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With its picturesque views, lovely bridges and a large variety
of tourist attractions, Hong Kong
AT first glance, Hong Kong looks like Mumbai. A skyline dotted with skyscrapers (a staggering 7,500 in number), the bustling bazaars, cramped up spaces where even five-star hotels nestle within overcrowded by-lanes. With a population of 7 million and an area of 1,108`A0sq km, Hong Kong is indeed one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Besdies the congestion, the other similarity Hong Kong shares with Mumbai is that it, too, doesn’t seem to sleep. And like Mumbai’s rich and famous here too stars like Jackie Chan have sprawling bungalows with picturesque views. But this is where the comparison ends. Because, while Mumbai is a living proof of urban planning gone horribly wrong, Hong Kong, an erstwhile British colony later a British Dependent territory and now a specially administered area of China, is a shining example of maximum possible utilisation of urban space.
From its magnificent bridges to the laser-lit night view of Victoria Harbour, every site in Hong Kong is a visual delight. The tourist inflow of nearly 30 million in 2008 shows its popularity as a hotshot tourist destination -- a fact that has made Disneyland set shop here. And without doubt it has become a star attraction. An inclusion of a free ticket (even a night stay) to this fantasyland in most travel packages shows its rising popularity, as it has become a must-see site on the itinerary of those with children. And even for those who want to revisit their childhood or have not lost their sense of wonder, normally associated with childhood, this is the place. Disneyland in Hong Kong may not be the biggest or even the best of Disneyland attractions world over, but this merry land with its fascinating shows, a vibrant evening parade and the grand finale of fireworks at Cindrella’s castle is a major tourist attraction. In sharp contrast is the adventure of Ocean Park. It may not find mention in many Indian travel tours but it draws tourists in big numbers. This technological marvel, having world’s second longest outdoor escalator and a cable car system, is a dream come true for most adventure lovers. Its Ocean Tower ride offers a glimpse of the South China Sea and a panoramic view of the Hong Kong. The stomach-churning roller coaster rides and the cable car journey can make adrenalin pump fast in your blood. The piece-de-resistance undoubtedly is the dolphin show that leaves one simply awestruck. Dolphins are highly intelligent creatures is something we all have learnt in our growing up years. Even then a dance performance, showing all their moves in perfect sync and awesome grace, still comes as a surprise. Ocean Park, as the name suggests, is host to a huge aquarium Atoll Reef, housing an amazing variety (around 250) of Piscean beauties. Priced at 208 Hong Kong dollars (Rs 1,400 approx) the entry ticket, including access to all attractions, may appear a trifle steep to the Indian pocket but the long-winding queues show that the price is no deterrent. Be it the Ocean Park or the Disneyland; make sure to have a full day at hand to visit both these places. Among other attractions there is the Buddha village where a tram ride up the mountain is sheer joy. The sampan (boat ride) in comparison is a bit of a disappointment. For those visiting Macau this village can easily be skipped. The only claim to fame of this fishing village is that here a Bond film had been shot. As in India, so in Hong Kong, tourists are a soft target for local baddies. Lurking at the street corners could be men that promise to sell you Gucci bags, Rolex watches and what not at a sheer pittance. Whether these could be products that were "leaked" out of the original factories or are complete fakes, your guess is good as anyone else’s. But since most original brands are available here, (provided you can afford them or are lucky enough to find a good sale going), it is best buy these from reputed stores. However, for the economical Indian traveller, shops in the Kowloon area, full of shoes, clothes, perfumes and bags, are a better bet. So is the night market and ladies special markets. A word of caution for those with travellers’ cheques. Before getting your money exchanged, make sure you check out more than one place. Exchange rates can vary and you can easily be given a short shrift. Hong Kong, a leading financial centre, is also famous for inexpensive electronic items. But buy only from authorised shops. Hong Kong airport, one of the biggest with over 80 terminals, also has large number of shops but do not depend upon these shops as the bargain deals are right in Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon areas. Bargaining is an accepted norm so don’t hesitate. Among other do’s and don’ts — free half-day city tours can be grossly misleading and will never include paid excursions. Drive a hard bargain with your travel agent before you fly off. Though the rainy months with overcast skies may seem romantic, but most typhoon warnings are for real and may ruin your trip. So winters are the best time to visit this wonderful place that offers it all — lovely sites, good shopping, best bargains and authentic Chinese food, what more a discerning traveller could want.
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