11 WAYS TO ENJOY HONGKONG FOR THE FIRST TIMERS

With the promo fares offered by various airlines, traveling to other countries became possible even for the low budget travelers. Hongkong for me is one of the best places to visit if you are a first timer. Here are Top on My list’s 11 Ways to Enjoy Hongkong when you are a first-timer.

1. SPEND A DAY OR TWO AT THE DISNEYLAND HONGKONG

Every child dreamt of getting at the Disneyland. But Disney is not only for children as you bring your kids with you; I’m sure the whole family will enjoy.      Hong Kong Disneyland is located on Lantau Island. Visitors can meet characters old and new and can tour the park alongside the Hong Kong Disneyland Railroad. I was with my sister who stayed rather long in Florida when I first visited Disneyland  Hongkong.   And agreeing to her It’s small compared to Disneyland Florida, but the attractions were spectacular to me who have not seen other Disneylands. Attractions range from the Jungle River Cruise of Adventure, Disney Parade and to the roller coasters in Tomorrow land and the spectacular light show at the Snow White Castle.

2. EXPLORE THE OCEAN PARK

Hong Kong’s homegrown theme park continues to give a good fight to the  Hollywood import Disneyland with a winning mix of educational and interactive sea creature displays, including the futuristic jellyfish exhibition, and thrill-seeking roller coasters and rides.  If you’ve got kids in tow, don’t dare miss Ocean Park.

3. EXPERIENCE NGONG PING CABLE CAR

Take a glass-bottomed gondola and enjoy the breathtaking view of the South China Sea and the long, lush peaks of Lantau on 5.7 km ride at the Ngong Ping Cable Car, one of the top attractions on Lantau Island. The view is jaw-dropping which starts from Tung Chung Town Towards the end of the trip you will see from afar the 110ft Tian Tan Buddha, one of the biggest of its kind in the world. The trip

4. TAKE A WALK AT THE NGONG PING VILLAGE

Part of the development is Ngong Ping Village, a small theme park incorporating family-friendly attractions such as Walking with  Buddha, the Monkey’s Tale Theatre, the Ngong Ping Tea House and several dining, retail and entertainment outlets. The Po Lin Monastery, also at the top, is also likely to be attractive to most visitors.

5. STAY ALONG NATHAN ROAD

If you are a backpacker, better stay along this street. Many affordable hostels can be found in this place. This is where we stay whenever we visit Hongkong.

See Hongkong at its bustling best; the Nathan Road is said to be  Hong Kong’s most photographed street, a  showcase for the city’s iconic, neon advertising signs. A spectacular display of neon signs is found in most buildings along the street. These signs are symbols of Nathan Road’s role as the commercial heart of Tsim Sha Tsui.

6. CRUISE AT VICTORIA HARBOUR

One of my favorite and the cheapest journey I should say…. The green and white tub-shaped Star Ferry vessels have been a familiar sight around Hong Kong since the 1920s and are a much-cherished symbol of the city. Star Ferry decks give one of the best available and most affordable views, day or night, of the waterfronts of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon – not to mention the plethora of ocean traffic surging through the shipping lanes.

7. MARVEL AT HONGKONG’S SKYLINE

Be it day or night,  the crowd of skyscrapers arched around the waters of Victoria Harbour on Hong Kong Island is a jaw-dropping sight. As the most impressive skyline in the world, you should make time to see the horizon both in the day, from Victoria Peak, and at night, when it plays host to the Symphony of Lights laser and light show.  This skyline is Hongkong’s signature view.

8. TAKE A WALK AT THE AVENUE OF STARS

Located on the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, the Avenue of Stars was created to honor   Hong Kong film workers for their devoted contribution to local and world theatres.  It was opened to the public and visitors from all over the world from 28 April 2004 onwards. Don’t be shy to take your selfie with Bruce Lee or with Jackie Chan.

9. BE AMAZED BY THE SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS

Hongkong’s Symphony of Lights is Guinness World Records’  most sizeable permanent light and sound in the world. This nightly spectacle combines interactive lights of 45 key buildings on both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon with musical effects to showcase the vibrancy and glamorous night vista of Victoria Harbour (and incidentally the light show setup cost 44 million HK dollars).

 10. VIEW HONGKONG FROM VICTORIA PEAK

Taking the tram to the Peak is already a must experience ride. The view of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak is a must-see and no less spectacular. At the top, visitors will find the seven-story Peak Tower, which is a good vantage point. It’s just quite difficult to take pictures of the Skyline because it’s quite foggy, especially on cold months like January. Alternatively, you can go along the various roads, including one up to the very top, and the steep Old Peak Road down to Central in around 40 minutes.

11. SHOP AT THE LADIES MARKET

Hongkong to many means shopping and for those who are on a budget the Ladies market is the place to go. Ladies Market is perhaps  Hong Kong’s most famous market. Despite the name, the markets sell clothes for men and women and plenty of cheap Chinese curios, as well as being one of the locations for Hong Kong’s buzzing trade in copies and fakes.  Learn the art to negotiate while in this place. If you are a Filipino, you’ll be surprised if some Chinese vendors know some of our language like: “Suki,” “Maganda KLase,” “Mura na,” “Bili Na.”