I just thought it might be useful for you to get some general information about Hong Kong. We had moved here about a year ago and I knew nothing about this place. Yes, I had been looking through google images, yes, we had some acquaintances who had been visiting Hong Kong. Though there is nothing like personal experience. And after one year here I can tell I have got some knowledge about the place.
So this article is just for some sort of introduction for those who had never been here. I believe it is useful both for travelers and those planning to stay here for a while.
Hong Kong is not just an island. It is a territory that consists of four areas. This is how people define them.
1. Hong Kong island - yellow
This is Financial, Cultural and Social epicenter of Hong Kong. North-West of the Island is the most Western looking and feeling area of Hong Kong. I would not exaggerate saying that majority of expats are living there, so sometimes you can see more expats' faces than local. Obviously it is the right part of Hong Kong to find any western food, western shops (and western sizes!). High pace of life, high prices, high self-importance. Eastern part of the Island is more local. South looks like a resort and used for residence for both local and expat population.
2. Kowloon - pink
Kowloon is one of the most populous areas in the world! Perhaps this characteristic is enough to know it will be a challenge to live there. Interesting to visit though - looks like different planet comparing to the Island. Some interesting attractions are located there - such as Birds' Market and Fish Market. Loads of neon street signs, street restaurants and night markets. Definitely a must visit for the taste of Hong Kong. Though I would not live there or even stay for a short period of time. Way too many people. Streets do smell of chinese food there. Literally.
3. New Territories - green
Huge and mostly pleasant place to be. Great amount of green hills, jungle and beautiful harbors.
No prizes to guess I am living here. It is quiet, open spaced, low paced environment. Perfect to feel oneself at the resort whilst living day to day life.
4. Outer islands - blue
Don't know much about these territories. Had visited couple of these islands and they are looking pretty much the same to me - small nice looking villages, white sand beaches, seafood restaurants, overloaded during the weekend. Nice to see, but not much attraction to me.
Infrastructure in Hong Kong is ridiculously great. You can get from one side to another within 40 minutes. There are all sorts of meanings - subway would be the most convenient one, though can be annoyingly overloaded through the peak time. Great amount of well-operated double-deckers are covering whist majority of Hong Kong destinations. And, of course, loads of taxis are around. Convenient, safe and cheap - the bill can go as high as 30 GBP to get from us to lets say airport. Hong Kong Island is connected with Kowloon through couple of tunnels both for the subway and cars/buses. There are dozens of boats in between all the small islands. It costs dirt cheap as people use it to get to/from work on a daily basis.
There is a boarder with China going through the North of Hong Kong (Schengen city). There is a subway connection - you just stop at one point for the passport check.
