Country code: +852
Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HK$1 = PHP5.91/US$0.13)

TRIVIA For over 100 years, Hong Kong belonged to the British Crown. When China lost the first Opium War, Britain won the island, and leased its New Territories in 1839 and 1898.

TOUCHDOWN The Airport Express takes 24 minutes to Central and costs HK$100 (PHP591). Taxis from the airport cost HK$300 (PHP1,772) upwards. www.hongkongairport.com

BY DAY Stroll (or rather, squeeze) through the streets surrounding Mong Kok MTR (subway) station to get a real taste of the city. This is Hong Kong at its most genuine.

BY NIGHT Board the Star Ferry for the cheapest (HK$2.30/PHP13.58) and best way to appreciate a tour of Hong Kong’s famous Victoria Harbour. Make sure you take along your camera.

SLEEP Splurge on a fashionable address at W Hotel in Kowloon. Do your laps under the stars at the Wet® pool or have a rubdown at the Bliss® spa. Tel: +852 3717 2222

LOCAL LIFE
Janice Leung
travel editor/blogger
www.e-tingfood.com

Best breakfast
Scrambled eggs, toast and macaroni in soup at Australia Dairy Company

Best night out
Listen to live music by talented local and international acts at Backstage Live

Best dinner
Classic Cantonese cuisine at Ming Court. The braised pomelo skin (yes, skin) is delicious

Best buys
Leather bags in every color imaginable from local brand Rabeanco

Best souvenirs
Rose petal jam from the Mandarin Oriental cake shop

Must-do experience
Walk through Graham Street markets in Central before it is lost to redevelopment

Must learn…
“Jo sun!” (“Good morning!”). Look up more useful phrases on the internet.

Insider tip
Look up — many cute shops and cafés are tucked away in non-descript buildings!