Kowloon – Travels with Ali

After the serenity and calmness of Bali we are now in the busy and bustling city of Hong Kong. Surrounded by lush green hills, the skyscrapers jostle for space in this ever growing city. Wherever you go there are buildings going up and buildings coming down. Each competing with the others to see who can be the tallest or thinnest and offer the best view. It’s a city that never sleeps and is never quiet.

We are staying once again at the Hotel Icon on the 17th floor and can see for miles across the harbour to Hong Kong Island.

On our first morning we opened the curtains to this view. Not a skyscraper in sight. A heavy fog had descended, obscuring everything. I remember these days well from when we lived here before, especially in the New Territories. They would last for days and wreak havoc with my hair.

Luckily for us the weather turned out well over the next few days.

Maybe you’re wondering who cleans all these windows and how. There was a small notice in our room informing us of window cleaning, but one I only glanced at. Good job we were both decent at the time!

Vertigo would have no place in this job!

Each morning we would have coffee in the room and enjoy the spectacular views and comment on the activity below.

Each day we would take a bus to wherever we wanted to go. There was a bus terminal around 10 minutes walk from the hotel. With google maps I could find the exact route and times as well.

A mix of old and new buildings in Central.

The photographic opportunities in Hong Kong are many and I have to stop and think, “do I already have that shot?” as they never get old.

Posted also for Lens-Artist Challenge – Cityscapes

Despite the current turmoil and upheaval in Hong Kong, we still decided to visit this diverse and wonderful city. Having lived here over ten years ago, this time we had brought along our good friends and neighbours from Perth. We only came across one protest during our stay, although we did see evidence of the destruction that has been caused.

Hong Kong – a city with a population of over 7 million is home to many different nationalities making it a truly international city. Located in Southern China and surrounded by the South China Sea. Most of the population live either on Hong Kong Island or Kowloon, although some live on the outlying islands of Lantau, Cheng Chau and Lamma.

From the airport there are many ways into the city, we took a taxi, but there are airport buses and an express train.

The trees below are all real and also the poinsettias.

Arriving in the early morning from an overnight flight

Crossing over the bridge

A blurry shot from the taxi of the bridge!

There are so many things to do in Hong Kong and we only had a week to do it in!

We stayed at the Hyatt Centric formerly Hotel Vic in North Point (a review of this hotel to come).

Hong Kong in December is a great time to visit. The weather is cooler with no humidity and all the buildings are dressed up to the nines with Christmas lights. Everywhere you look there are Christmas trees and decorations all competing for attention.

One morning we took a ferry just outside the hotel over to Hung Hom, Kowloon and then walked along the new promenade to Tsim Sha Tsui East. It’s a lovely walk and was surprisingly very empty for a Sunday. We realised later this was due to a protest being organised somewhere else in Kowloon. A sunny but hazy day.

The Hung Hom Promenade

We saw many of these small tents along the way and these are what the domestic helpers use on a Sunday to enjoy their day off.

This promenade takes you right along to the Avenue of Stars on Tsim Sha Tsui East waterfront.

Bruce Lee and Anita Mui both famous Hong Kong actors, sadly now passed away

Anthony enjoying a little shopping spree!

Later that evening we took an evening cruise around Hong Kong Harbour on the famous Duk Ling Chinese Junk. Built in Macau around 1955, it has been refurbished many times over the years. It’s a great way to see the harbour and the Hong Kong skyline. Tickets can be bought online or at the harbourside and include a guided tour and free drink.

Below are photos of the former Hong Kong Prison which is now an arts centre. What an interesting place to visit, full of history and quirky shadows videos depicting how the prisoners were treated. Located on Hollywood Road, Central.

Getting around Hong Kong

It’s extremely easy to travel around Hong Kong Island and over to Kowloon. Just get yourself an Octopus card from an MTR station and you’re all set. Public transport is not expensive in Hong Kong. It can be used on the MTR, trams, buses, mini buses and ferries. Top ups can be made at any 7-11 or MTR station. The train goes all the way to the border with Shenzhen. Octopus cards can also be used to buy small purchases in 7-11 and Watsons.

A designer decorated tram!

Oil Street and Electric Street –
Many years ago this building in Oil Street used to be the old oil terminal and is now an Arts Centre. The Government Printing works were also situated here.