YOU DON'T HAVE TO TRY TO SELL HONG KONG TO POTENTIAL VISITORS. HONG KONG SELLS ITSELF

By Darren Winningham | Monday, May 1, 2023

WINNO is in Hong Kong!!

I have decided to head around town to see some of the tourist sites and things to do!

A cheap trip of HK$5 (less than AUD$1) will get you from Wan Chai or Central to Kowloon. The best way to get out is to see the harbour and see this wonderful city that never sleeps. During the day you will see other vessels – other ferries and large barges in the harbour whilst you go across from one side to another. Then if you do the same trip at night, you can see the city skyline and the buildings lit up with neon signs. Amazing!

If you want to do something for free – around 8pm each night get to the Kowloon side of the harbour and experience the Symphony of Lights show held each night! A spectacular display of lights on the buildings with lasers incorporated into a synchronized music spectacular.

Then you have The Peak – the tram that takes you to the top of Hong Kong. The return trip will cost you HK$88 (around $16 aussie dollars). Make sure you pick a clear day – you can see for miles. Grab a bite to eat as well whilst you’re up there – plenty of local, western, and other fast-food outlets to fill you up.

The best trip I had was the Ngong Ping Cable car that takes you from the Tung Chung railway station (it is the end of the line – so you will not get lost) up in a gondola to the Po Lin Monastery. The home of the Grand Hall of the Ten Thousand Buddhas and the Tian Tan Buddha – a massive monument set on the highest point at the top of the mountain. The round trip will cost you HK$188 (around AUD$36) and you will see the Hong Kong airport from an aerial view – the new spectacular Hong Kong to Macau bridge that spans 55 kilometres.

When you arrive at the top – the Po Lin Monastery has some wonderful sites. The temples, the giant Tian Tan Buddha – be brave and scale the 268 steps to the top – you will not be disappointed. Take some water and take your time!

On the way down – admire the views and the scenery, it is wonderful.

When you get to the bottom – visit the temple – it is amazing. You will probably run into monks – however, there are cattle that just wander around or lie down and rest – this was quite an experience.

Lunch can be had as well – the monastery has a wonderful array of vegetarian items – cheap and well worth trying. If you are not into that there are many other places to eat and experience. I found the locals friendly and the visitors very respectful.

Then there is of course the HORSE RACING. Happy Valley on a Wednesday evening and Sha Tin on a Sunday afternoon. How can you not experience them both? Take the Splendid Race tour day – the price includes entry to a private box – unlimited drinks – beer, wines, soft drinks, water – the most impressive buffet lunch – then afternoon tea – then supper. More food than you can eat! They will take you trackside – they will take you to the gift shop – they will make the day a wonderful experience. The cost is around AUD $225 which includes a bus ride to and from the track. The Hong Kong Jockey Club has a way to support the locals, the members, and the tourists to ensure they have the safest and best racing experience that is possible at all their facilities.

Markets for shopping – I prefer the Temple Street afternoon/night markets. Free entry – great bargains and a massive array of local food cooked to your liking – this is also very cheap! Mongkok markets are great as well – I just find the vendors over-price their items and be unreasonable when they negotiate on price – remember when you shop here the prices are always up for debate!

I think I have given you plenty to do – Hong Kong is back!

The place is thriving – it is time to come see an amazing place – oh, and did I mention horse racing? Make sure you yell out to Zac Purton and Hugh Bowman and the other Aussie jockeys here – they normally will respond with a nod, or a smile and they do appreciate the support!

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