There's enough to keep anyone busy in Hong Kong for years, but if there's only one thing to do, it must be a visit to Victoria Peak. The highest point on Hong Kong Island, ride the tram up to enjoy spectacular views of sparkling skyscrapers and Victoria Harbor.
Aside from the well-known Hong Kong & Kowloon Islands, you may choose to take a day trip or overnight at one of the culturally rich outlying islands.
Lantau Island
Lantau Island is Hong Kong's largest island and offers everything from Buddhist architecture to sandy beaches, Sleeping Beauty's Castle to outlet shopping. Begin your exploration on the Ngong Ping 360, a 25 minute cable car ride with an amazing glass bottom Crystal Cabin. Back on land, discover the Big Buddha at Po Lin Monastery, remotely hidden by lush, mountain scenery. Don't miss the village of Tai O, where you'll discover the unique stilt houses of the Tanka people.
Macau
The UNESCO World Heritage city of Macau offers a truly unique blend of history and glitz, blending Portuguese and Chinese culture. Explore the historical Ruins of St. Paul, a façade that was originally a church and adjacent college, Asia's first Western style university. The A-Ma Temple actually pre-dates Macau as a city and consists of several pavilions dedicated to different deities. Don't forget to try your luck at one of the island's fabulous casinos and dine at a world class restaurant offering unique fusion cuisine.
Great for children and those young at heart, Disney lovers will be amused by Kei Lo Su, as Mickey is known locally. Younger children will find much to do, however Space Mountain is the only ride geared toward adults.
Take a step back in time at the Aberdeen Fishing Village, home to 600 junk boats housing an estimated 6,000 people. Take a traditional sampan ride and enjoy a fresh seafood meal on the renowned Jumbo Floating Restaurant.
Take a break from the city bustle and travel to the New Territories, a rural mountain area located between Kowloon and mainland China. Observe the monks at the many temples of the Yuen Yuen Institute, visit Mai Po Nature Reserve and travel to the top of Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong's highest mountain.
Be sure to stick around the harbor for the Symphony of Lights, named the 'World's Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show' by Guinness World Records. This nightly show begins at 8pm with live narration in English on Mondays or by tuning in to a local radio station any night of the week.
Stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsuii Promenade stretching from the colonial Clock Tower all the way to Huang Hom. Pass many points of interest, such as the Space Museum and Avenue of the Stars, but be sure to stop for a moment to gaze out onto Victoria Harbor for a view of Hong Kong's spectacular skyline and dramatic architecture.
Built in 1847, Man Mo Temple is dedicated to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo). Be sure to notice the enormous incense coils suspended from the roof.
Enjoy incredible views of Victoria Harbor on the almost 200ft. high Hong Kong Observation Wheel with 42 state-of-the-art gondolas featuring heat and air conditioning as well as Wi Fi.
Thrill seekers shouldn't miss a ride in the high speed elevator in Hong Kong's tallest building, the International Commerce Center, reaching the 100th floor in just 60 seconds! The sky100 Observation Deck offers incredible 360 degree views of Victoria Harbor, plus fascinating exhibits, multimedia tours and a high tech photo booth for an out of this world memento.
The quaint Star Ferries have been transporting passengers between Hong Kong and Kowloon Islands since 1888 and the crossing has been named one of the 50 'places of a lifetime' by National Geographic. The underground rail is quicker, but be sure to ride the Star Ferry at least once for a historic and dramatic 5 minute boat ride.
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