Hong Kong Island Warnings Or Dangers Tips by keeweechic Top 5 Page for this destination

Low Cloud - Victoria Peak

If you are planning on going up The Peak, watch the weather. When low cloud surrounds Hong Kong Island it makes visibility almost nil in places. The higher you go the worse it is. This photo was taken from my first apartment which was only half way up The Peak. My first 4 days in Hong Kong were like this but when it cleared, it was fantastic. If you go up The Peak in weather like this, you will see zero.

Tram Riding

If you are catching the trams at busy times be warned to make your way from the back to the front, or from upstairs to downstairs, long before you need to get off otherwise you will never get past everyone in time. The doors on the tram are also a bit of a death trap if you try and get on at the last minute. Payment is the exact change and is put into a container by the driver on exiting.

Black Rain Warning

Black Rain Warning is issued when 100mm or more of rain is predicted or has fallen. Residents are recommended to stay in doors as flash floods and landslides can be dangerous.

Typhoon warnings are raised at No. 1. At a No. 8 warning, winds gusting to 100 knots, shops and schools are closed. Ferry services and above ground Rail services are halted. People are advised to stay indoors.

Beware umbrellas on wet days, you are likely to have your eye poked out or a pin cushion made of your head. Sometimes its better to keep both arms free to fend off the nylon concaves.

Wet Markets

Be careful walking around the Wet Market areas. The pavements are very slippery from the fat washed off meat etc. The pavements are hosed down at the end of trading.

Public Toilets

Public toilets are not the best and toilet paper is not usually supplied. Best to carry a supply of tissues or head for hotel bathrooms. In the more upmarket hotels, there is usually an attendant on duty. A small dish is placed on the vanity units for tipping which is pretty much expected. Large department stores also have toilets available.

Sundays

Sundays are the day the Filipino community (the Amahs etc) have their day off and get together. They congregate around Central - a road is even blocked off for them to mingle, sing and dance and have their little religious gatherings. They also collect around the Star Ferry area Central and at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. They are all fun loving and its almost like party time when they get together along with all their large packages they have bought to send back home to families but if you are in a hurry and trying to get somewhere, it can take you quite a while to get through them all. After all, its Sunday and no one is supposed to be in a hurry.