As a reader of the careers section of any Insurance publication you cannot fail to notice the pages of opportunity  on offer in Hong Kong. Many of our favourite UK recruitment firms have set up office space in recent times, and there’s every chance you’ll receive an headhunt call in the coming months along the lines of, “I’m working on some great roles in the Far East” in addition to the “fantastic local roles” that we know that you love to hear about every couple of months. Joking aside, I have been lucky enough to explore Hong Kong in several guises, but it’s as a holiday maker that I enjoy it best.
Hong Kong is one of the easiest places in the world to navigate The underground or MTR Metro is simple, effective and far reaching into the New Territories. Transport services from Hong Kong Island are again remarkably straight forward, and planning a trip across to Kowloon or ex-pat heaven Discovery Bay need not be daunting. Hong Kong is the eighth most expensive world location to live in, and this has lead to the standard of everything from public transport to restaurants and hotels being driven up. Hong Kong is seen as a quality destination and quite simply it is this reputation that they look to maintain.
Where To Stay
There are so many hotels to choose from on Hong Kong Island, and I stumbled across my favourite by complete chance as I needed to be based by the central MTR stop.
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental often features on the “best of” lists for Hong Kong and for me ticks all of the boxes. The team are extremely helpful and accommodating, and very much bring a feeling of calm and tranquility to anyone weary from the hustle and bustle of the city. With just over 100 rooms each is contemporary in style, and extremely spacious. The hotel also has the largest guest rooms in Hong Kong. On site there is the award winning “Oriental Spa”, offering a number of signature treatments in addition to excellent vitality facilities, including a large indoor swimming pool. There are also pilates and yoga studios with classes run by leading instructors.
Where to Eat
Dining possibilities in Hong Kong are endless, from delicious street food stalls for the brave, to three star Michelin for the real foodie.
City Hall Maxim’s Palace- located on the second floor of City Hall in the central district is a must for dim sum. Here you’ll find fresh high- quality ingredients and easy to understand menus often, with photos and familiar side dishes. Lunch time can get crazily busy, and is a true reflection of this place’s popularity.
Jade Garden- a very good and highly successful chain of restaurants serving familiar Cantonese cuisine and good dim sum at lunch-time. For those nervous of sampling the street cuisine of Mong Kok this is a good compromise and you won’t find yourself eating anything too adventurous!
Caprice at The Four Seasons- No review of HK would be complete without mentioning this very special 6th floor restaurant. With a constantly changing menu, three Michelin Stars and a view to die for of Victoria Harbour and Kowloon, this is the only place to eat and to be seen eating in Central. Expect to book, and dress as glamorously as the stunning chandeliers.
What to See
It’s great to venture from Hong Kong Island and explore the surrounding area, if you miss queues and crowds, head to DisneyLand Resort HK otherwise the below are far more worthy of your time.
Tian Tan Buddha- The enormous bronze Buddha overseeing Ngong Ping on Lantau Island. To climb the many steps up to the Buddha is exhausting, but well worth it for the view. Located at the base of the Buddha is the Po Lin Monastery, with iconic Chinese architecture and traditional tea rooms. This is a popular spot with tourists and a good place to buy souvenirs.
Ngong Ping 360- the tallest cable car system in the world, and also the quickest way to reach the Big Buddha. The journey up gives stunning views of Lantau Island and makes the international airport look like a toy set. For those feeling brave there is a crystal cabin experience, but this is not for the faint hearted!
Discovery Bay- catch the ferry from Victoria Harbour at Central and enjoy at day on DB. With two sandy beaches, and no cars allowed (look out for golf buggy mavericks though) it’s a great place to spend relaxing time. On The Boardwalk there are a number of restaurants and bars offering a range of international cuisine.
Don’t forget to take the Star Ferry across to Kowloon, the distinctive green and white line will also take you to the best spot to photograph the distinctive sky-scraper rich view of the island.
Where to Shop
Mong –Kok Ladies market in Kowloon. Located on Tung Choi street is the perfect place for some evening retail therapy.
The IFC Mall is full of stores from high- end designer to quality department and high street stores. Lots of cafes, bars and cinema screens can be found here. The Red Bar was my favourite; once again with a great view but at a cost- a bottled beer cost around £8.
The Wing-On Building on Des Voeux road in Central was one of the first sky -scappers to be built and now home to a department store. The store doesn’t stock many Western brands and seems to have an old fashioned appeal for me.
Getting There
Travel time to Hong Kong from Heathrow is around 12 hours. Cathay Pacfic offer an excellent service in all cabins that suit the business traveller or holiday maker. Rarely do I enjoy a meal on a flight, but in business I was served a fillet steak that was of restaurant standard. On arrival in Hong Kong the ground staff are also extremely helpful in helping you navigate your way out of the airport for your onward journey. Great service.
Www.cathaypacific.com
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