Having been in China for almost six months, traveling to any country would have been a breath of fresh air. Literally. My first post-China country to visit happened to be Hong Kong. Hong Kong is incredibly diverse, dynamic, and Westernized. You know you’ve been in China too long when you get really giddy about the fact that people stay on one side of the escalator.  After tackling China, Hong Kong was a breeze to visit. I didn’t need to ask for directions once in my four days of visiting, my hostel gave me a map that was incredibly helpful, and Hong Kong’s subway system has nothing on Beijing’s! There are also signs everywhere, and in English. If New York and London had a child they raised in Asia, they would name it Hong Kong.

The only negative I’d heard about Hong Kong was that it was an expensive place to visit, and it can be. Gone are the incredibly cheap street food eats and small, family owned restaurants of China. As Westernized as Hong Kong is, expect Western prices as far as meals in restaurants go (likewise, expect to feel overwhelmed by how many dining options you’ll have).

Being on a budget, it really works that I’ve always been the kind of traveler to snack throughout the day, and I feel like meals aside, every foreign place you go to has snacks they are famous for and that you should indulge in. While not always the most healthy option, local snacks can be just as filling, and also save time when you have a lot to see. Hong Kong was not an exception in that respect. I indulged in quite a few pineapple buns, and egg waffles.

I was also really lucky that my hostel was near an IKEA, and I’ve always loved IKEA food. Hong Kong’s IKEA had some really delicious vegetarian options with China prices. But otherwise, I did treat myself to an amazing lunch my last day there. One of their most famous and popular restaurant chains is called Tsui Wah Restaurant, and I indulged at their Locklear Street location. I ordered enough for two people. I ate it all. It took me almost two hours to indulge, but I wish I had room to order more. It was very yummy.

As far as transportation goes, I didn’t have to take a taxi once (quite steep with meters starting at $17HKD) and relied on public transportation. If you’re there for more than a couple days, I would recommend getting an Octopus card. Used throughout Hong Kong, it’s a debit-metro card in one. It can be used on any form of public transportation, and in most restaurants, and convenience stores. You save a bit when you use your Octopus card on transport, rather than paying in cash, and it also saves time. To start, you need to top it off with $150HKD (that includes a $50 deposit) and any unspent value when you return your card, (minus a $9 service fee if you return it in less than three months), you will get refunded. So for me, going all around Hong Kong, Kowloon, and up to Victoria Peak made it worth it.

For the majority of Hong Kong Island, forgo the subway and take the “ding ding” tram. I enjoyed riding these trams so ridiculously much. Not only is it more cost-effective than taking the subway, but snag a seat on the upper deck and it comes with a complimentary scenic tour of the island. It’s such a great way to take in the sights and sounds of the city, as well as people-watch the locals, who seemed to favor this method of transportation as much as I did. I cannot praise these trams more, nor can I tell you how many times I rode them (maybe somewhere upwards of 20 times??!). If you’ve got time to get to Kowloon or back, take the Star Ferry for a fraction of the price as well. It’s less than an eight minute ride, and I give the views eight stars. Again, much more of a worthwhile experience than taking the subway.

There are a lot of free sites to check out (museums have free admission on Wednesdays!) and I thoroughly enjoyed strolling the Flower Market, the Goldfish Market, and the Bird Garden (which also has free Wifi). There are lots of markets in Hong Kong (some more questionably set-up than others, if ya know what I mean), and if you’re on the island, hop on the tram and hop off when you see loads of people on the sidewalk hawking their wares. Hong Kong is a good place to test out your bargaining skills as well!

And aside from transportation to and from the Peak (much more cost-effective to take a bus rather than taxi or the peak tram), Victoria Peak can be visited for free. Sure, you can pay to go up to the highest point of the Peak, but on the terrace of the Peak Galleria, enjoy spectacular views free of charge.

Overall, Hong Kong was a dream. Just check out these pictures of Victoria Peak ^^^. I mean, I’ve read a few things online that said that Victoria Peak was the #1 must-see in H.K. and I absolutely agree. The views left me speechless. I wish I could have stayed a bit longer, H.K, but at least I have the memories, photos and some footage below to remember you until next time.

I left Hong Kong to spend the next three weeks in the Philippines, where my parents were born, but I had never visited. Can’t wait to share about the first time seeing my roots. More later, friends.

Love from Japan ♥