Bonus Offers Hong Kong Island Hotels

Cosmopolitan Hotel 3.5 star. 4 night stay from AUD$101.00 per night (valid to 15/9/08).

Cosmo Hotel 3.5 star. 4 night stay from AUD$101.00 per night (valid to 15/9/08).

JW Marriott Hotel 5 star. 5 night stay from AUD$346.00 per night (valid to 7/9/08).

Bonus Offers Kowloon Hotels

Royal Plaza Hotel 4 star. 4 night stay from AUD$130.00 per night (valid to 22/8/08).

Royal Garden Hotel 4.5 star. 5 night stay from AUD$153.00 per night (valid to 31/8/08).

Intercontinental Grand Stanford 5 star. 4 night stay from AUD$184.00 per night (valid to 31/8/08).

Hong Kong

Hong Kong has the big city specials like smog, odour, 14 million elbows and an insane love of clatter. But it's also efficient, hushed and peaceful the transport network is excellent, the shopping centres are sublime, and the temples and quiet corners of parks are contemplative oases.

Hong Kong Islands
Most of the flat areas we see today are reclaimed land. The British Empire saw no merit in the island its coastline was rugged, there was no river, it had little arable farmland, and it lacked mineral resources. The first British settlement (Western district) was a rigorously malaria infested area. Nevertheless, the harbor lodged between its northern coast and the peninsular of Kowloon jutting out from the mainland was nearly perfect. This 45 sq. km of harbor was thought to be the best deep-water port in the entire region. After many colonial governors later, the value of Hong Kong has gained much clarity.

Kowloon
Bearing the meaning Nine Dragons, Kowloon, which is only a few square kilometers, is one of the world's most densely populated urban areas with both residents and tourists. At the peak of the peninsular is the neoteric shopping district of Tsim Tsa Tsui. Further up north are Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok, both more traditional with street markets and old buildings. Tsim Tsa Tsui East and Hung Hom on eastern Kowloon are noted for the milieu of luxury hotels, shopping centers, expensive restaurants, and trendy nightclubs.

New Territories
The New Territories covers 794 sq. km, and is embraced by deserted beaches, winding trails stretching across empty hills, and stone house villages that move to a rhythm centuries removed from modern Hong Kong. Development has divided the New Territories into three segments the center, western, and eastern. The center is dominated by new towns like Sha Tin and Tai Po and is the main route by road and rail up to China. The western end is being recreated by infrastructure projects that are linked with the new airport at Chek Lap Kok on Lantau. The east, on the other hand, is where the New Territories most traditional character endures. All three areas have excellent public transport facilities. Hence, it is simply a matter of deciding which to explore first.

Places of Interest

Victoria Peak
Generally known by the locals as the Peak, Victoria Peak is another postcard scenery. It is where you can see Kowloon from a hilltop across the Victoria Harbour with buildings on Hong Kong Island in the foreground. At the right spot, the view is breathtaking.

Star Ferry
The Star Ferry, one of the must dos in Hong Kong, has been running for about a century. It is a leisurely 5-minute ride across the Victoria Harbour. There are three routes, one between Tsimshatsui and Central, one between Tsimshatsui and Wan Chai, and one between Hung Hom and Wan Chai.

Temple St Night Market
Kowloons Temple Street Market begins in the early afternoon and goes into the evening. Bargain for prices. Great for people watching, buying fake name brand goods, cheap watches, tshirts and endless things you never really needed but buy anyway.

Floating Restaurant
Hong Kongs famous floating restaurant, gently riding the swells in Aberdeen Harbour, consists of three sections which are all brightly lit by a myriad of dazzling lights making a fairy tale night time spectacle for the thousands who come to dine here every week. Jumbo in Chinese means gem or treasure, but the western meaning fits it just as well with its massive capacity for seating 2,300 diners simultaneously.

Stanley Markets
Stanley Market, located in the southern part of Hong Kong Island, is a dry market frequented by tourists. There are the usual oriental looking gifts you can find and more like ski suits . You can even get a Chinese stone seal made with your Chinese name on it.

Travel Tip and useful information

Climate
Hong Kong is an all year round destination. It enjoys a mild climate from the middle of September to the end of February, while the weather from May to mid-September is rather warm and humid.
Weatherwise, October, November and most of December are the best months to visit Hong Kong; the skies are clear and the sun shines. The June to August heat rain combo might push your endurance but theres a lot of sunshine and, after all, its summer. Hotels tend to offer substantial discounts outside the high seasons of March to April and October to November. Travel can be difficult during Chinese New Year in late January and early February.
Eighty per cent of Hong Kong's precipitation occurs between May and September, with August registering the highest rainfall.

Time Zone
Hong Kong is 8 hours ahead of GMT (+8 GMT)

Population
Hong Kongs population has increased steadily over the past decade, reaching about 6.9 million by 2006. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, with an overall density of some 6,250 people per square kilometer. Cantonese, the official Chinese language in Hong Kong, is spoken by most of the population. English, also an official language, is widely understood.

Transport
Hong Kong International Airport is located off Lantau Island, Hong Kong International Airport is the main entry point to Asia's world city, gateway to Mainland China and a major regional hub. Regularly voted one of the best in the world, the airport features a comprehensive range of facilities and services for the travelling public Hong Kong is geographically compact and boasts one of the world's most efficient, safe, affordable and frequent public transport systems. Whether by taxi, ferry, rail, bus or tram, you can get around easily and catch wonderful glimpses of the city along the way.

Currency and Credit cards
Major banks are open from 9am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12:30pm on Saturday. They close on Sundays and public holidays. Some banks and branches are open slightly longer hours. Some banking services are not available an hour before closing.
ATM Automated teller machines (ATMs) can be found almost everywhere and some HSBC Electronic Money machines provide 24hour cash withdrawal (HK$) facilities for Visa and MasterCard holders. American Express cardholders have access to Jetco ATMs and can withdraw local currency and travellers' cheques at the Express Cash ATMs in town. Legal tender is the Hong Kong dollar (HK$).

Dress Code
Hong Kong's subtropical climate means you wont be needing the winter woollies for most of the year. Loose-fitting cotton clothing generally fits the bill. The exception is from mid-December to February, when the mercury might fall to a mild 10oC (50oF). But even in the summer, it pays to bring along a light sweater airconditioning in some restaurants and cinemas is often turned up high. Rain showers are possible during the rainy season (around May to September), so also be sure to pack a light waterproof jacket.

Safety and security
Hong Kong is a remarkably safe city day or night. Police officers patrol frequently and they are very helpful. To ensure that your stay is a pleasant one and hassle free, please pay attention to the following points
* Keep your money, valuables and travel documents in a safe place, like the hotel room safe;
* Attend to your belongings especially when you are in a crowded place;
* Beware of people making dubious offers and those who may try to distract you and take away your belongings; and
* Be wary of people offering gambling or investment opportunities.