Hong Kong review
After five days of exploring Kansai during Obon, I decided to make my holiday even more memorable by flying out of Osaka International Airport. Three hours later, I touched down in Hong Kong, a city that had just weathered a week of storms and an unusual surge in black rain warnings. As my flight approached, a typhoon swept through the region, turning the journey into a bumpy ride with the seat belt sign glowing the entire way. It was the roughest turbulence I have ever experienced. Despite the chaos, we landed ahead of schedule, only to wait for a gate as the rain poured down. Other planes circled above, waiting for the storm to pass, and news spread of passengers stranded for hours on diverted flights. Aside from the rainy delay, I felt incredibly lucky to soon find myself inside the airport, already plotting my route to the main island.
Hong Kong welcomes travelers with a sleek airport train, complete with glowing lights that track your journey in real time. The city is refreshingly accessible for English speakers, with signs and information in both Chinese and English at every turn. Navigating Hong Kong is a breeze thanks to its iconic trams, efficient subway, abundant taxis, and dependable buses. For a change of scenery, hop on a ferry and in less than twenty minutes you can be exploring a new island across the water.
My hotel overlooked the city, perfectly placed for exploring every corner with ease. For anyone from England missing a taste of home, Hong Kong is a treasure trove. Thanks to its colonial past, you can find truly authentic British fare and even spot the iconic M&S market. Tempting British snacks are everywhere, and for the first time ever, I found myself buying an extra suitcase just to haul them back at sensible prices. This was a welcome change after my time in Japan, where a box of snacks that should cost less than ten pounds set me back a jaw-dropping sixty.
Hong Kong is not just a former British colony; it is a vibrant crossroads where you can savor flavors from every corner of the globe alongside a dazzling array of Chinese dishes. For me, Hong Kong was a delicious blend of the familiar and the exotic, a true taste of Asia.
The skyscrapers and stunning mountains make for some beautiful cityscape photography, and it only gets better after dark! Be sure to take a trip up to the peak and enjoy even crazier views of Hong Kong and the islands and ocean that lie beyond the mountains. Explore a night market and treat yourself to a variety of street foods for cheap. Take in the culture of Hong Kong by exploring the museums and Kowloon Walled City Park. Kowloon City Park offers a chance for visitors to experience the old walled city via a small replica. Delve into the place that was once considered the most densely populated on earth.
Take a ride on the tram to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the bustling city. I suggest visiting the Ferris wheel at night for breathtaking views of the city across the harbor. Explore both sides of the island and indulge in shopping at various outlets, as well as enjoying high-end retail therapy on the main island.
Take a ferry to one of the numerous islands and explore the surrounding area further. Those who possess visas to enter China can access the mainland from Hong Kong.
The experience I had in Hong Kong was enjoyable and gave me a sense of nostalgia. I experienced incredible British cuisine and brought back a variety of snacks that I had been craving. I explored the Kowloon Walled City Park, saw the peak, travelled by ferry to the other side, and took a ride on the Ferris wheel at night. The experience was surreal, and the level of English was high – a much different story from that of Japan, where English mistakes are their own class of meme. I very much recommend adding Hong Kong to your travel list.
