Hong Kong is quite different from China and comes under Special Administrative Regions which have their own immigration policies. The city is cosmopolitan with huge skyscrapers, modern outlook
Best time to visit
October- December, March to May to avoid rain and heat
Visa
HK is visa free for Indian passports for 14 days. You need to pre-register before entering HK 4-6 weeks in advance so that you can apply for a visa if pre-registration does not go through
Macau is Visa free for Indians
Getting In
Hong Kong Airport is the hub of Cathay Pacific Airlines, well connected to most cities in the world. The airport is on an island strip with water all around- a spectacle while landing
Currency- Hong Kong Dollar
You can exchange currency at the airport or at one of the many exchange centres at Tsim Sha Sui
Getting around
Public transport is very good in Hong Kong. To get to Macau, you can take Cotai jet or Turbo jet from Macau ferry terminal. The ferries are fast, comfortable and efficient
To get to islands like Lantau you can take light blue taxi, bus or ferry from mainland
Places to see
- Tian Tan Buddha: One of the largest bronze statues in the world of seated Buddha, visible from almost everywhere in the island.
You can take a cable car up if you intend to visit Ngong Ping 360, a cultural theme park. Regular buses (#2 from pier) are also an option if you want to visit Tian Tan Buddha only
Po Lin Monastery below has a temple with very good wooden architecture
- Wong Tai Sin Temple: To get a flavor of Chinese traditions
- Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery: It is a nice getaway amidst the skyscrapers with Bonsai garden and Chi Lin Nunnery with traditional wooden architecture
- Ten thousand buddhas Monastery: You might have to change stops on MTR to reach here. Google maps has connections laid out well. Get down at Sha Tin station and follow the directional route as the path is not well laid out
It takes 400+ steps to the top, so get lots of water. There are not many places to rest in between and you will be looked down upon if you sit next to the Buddhas that line up the stairs
Be careful as there are monkeys around. As you reach the top, there are multiple halls one of which houses more than 10k Buddha statues, a pagoda and further steps to reach second level
- Victoria Peak: Just for good views of the city. I frankly didn’t find much to do up there
- Macau: A casino land with themed casinos similar to Las Vegas. You can get to see Venice, Italian paintings and what not
You can go around walking in the city. There are public buses and hop on hop off buses if you want to visit specific attractions. Ruins of St Paul’s Cathedral was a wide area to stop by and observe the visitor hustle
The casinos themselves are quite large, distant from each other. It can get tiring walking around, so pick a couple of them and explore. Children are not allowed inside gambling areas
How much does it cost
About $800 for 4-5 days
- Flights $400-450
- Hotel: $50-75 per night
- Transport: $50
- Insurance: $15
- Visa: Free