Hong Kong: See it in a day

www.eng.bigbustours.com

With only one day to check out the main island of Hong Kong, I did the most tourist thing possible. For $50 USD I jumped on the double-decker bus.

Seats on the open-top deck were the best as tree branches swung low over your head. Roads can get steep and windy on an island with limited space.

       1. Sky Tram at Victoria Peak

Best place to overlook the island and neighboring Tsim Sha Tsui.

www.thepeak.com.hk

You might think you are in San Francisco as you board a red tram but this one is a little longer and modern looking. The track is 1,365 meters long.

If you see signs for high inclines ahead, believe it.  The track gradient varies from 4 degrees to 27 degrees. It takes seven minutes to complete a one-way trip.

View of Hong Kong from Sky Terrace at The Peak

Above the compressed y-designed peak tower is the Sky Terrace that gives 360-degree views. The verticality of the city doesn't overwhelm you like it does at sea level. All the exposed greenery and expanse of sky reminds me that these structures are just that. The people who built them have the intention.

View of Hong Kong from Sky Terrace at The Peak

      2. Repulse Bay

The Repulse Bay Hotel 

Occupied by pirates in the late 19th century, it now boosts a resort feel with boutique shops and modern architectural housing. The vibe is sleepy. We skip the opportunity to jump off and head further south.

Son Po sports grounds

Our bus ride takes us pass Hong Kong Stadium and Son Po sports ground, both homes to their football union. During March The Hong Kong Sevens tournament attracts the best rugby players to compete in a three-day tournament. It is one of the most popular annual team sporting events in South East Asia.

      3. Stanley

The European city by the sea, hustles with faces from many lands. Small tables line the cobblestone street along the half moon shaped bay. The bay hosts traditional Chinese boat racing. Fishermen wait anxiously by the docks for a small catch.

 

Stanley's market entrance 

Posing with street performers

The atmosphere is lively as couples enjoy lunch under the midday sun. Cafes of every cuisine, you can keep it simple and cheap or go for the gusto.

Catch a drink at the Smugglers Inn that is cladded from wall to ceiling in dollar bills.  If you have some money hit up the street market.

You can take a tour of the Murray House, castle looking compound that use to be quarters for the British Army. If spirituality is more your thing I suggest Tin Hau Temple. The most notorious sight is the Stanley Prison, which held at one time the tough criminals. Now it is a museum you can tour for free.

      4. Sampan Ride through Aberdeen Harbor

A ghetto can be a few miles away from the opposite lifestyle, e.g. Hollywood, Calif.   Immigrants from mainland coastal areas living in Hong Kong call circus-retired looking boats floating in Ap Lei Chau home. The wobbly ride on a sampan boats gives an up and close view of the separate society in the water.

Aberdeen Harbor is home to many culinary attractions. Jumbo Kingdom is a modern dining restaurant that floats. Great place for Sunday brunch I am told.

Very satisfied with the tour from Big Bus, Hong Kong homes unique towns on in the corner of various bays. Cloudy skies do not dampen this republic's enthralling aurora. 

Ap Lei Chau Harbor

Jumbo Kingdom Restaurant