Travel insurance buyers across Europe have already noted that September 12 marks 20 years of Disneyland Hong Kong, with various celebrations planned. If intending to shake hands with Mickey there yourself, these Europesure Hong Kong travel tips may help.
Hong Kong is high on the destination wish-list of many travel insurance buyers and the Disney park is one reason why. This year, you can enjoy the mid-autumn Lantern Carnival between September 30 and October 7 and the Lantern Display between September 25 and October 19. This adds a little sprinkling of Asian cultural influence to the Disney experience, for sure.
Naturally, the park has all of the old and new Disney characters celebrated through features, rides and costumed mascots. Whether you want the thrill of the Big Grizzly Mountain or the more gentle Cinderella carousel, there will be something for you, if you are a Disney fan.
Hopping in and out of experiences
Hopping on and off various rides is really quite a theme in Hong Kong. Typically, there is no issue with this for travel insurance buyers, with little jeopardy involved. There are a wide variety of Victoria Harbour cruise experiences that this could apply to, enabling you to experience the city skyline from the water, in the most impressive way. Perhaps the most authentic is the Dukling experience, in which you can sail on the oldest Chinese junk boat in Hong Kong, dating back to 1955.
If taking a sailing experience, remember to do some visual checks. Ensure boats are not overloaded, that safety equipment is in evidence and that things seem well run.
Bus and tram experiences for travel insurance buyers heading to Hong Kong
If you want to keep your feet on dry land, you can jump on and off the Big Bus Hop tour, seeing the sights of Hong Kong with ease of transportation at your disposal. Why not take a night tour of the Kowloon district by open-top bus, as well as seeing the vibrant markets of Kowloon by day. Here, there is everything from the famous Goldfish Market full of luck-bringing fish to the Ladies Market with its clothing and accessories.
Around the markets, there are also plenty of local food treats to tempt. Whether you love a good dim sum or a tasty wonton, this is the area to which to head. Just make sure that food is well-cooked, before indulging.
And don’t ignore rail transport and the Peak Tram Ride. This will take you on one of the oldest funicular experiences to be found worldwide and to Victoria Peak, the highest viewing point in Hong Kong. This is a wonderful location from which to gaze down on Victoria Harbour and drink in the 360° view. The tram ride will take you on a vertiginous climb for about 10 minutes, enabling you to reach the shopping and dining facilities of the iconic Peak Tower, a network of hiking trails and the Peak Circle Walk. You can also head to Sky Terrace 428, to see a vista of Hong Kong second to none, from dramatic skyscrapers to idyllic rural landscapes.
All at sea
Remember the tip about boat safety? Well, this applies if you fancy taking a coastal trip around the Hong Kong shoreline and the Geopark. You might want to visit the crescent-shaped Repulse Bay, or the quaint fishing village of Aberdeen. Perhaps you fancy seeing some geological formations from the water, such as the oldest rock in Hong Kong, the Devil’s Fist, or the arches at Sai Kung? Maybe a chance to say you’ve sailed past the red-coloured Dinosaur Island will be irresistible?
Whichever it is, as merely a passenger, you should be covered by your travel insurance policy. Stay safe on deck and reference weather reports before deciding to sail. Typhoons are a regular occurrence in Hong Kong and you do not want to be out at sea in the midst of one.
If you are indulging in kayaking or snorkelling in the UNESCO Geopark or elsewhere, do confirm that your travel insurance policy will cover this.
Riding a cable car
Another experience that will be covered by your travel insurance policy is that of riding Hong Kong’s cable car. A 25-minute, 5.7-km cable car ride can take you from downtown Tung Chung to Lantau Island, crossing Tung Chung bay and reaching the angle station on Airport Island, before going towards Ngong Ping Village. Using this mode of transport will allow you to gain an aerial view of the 50km-long Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge in the distance. You will also see the 34-metre-tall Tian Tan Buddha, the tallest outdoor statue of a seated Buddha that you will encounter worldwide, as you are in the air. Once you arrive, you can get up closer to that in Ngong Ping Village and also enjoy the Po Lin Monastery and Wisdom Path. On this 1.1-mile walk, Buddha’s teachings are conveyed by 38 giant wooden columns, with each carrying words from verses of the Heart Sutra.
If its pandas you want to spot, you can head to family-friendly Ocean Park, home to six of them, as well as penguins and a Grand Aquarium.
Stay-safe tips for travel insurance buyers
If you have bought travel insurance for a Hong Kong trip, you are well on your way to having a safety net for your experience but there are other things you can do to top up your safety.
Take note of rules and regulations in Hong Kong. Do not photograph anything to do with the military or authorities. Take care not to litter anywhere, jay walk or spit. On no account use any illegal drugs, which includes cannabis oil and do not carry anything for anyone else or offer to look after their bags. Sleeping pills are also illegal to carry and you may require a prescription and doctor’s note for other medications.
Steer clear of anything that looks like ivory. Similarly, make sure you leave any area in which a public demonstration is taking place and never criticise the government or authorities representing it.
Weather and crime in Hong Kong
Typhoon season, from April to October can bring flooding and landslides, so be very cautious if visiting at this time. Typhoon storm signals of level 8 (to the height of 10) will usually shut down public transport and businesses, so do not get stranded. If you are in a country park, stick to the dedicated trails and do not embark on your walk with valuables in tow. Be prepared for weather conditions, which can be very hot and humid in summer. Pollution can also be an issue, so be prepared for this, if you suffer with your breathing. Practise good hand hygiene whilst in Hong Kong, where hand foot and mouth disease is present.
Beware the risk of food and drink spiking and do not leave meals or drinks unattended. Similarly, do not accept gifts of food or drink from other people.
Crime-wise, there are not huge risks but, as with most destinations, pickpocketing can be an issue. Protect your passport, cash and cards at all times, leaving whatever you can in a safe. Be particularly on your guard on public transport, around markets and during hotel check-in and check-out.
Of course, there are fun things to note about Hong Kong as well, as this article highlights. Swot up on those before you travel, and follow our guidelines, and you should have a brilliant time in Hong Kong, absorbing a different culture, diverse scenery and a unique history. Just ensure you have become a travel insurance buyer before you set off, choosing either a single trip or annual travel insurance policy from Europesure. Offering protection for you, wherever you live in Europe and to the majority of destinations to which you would want to venture, we can be your travel buddy and safety back-up, year after year.
