Vincent Vanderveken.com
  • Home
  • About
  • Philippines
    • All Balot Bohol Boracay Cebu city El Nido Malapascua Manila Palawan Panglao Port Barton San Fernando
      El Nido

      El Nido and the Bacuit Bay

      March 26, 2009

      Port Barton

      Port Barton and the Pagdanan Bay

      November 8, 2008

      Palawan

      Coco Loco island and resort

      October 9, 2008

      Malapascua

      Malapascua island

      July 11, 2008

      San Fernando

      San Fernando Crucifixions 2008

      May 31, 2008

      Panglao

      Panglao

      December 23, 2007

      Bohol

      Bohol

      November 25, 2007

      Cebu city

      Cebu City

      November 19, 2007

      Boracay

      Boracay island

      November 8, 2007

      Manila

      Arriving in Manila

      November 1, 2007

      Balot

      Eating Balot

      October 28, 2007

      Philippines

      Philippines travel itinerary

      October 28, 2007

      Balot

      Eating Balot

      October 28, 2007

      Bohol

      Bohol

      November 25, 2007

      Boracay

      Boracay island

      November 8, 2007

      Cebu city

      Cebu City

      November 19, 2007

      El Nido

      El Nido and the Bacuit Bay

      March 26, 2009

      Malapascua

      Malapascua island

      July 11, 2008

      Manila

      Arriving in Manila

      November 1, 2007

      Palawan

      El Nido and the Bacuit Bay

      March 26, 2009

      Palawan

      Coco Loco island and resort

      October 9, 2008

      Panglao

      Panglao

      December 23, 2007

      Port Barton

      Port Barton and the Pagdanan Bay

      November 8, 2008

      San Fernando

      San Fernando Crucifixions 2008

      May 31, 2008

  • Thailand
    • All Ao Nang Ko Phi Phi Ko Samet Koh Chang Koh Lanta Koh Lipe Koh Maak Koh Ngai Koh Phangan
      Ko Samet

      Revisiting Koh Samed: The easy island destination from…

      August 27, 2020

      Koh Kood

      Koh Kood: The ultimate island getaway

      June 9, 2020

      Koh Maak

      Koh Maak

      April 22, 2020

      Koh Phangan

      Exploring beaches on the Northern coast of Koh…

      April 5, 2020

      Koh Lipe

      Koh Lipe

      March 31, 2020

      Koh Ngai

      Beating the crowds in Koh Ngai

      March 27, 2020

      Koh Lanta

      Two days stop on Koh Lanta

      March 23, 2020

      Ao Nang

      Railay

      March 22, 2020

      Koh Chang

      Koh Chang on the eastern Gulf coast of…

      March 12, 2020

      Ko Samet

      Week-end in Ko Samet

      May 16, 2010

      Ko Phi Phi

      Koh Phi Phi Islands

      February 17, 2010

      Ao Nang

      Railay

      March 22, 2020

      Ko Phi Phi

      Koh Phi Phi Islands

      February 17, 2010

      Ko Samet

      Revisiting Koh Samed: The easy island destination from…

      August 27, 2020

      Ko Samet

      Week-end in Ko Samet

      May 16, 2010

      Koh Chang

      Koh Chang on the eastern Gulf coast of…

      March 12, 2020

      Koh Lanta

      Two days stop on Koh Lanta

      March 23, 2020

      Koh Lipe

      Koh Lipe

      March 31, 2020

      Koh Maak

      Koh Maak

      April 22, 2020

      Koh Ngai

      Beating the crowds in Koh Ngai

      March 27, 2020

      Koh Phangan

      Exploring beaches on the Northern coast of Koh…

      April 5, 2020

  • Vietnam
    • All Cua Dai beach Halong Bay Hanoi Ho Chi Minh City Hoi An
      Hanoi

      Hanging around Hanoi

      November 8, 2010

      Cua Dai beach

      Cua Dai beach

      August 29, 2010

      Hoi An

      The ancient town of Hoi An

      August 21, 2010

      Ho Chi Minh City

      Long week-end in Saigon

      June 7, 2010

      Halong Bay

      Day trip to Halong Bay

      May 24, 2010

      Cua Dai beach

      Cua Dai beach

      August 29, 2010

      Halong Bay

      Day trip to Halong Bay

      May 24, 2010

      Hanoi

      Hanging around Hanoi

      November 8, 2010

      Ho Chi Minh City

      Long week-end in Saigon

      June 7, 2010

      Hoi An

      The ancient town of Hoi An

      August 21, 2010

  • India
    • All Delhi Goa Varanasi
      Goa

      Palolem and the beaches of South Goa

      January 16, 2010

      Varanasi

      Varanasi

      December 8, 2009

      Delhi

      Old Delhi

      November 30, 2009

      Delhi

      Old Delhi

      November 30, 2009

      Goa

      Palolem and the beaches of South Goa

      January 16, 2010

      Varanasi

      Varanasi

      December 8, 2009

  • Indonesia
    • All Gili Islands
      Gili Islands

      Gili Islands

      March 17, 2020

      Gili Islands

      Gili Islands

      March 17, 2020

  • Cambodia
    • All Angkor Wat
      Angkor Wat

      Angkor Wat

      March 13, 2020

      Angkor Wat

      Angkor Wat

      March 13, 2020

  • hong kong
    • hong kong

      Cheung Chau Island

      January 20, 2009

      hong kong

      Arriving in Hong Kong

      April 30, 2008

  • Canary Islands
    • All Fuerteventura Lanzarote Tenerife
      Canary Islands

      Tenerife

      March 9, 2020

      Canary Islands

      Lanzarote

      March 8, 2020

      Canary Islands

      Fuerteventura

      March 8, 2020

      Fuerteventura

      Fuerteventura

      March 8, 2020

      Lanzarote

      Lanzarote

      March 8, 2020

      Tenerife

      Tenerife

      March 9, 2020

  • Home
  • About
  • Philippines
    • All Balot Bohol Boracay Cebu city El Nido Malapascua Manila Palawan Panglao Port Barton San Fernando
      El Nido

      El Nido and the Bacuit Bay

      March 26, 2009

      Port Barton

      Port Barton and the Pagdanan Bay

      November 8, 2008

      Palawan

      Coco Loco island and resort

      October 9, 2008

      Malapascua

      Malapascua island

      July 11, 2008

      San Fernando

      San Fernando Crucifixions 2008

      May 31, 2008

      Panglao

      Panglao

      December 23, 2007

      Bohol

      Bohol

      November 25, 2007

      Cebu city

      Cebu City

      November 19, 2007

      Boracay

      Boracay island

      November 8, 2007

      Manila

      Arriving in Manila

      November 1, 2007

      Balot

      Eating Balot

      October 28, 2007

      Philippines

      Philippines travel itinerary

      October 28, 2007

      Balot

      Eating Balot

      October 28, 2007

      Bohol

      Bohol

      November 25, 2007

      Boracay

      Boracay island

      November 8, 2007

      Cebu city

      Cebu City

      November 19, 2007

      El Nido

      El Nido and the Bacuit Bay

      March 26, 2009

      Malapascua

      Malapascua island

      July 11, 2008

      Manila

      Arriving in Manila

      November 1, 2007

      Palawan

      El Nido and the Bacuit Bay

      March 26, 2009

      Palawan

      Coco Loco island and resort

      October 9, 2008

      Panglao

      Panglao

      December 23, 2007

      Port Barton

      Port Barton and the Pagdanan Bay

      November 8, 2008

      San Fernando

      San Fernando Crucifixions 2008

      May 31, 2008

  • Thailand
    • All Ao Nang Ko Phi Phi Ko Samet Koh Chang Koh Lanta Koh Lipe Koh Maak Koh Ngai Koh Phangan
      Ko Samet

      Revisiting Koh Samed: The easy island destination from…

      August 27, 2020

      Koh Kood

      Koh Kood: The ultimate island getaway

      June 9, 2020

      Koh Maak

      Koh Maak

      April 22, 2020

      Koh Phangan

      Exploring beaches on the Northern coast of Koh…

      April 5, 2020

      Koh Lipe

      Koh Lipe

      March 31, 2020

      Koh Ngai

      Beating the crowds in Koh Ngai

      March 27, 2020

      Koh Lanta

      Two days stop on Koh Lanta

      March 23, 2020

      Ao Nang

      Railay

      March 22, 2020

      Koh Chang

      Koh Chang on the eastern Gulf coast of…

      March 12, 2020

      Ko Samet

      Week-end in Ko Samet

      May 16, 2010

      Ko Phi Phi

      Koh Phi Phi Islands

      February 17, 2010

      Ao Nang

      Railay

      March 22, 2020

      Ko Phi Phi

      Koh Phi Phi Islands

      February 17, 2010

      Ko Samet

      Revisiting Koh Samed: The easy island destination from…

      August 27, 2020

      Ko Samet

      Week-end in Ko Samet

      May 16, 2010

      Koh Chang

      Koh Chang on the eastern Gulf coast of…

      March 12, 2020

      Koh Lanta

      Two days stop on Koh Lanta

      March 23, 2020

      Koh Lipe

      Koh Lipe

      March 31, 2020

      Koh Maak

      Koh Maak

      April 22, 2020

      Koh Ngai

      Beating the crowds in Koh Ngai

      March 27, 2020

      Koh Phangan

      Exploring beaches on the Northern coast of Koh…

      April 5, 2020

  • Vietnam
    • All Cua Dai beach Halong Bay Hanoi Ho Chi Minh City Hoi An
      Hanoi

      Hanging around Hanoi

      November 8, 2010

      Cua Dai beach

      Cua Dai beach

      August 29, 2010

      Hoi An

      The ancient town of Hoi An

      August 21, 2010

      Ho Chi Minh City

      Long week-end in Saigon

      June 7, 2010

      Halong Bay

      Day trip to Halong Bay

      May 24, 2010

      Cua Dai beach

      Cua Dai beach

      August 29, 2010

      Halong Bay

      Day trip to Halong Bay

      May 24, 2010

      Hanoi

      Hanging around Hanoi

      November 8, 2010

      Ho Chi Minh City

      Long week-end in Saigon

      June 7, 2010

      Hoi An

      The ancient town of Hoi An

      August 21, 2010

  • India
    • All Delhi Goa Varanasi
      Goa

      Palolem and the beaches of South Goa

      January 16, 2010

      Varanasi

      Varanasi

      December 8, 2009

      Delhi

      Old Delhi

      November 30, 2009

      Delhi

      Old Delhi

      November 30, 2009

      Goa

      Palolem and the beaches of South Goa

      January 16, 2010

      Varanasi

      Varanasi

      December 8, 2009

  • Indonesia
    • All Gili Islands
      Gili Islands

      Gili Islands

      March 17, 2020

      Gili Islands

      Gili Islands

      March 17, 2020

  • Cambodia
    • All Angkor Wat
      Angkor Wat

      Angkor Wat

      March 13, 2020

      Angkor Wat

      Angkor Wat

      March 13, 2020

  • hong kong
    • hong kong

      Cheung Chau Island

      January 20, 2009

      hong kong

      Arriving in Hong Kong

      April 30, 2008

  • Canary Islands
    • All Fuerteventura Lanzarote Tenerife
      Canary Islands

      Tenerife

      March 9, 2020

      Canary Islands

      Lanzarote

      March 8, 2020

      Canary Islands

      Fuerteventura

      March 8, 2020

      Fuerteventura

      Fuerteventura

      March 8, 2020

      Lanzarote

      Lanzarote

      March 8, 2020

      Tenerife

      Tenerife

      March 9, 2020

Vincent Vanderveken.com

Take some time to see the world a bit before you leave it

hong kong

Arriving in Hong Kong

by Vincent April 30, 2008
by Vincent April 30, 2008 4 comments

Somewhat more seasoned this time and after a long five months wait I am finally back in Asia for my 2nd trip to the region with a totally different starting point this time: HONG KONG.

Hong Kong skyline seen at nightHong Kong should be a smooth transition for anyone coming for the first time to Asia from North America or the EU. One could portrait Hong Kong as a vision of Manhattan, arising from the South China sea where East and West collide in grand style with as a bonus it’s pleasant all year round sub-tropical climate. The multi-ethnic background of Hong Kong has always brought a lot to the diversity of the city. While the witty and streetwise Cantonese best described as the New Yorkers of China with their history of incessant trading make up the majority of Hong Kong’s 7 million strong population while a large British community still remains.

The climb up to Big BuddhaBut it is much more diverse than just Chinese and British living side by side. The top ten communities that form the demographics of Hong Kong are in order: Chinese, Filipinos, Indonesians, Caucasians, Indians, Nepalese, Japanese, Thais and Pakistanis. One thing that’s for sure is you will experience one of the most spectacular urban environments ever built by man. Though more organized and cleaner than mainland China its also very different politically. The recent media frenzy surrounding the upcoming Olympic games and events in Tibet might have many wondering how different Hong Kong is from China since the 1997 transfer of sovereignty.

Time for a mealBeing a special Administrative Region Hongkongers have full access to read (or write anything they want) in the independent press and can for example easily purchase books written by the Dalai Lama. There was during my stay wall to wall coverage in the media of what was going on in Tibet and how most Chinese are unaware of whats happening. China’s role in Hong Kong is “technically” limited to national defense and foreign affairs though it wields more power in the background.

Unloading a boat

From its origins as opium port to the frantic financial capital it is today, they say Hong Kong has always been an exciting city. But enough with words and lets have a look for ourselves since it’s time to roll out some pictures of what its like…

A first glimpse of Hong Kong from the airport with its moody mountains in the back

A first glimpse of Hong Kong from the airport

Odd looking Chinese-style church on Hong Kong island

Chinese-style church HK

Wet market on Hong Kong island

Wet market on Hong Kong island

Busy streets of the Hong Kong island center

Busy streets of the Hong Kong island

Some of the less glamorous buildings of Hong Kong look pretty much run-down from the outside

less glamorous buildings of Hong Kong

Hong Kong Botanical Gardens

Hong Kong Botanical Gardens

Peak Tram that goes up to Victoria Peak every 15 minutes from 10am till midnight for only HK$4.00

Peak Tram that goes up to Victoria Peak every 15 minutes

All the way on top of Victoria Peaks is where you will enjoy the most impressive view from Hong Kong Island

top of Victoria Peaks view from Hong Kong Island

Unless you are in a big hurry you should ignore the underground subway rails and roads between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon in favor of the more thrilling and old style crossing of the harbor on board of the Star Ferry. At just under HK$2 ($0.25 USD) even though not totally free as the New York Staten Island Ferry would be its still the best Hong Kong sightseeing bargain you’ll get where you can get enjoy an excellent view of the skyscrapers and hills of the island. Continuously running since 1888 and still carrying over 70 000 passengers daily you won’t have long to wait from the pier since one departs every 5-10 minutes. Opened from 6:30 until 23:30.

 

 Star Ferry HK

View from within the Star ferry leaving the port from Hong Kong island

View form Star ferry leaving the port from Hong Kong island

View of Hong Kong island from Kowloon on the other side

View of Hong Kong island from Kowloon

Kowloon’s busy Nathan road

Kowloon's busy Nathan road

The Temple street night market is unbeatable for its atmosphere

The Temple street night market

Getting hungry decided to grab some food at the Temple Spice Crab restaurant

Temple Spice Crab restaurant

Some (VERY) spicy prawns for main course with some Yanjing beer

VERY spicy prawns for main course with some Yanjing beer

A few of the thousands among thousands of items for sale temple street night market

items for sale temple street night market

Clothes, shoes, watches, Mao era memorabilia, kitsch and a lot of junk whatever you’re looking for you might just find it.

Clothes, shoes, watches, Mao era memorabilia in temple street market

Short walk back to the HK MRT station

walk back to the MRT station

Hong Kong’s Very modern MTR system is always joy to ride on. With over 3 000 000 passengers each day it delivers a cheap, easy, quick and efficient way of Travel across Hong Kong’s territories with all of its signs made bilingual English/Chinese. Sure makes seem what I use daily at home now to be of third world standards.

Hong Kong's Very modern MTR system is

On my way back to the hotel inside a Hong Kong subway car

inside a Hong Kong subway car

Back on Hong Kong island with the bank of China tower all lit up on the left

ong Kong island with the bank of China tower lit up

DAY 2:

TIAN TAN BUDDHA AND PO LIN MONASTERY

The Precious Lotus Zen Temple or Po Lin Monastery has come a long way from the small little house built by three monks to venerate Buddha in 1906 and nicknamed “The Big Hut”. The main attraction nowadays though is the 68 000 000$ Big Buddha that was completed on a hill next to it in 1993 and which became instantly one of the most popular tourist attractions of Hong Kong. The peaceful surroundings and mountains all around makes it a particularly nice gettaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

HOW TO GET THERE:

The easiest and fastest way would be to take the MTR to the Tung Chung (35 minutes from Hong Kong cental station) then hop on bus No.23 for $16 HKD (45 minutes). Alternatively for $88 HKD you can take the 5.7 km Ngong Ping 360 Skyrail from Tung Chung station for a nicer view from the air.

Also possible to be reached by Boat from within Hong Kong island at the Central Pier No. 6 ferry to Mui Wo on Lantau Island (one hour) then hop on bus No. 2 (45 minute).

Opening hours of Po Lin Monastery and Big Buddha are daily from 10:00 until 18:00

Ngong Ping Skyrail

Ngong Ping Skyrail

The arch leading to the Po Lin Monastery

Po Lin Monastery

Big Buddah and the 268 steps leading all the way up to him

Big Buddah after 268 steps leading all the way up to him

Big Buddha standing (or should I say more accurately sitting) directly in front of me.. This imposing 260 tons bronze statue is among the largest seated Buddha representations in the world (was the tallest outdoor one until 2007) at 26 meters high.

Big Buddha with swastika

Bodhisattvas: Statues of the Buddhist Saints on the right side of Big Buddha

Bodhisattvas

Big Buddha viewed from the side

Big Buddha viewed from the side

More statues on the left side of Big Buddah making offerings to him

satues on the left side of Big Buddah making offerings to him

In Front of the Po Lin Monastery

In Front of the Po Lin Monastery

A Buddhist Monk assuring the proper order of the Po Lin Monastery

Monk inside Po Lin Monastery

The three statues inside the Monastery represent his past, present and future lives

The three statues inside the Monastery represent his past, present and future lifes

Back on Hong Kong island

Now I understand why some people young and old wear masks…

Prevention of germs by wearing masks HK

Besides the usual weather, safety and traffic reports the Hong Kong MTR Public Announcements also promote some proper healthy lifestyle tips.

Announcements also promote some proper healthy lifestyle tips

Time for one last Noddles and shrimp meal before my flight out

Noddles and shrimp meal  Hong Kong
Asiabig BuddhaChinaCityEast Asiahong kongKowloonPo Lin Monastery
4 comments
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Vincent

previous post
Week-end in Madrid
next post
San Fernando Crucifixions 2008

You may also like

Cheung Chau Island

January 20, 2009

4 comments

Nomadic Matt May 8, 2008 - 3:03 pm

That food looks great! really great. as does the rest of Hong Kong. I’ll be going there at the end of the year and I’m really excited about it.

Reply
Steven May 14, 2008 - 9:04 am

Yeah!I just gone to there for meeting my lover in MAY 1st,I am in Guangdong Province in China.Welcome to Hong kong , and I would like to vist Hong kong next time.

Reply
Jerry Andersson September 14, 2009 - 4:09 pm

Hi all..

The food (fish/Shellfish) at temple street is just amazing. Watching the bustling streetlife while you eat is just fantastic. Do not miss!!!

Reply
The Favela problem (II) – two international cases « Brasil 4 You November 6, 2009 - 9:15 pm

[…] is called “Architecture of Density” and you can have a good idea of the surroundings here. Since the town has been around for some time, the new developments need to share space with old, […]

Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Search this website

About Me

About Me

Vincent Vanderveken

Make sure to take some time to see the world a bit before you leave it

Recent Posts

  • Revisiting Koh Samed: The easy island destination from Bangkok

    August 27, 2020
  • Koh Kood: The ultimate island getaway

    June 9, 2020
  • Koh Maak

    April 22, 2020
  • Exploring beaches on the Northern coast of Koh Phangan

    April 5, 2020
  • Koh Lipe

    March 31, 2020
  • Beating the crowds in Koh Ngai

    March 27, 2020

Categories

  • Cambodia (1)
    • Angkor Wat (1)
  • Canary Islands (3)
    • Fuerteventura (1)
    • Lanzarote (1)
    • Tenerife (1)
  • Europe (3)
    • France (1)
      • Marseille (1)
    • Spain (2)
      • Madrid (1)
      • Sitges (1)
  • hong kong (2)
  • India (3)
    • Delhi (1)
    • Goa (1)
    • Varanasi (1)
  • Indonesia (1)
    • Gili Islands (1)
  • Koh Kood (1)
  • luggage (1)
  • Philippines (12)
    • Balot (1)
    • Bohol (1)
    • Boracay (1)
    • Cebu city (1)
    • El Nido (1)
    • Malapascua (1)
    • Manila (1)
    • Palawan (2)
    • Panglao (1)
    • Port Barton (1)
    • San Fernando (1)
  • Thailand (11)
    • Ao Nang (1)
    • Ko Phi Phi (1)
    • Ko Samet (2)
    • Koh Chang (1)
    • Koh Lanta (1)
    • Koh Lipe (1)
    • Koh Maak (1)
    • Koh Ngai (1)
    • Koh Phangan (1)
  • Uncategorized (2)
  • Vietnam (5)
    • Cua Dai beach (1)
    • Halong Bay (1)
    • Hanoi (1)
    • Ho Chi Minh City (1)
    • Hoi An (1)

Blogroll

  • Travelfish.org
  • My Luxury Resorts Guide of Phuket
  • Carmen Jaci
  • Nomadic Matt's Travel Blog
  • Nathalie Vanderveken
  • Travelblog.org
  • My Artsy stuff
  • nomad4ever
  • Jon is Travelling
  • Tezza's Beaches and Islands Blog
  • Goats on the Road
  • The Lost Passport
  • BrusselsPictures.com
  • Essaim Abeilles noires consultation

Archives

Related Posts

  • Cheung Chau Island

Instagram

No any image found. Please check it again or try with another instagram account.
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Flickr
  • Youtube
  • Reddit
  • 500px

©2007-2020 - All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by Vincent Vanderveken


Back To Top