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Kowloon Travel Resources

Kowloon Travel Resources

Kowloon Hong Kong Travel Guide

Essential Apps for the Destination

Navigation and Transport

  • MTR Mobile:

    The official MTR app with real-time routes, fares, and station details, including elevators.

  • Google Maps/Citymapper:

    Excellent navigation apps with real-time public transport directions and walking routes.

  • OpenRice:

    Hong Kong's main dining guide for finding restaurants, reviews, and menus.

  • Klook/KKday:

    Platforms for discounted tickets for sights, tours, and activities; useful for pre-bookings.

  • Octopus App:

    For managing and recharging your Octopus card, with compatible phones.

Information and Communication

  • MyObservatory:

    Official Hong Kong Observatory app with real-time weather forecasts and air quality data.

  • Google Translate:

    Essential for language barriers; download offline packs for Cantonese and Mandarin.

  • WhatsApp:

    The predominant communication application in Hong Kong.

  • NordVPN:

    A VPN service for travelers concerned about online security.

  • Babbel:

    A language learning application to pick up basic Cantonese phrases.

Useful Websites and Social Media

Official Tourism Site

The Hong Kong Tourism Board website presents comprehensive information on attractions, events, and dining.

Discoverhongkong.com

Immigration Information

Visit the Hong Kong Immigration Department for the most recent requirements for visas and entry.

Immd.gov.hk

Social Media & News

Follow official Hong Kong Tourism Board accounts for inspiration. Consult English-language news like the South China Morning Post for current events.

Instagram SCMP

Podcasts and Digital Content

Audio Explorations

  • Search for podcasts on Hong Kong history, culture, and cuisine.
  • Independent creators frequently explore various city aspects.
  • These provide in-depth information and local narratives.
  • A fantastic way to gain insight before your journey.

Visual Content

  • Look for documentaries about Hong Kong's past.
  • Content on the colonial past, economic development, or social movements.
  • Visuals truly communicate the city's dynamic environment.
  • These works illuminate the city's evolution and challenges.

Other Digital Considerations

Airport Information

  • Hong Kong International Airport (Hongkongairport.com)
  • Real-time flight details
  • Airport facilities information
  • Transfer options

MTR Network

  • MTR Corporation (Mtr.com.hk)
  • Detailed MTR network maps
  • Fare information
  • Operational updates

Weather Forecasts

  • Hong Kong special administrative region Observatory (Hko.gov.hk)
  • Detailed weather forecasts
  • Climate information
  • Typhoon warnings

Print Resources for Kowloon Travel

Recommended Guidebooks and Maps

Lonely Planet Hong Kong & Macau

  • Comprehensive guide
  • Covers attractions, dining, and accommodation
  • Practical travel information
  • A reliable companion

Rough Guide to Hong Kong

  • In-depth cultural context
  • Detailed practical advice
  • Historical insights
  • A dive into the city

Fodor's Hong Kong

  • Known for detailed recommendations
  • Helpful itineraries
  • Curated selections
  • Streamlined planning

Books About the Destination

History and Non-Fiction

  • "A Modern History of Hong Kong" by Steve Tsang: An accessible overview.
  • "City on the Edge: Hong Kong Since 1997" by Ho-fung Hung: Post-handover identity.
  • "Hong Kong: Culture and the Politics of Disappearance" by Akbar Abbas: Cultural identity.

Fiction and Memoirs

  • "The World of Suzie Wong" by Richard Mason: A classic set in 1950s Hong Kong special administrative region.
  • "Gweilo: Memories of a Hong Kong Childhood" by Martin Booth: Personal colonial perspective.
  • "Chungking Express": A unique and atmospheric film about Kowloon.

Local Publications to Pick Up

Current Events and Culture

  • Time Out Hong Kong: An English-language magazine covering current events, dining, nightlife, and art.
  • Pick up a copy upon arrival for up-to-date local recommendations.
  • This publication is a reliable source for happening events.

Daily News and Lifestyle

  • South China Morning Post: Hong Kong special administrative region's prominent English-language daily newspaper.
  • Comprehensive coverage of local, regional, and international news.
  • Hong Kong Magazine: A no-cost weekly English-language magazine for lifestyle and entertainment.

Other Printed Materials

High-Quality Street Maps

  1. Helpful for exploring complex areas.
  2. Consider Mong Kok or Sham Shui Po for map use.
  3. A physical map offers a backup to digital versions.
  4. A different perspective for urban navigation.
  5. Obtain a free tourist map from the airport or HKTB visitor centers.

Cantonese Phrasebooks

  1. Carry a small phrasebook for quick reference.
  2. Learning a few phrases shows respect.
  3. Aids in basic interactions.
  4. Useful for ordering food or inquiring about directions.
  5. Makes the local experience more authentic.

Recommendation

A compact a travel book for quick reference on the go is useful, even if you mainly use digital tools.

Emergency & Medical Information for Kowloon

Emergency Numbers and Contacts

Main Emergency Services

  • Police, Fire, Ambulance:

    Dial 999. This single number connects you to all emergency services. Operators communicate in English.

  • Medical Emergencies:

    For urgent medical situations, the ambulance service is swift.

  • Fire Services:

    For fire incidents, the 999 number coordinates immediate response.

Non-Urgent Contacts

  • Non-Emergency Police:

    Call 2527 7177 for police matters that are not urgent.

  • HK Tourism Board Hotline:

    Dial 2508 1234 for 24-hour tourist assistance and general inquiries.

  • General Information:

    This hotline helps with a variety of tourist-related questions.

Hospital and Clinic Locations

Public Hospitals Kowloon

Queen Elizabeth Hospital (Yau Ma Tei) and Kwong Wah Hospital (Yau Ma Tei) are major public hospitals with expansive services. These facilities are subsidized for residents but may carry more expensive prices for non-residents without local insurance.

Private Hospitals

Hong Kong Baptist Hospital (Kowloon Tong) is a respected private hospital. Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong special administrative region (Wong Chuk Hang, HK Island) is a newer facility. Private hospitals deliver quality care at a higher price, often the preferred choice for tourists with travel insurance like World Nomads.

Private Clinics

Many general practitioner (GP) clinics operate throughout Kowloon for minor illnesses or non-emergency consultations. These offer accessible main care.

Emergency Procedures

Lost Document Procedures

  • Report to Police: Immediately report lost or stolen documents.
  • Call 999 for emergencies or visit the nearest police station for non-emergencies.
  • Obtain a police report, which is essential for further steps.
  • Contact Embassy/Consulate: They will guide you in securing emergency travel documents.

Natural Disaster Protocols

  • Typhoon Warnings: Hong Kong experiences typhoons from May to November.
  • Monitor the Hong Kong special administrative region Observatory (HKO) website or MyObservatory app for updates.
  • Signal No. 8 or Above: Public transport may cease, and businesses close. Remain indoors.
  • Heavy Rain Warnings: Amber, Red, and Black warnings indicate severe rainfall. Remain indoors during black rainstorm warnings.

Embassy and Consulate Information

Before You Depart

  • Find the embassy/consulate of your country's representation: Find the address, phone, and emergency details.
  • Store this information digitally and as a physical copy.
  • Keep this information separate from other travel documents.
  • Your embassy or consulate serves as a point of contact for citizens abroad.

Assistance Offered

  • Assistance in emergencies: This includes lost passports.
  • Support for legal issues during your stay.
  • Guidance during medical emergencies.
  • They also help with emergency travel documents.

Important Safety Tip

Save the emergency number 999 in your phone prior to travel. This simple action provides peace of mind.

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