Hong Kong Transport
One of the first things that you should do upon arrival in Hong Kong is to get yourself an Octopus card to use on the public transport systems. This card will enable you to take the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) or underground train and is the quickest way to get around Hong Kong. Quickest because you won’t get stuck in traffic jams, which can be horrendous sometimes. You can buy an Octopus card at any MTR station except the racecourse station. If you have arrived in Hong Kong by air, you can purchase a card at the MTR Airport Express terminal at the airport.
Most people will have transfers booked for their hotel though, so you can pick up an Octopus card at the nearest MTR station to your hotel.
Octopus cards may also be used on buses and trams. Currently Octopus cards cost $150 HK or about $19 US, which include a refundable $50 on return of the card and $100 stored value to use on transportation. Top up your Octopus card as necessary at the many machines or customer service kiosks in the MTR stations. Use your Octopus card by just swiping it on the consoles at the stations, buses or trams.
There is a useful MTR app called MTR mobile, which you can download to your phone from an app store. The app has a route planner, station exit info, bus information, traffic news, tourist information and much more. A really great feature of the app is the Tourist information, which lists attractions and how to get there.
Pay attention to the exit information in the tourist information, because most Hong Kong stations have many exits and it is easy to get lost if you take the wrong exit.
The buses and trams can be a better way of seeing some of the streets if you are not in a rush. The bus route from Central Exchange Square to Stanley Prison gives an excellent view of Repulse Bay. The trams are a little slower than the buses, but again they are a great way of sightseeing if you have plenty of time.
There are also ferries that run between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon which are great for watching the symphony of lights. You can also catch a ferry to Macao in mainland China.
Useful links
Hotels recommendations for Kowloon
Central & Lan Kwai Fong Hong Kong Island
Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery & The Big Buddha On Lantau Island
