Hong Kong: Reaching and Getting Around

Hong Kong literally means “fragrant harbor”. It is derived from an area wherein fragrant wood products and fragrant incense were traded. It is located at eastern Asia, southeast coast of People’s Republic of China, facing the South China Sea. A total of 426 sq m land area is being bounded by Shenzhen River at the north, Tau Lo Chau at South, Ping Chau at the east and Peaked Hill on the west. Composed of 262 islands, the main ones are Lantau Island and Hong Kong Island.

With all these geographical information about Hong Kong, stepping foot on this place can be achieved in so many ways. Discussed herewith are the possible ways of doing so.
Those coming directly from any city of Europe, North America or Asia usually arrive at Hong Kong International Airport. Also known as Chek Lap Kok, named after the island on which it is built on, is located north of Lantau Island.

Upon arrival at HKIA, there are three transportation options in reaching one’s destination in Hong Kong. The Airport Express is a fast, clean and comfortable train that transports a passenger from the airport to its station at Tsing Yi, Kowloon or Hong Kong Island. Time interval between each train departure is every 12 minutes and consumes 23 minutes to enter Hong Kong Island. The cost is from $60 to $100.

A much cheaper, but longer, ride is by bus. With this preference, a lush view of Lantau Island and Tsing Ma Bridge is experienced. Rates vary depending on the type of bus one takes, A21 buses charges $33, S1 buses $3.50 while “E” route buses costs D$21.

Taxis are also readily available all the time. The most expensive way of leaving the airport, price is around $350, depending on one’s destination. Red, green and blue taxis are destined for Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, New Territories and Lantau Island, respectively.

Private cars and vans can also be paid to travel from the airport to one’s immediate destination. They are an uncommon mode of transportation since illegally operated and are not licensed to cover insurance in cases of accidents.

On the other hand, a handful of tourist opted for the road less travelled in making it to Hong Kong. Instead of purchasing expensive plane tickets to HKIA, they rather have Shenzhen or Macau as their place of arrival first before Hong Kong. There are buses, MRTs and planes traversing the Shenzhen to Hong Kong route, while ferry boats and planes in Macau-Hong Kong route.

It has been said that there are many ways to kill a cat. Just like in deciding over what hotel to book for a short or long stay at Hong Kong, there are tricks in getting to Hong Kong. May it be time or money constraint, there is always hope for anyone to be at one of the worlds expensive city. And once the trip is over, he/she can join the ranks of many who has a i-have-been-to-the-city-also-known-as-shopping-capital-of-the-world story.