Monday, May 18, 2009 12:05 AM
I've probably mentioned before, Hong Kong is separated into 4 main sections: Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, New Territories and the outer-lying islands. Most of us will be more acquainted with Kowloon since it's where the most awesome and cheapest shopping will be (read: Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui). In contrast, Hong Kong Island boasts more as the business district of the city. It also appears more
atas and more crisp and clean.
Central is the REAL business district of Hong Kong. With many banks and office buildings around, it's not surprising to see so many people in black power suits strutting down the streets. But it does not mean that there are no fun things there! For one, it boasts of Lan Kwai Fong, the party district of the city. Then there are nice food to be found such as:
This 牛腩 noodles is awesome! The broth is clear soup and you're given the choice of vermicelli, rice noodles, thin noodles or even mee pok noodles and they are really generous with their beef. You're also given the choice of curry broth which is another makan experience.
How to: The nearest MTR is actually Sheung Wan, the final stop of the Island line. Walk out from Exit E2 and head towards Queen's Road Central. The shop is called 九记牛腩 and is located on Gough Street. The best landmark is actually Central District Health Centre, which isn't considered as much help. If lost, just ask any local on the street. Most of them would know where this place is.
If you're out to do some electronics shopping, Wan Chai is the place for you. But before you lose yourself in the Wan Chai Computer Centre, take some time to walk the street opposite the computer centre.
The street isn't very long but you can find treasures here. Browse through the makeshift carts and also the shops by the side. Don't miss out the teahouses by the side! It's where we found our level 9 milk tea. And beware of the snake soup shop if you're terrified of the reptile.
How to: Exit from Wan Chai Station Exit A3. The street is directly opposite the MTR exit.
After you have eaten your fill, head over to Wan Chai Computer Centre for your electronics shopping. They sell camera equipment, PSP, DS lite, computer parts and every computer accessory you need. It's like Sim Lim Square but in cantonese.
How to: Exit from Wan Chai Exit A4.
The Island line designs their stations slightly differently. For instant, most of their more "famous" stations show the station names in Chinese calligraphy.
Other than that, Hong Kong Island boasts of tourist attractions like the Peak (Central), Central Piers to bring you to the outer-lying islands and Happy Valley (Causeway Bay). Not much of a shopping and eating paradise. For more information, you can always ask me personally. I'll be glad to help.
Next up: Mongkok
Labels: hk101
memories brings back happy moments
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 12:47 AM
Hello to one and all! True to my promise, here is my own view of what to do and where to go in Hong Kong. It's not comprehensive, but it suffices for me in these 5 months here.
Facts titbits:Hong Kong is one of the 2 Special Administration Regions of China. With 7 million inhabitants, it consists of 4 main parts - Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, New Territories as well as the outer-lying islands.
You can't do without the trusty MTR map. It helps you to plan your route more efficiently and effectively. For more information on fares and travelling time, you can always go to
http://www.mtr.com.hk.
From the map, you can see that Kowloon Tong is the interchange station between the Kwun Tong line (Green) and the East Railway line (Light blue). The significance is in how Kowloon Tong links you with east of Kowloon and also up north into New Territories and Shenzhen. It only takes around 25 minutes for a train ride on the East Railway line to reach Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau. It is also one stop shy from Hung Hom where you can travel to other parts of Mainland China by ferry or railway.
Kowloon Tong also boasts of many education institutions, mainly the Australian International School, City University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Baptist University.
It only has one shopping mall:
Festival Walk.
How to: Exit from Exit C if you're travelling on the Kwun Tong line or Exit H if you come from the East Railway line
It's nothing fancy, yet everything fancy. Which is to say that it's your extraordinary
atas mall. To name a few, there's Coach, Vivienne Westwood, Calvin Klein, MAX & Co., Montblanc and more. Of course, what attracts me most is the H&M store. It's two storeys big but is still not the largest H&M store in Hong Kong. The largest H&M store is located in
ELEMENTS shopping mall, Hong Kong's largest mega-mall.
ELEMENTS is located directly above the Kowloon MTR station. Kowloon station is yet another interchange station, this time for the Tung Chung line and the Airport Express line. The funny thing is that although it's relatively near Jordon (Tseun Wan line), you'll either need to take the Tseun Wan line down to Hong Kong Island to change to the Tung Chung line or travel up to Lai King to change to Tung Chung line. So in my opinion, if you're heading to ELEMENTS from places like Mongkok or Tsim Sha Tsui, try taking the free shuttle bus from Hankow Road (YMCA Salisbury) or Peking Road (Outside DFS). Or if you're feeling adventurous, alight at Jordon and attempt walking in the direction of Baoling Street. I wish you luck.
Next up: Hong Kong Island
Labels: hk101
memories brings back happy moments
