Hong Kong Life Guide - General Living Information

Hong Kong is a fun, exciting and challenging place toThese areas include Discovery Bay, Lantau and more.
live. In our new set of guides, we will outline theThese areas are less polluted, more open, more chilled
different aspects of living in this vibrant country.out and less crowded. Not all conveniences are
Areasavailable like in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, but
The number one question on most peoples mind is:more than enough for all your basic needs.
Where should Ilookfor housing? Hong Kong Island orPros: Less polluted, larger space for less, open spaces
Kowloon? What is a "New Territories"? I is it far?Cons: Slower nightlife, less travel options (although
Well, the first thing you need to realize about this city: Itsufficient)
is small. Very small. Nothing, I mean nothing is far. A 1Sights: The Big Buddha, Lantau Airport
hour train ride takes you all the way to China. PublicTravel
transport is great here, and you can get anywhereThe best thing about living here is the ease of travel.
relatively easy.This is genuinely one place where you do not need to
Every area does have it's advantages andown a car.
disadvantages though, so hopefully this list will help youMTR (Mass Transit Rail)
out.The MTR is easiest and most widespread public
Hong Kong Island:transport in Hong Kong. With their widespread network
The most known place, Hong Kong Island is close toof stations and lines, you can get anywhere. The lines
the nightlife, shopping and entertainment.go al the way to China as well. The use of an octopus
Pros: Close to the nightlife, shopping, dining,card makes it easy to use the MTR without having to
entertainment, easy travel optionsbuy a ticket every time you get on and off. For more
Cons: Crowded, expensive, small, polluted and notinformation on the MTR, check out our MTR article.
much open spaceBus and Mini Bus
Sights: The Peak, Lan Kwai Fong, SohoHong Kong also has a large Bus and Mini Bus network.
Kowloon:Although slower and less frequent than the MTR, they
This urban area is another "happening" area to live.are relatively easy to use once you know how the
You can be surrounded by shops, malls androuting works. Check our Bus and Mini Bus articles for
restaurants, or even find quieter areas here. Verymore information.
centrally located, it is very easy to get to the differentFerry / Star Ferry
parts, be it the island or Kowloon itself. Trains going toThere are several ferry options available. Examples
China and ferries to Macau also leave from Kowloon.are the star ferry between Kowloon and Hong Kong
Pros: Shopping, dining, easy travel options and choiceIsland, ferries to Discovery Bay, Lamma island etc.
of entrainmentCheck the ferry article for more information.
Cons: EXTREMELY crowded, larger space but stillTaxi
expensive, polluted and not may open spacesThe final travel option is a Taxi. The most expensive
Sights: Kowloon Park, Ferry Pier, Harbour Cityof all options, they are still relatively affordable, and
New Territories/Lantau:available 24/7.
NT is located in the more distant areas of Hong Kong.