Any advise for Hong Kong?

[kurt petersen]

Hey all. I'm going to Hong Kong for a week at the end of the month. I'll be

with my partner for the first few days, then two or three days to explore alone

whilst she attends a conference. Any must do experiences, must see sights, must

take photo's? (Actually, yes I MUST TAKE PHOTOS!) Is the big buddha on Lantau

worth the trip, how about Victoria Peak and Macau? I have the Lonely Planet

guide but would love to hear the opinion of some other photo.net.ers

[iwong]

Victoria Peak is definitely worth the trip, however much depends on the weather as spring foggy days means you'll see absolutely NOTHING at the hill tops. Not even your own fingers. Pick a clear day and go. Taking pictures of HK skyline at night at the Tsim Sha Tsui side of the harbour is also one of the "musts", and it's free.

 

I would also advise you see the more traditional side of HK, such as the street markets of Sham Shui Po, on Apliu Street. Tung Choi Street, a.k.a. "Women Street" used to be quite traditional, but has become the usual tourist trap now.

 

Also take a double-decker tram (street car) ride on HK Island. They are plentiful, cheap and offers good opportunity for sightseeing at a leisurely (relatively speaking of course) pace.

[denise_d]

A visit to Po Lin monastery (where the giant Buddha is located) is worth the trip, if for no other reason than the ferry ride over and the bus trip up to the monastery can be a hair-raising experience...the harbour area on Cheng Chau island is an interesting place to stop off and wander around for a little while on the way back. (take the ferry from Miu Po on Lantau Island to Cheng Chau and then you can catch a fast ferry boat from there back to Central).

 

Macau is an interesting place to wander the streets, but you'll need at least a full day. Steer clear of the casinos and instead explore the old city centre near the church and fort.

[craig_gillette]

Never able to get to Lantau or Macau but absolutely agree that Victoria Peak, weather permitting is a must, especailly at or around sunset. Besides the harbor side, shooting off over the islands is worth the effort as well. If still operating, take the Star Ferry and ride between Victoria and the mainland. No telling what kind of other boats and ships will be nearby from small craft to big junks to large freighters, etc.

[iwong]

The Star Ferry is still operating, however commuters have largely abandoned the ferries. Riders are limited to tourists only. Who knows how long they will stay in business. I went to HK last month so this is current status.

[kurt petersen]

Thank you all for your responses. I'm getting really excited, it's been ages since I last went OS and never to a big asian city. (Largest I've been to is Dempasar) <p> I will definately try the trams & ferries, and check out Vic Peak & the Big Buddha, maybe Macau if I have time. <p> How safe is it to walk with my camera gear in the marketplaces etc, is there much trouble with bag snatchers? I would generally have my camera in hand or on shoulder if i need the hand free and a couple more lenses in a old crumpler messenger bag. I would probably leave the battery grip off even though I love it so my camera (E-300) doesn't look quite so big.

[denise_d]

there are thousands of tourists (and locals) with cameras all over HK. As long as you are sensible, you should be fine. In all of my visits there. I've never felt unsafe (and I am a female who travels alone on business, sometimes going into the office at odd hours for network upgrades and such).

 

Unless you like digging for change every time you use public transport, you best bet is to purchase an Octopus card, which will let you board the buses, ferries, trams and subway - it's sort of like a prepaid credit card, available at many locations, and you can turn it back in for a refund of any remaining value before you leave.

[RaymondC]

Go light. Take tripod for night. 1 or 2 lens.

Its the city of lights.