4 better alternatives for the Hong Kong must-go points

Hong Kong must-go points and the alternatives

Travel guide books and websites always recommend some must-go points to the individual travelers.  In this post, you can find the better alternatives.

Must-go: Man Mo Temple at Sheung WanBetter alternative: Lin Fa Kung Temple at Tai Hang

Man Mo Temple's incense coils for making wishes cause the temple to be too smoky. The smoke makes you 'cry' and cough.  

The half-octagonal shape Lin Fa Kung Temple is cleaner as it uses the electric lotus flower lamp.  You can also learn the history of Fire Dragon Parade at this temple for the Goddess of Mercy.

Must-go: Sky-100 Observation Deck at ICC buildingBetter alternative: The Peak, West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade and the highest bar in the ICC Building

The 175HKD ticket price for Sky-100 may be not reasonable.  The fixed windows cause reflection, which makes photo taking difficult.  

The traditional Victoria Peak or new West Kowloon Waterfront promenade are free of charge.  You can make 'one payment to get two enjoyments' (drink and view) at the highest bar in the World in the same ICC building. 

Must-go: Harbour cruise in the Victoria HarbourBetter alternative: Different public ferry rides

Harbour cruises sail around the Victoria harbour for about 2 hours.  After 15 minutes, you may feel boring.  

You can actually be a local to take public ferry rides to see more and learn more.  Like the North Point to Hung Hom Ferry ride, apart from the sea view, you can visit the seafood market at the North Point Pier and try the shopping and culinary options near Hung Hom Pier.

Must-go: Tai O Fishing Village on Lantau IslandBetter alternative: Sai Kung Fishing Village

Tai O's traffic is inconvenient.  The stream may have stench during low tide.  Some of you may not like the strong smell of the dried seafood.  The 'Venice in the East' may fall short of the reality.

Sai Kung Fishing Village is easily accessible from the city.  The reasonably priced fresh seafood at the 'Seafood Street' and beaches on the nearby Sharp Island with good water quality are waiting for you.

For private tour planning in Hong Kong, please contact Frank the tour guide.

You may consider the Sai Kung half day private tour, which brings you to the Sai Kung Fishing Village.

Three Special Viewpoints of the Victoria Harbour

Enjoy Hong Kong Victoria Harbour view at special viewpoints

The famous Victoria Harbour has a 76km long coastline.  

You can take good photos to make your own postcards, which are different from the common postcards from the souvenir shops, at the three special viewpoints.

(1)Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park

The park is at Shenug Wan.  

Just behind the statue of Dr Sun Yat Sen, the Father of Republican China, there is a promenade, where you can see the tallest building, ICC, the construction site for the West Kowloon Cultural District, container terminal and Stonecutter Island Bridge.

(2)Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Rooftop Garden

The Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is at the end of the old Kai Tak Airport runway.  

You may go to the rooftop garden of the new terminal to see the Victoria Harbour view from a completely new angle.  You can see the eastern entrance of the harbour, Lei Yue Mun Fishing Village.  

The rooftop garden is also a very good viewpoint for the fireworks displays during Chinese New Year and the National Day on 1 October.

(3)Quarry Bay Waterfront Park

Quarry Bay Waterfront Park is at the eastern part of the Hong Kong Island.  

You can see how big the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is from there.  

You can also see the Lion Rock, Kowloon Peak, Kowloon East commercial area and lots of government subsidized housing blocks.

For further questions or easy private tour planning to see the pretty Victoria Harbour view of Hong Kong, please contact Frank the tour guide.