posted
So, I'm apparently going to be doing a buisness trip to Hong Kong and Jakarta sometime in the December timeframe and was wondering if anyone who has more experience with the areas would have suggestions of things to see/do if I only have a day or two in each place (I know I should do more, but am not sure I'll be able to)
Thanks in advance.
Posts: 1038 | Registered: Feb 2006
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posted
I can help you with Hong Kong, I lived there 11 years, I can't help you much with Jakarta though.
What sorts of things are you interested in? How much money are you willing to spend (ball park estimate) What sorts of things do you like to purchase? That should give me a start.
Posts: 14316 | Registered: Jul 2005
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Interests in terms of sightseeing would be history, religion and nature (caves, parks, forests, cliffs...)
Money: I'd like to not break the bank, but even spending a few hundred dollars would not necessarily be out of the question (for example I'm potentially intrigued by the Jumbo Floating Restaraunt, which I hear is pricey, but not how much)
Also note: I speak about 5 words of chinese (and I'm not even sure what dialect it is or which would be spoken in Hong Kong) so let me know if you think that would be a big problem.
Another random comment is that I've had at least one person tell me that bartering is an important skill to have there, so any thoughts/suggestions on that front would be appreciated as well.
edit: forgot to mention in terms of shopping: I wouldn't mind some random browsing and the like, but most shopping would probably be interesting authentic-type items to commemorate a trip to the orient (perhaps some artwork, traditional clothing, swords etc... though I'm unsure of regulations on anything like that)
posted
Another Hatracker asked for some help about her trip to Hong Kong I'll try to link that thread.
the Jumbo Floating Restaurant is a fun little (well not literally, its a HUGE restaurant) novelty restaurant idea, the food is not amazing, but it's decent.
The hardest thing about sight seeing for you will be that you are not familiar with where everything is. Traveling in Hong Kong is quite efficient but you either have to be assertive and take some small risks to save money or else just taxi everywhere and pay about $50-$100 US for the whole two days.
The buses and MTR (underground railroad) are MUCH more cheap. If you lock down some places you want to visit I could create some travel directions you could use to utilize buses and MTR.
Don't worry too much about not speaking Chinese. The closer you are to the center of the city the more likely a random Chinese person speaks fluent English. But it's really not a problem anywhere you go in Hong Kong there should be SOME random passerby within an ear shot who can talk to you in English. You just have to be brave enough to ask.
If you want to purchase some authentic memorabilia in Hong Kong a good place would be Wan Chai the older sections where they still have traditional looking Chinese roofs and store fronts. That's where you would go for some QUALITY crafted art, knick knacks, etc. Wan Chai is just to the west of Central which is pretty much the center of the city on the island side of Hong Kong.
If you want something Chinese but more along the lines of tourist stuff and decent but reasonably priced Chinese stuff go to Stanley Market which can be found on the South part of the island.
Bargaining is an important skill if you are at a family owned business in Hong Kong. But if you are at say DKNY in the mall they will laugh if you try to bargain with them.
The more official looking the store the less likely they will bargain with you.
If you are interested in quality electronics at dirt cheap prices there are some AWESOME places in Hong Kong for that.
Much of the advice I gave her is identical to what I gave you. The more specific you can be the better suggestions I can give you.
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