http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19553 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19553 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19545 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19545 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19518 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19518 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19513 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19513 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18938 This is actually most people's arrival point, as Hong Kong's new airport was built on an artificial piece of land that was added to accommodate the huge structure.

The island is home to some amazing little fishing villages (Tai O), where locals go at weekends to buy their dried fish, as well as Big Buddha, the biggest outdoor buddha in the world. Next to the Big Buddha temple, is a monastery, where its possible to eat some fantastic vegetarian food, with beautifully decorated and ornate surroundings.
A great afternoon out, and the chance to be outside of the polluted areas like Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18938 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18641 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18641 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17496
While the rooms are admittedly tiny the facilities are excellent and the staff extremely friendly and, if you secure a room with a view (the higher the better), the view is every bit as spectacular as its more expensive western neighbours.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17496 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16574
Clean, lush, well organised, uncrowded, quiet and fresh. All 100% free of charge!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16574 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14471 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14471 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13188
View all of my Hong Kong tips here:
www.alib.co.uk/guides/index.htm]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13188 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10081
The trip is undeniably fantastic, with views of Hong Kong airport to one side. It's very smooth, but those afraid of heights should be aware!

The only downside is being dropped off in "Ngong Ping Village", actually a shopping village full of many of the same international brands elsewhere on HK (Starbucks etc). There's also a 'Monkey's Tale Theatre' and 'Walking With Buddha' experiences, which might keep easily distracted kids amused but otherwise are quite commercially crass against the backdrop of the huge, serene buddha.

Better might be to do what I did: take the ferry to Mui Wo, then the bus up the mountain. Just as cheap and more fun. You can then stop off for food in the village (assuming you've not eating cheaply at the monastary) before being whisked back by the cable car and metro.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10081 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9384 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9384 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4592 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4592 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4554 Start at bottom of the mid-levels escalator, all the way up to Robinson Road (look for the small road spelt backwards). Along Robinson Rd, taking in Mosque Junction, and onto the Botanical Gardens, very peaceful early morning for tai chi exponents. Down Glenealy, possibly stopping for a refreshing drink and then down Ice House St, passing the Foreign Correspondents Club (possibly the world's best bar), and then arrive in Central.
Don't forget the views from the Matilda Hospital on the Peak (look out over Blacks Link and other very exclusive addresses) and for those with transport try and find the old service reservoir off Lugard Road on the Peak. It offers the best views anywhere on Hong Kong Island.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4554 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4501 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4501 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2108
It has the most amazing view of HK Island. Stupid prices, but just have a small beer and drink in the view. Or, even better, check out the view from the gents.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/2108 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1730
I went for a meal at the 'worst looking' but tastiest restuarant on the island, about a ten-minute hike from Po Lin (avoid the large dogs). The food was good, as I was starving.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1730 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1675 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1675 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1674 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1674