HONG KONG: the world city
Time off work required: Depending on flights selected, up to one day
Budget: $820
Flights: can be as low as $420 return
Accommodation: $100/night in Kowloon or $140/night on Hong Kong Island
Other costs: $300
If you've not seen some of the insanely cheap Hong Kong fares on the market, you must have been living under a rock. The entry of Virgin Australia onto the Hong Kong route has seen fares plummet to as low as $420 return on Qantas, Cathay Pacific and Virgin Australia, but semi-regular sale fares hover closer to the $500 mark. Flying Virgin or Qantas up to Hong Kong is a day flight, meaning you get into HK in time for dinner. Cathay has day flights, as well as an overnight out of Sydney (works well if it's priced right). All airlines have overnight flights back to Sydney.
As a destination, Hong Kong packs a punch. As a Chinese territory with a significant expat community, HK is a real fusion of cultures. With some of the most densely populated areas in the world right next to lush parklands, you can go for a more urban or more natural experience. The food scene is stellar, with delectable yum cha at food centres throughout the city (North Point is a personal fave) and cheap as chips stalls all through Kowloon and HK Island.
While the city isn't as cheap as it used to be, some experiences can allow cheap thrills. Alongside aforementioned food, foot massages and street markets through Mong Kok and harbour ferries (Central to Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry is a classic experience) and adventures to outer islands like Lamma, Cheung Chau and Lantau all allow cost-effective, interesting views on HK life.
For a Saturday night out, Central, Sheung Wan and Lan Kwai Fong (all on the island) offer a myriad of bars and clubs for every taste, though do note that drink prices aren't too dissimilar from Sydney's. If it's your speed, Hong Kong's Disneyland is located on Lantau Island. Just up the road is Ngong Ping 360, a cable car that takes you through lush jungle to a Buddhist temple. All this isn't so far from the airport (so could be a fun Sunday activity before flying home). It's worth pointing out that you can also check in for your flight 24 hours in advance from Hong Kong Airport Express train station, and you won't see your bags until you get back to Australia - makes for a super easy trip to the airport!
Hong Kong has so much to offer that you could easily spend a week there, but I personally enjoy taking large bites out of it to savour and enjoy, as each visit makes me love the city even more.
By Topher Gonzales
