Joanna James
Kowloon is situated towards the north of Hong Kong Island and makes up the districts of New Kowloon, Kowloon Peninsula, the mountains of Tate's Cairn, bound in the south by Victoria Harbour and in the north by Lion Rock. It is associated with the nine dragons of the ancient Chinese legends.
Thanks to an excellent transport system both in the public sector and sound road networks, travelling around Kowloon is very easy. Citybus Cityflier has routes all over the island all the way from the airport and has cheaper fees than that of the MTR. The Airport Express makes stops in Tsim Sha Tsui and Mongkok and tends to take less time than the Citybus. You can also take the Star Ferry to cross from Kowloon to Hong Kong island which is the cheapest available method of transport. There are also various passes and discounts available so make sure you do your research before you arrive or ask your hotel the likes of Dorsett Mongkok to do it for you.
In Kowloon as with all of Hong Kong, you are expected to tip people for their help; be it the waiter or the bell boy. About $2 to $3 would be considered the usual amount at a budget hotel in Hong Kong, though a little extra will make everybody happy. If you are paying by cash at a restaurant, you would be expected to leave the coins that makeup you change when you get it back.
While petty crimes do exist in Hong Kong it is a relatively safe city. You would not have to worry too much about being a solo female traveller at night or during the day. However, it is always advisable to be careful. Lock all your valuables in the hotel safe before you go out for the day and keep your cash divided into different parts of your luggage, so you won't be losing everything in case someone steals your bag. It is advised to be more aware especially when you are in northern Kowloon moving into the New Territories. Don't flash your cash or your valuables in crowded areas such as the hawker markets or the Star Ferry waiting line.
The best times of the year to visit Kowloon would be in the winter and autumn seasons that span through October to January. Keep in mind that Kowloon is a subtropical climate, so technically, any time of the year will do. However, the tropical storms during monsoons do tend to get quite violent. It's best to avoid spring and summer as such.
It is always a good thing to learn a few key phrases in the local language of the country you are visiting. Here are some Chinese phrases you can use in Hong Kong to enjoy a smoother trip.
Ni Hao – Hello
Xie Xie – Thank you
Xi Shou Jian Zai Nar? – Where is the washroom?
Dui Bu Qi – I'm sorry
Gay Doe Cheen? – How much is this?
Migh, Dawn – Check, please!
Ho Ho Sick! – That was delicious!
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