Maldives / Hongkong

[uop1497]

We plan to visit Maldives and Hong Kong in the near future. If you have visited these two countries I would like to heard and learn good tip from you.

Our flight will arrive late at Male airport . I need suggestion for 1 night hotel stay in Male City.

Please advise and thank you

 

[Dori]

I have no advice, but our son, daughter-in-law and two grandbabies spent three nights in the Maldives, and loved it. They are world travellers, and said the Maldives is paradise!

Dori

 

[canesfan]

Maldives are on my bucket list.
I’ve been to Hong Kong. What are you looking for? We stayed at the W. Unfortunately it was foggy when we were there so we couldn’t go to Victoria Peak. We’ll have to do it next trip. The skyline is beautiful at night and there are many restaurants that will have great views and decks to highlight it. We did Stanley. Although the drive was interesting I’m not really sure it was anything special.
The Ritz is supposed to have a great view (again when we planned to go, it was foggy). Our big splurge was Hutong for dinner. Dining is quite expensive there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Passepartout]

Hong Kong has been a really enjoyable trip for us. We were there for Chinese New Year- along with every other Chinese who return home to celebrate their communal birthday. English is the second language there as it was a British territory for 99 years. Victoria Peak- there's a funicular- is not to be missed, and Nathan Road is as great a shopping mecca as Rodeo Drive. I think most of the better hotels are in Kowloon rather than Hong Kong island. Get a ferry/bus/trolley pass to just be able to go anywhere by any means. If you will be there more than just a couple of days, consider having some clothes made. The (mostly Indian) tailors there are second to none, but it does consume some time to select fabric, get measured, go back for a 'test fitting', then to pick up the finished shirts/suits/trousers. You can shorten the time by giving them one of the item you want made that fits you well, and they will take it apart, and construct your new clothes in exactly the same pattern. Oh yes, and dim sum. Eat dim sum, and Chinese Hot Pot. It's some of the best anywhere.

Jim

 

[VacationForever]

Hong Kong has been a really enjoyable trip for us. We were there for Chinese New Year- along with every other Chinese who return home to celebrate their communal birthday. English is the second language there as it was a British territory for 99 years. Victoria Peak- there's a funicular- is not to be missed, and Nathan Road is as great a shopping mecca as Rodeo Drive. I think most of the better hotels are in Kowloon rather than Hong Kong island. Get a ferry/bus/trolley pass to just be able to go anywhere by any means. If you will be there more than just a couple of days, consider having some clothes made. The (mostly Indian) tailors there are second to none, but it does consume some time to select fabric, get measured, go back for a 'test fitting', then to pick up the finished shirts/suits/trousers. You can shorten the time by giving them one of the item you want made that fits you well, and they will take it apart, and construct your new clothes in exactly the same pattern. Oh yes, and dim sum. Eat dim sum, and Chinese Hot Pot. It's some of the best anywhere.

Jim

I have been to Hong Kong 30+ times. That is my favorite country and city in the world. I would differ on which side has better hotels. Hong Kong island being newer has better hotels. But this is not the question asked by OP. I have never been to Maldives but I would move to Hong Kong in a heartbeat. Definitely do the Victoria Peak funicular ride up. The closest train station is Admiralty station. It is also the station that serves Pacific Place, Tower 1 and 2. I "lived" out of JW Marriott in Pacific Place for years when I worked in Asia. 3 hotels in Pacific Place but I have special attachment to JW Marriott.

Visit the Temple Street night market. 10 HKG dollar for a necktie (under USD2). I have not been there in more than a decade and I do not know if prices of those pretty ties have gone up. Have fun.

 

[uop1497]

Thanks for reply .

I am open for suggestion of where to stay and where to eat in Hong Kong. Currently, I am considered Conrad Hong Kong, but not sure if the hotel location is good. Between Hong Kong island and Kowloon island, which location is best for hotel booking and has newer hotel

I know that taking a taxi will be best choice from Airport ==>hotel==> Airport, but I read on line bus will be best way too if there is traffic hours. I search on line and learned that Bus # A11 or E11 has a bus stop at Admiralty Station, very close to Conrad hotel . But I can not see the bus stop location when using the google map. Does anyone know how far the bus stop at Admiralty Station to Conrad .

I have just a quick stop over ( 3 nights ) in Hong Kong and plan to see the Victoria Peak . Does it necessary to buy funicular ride ticket ahead of time. Is there any other sight seeing worthy to see.

 

[VacationForever]

Conrad is a great hotel at Pacific Place and at the same development / location as JW Marriott - at the Pacific Place. Every taxi driver knows Pacific Place. In Cantonese it is "Tai Gu Gong Cheong". When I travelled on business, most of the time I just never got out of Pacific Place. It is a wonderful place for food and shopping. The way Hong Kong builds their complexes throughout Hong Kong and Kowloon, they put in enclosed walkways and tunnels to other building developments. Pacific Place is also linked to Queensway but Queensway is quite a bit older.

Hong Kong is generally newer and nicer than Kowloon. Kowloon is older.

You should take the high speed train located at the airport and it will take you to Hong Kong island. When you get off there are complimentary buses that take you to the hotel. On each bus, there are labels as to which hotel that they are going to. When you are ready to leave Hong Kong, you do the reverse. Take the complimentary bus from the hotel to the high speed train station. You check in with the luggage (drop off) at the train station before getting on the train. It is the most efficient check in system that I have encountered.

I have never bought the funicular tickets ahead of time. Victoria Peak, which you can walk from Pacific Place, is a must see at night. Some recommend both day and night trips. You should go to Temple Street night market. I am not impressed with Stanley Market but some say it is a must see.

You can also take a ferry ride between Hong Kong and Kowloon, just for the experience.

Enjoy your trip. We will be there in Dec 2018. Cannot wait!

 

[PigsDad]

You can take a ferry between Hong Kong and Kowloon, just for the experience.

Have you ever taken the high-speed ferry to Macau? The last time I was in Hong Kong was 1999 (I'm sure it's changed a lot!), but we took a day trip to Macau and found that very interesting and well worth the time. Interesting island with a similar and at the same time different colonial background, and some good scenery on the trip over the water.

Kurt

 

[VacationForever]

Have you ever taken the high-speed ferry to Macau? The last time I was in Hong Kong was 1999 (I'm sure it's changes a lot!), but we took a day trip to Macau and found that very interesting and well worth the time. Interesting island with a similar and at the same time different colonial background, and some good scenery on the trip over the water.

Kurt

Macau is on my list of places to go to for my 2018 trip. As many times as I have been to Hong Kong, I have not been there. It is the Las Vegas of Far East.

 

[uop1497]

@VacationForever
I read online Cathay stops the drop off the check in service at train station. Should I buy the Octopus card when arrive in Hong Kong Airport . Any money exchange place with good rate or ATM machine near Conrad .

Will take the ferry from Hong Kong to Kowloon as suggested .

Is it easy to take local bus in Hong Kong. DH does has mobility problem and I plan utilize the local bus to minimize his walking distance . Is it easy to catch a taxi from Temple Street night market at night.

Will a trip to Macau in 1 day is feasible .

Can you or anyone please recommended some good restaurant with a good view for dinning.

Thanks

 

[VacationForever]

@VacationForever
I read online Cathay stops the drop off the check in service at train station. Should I buy the Octopus card when arrive in Hong Kong Airport . Any money exchange place with good rate or ATM machine near Conrad .

Will take the ferry from Hong Kong to Kowloon as suggested .

Is it easy to take local bus in Hong Kong. DH does has mobility problem and I plan utilize the local bus to minimize his walking distance . Is it easy to catch a taxi from Temple Street night market at night.

Will a trip to Macau in 1 day is feasible .

Can you or anyone please recommended some good restaurant with a good view for dinning.

Thanks

What has stopped is the in town drop off. The drop off at the express train is not suspended. This is the drop off after you get off the complimentary bus ride at the train station. You can check in and drop off baggage before you get on the train.

I have never bought any kind of bus card in Hong Kong. Most of the time I take a taxi or the RMT (Rapid Mass Transit). I have taken the bus several times but they are generally a little crowded for my liking, plus you need to know which stop to get off. So bus system is a little more complex for tourists, but that is just me.

Taxis are ample.

Cannot recommend dining with nice views. I normally eat at JW Marriott and Pacific Place itself and since I have Marriott lounge access, I also grab a quick breakfast there as well. There is a famous floating seafood restaurant called Jumbo. Food is alright and nothing to write home about.

 

[VacationForever]

I forgot to mention there is a Times Square on Hong Kong island. The walk is about 15 minutes from the hotel, along the main street.

 

[lily28]

Octopus card is good for bus or train. I agree too that bus, except the airport shuttle bus, is too complicated even for us who speak Chinese. We use mostly train. If you are a senior, using the octopus card will save 50% in fare. I remember there is a 7 11 at the airport that we can add money to the card but you might need to buy the discounted octopus card at the train station

 

[VacationForever]

Octopus card is good for bus or train. I agree too that bus, except the airport shuttle bus, is too complicated even for us who speak Chinese. We use mostly train. If you are a senior, using the octopus card will save 50% in fare. I remember there is a 7 11 at the airport that we can add money to the card but you might need to buy the discounted octopus card at the train station

When I was travelling alot for work, JW Marriott hotel room in Hong Kong was the only place that I woke up and I knew which city/country I was in. I LOVE Hong Kong. It is my favorite city in the world. I have to remind myself that it is now part of China.

 

[Jimster]

If you are going to Macau, my first piece of advice is remember your passport! You will be in what is technically a different country or actually a former colony. Second, there are a variety of tickets available. The cheapest one is if you name your departure and return time in advance. It will take about an hour.

Upon arrival in Macau you can choose which coach bus to get on to go to the appropriate casino. A funny story is this. I went to the MGM by coach and arrived at the front of the casino (it is much bigger than the MGM LV. I gambled for a while and then went to leave since i had a timed departure. So I went out front to catch the coach bus that was just arriving. Suddenly a small Chinese lady approached me and told me not to take the bus. I told her i had a timed departure and needed to get back. She said you take that little bus over there (a Gumby bus). After a short argument, I got on the Gumby bus.
The bus left the front and drove us around to the back door where a departing coach bus was there and i got on it to go back to the ferry. The Gumby bus was the bus to the bus. LOL. Like I said the place is very big.

If you want to gamble, use Hong Kong dollars.

 

[Jimster]

You take the airport express from the airport to HK island or Kowloon. There are only 2 stops. The train (airport express) puts anything we have in the US to shame. It is safe, clean and comfortable. Be sure to get the tickets as soon as you arrive. You will need to exchange money for HK dollars.

Upon arrival on HK island, you will see a series of signs to take you by bus/van to the appropriate hotel. The bus is a free shuttle. Upon departure, go to Airport Express. You can check in for your flight and deposit your luggage right in the Airport Express check in. In fact, you can dump off your luggage and go back to sight seeing. They usually tell you what time to take the appropriate train. Your luggage will be taken to the airport and put on the plane-so no lugging your bags around. DUH!! why can’t we figure out how to do this in the USA? Incidently, Airport Express and the Star Ferry are connected by overhead walkways. They are up a level or two. There is also plenty of shopping in the building.

Depending on what you want to do, I suppose the Octopus card is a good deal. Personally, I always took taxi’s. The value of the Octopus card is also somewhat dependent upon the amount of time you will be there and the appropriate variety of cards.

In any case, I would get a hotel card. A hotel card has your hotel name and directions in CHINESE1. Don’t expect anyone especially a taxi driver or bus driver to know english. You’re on your own pal. Most hotel cards also have a few phrases in CHINESE too such as “Where is a bathroom?” Just show the card to the driver and point at the one corresponding to the english. Nathan Road is where you want to go for shopping esp of knock offs. It is in Kowloon- not far from the ferry. As i recall the right ferry is at pier 8 but check first.

Incidentally, you are on the WRONG FORUM for accurate information. Go to flyertalk and click on the destinations tab and scroll down to Hong Kong. The people there (and there are lots of them) can answer all your questions. Just read the posts. If you don’t find the answer, ask your own questions.

 

[Jimster]

How much has globalization changed the world? Go to the top of Victoria Peak and eat at Bubba Gump or McDonalds. LOL. Ain’t it great to go to some far off place to experience their culture!

 

[Jimster]

You can go to travelex to change money if you don’t mind getting ripped off. Why would you do anything other than go to a bank ATM- you get the interbank rate there.

 

[Jimster]

OMG why would you take a taxi to the Conrad on HKG island? Whoever gave you that advice should be ashamed of themselves. Take airport express to the free shuttle van and get dropped off at the front door. The Conrad is at Pacific Place. It is a classy hotel. Pacific Place is the ultimate in high end shopping. Name a designer and they are there: Coach, Ralph Lauren, Cartier, etc. The only place close to Pacific Place that i have found is in Singapore and maybe near the Spanish Steps in Rome.

 

[uop1497]

Thanks everyone for continue giving me good information.

@ Jim,
I am asking question for Maldives trip but no one answer in FT . I still read the posts in FT in learn more before my trip

 

[maturesparrow]

I've got no idea for Maldives for a place to stay. In Hong kong, It is better to get hotels from the Kowloon side. The hotel Kowloon is nice and it is located at Tsim Sha Tsui district.

 

[VacationForever]

To get an idea of Kowloon vs. Hong Kong island. Kowloon hotels are in general cheaper and Hong Kong side are more upscale.

https://www.tripsavvy.com/hong-kong-island-vs-kowloon-1535717

I love Pacific Place and there is nowhere else I would want to stay in Hong Kong.

On Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon side), there are shopping and restaurants, plus you can get a good view of the Symphony of Lights show in the evening.

https://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/hongkong/kowloon/tsim_sha.htm

 

[Ken555]

Great thread! I’m headed to Hong Kong next week for the first time and welcome the suggestions here. Thanks.

 

[Ken555]

While in Hong Kong, I intend to have a few custom shirts and perhaps more made while I’m in town. I’ve found a few well known stores online that come recommended but wonder if any of you have personal recommendations of stores you’ve been to? I’m staying on the south of Hong Kong Island so a quality store nearby would be great but it seems most are on other side. Thanks.

 

[VacationForever]

Great thread! I’m headed to Hong Kong next week for the first time and welcome the suggestions here. Thanks.

Hi Ken! It's me... (we exchanged email when you introduced Gari to me). I am envious of your being there next week. I LOVE the vibes in Hong Kong. The only place that I went to was to custom order a wedding dress there 20 years ago... cost about $2K then (US) but I never wore it and it is still hanging in my closet. LOL. No idea where to find a good tailor for you.

Are you taking a cruise to or from Hong Kong? We will be cruising from Singapore to Hong Kong next year, spending 5 nights on land at each end.