DK Travel : Hong Kong

“A dream of Manhattan, arising from the South China Sea.” For succinctness, modern travel writer Pico Iyer’s description of Hong Kong has yet to be bettered. From opium port to Cold War enclave to frenetic financial capital, Hong Kong has never been boring. This is the hedonistic engine room of cultural fusion: East meets West in high style, and the results astonish and delight. Prepare to experience one of the most dramatic urban environments ever conceived.

Airport Express Link

Should your attention span wane on the fleeting 22-minute ride from the airport to Central, the AEL offers personal TVs in the back of every seat. Bright, shiny and a joy to use.
Alibi

If there has been one Hong Kong restaurateur consistently and laudably pushing the style envelope over the last decade, it has been Nichole Garnaut. But with Alibi, her latest venture, she succeeds with understatement, and the creative take on French cuisine has both depth and confidence. The crowd is beautiful, the food more so (see Alibi).
Alibi

The guest list is fabulous (Naomi Campbell to Chow Yun-fat); the food masterful updates of French cuisine.
Amah Rock

An odd tower of rocks near Lion Rock Tunnel that when viewed from a certain angle, looks eerily like a woman with a baby on her back, hence the name. Legend holds that theamah’s husband sailed overseas to find work, while she waited patiently for his return. When a storm sunk his boat, she was so grief-stricken she turned to stone. An alternative interpretation is that the rock was created as an ancient phallic symbol. Take your pick.
Amaroni’s Little Italy

Hong Kongers love Italian, and they have taken this place to heart. Share plates and make yourself at home.
American Peking Restaurant

Opened in the 1950s and still going strong. The name was a trick to attract US servicemen on leave during the Korean War. Excellent Peking duck.
Anglo-Indian/Persian

Several words, includingshroff (cashier),nullah (channel or watercourse) andtiffin (lunch).
Anne Black Guest House

If location isn’t important then consider the YWCA-run Anne Black Guest House stuck out in Mongkok. The rooms (either with private or communal bathrooms) are basic but clean with air-conditioning, TV, and telephone.
Any Ferry Aft Deck

Gain some perspective on the dramatic skyline of the islands. The Star Ferries offer the best chance to capture the dramatic skyscrapers (see Star Ferry).
Ap Lei Chau

Supposedly the most densely populated island in the world, Ap Lei Chau (or Duck Island), opposite the Aberdeen waterfront, is crowded with new high-rise developments. Bargain hunters may find a visit to the discount outlets at the southern end of the island worthwhile (see Designer Outlets in Ap Lei Chau). Close to the ferry pier are some small family businesses, boatyards and temples that have survived the modern developments.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal) and extra charges.
- under HK$100
- HK$100-250
- HK$250-450
- HK$450-600
- over HK$600
Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under HK$500
- HK$500-$1,000
- HK$1,000-$2000
- HK$2000-$2,500
- over HK$2,500