The high end of Hong Kong

It’s hard to write about Hong Kong without letting it sound like a list of shopping centers; a well written list, but a list nonetheless. The shopping experience overwhelms everything else the city has to offer. The MTR metros often open inside malls that are carpeted by the biggest brands from all over the world. For instance, you can hop on the MTR and take a ride to Tung Chung. 30 minutes later the doors will open inside a giant mall that’s home to discount outlets of Quiksilver, Nautica, Folli Follie and many more.

Tung Chung is a new developing town on Lantau Island where you can also find Ngong Ping, one of the few tourist destinations in Hong Kong. A rather long and slow cable car ride from Tung Chung takes you to the Po Lin Monastery and the famous Big Buddha. Both are situated in Ngong Ping, where you can feast on world cuisines followed by a cup of steaming tea in the quaint Chinese tea house. Ngong Ping is not just a tourist destination but also a sacred place for Buddhists from all over the world. As a result it’s also a haven for vegetarians, like yours truly.

The other place to check on your list is The Peak, which is an incredibly steep and picturesque tram ride away from Central. The Peak is the highest point in Hong Kong from you can see the whole city as well as, on a clear day, China. But, unlike an ordinary viewpoint, The Peak is a whole region where you can find fine dining options, shopping hubs and, most importantly, Madame Tussauds. Inside Tussauds’ two floors you’ll bump into as many international faces as unfamiliar Asian ones. However, the only Indian who made the cut here was Gandhi.

One of the most frequently visited places in Hong Kong for travelers is Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon. The place is packed with renowned hotels, restaurants and shopping malls like Sogo. As a result it is the preferred choice for foreign travelers. At 8 p.m., every night, tourists line up along the harbor for a light and musical show. In the fifteen minute show, skyscrapers across the harbor light up and “perform” to the music. Recently, people of Hong Kong objected to the exorbitant amount of power consumed by this daily event. Apparently, the governments reply was something to effect of Hey! We barely have any tourist attractions in Hong Kong. So we’re keeping it.

Besides Kowloon, the other big region is Hong Kong is Central, the uber posh residential area where you find more Masseratis than people. But, because it is a residential and financial hub you’ll find very few tourists. However, the nightlife in Central is at par, if not better, than Kowloon. Lan Kwai Fong better known as LKF is the most vibrant entertainment district in Hong Kong. An unending row of pubs and clubs line either side of a cobbled street which is packed with merry makers all year long. Few locals will be found here, it’s more popular amongst international travelers and ex-pats. Sevva in Central is a luxurious lounge reserved for the famous faces of Hong Kong and their privileged guests. And it is as famous for its breathtaking view of Hong Kong as the paparazzi outside. Even on a cold winter evening, we found ourselves on the terrace to take in the spectacular view in the company of their divine signature drinks.