Kowloon or Hong Kong Island? which is best?

Question

I'm going through Hong Kong on my way back to the UK but only for 2 days (unfortunately!). Wondering if it's best to get a hotel on Hong Kong Island or Kowloon. I just want to do a bit of shopping, go up the lookout on the tram (train?), markets etc. Is the public transport good enough that it doesn't matter where you stay or should I definitively go for HK Island or Kowloon? thanks for any advice! :o)

Answer 1

Kowloon has more attractions and great hotels

Answer 2

Both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon has economic & expensive areas. If i were you, I would live in a nice area in Kowloon instead of Hong Kong. Commuting thru MTR across the Harbor can be very hectic.

Answer 3

Definitely, Kowloon is your best bet for a 2-day stay. Preferably, chose a hotel in the Nathan Road area. On the lower end, Chungching Mansion on Nathan. Also half a block from Nathan, Tatami Hampton has mini-rooms for about 400 HK$. Decent and enough for a couple of days. I wouldn't spend my honeymoon in either hotels though, but if you only want a bed, that's all you need. If you want a bit more comfort, try the Metropark hotel chain. There is a nice one near Kowloon Tong, very nice rooms, great service and location, swimming pool and fitness centre, all this for about 700HK$. All three locations are in the heart of Kowloon and near the Golden mile.For a few days, don't bother visiting anything, as you won't have enough time. If you want to go to the peak, it will take you a couple of hours to get there and back. While you are in the peak area, walk to DesVoeux street to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the open air food markets and stalls.

So, my advice, just go out on the street, follow the flow of people, hang out, go to the street markets nearby (look for the street signs pointing you to the main markets and attractions), stay up all night to get a real feel for this fantastic city.

Answer 4

The cheaper hotels tend to conglomerate in Kowloon; in fact there is one "hotel" in Nathan Road called Chungking Mansions, which is a very famous "hotel" for offering one of the cheapest (and I think it IS the cheapest) accommodations in Hong Kong: a single bed will only cost you as low as US$8/night. However many international hotels are located in Hong Kong Island, such as the Ritz-Carlton line of hotels.

As for shopping, both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon have their own shopping areas; Hong Kong Island has Causeway Bay, Kowloon has Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok. The public transport is definitely very efficient; the MTR (one of the Hong Kong Subways) provides convenient jump-offs to Hong Kong's most popular attractions. I suggest take advantage of using the Octopus Card (it's like an electronic card where electronic money is stored, you can get one right of at HKIA). You can also use the Octopus cards in trams, ferries, and even some restaurants. Trams are very cheap; only HK$2!

Answer 5

Go to Kowloon if it is only for 2 days. Your best place is to go to Nathan Rd. It is the center of all transportion. You'll find MTR station anywhere. The buses are cheaper and fast. Great food and shopping also.

Answer 6

Kowloon is located on the other side of Hong Kong Island. i went there. it was awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i would know because i lived there for 6 years.

:)

Answer 7

why not try both?

I think they are all good...kowloon is a bit cooler..personal view

Answer 8

i had this question to b4 my trip and after visiting there, i can tell you it doesn't matter. small city everything is close together cause the subway train and extensive bus system takes you every where. here are some links about places to stay and what not.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/407408/youth_hostels_and_guest_houses_in_mirador.html http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/402962/hong_kong_best_destination_for_women.html?page=3