Oct 9, 2019, 2:25 pm
Last edit by: garykung
A. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
1. What is the purpose of this thread?
Ans: This thread is intended to help for FTers in navigating and resolving any potential issues related to their trips to Hong Kong, in light of to ongoing prolonged civil unrest in Hong Kong. The information on this guide is based on non-biased publicly available facts and data.While editing will be made as necessary to reflect the most updated development, please keep in mind that this guide is non-exhaustive. You should take any as necessary.
Declaimer– this thread is not intended to discuss about the civil unrest. FT has designated threads for the discussion of the civil unrest.
2. What should I know about the situation?
Ans: To make things simple, the civil unrest basically started from an anti-government movement against a proposed amendment to the existing extradition law due to an alleged murder occurred in Taiwan. Then it evolved to a conflict between the police and the protestors, as well as between pro-government/bill amendment supporters vs. anti-government/bill amendment supporters.
3. Does the civil unrest happen 24/7 or else?
Ans: Based on historical development, generally the unrest starts from a demonstration/protest, which usually happens after 12 pm. Then the confrontations start a few hours after the demonstration/protest and lasts passing midnight.
In most of the cases, non-business days are considered high risk days for the unrest. However, if there are any provocations, unrest can still occur on a business day within hours of the purported provocation.
B. PRE-TRAVEL ARRANGEMENT
1. Should I go to Hong Kong now? What about any future trips?
Ans: It is entirely up to you. So far, only Singapore has issued a travel alerts/advisory urging against non-essential travel to Hong Kong.
2. What recourse do I have if I want to change my trip to Hong Kong?
Ans: So far, there is no travel waiver/exception in place for Hong Kong. So the travel provider's standard cancellation policies will apply and most likely you will have to pay a penalty or change fee. However, there are reports of some exceptions have been made. This is straight YMMV situation for now. You will have to discuss your travel providers (airlines, hotel, TAs, etc.) for detail.
3. I heard that HKG has been affected by the unrest. Should I be worry if I plan to transit at HKG only?
Ans: It is entirely up to you.
Since the shut down on August 13, 2019, HKG has significantly tightened its security and heavily restricted its access. The High Court of Hong Kong has imposed an injunction against any non-legitimate use of the airport. In theory, there is no reason why you can't transit at HKG without issue.
However, keep in mind that airport/airline employees do not generally live/stay nearby. Their access may/can be impacted by the unrest, resulting a domino effect that eventually impact flight operations at HKG.
4. Which hotel should I stay?
Ans: It is entirely up to you. Because of how hotels in Hong Kong are positioned, the majority of hotels are nearby hot spots (see below) and have been impacted by the civil unrest. There are only limited options away from the hot spots. Many of those are not easily accessible by public transportation and are usually more expensive in comparison to hotels in similar levels. Use your own judgment to determine which one would work best or the least worst for you.
5. How about travel insurance (including benefits offered by credit cards)?
Ans: Because Hong Kong SAR Government has claimed in several occasions that certain events during the unrest as riots, insurers may exclude coverage as a result. Make sure you review necessary terms and conditions and contact your insurer/benefit administrator first.
6. I would like to go to Macau/Mainland China as well. Do I have anything to concern?
Ans: Yes. Since the civil unrest, both Macau/Mainland China has tightened its border security. It has been reported that many have been subjected to additional questioning. Some have been denied entries, and even detained.
C. IN HONG KONG
1. How can I avoid troubles?
Ans: You can avoid troubles by:
a. Avoid any related discussions in any public settings within the Greater China areas (Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China, and Taiwan)
b. Avoid going to any hot spots (See below)
c. Avoid taking pictures or video of the protests/confrontations/etc.
d. Avoid wearing any top clothing either in black or white in colour
e. Be vigilant about your surroundings
f. Leave at once when situations are deteriorating, i.e. when you see police personnel in riot gears are present nearby, or there is a massive gathering nearby
Situations can deteriorate in seconds. Please process with extreme cautions and do not wait until the last minutes before out of control.
2. Where are the hot spots?
Ans: Based on historical development of this unrest, the following non-exhaustive points of interests have experienced either major conflicts or damages:
a. Best Mart 360
b. China Travel Service's Entry Permit Service Centres
c. Chinese* banks' facilities - ATMs and/or branches
d. Government buildings named "Government Offices"
e. HSBC Group# banks' facilities - ATMs and/or branches
f. Maxim's operated locations
f. MTR facilities - MTR (including Airport Express) Stations, Light Rail Stations and Bus Stops, Hong Kong West Kowloon (CRH) Station, Malls, etc.
g. Police stations
h. Retail networks of Sino United Publishing (Holdings) Limited, including, but not limited to Chung Hwa Book Company, Joint Publishing and the Commercial Press
i. UGC-funded universities
j. Yoshinoya
k. VTC Member Institutions
l. Immediate vicinity (Within 5-15 minutes of walking distance) of the locations above
In addition, Central Government Complex and Hong Kong Liaison Office have experienced multiple confrontations. When both of the British Consulate General and the U.S. Consulate General are not impacted, they have frequently become demonstration destinations.
Unless necessary, these areas should be avoided as much as practically possible.
* Based on self-identification, including Bank of China (Hong Kong), Bank of Communications, China Construction Bank (Asia), China CITIC Bank, Chiyu Banking Corporation Limited, Chong Hing Bank, CMB Wing Lung Bank, ICBC (Asia), and Nanyang Commercial Bank.
# Hang Seng Bank and the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited
3. How bad is the traffic? How can I get around Hong Kong?
Ans: MTR has been frequently targeted during the civil unrest, which practically paralyzed the entire system. MTR may/can suspended service without prior notices, and this happened in the past. This includes Airport Express service. Please plan carefully if you intend to travel with MTR (including Airport Express). If you intend to use the in-town check-in at Hong Kong/Kowloon Station, please make sure that Airport Express is in service and you are able to reach the station. Please follow Twitter MTR Service Update (@mtrupdate)*.
At this moment, public bus is the most reliable form of public transportation, even routes may be cancelled or diverted. Each of the major bus operators has its own smartphone Apps (KMB/LWB - APP 1933 - KMB/LWB, First Bus/Citybus - CitybusNWFB). Make sure that you have a smartphone with mobile data when you are in Hong Kong. Those Apps can help you navigate within Hong Kong, providing live update to current service status.
* MTR Mobile is MTR's official Mobile App. However, the App has often been criticized for its slow update than this unofficial Twitter.
4. What are the police using?
Ans: During the civil unrest, the Hong Kong Police Force has utilized the following non-exhaustive weaponry:
a. Lethal Weapons
- SIG Sauer P250
- Smith & Wesson Model 10
b. Non-lethal Weapons
- Baton
- Beanbag rounds, delivered by Remington Model 870
- Pepper spray, delivered by canister, water tank spray, pepper-spray projectile (including PepperBall VKS), and/or water cannon
- Rubber bullet rounds, delivered by Remington Model 870 or Federal Riot Gun
- Specialized Crowd Management Vehicle, commonly known as water cannon, delivering special dyed chemical water with tear gas substance
- Sponge rounds, delivered by Pacem Defense ALS Bore Thunder Launcher Adapter
- Tactical light
- Tear Gas, delivered by grenade or Federal Riot Gun
The following are safety data sheet of some of the above weaponry:
- NonLethal Technologies
- Pacem Defense ALS
- PepperBall
Note - the above information is provided for information only.
5. I see from the news that many have protective gears. Should I be prepared as well?
Ans: Preferably not a good idea.
Protective gears may/can be subject to import/export control. You could get serious trouble in found. Also – while unofficially, it seems that the police is focusing those who have protective gears. So having protective gears on can become a case of mistaken identity. Beside, the effect of protective gears are very limited in protection, as they are designed for industrial use only, but not withstanding weaponry.
6. What else can I do?
Ans: a) Make sure you have to your country’s emergency contact (international and local consulate) ready. For other countries which have their consulates in Macau, check with their consulates respectively. For Portugal, please ensure you have the emergency contact of another consulate of an EU member state located in Hong Kong.
Here is a list of contacts of all consulates serving Hong Kong.
b) Because the situation can change very rapidly, especially MTR closures, a smartphone with mobile data is essential when moving about. Having a smartphone App with live alert from a local media will also help you to avoid areas with trouble.
c) Be mindful of your actions. Due to the tightened tensions, an innocent move can be seen as a provocation. Always remember - Safety first.
d) Be extremely mindful about the content of your mobile devices. Any contents related to the unrest may/can possibly cause you troubles, Hong Kong and/or elsewhere.
1. What is the purpose of this thread?
Ans: This thread is intended to help for FTers in navigating and resolving any potential issues related to their trips to Hong Kong, in light of to ongoing prolonged civil unrest in Hong Kong. The information on this guide is based on non-biased publicly available facts and data.While editing will be made as necessary to reflect the most updated development, please keep in mind that this guide is non-exhaustive. You should take any as necessary.
Declaimer– this thread is not intended to discuss about the civil unrest. FT has designated threads for the discussion of the civil unrest.
2. What should I know about the situation?
Ans: To make things simple, the civil unrest basically started from an anti-government movement against a proposed amendment to the existing extradition law due to an alleged murder occurred in Taiwan. Then it evolved to a conflict between the police and the protestors, as well as between pro-government/bill amendment supporters vs. anti-government/bill amendment supporters.
3. Does the civil unrest happen 24/7 or else?
Ans: Based on historical development, generally the unrest starts from a demonstration/protest, which usually happens after 12 pm. Then the confrontations start a few hours after the demonstration/protest and lasts passing midnight.
In most of the cases, non-business days are considered high risk days for the unrest. However, if there are any provocations, unrest can still occur on a business day within hours of the purported provocation.
B. PRE-TRAVEL ARRANGEMENT
1. Should I go to Hong Kong now? What about any future trips?
Ans: It is entirely up to you. So far, only Singapore has issued a travel alerts/advisory urging against non-essential travel to Hong Kong.
2. What recourse do I have if I want to change my trip to Hong Kong?
Ans: So far, there is no travel waiver/exception in place for Hong Kong. So the travel provider's standard cancellation policies will apply and most likely you will have to pay a penalty or change fee. However, there are reports of some exceptions have been made. This is straight YMMV situation for now. You will have to discuss your travel providers (airlines, hotel, TAs, etc.) for detail.
3. I heard that HKG has been affected by the unrest. Should I be worry if I plan to transit at HKG only?
Ans: It is entirely up to you.
Since the shut down on August 13, 2019, HKG has significantly tightened its security and heavily restricted its access. The High Court of Hong Kong has imposed an injunction against any non-legitimate use of the airport. In theory, there is no reason why you can't transit at HKG without issue.
However, keep in mind that airport/airline employees do not generally live/stay nearby. Their access may/can be impacted by the unrest, resulting a domino effect that eventually impact flight operations at HKG.
4. Which hotel should I stay?
Ans: It is entirely up to you. Because of how hotels in Hong Kong are positioned, the majority of hotels are nearby hot spots (see below) and have been impacted by the civil unrest. There are only limited options away from the hot spots. Many of those are not easily accessible by public transportation and are usually more expensive in comparison to hotels in similar levels. Use your own judgment to determine which one would work best or the least worst for you.
5. How about travel insurance (including benefits offered by credit cards)?
Ans: Because Hong Kong SAR Government has claimed in several occasions that certain events during the unrest as riots, insurers may exclude coverage as a result. Make sure you review necessary terms and conditions and contact your insurer/benefit administrator first.
6. I would like to go to Macau/Mainland China as well. Do I have anything to concern?
Ans: Yes. Since the civil unrest, both Macau/Mainland China has tightened its border security. It has been reported that many have been subjected to additional questioning. Some have been denied entries, and even detained.
C. IN HONG KONG
1. How can I avoid troubles?
Ans: You can avoid troubles by:
a. Avoid any related discussions in any public settings within the Greater China areas (Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China, and Taiwan)
b. Avoid going to any hot spots (See below)
c. Avoid taking pictures or video of the protests/confrontations/etc.
d. Avoid wearing any top clothing either in black or white in colour
e. Be vigilant about your surroundings
f. Leave at once when situations are deteriorating, i.e. when you see police personnel in riot gears are present nearby, or there is a massive gathering nearby
Situations can deteriorate in seconds. Please process with extreme cautions and do not wait until the last minutes before out of control.
2. Where are the hot spots?
Ans: Based on historical development of this unrest, the following non-exhaustive points of interests have experienced either major conflicts or damages:
a. Best Mart 360
b. China Travel Service's Entry Permit Service Centres
c. Chinese* banks' facilities - ATMs and/or branches
d. Government buildings named "Government Offices"
e. HSBC Group# banks' facilities - ATMs and/or branches
f. Maxim's operated locations
f. MTR facilities - MTR (including Airport Express) Stations, Light Rail Stations and Bus Stops, Hong Kong West Kowloon (CRH) Station, Malls, etc.
g. Police stations
h. Retail networks of Sino United Publishing (Holdings) Limited, including, but not limited to Chung Hwa Book Company, Joint Publishing and the Commercial Press
i. UGC-funded universities
j. Yoshinoya
k. VTC Member Institutions
l. Immediate vicinity (Within 5-15 minutes of walking distance) of the locations above
In addition, Central Government Complex and Hong Kong Liaison Office have experienced multiple confrontations. When both of the British Consulate General and the U.S. Consulate General are not impacted, they have frequently become demonstration destinations.
Unless necessary, these areas should be avoided as much as practically possible.
* Based on self-identification, including Bank of China (Hong Kong), Bank of Communications, China Construction Bank (Asia), China CITIC Bank, Chiyu Banking Corporation Limited, Chong Hing Bank, CMB Wing Lung Bank, ICBC (Asia), and Nanyang Commercial Bank.
# Hang Seng Bank and the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited
3. How bad is the traffic? How can I get around Hong Kong?
Ans: MTR has been frequently targeted during the civil unrest, which practically paralyzed the entire system. MTR may/can suspended service without prior notices, and this happened in the past. This includes Airport Express service. Please plan carefully if you intend to travel with MTR (including Airport Express). If you intend to use the in-town check-in at Hong Kong/Kowloon Station, please make sure that Airport Express is in service and you are able to reach the station. Please follow Twitter MTR Service Update (@mtrupdate)*.
At this moment, public bus is the most reliable form of public transportation, even routes may be cancelled or diverted. Each of the major bus operators has its own smartphone Apps (KMB/LWB - APP 1933 - KMB/LWB, First Bus/Citybus - CitybusNWFB). Make sure that you have a smartphone with mobile data when you are in Hong Kong. Those Apps can help you navigate within Hong Kong, providing live update to current service status.
* MTR Mobile is MTR's official Mobile App. However, the App has often been criticized for its slow update than this unofficial Twitter.
4. What are the police using?
Ans: During the civil unrest, the Hong Kong Police Force has utilized the following non-exhaustive weaponry:
a. Lethal Weapons
- SIG Sauer P250
- Smith & Wesson Model 10
b. Non-lethal Weapons
- Baton
- Beanbag rounds, delivered by Remington Model 870
- Pepper spray, delivered by canister, water tank spray, pepper-spray projectile (including PepperBall VKS), and/or water cannon
- Rubber bullet rounds, delivered by Remington Model 870 or Federal Riot Gun
- Specialized Crowd Management Vehicle, commonly known as water cannon, delivering special dyed chemical water with tear gas substance
- Sponge rounds, delivered by Pacem Defense ALS Bore Thunder Launcher Adapter
- Tactical light
- Tear Gas, delivered by grenade or Federal Riot Gun
The following are safety data sheet of some of the above weaponry:
- NonLethal Technologies
- Pacem Defense ALS
- PepperBall
Note - the above information is provided for information only.
5. I see from the news that many have protective gears. Should I be prepared as well?
Ans: Preferably not a good idea.
Protective gears may/can be subject to import/export control. You could get serious trouble in found. Also – while unofficially, it seems that the police is focusing those who have protective gears. So having protective gears on can become a case of mistaken identity. Beside, the effect of protective gears are very limited in protection, as they are designed for industrial use only, but not withstanding weaponry.
6. What else can I do?
Ans: a) Make sure you have to your country’s emergency contact (international and local consulate) ready. For other countries which have their consulates in Macau, check with their consulates respectively. For Portugal, please ensure you have the emergency contact of another consulate of an EU member state located in Hong Kong.
Here is a list of contacts of all consulates serving Hong Kong.
b) Because the situation can change very rapidly, especially MTR closures, a smartphone with mobile data is essential when moving about. Having a smartphone App with live alert from a local media will also help you to avoid areas with trouble.
c) Be mindful of your actions. Due to the tightened tensions, an innocent move can be seen as a provocation. Always remember - Safety first.
d) Be extremely mindful about the content of your mobile devices. Any contents related to the unrest may/can possibly cause you troubles, Hong Kong and/or elsewhere.
Hong Kong Civil Unrest - Survival Guide Q&As (Flame Free)
Nov 12, 2019, 7:28 pm
#121
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: HKG • Ex SFO, NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Marriott Amb; Hyatt Globalist; Shangri-la Diamond; IHG SpireAmb; Hilton D; Accor G
Posts: 3,319
If by Courtyard Hong Kong you meant the Connaught Road West (Sheung Wan) one, I don't think you'd do yourself any favours by going to Mong Kok. Mong Kok is one of the most-frequently protest spots. Sheung Wan gets impacted less.
Still, drivers won't drive into either area if there is trouble - just that trouble in Mong Kok is more likely.
Want no interaction with protest - I agree that is a legitimate wish. None of the recent protest movements have targeted visitors particularly (the airport protests I thought were unwise as it gives Govt too much to crow about). Unfortunately visitors will be caught up as if strikes or hurricanes.
Still, drivers won't drive into either area if there is trouble - just that trouble in Mong Kok is more likely.
Want no interaction with protest - I agree that is a legitimate wish. None of the recent protest movements have targeted visitors particularly (the airport protests I thought were unwise as it gives Govt too much to crow about). Unfortunately visitors will be caught up as if strikes or hurricanes.
Nov 12, 2019, 7:32 pm
#122
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: HKG • Ex SFO, NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Marriott Amb; Hyatt Globalist; Shangri-la Diamond; IHG SpireAmb; Hilton D; Accor G
Posts: 3,319
[Redacted by mod]
Last edited by NewbieRunner; Nov 13, 2019 at 12:42 am
Nov 12, 2019, 8:27 pm
#123
Join Date: May 2000
Location: IAH
Programs: UA 1K 2.7MM, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, IHG Spire
Posts: 3,317
Nov 12, 2019, 9:57 pm
#126
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 583
I disagree, Wan Chai is almost always hit too when the protests reach admiralty (usually as a result of a march from CWB). Pacific Place is more easily walkable to HK station to catch the airport express when transit is disrupted. There's also a lot more to do in and around PP if you get stuck there. I would say the JW is a marginally better place to be wrt. protests.
That said, I hate the hotel, it's a dump. But that's a separate story.
That said, I hate the hotel, it's a dump. But that's a separate story.
What's the local opinion on how the election will play out?
Nov 13, 2019, 12:55 am
#127
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ZOA, SFO, HKG
Programs: UA 1K 0.9MM, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Hertz PC, SBux Gold, TSA Pre✓
Posts: 13,811
The purpose of this thread is to provide information to help you making a decision, not to suggest a decision. So your brother will have to make him own decision for the trip.
Seriously - it is too far out to predict what will happen in next February.
Good suggestion, especially when your insurance may refuse coverage.
I disagree, Wan Chai is almost always hit too when the protests reach admiralty (usually as a result of a march from CWB). Pacific Place is more easily walkable to HK station to catch the airport express when transit is disrupted. There's also a lot more to do in and around PP if you get stuck there. I would say the JW is a marginally better place to be wrt. protests.
1. Pacific Place got hit many times in the past few months.
2. While Wai Chai got hit as well, only the area near Hennessy Road got hit, not the area near the Harbour, like the Renaissance.
[Redact reference to text deleted by mod]
While that is definitely to OMNI/PR, the general consensus is the pro-establishment campaign will suffer a major loss.
The problem with the election is not the result, but whether the HKSAR Government will further postpone the election to create more unrest.
Last edited by NewbieRunner; Nov 14, 2019 at 3:47 am
Nov 13, 2019, 6:33 am
#128
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 583
On a related note, do most businesses close on election days?
Nov 13, 2019, 6:54 am
#129
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,345
Election days are on Sundays. But no, businesses do not close specifically for elections in HK.
Nov 13, 2019, 7:34 am
#130
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,097
There's a fair amount of street activity on a normal election day, as campaigners make a last stab at persuading voters heading into the polling places. Campaigners have to stay a certain distance from the polls, so they tend to congregate just outside the limit. This year no doubt being careful not to congregate so as to create an illegal assembly.
Nov 13, 2019, 4:41 pm
#131
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,512
So, considering the events of this week, if we were travelling in Hong Kong this week what would be the sorts of things that we could do taking into account transport disruptions, roads closures etc. We're eating/drinking tourists so our anticipated plan for hong kong would be the days would be about food, that would include local food like great dim sum, char sui or a good value lunch somewhere nice like Robuchon. In the later afternoon we'd want our afternoon drink, preferably outside, preferably with a view, rooftop a bonus followed by dinner (usually up and coming 1* or something very local) and then drinks (bars/cocktails rather than beer halls/nightclubs). So, with a hotel in LKF and considering whats happening atm what would we do as tourists for the next couple of days? For example, can we physically go to lunch at Robuchon today without walking through the middle of a riot.
We're youngish, fit etc so can move around quickly and easily but need to get some information so we can compare HK right now (which I'm hoping is close to worst case) to throwing in the towel and going to ho chi minh or the like instead.
We're youngish, fit etc so can move around quickly and easily but need to get some information so we can compare HK right now (which I'm hoping is close to worst case) to throwing in the towel and going to ho chi minh or the like instead.
Last edited by NewbieRunner; Nov 13, 2019 at 7:06 pm Reason: Redact meta discussion and move to Q&A thread
Nov 13, 2019, 7:26 pm
#132
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,097
Remain on HK Island, South side best. Do the Dragon's Back hike. Lunch at one of the simple beach restaurants at Shek O. Shop at Stanley, can eat there, too. Ocean Park if you're that sort of person. The Peak. Nice day away from all the trouble.
Nov 13, 2019, 7:38 pm
#133
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: PHX
Programs: AA ExPlat, United Gold, IHG Amb Plat, HHonors Diamond(Aspire), Bonvoy LT Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 454
Well I've decided to go for it and I really hope I'm not going to arrive just in time to witness some major historical event. On the other hand, I do really want to go for no other reason than to support Hong Kong and since this isn't a "Death to Americans" situation, I don't feel personally threatened.
Anyway, I was looking for any advice on my current itinerary:
Will be landing 11/22 morning and was going to take the Hong Kong Shuttle (hotel bus) for transport from HKG to the Intercontinental Grand Stanford. I hope to be there and checked in before noon or so and then will stay there for 3 nights. My flight to KUL leaves early Monday 11/25 and so will take the 5am shuttle back to HKG.
So my questions are:
Is the shuttle/land transport a good idea at these times or not? Seems like they are outside of the usual protest times so hoping it will be ok.
I have seen some reports of protests at Tsim Tsa Shui, but it doesn't seem like a real hotspot, although Mongkok is close. I'd consider changing my hotel, but don't really want to jump out of the frying pan so to speak. I don't have a whole lot of tourist plans anyway as I've found that Hong Kong is a great place to relax and recover from jet lag for a few days before moving on to points south, but I'd hate to have to spend 3 nights out by the airport.
After reading some comments here, I take it bringing my 600mm telephoto and starting my post-retirement career as a street/photojournalist is probably a really bad idea.
TIA for any help/advice and as a (somewhat) apprehensive traveler, I really appreciate the help and advice from FT'ers
Anyway, I was looking for any advice on my current itinerary:
Will be landing 11/22 morning and was going to take the Hong Kong Shuttle (hotel bus) for transport from HKG to the Intercontinental Grand Stanford. I hope to be there and checked in before noon or so and then will stay there for 3 nights. My flight to KUL leaves early Monday 11/25 and so will take the 5am shuttle back to HKG.
So my questions are:
Is the shuttle/land transport a good idea at these times or not? Seems like they are outside of the usual protest times so hoping it will be ok.
I have seen some reports of protests at Tsim Tsa Shui, but it doesn't seem like a real hotspot, although Mongkok is close. I'd consider changing my hotel, but don't really want to jump out of the frying pan so to speak. I don't have a whole lot of tourist plans anyway as I've found that Hong Kong is a great place to relax and recover from jet lag for a few days before moving on to points south, but I'd hate to have to spend 3 nights out by the airport.
After reading some comments here, I take it bringing my 600mm telephoto and starting my post-retirement career as a street/photojournalist is probably a really bad idea.
TIA for any help/advice and as a (somewhat) apprehensive traveler, I really appreciate the help and advice from FT'ers
Nov 13, 2019, 7:52 pm
#134
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,097
You could not possibly pick worse timing: a weekend, and the weekend of the scheduled elections, no less. Do not stay Kowloon side. Stay in Western, HK Island.
Road blockages are becoming common, starting in the morning. At this moment, for example, there's no bus service Sunny Bay - Tung Chung due to road blockage. No MTR service either. Don't know if the road blockage is affecting airport access, too.
Recognise the situation is very unstable. Who knows what in 10 days.
Road blockages are becoming common, starting in the morning. At this moment, for example, there's no bus service Sunny Bay - Tung Chung due to road blockage. No MTR service either. Don't know if the road blockage is affecting airport access, too.
Recognise the situation is very unstable. Who knows what in 10 days.
Nov 13, 2019, 9:03 pm
#135
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 145
An October 22 official tweet says "We’d like to dispel any rumours – Clockenflap 2019 is full steam ahead!"
Realistic?