Hong Kong - High Rise Oasis

Hong Kong is truly a one-of-a-kind destination that left a profound impression on me. What makes it so unique is the remarkable balance between urban density and natural beauty - a concrete jungle where skyscrapers stand tall against lush mountain backdrops. Unlike any other major city I've visited, Hong Kong offers this striking contrast of bustling streets and serene hiking trails often just minutes apart. The rich cultural tapestry weaves together Chinese traditions, British colonial influences, and modern global elements, creating an atmosphere that feels both familiar and excitingly foreign.

From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by how this compact city manages to house both a world-class financial center and peaceful temples, vibrant street markets and tranquil gardens - all coexisting in perfect harmony.

This is just my personal travel log which I write so that few years down the line I remember it as vividly as I do it right now. For tips and other stuff please follow professional bloggers. Also, all the images/videos are clicked by me.

Our Journey

Places

DisneyLand

Hong Kong Disneyland is a realm where childhood dreams intertwine with adult nostalgia. Despite the commercial veneer, the park's magic is undeniable.

Among the countless enchantments, I found these three rides most unique and enjoyable - Frozen Ever After, Mystic Manor, and Space Mountain.

• Frozen Ever After is a crystalline journey through Elsa's icy kingdom. A gentle boat ride transforms into a breathtaking spectacle as familiar tunes and beloved characters bring the story to life.
• Mystic Manor is a whimsical, treasure-laden adventure unlike any other. This Hong Kong Disneyland exclusive transports riders through a fantastical world of wonder and awe.
• Hyperspace Mountain is a thrilling plunge into the Star Wars universe. Lasers, spaceships, and exhilarating twists and turns create an unforgettable cosmic battle. It is one of the most beloved disneyland's ride.

Beyond these highlights, Big Grizzly Mountain and Jungle River Cruise offered additional thrills. The park's atmospheric and charming shops and restaurants certainly added to the immersive experience.

At night, the Castle of Magical Dreams comes alive with the "Momentous" show. The castle lights up with beautiful projections, music, and fireworks that create pure magic. The way everything syncs together - the fountains, lights and familiar Disney scenes - is amazing to watch.

The show masterfully weaves together beloved Disney moments with projection technology, while fountains dance and lights paint the sky. Standing there in the crowd, feeling the collective gasp of wonder from adults and children alike, I found myself completely swept away. It's in these moments that you understand why Disney, for all its commercial aspects and pitfalls, has mastered the art of creating genuine magic.

Ngong Ping 360

Our adventure to Ngong Ping 360 was absolutely incredible! The cable car ride across Lantau Island had us glued to the windows the entire time - we couldn't stop taking photos of the gorgeous South China Sea below us, the green mountains, and even planes taking off from the airport! The 25-minute journey flew by and we reached the charming Ngong Ping Village.

Ngong ping ride has three types of cabins:

• Standard Cabin: The most basic cabin with a capacity of 20 passengers.
• Crystal Cabin: The glass cabin which has 360 degree view of the surroundings with glass windows.
• Crystal+ Cabin: This has glass windows plus a transparent floor.

We took the Crystal+ cabin for the ride. The view was absolutely stunning! The glass windows provided a clear view of the surrounding mountains. The transparent floor is a must experience, that increased the excitement of the ride.

Ngong Ping Village is a charming place with a lot of shops and restaurants. We had a great time exploring the village and enjoying the view of the lush green mountains. Up above the clouds, we found two major attractions:

• Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha): The majestic statue, standing at an impressive height of 34 meters, is a remarkable bronze statue that commands attention. Ascending the 268 steps to reach the statue is a meaningful journey that rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The serene countenance of the Buddha, set against the backdrop of Lantau Island's natural beauty, creates a profound and contemplative experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Sitting there in the shade from the harsh sunlight and feeling the cool breeze, it was a perfect place to take a break and enjoy the view.

• Po Lin Monastery: Right next to Big Buddha, was this gorgeous Buddhist monastery hidden in the mountains. The peaceful courtyards were filled with the gentle chime of bells and the sweet scent of incense. Walking through the ornate halls decorated with intricate carvings and vibrant paintings, it really did feel like stepping into another world. The Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas was a sight to behold.

There was a hike trail near the monastery that took us through the mountains and offered a beautiful view of the area.

Tram Ride

The Peak Tram, one of the world's oldest funicular railways, offers a thrilling ascent to Victoria Peak. As the tram climbs the steep incline at what feels like a 45-degree angle, the city's landscape dramatically unfolds below. The historic red carriages have been operating since 1888, making this not just a means of transport, but a journey through Hong Kong's history.

The ride itself is an experience to remember - watching the towering skyscrapers appear to tilt as you climb higher is a unique optical illusion that never fails to amaze visitors. The 7-minute journey covers a distance of about 1.4 kilometers, rising from 28 meters to 396 meters above sea level.

When we went in the evening the queue was huge but it moved fast. For the best views, try to get a spot on the right side of the tram while going up. This gives you an unobstructed view of the harbor and cityscape as you ascend.

Victoria Peak

We took the peak tram to the top of Victoria Peak, one of Hong Kong's most iconic attractions. The peak offers spectacular high-altitude views of the city's skyline, Victoria Harbor, and the surrounding islands. The panoramic vista is truly breathtaking, especially as day transitions to night and the city lights begin to twinkle below.

We explored the Peak Tower and then made our way to the terrace top of the adjacent shopping mall, where we were rewarded with even more amazing views without the crowds. This exclusive area is known for being home to Hong Kong's wealthiest residents, with luxury apartments commanding some of the highest real estate prices in the world. The pristine neighborhoods and lush greenery stand in stark contrast to the dense urban landscape below.

During our visit, we also dined at an overpriced Indian restaurant on the peak. While the food was decent, it was clearly the location you were paying for rather than the cuisine itself. At night we took the bus back to the city center.

Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple

We visited the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, a beautiful and serene Taoist temple located in the heart of Kowloon. The temple is dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, god of healing and fortune-telling. Its vibrant red pillars, golden roof tiles, and ornate decorations create a striking contrast against the surrounding urban landscape.

One of the most fascinating aspects of our visit was watching worshippers practice Kau Cim, a traditional fortune-telling method using bamboo sticks. Visitors shake a cylinder containing numbered fortune sticks until one falls out, then exchange it for a corresponding fortune slip to be interpreted by temple soothsayers. The air was thick with incense as people from all walks of life came to seek guidance about their future.

The temple complex also houses the Good Wish Garden, a peaceful retreat with a koi pond, rock formations, and beautiful pavilions designed according to feng shui principles. Despite the crowds, there was a palpable sense of tranquility and devotion throughout the grounds. The temple's reputation for "making every wish come true upon request" draws both locals and tourists seeking blessings for health, wealth, and happiness.

Victoria Harbor & Avenue Of stars

Victoria Harbor is truly the heart of Hong Kong, where the city's soul meets the sea. We spent a magical evening strolling along the waterfront promenade, taking in the breathtaking panorama of Hong Kong Island's skyline across the shimmering waters. The harbor bustled with activity - traditional junk boats with their distinctive red sails glided past modern ferries and luxury yachts against the backdrop of towering skyscrapers.

The Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong's answer to Hollywood's Walk of Fame, runs along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. We enjoyed following the trail of star-shaped plaques embedded in the pavement, honoring celebrated figures of Hong Kong cinema. As we walked, we admired handprints of famous actors and directors that tell the story of Hong Kong's influential film industry.

The gentle sea breeze, the distant hum of boat engines, and the glittering cityscape created a perfect moment of tranquility amid the urban energy that defines Hong Kong. This harbor view, frequently featured in films and photographs, was even more impressive in person - a perfect blend of natural beauty and human achievement.

Buildings of HongKong

Hong Kong's skyline is one of the most recognizable in the world, featuring an impressive collection of architectural marvels. This aside I am adding a section because I liked the common name of the building resembling its shape.

• Bank of China Tower: This sharp, triangular glass tower designed by I.M. Pei is said to resemble bamboo shoots, symbolizing growth and prosperity.

• HSBC Main Building: Known for its exposed structural elements and feng shui design, it was built with its escalators at an angle to deflect negative energy.

• International Commerce Centre (ICC): Hong Kong's tallest building resembles a gleaming vertical city, with its name reflecting its purpose as a global business hub.

• Central Plaza: Its triangular design maximizes views of Victoria Harbor, while its neon clock at the top changes color every 15 minutes to tell time. It is nicknamed "The Big Syringe" because of its shape.

• Lippo Centre: Nicknamed the "Koala Buildings" because the protruding windows resemble koalas clinging to a tree trunk.

• The Center: Known for its nightly LED light show, this hollow core building was designed to maximize natural light and earned its straightforward name as a central business hub.

• Two International Finance Centre (IFC): Featured in "The Dark Knight" film, its tapered design resembles a sharpened pencil pointing toward the sky.

• Jardine House: Nicknamed "House of a Thousand Arseholes" by locals due to its distinctive round windows that resemble portholes.

• Rainbow Building: The building is nicknamed "Rainbow" because of its unique rainbow-colored facade.

Star Ferry

The Star Ferry is one of Hong Kong's most beloved icons, offering a charming and practical way to cross Victoria Harbor between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Dating back to 1888, this historic ferry service has become much more than just a means of transportation—it's a cultural institution and a must-do experience for visitors.

People flock to the Star Ferry for several compelling reasons:

• Unparalleled Views: The 10-minute crossing provides some of the most spectacular views of Hong Kong's famous skyline from water level—a perspective that can't be matched by any skyscraper observation deck. The contrast between the towering buildings and the busy harbor creates perfect photo opportunities.

• Affordable Heritage Experience: At just a few Hong Kong dollars per ride, it's arguably the best-value tourist attraction in the city. The green and white vessels have maintained their vintage charm, with wooden seats and old-school brass fittings that transport passengers back in time.

• Local Way of Life: Despite the development of underground tunnels and modern transportation, many locals still prefer the ferry for its efficiency and the brief respite it offers from the city's frenetic pace. Riding alongside Hong Kong residents provides a glimpse into everyday life.

The Star Ferry has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the "50 places of a lifetime," cementing its status not just as a practical crossing but as an essential Hong Kong experience that captures the essence of this harbor city.

MongKok & Tsim Sha Tsui

MongKok is Hong Kong's most densely populated district and a shopper's paradise. It represents the pulsating heart of Kowloon's urban experience.

• Street Markets: Famous for its vibrant street markets like Ladies' Market and Sneaker Street, where we did a lot of bargaining.
• Neon Wonderland: The dazzling neon signs create a cyberpunk atmosphere after dark, offering perfect photo opportunities.
• Local Culture: It provides an authentic glimpse into everyday Hong Kong life with its bustling energy and local crowds.

Tsim Sha Tsui, at the southern tip of Kowloon, offers a more polished tourist experience.

• Cultural Hub: Houses multiple museums including the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Hong Kong Space Museum
• Promenade Views: The waterfront promenade provides stunning views of Hong Kong Island's skyline
• Symphony of Lights: Best viewing spot for the nightly multimedia light show across Victoria Harbor
• Luxury Shopping: It is home to high-end malls like K11 MUSEA which we visited.

Victoria Harbor lies at southern point of Tsim Sha Tsui.

Tai Kwun Museum

Tai Kwun, meaning "big station" in Cantonese, is a remarkable heritage and arts center transformed from the former Central Police Station compound. This beautifully restored complex represents one of Hong Kong's most significant heritage conservation projects.

It was once the headquarters of Hong Kong's police force, where criminal cases were heard, and one of Hong Kong's first prisons.

The site offers fascinating insights into Hong Kong's law enforcement history through interactive exhibitions and preserved architecture. It now serves as a vibrant center for contemporary art exhibitions and performances.

It contains Honkong's one of the famous speakeasy bar - 001 Bar. Speakeasy bars are bars that are not listed in the phone book and are not easy to find. They can only be accessed via some secret code. We went there for a drink and it was a great experience.

End Of Trip

As we say goodbye to Hong Kong, we carry with us the warmth of its people and the energy of its bustling streets. Our journey through this dynamic city has created lasting memories of towering skyscrapers, traditional markets, and unforgettable flavors. The perfect blend of East meets West, combined with Hong Kong's unique spirit, has left us with experiences we'll treasure forever. And yes disneyland is easily my highlight of the trip.