Swiss Tony

Hi,

I've been to Hong Kong quite a few times and have a 24hr stopover planned for early January.

Rather than just doing the usual 'tourist' things (like Peak Tram, Stanley Market, Lamma) does anyone have any recommendations on what to do that's a little different?

We're staying at the JW Marriott and have all day Sunday to play with. Any thoughts/ideas/suggestions welcome.

I haven't been to Macau in around 4 years - is that worth a look now the new casino resorts are open?

Thanks

rkkwan

Macau is worth seeing, but if you only have 24 hours and is staying overnight in Hong Kong, you won't have much time. You may want to stay in Macau if you can cancel your Marriott.

There are lots of hiking trails in Hong Kong you can do. Or go visit the some of the older walled villages in New Territories.

And have you taken the NP360 cable car, and visited Po Lin Monastery and the Big Buddha?

GK

do what the expats do.. go get fed and watered at the intercontinental buffet.. and then head off on a bar crawl afterwards ! ah the memories of leaving home at 11am and getting back past midnight..shocking.

Pickles

I only saw FILTH ever do that. Other expats have better things to do. A hiking excursion is a good idea, try the Dragon's Back for amazing views if the weather is nce.

dannythecat

Dragon's Back is a fantastic idea! I was going to suggest a visit to Shek O, but the Dragon's back hike will take you right there. Hike in the morning, dip your feet in the South China Sea at Shek O as a reward, then have lunch at the creatively-named "Chinese Thai Seafood Restaurant" on the main roundabout at Shek O. Take the #9 bus from the bus stop by the restaurant to its last stop, the bus loop at Shau Kei Wan MTR. Hop on the tram at its terminus one block west of the bus loop and enjoy the ride through Sai Wan Ho/Quarry Bay/North Point, an area business travelers generally don't explore. The tram will let you off right in front of the JW Marriott.

Korean Guy

If you have acquaintances in Hong Kong, you may think about renting an open-air tram.
You can have your private tram plus the tram driver and a staff for two hours and it cost HK$2,000 up until some months ago (I don't know whether the price has changed now)
The trip course is Seungwan -> Central -> Causeway Bay and you may get off and on freely during the trip.
You may also consume drinks and food inside the tram, including alcohol.
It can accommodate up to 25 people.

Since the tram does not have any airconditioner, it is not recommended during summer.
But now? the weather is perfect for your PRIVATE TRAM PARTY!

Hong Kong Tramways Limited (香港電車有限公司）
http://www.hktramways.com/en/home.html
tel: 2118-6338

Swiss Tony

This sounds like a plan (at least the lunch bit ) Not sure if we'll be up for a hike though (and certainly won't have the right footwear with me).

Many thanks

dannythecat

Our recent Shek O field trip itinerary skipped the hike (a little too humid that day!) - instead we did the tram/bus option on the way out, and bus/MTR on the return journey (The bus takes a bit of a weird route, first going past Shek O to Big Wave Bay then doubling back, but you'll know you're there when you reach the little bus shelter at the end of the line) We knew Shek O was a cute village but didn't expect it to be such a great beach (good pic here) and hadn't brought swimsuits or sunbathing stuff with us. You can purchase swimsuits, shorts, and all manner of water toys there at a few shops around the roundabout though if some beach time is on your agenda.

Shek O Google Map

On that map, the bus stop is just a little up and left from the marker, and the restaurant is pretty much at the marker. Follow the Shek O Village Road to its end on the headland, just past the Capescape house and you can walk down some stairs to that rocky area, where you'll find a path and bridge leading to the headland that just out. There's a path that circles that and it's quite nice - we saw a wedding magazine photo shoot going on out there on our visit, with about 4 or 5 model couples posing here and there, changing, and doing it all over again in different clothes.

salfcl

Macau is worth a visit - shop at the Venetian and then watch the Cirque de Soilel show.

theworld

Saw Cirque last week. Really good. Very much enjoyed it.

BTW you can get direct ferries from Hong Kong to the Cotai Strip (where the Venetian is). They are not as cheap as the ferries to the main ferry terminal in Macau (note, the venetian does run free shuttle buses to and from the main ferry terminal).

silverkris168

FILTH=Failed in London, Try Hong Kong. A disparaging description of ne'er do well expats.

The Singaporean version is PIGS = Perth Impossible, Go Singapore.

Pickles

Cool. You can clearly see the Dragon's Back trail between Shek O Road and Big Wave Bay Road.

Rejuvenated

One can definately check out Wong Tai Sin Temple, easily accessible by the MTR (Kwun Tong Line) and is situated by the station that bears that name. Or head out to Sai Kung and explore the fishing village there.

I could also suggest heading out to the Gold Coast (no I am not talking about Australia as HK has one named with such) near Tuen Mun, but with the OP being from Europe, not sure if Mediterranean style type of beaches and scenes will be appealing.

rkkwan

I don't think many foreign visitors will find the Gold Coast appealing, unless they have no access to any beach/ocean.

If one goes to Wong Tai Sin, one should also visit the Chi Lin Nunnery and the Nan Lin Gardens. They are at Diamond Hill MTR, one stop east of Wong Tai Sin. Beautiful Tang Dynasty-style architecture.

ace26

Check out the Wetland Park. It's a fairly new museum/park, and while there are many kids, it's still an interesting diversion from the city.

If you haven't been to the Hong Kong Story at the Museum of History, that's a full afternoon right there.