This trip was not just a simple holiday however. The main purpose was hidden behind the skyline. But before that happened, there was quite a serious obstacle to face—finding the way to take a lead in the first hours after putting foot on the land.
Actually, Hong Kong International Airport definitely deserves the reputation of one of the leading aviation centers.
Immigration turned out to be very smooth. Though traditional immigration officers had been involved in the process rather than using automated passport scanners, everything was completed quickly due to a huge number of counters available. Moreover, our travel was really easy because we traveled only with a backpack that removed the need for waiting for the baggage to arrive.
Before leaving the terminal, every visitor’s attention was drawn to an unexpected sculpture of a giant cat placed in the airport. It was not merely an ornament. Most of the passengers came to take a picture of the sculpture before continuing their journey to the city.
Business Class of Cathay Pacific Was a Pleasant Surprise
The cabin did not seem to be luxurious since there were no fully closed suites available. Nevertheless, it offered sufficient comfort and privacy for a flight lasting five hours. The seat could be turned into a flat bed, there was enough legroom, and the screen was adjustable.
The simple chicken with potato main course combined with fruit, ice cream, tea, and friendly flight attendants created the relaxing environment from takeoff until landing.
The service can be even more important than the menu.
In comparison with an Uber ride costing around HK$325, the difference is significant and it does not entail loss of convenience.
Purchasing the ticket at the vending machine seems easy, however, there was just one minor issue—they do not accept the international cards. Fortunately, the issue was solved at the staffed ticket counter in a couple of minutes.
Not only is the train clean and spacious, but there are also places to stow your luggage as well. The frequency of trains is also a major plus point and certainly qualifies it as one of the best airport transports in Asia.
The actual adventure begins after getting off the Airport Express.
Kowloon Station is massive.
With several underground levels, lots of exits, malls, and shops, and other railway connections, navigating through the station can be a tricky affair, even with Google Maps.
There are times when signs do not appear where they are usually expected to be, and as a result, you might choose the wrong sign and find yourself lost.
Hong Kong is Different from China
Namely, Hong Kong has its own special character.
The majority speak English, the street signs show Chinese and English, Google Maps works fine, WhatsApp is OK, and transportation seems natural for most Western travelers.
Many things come from the fact that Hong Kong was a British colony long before returning to China in 1997.
One can experience this influence anywhere from the red double-decker buses to breakfast menus inspired by the West and offering baked beans, eggs, macaroni soup, and sausage together with typical Chinese dishes.
A good blend of East and West, like very few other cities.
Trying the famous pineapple bun of Hong Kong
This bun is named the pineapple bun even though it does not contain any pineapple in it at all.
The name pineapple bun is given to it as the surface of the bun looks similar to the outer surface of the fruit.
The most famous is of course the variety that contains a thick slice of butter placed inside the bun.
When this bun is consumed alongside an iced lemon tea, it becomes a delightful combo that does not fail to please—sweet, buttery, soft, slightly crispy and yet smooth.
At HK$36 including drinks, it is also a very affordable way of getting a glimpse of local food.
The true highlight came later in the day.
Dim sum.
Served in traditional bamboo steamers, dim sum dishes consist of small portions that encourage sharing.
The shrimp dumplings had delicate wrappers that were full of seafood goodness.
The beef balls were soft and practically melted in the mouth.
Interestingly enough, the salted egg custard buns were the best dishes. Sweet and creamy and warm and rich, they stole the show.
If you travel with friends or family, the best thing to do is order many baskets of dim sum.
Strolling over Taking a Cab
Most people immediately grab a taxi as soon as they arrive.
But when you opt to walk in Hong Kong, you get something more worthwhile.
The city unfolds to you little by little.
In addition, local food places are located under expensive shopping centers.
Furthermore, there are some pleasant chats between strangers.
It is at these moments when one understands what delights you cannot feel when going straight from the airport to your hotel.
Sometimes a little bit of getting lost can be a good experience.
Victoria Harbour finally came into view.
Few city skylines give a more immediate impression of scale.
A dense collection of skyscrapers rises right by the harbour, while mountains provide a silent backdrop to the scenery. Even with the clouds thick with rain, the panorama is superb.
No matter if you visit it during the day or stay to see the Symphony of Lights at night, this waterfront is undoubtedly one of the best places to view the metropolis.
Personal Reason for the Trip
The itinerary of this trip included more than just sightseeing.
Unbeknownst to the world, for almost a year, work had been going on behind the scene toward launching a clothing line for travelling in hot and humid climates.
Instead of the traditional cotton shirts that become unbearable when one visits tropical areas, the idea was to produce the clothing that was lightweight and breathable.
Hong Kong was the entry point into China.
Next on the itinerary was Guangzhou, a city in China which happens to be one of the major centers of textile manufacturing globally. It was there that suppliers and fabric specialists would be consulted during meetings to make the project a reality.
Sometimes reaching a destination is not the ultimate goal.
It is merely the beginning of a larger trip.
Checking In to a Hotel with One of the Best Views in Hong Kong
The Sheraton Hotel was a great place to return to after a long day of exploring the region.
The hotel happens to be located just moments away from the water.
The hotel room also provided all that was expected from a high-quality property: a large bathroom, a convenient working space, a cozy sitting area, and a wonderful view of the city skyline.
The bed felt somewhat firmer than anticipated, something that usually happens when staying in many hotels in Asia, but by the day of exploration through airports, trains, and numerous places to eat, one’s comfort level becomes sufficient anyway.
Hong Kong can be quite a bit overwhelming when you first arrive.
The metro stations are immense.
The streets are crowded.
It feels like there is no end to the crowd.
However, underneath all that bustle this city is possibly one of the easiest to navigate through. Together with great public transportation, welcoming residents and some amazing dishes representing Cantonese cuisine, searching for one’s way around becomes worth the effort.
If you are planning your first visit to Hong Kong, make sure to take time to get to your hotel from the airport. Use a train to get to the city, stroll around some blocks, taste a pineapple bun and eat some delicious dim sum.
