This was a wonderful tour! Zelo was an awesome guide and taught us so much about Hong Kong! He took us to all the places we wanted to see and a few we didn't know about! He was so organized when we had to travel on public transportation. He showed us all the different ways that people use to get around. He took us to a local place for lunch and it was great! Victorias Peak was my favorite, but Temple Street Market was a fun experience! I would highly recommend this tour with Zelo!
We didn't really know what to expect from the day as we descended in the lift from our hotel room in North Point. Our guide Stephanie was lovely enough to meet us in our hotel foyer and we headed off on foot to explore this amazing city. Only a short walk away the air conditioned comfort of the MTR (train) offered relief from Hong Kong's summer humidity. Our day was a fascinating insight into the real Hong Kong, from its fishermen and opium smuggler history through the British years, Feng Shui, Taoism, Buddhism, temples and prisons, incredible views and riveting commentary every step of the way. Stephanie is a highly professional guide with a wealth of knowledge. We enjoyed the experience she provided for us so much that we booked her again for a few days later to show us Lantau Island. I'll review that experience separately but it was equally expertly delivered. The only reason I'm giving her 5 stars is that I can't figure out how to give her the 6 she really deserves.
Stephanie met us at our hotel, we took the MTR to Central Station. We visited Central district : Discussed the history of Hong Kong and geopolitical issues, Statue Square, HSBC and Bank of China buildings, Feng Shui stories... Really interesting learnt so much, Stephanie is extremely knowledgeable and is skilled at sharing the information. Then we went below HSBC building to admire the huge atrium and to talk about the mirror bringing natural light inside the building. We took the escalator inside the building to get to battery path and see the French Mission building and St John Cathedral. As the Peak Tram is under renovation we used the minibus 1 to got to the Peak and admire the beautiful views: the islands in the south, the city and hills in the north. We had a lovely lunch. Back to Central district, we went to Sheung Wan area with the double decker tram (ding ding). We discussed about the Chinese medicine shops: the principles of this kind of medicine and some of the most interesting 'things' we saw in the shops. On the way to the Man Mo temple we passed Possession point where the British claimed the island in 1841. We saw a coffins shop, heritage of the plague epidemy in the late 19s. At Cat street flea market, you bought lucky charms, I hope it will work! We visited the Man Mo temple, and talked about the local religions and rituals. On Hollywood road,we admired the huge banyan trees on the PMQ walls. We then reached the longest escalator of the world and Tai Kwun: the old police station / magistracy / prison turned into a cultural and art center We followed the escalator to reach the piers and take the Star Ferry and reach Tsim Sha Tsui area. There we admired the view over the waterfront, the clock tower from the old train station, the Peninsula hotel. We walked to ICC and on the way we admired 2 new landmarks: Xiqu - the new Cantonese Opera and the new high speed train station. A truly amazing day we will never forget. We were so happy with the tour we booked Stephanie for the Monday to go on a 2nd private tour for 2 people on Lantau Island.
Our cruise was late in arriving in Hong Kong, but Alexandra was able to accommodate and adjust the tour. We appreciated and were relived to see she that she had waited at our hotel for more that 2 hours. She was pleasant and enthusiastic about Hong Kong.. We enjoyed a quick introduction to Hong Kong...its history, interesting tidbits, authenticity and “taste”. A very enjoyable experience.
What a great City and with so much history! It never would have been the same without Alex. She knew so much about the history, the customs, the architecture, the people, food, the culture and so much more. we walked and talked and experienced so much in a day. Never a dull moment!