Unique Places in Hong Kong

The sunset when seen from the peak can be dramatic or subdued depending on the kid of day it is. It is beautiful. You have to take the path that is next to the Peak Galleria and walk for a good 15-20 minutes to a spot where one can have a clear view of the horizon. One can even walk completely around the entire hill and each point has a stunning view to offer. It is worthwhile spending some time waiting for the sun to set. This also gives an opportunity to see all the lights come up. Of course you need to be lucky and have a clear day which has become rather rare in Hong Kong with all the smog and haze. I, very highly recommend this.

Updated: Feb 19, 2006

Yeah, there is no mistake in the title. Australia might be more famous for it and Hong Kong's Gold Coast is probably not as big but it's still an interesting visit for those who have time and want to explore some places off the track.

What can I expect to find?
A marina with some decent restaurants, shops and a McDonald's as well as a cosy and not very crowded beach right next to the 'Gold Coast Hotel'.

Location
Southern shore of the New Territories along the Tuen Muen Road.

How to get there?
Take Citybus no. 962 from Causeway Bay, Wanchai or Central and get off at Hong Kong Gold Coast. Current fare: 18.2 HK$

The ride takes an approx. 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

In 1987 I paid the guy that ran the Boston Guest House in the Chungking Mansions HK$60 (US$7.75) to get my one month visa for China. Seemed like a good deal to me so I didn't have to stand in line then come back the next day. I'm not sure what the visa would have cost me to get it in person but I don't think his profit was a whole lot.
The guy in the photo isn't the guy that got my visa for me....

Renting a bike and cycling around for an hour or two... does not exactly sound like what people do in Hong Kong... but it is indeed possible and a great experience off the beaten path.

Take the KCR train to Tai Po station and from there bus no. 75K to Tai Mei Tuk.

There should be a couple of rental shops for bicylces around. Just pick one, thoroughly check your bike (!), drive away and explore the area... and make sure you remember where to bring it back to!

Ever wanted to see a pink dolphin?
Yes? Well, in this case you might wanna think about joining a tour of HK Dolphinwatch Ltd., a company dedicated to protect this unique sub-species of the Chinese White Dolphin in HK's waters. The revenue generated by its tours is used to do research and run campaigns to protect the dolphins from HK's pollution, overfishing and habitat loss.
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When to join?
Tours run every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday morning.

How long does it take?
A tour takes about 3 to 4 hours.
If you do not get to see any dolphins, you can join another tour for free.

Cost
320.-HKD per person.
50% off for children under 12.
30% off for overseas students and senior citizens.
Coffee and tea is included.

Check out their website for detailed information.

When I took the tour back in the year 2002, it was very well conducted and I actually did get to see a lot of dolphins. The boat trip (along the shore's of HK Island all the way to Lantau Island, Check Lap Kok airport) is already a great experience for itself.

A quiet area nestling between Happy Valley and the south side of the island, Jardines Lookout is home to many of the long term Hong Kong families and the consular corps. My family once lived here in the British Electric company buildings. They have since been torn down. Despite some modern buildings which have sprung up quite recently, most of the area comprises of low-rises or townhouses and in some cases, even free-standing homes.

Wander around Wan Chai (means little bay in Cantonese). This was a sleazy sailors district in the old days. The docks for the U.S. Navy and British Navy were here and it was a gread R & R destination for sailors. Back then you there would have been prostitutes working the streets, topless bars, and drunken sailors roaming the streets. This is also the World of Suzy Wong in 1957. It is still supposedly kind of seedy. Be sure to check out the produce market.

This is Hong Kong:

Hong Kong is divided into four main areas - Kowloon,
Hong Kong Island, the New Territories and the Outlying
Islands. Kowloon and the New Territories are on a
peninsula of the Chinese mainland, on the northern
side of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island is on the
southern side of the harbour facing Kowloon; the Outlying
Islands simply refers to any of the other 234 islands.
The New Territories has a 12 mile land border with China
proper.