Some HK question
Nov 16, 2014, 2:20 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist, *A Silver
Posts: 4,896
Some HK question
Hi all, I will be visiting HK solo for almost a week before Christmas, and I have some questions I was hoping to get some help here.
1. I am staying at the IC on Salisbury road. Can I walk to the Star Ferry Pier and Harbor City on the Ave of Stars side of the hotel, or do I have to walk on Salisbury road?
2. Do the Sony, Lenovo, and Samsung stores in Harbor City sell computers, or only phones, tablets, and other small electronics?
3. Is there somewhere in the IFC that I can go to see the Kowloon skyline?
4. The Tim Ho Wan at IFC mall opens at 9am - is it better to wait in line for it to open or go at odd hours?
5. Is visiting Victoria Peak (from IC or central HK) something that will take up an entire afternoon? If not, how many hours should I allot for Victoria Peak if I want to capture a sunset and a night skyline?
Thank you all in advance for your help!
1. I am staying at the IC on Salisbury road. Can I walk to the Star Ferry Pier and Harbor City on the Ave of Stars side of the hotel, or do I have to walk on Salisbury road?
2. Do the Sony, Lenovo, and Samsung stores in Harbor City sell computers, or only phones, tablets, and other small electronics?
3. Is there somewhere in the IFC that I can go to see the Kowloon skyline?
4. The Tim Ho Wan at IFC mall opens at 9am - is it better to wait in line for it to open or go at odd hours?
5. Is visiting Victoria Peak (from IC or central HK) something that will take up an entire afternoon? If not, how many hours should I allot for Victoria Peak if I want to capture a sunset and a night skyline?
Thank you all in advance for your help!
Nov 16, 2014, 9:51 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 88
Welcome to HKG!
1. Ave of Stars connects all the way through to the Star Ferry / Harbour City, so no worries there.
2. Not so sure, but I assume so.
3. You can get to the IFC roof garden by taking the elevator up. There are a few restos and such, with benches and places to sit. It's not exactly high in the sky, but it'll do the job. Restaurants facing the harbour will have decent views.
4. In my experience, its been hit or miss. As long as you avoid the main lunch / dinner rush, you shouldn't be waiting more than 15 mins.
5. Victoria Peak doesn't take much time at all, I'd say you'd only be spending about an hour 1.5 hrs tops while up there. Travel time from TST to the Peak should only take 45 mins-1 hour.
Hope you enjoy your stay!
1. Ave of Stars connects all the way through to the Star Ferry / Harbour City, so no worries there.
2. Not so sure, but I assume so.
3. You can get to the IFC roof garden by taking the elevator up. There are a few restos and such, with benches and places to sit. It's not exactly high in the sky, but it'll do the job. Restaurants facing the harbour will have decent views.
4. In my experience, its been hit or miss. As long as you avoid the main lunch / dinner rush, you shouldn't be waiting more than 15 mins.
5. Victoria Peak doesn't take much time at all, I'd say you'd only be spending about an hour 1.5 hrs tops while up there. Travel time from TST to the Peak should only take 45 mins-1 hour.
Hope you enjoy your stay!
Nov 17, 2014, 3:58 am
#4
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salt Lake City, Los Angeles
Posts: 478
Yes, adding to PitaPan's comments.
Welcome to HKG!
1. Ave of Stars connects all the way through to the Star Ferry / Harbour City, so no worries there.
Yes, this is where the Bruce Lee and other stars statues are, on the walkway above the water.
2. Not so sure, but I assume so.
Yes, all. Computer, phone, tablet, etc. Usually computers are less popular these days.
3. You can get to the IFC roof garden by taking the elevator up. There are a few restos and such, with benches and places to sit. It's not exactly high in the sky, but it'll do the job. Restaurants facing the harbour will have decent views.
Yes, roof garden is the best. It's public seating too so you can bring your own lunch or drink to enjoy the view.
4. In my experience, its been hit or miss. As long as you avoid the main lunch / dinner rush, you shouldn't be waiting more than 15 mins.
Yes, go at an off time. Probably before 1130am on a workday or after 215pm. Evening there isn't a huge line.
5. Victoria Peak doesn't take much time at all, I'd say you'd only be spending about an hour 1.5 hrs tops while up there. Travel time from TST to the Peak should only take 45 mins-1 hour.
Agreed, Peak is a short visit. You'll probably just be spending time waiting for the sunset. Occasionally the tram will have huge lines, but I think that's more during the day time when the tours are out. Evening the tram line is long heading down. You can always minibus, citybus, or taxi down too.
Hope you enjoy your stay!
1. Ave of Stars connects all the way through to the Star Ferry / Harbour City, so no worries there.
Yes, this is where the Bruce Lee and other stars statues are, on the walkway above the water.
2. Not so sure, but I assume so.
Yes, all. Computer, phone, tablet, etc. Usually computers are less popular these days.
3. You can get to the IFC roof garden by taking the elevator up. There are a few restos and such, with benches and places to sit. It's not exactly high in the sky, but it'll do the job. Restaurants facing the harbour will have decent views.
Yes, roof garden is the best. It's public seating too so you can bring your own lunch or drink to enjoy the view.
4. In my experience, its been hit or miss. As long as you avoid the main lunch / dinner rush, you shouldn't be waiting more than 15 mins.
Yes, go at an off time. Probably before 1130am on a workday or after 215pm. Evening there isn't a huge line.
5. Victoria Peak doesn't take much time at all, I'd say you'd only be spending about an hour 1.5 hrs tops while up there. Travel time from TST to the Peak should only take 45 mins-1 hour.
Agreed, Peak is a short visit. You'll probably just be spending time waiting for the sunset. Occasionally the tram will have huge lines, but I think that's more during the day time when the tours are out. Evening the tram line is long heading down. You can always minibus, citybus, or taxi down too.
Hope you enjoy your stay!
Nov 17, 2014, 5:50 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist, *A Silver
Posts: 4,896
Thank you all for the information. I have a few more questions.
1. From Star Ferry Central side to the IFC - it is walkable, correct? The two places look very close, but I just want to confirm.
2. From IFC to the Peak Tram location, the Peak Tram website says to take Mini Bus 1 from "Central(Two IFC) to The Peak". Where is this? Should I just call a cab since it's not a very far ride?
3. I plan to spend a few hours of the afternoon at Victoria Peak, and photograph the skyline at sunset and when it gets dark. Is there a good place to do dinner solo at the Peak, or should I return to Central/TST for food?
4. Speaking of returning from Victoria Peak... What's the quickest way down?
I am in HK for almost 4 days, and I feel like there isn't a ton to do. I am very familiar with big Chinese cities and have visited many of them, that and living ~10 years in NY, HK just doesn't seem to fascinate me as much as if I were a small town person.
Anyway, here is my 4 day itinerary, is this too little to fill up my day with?
Day 1, Friday
Comments and critiques much appreciated!
1. From Star Ferry Central side to the IFC - it is walkable, correct? The two places look very close, but I just want to confirm.
2. From IFC to the Peak Tram location, the Peak Tram website says to take Mini Bus 1 from "Central(Two IFC) to The Peak". Where is this? Should I just call a cab since it's not a very far ride?
3. I plan to spend a few hours of the afternoon at Victoria Peak, and photograph the skyline at sunset and when it gets dark. Is there a good place to do dinner solo at the Peak, or should I return to Central/TST for food?
4. Speaking of returning from Victoria Peak... What's the quickest way down?
I am in HK for almost 4 days, and I feel like there isn't a ton to do. I am very familiar with big Chinese cities and have visited many of them, that and living ~10 years in NY, HK just doesn't seem to fascinate me as much as if I were a small town person.
Anyway, here is my 4 day itinerary, is this too little to fill up my day with?
Day 1, Friday
Arrive at HKG at 8PM, cab to IC
Where to find dinner?
Wander around Ave of Stars/photography time
Day 2, SaturdayWhere to find dinner?
Wander around Ave of Stars/photography time
Chungking mansion for breakfast
Wander around Nathan road aimlessly
Wander around Ave of Stars/photography time
Lunch at Yan Toh Heen (at IC)
Afternoon shopping at Harbor City (I have quite a bit to buy!)
Dinner somewhere at Harbor City
Wander around North Statue Square for Christmas display/photography time
Day 3, SundayWander around Nathan road aimlessly
Wander around Ave of Stars/photography time
Lunch at Yan Toh Heen (at IC)
Afternoon shopping at Harbor City (I have quite a bit to buy!)
Dinner somewhere at Harbor City
Wander around North Statue Square for Christmas display/photography time
No idea what to do for this day, taking recommendations
Maybe I'll do the champagne brunch at IC and see where my drunken self takes me?
Temple street markets at night
Day 4, MondayMaybe I'll do the champagne brunch at IC and see where my drunken self takes me?
Temple street markets at night
Ferry to Central
Brunch at Tim Ho Wan
Wander aimlessly at IFC mall/photography time
Bus/tram to Victoria Peak
Exploring Victoria Peak
Sky Terrace 428 at sunset +/- 20 mins
Where to get dinner?
Recoup at IC
Symphony of Lights
Day 5, TuesdayBrunch at Tim Ho Wan
Wander aimlessly at IFC mall/photography time
Bus/tram to Victoria Peak
Exploring Victoria Peak
Sky Terrace 428 at sunset +/- 20 mins
Where to get dinner?
Recoup at IC
Symphony of Lights
No idea what to do on this day, taking recommendations
Flight departs HK at 6PM (CX J, int'l) when should I leave for the airport if I want to explore the lounges/shops?
Flight departs HK at 6PM (CX J, int'l) when should I leave for the airport if I want to explore the lounges/shops?
Comments and critiques much appreciated!
Last edited by TOMFORD; Nov 17, 2014 at 6:01 pm
Nov 17, 2014, 7:21 pm
#8
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 88
1. Yes, completely walkable. There are elevated bridges and walkways that will take you directly to IFC Mall in a few minutes (which is what most people do).
2. I've always taxi'd from another location, so not sure.
3. Depending on budget, The Pearl has a great view with good food. If its a more quick and easy option you prefer, there are a few restaurants there that you could go for.
4. Getting down can be difficult sometimes depending on the amount of people. I've always just taken a taxi back to central. Bus lines can get quite long, though, again, it depends on the day.
Itinerary looks pretty good! What sort of things would you be interested in on your more empty days?
2. I've always taxi'd from another location, so not sure.
3. Depending on budget, The Pearl has a great view with good food. If its a more quick and easy option you prefer, there are a few restaurants there that you could go for.
4. Getting down can be difficult sometimes depending on the amount of people. I've always just taken a taxi back to central. Bus lines can get quite long, though, again, it depends on the day.
Itinerary looks pretty good! What sort of things would you be interested in on your more empty days?
Nov 17, 2014, 8:51 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: HKG
Programs: Priority Club Plat
Posts: 12,311
First, Minibus #1 goes from IFC to The Peak - i.e. up on the hill, upper Peak Tram terminal. NOT lower Peak Tram terminal near Central.
And currently, I do not recommend taking either Bus #15 or Minibus #1 to the Peak if time is tight. Traffic out of Central can be bad for buses and minibus.
Instead, the preferred way is to just WALK from IFC to the lower Peak Tram terminal. Through the HSBC building, up escalators to Cheung Kong Centre, than along Garden Road past the St John's Cathedral, cross Garden Rd and you're there.
Coming down, I am not kidding you, but if the line for the Peak Tram is super long, a fast way to Central is by walking down Old Peak Rd (right next to upper Peak Tram terminal), Albany Rd and Gleanely. 25 minutes and you're in Central. Faster than the 15 bus with the uncertain traffic. Minibus #1 is still faster coming down.
And currently, I do not recommend taking either Bus #15 or Minibus #1 to the Peak if time is tight. Traffic out of Central can be bad for buses and minibus.
Instead, the preferred way is to just WALK from IFC to the lower Peak Tram terminal. Through the HSBC building, up escalators to Cheung Kong Centre, than along Garden Road past the St John's Cathedral, cross Garden Rd and you're there.
Coming down, I am not kidding you, but if the line for the Peak Tram is super long, a fast way to Central is by walking down Old Peak Rd (right next to upper Peak Tram terminal), Albany Rd and Gleanely. 25 minutes and you're in Central. Faster than the 15 bus with the uncertain traffic. Minibus #1 is still faster coming down.
Nov 17, 2014, 9:09 pm
#11
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Shenzhen China
Posts: 82
There are many things to do in HK. The is the Big Buddha to visit. There are fishing villages. There is the Temple street night market and food street to explore. There is Stanley Park. About shopping in hk for electronics. I personally don't find HK so cheap for computers or phones. Cheaper to buy them in your own country perhaps depending on where you live. HK is expensive. You could visit Lamma Island too.
Nov 17, 2014, 9:29 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: HKG
Programs: Priority Club Plat
Posts: 12,311
Electronics can still be cheaper than Australia and Europe. But not the US or Canada. For comparison, if in stock, unlocked 64GB iPhone 6 is:
$749 in US
C$859 in Canada (US$761)
HK$6388 in HK (US$823)
A$999 in Australia (US$871)
£619 in UK (US$969)
€799 in Germany (US$997)
$749 in US
C$859 in Canada (US$761)
HK$6388 in HK (US$823)
A$999 in Australia (US$871)
£619 in UK (US$969)
€799 in Germany (US$997)
Nov 18, 2014, 5:39 am
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist, *A Silver
Posts: 4,896
1. Yes, completely walkable. There are elevated bridges and walkways that will take you directly to IFC Mall in a few minutes (which is what most people do).
2. I've always taxi'd from another location, so not sure.
3. Depending on budget, The Pearl has a great view with good food. If its a more quick and easy option you prefer, there are a few restaurants there that you could go for.
4. Getting down can be difficult sometimes depending on the amount of people. I've always just taken a taxi back to central. Bus lines can get quite long, though, again, it depends on the day.
Itinerary looks pretty good! What sort of things would you be interested in on your more empty days?
2. I've always taxi'd from another location, so not sure.
3. Depending on budget, The Pearl has a great view with good food. If its a more quick and easy option you prefer, there are a few restaurants there that you could go for.
4. Getting down can be difficult sometimes depending on the amount of people. I've always just taken a taxi back to central. Bus lines can get quite long, though, again, it depends on the day.
Itinerary looks pretty good! What sort of things would you be interested in on your more empty days?
First, Minibus #1 goes from IFC to The Peak - i.e. up on the hill, upper Peak Tram terminal. NOT lower Peak Tram terminal near Central.
And currently, I do not recommend taking either Bus #15 or Minibus #1 to the Peak if time is tight. Traffic out of Central can be bad for buses and minibus.
Instead, the preferred way is to just WALK from IFC to the lower Peak Tram terminal. Through the HSBC building, up escalators to Cheung Kong Centre, than along Garden Road past the St John's Cathedral, cross Garden Rd and you're there.
Coming down, I am not kidding you, but if the line for the Peak Tram is super long, a fast way to Central is by walking down Old Peak Rd (right next to upper Peak Tram terminal), Albany Rd and Gleanely. 25 minutes and you're in Central. Faster than the 15 bus with the uncertain traffic. Minibus #1 is still faster coming down.
And currently, I do not recommend taking either Bus #15 or Minibus #1 to the Peak if time is tight. Traffic out of Central can be bad for buses and minibus.
Instead, the preferred way is to just WALK from IFC to the lower Peak Tram terminal. Through the HSBC building, up escalators to Cheung Kong Centre, than along Garden Road past the St John's Cathedral, cross Garden Rd and you're there.
Coming down, I am not kidding you, but if the line for the Peak Tram is super long, a fast way to Central is by walking down Old Peak Rd (right next to upper Peak Tram terminal), Albany Rd and Gleanely. 25 minutes and you're in Central. Faster than the 15 bus with the uncertain traffic. Minibus #1 is still faster coming down.
There are many things to do in HK. The is the Big Buddha to visit. There are fishing villages. There is the Temple street night market and food street to explore. There is Stanley Park. About shopping in hk for electronics. I personally don't find HK so cheap for computers or phones. Cheaper to buy them in your own country perhaps depending on where you live. HK is expensive. You could visit Lamma Island too.
I am doing shopping for work, and must be done in HK. Not my money, not my problem ^
Nov 18, 2014, 8:38 am
#15
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Macau, Hong Kong, Shanghai
Posts: 648
Ok if you want rural disneyland without walking, sorry that is not available.