If I had to chose one word to describe Hong Kong in late September it would be 'Humid'.
Boy was I not prepared for the sensation of sticking my head in an oven as soon as I left the lobby of my hotel.
September can experience humidity in the 80% region so be prepared with lots of water and a fan if you are thinking of going at that time of the year.
Hong Kong however was to be the last stop on my G Adventures 'Beijing to Hong Kong Express' tour and so our group were determined to go out with a bang.
We arrived into Hong Kong around mid afternoon, after an epic day of travel across from the mainland.
A quick shower and change of clothes and the boys and I walked down to Victoria Harbour to watch the ferries, take in the glorious skyline and eat an ice cream quicker than I can say 'Mr Whippy' in the hope it didn't all melt over my havianas.
The harbour has a great view of the high rise business district on the Hong Kong island side and from here you can pay £1.50 for a ride on the Star Ferry across to the island.
For our last night, the London boys and I got dressed up and went for dinner before heading across to HK island for final drinks..
As rooftop bars were by now our 'thing' it was only fitting that we finished our time together with cocktails and tequila on the roof of Sugar Bar. As the city was all lit up like fairy lights, we drank way too much gin, too many porn star martinis and far too much tequila. We laughed a lot and finished off 12 days together in style.
The next day with a hangover I hugged the boys goodbye as they left for the airport and I headed for my hostel. After checking in and settling into my bunk a horrible empty feeling crept in. These boys had been by my side for the past 12 days and now I was alone with 4 days of my holiday left without my sidekicks.
During those last few days I stayed at the Urban Pack hostel in Tsim Tsa Shui which is just off Nathan Road. Location wise this place is perfect and I cannot say enough kind words about the owners as they gave me great tips on how to navigate the city.
The hostel is modern, clean and compact. The Wifi is good and the bathrooms clean. This was probably one of my favourite hostels and the view from the balcony with a cold beer in hand is the perfect way to unwind. Look at that view.
Later that afternoon I caught the metro to Central Station over on the island and took the trolley tram up to Victoria Peak. The old tram line existed half a century ago and was used by the British to go up into the mountain during the summer to beat the heat. Nowadays at the top is 'The Peak' a platform complex offering 360 degree views of Hong Kong.
The perfect time to head up is about an hour before sunset so you can watch the light change and capture photos of both daylight and nightime. With the sun shining on my face this was such a beautiful experience and one of the highlights of my time in HK.
The next day I caught the MTR over to Tung Chung and took the sky tram to Lantau Island.
A little tip would be to book tickets in advance as the queues can be pretty epic and in the scorching heat you would be better prepared to book and beat the crowds.
The cable car lifts you up from the mainland and over lush green hillsides before 30 minutes later dropping you off in Lantau.
Lantau is probably most famous for the Big Buddha which sits at the top of a hill accessible by steps. It takes about 10 minutes to climb to the top but the platform gives great views over the island and each of the buddhas are all unique.
Also on Lantau Island is the Po Lin Buddhist Monastery. The monastery was founded in 1906 by three visiting monks and was initially known simply as "The Big Hut". It was renamed to its present name in 1924. The main temple houses three bronze statues of the Buddha – representing his past, present and future lives. The monastery is very calm and the smell of incense wafting through the air made the place feel really peaceful.
Lantau is probably most famous for the Big Buddha which sits at the top of a hill accessible by steps. It takes about 10 minutes to climb to the top but the platform gives great views over the island and each of the buddhas are all unique.
Also on Lantau Island is the Po Lin Buddhist Monastery. The monastery was founded in 1906 by three visiting monks and was initially known simply as "The Big Hut". It was renamed to its present name in 1924. The main temple houses three bronze statues of the Buddha – representing his past, present and future lives. The monastery is very calm and the smell of incense wafting through the air made the place feel really peaceful.
No trip to Hong Kong is complete without a trip to the night markets so that evening I caught the MTR to Jordan and started with the flower market. The smell of lillies and fresh flowers was a world away from the usual Asian food smells.
Next was the Goldfish market, and I don't think I knew there were so many different varieties in the Goldfish world.
Finally it was time to barter my little butt off at the Ladies Market. The endless rows of stalls seemed to go on forever and I made sure to drive a hard bargain before bringing home a rucksack full of souvenirs. From fridge magnets, to purses and silk dressing gowns. I definitely shopped until I dropped.
My final day in Hong Kong was spent having breakfast in a local cafe with a friend who works for the HK branch of my work. The locals always know the best places to go and I can honestly say I had never had macaroni and cheese followed by french toast for breakfast. Delicious.
With a full belly, my afternoon was spent on one of Hong Kongs many beaches. Deep Water Bay is a 20 minute bus ride from Causeway Bay and white sandy beaches and blue seas awaited. Time to get my tan on.
For my final night in the big city I spent it on the rooftop of the 'Eyebar' and even though I didn't have the boys with me, I just had to finish my holiday with a Gin and Tonic in hand and an amazing view before me.
I am glad I stuck around for an extra few days in Hong Kong and explored further what the city had to offer.
My China adventure had come to a close and I was leaving home with the best memories and a definite new friend for life in James.
G Adventures once again you have given me experiences and memories to last a lifetime.
Thanks for reading my China Adventure.
Back soon, Nic x
Next was the Goldfish market, and I don't think I knew there were so many different varieties in the Goldfish world.
Finally it was time to barter my little butt off at the Ladies Market. The endless rows of stalls seemed to go on forever and I made sure to drive a hard bargain before bringing home a rucksack full of souvenirs. From fridge magnets, to purses and silk dressing gowns. I definitely shopped until I dropped.
My final day in Hong Kong was spent having breakfast in a local cafe with a friend who works for the HK branch of my work. The locals always know the best places to go and I can honestly say I had never had macaroni and cheese followed by french toast for breakfast. Delicious.
With a full belly, my afternoon was spent on one of Hong Kongs many beaches. Deep Water Bay is a 20 minute bus ride from Causeway Bay and white sandy beaches and blue seas awaited. Time to get my tan on.
For my final night in the big city I spent it on the rooftop of the 'Eyebar' and even though I didn't have the boys with me, I just had to finish my holiday with a Gin and Tonic in hand and an amazing view before me.
I am glad I stuck around for an extra few days in Hong Kong and explored further what the city had to offer.
My China adventure had come to a close and I was leaving home with the best memories and a definite new friend for life in James.
G Adventures once again you have given me experiences and memories to last a lifetime.
Thanks for reading my China Adventure.
Back soon, Nic x
