Hong Kong

Want to get away to an Eastern tourist destination yet that goes in pace with the Western world? Welcome to Hong Kong. It offers the best of both the worlds. Even before the plane lands in the Chek Lak Pok airport (an architecture marvel on its own) high rise buildings, skyscrapers are located picturesquely amidst untouched, un-spoilt greenery.

Hong Kong is a picture perfect Pacific paradise. The almost meticulous transportation systems, the countless high rises, the bays courted by shopping malls and flea markets, and the mountainous country side where trekking, fishing, camping, rock climbing, beaches and country parks, harness one to an unexpected scenic journey.

The best time to visit Hong Kong would be from October to January. The climate is very warm during the rest of the year and is often sultry. Untimely showers are natural phenomenon. So pack your backpack and with little knowledge of Cantonese, the official language of Hong Kong, go into a world of a visitor's paradise and a tourist destination.

The fact that it was once ruled by the British is evident in the transportation, architecture and runs deep into the night life and forms a part of the cultural backdrop. Hong Kong is the main island comprising of various old and new territories. Traveling is more than a pleasure and one can take a mix of transporting systems to reach anywhere across Hong Kong and its islands. The ferries can take you all over Hong Kong, from Central to Wanchai to Tsim Tsa Tsui (TST). All the districts are accessible either by the bus or the MTRs (the rail) or the ferries.

The Victoria Peak, the Standard Chartered Bank, the HSBC Bank, the Hong Kong Jockey Clubs, Times Square Mall, the Central Plaza, Happy Valley Race Course are few of the marvels of the Hong Kong's skyline and modern architecture. Every sky scrapper is almost a landmark on its own and every street is a maze of high-rises. The Jumbo floating restaurant, the Aberdeen Harbor, the Temple street, the walk at the Central, the Festival Walk, and of course the Victoria Harbor are just a few of the places one should not miss.

At Lantau, one of the many islands, one can find the only bronze statue of Buddha, surrounded by Buddhists monasteries. The aura and mysticism of the locale add to the temple's ambience -packed with tourists and worshippers yet serene and almost divine.

Nearly every corner, street, alley, mall can boast of a variety of restaurants and eating hotspots, eateries, with cuisines from all over the world. From world class stylish gourmet to road side hotels, eating is more than an elemental affair. It is a different culinary world here that culminates into a heavenly and delectable fare for every palate. It is only to be seen to be believed about the number of restaurants and eateries. It is a foodie's delight. From authentic Chinese fare to sumptuous Italian to lip smacking Japanese sushi bars, every kind of cuisine is available.

Everything one wants from fake watches, electronics, clothes, original pearls and jades, cosmetics to Prada, Armani to exotic Lalique crystal showrooms is here. It is a paradise for all bargain hunters and sophisticated shoppers. Tiny shops, exquisite boutiques lined across Mongkok, Bute Street, TST and Central only add to the momentum.

The shopping saga continues at night also with the Night Market, Stanley Market, providing even more shopping opportunities - from baby clothes to artistic ethnic Chinese artifacts to designer wear. Shopping aficionados can unravel delightful depths of purchasing and bargaining, through out the day and night. Relax and enjoy the extensive and exhaustive pubs all along Central and Wanchai. The all night bars, dance bars and pubs are truly the epitome of night life in Hong Kong.

Let's go to see some more action on the bays. The beaches are many and so are its settings. Some of them are packed with the typical beach scene, yet some of them are hidden by the islands offering a different kind of beach experience. There are hiking trips, walks and trails offered by the tourism board, which shows the villages beyond the hustle bustle of the main island. The beaches are quite a many - Discovery Bay, Stanley Beach & Repulse Bay, each one offering a sandy delight and a rapturous feast to all your senses.

From picturesque beaches to sky scrapers to enticing and exhilarating countryside, one can enjoy its pace with sheer delight and ecstasy. Hong Kong, like most Asian Pacific countries, is exceptionally organized, scrupulously clean and works like clock like precision. Yet its pulse lies here - in making the best out of everything it has.

It depends on whether one wants a quiet holiday or a roaring one. It offers both in one place. A fast paced urbane cosmopolitan juxtaposed with untouched countryside. Hard to believe. Isn't it?