Cruising Through Hong Kong, Pearl of Orient
By Park Chung-a
Staff Reporter
If you just glance at Hong Kong, you may get somewhat distraught by the densely packed, skyrocketing buildings and the hectic atmosphereof this bustling, noisy city.
However, the more time you spend in Hong Kong, the more likely that you will be mesmerized by the city’s unique charm, diversity and sophistication.
It is a city of contrasts as the East meets the West and the traditional world meets the modern. City, harbor and green interlink, and ancient heritage, culture and festivals all thrive in this modern world.
The following are some of the major attractions of the city that is one the most energetic places in the world.
Ngong Ping 360 on Lantau Island is one of Hong Kong’s must-do tourist attractions. It includes a stunning 5.7 km cable car journey, Ngong Ping Skyrail, and an impressive cultural themed village, Ngong Ping Village, that provides visitors with easy access to the Tian Tan Big Buddha. Be prepared to climb 268 steps to get to see the Big Buddha that took 10 years to build, but do go and see it.
Ngong Ping Village, which occupies a one and a half hectare site on Lantau Island, contains two major themed attractions, ``Walking with Buddha’’ and ``Monkey`s Tale Theatre,’’ as well as the Ngong Ping Tea House and a variety of retail, dining and entertainment experiences.
If you want to have a romantic evening, go to Victoria Peak and have dinner. While you are there enjoy Victoria Harbor where you will be able to see some beautiful beaches and extraordinary views of the city.
The Star Ferry is a popular way to travel across the harbor. On the journey you will see some extraordinary parts of the city and the cost is relatively low. In fact, you may wish to ride the Star Ferry more than once during your visit to the area.
Another interesting ride is the Peak Tram, which was built in 1888 and climbs the slope of Victoria’s Peak. The almost vertical ride is 10 to 15 minutes from the Peak Tram Station. Once on Victoria Peak enjoy all the sightseeing possibilities there are to see and do.
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is a great family place to spend an entire afternoon seeing all that it has to offer.
The Ocean Park is a fun filled amusement park that features the Dragon Roller Coaster as well as many other great rides to fill your day with fun. There is also a Shark Aquarium and a Chinese cultural village.
The Shek O is home to some of Hong Kong’s wealthiest people. There are restaurants for your dining pleasure as you walk among the mansions.
The Mid-level Escalator is a free ride and it is the longest escalator in the world that takes you around certain parts of Hong Kong. It is an interesting ride that takes 20 minutes and you will be able to see plenty of scenery while you are on it.
If you are looking for some luxurious accommodation to enjoy Hong Kong, try a two- or three-night stay on an Asia Star Cruise, the first six-star cruise introduced to Asia by Corea Star Cruise. The 20,000-ton cruise ship was recently featured in the MBC television soap opera ``H.I.T.’’ starring popular actress Ko Hyun-jong.
You can enjoy scenic sea views from all of its 172 cozy suites and deluxe cabins, but do not forget to reserve one with a balcony, as some of them do not have them. It is a refreshing experience to watch the sky-blue sea spreading before you with a morning coffee in your hand.
Corea Star Cruise offers new cruise travel packages at special prices: two nights and three days at 699,000 won, two nights and four days at 799,000 won, three days and four nights at 899,000 won. Tips for travel guides are excluded from the fee, which covers two-way tickets, lodging, food and transportation. Tours of Hong Kong including Ngong Ping 360 on Lantau Island, Tian Tan Big Buddha, Ocean Park are offered through the travel packages.
The cruise ship is equipped with a variety of entertainment and leisure facilities such as a jacuzzi on the upper deck, casino, live music bar, karaoke, luxurious dining room, massage parlor, health club, duty free shop and beauty salon. Diverse music and dance performances as well as salsa lessons, talent contests and lucky draws are also offered to enrich your stay.