Getting There by Plane

Hong Kong Island is served by over 30 airline companies which land at the Hong Kong International Airport (IATA code: HKG), one of the world's busiest international airports. After landing, you will experience one of the most efficient and modern customs offices in the world (you will notice that this airport is full of superlatives!). You can carry your bags yourself using the airport carts through customs or you can hire a porter to carry them for you (a tip of HK$5 is appropriate).

The Honk Kong Tourist Association

After leaving customs, the best idea is to make a stop at the Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) because here you can pick up the schedules for events (most of them are free) sponsored by this tourist association. The HKTA Official Guidebook (updated monthly) is a bit commercial, but is a good information source. Many hotels offer this book free with their own name and logo printed on the cover. Overseas, the HKTA maintains offices in Chicago, Frankfurt, London, New York, Osaka, Paris, Rome, San Francisco, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo and all of Cathay Pacific Airways offices around the world.

Getting There by Sea from Singapore

For those who really want a ship and don't mind not being fawned over, the easiest, cheapest option is Golden Line/Guan Guan Shipping (23 Telok Ayer Street in Singapore), which runs the route between Penang, Singapore and Hong Kong every 3 weeks. The Hong Kong leg takes about 4 1/2 days either way, and first class costs less than a plane ride.