For us Hong Kong was high on our bucket record for years after turning out to be up with studies from my folks of their first travels to Asia and their experiences there in certain. It always seemed like a world away and yet also so usual. After spending a month traveling around mainland China we had our excellent chance to finally go backpacking in Hong Kong. We found a city like no different, a web of cultures brought collectively within the mesmerising tangle of city construction. It truly become every thing we hoped and dreamt it will be and for Brits having just explored China, a strange mixture of chinese language and British culture that supplied us with a sort of reverse subculture shock! It basically is a very attainable and straightforward introduction to traveling around China but alas in contrast to the mainland it will also be very high priced!
Backpacking in Hong Kong can also be problematic in comparison to other areas of Asia however with some planning its somewhat convenient to do a Hong Kong funds shuttle! here's our Backpackers book to Hong Kong!
For us journeying Hong Kong for the first time was a strange adventure, made even more surreal after 4 weeks journeying round mainland China. I think about if we had simply come straight from Europe it could had been distinctive, but as at all times our prior experiences filter our views on a new area. in lots of methods our travels round japanese Europe felt an identical, how may anywhere basically suppose that wild after going to Russia first! The identical it transpires happens with East Asia if you beginning with China! I mean this in every viable interpretations of the notice, each respectable and dangerous, however China basically is loopy and in many ways Hong Kong definitely felt pretty tame in evaluation, but in a great way!
What do I mean? well, what instantly struck us become how western it felt, how obtainable and how convenient. No language barrier, individuals queing by means of alternative (The chinese language don't seem to be queuers which to 2 Brits was tough to regulate to!!), no spitting, it all just felt, for lack of a more robust observe, civilised! but we fully loved it, it felt a little bit like an Asian version of ny. established, convenient entry but gritty and full of way of life without too plenty of a shock. China had been a whirlwind experience of americaand downs, it's a country of extremes for certain and Hong Kong just perceived to take most of the decent without too plenty of the unhealthy and by some means carry them collectively.
but universal we had a blast in Hong Kong, it was such a desirable location to peer the merging of two cultures certainly having simply been to China and being from Britain. Seeing what components of each culture has been retained or repurposed, it basically become very fascinated. We additionally love cities too and even more we adore cities that present such a various range of issues to do like Hong Kong, it was wonderful to peer the build up areas of the metropolis with their tremendous up to date skyscrapers at the same time as at floor level there are still tiny little shop homes and temples. We were additionally bowled over by means of the volume of mountaineering and beaches in the Territory too!
We additionally enjoyed having some precise nice western food after being in China for a month too and unashamedly will admit to raiding Marks & Spencers very nearly as quickly as we arrived! You don't recognise how a whole lot cheese and unsweetened bread capacity to you unless you trip round Asia! but it turned into a enjoyable challenge to head backpacking in Hong Kong and truthfully if it wasn't for the expensive and infrequently awful accommodation at backpacker expenses it ended up being one among our all time known locations!
Hong Kong Airport is among the world most important transport hubs and as such there are thousands of different airlines flying to relatively an awful lot all corners of the world from here. This also makes it a great budget vacation spot too as a number of competitors drives fees down. It also ability its an ideal layover destination too.
Europe, North the usa, Asia and Australasia are all smartly lined which is why it it such a well-liked layover or transit destination so anywhere you're journeying to or from it is going to be convenient and most economical. Cathay Pacific are additionally primarily based here too so most reliable if you're coming to backpack in Hong Kong and past.
—————————————— Over Land:Hong Kong is of direction connected to mainland China so visiting into the territory overland is terribly feasible, really the primary time we visited we arrived on the train from China on a clean, speedy and reliable carrier. it's additionally viable to trip over the border on land too.
Border crossing at the teach station are pretty speedy getting into Hong Kong from China. in case you're Backpacking Hong Kong you may grow to be leaving or entering this was as it a great solution to keep it up your travel! simply bear in mind your chinese language Visa.
Shenzen is the closest chinese language metropolis to Hong Kong and is itself well linked with the rest of the country. Trains from right here take round half-hour and value in the vicinity of HK$109 (£10.90 / $14.05)
Hong Kong train Station is neatly connected to now not best Shenzen but to China too so it's a fine beginning point for overland commute into and round mainland China which additionally has a really fantastic rail community.
it is feasible to commute to Beijing in 9 hours and Shanghai in 8.5 hours on the quickly trains. bear in mind the dimension of the country, we as soon as did an overnight instruct in China that took 27 hours in the challenging sleep compartment!
excessive velocity trains join Hong Kong to: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Fuzhou, Guilin, Guiyang, Hangzhou, Xianmen and Kunming. These run from West Kowloon Railway Station
Slower intercity trains connect Hong Kong to Guangzhou (2 hrs), Beijing (24 hrs), Shanghai (19 hrs) and Dongguan (70 minutes)
Bus/ coachThere are various private bus businesses working between Hong Kong and China but many of them are unfold all around the city leaving in reasonably random locations.
they are going to of route be more cost-effective but given the reasonable of the educate they're somewhat a little bit greater inconvenient mainly if you are desperate to travel tons extra than Shenzen. however they're the most cost-effective sort of transport which is why they're in our Backpackers e book to Hong Kong.
—————————————— visiting To And From MacauAs you may imagine it is fairly handy to get to and from Macau from Hong Kong. As all the time there are a number of different transport methods with helicopters even being obtainable to hire, although they're not all that budget pleasant!! in case you're Backpacking Hong Kong then it's tremendous to mix it with a trip to Macau.
the two we advocate are: through ferryThis takes around 1 hour and a one way fare is round HK$170 – HK$210 (£17.00 / $21.95 – £21.00/ $27.10)
The three terminals are:Hong Kong MACAU Ferry Terminal alongside Connaught street crucial, Sheung Wan enviornment in Hong Kong Island.
Hong Kong CHINA Ferry Terminal alongside Canton road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.
Sky Pier at Hong Kong international Airport. unique to tourists handiest.
See expenditures For The Ferry here
Over the new Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge there is now a forty minute bus connection. fees are between HK$65 and HK$70 reckoning on the time of day.
catch the bus at Prince Edward in Mong Kok or Kowloon elements in Tsim Sha Tsui.
See expenses For The Bus here
Backpacking in Hong Kong: how to Get round Hong Kong Getting From The Airport To The metropolisThe most effective option to get from the Airport to the metropolis is on the MTR Airport express which that you can buy online before you shuttle
Hong Kong Island HK$one hundred fifteen (£11.50 / $14.eighty four) / Kowloon HK$a hundred and five (£10.50 / $13.fifty five)
buy Your Airport specific train Ticket here & pass The Queue
you could also as an alternative with the aid of the Airport categorical shuttle flow which makes it possible for both 1 or 2 rides to/from the airport plus 3 days of limitless commute on the MTR/ light railway and buses
These cost HK$250 (£25.00 / $32.26) 1 trip / HK$350 (£35.00 / $45.15) 2 Rides
find out extra right here: www.mtr.com.hk
purchase Your Airport specific three Day circulate right here
—————————————— Hong Kong Subway/ MTRThe Hong Kong subway or MTR is the gold standard technique to get around the city and covers most parts of the metropolis including the airport as well as over into mainland China. There are 10 lines and it also connects to the light railway features too.
Getting an Octopus card, which is like an Oyster card in London, is outstanding for tapping on and off and fares are slightly decreased.
however the tourist Day pass is a fine alternative as it enables for unlimited travel on the MTR, mild Rail and MTR Bus for twenty-four hours (except for airport), so super for a Hong Kong budget shuttle.
The expense is HK$sixty five (grownup) / HK$30 (newborn)
discover more data right here: www.mtr.com.hk
buy Your tourist Day circulate here
The tramways opened in 1904 and operate a restrained carrier on the north of Hong Kong Island. Taking one of those double decker trams isn't just to get from A to B however for the adventure too.
There are 6 routes and fares are very low-priced. You can pay using an Octopus card or in cash. The routes run fairly an awful lot along the coast of Hong Kong island. that you could see the routes here: www.hktramways.com/en/interactive-map
—————————————— BusesBuses are a popular mode of transport for locals and cover all most important areas aside from the outlying islands. The buses cowl a plenty bigger enviornment than the MTR primarily additional backyard of the leading constructed up areas.
Most buses use the Octopus system as well as cash youngsters there are 5 diverse companies which all have distinct fares and aren't lined on tourist passes except they are MTR buses.
other eco-friendly and crimson top mini buses are available across the islands, constantly in more far flung locations. There are simpler to use if you are universal with the territory but the drivers are usually more than willing to help.
See greater info on Buses right here: www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/hongkong/transportation/city-bus
there are many islands that make up Hong Kong so the ferries are yet another everyday technique to get around.
the most universal commute is the brief hop on the big name ferry across from Kowloon to Hong Kong island and we've protected it in our ebook for issues to do beneath. It charges between HK$2.20 (£0.22 / $0.28) – HK$3.70 (£0.37 / $0.48)
The alternate options don't conclusion there through and there are many different ferries for the more outlying islands which is a easy and enjoyable solution to commute.
find out extra information on the ferries in Hong Kong right here: www.hongkong.web/transportation/ferry
—————————————— Taxi/ UberWe don't recommend the use of the HK taxies as they are tremendous high priced and as a backpacker out of funds.
Uber operates in Hong Kong and they also offer journey shares too to carry the can charge down even more. even though we nonetheless feel public transport is a far better alternative.
The largest obstacle to saving funds and Backpacking in Hong Kong on a decent budget is the cost of lodging. There isn't an awful lot you could do to shop cash here besides staying in Chungking Mansion (which isn't advised!) or getting fortunate with some couchsurfing. although, we've picked out one of the most premier accommodation for the funds below:
—————————————— foremost cut price Backpacker Hostel: The Mahjonglocated appropriate in the coronary heart of Kowloon this sparkling, contemporary and quite spacious hostel has a enjoyable Mahjong theme and offers some extraordinary pod fashion beds and appropriate secure vogue lockers. For the price right here the common is high since the facilities including a kitchenette and terrace. it is also ideally observed for public transport. in case you're coming to Hong Kong on a price range thien this is a superb hostel for the price.
See costs For The Mahjong here
—————————————— most effective Mid latitude Hostel: Wontonmeena wise, up to date, clean and well determined hostel that offers tremendous dorms with curtains for privacy in addition to marvelous deepest rooms at an affordable cost. There's desk tennis, darts and a completely practical kitchen for guests to use too as well as a lounge, terrace and company centre. this is our suitable rated hostel in Hong Kong for backpackers and other price range guests.
See expenses For Wontonmeen here
—————————————— most appropriate budget hotel: The BEACONa latest high rise resort in the heart of Hong Kong offering enormously priced en-suite rooms with spectacular views. There are tea and coffee making facilities in every room, flat display TVs and even a health centre. in case you're seeking to spend a bit greater and get an outstanding pleasant funds resort with respectable transport hyperlinks then that you could't go wrong with The BEACON.
See fees For The BEACON right here
—————————————— low-cost beach motel: Royal View hotelwanting to stay outdoor of the metropolis and via the seaside on a funds? The Royal View lodge offers a seashore front property without breaking the financial institution. It offers an outdoor pool, spa and spacious rooms in addition to a fitness centre and restaurant.
See prices For Royal View inn right here
look for other lodging options here:reserving.com
reserving.com
Taking tours In Hong Kongin case you simplest have a constrained period of time in Hong Kong you may wish to seem into taking some excursions including the hop on hop off bus. usually we choose to do things independently but when pushed for time tours can also be a superb solution to fit in quite a number of issues and in case you get a good tour also get some fantastic counsel about where you're visiting too.
We suggest performing some running excursions with locals to get to peer the real Hong Kong!
See costs For native Hong Kong running tours right here
Backpacking Hong Kong: Our listing of budget issues To Do In HK: Victoria top (Tram or Hike)one of the crucial famous landmarks in Hong Kong is Victoria peak, it's one of the most obtainable of the Hong Kong mountains (yes, HK has a lot of fabulous mountains too). a visit to Hong Kong without going up there isn't in fact a visit to Hong Kong is it!! at the same time as many accepted attractions may seem to be overrated, the Victoria top isn't considered one of them.
Taking the steep funicular that has clung to the height for a hundred thirty years is a gorgeous step back in time to Victorian era Hong Kong, the colonial impact of business and amusement. To imagine the generations of people who've taken this very go back and forth and how the view from the desirable has modified and advanced over the years is basically as awe inspiring because the view itself.
achieving the properly there's the choice to pay greater to enter the "authentic" viewing structures, however we didn't feel the deserve to achieve this as we had been backpacking in Hong Kong so on a funds. but the views from the walkways are just as staggering and plenty much less crowded. once up right here there are a couple of paths to take to different views including some fascinating gardens.
make sure to visit during the day and at night to look the diverse sides to the extraordinary view, it's a great factor to do in Hong Kong on a finances.
The Tram is HK$52 return (£5.20 / $6.70)
it's additionally possible to hike up right here without charge
See expenditures For Victoria height climbing excursions right here
take in the skyline/ Victoria Harbour/ TSSTaking within the metropolis from the vantage factor of Victoria Harbour is also probably the most accepted things to do in Hong Kong and fortuitously for us, its free! The Tsim Sha Tsui promenade which runs alongside the noted harbour offers unrivalled views throughout the water to the towering skyline of Hong Kong island and at night it actually does come alive.
The free 'Symphony of gentle' reveal every night is a true crowd pleaser drawing within the cities company as lights and lasers bathe the skyline in a rainbow of colors and patterns. It's a need to do when backpacking in Hong Kong.
This view is inconceivable no longer to be enchanted via if you're metropolis people like us, the sight is virtually surreal. With crimson sailed junk boats gently bobbing in the harbour within the foreground even as the ferry buzzed from side to side, it encapsulates what Hong Kong is today, a tapestry of lifestyle, heritage and people that has by some means come together to create one of the vital worlds most desirable cities.
yet another unique feature is how each skyscraper one by one bids "respectable evening Hong Kong" because the lights are grew to become off to keep energy at 11pm!
FREE
See fees For an evening Harbour Cruise here
Take The megastar Ferry From Kowloon To Hong Kong IslandYet an additional must do when you visit Hong Kong, the big name Ferry is an establishment here that has been working since 1888 similar to the top Tram. Carrying passengers over Victoria Harbour between Kowloon and Hong Kong island it is among the most least expensive the way to make the crossing. however more than that it offers an ideal strategy to mingle with the locals as well as taking in the twin skylines from sea degree.
What we also love is how cheap it is to do too for such an attractive view. The most effective issue we may examine it to is the excellent Manly Ferry in Sydney. once again Hong Kong here comes up with the most reliable technique to combine background with the up to date. Being so low cost it's a in reality one of the most fulfilling issues to do when backpacking in Hong Kong.
Mon – Fri
upper Deck: HK$2.70 (£0.27 / $0.35) | reduce Deck HK$2.20 (£0.22 / $0.28)
Sat – solar
upper Deck: HK$3.70 (£0.37 / $0.forty eight) | reduce Deck HK$three.10 (£0.31 / $0.forty)
Concessions obtainable for children and passengers with disabilities, over 65's shuttle at no cost
See costs For A Victoria Harbour Cruise right here
discover The Markets:Hong Kong has some incredible, chaotic and wild markets for anyone and everyone! one of the vital fun things to do at the same time as backpacking in Hong Kong is to hunt our a cut price on the markets. lots of the unassuming facet streets of the metropolis come alive with noise, colorings, smells and crowds in the evening, right here which you could barter complicated for pretty tons any item you might ever believe of, looking for electronics, knock off apparel, souvenirs, pleasing artwork or even just to pattern some of the noted Hong Kong meals on a finances… you'll discover it all on the markets!
even if you're no longer out there to purchase the rest, the experience of wandering the wild and wacky stalls, perusing the kaleidoscope of items on offer is enjoyment in its own right and an event you simply ought to have whilst in HK!
The ladies Market, Temple highway night Market, and the Stanley Market are the superior for soaking in the atmosphere busy vibes, points of interest, and sounds of The Hong Kong market. It's a ought to do on any Backpackers ebook to Hong Kong given the experience and prices!
Free to explore, very affordable to buy!
See costs For A Market Tour With A HK local right here
Hong Kong Island Tram shuttleThe Hong Kong double decker trams are an icon of the metropolis in the equal approach the red buses of London are. an extended ride winding during the heart of the busy city streets is an ideal strategy to get a unique standpoint on Hong Kong. They present a perfect perch from which to navigate Hong Kong island from Whitty road all the approach to Causeway Bay during the coronary heart of relevant.
you can get in and amongst the hustle and bustle of the city from the comfort of the excellent deck. Like many Hong Kong experiences it allows you to combine subculture with the ever increasing up to date metropolis all even as rubbing shoulders with the locals. It's a very good funds thing to do in case you're going to backpack in Hong Kong.
An adult Fare is HK$2.60 (£0.26 / $0.34)
See expenses For a private native going for walks Tour right here
Go climbing alongside The Dragon's back RidgeHong Kong might possibly be famous for its imposing skyline, the flashing lights, beeping horns, bustling crowds and chaotic alleyways that make up the areas round Victoria Harbour. but there is yet another facet to the place too, many americans just think of Hong Kong as the city but plenty of the territory is made of a mountainous rural panorama. This enviornment is the excellent vicinity to head to to break out the chaos of the metropolis and get out into nature, it's the ideal antidote to Kowloon!
there are many hikes feasible to take across the territory, exceptionally on one of the extra far off islands. besides the fact that children one of the most accessible and marvelous is the Dragon's lower back Ridge. This 4 hour hike traverses the properly of a number of peaks main from a residential enviornment throughout a high faraway ridge that ends right on one of the vital territories most advantageous beaches. despite the dramatic peak you find yourself on above the ocean under, the hike itself is comparatively effortless after the primary initial steep section.
Take the ferry over to Hong Kong Island
From MTR Shau Kei Wan Station Exit A, stroll to the Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus.
Take bus 9 or the purple minibus with the signal "Shek O" to the To Tei Wan cease on Shek O highway.
Coming back:Take the red minibus with the sign "Shau Kei Wan" or a taxi from massive Wave Bay returned to Shau Kei Wan.
can charge:The Hike is FREE.
The most effective can charge is the transportation every means which is terribly low cost.
examine greater: See Our e-book To mountaineering Dragon's back here
See expenditures For A Guided Dragon's back Hike Tour right here
hang around on the beach and go surfingAs we outlined above, there are shores all over the place the territory which might come as a surprise to many company to Hong Kong. it might consider somewhat surreal sitting on a seashore understanding you're nevertheless in Hong Kong however with many islands, inlets and bays there are a large number of alternatives to chill out and laze away on a beach as a cure for the thronging metropolis centre. here's the chilled out Hong Kong for backpackers!
We visited the seashore of large Wave Bay which has a distinct and charming surfer vibe and naturally exceptional breaks. Who ever notion you'd be browsing in Hong Kong, no longer the first issue that involves intellect! travelling the various shorelines has acquired to be probably the most greatest issues to do in Hong Kong on a budget. other tremendous escapes are Repulse Bay and Stanley Village, they suppose an international far from the town.
FREE other than transport
seek advice from The Temples together with Man MoThe non secular facet of Hong Kong may now not instantly strike you with its rampant consumerism and certainly not ending circulate of worn out worker's. but Buddhism here is a vital part of are living and has been for generations.
the person Mo temple in particular predates every little thing around it and goes back to a time before colonial Hong Kong. offering a slice of tranquility right in a the sea of modernity the intoxicating scent of burning incense drifts dreamily inside its walls.
other awesome temples to explore are the Miu fats Buddhist Monastery, Lo Pan Temple, Wong Sha Tin Che Kung Temple as neatly as the massive Buddha on Lantau Island it is somewhat the sight to look.
The temples are FREE. The best charge is transport
See costs For A Kowloon native Market walking Tour here
See expenses For A HK street food Tour right here
counsel For Backpacking Hong Kong: price range guidance:Hong Kong is costly on two fronts: accommodation and meals but fortuitously it's low cost to do most actions, public transport is first rate and meals at least is something we are able to work on!
devour street food and on the Marketsone of the gold standard areas to get budget eats in Hong Kong is the road meals carriers and markets. even though first rate quality low cost food may also be discovered in every single place the metropolis one of the vital most general ones are Kowloon Market and Sham Shui Po. Don't neglect to try some Dim Sum and also take a look at the many buffets.
See costs For A HK road food Tour here
Don't dwell On Hong Kong IslandKowloon could have slightly of a acceptance but if you want to seek more affordable lodging that remains appropriate in the coronary heart of the city then you should avoid Hong Kong Island.
in case you need a extremely low-priced and "pleasing" experience then you definately may all the time stay at Chungking Mansion! adequate, this locations comes with a reputation and also you'll be residing in under most efficient circumstances alongside 4000 others, nevertheless it's a real native HK event! Couchsurfing is also conventional in Hong Kong too and comes with the delivered bonus of a cultural alternate too. in case you do your analysis there are some first rate low-cost hostels in Hong Kong for backpackers.
reserving.com
funds TransportGet a transit day pass as individual journeys can mount up even if they seem to be in the beginning affordable primarily if you're taking longer journeys. if you're going to backpack in Hong Kong then it's a good suggestion.
buy Your tourist Day flow right here
prevent the usage of taxis at all fees, they might look cool however they are extortionate! as a substitute you might use Uber which is customary and even greater there are carpool alternatives to rideshare to bring the cost down much more.
Get an octopus card. they are very akin to the Oyster cards in London or Myki in Melbourne. A prepaid card that allows contactless fee throughout fairly an awful lot all forms of public transport in Hong Kong. It makes it tons less complicated than messing round with coins or exact alternate. that you would be able to also use it in some convenience keep, stores, eating places and tourist points of interest too.
See Our different Backpacking guides right here: publication Your Transport throughout Asia & the area here: publication Your excursions for Asia right here: e-book Your accommodation For HK right here:reserving.com
reserving.com
hey, You've received Your go back and forth insurance Sorted Haven't You?
journeying and particularly backpacking is a wild experience, however make certain you're covered simply incase something goes wrong, which in case you're dwelling it as much as the fullest it's always a possibility!determine trip assurance expenditures with World Nomads here!
See more From This topic: See extra From Our Backpacking Adventures: Pin For Later:
This publish includes affiliate hyperlinks, these cost you nothing however assist us keep journeying!
No comments:
Post a Comment