Hong Kong - Peninsula Hotel - Happy Nomads

Hong Kong

Hong Kong's breathtaking skyline makes you want to stand back and look at it from every possible angle. My stunning vantage point was from above, in a helicopter hovering at dizzying heights over towering skyscrapers.

Our Aussie pilot mischievously asked if we had enjoyed our breakfast, before suddenly dipping the nose of the five-seater Squirrel copter, so we were almost vertical. We had taken breakfast in the China Clipper, the private departure lounge on the 30th floor of the Peninsula, one of the world's grandest hotels, before taking off from its helipad. This unique 'flightseeing trip gave fan tasting panoramic views of  Victoria Harbors, Honk Kong Island and the Kowloon penisula, the gateway to the rest of China. Ane like many new visitors I was pleasantly surprised to be soon skimming over lush green hills, islands, sandy beaches and secluded coves. It may be one of the world's most densely populated areas but in fact 70% of the area is rural and natural parkland. Hong Kong, however, remains instantly associated with its famous cityscape and bustling atmosphere. If New York is a city that never sleeps, Hong Kong doesn't even blink - a 24/7 madhouse of people on the move and on the make.

Fortunately the Peninsula Hotel offers a serene oasis in the centre of the hustle on Kowloon's waterfront- with the famous skyline framed across Victoria Barbour. Hong Kong is ultra fashion- conscious and flash and that's reflected in many of its must be seen in restaurants and bars. The Peninsula's own top restaurant Felix is uberglitzty. Designed by Philippe Starck, it feels more like a film set- Just walking in there makes you feel someone should be handing you an Osear. But the hotel built in 1923, also has a traditional side, and operates special interest programmes through the penisula Academy to give you a feel for Chinese culture. Take its tea appreciation class for example. Drinking tea in Hong Kong and the Far East is more about the ceremony than the actual drinking, and after tasting some of it you will understand why. However the ritual is worthy of a closer look. Tea here is exotic. Not just Jasmine and Ginseng, but Black Dragon Tea, Dong Ding Oolong Tea and of course the delightfully named, Fook Ming Tong's Golden Wong's Blend which you won't find in your local supermarket. It is an incredibly formal and serious business, so don't expect a smile if you ask for a Hob Nob. Finding our about the culture is fascinating, but of course for many, Hong Kong simply means shopping it's virtually the national sport. Every possible product and service is on sale.

 From cheap markets to high end very high end designer boutiques, Hong Kong has it all. Taj Tais, ladies who lunch, can browse the beast fashions money can buy in an array of gleaming designer malls.

Away from the wallet-busting boutiques the street markets offer cheap alternatives- and bargains galore. The Ladies Market in Mong Kok is also a must-see. This night market sells everything from handbags to clothing, watches to bric-a-brac and the ubiquitous Mao Tse Tung lighters and 'Little red book'. The Far East virtually invented the practice of copying designer brands and selling them cheap. Quality varies- so you decide what you want to pay depending on how good the copy is. Bartering is essential, aim to get at least half off the original price. The same rule of thumb applies to electrical goods. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, although the Hong Kong Tourism Board is now promoting a scheme to crackdown on dodgy merchants who target tourists.

You probably won't do much food shopping but the markets in the steep maze of cobble streets close in the centre of Hong Kong Island are also worth a look. Some of the fish and fowl on sale you will probably Hong Kong Island are also worth a look. Some of the fish and fowl on sale you will probably have never ever seen before- and fresh in Hong Kong means alive. Street corner chop houses and noodle bars abound and the rice, sauces and sweet meats are all magnificent. You can also try making dim sum snacks through the Peninsula's Academy.

With all this shopping eating and hustle and bustle you may want to soothe your senses with a spot of Tai Chi.

In the early morning in Kowloon's Victoria Park hundreds of pensioners go through their morning exercises in the open air.

There graceful, slow-motion arms and gentle weaving movements are just yards from the park's Kung Fu corner where an altogether more vigorous exercise takes place.

But don't be fooled by Tai Chi's gentleness. Again, the hotel Academy offers classes with a master in the ancient exercise- and it is much tougher than it looks- but also very enjoyable and relaxing.

Alternatively, you can also unwind by simply lying on a beach a Rupulse Bay all the more relaxing as it's just a 20 minute drive from downtown Hong Kong.

It is also home to the exquisite restaurant, The Verandah, where the former colony's great and good used to go at the weekend to take tea in this cool oasis.

Just down the coast is Stanley, a tranquil little place by the sea, with a little market, and St Michael's Beach, a sandy strip, lapped by the South China Sea.

You can spend a wonderful few hours here to re-charge your batteries in time for the trip back to the city.

More hotels in Hong Kong

Hotel Londen Manchester / Hotel Los Angeles California / Malta - Mediterranean Sea / Sky beds - flat bed / (goedkope) vliegtickets / Haiti

10-11-2007

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