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.

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The best bookshop in Hong Kong, not least because the books are all stacked facing outwards. Huge range of fiction and non-fiction at reasonable prices.
Pak Sha O Hostel

Lying in the heart of the country park, this is a functional hikers’ overnight stop with dorm beds. The views are great and it’s also possible to camp.
Pat Sin Range

Hong Kong’s countryside achieves a quiet grandeur among the empty valleys and sublime uplands of Pat Sin (“eight spirits”). Peaks range up to 639 m (2,095 ft), and the views are humbling.
Peak Café

Quaint restaurant decorated in colonial style, a reminder of Hong Kong's past. The dining room is very intimate, but you should come here for the outdoor gardens. The tables outside have a nice view of Lamma Island and the South of Hong Kong offers a different perspective on the fast-paced city. The food here is quite good, with both pan-Asian and European cuisines.
Peking Restaurant

Peking duck is the speciality, or try Yangzhou fried rice with ham and peas at this gently ageing, charming restaurant.
Peng Chau

This tiny island nestling off the coast of Lantau, opposite Discovery Bay, remains in many ways a traditional Hong Kong coastal community. You wander among its narrow alleys, tiny shops and temples to the gentle soundtrack of a distant game of mahjong or the sound of Cantonese opera leaking from an old radio set. But there’s no beach, and few eating choices, although the seafood is cheap.
Pepperoni’s

One of the first decent Western-style restaurants in Sai Kung and still going strong. Huge servings, relaxed ambience. Excellent pizza, pasta, nachos, calamari and a good wine selection.
Phonograph

The music ranges from indie rock to metal to reggae, much to the delight of regulars who used to haunt Chemical Suzy at the same address.
Ping Kong

Off the beaten track, and therefore its walled village is less busy than others.
Pins and Needles

Loosen up with an acupuncture session.

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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