Hotels in Islands District, Hong Kong

What should be noted when traveling to Hong Kong independently? After the pandemic, many people have started to review their overseas travel from neighboring countries. Independent travel to Hong Kong has also become one of the most popular destinations. Hong Kong-style cuisine, shopping itinerals, as well as Hong Kong attractions like Disneyland and Ocean Park, are all wonderful to enjoy.

Getting to & Around Hong Kong​​

​​Flying in?​​ You’ll land at ​​Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)​​, 35 km west of downtown. ​​Airport Express trains​​ cost ​​115 HKD​ ​≈23 AUD (24 mins to Central Station). Late arrival ​Night buses (N11 Line)​ ​run 24/7 (​​34 HKD≈6.8 AUD​​).

​​Red-eye flight?​​ Crash at hotels near HKG:

Getting Around​

• ​​MTR/Trams:​​ Mass Transit Railway (MTR) covers malls (Causeway Bay) and Kowloon (connect via Star Ferry). Ding Ding trams glide through Central for ​​2.3HKD(≈0.45 AUD)​​ – hop on the upper deck!
• ​​Buses/Minibuses:​​ Buses cost ​​4–25HKD (≈0.78–4.90 AUD)​​ but routes twist through hills – use ​​Citymapper​​ or ​​HKeMobility​​. Red mini buses run 24/7 (​​8–20HKD≈1.57–3.91 AUD​​) – shout stops aloud!
• ​​Taxis:​​ Urban taxis start at ​​27HKD(≈5.30 AUD)​​ – ​​ALWAYS demand meter use​​! Uber/HKTaxi app fares 30% cheaper at night. No tuk-tuks – replaced by harbour sampans (50HKD≈9.80 AUD short rides).
• ​​Ferries:​​ ​​Star Ferry​​ crosses Victoria Harbour for ​​4HKD (≈0.78 AUD)​​ – sunsets over skyscrapers are priceless. Avoid MTR rush hours (8-9:30am / 6-7:30pm) unless you enjoy human sardine mode!

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Source from Unsplash: niclow

Where to Stay in Hong Kong​​

• ​​Tsim Sha Tsui​​: Tsim Sha Tsui, located at the southern tip of the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong, is one of the most representative and bustling areas in the city. It boasts a rich historical background and a modern appearance, and is renowned for its busy commercial district and multicultural characteristics. It features luxury shopping centers, internationally renowned hotels and high-rise buildings. At the same time, it retains historical traces, with many ancient buildings and museums. Showcase Hong Kong's culture and history. And don't forget to take a stroll along the Victoria Harbour at night and enjoy the breathtaking night view of Harbour City!
• ​​Sham Shui Po​​: Neon-lit electronics graveyards hide 80HKD(≈15.6 AUD) coffin hostel beds above secret hipster cafes. Steps from the cyberpunk Apliu Street flea market (​​protip​​: hunt for retro cameras at 7am before tech geeks swarm). Hong Kong’s Khao San Road—backpackers slurp $18 fishball noodles under dystopian signage, but post-11pm, it morphs into a Blade Runner set.
• ​​Central & Lan Kwai Fong​​: By day, finance bros sprint through IFC Mall; by night, Champagne soaks historic cobblestones. Gay bars hide behind Hollywood Road graffiti, with designer hotels (1200−3000+HKD≈235-587 AUD) along the Mid-Levels Escalator. ​​Live for 3am chilli crab with baijiu shots?​​ This is your neon-drenched playground—​​but avoid NYE​​: LKF becomes a champagne-supernova warzone where stilettos jam in storm drains.

Source from Unsplash: daniamchou

Top Things to Do in Hong Kong​​

• ​​Victoria Peak Tram​: ​To reach the summit of Victoria Peak, taking one of the world's oldest and most renowned Peak Trams is definitely an unforgettable experience! The entire railway is pulled by steel cables. The train climbs up the slope from an altitude of 28 meters to 396 meters (about 1,300 feet), and passengers can overlook the Victoria Harbour along the way. The tall buildings and thick bushes all seem to have fallen to one side. It's truly a wonderful feeling!
• ​​Temple Street Night Market​: Temple Street Night Market, is a night market in Hong Kong that is full of authentic flavors. It is famous for its unique market atmosphere, a wide variety of goods and street snacks. To fully experience the charm of the Temple Street Night Market, it is recommended to visit after 8 p.m. At that time, the stalls are most complete and the atmosphere is the liveliest.
• ​​Chi Lin Nunnery at Sunset: Chi Lin Nunnery is a Buddhist temple located on Diamond Hill in Hong Kong, renowned for its unique Tang-style architecture and exquisite garden landscapes. It is recommended that tourists exit from Exit C2 of Diamond Hill MTR Station and follow the signs. Before entering the temple, one will first pass through the mountain gate and then reach the first courtyard, which features a lotus pond, rockeries and bonsai. Keep going and you will see the Heavenly Kings Hall, where there are Buddha statues and four statues of the Heavenly Kings.