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.

Plateau

Splash out at the Grand Hyatt’s 11th-floor spa with outdoor pool.
Plover Cove

This isn’t actually a cove, at least, not any more. In fact it’s a massive reservoir which was created by building a dam across the mouth of the bay, then pumping all the seawater out and pumping in fresh water from China. Hike or bike the trails. Maps from HKTB.
Po Toi

Getting to this craggy, barely inhabited outcrop of rock south of Hong Kong Island is a logistical challenge (without a hired junk only feasible on Sundays). It’s worth the effort, however, for secluded walks and spectacular cliff views over the South China Sea, rounded off with a meal at the island’s only restaurant, the Ming Kee (see Ming Kee Seafood, Po Toi).
Poets

Don’t let the name fool you. Loud discussions about the previous night’s Premier League soccer matches are more likely than pompous declamations in iambic pentameter.
Portuguese

In the Pearl River Delta since the arrival of traders in the 16th century, the Portuguese have inter-married extensively with the Cantonese. Aside from a clutch of surnames (da Silva, Sequeira, Remedios), a lasting influence has been the fostering of an addiction to egg tarts and pastries.
Portuguese

Many borrowings, includingpraya (waterfront road),joss (a corruption of deus, or god) andamah (maid).
Pousada

This bar-cum-restaurant set in a Portuguese-style inn brings a slice of Macau to the New Territories, with sea views and al fresco drinking.
Pousada de Coloane

Macau’s first beachfront hotel is a top spot for a few cold drinks when the sun is shining.
Pousada de Coloane

Tiny, remote, hotel at the far end of Coloane overlooking a small, pretty beach. It boasts a nice deck area, swimming pool, and attractive Portuguese-style restaurant and bar. Room fittings show their age, but they are well equipped.
Pousada de Sao Taigo

Converted from an old Portuguese fort hewn from the rock in the 17th century, this tiny hotel looking across the bay to mainland China is a picturesque delight. Rooms are heavily but beautifully decorated in Portuguese style.

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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