The plan for our first day in Hong Kong is to find “The Big Bus”, a double-decker tourist bus, designed for hop-on / hop-off sightseeing.  There are three routes available for tours.  The fee includes 2 days of riding privileges with unlimited on-off loading.  There are also a few extra side tours.  One of the stops is close to our hotel, so we start looking for it.  There is nothing marking a loading site.  I was expecting some kind of sign, or kiosk, or something.  I finally spot a bus, but it’s driving away.  According to the brochures, another should be along in 20 minutes, so we cool our heels with some level of impatience.  Finally, a bus rolls up, and our Hong Kong touring begins.

Hong Kong Skyline on Friday night

The Big Bus

More Friday night pictures

We begin with the Hong Kong downtown route, seeing many of the city buildings and historical sites.  Part of the tour is the cable car up to Victoria Peak.  It’s a steep ride with tremendous views of Hong Kong and Victoria Harbor.  The top is fogged in with cloud cover, but we enjoy a meal at “Bubba Gump’s” at the peak.

Hong Kong Streets and the trolley system

Back at the bottom of the hill, we switch to another bus route taking us to the south side of Hong Kong Island and Stanley.  After passing thru a tunnel, we find ourselves out of the city, and touring a coastline.  The big attraction is Stanley, a beach, market, and shopping area.  It’s surrounded with very exclusive apartments.  We hop off and walk through the Stanley Market, making a few touristy purchases.  Back at the bus we finish the tour and head back to the hotel.  It’s been a full day of touring and we’re beat.  I go looking for an ATM to get some cash and find a McDonalds.  I grab some food for dinner in the room, and we finish the night enjoying the views from our hotel room of the harbor.

The Stanley Market

Stanley restaurant row

A cemetery near Stanley