Hong Kong: Guide: Part Three

Hong Kong Sightseeing: Day Trips

If your stay in Hong Kong is limited to only a day or few hours, there are still many sights you can experience.  So instead of sitting on a six-hour layover at the airport, head out and experience some of these attractions:

Hong Kong Dolphin watch
Duration: Approx. 4 hours 
Catching a glimpse of Hong Kong's endangered pink dolphins is a thrilling experience. These adorable bubble-gum pink dolphins (Sousa chinensis) are also known as "Chinese white dolphins" Half day trips depart every Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun, from the Mandarin Oriental at 8.30 am and from the Kowloon Hotel at 9 am, except public holidays. $320 adults, $160 children under 12. Call Hong Kong Dolphin Watch for departure times. 2984-1414 

Horseracing (September - June)
Duration: Approx. 5 1/2 hours (night races) and 7 hours (day races) 
Experience the thrill and adrenaline-pumping atmosphere of Hong Kong horse racing! Races are held on most Wednesday evenings and Saturdays throughout the September to June season. Lucky punters aren't the only winners. The Hong Kong Jockey Club donates its net proceeds to help community and charitable projects. So try your luck, it's a win-win situation for everyone! Attire: Smart casual (No tracksuits, shorts, sport shoes and sandals should be worn.) 

Harbour Night Cruises
Relax after a hectic day of sight seeing. Tour the harbour in a Chinese - style junk while taking in the spectacular city view. The Harbour Night Cruise will fill your night with delightful memories of this vibrant city from the best locations! Call 23687112 for inquiries and reservations. 

Half Day Hong Kong Island Tour
Duration: Approx. 5 hours 
A real high-to-low experience, going from scenic Victoria Peak down to the Aberdeen seafaring community. You will be amazed at the hustle and bustle of this exciting city of life and light. After more than a century of culture and traditional exchange, Hong Kong is now one of the world's great cities, where East truly meets West. 

VICTORIA PEAK: The world's steepest railway hauls passengers up Victoria Peak in approximately 8 minutes. Once at the top, enjoy panoramic views of the city from almost any vantage point, or check out the restaurants and various attractions at the Peak Galleria and Peak Tower. The recently-opened Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, the only such museum in Asia and is located at the Peak Tower. 

ABERDEEN FISHING VILLAGE: Glide into the waters with an optional sampan ride to gain insight into the "water lifestyles" of the Tankas. 

REPULSE BAY LOOKOUT: Gaze into the South China Sea with the sun at the horizon. Named after a British battleship, this southern "capital" of Hong Kong Island is a natural escapade from the metropolis. 

STANLEY MARKET: located in the charming village of Stanley, lively open-air market offers traditional handicrafts and locally-made clothes and accessories at bargain prices. At the workshop of a well-known jewelry factory in Aberdeen, you can observe the whole process of a piece of fine jewelry being created and hand-crafted. 

Kowloon & New Territories
Duration: Approx. 4-5 hours 
See Kowloon on your own schedule with this new bus tour. Catch the bus at the Star Ferry Kowloon Pier, and choose the sights you want to see. There are thirteen stops along the route, including Nathan Road, Kowloon Walled City Park, the Flower Market, Jade Market and Temple Street Night Market. The bus runs at twenty-minutes intervals from 10 am to 8 pm. One-day passes are available for $30, $15 for children under 12 and seniors over 65. For more information call 2508 1234. 

CHUK LAM SIM YUEN: An impressive Buddhist monastery nestled in the hills in quiet dignity is home to three enormous "Precious Buddha" statues and other colorful religious paraphernalia. 

KAM TIN WALLED VILLAGE: Built 700 years ago by the Tang clan, the original walls remain standing with its female villagers still dressed in traditional costumes for daily activities in modern Hong Kong. 

LOK MA CHAU: The vista stretches from the farmlands bordering Shenzhen River to the modern skyline of Shenzhen City in the distance. 

WISHING TREE: Make your wish come true by writing on colored papers. According to tradition, wishes will be granted if the paper catches one of the branches of this enchanting Banyan tree. 

KAISER ESTATE: Home of factory outlets. We'll stop by the workshop of a renowned jewelry factory to witness the delicate process of handcrafting gemstones and precious metals. 

Ocean Park Adventure
Duration: approx. 4 hours or 7 hours 
Visit the most famous theme park in Asia and enjoy a day of wholesome entertainment and endless fun for the whole family. Ocean Park is a combination of spectacular oceanariums, exhilarating ride and adorable animals within one complex! A stimulating and informative day out for anyone and everyone! 

PANDA HABITAT: Meet An An & Jia Jia in person! Learn about the most treasured animal and national symbol of China in their climatically controlled habitat similar to their native Sichuan Province. 

SHARK AQUARIUM: Stroll through the underwater viewing tunnel and experience at being surrounded by countless exquisite sharks and rays, all swimming within your arm's reach. 

OCEAN THEATRE: Sit relax to watch a troupe of well-trained dolphins, seals and sea lions display their amazing talents at a daily entertaining performance at the Ocean Theatre. 

PACIFIC PIER: Get a 'hand-on experience' with the lively habitat of seals and sea lions! Observe their daily activities through the underwater viewing tunnel or greet them face-to-face! 

Tsing Ma, Lantau & Monastery
Duration: Approx. 7-8 hours 
Once accessible only by ferries, Lantau today is home to Hong Kong's most famous landmark - Tsing Ma Bridge and Hong Kong International Airport. Despite modern developments, much of Lantau still remains a rural paradise with beaches, quaint fishing villages and monasteries. A delightful alternate exploration of the largest island of Hong Kong. 

TSING MA BRIDGE: A scenic drive through the longest road / rail suspension bridge in the world. Stop at the viewing platform of this famous bridge with its picturesque landscape prior crossing to Lantau. 

CHEUNG SHA BEACH: Nature doted upon Cheung Sha with a stretch of 3.2 kilometers of sugary white sand and sparkling water, it is easily accessible and one of the most beautiful beaches in the territory. 

TAI O VILLAGE: Fishing junks, wooden stilt houses along the waterfront, tiny shops, shrines and ancient temples form an interesting mosaic of a traditional fishing village. 

PO LIN MONASTERY: Nestled among spectacular scenic mountains, Po Lin Monastery is truly a peaceful retreat. Nearby is the world's largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha statue and museum. Inclusive: Pick up and return transfer, admission entry to the Buddha Statue Museum, a delicious Chinese vegetarian lunch at Po Lin Monastery and guide service throughout the tour. Last bus to Tung Chung departs at 7 pm.

Hong Kong Hotels

Aberdeen Night Cruise
Duration: Approx. 4-5 hours 
Watch the Skyline glistening around the Victoria Harbor aboard a Chinese junk as it set sails into the sunset. This enchanting evening cruise not only offers relaxation after a hectic day, it also satisfies your culinary curiosity with a sumptuous Chinese dinner and sparking off many visual surprises throughout the night.