I Love Hongkong
by Victor Chau
9AM
Get an Octopus Card from any MTR station. There is a HKD50 (HKD1 = PHP5.32/USD0.13) deposit then top it up with about HKD150, which should cover all transportation costs of the day.
Hong Kong Octopus Card | photo by superlocal (Flickr)
9:30AM
Take a ride on the Central escalator, the longest outdoor linked system in the world that connects Queen’s Road Central to the Mid-Levels. Get off on Hollywood Road/Lyndhurst Terrace and try egg-tarts (HKD4.50) from Tai Cheong Bakery (35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, tel 2544 3475). This unique Hong Kong delicacy was the favorite of the former British colony’s last Governor Sir Chris Pattern.
Hong Kong Central Escalator | photo by Littlepillow (Flickr)
9:45AM
Stroll along Hollywood Road, reputed for its extensive array of antique shops, curios and memorabilia. The shop owners here are experts in Ming, Tang and Tibetan artifacts, but while it’s nice to browse, they are a bit pricey for me so I go to True Arts and Curios (89 Hollywood Road, tel 25591485) to bring home some pieces of history, be they hair pins, children hats or snuff bottles – all come with an amicable price tag!
10:45AM
Towards the end of Hollywood Road is Man Mo Temple (130 Hollywood Road), one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong. Pay attention to the fresco on the roof, during the plague in the 1920s. This quaint area is a mixture of residences, old junk shops, art galleries, temples and even coffin shops!
Hong Kong Man Mo Temple | photo by famkefonz (Flickr)
12:30PM
Turn right to Hollywood Road then left to Upper Lascar Row, familiarly known as Cat Street, a heaven for Buddhist images, Chairman Mao memorabilia and traditional Chinese items. For an all-Mao experience, visit Kai Kee Curios & Jades (16 Tung Street Side Shop No 1). I bought a pin with the image of Mao for only HKD20. Cat Street Antique Co (32 Upper Lascar Row, tel 2851 0212) also offers all things Chinese. A copy of Quotations from Chairman Mao costs HKD30 in English or HKD25 in Chinese.
1:00PM
Stroll back towards Central and look out for a little restaurant or dai pai dong, called Yuk Yip Restaurant (2 Elgin Street, tel 2544 3795). For more than 80 years they have served Hong Kong’s best soup noodles and dessert. Pig knuckle noodles (HKD16) and any green bean soup (HKD7 for hot and HKD7.50 for cold) are a must-try for lunch.
1:30PM
A distinct shop with décor from the 1960s called Kung Lee is found at 60 Hollywood Road, Central, famous for sugar cane juice (HKD7.50). Cross Graham Street and stroll into Gage Street, where there is a labyrinth of wet markets, selling the freshest produce du jour. Keep walking along Cage Street and toward the end you should see Lan Fong Yuen, most famous for Hong Kong style milk tea (HKD13).
Lan Fong Yuen Hong Kong | photo by super charz (Flickr)
2:00PM
Back up to the escalator and keep walking toward the harbor. Don’t forget to take a quick look at the Hong Kong Police built in 1919, on your right, behind which is Victoria Prison, the only prison in the city. They were both decommissioned about five years ago. Staying along the escalator you can walk all the way though ifc mall to reach the Star Ferry Pier. Take the Star Ferry (HKD2.20) to cross the Victoria Harbor to marvel at Hong Kong’s futuristic skyline.
Hong Kong Skyline | photo by DanielHKC (Flickr)
2:30PM
Take the MTR to Wong Tai Sin station for the temple of the same name, the biggest Taoist temple in Hong Kong. Buy some joss sticks (HKD10-20) and put them in an urn. Kneel, facing the temple and gently toss the bamboo stick case. Ask fortune for your career, love life, family, health or anything else. When a bamboo stick drops on the ground pick it up and remember the number. Then buy a red fortune note (HKD2) and take that with you to one of the many fortunetellers.
I went to Master Edward Chun (Shop 113, 2/F) who can tell your fortune in Cantonese, Mandarin and English (HKD30). And my luck in the year of the rat? Great of course!
Hong Kong Wong Tai Sin Temple | photo by Farl (Flickr)
4:30PM
MRT to Mongkok next, the densest place on earth. For bargain trainers, go to Fa Yuen Street or Nelson Street, then open late afternoon are the stalls on Sai Yeung Choi Street nicknamed Ladies Market. You can find literally anything here – crazy wigs (HKD30), fake handbags, watches, home accessories and more. There are also street-side snacks vendors, don’t miss curry fish balls (HKD6) and infamous smelly tofu (HKD6), only available in Shop 43D Dundas Street, Shop 6.
Hong Kong Mongkok | photo by tathei (Flickr)
6:15PM
Temple Street, the legendary outdoor market is 15 minutes walk away. The stalls here have a slightly different selection: psychedelic lamps, Nepali artifacts, cheap camera equipment and old vinyl records. I most enjoy the food: clay pot rice in many combinations, chicken, beef, minced pork and frogs – all for only HKD18+.
7:30PM
Back to Tsim Sha Tsui by MTR and go straight to the promenade to enjoy the daily free Symphony of Lights laser show at 8pm. Then walk along the Avenue of Stars. Big Hong Kong movie stars and directors such as Wong Kar Wai and Jackie Chan marked their presence with their hands.
8:30PM
Take the Star Ferry back to Central(HKD2.2) and take the Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak. A return ticket is HKD48, payable with Octopus Card. Or catch the bus for HKD5. There are unbeatable views from the roof terrace (HKD20) or take a 40-minute walk on the Peak Trail.
10:30PM
Head back to Central by Peak Tram or bus. If you want to treat yourself you should head to Lan Kwai Fong, the heart of nightlife in Hong Kong. The drinks here aren’t necessarily cheap (HKD50 up) but hey, what better ways to enjoy the ever festive vibe here? Alternatively, go to Tsui Wah Restaurant (Wellington Street), a place that opens almost 24/7 for a quick bite. Toast or simple dishes start at HKD15.
12AM
To rest your weary head, Hong Budget Hostel in Hong Kong, Hong Kong (B5, 2/F, Block B, 2-4 Kingston Street, Causeway Bay) still on Hong Kong Island, is a good bet with beds from only HKD125 in a shared room. Hop on the MRT, check in and enjoy a good sleep.