Hong Kong Country Highlights

There is so much to see and do on this small island. A clean cosmopolitan ambiance and the best in Asian hospitality are reflected year round in this multi-cultural society. With an exciting variety of festivals, religions, cultures and cuisines, Hong Kong offers the traveler a comfortable reprieve during any extended journey with her excellent facilities and strategic location, offering easy access to all of Asia's major tourist destinations. A rich textured mosaic fusing the ancient traditions within a modern city-state, Hong Kong is an exciting destination with many attractions.

As the financial and governmental hub of the city, Hong Kong Island sparkles and shimmers with towering skyscrapers balanced with well-manicured parks and open spaces. Climb to the top of Victoria Peak for spectacular views of the mainland, busy harbor and South China Sea as well as a visit to the lovely Peak Gardens and a tour of the large European-style mansions on the highest levels of the Peak. Perhaps the most colorful and festive time of the year to visit Hong Kong would be during the Chinese New Year (late January or early February) for amazing celebrations and displays particularly the traditional flower markets and fireworks shows.

We can arrange for a cruise on a Chinese junk to the small fishing village of Aberdeen for great craft shopping and a superb seafood feast on a floating restaurant. Teeming with teahouses, herbalists and antique shops, Hong Kong's most well known shopping district is found along Queens Road and Des Voeux in the Western & Central Districts . For more local color, we recommend a visit to the Night Markets on the waterfront near the Macau Ferry Pier or on the other side in Kowloon. For those seeking the seedy side of life on the wharf, we can safely escort you on guided tour of Wan Chai (known as Suzie Wong's District) for a look at the tattoo parlors, calligraphers, antique shops and small noodle shops of this culturally rich neighborhood.

Causeway Bay is a newer neighborhood offering elegant Japanese department stores and an excellent selection of modern Chinese shops that feature traditional products such as silk, paper, embroidery and jade of the highest quality. Those with a taste for "near" antiques and great bargains can shop at Stanley Marke t for some of the best values in clothing and porcelain. Nature lovers will discover Repulse Bay , Hong Kong's most beautiful beach and enjoy fantastic views of the South China Sea while hiking along the island's lush green trails. For those willing to experiment with alternative therapies, we can make appointments with reputable medical practitioners for acupuncture and reflexology treatments as well as arrange for short courses in and demonstrations of these ancient healing techniques.

On the mainland, across the harbor, we can guide you through the treasures of Kowloon : its excellent shopping, entertainment venues and countless restaurants. Trace the vibrant pulse of Hong Kong through the lively local markets of Tsim Sha Tsui , the pubs and piano bars on famous Nathan Road , and other highlights such as Bird Street, the Jade Market along Kansu Street , and perhaps the traditional open-air night markets of Yau Ma Tei for a late night snack. Keep in mind that Hong Kong has stringent regulations on the import/export of endangered species and their by-products. We can arrange for fittings with some of Hong Kong's finest tailors who custom-make extremely high quality garments for a reasonable price.

The Buddhist and Taoist religious traditions are widely apparent throughout Hong Kong as are the moral codes of the scholar Confucious . In this city of over 600 Chinese temples, the largest and most popular is the Wong Tai Sin Temple near the Walled City of Kowloon which features pavilions, sculpture and flower gardens. All of the world's major religions are respectfully represented…the most popular deities are associated with the sea and coming of good fortune. Outside the heart of the city lie the New Territories , a sprawling suburban mix of modern and traditional housing in a more rural setting where you can enjoy walks in the countryside.

On your first visit to this ex-British colony, we highly suggest a cruise to one of Hong Kong's outlying islands. Lantau Island is home to the famous Po Lin Monastery , whose towering bronze Buddha is the world's largest outdoor image of its kind. On a day excursion, you can enjoy a fine vegetarian meal prepared and served by the monks. Explore the overwater homes on stilts that make up the picturesque fishing community of Tai-O , where the animist roots of the people are evident in their shrines honoring the distinct elements of nature (Fung Shui). Surrounded by a variety of exotic cruising destinations all within 1-5 days' sailing, Hong Kong is fast becoming the natural hub for leisure cruises in Asia .

CUSTOM MACAU
Although there are many parallels with Hong Kong, Macau is more relaxed; a taste of the Mediterranean in the heart of Asia. Founded over 400 years ago by the Portuguese explorers, the island of Macau is known for its old world colonial charm and Chinese heritage as it is for its modern-day casinos and the annual Grand Prix . We can arrange for private touring of the miniature gardens, historic houses and abandoned fortresses; the small cobble streets and tree-lined boulevards are lined with pastel colored villas and stucco houses. High-speed jetfoils travel from Hong Kong to Macau in less than one hour .

The Camoes Grotto & Gardens were designed as a memorial to Luis de Camoes, a 16th century Portuguese poet, and are a popular spot to enjoy a game of Chinese checkers and relax in the shade. The facade and stairway of the St. Paul's Cathedral are all that remain standing of this old structure, which was destroyed by a typhoon and fire in 1853. The A-Ma Temple is popular with the island's fishermen and is the site of an annual pilgrimage each spring.

There are a number of options for visiting Macau. By far the most popular would be a day excursion by jetfoil, which allows for an adequate tour of this small island. Other travel alternatives we can arrange include a stop in Macau before continuing into South China for a glimpse at the People's Republic. Keep in mind that special Chinese cooking classes in Kowloon and organic farm visits in the New Territories can also be arranged on an individual or small group basis.