Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland

by admin on July 12, 2009

Opened in September 2005, the Hong Kong Disneyland is the fifth theme park offered by the entertainment company. Located on reclaimed land in Penny’s Bay on Lantau Island, the park is already enjoying huge crowds.

Similar to other Disney parks, there are four themed areas – Main Street, USA, Adventureland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. The park as a whole is smaller than others, but the company has envisioned a long-term expansion plan.

Park visitors can see all the sights familiar from Disneyland in Anaheim or Paris. Along with the rides, favorite Disney characters wander the park in costume and provide photo opportunities for the kids. Of course, since it’s Hong Kong, don’t be surprised if you hear Mickey speaking Cantonese or Mandarin!

Main Street in Hong Kong Disneyland is a perfect duplicate of the one in California and guests can ride the Omnibus, the Paddy Wagon or cruise along in one of the Main Street taxis. Inside the theater there is a film related to the building of the park.

Adventureland offers many of the same attractions as Anaheim with a Jungle River Cruise and rafts to Tarzan Island. Be sure not to miss the Festival of the Lion King at Theater in the Wild.

Tourists will want to catch the Mickey’s PhilharMagic and see Maestro Mickey in his 3D adventure. Younger kids will want to take a spin on the Cinderella Carousel, based on the famous Disney movie. Old and young kids alike will enjoy boarding the Winnie the Pooh Hunny Pot and taking a journey through the Hundred Acre Wood.

Just as at other Disney parks, Tomorrowland offers the familiar Space Mountain rollercoaster and the Buzz Lightyear Journey to Infinity and Beyond. Board the Orbitron to pilot your personal flying saucer. Drive an electric car through the alien landscape in Autopia.

There’s a daily Disney Parade with all the well-known and beloved Disney characters marching through Fantasyland and down Main Street.

In true Hong Kong style, the music and dance of Disney in the Stars is accompanied by spectacular fireworks. Listen to your favorite Disney tunes while watching the colorful display of choreographed explosions.

Ultimately, the company expects to be able to handle up to 10 million visitors per year. Come be one of them, but as with any Disney Park be prepared for the crowds.


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Hong Kong Metro

Hong Kong Metro

by admin on July 12, 2009

In the 1960’s the government of Hong Kong saw a need for a transportation system able to help reduce road traffic. British transport consultants Freeman, Fox, Wilbur Smith & Associates were shortly appointed to study the transportation system in Hong Kong. In 1967, they submitted to the government a document suggesting the construction of a rail rapid system in Hong Kong. In 1979, the Metro system also known as MTR or Mass Transit Railway was born. It started with only one train route linking Shek Kip Mei Station to Kwun Tong Station. Over the years, the MTR has largely expanded its service to become a full transportation network of about 150 stations from which 82 are railway stations and 68 light rail stops.

Today the Hong Kong MTR is one of the most advanced in the world. The introduction of the smart card called Octopus in 1997 has helped increase its efficiency. With an approximate 4 million trips made on a daily basis, the MTR is now without any doubt the most common mode of transportation in Hong Kong. Its inexpensiveness and convenience have made it the most popular mode of transportation in Hong Kong. Its popularity also lies in the fact that the Hong Kong MTR is extremely safe. Various campaigns, posters and activities have definitely helped increase awareness of certain safety procedures. Safety reminders are regularly made in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. Furthermore, police officers are tirelessly and constantly patrolling trains and train stations to ensure their safety.

If you are coming to Hong Kong for the first time and have plans to stay for a few months, head over any MTR stations and ask for an Octopus card. This will help you save a small fortune especially if you intend to commute a lot.


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Nathan Road

Nathan Road – Hong Kong

by admin on July 11, 2009

Along the main thoroughfare in Kowloon stretches Hong Kong’s must-see shopping lane – Nathan Road. Bounded by Boundary Street in the north and Salisbury Road to the south, this hundred fifty year-old section is framed above by neon lights in true Hong Kong style.

Named after the former British governor, Sir Matthew Nathan, in 1909, the area was the northern limit of the colony prior to the signing of the 100-year New Territories lease in 1898. Even before being returned to the administration of the PRC government, there remained few reminders of the colonial past. The hustle of a typical Hong Kong market had long before replaced any stately British influence.

Today, Nathan Road is one of Hong Kong’s busiest commercial areas. At the lower end is the Golden Mile section, a name no longer much in use. Here are the shops topped by neon signs prominent in so many photos of the district.

Naturally, the bartering is intense and tourists should be cautious not to get ‘a deal’ that turns out to be slightly less than what was explained. But bargaining with the native shopkeepers is all part of the fun of shopping in Hong Kong.

Crowded with visitors, you’ll find a huge variety of goods for sale. Some of the cheapest cameras, camcorders, and watches anywhere in Asia line the shelves. But sometimes cheap means inexpensive and other times it simply means, well, cheap. Buyer beware.

Besides consumer electronics goods are boutiques, perfume shops, restaurants, and street vendors of every shape and color. If you just have to buy a pair of shoes at midnight, Nathan Road is your destination. If you want that handbag that is available nowhere else at a price you can’t believe, this is the spot.

Jade, of course, is a staple of the area. The Jade Market is up Nathan Road to Kansu Street in the Yau Ma Tei area. There are ornaments, jewelry, and even raw jade for sale.

There’s even a Dutch South African camera shop. Formerly called Van Der Merwe, it now goes by the name P.C. Cheng (Koos). Located at No. 2 Humphreys, just look for the South African flag hanging outside.

Take a break from the frenetic shopping experience and visit nearby Kowloon Park. Take in the minarets outside the Jamia Masjid India Mosque, a local Chinese Muslim gathering place. Have some lunch at one of the many tiny shops selling beef noodles. Or, if you prefer, try one of the Nepalese or Pakistani restaurants that dot the streets.

Even if it’s only for the pleasure of watching people bargain, Nathan Road is an excellent attraction to add to your Hong Kong vacation.


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Mai Po Marsh

Mai Po Marsh – Hong Kong

by admin on July 11, 2009

It will surprise many that Hong Kong is not made only of buildings and streets. Not far from the center of this bustling metropolis is one of the most preserved natures on earth.

A now-protected wetland, the Mai Po Marsh is one of the world’s greatest sites of wild birds, fish, and insect populations. And fortunately for those sensitive to heat and humidity, summer isn’t the only good time to visit. From October to May the annual migration floods the marsh with hundreds of interesting species.

Part of the Ramsar site, Mai Po is an important part of the East Asian Flyway for migratory birds. Within these 1,500 hectares (3,675 acres) managed by the World Wildlife Fund can be found nearly 500 distinct species of bird. During the winter months the wetlands are home to over 50,000 migratory birds.

There are Purple Herons and Arctic Warblers, Brown Flycatchers and Great Egrets. There are still some of the world’s only remaining Black-faced Spoonbills and Spoon-billed Sandpipers. One of the hardest to spot is the Ruff, but Asian Dowitchers are plentiful.

The wetlands also attract some of the many interesting indigenous insect species, such as the colorful dragonflies and butterflies native to Hong Kong. There are also other wildlife, such as otters and leopard cats.

The area itself is of some interest as well, comprising mudflats, mangroves, shrimp ponds and reed beds.

Visitors should be prepared for the conditions. That can mean unexpected rain. But it can also mean man-made changes that occur without notice. Attempts to control the number and location of species result in frequent changes. Areas are often alternately drained and flooded by the local authorities managing the wetlands.

As a result, guidebooks or blogs or other sources that report a good location for spotting certain species may or may not be accurate at the time of your visit.

A permit to visit the park is mandatory and costs around $100 HK ($13 US) for a one-day visitor pass. Visitors must be five years old or older. For more information visit http://www.wwf.org.hk/eng/maipo/

It’s wise to plan in advance as permits can often take several weeks to obtain. Booking three months in advance is best. It’s unwise to attempt to visit Mai Po without a permit. Authorities are very strict and don’t accept excuses from those caught in the area without one.

The WWF organizes regular three-hour tours on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Those arriving for the first time are well advised to take advantage of their expertise. The tour currently costs around $70 HK ($9 US) and for a few dollars more you can rent binoculars.

Finding the Mai Po Marsh is easy. It’s located on the northwest coast of the New Territories, neighboring the Deep Bay. Visitors can take the MTR subway to Nam Chong, change to the West Rail to Kam Tin, and then take a taxi to Mai Po.


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