Last updated: 15 Aug 2012
Travel
Airports
Hong Kong’s international airport, Chek Lap Kok, is located on Lantau Island. The best way to get to and from the airport is via the Airport Express train which takes 24 minutes from Hong Kong Station in Central to the airport, and costs HK$100. It operates daily from 05:50 am to 01:15 am at 10 minute intervals. Free in-town check-in service and free porter service are available at Hong Kong and Kowloon Stations.
Passengers can check in up to 90 minutes before flight, even the day before. This can prove very convenient for business travellers. A free shuttle service transports passengers between all major hotels and Hong Kong or Kowloon Station at 20-minute intervals.
The Airport Express is also your fastest and most convenient route to AsiaWorld-Expo, which is just a one-minute ride from the Airport Station. Onward journeys to the city centre from AsiaWorld-Expo Station take around 28 minutes.
The taxi fare from the major Hong Kong Island hotels to Chek Lap Kok airport is around HK$400. A taxi from Kowloon and the New Territories hotels will cost about HK$350 and HK$250 respectively. Generally allow one hour to reach Chek Lap Kok airport, except in peak hours (7.00am-10.00am, 4.00pm-7.00pm) when the trip may take one and a half hours or longer. From Kowloon and the New Territories hotels it will take around 30 minutes and 45 minutes respectively by taxi to reach the airport. All air passengers must pay a departure tax of HK$100 (which is normally included in the price of the ticket).
Ground transport
Hong Kong has a very efficient public transport system that makes travelling within the city easy and convenient. Rail, bus, ferry, taxi, minibuses and other public transport services offer commuters a good choice of different transport modes at reasonable fares and different levels of comfort, speed and convenience. Both Chinese and English are displayed on the vehicles or broadcast at the stations, and most of the taxi drivers can understand some degree of English. A stored value ticket, the ‘Octopus’ card, enables commuters to pay fares for trains, buses, ferries and some light buses.
Taxis in Hong Kong are all licensed and air-conditioned and you can catch them to anywhere in Hong Kong except some restricted areas. Taxis are relatively cheap and plentiful and hailing from the curb is the best way to hire a cab. Taxis of different colours serve different areas. Red – Hong Kong Island and Kowloon; Green – New Territories and Blue – Lantau Island. Pay the fare shown on the meter, however, surcharges will be added for tunnel/bridge toll, large-size luggage and pets. A list of these charges is displayed inside the taxi.
Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is the main public transport means in Hong Kong. Operation hours are generally from 6am to midnight. Train frequency is every three to five minutes during peak hour. Ticket prices range from HK$4.0 to HK$46.50.
Bus – Most fares for urban routes are around $4.60. Air-conditioned buses with a higher fare are also available. The Public Light Buses (mini buses) are either green or red in colour and have fares similar to buses. In general, they serve places where the MTR cannot reach.
Ferries operate between Hong Kong and outlying islands such as Lamma Island, Lantau Island and Cheung Chau.
Trams serve Hong Kong Island only and the fare of $2.30 is the cheapest of all types of transport in Hong Kong.
Hotels
Many of Hong Kong's luxury hotels are among the best in the world. All the major international chains are represented, along with a dazzling array of local and regional hotels. Keen competition has ensured that Hong Kong's hotels remain at the highest standards. They also regularly introduce new facilities and invest in ambitious renovation programs. An additional three per cent government tax and a 10 per cent service charge are charged except where stated otherwise.
Dining
Hong Kong is arguably one of the world's greatest restaurant capitals. The local Cantonese conduct a great deal of business over 'dim sum' lunch – typically an assortment of steamed pork and vegetable dumplings, spring rolls, wantons, taro cakes and egg tarts.
Two of the more famous restaurant districts include So Ho and Wanchai. So Ho is in the hill area above Central. In this restaurant district one can find almost any cuisine including Russian, Cuban, Manchurian, Nepali and Modern Chinese. Wanchai is more casual with its array of bars offering light meals. Many of these bars/restaurants are located along Lockhart Road.
Tipping
A 10 per cent tip is usual, however, most hotels and restaurants include a 10 per cent service charge, making additional tipping optional.
Tourist attractions
Hong Kong is Asia’s most popular tourist destination. The Hong Kong Tourism Board includes all the latest information on where to shop, eat, tours, boat trips, heritage sites, theatre performances and exhibitions and touring in China.
If time permits, a visit to Victoria Peak ('The Peak') is highly recommended to enjoy the dramatic views of Hong Kong. The famous Peak Tram departs from St Johns Building on Garden Road and a double-decker bus connection to the tram can be made from Star Ferry.