The island’s north side is the first place that comes to mind when looking for apartments in Hong Kong. It is certainly the most well known area with its famous skyline of buildings bearing the names of the world’s largest companies. Still today, between these architectural gems and business power centers, run old trams and until recently, even rickshaw drivers… throwbacks to a bygone era.
If your company has itself a sought after address on the north side of the Island, then the first place to look for an apartment in Hong Kong is among the many buildings on offer here.
If you’re traveling solo, or as a couple without kids, then a rental apartment in the area bounded by Sheung Wan, Causeway Bay and the Mid-Levels is a great place as you’ll have maximum convenience with public transport, work and nightlife all within easy reach.
To keep the budget under tighter control you could look at rental apartments further out from Central, to the west around Kennedy Town or east towards Chai Wan. Renting a Kennedy Town apartment will keep you within a short taxi or bus ride of Central, whereas a Chai Wan apartment is convenient to the eastern most stop on the MTR line. Both are still convenient, just with less Expatriates around- keep in mind that not all Hong Kong grocery stores are created equal.
As a couple with children, you’ll probably tend more toward apartment rentals in Mid-Levels and Happy Valley, depending on your size requirements and preferences. All still on the north side of Hong Kong island, only a little more Expat and family oriented.
Keep in mind though that some of the apartments in these areas will not have balconies, car parking or outdoor areas (top floor apartments may have roof access). You may have a gym included in the apartment building. Pets may or may not be allowed depending on the property owner or building regulations, and you’ll find the only places to exercise a larger dog being the walking trails up to the Peak.
Looking for space and the budget is not a factor? Then include The Peak in your search. Long famous as the most luxurious real estate in Hong Kong you will find many spacious villas and apartments in this area. Views, carparks, and all the trimmings you would expect from the most sought after location for Hong Kong apartments.
Once you have decided on a location or two, you need to know how the local market works. You will find this and other important information, including rental listings, available in our Hong Kong Apartments section. ExpatFlats also invites real estate agents and property owners looking for an easy way to market to the Expat community to test drive a free account at http://www.ExpatFlats.com
James Dylan is the managing director of ExpatFlats Limited, the leading independent Hong Kong property portal.
Kowloon is one of the four main areas of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, others being Hong Kong Island, which is regarded as the financial center of the city; the New Territories, which is considered the farm belt of the city; and the Outlying Islands, which holds attractions such as the Lamma Island and the Lantau Island.
Literally meaning ‘nine dragons,’ the bustling urban area of Kowloon consists of three sections such as Kowloon Peninsula, New Kowloon, and Victoria Harbor. The best known part of the Kowloon is the tip of Peninsula facing the Hong Kong Island.
Kowloon is located to the south of Hong Kong Island in Northern Hong Kong, and includes five of the 18 districts of Hong Kong, among which most prominent are Kowloon City and Yau Tsim Mong. Others are Kwun Tong, Sham Shui Po, and Wong Tai Sin.
Primarily a residential area, Kowloon City is developed on the site of the old age Kowloon Walled City built during the period of the Song Dynasty. Al though a smaller district in terms of land area, Yau Tsim Mong is one of the busiest business areas in Hong Kong. The name of this district has been derived from the three significant areas of Hong Kong such as Yaumati, Mong Kok, and Tsim Sha Tsui.
When comes to attractions, Kowloon provides a great number of options for visitors touring the destination. Of which some of them are
Kowloon Park – which has to its credit an incredible array of attractions such as indoor heated over sized swimming pool, leisure pool connected by a number of waterfalls, an expansive Chinese Garden, a Children’s playground, and above all, an open air sculpture museum which exhibits works done by local as well as overseas sculptors.
Yuen Po Street Bird Garden – This is a must-visit destination for bird lovers. The focal point of this garden is a variety of songbirds in exquisitely crafted bamboo cages. The bird garden is open daily from 7 hrs to 21 hrs.
Kowloon Walled City Park – This is one of the newest parks in Hong Kong. The park is designed in a classical style Chinese garden, which is well manicured and consists of man made hills, bonsai, and beautiful ponds and streams. Highlights also include beautiful paths, flower gardens, playground, and pavilions.
Nathan Road – Also referred to as the ‘Golden Mile of Kowloon,’ Nathan Road is a busy area brimming with upscale hotels, shops, and food stalls. One of the most prominent areas in the road is the Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard, which is home to more than 50 shops.
Jade Market – As the name indicates, Jade Market is a great area to shop jade items. But, it is recommended to take a specialist with you for shopping jade items.
Mong Kok – For shopping electronic items such as CDs and mobile phone accessories at bargain prices, no other destinations would be better than Mong Kok.
Wong Tai Sin Temple – A visit to Kowloon would be incomplete without taking a tour to this temple, which is reminiscent of a hermit who was well-known for his healing powers. A Chinese pharmacy can also be found within the temple. Nearby areas of the temple is filled with fortune tellers.
Other not to miss attractions in Kowloon are Tsim Sha Tsui, an area that is much famed for high class fashion stores; Kowloon Tong, a station within the local train network and whose prime attraction is an elegant as well as stylish mall with more than 200 shops; Night Market, which becomes exuberant as the sun goes down and consists of a number of open air eateries serving sumptuous cuisines; and Ladies’ Market, a popular area exclusively for shopping ladies’ clothing and cosmetics. Above all, stupendous is the nightlife of Kowloon, with an array of bars and restaurants.
In fact, Kowloon is one of the most magnificent destinations in Hong Kong. Hence, the area boasts of a number of accommodation choices to satisfy every level of travelers from budget conscious to well-heeled. Dining options available here are truly incredible, with a variety of cuisines including Japanese, Italian, and Cantonese delicacies.
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and manages 54 hotels under Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 27,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.
Hong Kong, officially known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is a part of the Guangdong Province, and is one of the China’s two special administrative regions, another being Macau.
In other words, Hong Kong is a thriving metropolis where modern western lifestyle is combined with ancient as well as traditional Chinese culture. Until the 19th century, Hong Kong was just a sleepy fishing village, which later saw tremendous changes when it became a colony and was under the British till it was handed over to China in 1997.
Occupying an area of about 1099 square kilometers and located on the south east coast of China, Hong Kong is now regarded as a gateway to the country, and serves as a center of international transportation, commerce, and communication. Hong Kong is made up of four sections such as Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, the Outlying Islands, and the New Territories.
When comes to attractions and things to do, Hong Kong provides endless options, which at the same are also unique. For instance, the Victoria Harbor that separates the glass towers of the island and the bustling streets of Kowloon Peninsula is one of the most magnificent waterways of the world. Perhaps the greatest of all the attractions in the city would be Victoria Peak, otherwise known as the Peak. Until the opening of the Peak Tram in 1880, the only way to reach the Peak was via walking or by taking a potholed ride in a sedan chair.
An interesting thing is that the Peak Tram is still in operational and taking a ride in it is a great way to enjoy the breathtaking vistas of Hong Kong Island as well as the Kowloon Peninsula. Attractions in the Peak also include the Peak Tower, which is a shopping center with a remarkable terrace, from where you can enjoy the magnificent views of whole of the island.
Another not to miss attraction in Hong Kong is Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront, an awesome promenade, a stroll along which would be a great way to savor the incredible beauty of the place. Must-visit attractions in the city also include Temple of Ten Thousand Buddha, where to reach you will have to climb about 400 steps; Tian Tan Buddha, which is the largest statute of seated Buddha in the world; Hong Kong Heritage Museum, which has on display an amazing selection of antique Chinese artifacts; and Sam Tung Uk Museum, which is in the center of Tsuen Wan in the New Territories.
A visit to Hong Kong would not be complete without taking a tour to destinations such as Disneyland and Ocean Park, whose facilities are an eclectic mix of entertainment and education; Repulse Bay, which is much famed for its white sandy beaches and sub-tropical backdrop; and Golden Bauhinia Square, which marks the most prominent occasion in the history of China, ie, the return of Hong Kong by the British and the establishment of the city as the Special Administrative Region on 30 June 1997.
The city has something for everyone. For instance, for culinary enthusiasts, the city boasts of a mind blowing array of restaurants serving delicacies like chicken lo mein, dim sum, Tong Cho oysters, tofu, and Peking duck.
Further, Hong Kong is a haven for shopping, with shops and stalls in such destinations as Stanley Village Market, from where a variety of branded items can be shopped at bargain prices. Likewise, if you are flower lover, then head to flower market, where a unique selection of flowers and plants can be seen. Further, a visit to the Bird Market would be an excellent option for bird lovers. Also, while your stay at Hong Kong, take a tour to the fish market in the city, which boasts of aquariums consisting of exotic fish varieties. Above all, exciting as well as lively is the nightlife of the city, which is primarily concentrated around the twin districts of Wan Chai and Lan Kwai Fong.
With these amazing varieties of attractions, it is not a wonder why tourists from across the world flock to this wonderful destination. Hence, the city has accommodation choices to cater to every type of travelers. If you are well healed, then you can go for such accommodation options that are attached with high facilities and comforts. Even these hotels provide superb facilities in the form of excellent fitness rooms and award winning spa treatments. There are also some hotels providing services of expert nutritionist which helps to develop healthy as well as sumptuous menus for guests.
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and manages 54 hotels under Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 27,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.
Perhaps one of Hong Kong’s most well-known area for a night out. It’s essentially an alley filled with bars and ppl… This video was taken apparently on Canadian Day so that explains all the flags and stuff
Hong Kong, commonly called the ‘City of contrast’ or the ‘best city’ in Asia has turned out to be favorite destination in South East Asia. Hong Kong was only a group of fishing villages, but now it had converted into modern and vibrant country. It is the second city of skyscraper after New York and considered a world class city that presents the best example of fusion of eastern and western culture. This fusion had given a distinctive character to the country. The unique, colorful and rich heritage attracts visitors towards itself. It is said to be one of the most advanced country that has given foothold to many hotels in Hong Kong. There are many luxurious hotels that cater the need of business and leisure travelers by providing them help with regard to flight arrangements, visa application, shopping advice and shuttles to international airport. But these expensive hotels are not affordable by every traveler with the desire to travel Hong Kong. So, for such people, there are many cheap hotels Hong Kong around main tourist attractions. Elegant antique galleries and traditional Chinese city garden are some famous spots around famous Hollywood road. Some cheap hotels around such spots also pamper their guests with several facilities such as beauty treatment, in-room massage, and facial treatments. Some of the hotels in Hong Kong offer various sort of discounts for family travelers for extended stay, for children, and for senior citizens. Such discount hotels in Hong Kong are not lagging behind in providing room facilities such as high speed internet access, minibars, safes, flat screen television, fireplaces and other standard amenities. Eclectic souvenir in Hong Kong to exciting nightlife and shopping malls presents a vibrant picture of the city. There are many budget hotels around international airport that are well renowned for premier shopping, entertainment venues and special dining facilities. Some other common offers for the travelers are:-
Foreign currency exchange
Fitness center
Concierge
In town shuttle bus transportation
Postal service
Valet service
In-house doctor
Laundry services
Room services
Safe deposit box
Ticketing arrangements Hong Kong Island, bays like Causeway, repulse and Ocean Park, and Victoria Peak are some of the topmost tourist destinations that add fun and excitement to the life of travelers. Victoria Peak is famous for its architectural work. Aberdeen provides a glimpse of Hong Kong home, where fishermen and their families live. Stanley market is well renowned for shops, restaurants, cafes and stage performance. All these spots have attracted tourist and enhanced the progress of hotels in Hong Kong.
