Kowloon, Hong Kong » City Info » Travel Tips

The Kowloon is an urban area constituting Kowloon Peninsula and New Kowloon. Kowloon is the most densely populated place on the earth and has plenty of options to stay, eat and shop.

Kowloon and Hong Kong Island are connected by:

- two road-only tunnels (Cross-Harbour Tunnel and Western Harbour Crossing)
- two MTR railway tunnels (Tsuen Wan line and Tung Chung line/Airport Express)
- road and MTR rail link tunnel.

There is not a single bridge that connects the Kowloon.

Get in

By taxi

Hiring a taxi is a bit expensive way and time consuming due to heavy traffic.

By helicopter

One can land in Peninsula Hotel in Tsim Sha from Hong Kong International Airport

By bus

Several busses run from the Airport terminal and other parts of Hong Kong Island.

Get around

Hong Kong has excellent mediums of public transport. Different bus routes cover almost all parts of Hong Kong. Many buses run through different areas of Kowloon, Hong Kong Island and New Territories. The Star Ferry connects Kowloon to Hong Kong Island. It's the cheapest mode to cross the harbour, and the routes are overwhelmingly surrounded by skyscrapers and a wall of lights on both sides. There are several rail lines connected to Kowloon by Hong Kong and vice versa. Use the Airport Express to reach Kowloon MTR Station in just 20 minutes. It's a bit expensive to hire a taxi or rent a car because of chaotic traffic and a slow journey across the harbour to Kowloon. Helicopter transfers are also available, but it isn't everyone's cup of tea.

When to go Kowloon

Kowloon enjoys a subtropical climate. It is dominated by monsoons in summer, and warm air flows from the Pacific because of low pressure in the north. The best times to visit Kowloon are in autumn and winter (from October to January) when the weather is comfortable and sunny. Otherwise, the weather is quite hot and damp throughout the year, especially in summers.

February is the coldest month with an average temperature of 17°C (62.6°F), while the hottest month is July with an average temperature of around 31°C (87.8°F). Kowloon weather is completely miserable from February to May, accompanied by frequent cloudiness, rain and fog. Torrential downpours and high humidity can be expected from June to September.

The best months to travel to the city are October, November, March, and April. The weather is pleasant, and temperatures go up to 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F).

Tipping

Tipping is expected in Kowloon as a few extra dollars make any server happy. Many restaurants charge a 10% service charge, which is included in the bill. It's customary to leave coins if you pay in cash. If bills are paid by credit, then they round up to the nearest dollar amount. Taxi drivers usually expect some money as a tip. Sometimes, big restaurants and hotels also charge 15% as a service charge.

Safety

Hong Kong is a safe city, but petty crimes do exist here. It is advisable to keep your valuables and expensive possessions in the hotel safe. Be alert while visiting north in Kowloon and into the new territories. Police often patrol, but it's better if you don't flash your cash and valuables. Like other big cities, pickpockets can happen in crowded areas and street markets.

Health

Hong Kong is a fairly hygienic city. You do not have to take special vaccinations to enter the city. Even tap water is very safe to drink but not good in taste. So tourists prefer bottled water instead.

Clothing

You should dress according to the season. In summer and spring, you should wear cotton, silk or linen. Warm coats in autumn and winter are preferred. Men need to wear a tie as a dress code may be mandatory in elite restaurants. Temperatures in the air-conditioned rooms of hotels or offices are comparatively low so a cardigan or jacket comes in handy in all seasons. An official business suit is a must for business tours in Hong Kong.

Emergency Contacts

Important Phrases