The Bustling City of Hong Kong

The unique blend of eastern and western influences matched by diverse attractions and stunning countryside, has made Hong Kong Asia's prime tourist destination. Hong Kong is a multicultural and secular city with a multiracial population living in harmony. Tolerance for the customs and traditions of all religion and ethnic groups is part of the city's cosmopolitan philosophy.

We were really amazed by the diverse contrasts and close proximity of stunning cityscapes and soaring mountains, heritage sites and extensive green countryside of Hong Kong. The real magic of Hong Kong's stunning countryside is how close it is to the city. One minute you're deep in a bamboo forest, the next minute tower blocks spring into view. The rural areas also offer an amazing variety of scenery. Lush valleys, sub-tropical forests, rugged peaks, coastal walks, and secluded beaches – these are the often neglected splendor of Hong Kong.

Victoria Peak- Another thing one”must” do in Hong Kong is to visit Victoria Peak. 396 meter high peak: one gets a great view of the city as you reach the top. Peak Tram is the best means to reach the top. The view as you get higher and higher gets better and better of course and the track is pretty steep some places (maximum of 27 degrees). On the top we got to the Peak Tower and this is the home to the viewing point, restaurants, Madame Tussaud’s, Ripley’s Believe It or Not and others. The view from the top was great. There's a reason why The Peak is one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong: It is absolutely incredible! Looking down from The Peak one is amazed by the spectacular view of the surrounding city skyline, the world-famous Victoria Harbour and Kowloon, towering skyscrapers and peaceful green hillsides.

Getting there is an unforgettable trip. There's nothing in the world like the Peak Tram. Pulled by steel cables, the tram climbs 373 metres (about 1,200 feet). It's so steep that the buildings you pass look like they're leaning! Whether you're going up or coming down, you'll love this trip.

Magical Victoria Harbour- One of Hong Kong's greatest assets, a jewel that people marvel at. Victoria Harbour bustles with activity day and night. To experience the energy take a ride on the Star Ferry.

Here every night at 8:00 pm is “A Symphony Of Light Show”. This spectacular multimedia display, already named the "World's Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" by Guinness World Records, has been further expanded to include more than 40 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour. The show creates an all-round vision of colored lights, laser beams and searchlights performing a stunning, unforgettable spectacle synchronized to music and narration that celebrates the energy, spirit and diversity of Hong Kong.

There are five main themes — Awakening, Energy, Heritage, Partnership and the finale, Celebration, taking spectators on a unique journey.

The first scene "Awakening" begins with flashes of laser lights that give life to a nucleus of light-energy which gradually illuminates participating buildings using an array of dancing lights and rainbow colour. This scene symbolizes the genesis and powerful growth of Hong Kong.

The second scene "Energy" is represented by the display of rising colour patterns and the sweeping of the lasers and searchlights energetically across the night sky, signifying the vibrant energy of Hong Kong.

In the third scene "Heritage", traditional lucky red and gold colours are displayed across buildings on both sides of the Harbour, complemented by the introduction of music using Chinese musical instruments, symbolizing Hong Kong's colourful heritage and rich cultural traditions.

The fourth scene "Partnership" features a display of laser beams and sweeping searchlights scanning across the Harbour, representing an illuminated connection with the opposite side. Beams reach out to symbolically connect the two sides of the Harbour into one greater and unified partnership.

The finale "Celebration" brings out a powerful rhythmic display of swirling, kaleidoscopic patterns of lights and beams dancing lively across the Harbour. The exciting final scene signifies the celebration of the close partnership between the two sides of the Harbour and represents an even brighter future for Asia's world city - Hong Kong.

No trip to Hong Kong would be complete without a visit to the Giant Buddha which sits serenely atop Ngong Ping plateau amid the spectacular mountain scenery of Lantau Island, to experience the natural and cultural side of Hong Kong take a day trip to Lantau Island, Hong Kong's largest island, and discover pristine beaches, traditional fishing villages, lush valleys, soaring mountains and spiritual enlightenment. Visit Po Lin Monastery, the Giant Buddha Exhibition Hall and a 5.7 kilometer cable car journey offering spectacular views of Lantau Island and the South China Sea.

The eyes, lips, incline of the head and even the right hand (raised to deliver a blessing to all); combine to lend great depth of character and dignity to this extraordinary statue. The majestic figure of the seated Buddha was cast in China and took 12 years to complete. It was unveiled in December 1993 amid deeply religious ceremonies. Visitors can climb more than 200 steps to reach the platform where the Buddha is seated.

The Po Lin Monastery is set amid spectacular mountain scenery on the Ngong Ping plateau.

HK is vast and we only got to see a bit of it. But I think that we experienced quite a lot.

Hong Kong Disneyland - a real estate marvel !!!!!!!

Disney Castle @ Night

Just a peice of land and the developer has money, a lot of money but does not know what to do with it. Then of course there is a concept a plan, which not only entertains millions, but change their lives for ever, after just one visit. Most Memorable and Unforgettable experience, a place where one leaves today and enter the world of golden past, glorious future and Fantasy……. It took us a full day and more to see the park.

It helped that we stayed at Disney Hollywood hotel and took a two-day pass. As the newest Disneyland in the world, Hong Kong Disneyland is a must-see because of its special attractions and the inimitable sense of Chinese culture. Walking into Hong Kong Disneyland, one feels as if you are in a wonderland. Accompanied by Mickey Mouse and other Disney friends, starts a fantastic and magical journey.

Hollywood Hotel

Hollywood Hotel

Hollywood Hotel

It’s true when they say that Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth. We were transported back to our happy childhood where we came face to face with our favorite Disney characters. It’s one place where you can push your adult worries aside and just enjoy to your heart’s delight.

Tomorrowland- Globe

There are four theme parks within Disneyland: Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland and Mainstreet U.S.A.

Mailand USA Street

 Main Street, U.S.A: The first theme park one comes across is 'Main Street, U.S.A.'. It is traveling back in time to experience small town Americana. Think bowler hats and old-style picket fence architecture and you probably have a mental picture close-enough to the reality of Main Street, U.S.A. This introductory area of the park brings typical early 20th century American culture town to life. Listen to the singing barber shop boys or take a ride on a steam engine.

Entering Main Street, we were amazed by the delicate buildings, dim gas lamp and Paddy Wagon passing by. Antique taxicabs, Disneyland Railroad and the City Hall transports one back to America of the early 20th century. There are Chinese elements here too. Plaza Inn, the first Chinese restaurant in Main Street, complete with 19th Century Chinese table service. Market House Bakery and Main Street Corner Cafe are also good places to enjoy.

Adventureland: For those looking for something more ’adventurous’ there is Adventureland. Guided by a brave captain, Jungle River Cruise took us into the heart of hidden regions- Hippos, cobras, elephants, orangutans and startling jungle events. There are also many legacies of Disney’s timeless classics, with shows such as The Lion King and Winne The Pooh. Festival of the Lion King is so interesting that our eyes were glued on the show. Adapted from Disney's animated classic 'The Lion King', this colorful pageant of music and dance is just like a classic music drama because of its consummate performers, costumes and exotic scenery.

Traveling by raft in the Rivers of Adventure, we landed at our destination: Tarzan Island. Exploring Tarzan Island and visiting Tarzan's Treehouse reminds of the story of this human child raised by gorillas. Tahitian Terrace Restaurant and River View Cafe here makes one feel satisfied to dine in the jungle.

Fantasyland: It is a real fantasy world where we Cinderella Carrousel, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Sword in the Stone, Mad Hatter Tea Cups, Sleeping Beauty Castle, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Snow White Grotto to make all your storybook dreams come true. At a dizzying 3-D attraction in Mickey's Philhar Magic one joins Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and many other friends. Wearing special glasses, one lies on the magic carpet with Aladdin and smell the flavor of Donald Duck soup.

The most fantastic place was The Golden Mickeys at Disney's Storybook Theater. Adapting all the Disney classics into a 25-minute musical drama, mixing acrobatics and special effects, this makes one stop blinking. In the theater, Tarzan swings quickly on the rigging, just like the fan on the ceiling. When The Little Mermaid Ariel appears, the whole theater is submerged by bubbles descending from the ceiling; one really feels that you are at sea.

Also at Fantasyland: Fantasy Gardens, where characters meet-n-greet; Snow White Grotto; and a live show, The Golden Mickeys, etc…

Tomorrowland:After leaving the fairytale wonderland perfectly content we stepped into Tomorrowland. Screaming in Space Mountain, we had no time to appreciate the sparkling stars because of the exciting roller coaster. In Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, we flew in our space capsule and fight against the aliens with our space gun. After we were weary of the breathtaking attractions, Orbitron was a good choice for us to fly above Tomorrowland and take some rest.

Orbitron

Not to miss is “Let It Snow Grand Christmas Parade”at 3:30 pm  which happens daily. It showcases floats, dancers, musicians and our favorite Disney characters. The parade starts in Fantasyland and passes in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle and down Main Street USA.

When you're at Disneyland, you MUST stay until nightfall. This is when you will get to see Disney in the Stars - the FIREWORKS!!!!! It's so spectacularly brilliant that I have to say it's one of the most memorizing things I've ever seen in my life, complete with music and animation. The best spot? Right in front of The Sleeping Beauty Castle. Disney in the Stars Fireworks was indeed eye-catching & spectacular. We witnessed the sky transform into a beautiful piece of art. It’s amazing to watch colorful fireworks light up the sky to the tune of Disney’s well-loved songs. Another heart-warming moment for all of us.

Disney HK is real fun.