My home on and off for over 10 years now.  I first came at the end of my gap year travels in 1994. I then came out to live towards the end of 2002 and I’m still here.  Hong Kong is foreign enough to be interesting (it’s 95% Chinese), but it’s very safe, it works, is easy to get around, has a variety of food and activities and is a great jumping off point for travel in Asia (east, south and south-east) as well as Australia and the Pacific.

My personal highlights in Hong Kong are:

The view of Victoria Harbour from Kowloon side or from the Peak, riding the Star Ferry across the harbour, hiking along the many trails, nights out in SoHo and Lan Kwai Fong, eating at the sea food restaurants of Sai Kung with friends, champagne weekend brunches, especially at Top Deck on the Jumbo floating restaurant in Aberdeen.

Weather: the best times of year in Hong Kong are from October to December.  The summer months (May – September are hot, humid, stormy and is typhoon season.  Spring is unpredictable – it can we warm and dry or cold and wet. The short winter of January to February/March is dry but can feel VERY cold as houses are not insulated.

Surprises: how green Hong Kong is. There are lots of country parks and these are quickly and easily accessible

Tips: if you’re visiting get an Octopus card. This is accepted on all public transport and also some shops such as 7Eleven. Get out of the city and take a bus to the New Territories