Hong Kong – I love it for its familiarity, the energy and most importantly the food. I’ve been visiting since I was 7 and sometimes feel going there is the same as going to any other city in the Philippines. The flight from Manila to Hong Kong is a short hour and a half ride by plane. On a Friday night, you can get caught on the road for longer in Manila.

It is easy to acquaint yourself with the area because they have a great public transportation system set in place. Their subway, better known as MTR is clean, fast and efficient. The female voice over announces the stops both in Chinese and English so don’t worry about not understanding which stop to get off at. And people have a good command of English (they were a British Colony after all!) nevertheless like any ESL they may take what you say literally so careful in the choice of words.

Eat

I already have my must eat list when I go there. Roasted Duck and the slightly oily steamed rice, Xiao Long Bao, Fried Wonton, Yang Chow Fried Rice, Crabs cooked in a clay pot and Mango Pudding. For street food I like the egg puffs and all the really yummy fruit juice and shakes. My mom loves the ubiquitous sugar cane.

Seriously, Hong Kong food trumps everything I have ever eaten. Almost any restaurant you go to will not disappoint. My favorites though are Delicious Kitchen, Sweet Dynasty, and Yung Kee.

For western food, try the buffet at Conrad Hotel or have a gastronomic steak at W’s Entrecote. I have only eaten there once but have never forgotten the experience. Spaghetti House is another one of my favorites. And for dessert I like Toast Box and Maxim’s, which is known for really good dimsum.

Stay

Hong Kong is divided into two sides, Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. It is accessible by MTR and cab however for a scenic tour try riding the ferry to and fro. I’ve stayed at both sides and have booked rooms in a number of different hotels in Causeway Bay, Admiralty and Tsim Sha Tsui. Because you will be doing a lot of walking (and shopping) it is always best to pick hotels that have MTR stations nearby. Views from your hotel will only be good if you get a harbour view or stay in Central. Otherwise you will get the scummy looking buildings which is normal in Hong Kong.

Do

For the young and young at heart visit Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park. They made a lot of improvements to Ocean Park throughout the years. It is definitely a more exciting park now than it was then. Hong Kong Disneyland still manages to remain the happiest place on earth and it holds true in Hong Kong. Just wait til you see a Golden Mickey show or the parade. ?

Victoria Peak is the highest mountain on the main island. Overlooking Hong Kong, you can reach The Peak by taking the tram. You can also enjoy the Sky Terrace or walk about the grounds and follow one of the suggested treks. There is also shopping and dining to be had.

Hong Kong, a known free port, is a shoppers paradise. From designer labels and high end brands to night markets, you can find it all there. Department stores and boutiques are aplenty in Hong Kong Island with the tallest building in Central. Tsim Sha Tsui has Harbour City, a 2 million square foot mall in Kowloon. Your night market options are Nathan Road, TST, Mongkok and Yau Ma Tei. No longer out on the street and more pricey but still affordable is the outlet located in Lantau Island.

Outside of Hong Kong you can opt to cross the border at Shenzhen, China or gamble like a high roller in Macau.

Other travel tips: Bring your hotel’s business card (in case you get a cab driver whose English is not so good or you are slurring after partying too much in Lan Kwai Fong.) And fair warning, follow road signs when crossing the street because drivers are merciless and they drive on the wrong side of the road. Or right, depending on how you look at it :)