAGE TRAIL
Beyond hiking in the "wild" Hong Kong also features "hikes" through several heritage areas. The Hong Kong Tourism site provides listings for several Self Guided Walks. The Ping Shan Trail, deep in the New Territories area of Yuen Long passes ancestral halls, temples, and study halls. Just like the nature hikes and beaches there's plenty of places to eat before, during, and after the hike.
Beyond hiking in the "wild" Hong Kong also features "hikes" through several heritage areas. The Hong Kong Tourism site provides listings for several Self Guided Walks. The Ping Shan Trail, deep in the New Territories area of Yuen Long passes ancestral halls, temples, and study halls. Just like the nature hikes and beaches there's plenty of places to eat before, during, and after the hike.
6. SEARCHING FOR DEALS AT THE MARKET STREETS
There are several market streets to choose from - the Mong Kok markets start with the Ladies' Market then continues north to the Goldfish Market, the Fa Yuen Street Market, Flower Street Market, and finally the Bird Market. These sections provide a diverse and dynamic shopping stretch. At night Jordan's Temple Street Market or Sham Shui Po's Ap Liu Street Market are the best options. Ap Liu Street is also known as the "Men's Market" because of the the electronic goods for sale. If you are looking for Chinese Heritage or Mao era memorabilia Lascar / Cat Street has all the kitsch items and more. Shanghai street has a local flair with a concentration of cookware shops selling dim sum baskets, claypots, and cutlery. For a glimpse into the past, there are several Dried Seafood Shops along Des Voeux Road West in Sheung Wan.
There are several market streets to choose from - the Mong Kok markets start with the Ladies' Market then continues north to the Goldfish Market, the Fa Yuen Street Market, Flower Street Market, and finally the Bird Market. These sections provide a diverse and dynamic shopping stretch. At night Jordan's Temple Street Market or Sham Shui Po's Ap Liu Street Market are the best options. Ap Liu Street is also known as the "Men's Market" because of the the electronic goods for sale. If you are looking for Chinese Heritage or Mao era memorabilia Lascar / Cat Street has all the kitsch items and more. Shanghai street has a local flair with a concentration of cookware shops selling dim sum baskets, claypots, and cutlery. For a glimpse into the past, there are several Dried Seafood Shops along Des Voeux Road West in Sheung Wan.
7. BURNING JOSS STICKS AT A TIN HAU TEMPLE
Skip the popular with tourist Tian Tian Big Buddha site and the 360 Cable Car. The more local religious experience entails visiting any one of the hundred or so Tin Hau Temples located in neighborhoods throughout Hong Kong. Tin Hau is the patron goddess of the sea...a much more relevant god in the Hong Kong culture.
Skip the popular with tourist Tian Tian Big Buddha site and the 360 Cable Car. The more local religious experience entails visiting any one of the hundred or so Tin Hau Temples located in neighborhoods throughout Hong Kong. Tin Hau is the patron goddess of the sea...a much more relevant god in the Hong Kong culture.
8. PAYING ANCESTRAL RESPECT AT TAOIST TEMPLES
Taoist temples tend to have a little more action than their Buddhist counterparts and the ancestral halls showcase how many Hong Kongers preserve their ancestors memory. Worshippers offer prayers to deceased relatives who's ashes reside behind a tile with the face of the deceased. Two of the larger temples, Ching Chung Koon and Fung Ying Seen Koon, are outside the city center although still conveniently near MTR Stations.
Taoist temples tend to have a little more action than their Buddhist counterparts and the ancestral halls showcase how many Hong Kongers preserve their ancestors memory. Worshippers offer prayers to deceased relatives who's ashes reside behind a tile with the face of the deceased. Two of the larger temples, Ching Chung Koon and Fung Ying Seen Koon, are outside the city center although still conveniently near MTR Stations.
9. CLIMBING STAIRS TO BUDDHIST SITES
If you still want to visit Buddhist Sites the 10,000 Buddhas is visually distinct. Sik Sik Yuen may be the most culturally significant with a continual flow of worshipers lighting joss sticks. A few MTR stops over from Sik Sik Yuen is Chi Lin nunnery, a much more serene experience. If you're a Bruce Lee fan and want to take a deep exploration in New Territories the Tsing Shan Monastery was featured in the opening scene from Enter the Dragon and feels spectacularly old and spiritual.
If you still want to visit Buddhist Sites the 10,000 Buddhas is visually distinct. Sik Sik Yuen may be the most culturally significant with a continual flow of worshipers lighting joss sticks. A few MTR stops over from Sik Sik Yuen is Chi Lin nunnery, a much more serene experience. If you're a Bruce Lee fan and want to take a deep exploration in New Territories the Tsing Shan Monastery was featured in the opening scene from Enter the Dragon and feels spectacularly old and spiritual.
10. CLIMBING MORE STAIRS AT CHRISTIAN CEMETERIES
Hong Kong's Christian cemeteries differ significantly from western Christian cemeteries and show the heavy influence of chinese culture in the dramatic feng shui design. Grave sites rise into the sides of mountains and face the sea - an optimal feng shui arrangement. These sites tend to be away from the city center, although there is a small one on the far side of Happy Valley.
Hong Kong's Christian cemeteries differ significantly from western Christian cemeteries and show the heavy influence of chinese culture in the dramatic feng shui design. Grave sites rise into the sides of mountains and face the sea - an optimal feng shui arrangement. These sites tend to be away from the city center, although there is a small one on the far side of Happy Valley.
11. SHOPPING FOR GROCERIES AT PUBLIC MARKETS
Distinguishable from the designated and themed market streets are public markets where many Hong Kongers shop for groceries. Turned off by the high prices of carrots and lettuce in he supermarket? Join the grannies with the pull carts at the local markets. Some of these markets are in dedicated government buildings and others spill into the street. The most exciting time to visit is around 6pm after work has ended and everyone is purchasing fresh fare for dinner.
Distinguishable from the designated and themed market streets are public markets where many Hong Kongers shop for groceries. Turned off by the high prices of carrots and lettuce in he supermarket? Join the grannies with the pull carts at the local markets. Some of these markets are in dedicated government buildings and others spill into the street. The most exciting time to visit is around 6pm after work has ended and everyone is purchasing fresh fare for dinner.
12. LOOKING UP AT PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES
Many of the public markets are near housing estates. Approximately a third of hong Kongers live in these estates and it's worth passing through one of these on your visit to gain a perspective on how many Hong Kongers live. Shek Kip Mei, one of the original housing estates, is easily accessible off the MTR station as are most other estates. The estates provide a self contained living community with schools, malls, shopping, and dining incorporated into the complex's design.
Many of the public markets are near housing estates. Approximately a third of hong Kongers live in these estates and it's worth passing through one of these on your visit to gain a perspective on how many Hong Kongers live. Shek Kip Mei, one of the original housing estates, is easily accessible off the MTR station as are most other estates. The estates provide a self contained living community with schools, malls, shopping, and dining incorporated into the complex's design.
13. LIVING BIG AT THE EXPAT ENCLAVES
The Expat culture provides an alternative living experience to the dominant Hong Kong culture. Walking around the expat enclaves of Stanley and Discovery Bay feels as though you've been transported to somewhere in Europe.
The Expat culture provides an alternative living experience to the dominant Hong Kong culture. Walking around the expat enclaves of Stanley and Discovery Bay feels as though you've been transported to somewhere in Europe.
14. EXERCISING IN VICTORIA PARK
There's two times to visit this Causeway Bay park: First early in the morning, before eight, to see septuagenarians practice tai chi, dancing, kung fu, and sword fighting. Second on Sunday afternoons Indonesia house workers congregate in the park to meet, dine, and dance with friends and have their photos taken. A quick pass through library across the street shows Hong Kong's studious side and demonstrates the emphasis locals place on education. Victoria Park also has a running track and soccer and basketball courts. |
|
15. WALKING IN THE PAST AMONG COLONIAL AND HISTORICAL SITES
The Central, Wan Chai, and Sheung Wan areas include many remnants from the British Colonial heyday. Hong Kong tourism provides useful self guided walking tours to ensure you don't miss any of the best sites. A zig and zag walk from the Sheung Wan MTR to Central passes through a historical shopping and commerce area which has retained most of its original feel despite the modern construction taking place. There's an escalator that leads to the Hollywood antique road area.
The Central, Wan Chai, and Sheung Wan areas include many remnants from the British Colonial heyday. Hong Kong tourism provides useful self guided walking tours to ensure you don't miss any of the best sites. A zig and zag walk from the Sheung Wan MTR to Central passes through a historical shopping and commerce area which has retained most of its original feel despite the modern construction taking place. There's an escalator that leads to the Hollywood antique road area.
16. LEARNING ABOUT HISTORY AND CULTURE AT MUSEUMS
Hong Kong Museums are free on Wednesdays although since admission is typically $10 HKD you're not exactly breaking the bank if you visit on any other days. The second floor of the Hong Kong Museum of History provides a clear and concise history of Hong Kong from the British colonial period through the 1997 handover.
Hong Kong Museums are free on Wednesdays although since admission is typically $10 HKD you're not exactly breaking the bank if you visit on any other days. The second floor of the Hong Kong Museum of History provides a clear and concise history of Hong Kong from the British colonial period through the 1997 handover.
17. GETTING LOST IN CHUNGKING MANSIONS
It's debatable whether or not you should stay in this massive multi-purpose, five tower apartment complex, however, what's not debatable is at least taking ten minutes to loop through the building as you walk along Tsim Sha Tsui and Nathan road. It's relatively harmless even if the buskers outside seem a bit aggressive.
It's debatable whether or not you should stay in this massive multi-purpose, five tower apartment complex, however, what's not debatable is at least taking ten minutes to loop through the building as you walk along Tsim Sha Tsui and Nathan road. It's relatively harmless even if the buskers outside seem a bit aggressive.
18. WATCHING CLASSIC HONG KONG FILMS
Several films from older classic operas, to the golden age action and romances of the early 1990s, to more current blockbusters are available on YouTube. If you don't want to sit through a Chinese opera five minutes of "The Love Eterne" will give you insight to what you are missing. More recently "Infernal Affairs" served as the basis (and a near copy) for The Departed.
Several films from older classic operas, to the golden age action and romances of the early 1990s, to more current blockbusters are available on YouTube. If you don't want to sit through a Chinese opera five minutes of "The Love Eterne" will give you insight to what you are missing. More recently "Infernal Affairs" served as the basis (and a near copy) for The Departed.
DINING MONEY SAVING TIPS
Here's a few tricks to keeping the Hong Kong dining budget at a reasonable level:
Here's a few tricks to keeping the Hong Kong dining budget at a reasonable level:
- Cooked Food Centers and Dai Pai Dongs are an essential local dining experience. These establishments are Hong Kong's street food equivalent. I'd just stick to the opinions on HK island - once you head off the island the quality starts to drop and the meals aren't as great a value because the surrounding restaurants have lower priced meals.
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Coffee Combos - many restaurants and coffee cafes in Central and Kowloon offer meal combos.
- If you really want to dine like a local check out the IKEA Cafe in Causeway Bay - no joke - on a weekend this place is the hottest lunch table in town.
- Supermarkets discount prepared food after 8 pm
- Lan Kwai Fong: Club 7-11 May be the worst kept secret in Hong Kong. Rather then pay high prices at a bar simply by a Tsingtao (or two or three if it's a ten minute checkout line) and enjoy the street scene.
- Hong Kong has a series of chain restaurants - Tsiu Wah's, Maxim's, Fairwood's, Cafe de Coral's, Pacific Coffee Company, etc - that offer a local dining experience at a discounted price.
- The non-touristy dim sums. A three plate dim sum meal should be $50 HKD or under not $100 HKD.
ACCOMMODATION MONEY SAVING TIPS
- $20 USD per night for HK island seems about the right "value" point
- I'd be hesitant of staying off Hong Kong island - once you find the low cost dining options on the island, staying here becomes a decent value - there's more within walking distance on Hong Kong island thus the MTR fee, even though it's minimal, may cancel out any savings staying further away.
- Avoid Chungking Mansions and Mirador Mansion - not because of safety or sanitary reasons. Check out the elevator wait times. It can take a minimum of ten minutes for a ride. That's a minimum. The line of people with backpacks outside Mirador Mansions is over 100 people long and doubles back around the block.