My Impressions of Kowloon, Hong Kong

A shopper's view of Tsim ShaTsui.

A tourist’s view of Hong Kong from the Kowloon Side.

What to do in Hong Kong? Hmmm. SHOP! SHOP! SHOP! SLEEP! Then SHOP some more! Hong Kong is the mecca and a shopping wonderland for shop addicts and shopaholics. I love Hong Kong, this is one of my favorite places in the world. My siblings and I have visited this spectacular island a few times. We totally love the Kowloon side of Hong Kong. Kowloon is an urban area in Hong Kong which is made up of New Kowloon and the Kowloon Peninsula . Let me share with you a few pointers based on what I perceived and experienced first-hand.

Airport: Kai Tak International Airport, located on the North Side of the Kowloon Bay, the runway is surrounded by the picturesque Victoria Harbour and splendid rugged mountains. Such grand architecture of their runway not to mention the magnificent view on take-offs. My favorite though is the thrilling moment during landing, from my vantage point inside the plane it always felt and looked like it will land on water. It is truly one heck of an experience every time.

Victoria Harbour & Victoria Park: It is situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. The harbour’s deep, secured waters and strategic location on the South China Sea were great factors to make it as a perfect port for thousands of international vessels each year. It is also the place to be on New Year’s Eve to watch their extravagant fireworks display. Do not miss one of the ferry rides, a nighttime romantic cruise aboard a ferry to admire the stunning panoramic skyline of the well-lit skyscrapers towards Hong Kong Island. They even hold this nightly show called "the symphony of lights", where forty or so skyscrapers are included on this exquisite multimedia display of colorful lights, laser beams with syhchronized sound on both sides of the harbour. It was a marvelous and magical experience. Also, don't forget to check out the Clock Tower nearby, it was built in 1915.

Accommodation: We always stay in one of the Marco Polo Hotels, these are waterfront hotels located not over twenty feet away from the harbour. Of course we always asked for a room with a view, at the continental floor, overlooking Victoria Harbour. We liked staying there not just because of the scenic view and its convenient location, but because part of it is the largest shopping complex in all of Hong Kong, the Harbour City. Try to check out the hotels, they have best deals all year round, if you’re lucky they will upgrade your room for free. I included the hotel link below.

Shopping: Most of the tourists, they go to Hong Kong to shop. Honestly, the place to be is at Hong Kong's largest interconnected shopping malls and I personally prefer Harbour City among their shopping centres there. I was amazed the first time on how cheap the prices were, jaw-dropping discounts everywhere. I wanted to buy everything! Question: Why do I like shopping in Hong Kong? Answer: There is “no fixed price” in Hong Kong. You can haggle all you want and they will negotiate with you. Even inside those” high-end” boutiques, yes believe me, it is true. It is truly impressive. At the far end of Harbour City is another shopping center called the Ocean Centre, it's fabulous to shop there too.While you're there, why don't you check out the adjacent Ocean Terminal. If you are looking for designer wear, walk along Canton Road opposite Harbour City and you will see numerous shops from local and international designers. FYI, please try to check this out too, DFS (Duty Free Shops) Galleria stores they are very affordable. They have a lot of locations in Hong Kong. There is one location nearby from Marco Polo Hotels.Don't miss the famous Jade Market (there are more than 400 stalls of astonishing jade varieties and collections, very affordable). Experience the Temple Street Night Market (open from 4pm to midnight only) which is popular to both locals and tourists. No need to hunt for bargain prices because all items are inexpensive.

Indulgence: After a long walk from a day of endless shopping (believe me, you will get tired of shopping, "shop 'til you drop" literally happens here, I cannot believe it myself!), to get you back on your feet in no time at all, try this luxurious Roman-themed Spa inside the Peninsula Hotel (a neighboring hotel on Salisbury Road), the treatments and massages are rejuvenating, invigorating, very relaxing and the view is absolutely breath-taking. Tip: If you like a make-over for your night out, try the Aveda Salon in one of the Marco Polo Hotels, it is the best.

Dining and High Tea: Enjoy authentic Cantonese cuisine on Fook Lam Moon Restaurant, located off Nathan Road a short distance from Marco Polo Hotel. If you are into exotic food, you will love this place. They have the best baked stuffed crab, lobster and shark’s fin. Also check out Cucina inside Marco Polo Hotel, they offer a veritable fusion of both Western and Asian cuisines. It is an absolute dining experience. As you enjoy your food, your eyes will feast on the stunning view of the Harbour. Also try an alfresco dining at BLT Steak Restaurant (American Steakhouse) located inside the Ocean Terminal. Lastly, experience High Tea at the Peninsula Hotel, it is my favorite. On each visit, I always make it a point to try taking late afternoon tea which I truly love (with long sumptuous array of finger sandwiches, mouth-watering English scones and extensive tea selections).

Visiting Hong Kong is always an extremely remarkable experience.

http://www.marcopolohotels.com/hotels/hongkong/kowloon/marco_polo_hongkong/index.html