1st timer to Hong Kong

Hi everyone,

I have lots of questions to ask...

1) Is it advisable to go in May? Do Hong Kong rain often in May? If it rains, can we still go to the Peak?

2) Which is better? Octopus card on-loan or Airport Express tourist pass?

3) I checked with the hotel they have shuttle bus from airport to hotel but cost HKD$130. Is it much cheaper to go by mtr?

4) What is the difference between Kowloon city and Kowloon bay? Which is nicer to shop at?

5) Where can I view the synonyms of light? Is there a place to have dinner and view the show?

Thank you

[steveadmin]

Hi,
I can help you with a couple of those things.

2) I would recommend getting an Octopus card as soon as you arrive. These can not only be used in the MTR, saving you the trouble of buying a ticket each journey, but also they can be used in many shops and outlets throughout Hong Kong to pay for things, from a chocolate bar to a cinema ticket (and much more).

I would expect that the deposit for the card is refundable - i.e. if you give back the card at an MTR station, they will probably give you the deposit you paid for it back. I don't know this for sure, but this is how similar schemes in Tokyo and London work (Suica and Oystercard respectively).

[steveadmin]

3) There is a comprehensive network of airport buses that run to all over HK and are very cheap - for instance, the A21 from the airport to Mong Kok in Kowloon is only $33. It's comfortable and there is free wifi on the bus. Check on the internet and look into which bus runs closest to your hotel.

Hope that helps,
Steve.

[kyshel]

OCtopus on loan for sure if you stay more than 3 days. Min $150HK, $100 usable, with $50 deposit refunded (less $7 fee) Good for bus, ding ding trams, MTR, 7-Eleven etc. Our taxi (for 2) was $240 airport to Langham TST hotel, so shuttle would be more per person. Stick with mass transit for one person.
may can be uncomfy--humid and hot. I never had rain but recall how muggy it was. We just got back and Jan/Feb were perfect for us.
You can see the light show@harbourside public areas--I wouldn't spend $$ for dinner--it's overrated, IMHO, and you cand find cheap shopping anywhere--just avoid the big western malls. You can go to Diamond Hill and see the nunnery/gardens and shop at local mall then take MTR back to your hotel. The markets in Mongkok are fun and I guess it depends on what you want. There are outlets, too. Take a look at shopping advice at tripadvisor for more.

1) The weather in may is a mixture of rain and sunshine. The warmer days (anything above 24C) are quite humid. Keep an umbrella with you just in case.

2) I wouldn't advise going to the peak on a rainy day in may. It's probably so foggy that you won't see anything.

3) MTR will be much cheaper than taking the shuttle. To plan your trip on the MTR, visit the trip planner on the MTR official website MTR

4) You can view the Symphony of Lights from the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade on the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour.

5) Tsim Sha Tsui has lots of hotels and malls nearby where you could get a good view of the symphony of lights. The best choice is probably the Peninsula Hotel.

[bling]

what is the best way to go there?

[kyshel]

Originally Posted by bling

what is the best way to go there?

From where to where?
You can find very specific advice at tripadvisor.com--the Hong Kong Forum there is one of the BEST I've used.
Agree that Peak is useless if foggy. Use MTR to get to hotel if convenient (where are you staying?) Kowloon is an area, HK ISland is island--have you done ANY research w/map/tour guide, tourism website? Get your basics set and we can help with more specifics.
Shopping is everywhere! What do you want to buy?

[HK-Fan]

1) Is it advisable to go in May? Do Hong Kong rain often in May? If it rains, can we still go to the Peak?

The climate can get quite hot and humid in May...rain can alsways occur no matter where and when you travel...;)

2) Which is better? Octopus card on-loan or Airport Express tourist pass?

There are several options...you can choose from...the MTR Corporation just introduced new tourist pass.

If you opt to buy the Octopus card...please note that you have to pay a small fee if you return the card within 3 month...but I think it's just about HK$ 9...the deposit and remaining value will be given back to you...

3) I checked with the hotel they have shuttle bus from airport to hotel but cost HKD$130. Is it much cheaper to go by mtr?

Bascially...it is cheaper by going by MTR or the public buses such as the airport expresses...one of the previous poster mentioned the fares already...but if you travel with family or 3-4 persons plus a lot of bags...you might want to consider taking a taxing...going from the airport e.g. to mongkok...you have to pay around HK$ 250...which is actually not too bad;)

4) What is the difference between Kowloon city and Kowloon bay? Which is nicer to shop at?

HK has many places to shop...both sides Kowloon side as well as HK Island side have excellent shopping malls...

5) Where can I view the synonyms of light? Is there a place to have dinner and view the show?

The Symphony of Lights can be viewed from TST and the Avenue of Stars...if you want to have dinner and enjoy the show...there are several options along TST...starting from the Intercontinental Hotel, Peninsula Hotel (Felix Bar), Sheraton Skylounge...or the restaurants in the ICC Tower (Ritz)...but quite frankly spaeking...you should not miss the music and light show...the music is part of the show and make it a great experience

Enjoy your HK trip;)

If you are first time to HK, welcome! You can get some cheap souvenirs at Mongkok. If you want food stuff, u can visit the airport. You can buy the fish chips with seaweed or fish chips anchovies :) If you want some preserved food, Aji Ichiban is a good choice.