Just like Friday is the new Saturday, South East Asia is the new Europe. And Hong Kong is the most voluble heartbeat of this region. Whether it is a family holiday, business trip or a holiday to rekindle the romance, Hong Kong is an all-purpose destination and has something for everyone.

Retail therapy… the Hong Kong way

It is a fact that 75 per cent of holidayers in Hong Kong have shopping high up on their list of things-to-do. If you are one of those, and shopping is all you want to do, then Causeway Bay is where you should probably eat, sleep and, of course, shop. From department stores to small boutiques and bargain stalls, everything can be found here in a tight cluster.

Street-side shopping in HK is a must-do, and some of the best places for it are: Stanley Market, Mongkok’s Ladies Market and on Kowloon side, the neon-lit Tsim Sha Tsui promenade. “Oye you, you come here, I show you something vely good,” are just some of the things you will get to hear if you decide to hone your bargaining skills. Hong Kong’s streets are electrifying; it is probably its vivaciousness and the colours that surround it that makes one indulge in some ludicrous purchases such as a pair of ‘Versachee’ jeans.

But if you are looking to shop in comfort head straight to Hong Kong’s Central district, surrounded by shimmering skyscrapers and marbled atriums. The Landmark, The Galleria, Prince’s Building, Alexandra House and the IFC mall are the main shopping centres, with designer shops and exclusive brand names in abundance.

The world on your plate

The nightlife and food scene in Hong Kong can definitely stir up some sleepy eyes and hungry stomachs, with more than 9,000 restaurants on offer. Whether you fancy dining in the trendy new SoHo area (named after its location “South of Hollywood Road”) or dancing until dawn, Hong Kong’s nightlife offers excitement and variety.

If you are looking for something romantic, make your way to the charming South Side town of Stanley. It offers a unique mix of laid-back eateries in a relaxed, seaside setting and a wide range of culinary options, from seafront alfresco to pubs stocked with boutique beer, particularly along the main street. The restaurants in Murray House have panoramic views of the picturesque seaside village, providing a glorious backdrop to alfresco dining.

Head to Causeway Bay to sample some of Hong Kong’s most authentic, local cuisine. Budget eateries abound here, with local snacks along Jardine’s Bazaar, Tang Lung and Matheson streets. Brilliantly lit, many of the food stalls stay open until the early hours to cater to late diners. Bars, sushi parlours and other fine eateries along Sunning Road offer a mouth-watering alternative for an evening out.

Like any other country, Hong Kong too has a set of essential gastronomical traditions: dim sum and yum cha. While the former refers to a delightful, mouth-watering snack served in steaming bamboo baskets and eaten with pots and pots of Chinese tea, the latter refers to the tradition of drinking tea, considered to be the perfect complement to every dish. In case you catch sight of someone tapping the table with three fingers of the same hand, you should know they are not jittery or filled with a sense of ennui; rather it is a silent expression of gratitude to the one who has refilled their cup.

Pleasure grounds

For the joyride of your life, Hong Kong offers not one but two supremely entertaining amusement parks—the long-established Ocean Park and the more recent Disneyland. While the former 200-acre park celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, the latter has just completed two years.

Ocean Park features thrill rides as well as amazing aquarium exhibits and performances by various sea creatures. New and fun-filled entertainment facilities are introduced from time to time and major refurbishment is underway. Popular additions have been the Abyss Turbo Drop, the Mine Train, the Amazing Amazon, the Flying Swing and the Film Fantasia Simulator Ride. Then again, if you are looking to be welcomed by Mickey Mouse into a legendary fairytale kingdom, then Disneyland is where you should be. Families visiting the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort will have magical journeys through four themed lands, namely Main Street U.S.A., Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland.

Extraordinary sights

If you are seeking the blessing of the world’s tallest, outdoor, seated bronze Buddha, and don’t mind climbing 268 steps for it, then head to the Giant Buddha that sits serenely atop Ngong Ping plateau amid the spectacular mountain scenery of Lantau Island. Besides admiring the massive statue, you can even enjoy a vegetarian lunch prepared by the monks. And the view from up there is absolutely incredible! Looking down from The Peak you’ll be amazed by the spectacular view of the surrounding city skyline, the world-famous Victoria Harbour and Kowloon, towering skyscrapers and peaceful green hillsides.

For an evening under thousands of twinkling stars being reflected on the water, take a sampan (Chinese wooden boat) ride to witness the magic called Aberdeen harbour. The most popular sight is the magnificent floating restaurant—Jumbo Floating Restaurant, which lies within the Jumbo Kingdom complex. Three storeys high and elaborately decorated with swirling red and gold dragons and other traditional Chinese motifs, the experience is not to be missed. Neither, of course, is the six-starred, delicious fresh seafood and the excellent Cantonese fare on offer. Now, this is surely what it means to live life jumbo-size!

FACT FILE

Getting there There are regular flights to Hong Kong from within the country and the rest of the world. Getting around Hong Kong has an excellent transportation system so it is very easy to reach other areas, no matter where you stay. Public transportation via bus, ferry or train is efficient, relatively inexpensive and user-friendly. Accomodation: Your RCI options The Regal Oriental Hotel, the only 4-star hotel of international standards in Kowloon East is surrounded by scenic and tourist spots, shopping and entertainment complexes and themed restaurants, and is an ideal place to stay while you live it up in Hong Kong. Regal Oriental Hotel, 30-38 Sa Po Road, Kowloon City, Hong Kong. Member service numbers for RCI: +9180-41849100, +9180-66915555, 1800 425 2131 (Toll free from BSNL/MTNL) For more information Log on to www.rci.com