HONG KONG SPRING & SUMMER GUIDE 2012

The best places to eat, sleep and play in this spring and summer

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Inside HONG KONG You’ll find reviews for more than 555,000 hotels, 200,000 vacation rentals, 175,000 attractions and 780,000 restaurants on TripAdvisor.com. Learn from other travelers what to expect before you make your plans. Hong Kong’s appeal as a modern metropolis amid an ancient culture thrives. Sometimes bustling, sometimes serene, this great city is divided into four distinct areas: , the busy, pulsating heart and financial and commercial center; Peninsula, home to many of the upscale hotels; New Territories, where you’ll find traditional rural life; and the 200 outlying islands, PACKING TIPS of which Lantau is the largest. The British took control of Hong Kong in 1841, after the First 1. Haggle like a local: “Bring small bills for the markets, bargain from 1/3 of the Opium War against the Chinese; in 1898, they also gained a 99- price they quote you and walk away year lease on the New Territories. When the lease ran out in if they won’t budge; they will usually lower the price when you walk away.”— 1997, the entire province was handed back to China. Today, British TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong influence is still strong. As a result, most of the local population . 2 “Hong Kong markets are a must. Leave knows English (if not fluently, they know what you’re saying). Learn extra space in the suitcase, so you a few phrases and especially know the numbers so you can bargain can fit your bargain purchases in!”— TripAdvisor Member, Derby, England in the markets! A3. “ tripod is a must. I carry a cheap Hong Kong’s sub-tropical climate promises pleasant, temperate and light tripod everywhere in my backpack for a trip. I set it up for weather for half of the year. January and February tend to be cool scenic shots, so my wife and I can be and cloudy; between May and August, expect hot, humid weather in the picture together. I also use it for night shots.”—TripAdvisor Member, with occasional showers. Cyclone season (July through September) Hong Kong can bring higher winds, thunderstorms and occasional flooding. tripadvisor.com 2 Top VIEWS

HONG KONG’S BEST VIEWS “The Lobby Lounge is among the best in “An excellent way to get from Kowloon to (Tai Ping Shan) is “billed the world for view, service, facilities and Hong Kong across the harbor, is as the number one tourist attraction in live music.”—TripAdvisor Member, Dallas, quick, cheap and efficient and a real taste of Hong Kong, and rightly so. The Peak Texas old Hong Kong. You can sit on the top and Tram is a fun and easy way to get to the Lobby Lounge, Intercontinental Hong Kong, enjoy the fantastic view. Especially stunning top of Victoria Peak, but it is the views 18 Salisbury Road, , Kowloon, at night when all the skyscrapers are lit up.”— from the peak that are the star of the 0852 2721 1211 TripAdvisor Member, Nottingham, U.K. show. We went up during the day, which Star Ferry, Star Ferry Pier, Edinburgh Place, being nice and clear, afforded great views 0852 2367 7065 over the harbor and across to Kowloon.”— TripAdvisor Member, Scotland Victoria Peak, 1 , Where 0852 2849 7654 to PLAY TOP 10 Attractions . 1 Dialogue in the Dark Hong Kong, 8 King Lai Path, Meifoo, . 5 Kowloon, 0852 2891 0438 . 6 Star Ferry, Star Ferry Pier, Edinburgh Place, 0852 2367 7065 . 2 Nan Lian Garden, 60 Fengde Road, Zhuanshishan, . 7 Hong Kong Skyline, along Victoria Harbour 0852 3658 9424 . 8 Happy Valley Racecourse, Sports Road, Happy Valley, 0852 2895 1523 . 3 Hong Kong Museum of History, 100 Chatham Road S, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, 0852 2724 9042 . 9 Lantau Island . 4 Chi Lin Nunnery, Chi Lin Road, Diamond Hill, 0852 2354 1735 10. , 19 Cotton Tree Dr., Central, 0852 2521 5041

FAMILIES “Hong Kong Disneyland is indeed very Ocean Park is a theme park with rides “The Hong Kong Zoo & Botanical small, but absolutely gorgeous. The park and a butterfly house. “My kids enjoyed the Garden is a great way to relax from the is so clean! My wife and I visited and had a rides. The cable car view alone is worth the busy shopping and sight seeing. A range truly magical day. The fireworks at the end trip.”—TripAdvisor Member of sights from plants to pythons will cover of the day are the best we have seen at any Ocean Park, Ocean Park Road, Aberdeen, everyone’s interest. And did I mention that Disney.”—TripAdvisor Member, Colchester, 0852 3923 2323 admission is free?”—TripAdvisor Member, England London, U.K. Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island, Hong Kong Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 0852 1830 830 “The cable car view Albany Road, 852 2530 0154 alone is worth the trip.” ROMANCE A trip on the Star Ferry is “one of the most “Fifty2 Lounge is a seductive lounge For a few moments of peace away from the romantic journeys you can make. Traveling bar with awesome ambiance and a good crowds, take a stroll to the conservatory from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island with drinks selection. The best thing was the and the aviary at Hong Kong Park, “a quiet the mass of neon lights in the background is balcony area which allows you to go out oasis.”—TripAdvisor Member, Solihull, U.K. the perfect place to propose.”—TripAdvisor for a breather without leaving the bar.”— Hong Kong Park, 19 Cotton Tree Drive, Member, Cheltenham, U.K. TripAdvisor Member, United Kingdom Central, 0852 2521 5041 Star Ferry, Star Ferry Pier, Edinburgh Place, Fifty2 Lounge, 3/F, 52 Wellington St., 0852 2367 7065 0852 2110 4483 Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716 tripadvisor.com 3 Where to PLAY

BUDGET For inexpensive clothes shopping, visit “We’ve been living here for 5 years and we For less than a few dollars, you can take the Stanley Market, open daily. “The market still make frequent trips into the Mongkok tram on Victoria Peak for a stunning view itself is a maze of small shops and stalls with area. Yes, it’s packed with people but the of Hong Kong. It’s a “fun and easy way to a huge array of things—some of which you sights and smells are exactly what Hong get to the top, but it is the views that are the never knew you’d need (or want!). My only Kong is all about. We recommend taking star of the show. The vista is breathtaking.”— word of advice would be to barter and, if an evening stroll through the Ladies Market TripAdvisor Member, Scotland you think you’re not getting a good deal, just near Argyle Street.”—TripAdvisor Member, Victoria , Lugard Road, walk away. You’ll be amazed how many stall Hong Kong 0852 2849 7654 owners will come after you to make a sale.”— Mongkok, Kowloon TripAdvisor Member, London, England TripAdvisor members have posted more Stanley Market, Stanley Beach than 10 million traveler photos on the site. The good, the bad and the very candid. It’s almost like being there! ADVENTURE For the more energetic, there’s the 43-mile The Dolphin Encounter Program at The YMCA offers “lots of amenities, Lantau hiking trail, for which you need a Ocean Park “was really good fun! Basically including two indoor pools, squash courts, map and a plan. You can do it in stages, but you get to go behind the scenes to meet, a climbing wall and exercise room.”— “allow at least five hours for the walk; bear feed and touch the dolphins. I really enjoyed TripAdvisor Member, Cambridge, England in mind Lantau Island is the largest island in this!”—TripAdvisor Member, Aberdeen, U.K. YMCA, 41 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong and it is very mountainous. It is Dolphin Encounter Program at Ocean 0852 2268 7000 not easy.”—TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong Park, Ocean Park Road, Aberdeen, Lantau Trail, Lantau Island, 0852 2984 8191 0852 3923 2323 “...and the big Buddha, well it was impressive I must say.” EDUCATIONAL/HISTORICAL The Museum of History “takes you for a Experience Hong Kong without the benefit The Po Lin Monastery features the largest walk through time. There are various movie of sight during Dialogue in the Dark. “I seated outdoor bronze Buddha in the world. rooms, displays, recreations and photos of went for the novelty, but was struck by “A fair way to spend half a day. We took the old Hong Kong. You’ll learn so much about the experience. It opened my mind to a ferry out from Hong Kong island, and had a the rich culture and history of this vibrant different world.”—TripAdvisor Member, very enjoyable walk back down through the woods to Tung Chung. The monastery itself city.”—TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong Mumbai, India was interesting and the big Buddha, well it Hong Kong Museum of History, 100 Dialogue in the Dark, Lot 215, The was impressive I must say.”—TripAdvisor Chatham Road S., Kowloon, 0852 2724 9042 Household Center, 8 King Lai Path, Member, Scotland Kowloon, 852 2891 0438 Po Lin Monastery, Lantau Island, 0852 2985 5669 RELAXATION All bets aside, “the night was the winner” at Repulse Bay is probably Hong Kong’s With a collection of more than 14,000 the Happy Valley Racecourse. “There most popular spot for a day at the beach. objects, including paintings, calligraphy was ‘pomp’ surrounding the occasion where The clean water and gentle waves make it and antique treasures, the Hong Kong the horses are led out by riders in a red perfect for a relaxing swim. “The walk along Museum of Art “is down by the waterfront uniform. The winner is then led to show off waterfront in Repulse Bay is recommended. and a great place to spend a few hours on in front of the crowd. A fantastic evening’s You can sense the beauty of the countryside, a rainy day. Go on a Wednesday, and it’s entertainment.”—TripAdvisor Member, it’s so green and lovely.”—TripAdvisor free to get in, too!”—TripAdvisor Member, Manchester, U.K. Member, Hong Kong Livingston, Scotland Happy Valley Racecourse, Sports Road, Repulse Bay, South coast , Cultural Centre Happy Valley, 0852 2895 1523 Complex, 10 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, 0852 2721 0116 Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716 tripadvisor.com 4 What’s the TOUR How to Get Around

Smart Card—The TripAdvisor Local Expert for Hong Kong suggests Slow boat—An Oxford TripAdvisor Member suggests using the getting an Octopus Smart Card. It allows you to use public transport old ferries instead of the faster catamarans: “There is no better or without worrying about purchasing tickets—and it’s cheaper. cheaper way to see the skyline than from the balcony of the ferries.”

Brilliant views—A TripAdvisor Member from Hampshire suggests traveling on the top deck of buses for brilliant views. Want more information on Hong Kong? TripAdvisor.com offers free weekly e-mail updates filled with new deals, reviews to and articles for Hong Kong or any other destination you choose. WHERE eat

FAMILIES “As an American living in Hong Kong, Blue Let the kids choose their own dishes. Make The Enchanted Garden Restaurant “will Smoke Bar-B-Que is just the touch of it easy and simple at Nomads in Knutsford have something good for all the family. Lots home that I need. The manager and chef Terrace, where “at a noodle bar you choose and lots of different types of food and all are both from the South; the hospitality the noodles, all the add ons and sauce, clearly labelled, which is good if you want to and cuisine testify to that.”—TripAdvisor and they make it for you.”—TripAdvisor try the local dishes.”—TripAdvisor Member, Member, Hong Kong Member, San Francisco, Calif. Bristol, U.K.

Blue Smoke Bar-B-Que, 3/F Grand Progress Nomads, 55 Kimberly Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Enchanted Garden Restaurant, Hong Kong Building, 15 , Central, Kowloon, 0852 2722 0733 Disneyland, Lantau Island, 0852 1830 830 0852 2816 9018

“The moment we exited the lift, the five-star service began.” ROMANCE “Gaddi’s is one of the best French Amigo gave me “a magical night I’ll never “From the moment we exited the lift at restaurants in Asia and a must if you’re forget. If you want a wife, ask her here!”— Aqua, the five-star service began. We were looking for gourmet, Michelin-starred TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong seated in a room with breathtaking views of cuisine. The dining room is very luxurious Amigo, 79A Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy the skyline. We ate from the Tokyo kitchen and palatial, and the service is among the Valley, 0852 2577 2202 and had a divine selection of sushi, sashimi best I’ve ever experienced.”—TripAdvisor and some perfectly executed tempura Member, Los Angeles, Calif. prawns.”—TripAdvisor Member, London, “...one of the best French Gaddi’s, Peninsula Hotel, Salisbury Road, England Kowloon, 0852 2315 3171 restaurants in Asia” Aqua Roma, Aqua Tokyo & Aqua Spirit, 29/F & 30/F, 1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 0852 3427 2288 BUDGET “The dim sum at Tim Ho Wan is the best “There was a line-up outside of “I always want to go the Australia Dairy I’ve ever tasted, delicious and superb and Ebeneezer’s Kebabs for a good reason! It Company. Economic but with very nice for a total bill of just $18. Eating here, queue had spectacular salads, curries and kebabs, light foods—the best toast, fried eggs and all, is also a really, really authentic Hong some of the best we’ve ever had and super and milk tea in the city. You will also be Kong experience.”—TripAdvisor Member, cheap!”—TripAdvisor Member, Seoul, delighted by the efficiency of the waiters.”— London, U.K. South Korea TripAdvisor Member Tim Ho Wan, 2-8 Kwong Wah St., Mong Kok, Ebeneezer’s Kebabs, 52 Lochhart Road, Australia Dairy Company, 7 Parkes St., 0852 2332 2896 0852 3622 3622 Kowloon, 0852 2730 1356 Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716 tripadvisor.com 5 to WHERE eat

HEALTH-CONSCIOUS “I highly recommend the Thai tofu sandwich “Ah Sin Vegetarian was clean, cozy and “Cute Fei Vegetarian has to be the best at Life—it’s easily one of the top five popular among locals. The meals were restaurant in Hong Kong! The food was sandwiches I’ve ever eaten. All sandwiches delicious and flavorsome. Although they beautifully, freshly cooked to the highest of are served with sweet potato garlic fries and seemed to contain fish or meat, they were standards and was authentic!”—TripAdvisor a small mixed salad. A great value, and the made all from vegetables. It was amazing Member, London, U.K. cafe also supports local organic farmers.”— to find out what looked like a shrimp was Cute Fei Vegetarian, 32-34 Haiphong Road, TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong actually not!”—TripAdvisor Member, 0852 2827 2928 Life Cafe, 10 Shelley St., 0852 2810 9777 Kanagawa, Japan Ah Sin Vegetarian, M/F 71 Chatham Road, “Delicious and South Oriental Centre, 0852 2366 0067 flavorsome!” HIDDEN GEMS Kenjo is the “best sushi restaurant in Hong “In my opinion, the hidden gem at Peninsula “If you’re a first time HK visitor, take a Kong. It truly has the freshest fish. Go is Chesa, the Swiss restaurant. I have morning ride to the Peak on the tram, for lunch when they have much cheaper been there many times and it’s consistently enjoy the early morning view and book a options (sets run from HK$90 to 200). good.”—TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong late lunch at Cafe TOO. Relax with sushi, Sit at the traditional sushi counter and Chesa, Peninsula Hotel, Salisbury Road, Chinese, Indian and Western” food items at enjoy watching your meal being made.”— Kowloon, 0852 2315 3169 this favorite buffet.—TripAdvisor Member, TripAdvisor Member, Hong Kong New York, N.Y. Kenjo, 30 Minden Ave., 0852 2369 8307 Cafe TOO, Island Shangri-La Hotel, Supreme Court Road, 0852 2877 3838

SPECIAL EVENTS

Every evening at 8:00, Victoria Harbour is illuminated by A At the Seven Sisters Festival, processions of dancers and observers Symphony of Lights. Hong Kong’s permanent light and sound show place burning incense sticks, flowers and fruit offerings at Lover’s combines music and a narrative broadcast with lights and lasers from Rock in honor of the legendary weaver maid who married a cow 33 participating buildings. (Nightly) herder from across the Milky Way. (August 6) , Victoria Harbour, 0852 2810 2555, Seven Sisters Festival, Lovers’ Rock, , , http://www.tourism.gov.hk/symphony 0852 2508 1234

Experience the unique quality of Chinese culture during the Chinese Honor the patron saint of policemen and gangsters with dancing, live Opera Festival. All of the performances take place in local theatres music, parading and delicious food at the Kwan Tai Festival. and each features the style of a different region of China. (August 11) (June 15 - August 5) Kwan Tai Festival, Man Mo Temple, , Sheung Wan, Chinese Opera Festival, Various venues, 0852 2268 7325 0852 2508 1234

Cheer on fierce competitors rowing ornately decorated boats at the Sample delicious entrees, witness cooking demonstrations and learn Dragon Boat Festival (Tuen Ng Festival). (June 23) some useful tips from experts in the industry at the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival (Tuen Ng Festival), Various venues, Food Expo. (August 16 - 20) 0852 2508 1234 Hong Kong Food Expo, Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr., Wanchai, 0852 1830 668, http://hkfoodexpo.tdctrade.com With over 500 booths, the 14th Annual Ani-Com & Games Fair features the latest in video games, comics, animation and more. (July 27 - 31) 14th Annual Ani-Com & Games Fair, Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr., Wanchai, 852 2344 0415

Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716 tripadvisor.com 6 Where to STAY

FAMILIES “My children did not stop smiling” at “We stayed at W Hong Kong for five days “has a very interesting the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. and enjoyed every day! The room was very design, where innovation meets comfort. “Cinderella and Princess Aurora were in the modern and high tech. The bathrooms Floor to ceiling windows with beautiful check-in area letting children meet them— were very trendy and included a television panoramic views, large and comfortable bed, my three-year-old’s eyes nearly popped at the end of the tub. This was a favorite for plenty of nice touches. Overall, a perfectly out of her head, and she was grinning like our kids.”—TripAdvisor Member, Dallas, relaxing experience in an incredible city.”— the Cheshire Cat.”—TripAdvisor Member, Texas TripAdvisor Member, Paris, France Doha, Qatar W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West, Novotel Citygate, 51 Man Tung Road, Tung Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Lantau Island, Kowloon, 852 3717 2222 Chung, 0852 3602 8888 0852 3510 6000 Have questions about Hong Kong? Get insider advice from local experts in our forums. The majority of questions are answered within 24 hours. ROMANCE “Arriving at the Peninsula is a true pleasure. The Island Shangri-La Hotel also comes “Lanson Place is a perfect boutique hotel The rooms are luxuriously decorated with highly recommended for couples. “The service without being pretentious. We loved that all the latest technology. It is definitely the was excellent. We felt like visiting dignitaries!”— the hotel room felt like a mini apartment place to be and to be seen.”—TripAdvisor TripAdvisor Member, London, England and, for those steamy afternoons when Member, Hong Kong Island Shangri-La Hotel, 2 Pacific Place, you just want to stay in and chill out, try Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Supreme Court Road, 0852 2877 3838 the lounge, complete with library.”— Kowloon, 0852 2920 2888 TripAdvisor Member, Manila, Philippines Lanson Place Hotel, 133 Leighton Road, “We felt like visiting , 852 3477 6888 BUDGET dignitaries!” “It’s really difficult to get a bargain hotel “Though Yiufai Guesthouse is not big, it is “I recommend the Caritas Bianchi Lodge in Hong Kong and even more difficult for equipped with the basic facilities that I need. to budget travelers, as it has good facilities a price to match a hotel’s value. But the Its location is very convenient—at the heart and an excellent staff. The rooms were Hello Inn really is an outstanding exception. of the city. Most important of all, the service pleasantly done, and the inclusion of We were made to feel very welcome.”— is surprisingly friendly. I never expected breakfast was handy.”—TripAdvisor Member TripAdvisor Member, Amsterdam, The such excellent service at such a low cost!”— Caritas Bianchi Lodge, No. 4 Cliff Road, Netherlands TripAdvisor Member, Shenzhen, China Yaumati, Kowloon, 0852 2388 1111 Hello Inn, A7 6/F, Mirador Mansion 58 Yiufai Guesthouse, Flat E, 6/FL., Golden Nathon Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Crown Court, 66-70 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha 0852 3995 4171 Tsui, Kowloon, 0852 2722 5349 “We were greeted by some freshly made Chinese tea.” LUXURY For “world class performance,” try the Four Seasons Hong Kong ranks “six stars “The main thing that sets the Conrad apart InterContinental Hong Kong. “Service plus a whole lot more. It’s clear that the from the others is the service. The staff could is outstanding, from the porter that awaits trainers, management team and staff have a not do enough for you. Within 15 minutes of you at the airport right down to the butler serious commitment to guests. The service our arrival we were greeted by some freshly that brings you a fresh cup of Chinese is of the highest I have ever experienced made Chinese tea. The rooms were made up tea shortly after your arrival. Overall, a at any hotel in the world.”—TripAdvisor a number of times a day, and small gifts made fantastic experience, score 10 out of 10!”— Member, Sydney, Australia us feel even more welcome.”—TripAdvisor TripAdvisor Member, Netherlands Four Seasons Hong Kong, 8 Finance St., Member, United Kingdom Central, 0852 3196 8888 InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Conrad Hong Kong, Pacific Place, Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, 0852 2721 1211 88 , 0852 2521 3838 Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716 tripadvisor.com 7 Where to STAY

HIDDEN GEMS At the Langham Place Hotel, rooms At The Upper House, “beautiful tactile The YMCA has “the best location in Hong have every possible amenity, as well as finishes and colours combine to create a Kong. We had great views of the Harbor. “wonderful views over the city. The rooftop relaxed haven, high in the sky above the Request a room on the 13th floor or higher, pool and the wellness area are top-notch. frantic pace of Hong Kong.”—TripAdvisor so that your view is not obstructed. We The relaxed atmosphere of the staff also Member, Sydney, Australia watched the light show each night from our makes younger guests feel comfortable.”— The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 room—fabulous.”—TripAdvisor Member, TripAdvisor Member, Berlin, Germany Queensway, 0852 2918 1838 Victoria, British Columbia Langham Place Hotel, 555 Shanghai St., YMCA, 41 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Kowloon, 0852 3552 3388 0852 2268 7000 “...a relaxed haven...”

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