Date travelled: 12-17 May 2007.
Hong Kong, the former British colony, where Eastern & Western traditions collide, offers the budget traveller everything and more. Thanks to the "One country two systems" law, British Citizens do not need a visa to visit Hong Kong.
From the airport, the easiest and quickest way into town is the airport express train. For a more economical trip, get yourself a tourist card, which gives you the train fare, unlimited travel on public transport and other discounts for $220HK (about £15), or if you are in Hong Kong for over 48 hours, the price is $300HK (£20)
I stayed at the Island Pacific Hotel which is situated on Hong Kong Island, right next to the tram stop ($2HK - 14pence) for a single ride through town.
Des Voeux Road West Road, just outside the hotel, looking east.
A good way to set your bearing is by taking a ride on the peak tram. Built in 1888, the tram travels up and down Victoria peak, and offers stunning views of the city landscape. Tickets $33HK (just over £2) for return ticket. Other facilities at the top include bars, restaurants and shops.
The view of Hong Kong from the peak.
The Peak Tram
You will notics as you walk through the streets of Hong Kong that the streets are all spotless. This is due to the high fines for littering ($1500HK or £100)! So bear this in mind when you are going to throw away that sweet wrapper! You may also notice that Hong Kong now and again suffers from bad smog, so if you do suffer breathing difficulties make sure you have your inhaler with you.
You may feel a little claustaphobic in the big city, so take the Metro to Tung Chung, which is situated on Lantau island to the west of Hong Kong. Take a ride on the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car ($88HK return) deep into the Hong Kong countryside (yes there is countryside here!).
The Cable car at Tung Chung.
You will soon arrive at a great statue, looking down on you. This is known as the Big Buddha, and is the world's tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha. The statue itself weighs 250 tonnes.
The Big Buddha
Situated near the Big Budda is the Po Lin monastery, with its beautiful entrance gate welcoming visitors of all faiths.
The entrance to Po Lin monastery.
As you get closer to the monastery, you will notice the amount of locals using umbrellas to protect themselves not just from the rain, but from the sun against their fair skin. You may also feel the high humidity here, so make sure you have plenty of water.
The monastry itself is fantastic, full of beautiful buddhist artifacts, and with the smell of insense and the oriental music, you suddenly feel very spiritual.
Lo Pin monastery.
Once you've become spiritually cleansed, head back into town, and take a walk along the "Avenue of Stars", which is situated in Kowloon, and features not only statues of famous movie stars, but also gives you a fine view of the Hong Kong Skyline.
Hong Kong Skyline.
As you continue your walk along the "Avenue of Stars", you will soon arrive at a grand clock tower. This clock is one of the oldest buildings of Kowloon, dating back to 1915.
The Clock Tower.
To head back to Hong Kong island, instead of taking the Metro or taxi, take the Star Ferry. The ferry service carries over 70,000 passengers daily, and offers fantastic views of Hong Kong island and Kowloon skylines. Tickets $1.7HK single on the lower deck, or for a better view $2.2HK for the upper deck.
The Star Ferry.
Once darkness settles over Hong Kong, the locals come out to play. With its vast choices of bars, restaurants and clubs, there is truly something for everyone. I recommend the restaurant Lan Kwai Fong near Central Metro station, with its superb noodles. You cannot miss it, theres a lingerie shop above it!
To watch a superb light show, head back to the "Avenue of Stars" just before 8pm, and prepare to watch the world's largest permanent light and sound show, the "Symphony of Lights". The skyscrapers of the city put on a show you will never forget.
A Symphony of Lights.
You can also view a video excerpt of the "Symphony of Lights" here.
Hong Kong is also famous for its bargains, so head over to Temple Market in Kowloon, where you can literally find anything and everything you could ever want. Pirate DVD's anyone?
Temple Market.
Whilst you're in Hong Kong, and fancy a day trip with a difference, why not try the former Portuguese colony of Macau, only 90 minutes away by ferry, or the Chinese city of Shenzhen, just across the border, for even more shopping bargains. You must have a Chinese visa if you are going here, but for Macau you will only need a passport. You can purchase a Chinese visa in Hong Kong, but allow at least 24hours for processing.
So if you are looking for a bustling Chinese city, with a hint of English influence, Hong Kong is the way to go!
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