China to Penang

Hong Kong is a special administrative region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China. The autonomous territory is the world’s fourth most populated regions going by its population density.

Hong Kong has a rich historical background. It became a British colony when the Qing Dynasty ceded its powers over the Hong Kong Island to the British. The Qings, incidentally, ruled China during the First Opium War in 1842. Hong Kong remained a British colony till 1997, after which it became an SAR of China, with its own separate political and economic systems of governance.

Presently, as the world’s seventh largest trading country, Hong Kong is a significant global financial centre. The Hong Kong dollar is a very prosperous currency, and the population enjoys simple taxation. The per capita income of HK is also one of the highest in the world. It is a fast-paced cosmopolitan city, attracting tourists with exciting, vibrant and lively vibes. People visiting Hong Kong will be greeted by sky-high buildings, sunsets at the harbour, and varied cultural and historical experiences. One of the best things about Hong Kong, however, is that while the soul of the city may seem relatable to that of New York or London, its essence remains Asian.

How to reach Hong Kong

By Air – The main airport in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong International Airport. All major airlines operate flights to Hong Kong from major international cities, across the world. The following airlines operate direct flights to Hong Kong: Air India, Hong Kong Airlines, FlyDubai, Jet Airways and Biman Bangladesh. If you want to buy cheap air tickets, check out MakeMyTrip Flights to Hong Kong.

By Train – One can reach Hong Kong by train from China. Currently, there is only one railway station in Hong Kong, the Hung Hom Station. This station connects the local mass transit railways (MTR) for internal travel as well as the Beijing–Kowloon Railway system. Trains that run to Hong Kong originate from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Dongguan, Foshan, and Zhaoqing.

By Road – One can drive to Hong Kong, through China, under the mainland China driving scheme. Drivers with primary registration in China can directly drive to Hong Kong. However, drivers have to be careful as China supports left-side driving, while Hong Kong supports right-side driving. International travellers are encouraged to do a check beforehand for fees or any other documentation you may need to enter Hong Kong.

What to do in Hong Kong

Whether you’re visiting Hong Kong for business or leisure, the city has something to offer to all its travellers, which is one of the primary things about Hong Kong that attracts a huge footfall. The city’s rich and cultural and colony past offers as much intrigue to the history buff as the city’s luxury establishments, glittering nightlife, food and accommodation offers others, leaving them wanting for more.

There is even a Disneyland Park in the city, which attracts kids and adults alike, who can enjoy a full day riding around the magical world of Disney!

Here are the top things to do and places to visit when in Hong Kong:

The Peak

Hong Kong Disneyland

Ladies’ Market

Ocean Park Hong Kong

Temple Street Night Market

Clock Tower

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

Golden Bauhinia Square

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Lan Kwai Fong

Avenue of Stars

Major Airports in and near Hong Kong

By Air: Hong Kong International Airport (IATA: HKG) is the main international airport in Hong Kong. It is located on the island of Chek Lap Kok. It is 45 km from the main Hong Kong Island. This is where all major airlines operate their flights to Hong Kong and from the city. It is a hub to airlines like Air Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific, Cathay Dragon, DHL Aviation, Hong Kong Airlines, HK Express, and UPS Airlines, which operate daily flights to Hong Kong.

MakeMyTrip offers a wide range of flights to Hong Kong – over 540 flights to Hong Kong on a daily basis from all over the world. From India, major flights operate from Udaipur, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.

One can easily use the website to book a flight to Hong Kong or from Hong Kong, with the major airport being a hub to domestic and international airlines. MakeMyTrip flights to Hong Kong can be availed at highly discounted rates during festivals and off seasons.

An island located off the North-Western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang is famous for its beautiful beaches, laid-back villages, historic landmarks and burgeoning resort areas. Boasting of a unique culinary diversity and exotic flavours, this place has earned the prestigious title of ‘Food Paradise’ of Malaysia. To discover the heritage of this city and witness the architectural beauty, visitors can step in the Georgetown district, which is famous for its ancient churches, temples and colonial structures. Travellers looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating setting in this town can visit Balik Pulau, a small village, known for its fruit orchards and paddy fields. Kek Lo Si- the 'Temple of Supreme Bliss' is a must-visit place on any trip to Penang. Recorded as the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, this highly pious site is sure to leave an everlasting impression on the hearts and minds of visitors. Penang Botanic Gardens that boasts of a small waterfall and hosts several floral festivals and music festivals, every year is another place of tourist interest here. Tourists can head to Penang Bridge- one of the most iconic landmarks in this region to behold amazing views of the city and the port. To travel around this marvellous island city in a cost-effective manner, tourists can grab a cheap travel package from MakeMyTrip.