I just learnt this factoid at the Sky 100 Observation Deck today. Do you know what Hong Kong means? Hong - Fragrant and Kong - Harbour. I always love finding out where city names originate from and what is their meaning.
When one sees the familiar photo of the Bank of China building or the towering International Financial Centre along with other gleaming high-rises nestled against the mountain range at sunset, what you're seeing is Hong Kong Island and parts of peninsular Kowloon. Hong Kong is actually much more than that.
There are a staggering 23 islands comprising Hong Kong, the largest one being Lantau which is where the airport and Disneyland are located. Kowloon, which is right across the bay from Hong Kong Island actually means nine dragons, because there are nine hills comprising the area. Supposedly the hills resemble dragons. Hmm, that one takes some imagination.
Moreover, most people don't realize that 40% of the land in Hong Kong is designated as park land, making Hong Kong very green with lots of parks, nature walks and long stretches of beach. Not all of it is urbanized.
The energy is unmistakeable and is what you will notice most about this city. The seven million people live in a very confined space. I'm not joking when I say that the vast majority of people live in shoe-boxes that cost millions. Due to that, the home is used only for sleeping. The rest of the time you spend outside. And this is what creates the immense energy that is Hong Kong - millions of people roaming the streets and adding their vibe.
Of course, shopping is a mega attraction here. Especially since you have a great selection of most everything you can desire and everything is duty free. Just ask all the women that were with us. Albeit they will be quick to admit that it wasn't as cheap as Shanghai.
They say that under every building there is a shopping mall. They may well be correct.
TOURING AROUND:
> Aberdeen typhoon shelter: we hopped onto an old junk boat and toured the marina. The Jumbo seafood market, mega yachts and fishing boats all share this bay sheltered by hills on both sides. The fishing boats you see comprise a floating village where families actually live. You will see boats that sell water, gas, containers, drinks and food, all being staples required for the daily fishing trips they make into the South China Sea.
> Stanley market: yet more shopping in Hong Kong, this time on the southern part of HK Island, where things are relatively more quiet and less expensive and the bargaining is gentler. At least according to our resident shoppers.
> Madame Tussauds at the Peak: take a photo opportunity with Obama and Clinton, Einstein, Madonna and Lady Gaga. Some look real, some look so-so. The place is not that big so it’s an easy 30 min distraction for your kids.
> Sky 100 Observation Deck at International Commerce Centre: ICC is the tallest building in Hong Kong and the 4th tallest in the world. The observation deck is on the 100th floor and you can walk around the whole perimeter of the building giving you a stunning 360 panorama of this beautiful city.
> Cable-car ride down from the Peak: in just 7 minutes you will drop from the top of the Peak to central Hong Kong. It’s quite unbelievable for the drive up takes quite a bit longer. And the road is very windy.
RESTAURANTS:
> Dinner at Cafe Deco on the Peak: want a restaurant with a view? This definitely qualifies. If you get a table right by the floor-to-ceiling windows you will get a stunning view of the Hong Kong skyline at your feet. The food is solid, but the view is the main selling point.
> Mesa 15: a cozy tapas bar right on 15 Hollywood Road with great sangria.
HOTELS:
> J.W. Marriott: located right behind the Exhibition and Convention Centre, this is a perfect conference hotel. Built in 89, this it the first Marriott hotel in the Asia Pacific region. With its angular architectural design giving each room a corner window, you have a great view of Victoria Harbour or the Peak, depending what side you’re on.
> Conrad Hotel: right adjacent to the Marriott and Shangri-La hotels, this hotel occupies only the top floors of the high-rise. The suites are large and also have wonderful views of the Harbour or Peak.

> Ritz Carlton Hotel: this recently opened hotel’s claim to fame is that it's the highest hotel in the world. Occupying the top 17 floors of the International Commerce Tower (ICC), this is obviously the crown jewel in the Ritz Carlton chain. The Singaporean design company has created an interior that is opulent, with well utilized space, incorporating a design that very much cateres to a Chinese clientele. Gorgeous crystal contemporary chandeliers, a lot of mirror features, dark and rich colours and plenty of large windows to take in the breath-taking views. The top floor of the building - 118th floor - is where the health club is located and the Japanese designed Ozone bar. They also have several great restaurants and 7 private dining rooms. What was amazing to see is that the view has been utilized to the max in the design of the hotel - each room, restaurant, lounge, lobby area, bar or health club has an incredible panoramic view of Hong Kong. I'm certain you won't find a better view in town.