What is the PAR Registry for Indians?

Indian nationals wishing to enter Hong-Kong for a stay of up to 14 days do not require entry Visas. Instead, one is required to have a Pre-arrival registration (PAR) notification slip for which they can apply online. This service is free of charge.

The Hong Kong pre arrival registration for Indians came into effect on the 23rd of January 2017 in accordance with a directive announced by the Hong Kong Immigration Department on December 12^th 2016. It was introduced with the aim of saving travellers’ time at the border.

If one wishes to stay for a duration that exceeds 14 days, they must apply for a HKSAR Visa. HKSAR refers to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region which is the official name for the city of Hong Kong.

Outlined below is information regarding the Pre-arrival registration (PAR); Requirements, Exemptions, Validity and General Procedures.

Requirements for Pre-arrival registration for Indian Nationals

Indians must meet the following two conditions to register for a PAR.

1. Have an Indian passport that is valid for at least 6 months.

2. Plan to stay for a period not exceeding 14 days.

However, Indian nationals who have valid permission to reside, work or study in Hong Kong need not apply for the PAR. The same applies to those with the right of abode or right to land in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Exemptions from Pre-arrival registration for Indians



In addition to those mentioned above, the following nationals can enter the HKSAR without having met the PAR requirement; subject to normal immigration requirements being met.

1. Those holding a valid Indian diplomatic or official passport

2. Those holding a United Nations Laissez Passer and are going to; or passing through Hong Kong for official United Nations business

3. Those holding a HKSAR Travel Pass

4. Those enrolled for the e-Channel service/Automated Passenger Clearance System. (However, if the validity of the passport linked to the e-Channel service lapses or becomes invalid, the e-Channel service becomes immediately invalid)

5. Those holding a valid entry Visa for the HKSAR

6. Operating aircrew or sea crew who are on board vessels, and Contract Seaman.

7. Those simply transiting through Hong Kong and who must therefore remain within the bounds of the International Transit Area of the airport.

How long does it take to fill the online Pre-Arrival Registration

It can be completed in just a couple of minutes upon which a result will be provided instantly. Applicants will be required to provide personal and passport information in order to complete the form.

If successful, an option to “View/Print Registration Notification Slip” will be provided.

Print the provided notification slip on a sheet of blank A4 paper then check that the information therein tallies with what is on your Indian passport before signing the notification slip on the allotted space.

In case the applicant is under the age of 16, a parent or legal guardian must check that the information in the notification slip is correct and sign it.

How long is a PAR valid for?

A pre-arrival registration is valid for 6 months from the date of approval. During this period, an Indian national can make multiple visits to Hong Kong so long as they have both their PAR notification slip and the passport linked to that slip.

Only when the validity of the PAR slip lapses will you be allowed to apply for another.

A Word of Caution

Note that the information provided in the application must be accurate and true. Any inaccuracies or inconsistencies between your passport and PAR notification slip will deem your pre-arrival registration invalid and entry into Hong Kong or a vessel bound for Hong Kong will be denied.

Worse off, should the information provided be found to be intentionally false or misleading, the offender will be liable for prosecution under the Laws of Hong Kong.

General Guidelines



Even though the application for a pre-arrival is instant, government of Hong Kong advises Indian travellers to apply up to 4-6 weeks in advance.

Before you begin your travel, remember to carry the same valid Indian passport you used to register for the PAR. The two are now electronically linked together such that using a different passport will lead to denial of entry. Both will be checked by transport officials and operators so be sure not to forget them.

Should your pre-arrival registration not be successful, apply to the Hong Kong Immigration Department for an entry Visa.

Once inside Hong Kong, ensure that you carry a printed copy of your PAR at all times once inside Hong.

Value of the PAR to travelling Indian nationals

The PAR has made travelling to Hong Kong on short stays much easier for Indians. No longer is it necessary to spend time applying for a Visa at an embassy or consulate. Furthermore, border crossing is made much smoother and less time consuming.

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Hong Kong Visa for Indians: Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) Slip

There was a time when Indian citizens would get free visa on arrival to Hong Kong. Even now, some Indian citizens could get such a visa on arrival, but it depends completely on the immigration officer in front of you. Today, Indian passport holders require a pre-arrival registration (PAR) slip prior to their arrival at Hong Kong else there is a chance that they might be sent back.

Below is all the information about the pre-arrival registration (PAR) slip for Indian passport holders and how Indian passport holders can use this to plan their trip to Hong Kong and may be Macau or mainland China if they intend to travel via Hong Kong.

What is this Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) Slip?

The pre-arrival registration is something like an electronic authorization or e-Visa. Indian passport holders need to apply for this pre-arrival registration (PAR) online before arriving into Hong Kong. If you wish to apply or wish to know more, you can read further about the PAR on Byevisa.com.

What are the minimum requirements for this PAR?

The PAR Hong Kong visa requirement for Indian citizens is fairly simple. All you need is a passport that is valid for at least 6 months, 3 empty pages in it, travel and accommodation details.

What is the validity of this PAR?

This Hong Kong PAR travel document will allow you to visit Hong Kong multiple times for 14 days each during its 6 month or 180 day period. This is ideal for those who are planning short trips to Macau, mainland China or Taiwan keeping Hong Kong as a base. This way, you can keep returning to Hong Kong from the different destinations and need not apply for a new PAR as you are allowed multiple entries within a 180 day window.

However, if you change your passport or if the 180 day window has passed, you will need to apply for a new PAR slip.

How do I apply for this PAR?

If you have access to the internet, you can fill the pre-arrival registration for Indian nationals form on the Hong Kong immigration department website. You could go via a travel or visa agency in case you do not have access to the internet or if you wish someone else to handle it on your behalf.

This form entails the following details:

1) Information of registrant: Name, nationality, sex, marital status, date of birth, place of birth, residential address in India, contact telephone number

2) Information of passport: Passport number, date of issue, date of expiry, place of issue

3) Previous travels to Hong Kong

4) Previous visits to foreign countries or territories

5) Occupation

6) Details of coming visit: Purpose of visit, proposed duration, address of accommodation, address of local connection (if any)

7) Others

8) Identification question

You will need to confirm the details once you have filled all the details. Do ensure that all the information matches the information mentioned in your passport.

How long before I receive the PAR slip?

You will receive your PAR slip (if approved) immediately upon confirming your details in the form mentioned above. In case your PAR slip does not get approved, you could try applying for a Hong Kong visa at the nearest consulate or may be call them and see when you can apply for this PAR again.

You can take a print out of the PAR slip, sign it and keep it with your passport. You can store a soft copy of the PAR slip as a PDF copy on your phone as a back up in case you lose the print out.

What documents do I need to carry before I arrive into Hong Kong?

These are the following documents that you need to carry with you when you arrive into Hong Kong:

1) Valid passport

2) Printed copy of the PAR

Do remember to carry your PAR slip with you at all times wherever you are traveling within Hong Kong.

So, now that you know how you get your pre-arrival registration (PAR) slip for Hong Kong, all that you have to do is complete your covid-19 vaccination, wait for the international borders to open, book your flight tickets, get your PAR and enjoy a great holiday in Hong Kong.

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Top Cruising Routes in Asia

Photo courtesy: Ponant Cruises

Asia is indeed a harmony of countless rich cultures and is home to some of the oldest civilizations in the world. Cruising Asia means enjoying an unforgettable experience as you explore the exotic landscape and unravel the colonial history. Cruise passengers heading East are sure on a wonderful experience as they come across sea cruise destinations such as Cambodia, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Burma, China, Taiwan, and more. What makes Asian cruising a much more attractive option is that you can cover several countries in one go!

A Ponant cruise to Asia is a lot more than just taking a journey from one exotic port to another. You are on an unforgettable vacation of tranquil landscapes and most intriguing destinations. Ponant luxury vessels and boats add to the appeal of the captivating ancient continent with diverse cultures. Learn more about the exceptional Ponant itineraries on this website and get ready to discover some of the most enchanting and dynastic cities of Asia.

Here are some of the top cruises in Asia.

Japan Cruise


Photo courtesy: StudioPonant Margot Sib

Enjoy the best of Japan on an exceptional itinerary designed by Ponant that will take you straight to the heart of Japan. Explore the Land of the Rising Sun and its enhancing cities like Osaka, Tamano, Miyajima, Busan, and more. Learn about the history of the samurai and geishas on the Japanese cruise and admire the country’s landscaped gardens as well as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is your chance to discover medieval and ancient Japan.

The Seychelles Cruise



Photo courtesy: StudioPonant Morgane Monneret

For cruising Seychelles, you arrive and depart from Victoria Port, and the new and exciting itinerary invites you to discover the paradise of archipelago’s Inner Islands. Some of the essential stops include Sainte Anne Marine National Park, Curieuse Island, Praslin, and more. Enjoy unforgettable snorkelling as you get to see coral reefs with stunning species or look at the Aldabra giant tortoises within the mangrove. Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, with its gigantic endemic fruits, should not be missed. Enjoy some moments of relaxation on the stunning islands with fantastic beaches.

Hong Kong to Japan Cruise

What could be better than cruising from Hong Kong and spend some days in Taiwan and Shanghai before heading for the Japanese city of Yokohama. This is your opportunity to get a taste of vast and varied cultures of the Asian region. You will come across countries and cites that are radically different but deeply honour their past. It is indeed a unique experience to see the quiet serenity of ancient times existing side by side with hyper-modernity. Throughout the trip, you can observe the modernist impulse in the traditional aesthetics and architecture of the cities and its food and culture.

Aldabra Atoll Cruise

Aldabra Atoll and its Secret Islands are very popular among the Asian cruisers. The expedition cruise invites you on an unforgettable trip aboard one of the luxury PONANT vessels and leads you to the most beautiful islands with idyllic landscapes that boast of exceptional flora and fauna. During the cruise, there would be endless opportunities to swim, dive, and snorkel, especially when you are in the Alphonse lagoon. Aldabra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the largest population of land turtles and numerous colonies of birds.

Vietnam to Singapore Cruise




Photo courtesy: Ponant Cruises Ship

Another of the popular Asian cruise covers Vietnam and then Hong Kong to Singapore. The cruise offers you a glimpse into the Asian lifestyle and culture. Those families living in floating fish farms in Vietnam and alter halts in Hong Kong and Singapore are sure to amaze you. The cruise covers visits to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Mekong Delta.

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Hong Kong Street Food Guide

When it comes to street food, Hong Kong certainly rules the roost! After all, there are very state or areas that not only offer a vast range of gastronomical delights right on the streets and can fill you up with just a few bucks. Moreover, no matter where you go, or which street you enter in Hong Kong, you are surprised by the vast variety of delicious street side snacks and tasty tidbits in so many different flavours.

Needless to say, your trip to Hong Kong remains incomplete without tasting those delicious eats on the streets. Sure Hong Kong boasts of some of the finest dining experience you can enjoy at its elegant restaurants. However, nothing can beat the experience of enjoying the hot and fresh food sold right on the streets.



As there are so many food choices in this culinary mecca, it is a good idea to go for one of those food tours in Hong Kong. It is an excellent way to know about the leading eateries in those humble streets and enjoy a treasuring dining experience.

Here are street foods of Hong Kong that you must try before leaving the state.

1) Curry fish balls

One of the most famous street food, you will love these very flavoursome fish balls that are served on almost every street in Hong Kong. Deep-fried in hot oil, the fish balls are then placed in a spicy curry.

2) Egg waffles

You will love those waffles with crispy, flaky edges and a soft and eggy centre. You will come across almost every local enjoying the street food with fruits, chocolate sauce or ice cream. The Egg waffles are served in various flavour and can easily fill you up.

3) Cheong fun



You will always find a long line for this favourite street food which is smooth rice noodle rolls served with sweet sauce. The smooth and savoury rolls topped with sesame seeds offer a more enjoyable experience and are a crowd favourite.

4) Fried pig intestines

Another of the most appealing street food is the fried pig intestines. However, this street food is only for the adventurous, but once you taste this snack, you will develop a craving for it.

5) Siu Mai

You can recognize this ubiquitous street food because of its bright yellow wrapper. You will love this steamed snack filed with fish meat and served with soy sauce.

6) Grilled squid tentacles

If you are looking for a perfect snack on Hong Kong streets, you will find it in those grilled squid tentacles. You will love the chewy and rubbery texture of these absolutely delicious squids.

7) Pineapple buns

Pineapple buns are a delight, and they have a bit of pineapple in them as well as some butter in their sweet centre. These buns have remained a popular street food for decades and are enjoyed with traditional teas and coffee.

8) Egg tarts



When you bite into the fluffy and light egg custard, you will feel as if you are in heaven. You are sure to fall for these egg tarts with the crispy and chewy crust on the outside and the glistening yellow custard filling inside.

9) Cheung fun

Cheung fun is simply loved for its distinct chewy taste and smooth texture. The street food comes without fillings and is made of rolling steamed rice noodle sheets. You can enjoy it with different sauces of peanut, chilli, and soy.

10) Stinky tofu

Stinky tofu is another classic food that you must try. You may get a bit put off by the rancid smell, but once you taste it, you will simply love the street food that is perfectly crunchy. You can enjoy it with sweet, chili sauce and piping hot noodles.

11) Fried chestnuts

Enjoy a healthy snack of fried chestnuts which is simple but great-tasting. The best part is that they are served at all times on the streets of Hong Kong. It is hard to resist the enticing aroma of these nuts sold with a lot of hawkers in the city.

12) Bowl pudding



The bowl pudding is available in white or brown versions. Everyone loves this ordinary bowl pudding which is like a sticky, glutinous mess with a slight sugary sweetness. Both versions are studded with red beans and remain a favourite with the locals.

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Why should Hong Kong be your Family Getaway this summer?

Hong Kong! What do we typically associate with this world class city of the Orient? Financial hub? Sensational high rises? Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and the generation of Wing Chun and Kung Fu movies? Luxury and budget shopping? Hong Kong is so much more than these usual stereotypes. I have visited Hong Kong quite a few times in the past and I can comfortably say that it is a city that throws pleasant surprises at you. Be its easy paced life amidst the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong island, its rich natural surroundings, its amazing avenues for vegetarian food or the fact that it is a heaven for kids and family holidaymakers, I have always been surprised during my various visits to this lively city that is so full of vibrant character.

If you are looking for an international family getaway destination for the upcoming summer holidays, here are 10 interesting reasons to pack your bags and head with your family and kids to Hong Kong this summer.  The icing on the cake is the SMART deals and discounts being offered at most of these tourist attractions to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This is in addition to the savings that you will get using the Octopus card, which you can use for all your transportation, entrance tickets and at supermarkets.

Peak Tram and the Iconic Hong Kong Skyline



The Hong Kong skyline has been immortalized across various channels all over the world and hence it is no surprise that seeing this skyline from the peak is one of the top highlights of a Hong Kong holiday. But, it is not just the view, but the overall peak experience package, which includes boarding the 120 year old peak tram, the world’s steepest funicular railway and experiencing a 7 minute journey where you see the Hong Kong harbour, the skyscrapers of Hong Kong and the entire cityscape scenery at impossible angles.

Irrespective of the time of day or night, the Hong Kong view from the peak will never disappoint you. Once you reach the top, you can also walk on the peak trail, thus soaking in the views from different locations.

Lose yourself in Hong Kong Disneyland



Photo Copyright: Disney

If you are in Hong Kong with kids, there is no missing Disneyland. After all, no kid would want to miss out on Tony Stark’s latest inventions and heroic adventures at the latest Iron Man experience (first Marvel themed ride in Disneyland), the enchanted Mickey and the wondrous book, the technology effects of Disney in the Stars,  or be lost in space at the Star Wars: Tomorrow Land Takeover. Hong Kong Disneyland offers so many immersive and unforgettable experiences that all kids would love to dream and explore all of this. What’s even better is that you can combine a Star Ferry cruise and a trip to Disneyland by boarding the Star Ferry that takes you straight into the fantasy world of Disneyland. And while you are at it, you can discover more exotic adventures at Disney Explorers Lodge, the new hotel property slated to open on April 30.

Relish the Joy of Animals at Ocean Park



Featuring a diverse selection of world-class animal attractions, thrill rides and shows, the Ocean Park offers an interesting mix of educational entertainment coupled with fun and adventure. Whether it is the scenic 1.5 km long cable car between the waterfront and the summit that offers panoramic views of Hong Kong and South China Sea, getting close to Red Pandas at the Giant Panda Adventure, feeding the dolphins, being penguin or panda keepers, watching hundreds of shimmering goldfish or enjoying kid-oriented rides at Whiskers Harbour, Ocean Park is the perfect family getaway for all animal lovers.

Soak in the Leisurely Tram Experience



With more than 100 years of legacy, the British colonial era heritage tram is a great way to experience Hong Kong Island at a leisurely pace. This world’s largest fleet of double deck tram cars offer the perfect photographic opportunity in Hong Kong at a super affordable price. Adults only pay HK$ 2.30 per trip and for children under the age of three, it is free. Like the Star Ferry, which is on water, the Hong Kong tramways is a perfect way to go back in time and experience this bustling cosmopolitan from a different perspective.

Revel in the 360 Degree Views at Sky 100

With more than 7,600 skyscrapers, Hong Kong is a living showcase of the best in international contemporary architecture. What better way to see this than from the indoor observation deck of the 100th floor of Hong Kong’s tallest building! Nicknamed as Sky 100, you can reach here in a high speed elevator that transports you 100 floors in less than a minute. And once you reach the top observation deck, you can see the Bank of China tower, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, HSBC main building, Two International Finance Centre and other incredible views of the skyline and the Victoria harbour. One can also explore the observation deck’s state of the art interactive exhibition with a fascinating multimedia tour of Hong Kong’s history and culture.

Go Photo Crazy at the Trick Eye Museum

An absolutely fabulous place to take amusing selfies and photographs, the Trick Eye museum is a beautiful collection of 3D artwork and optically illusive paintings that seem to defy all laws of Physics. This place is so crazy that it not only brings big smiles to the faces of all visitors, but it seems to have an exponential laughter effect coupled with surprise when you share these jaw dropping pictures on social media.

Star Ferry and Victoria Harbour



Founded by an Indian Parsee businessman, the 130 year old Star Ferry is another affordable attraction and a great way to experience one of the world’s most photographed harbours. Rated by National Geographic as one of ‘50 places of a lifetime’ that one should see, there is no better way than to slowly chug from Hong Kong island to Kowloon while you soak in the beauty of the Hong Kong skyline, its business district and the gorgeous looking Victoria Harbour. The Star ferry offers a great opportunity to easily experience the hustle and bustle of Kowloon that is a far cry from the glamour of Hong Kong Island all within 30 minutes.

Experience Hong Kong from inside a Helicopter



There is nothing more surreal than to see the iconic Victoria Harbour with all its boats and ferries and the famous skyscrapers of Hong Kong along with your family from inside a helicopter. Managed by celebrity pilot Michael Wong, this helicopter ride offers you the best seat in the house from possibly a local who knows Hong Kong skies better than anyone else. This is one of those Hong Kong attractions that make for a great option in case you are celebrating something like a birthday or an anniversary.



Go on a Shopping Spree



There is no trip to Hong Kong that is complete without indulging in some shopping. Whether you are indulging in some luxury designer labels at some of the fancy shopping malls in the city or going for budget shopping at one of the many street markets, such as the Ladies market in Mongkok, diversity is the norm in Hong Kong. As most of these street markets are vibrant with great local fanfare and festive atmosphere, everyone in the family, from young to old, will find something that appeal to them. And if you love gadgets, be it phones, tablets, cameras or accessories, what better place to look for than Hong Kong where you get the best gadgets for their true value prices.

Chomp on Delicious Vegetarian Food



Typically, Indian travellers to Hong Kong don’t associate this city with vegetarian food, but based on my personal experiences I beg to differ. I am not just talking about Indian vegetarian joints in Hong Kong, which are an option, but a whole new world of Cantonese and Chinese vegetarian restaurants that offer the best of both worlds – local cuisine and vegetarian food. Be it mock meats, vegetarian equivalents and desserts, a vegetarian family in Hong Kong is pretty much spoilt for choice. From iconic hot pots made from eggplant to pumpkin soup, from the popular Dim Sum and tea at Lin Heung Tea House to ‘bo lo yau’, the yummy pineapple buns and from the famous egg tarts of Tai Cheong bakery to delicious concoctions of veggies, rice, soups and other desserts, vegetarians are truly spoilt for choice in Hong Kong. Personally, I am a big fan of Dim Sum and Hot Pot. I love the communal gathering that these foods bring along.

I am pretty sure that by now you are sold on the idea of Hong Kong as a fabulous family destination. All you now have to do is book your flight tickets and your pre-authorization for Hong Kong visa, pack your bags and make use of all the deals and discounts offered on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong SAR and experience an amazing summer holiday in Hong Kong with your family!

Photo Courtesy: Some of the photographs in this article are courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board.

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Travel Photo: Misty Hong Kong Harbor

Photographs of the Hong Kong harbor from ground level and from the peak have been popularized all around the world, be it on the internet or in print media. But, one doesn’t get to see these views round the year. On my first trip to this bustling oriental city, I went with such stunning images of skyscrapers in my head. But, only when I reached the harbor did I understand that one hardly gets to see the sun in the March-April season, which is more misty and cold.


And as a photographer, I saw lots of misty scenes both at day and at night. And both at ground level and at the peak. While this caused me a few sobs, I tried to find some good sights even in this inclement weather and this photo is one of such sights. I really liked this boat that offers tourists a short cruise around the Hong Kong harbor. To me it looked like a pirate boat amidst all the skyscrapers of Hong Kong.

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Explore Hong Kong from inside a tram

The best way to enjoy Hong Kong is to cut down the speed of life in this extremely fast paced and bustling metropolis city. And the easiest way to do this is explore Hong Kong from inside a tram. A lot of locals do it, but to commute inside the Hong Kong for their daily work. If you ask me, the tourists should opt for this slowest mode of transport (the others being MRT, Ferry, Taxi and Bus).


The tram has a colonial feel to it and allows you a total unique perspective of Hong Kong. Whether it is a bright sunny day or a brightly neon lit night, the experience of seeing from inside a tram is special. Well, to start with there are many advantages of taking the tram apart from the uniqueness of seeing a different Hong Kong.


The tram is super cheap. The trams work on a fixed fee of 2HK$, which means that whether you get down at the next stop or get down at the last stop, you pay the same 2 Hong Kong Dollars. If you can manage to find a seat in the front or back end of the upper deck, then you can nearly see a 360 degree view of Hong Kong.


And this view lasts from the shopping zones of Causeway bay to the office buildings of Admiralty, from the colorful Western market to the busy Sheung Wan where you can get a ferry to Macau, from the sensational skyscrapers of Central to the race course at Happy valley and basically across the entire Hong Kong island to get a feel of Hong Kong that cannot be felt with any other mode of transport.


Personally, I recommend taking the tram during a busy week day. That day, you can say that you will definitely skip the traffic as the trams run on a total different schedule unlike the roads. Both day time and night time views are dear to me and it is a photographer’s delight to see billboards, lots of color in the streets of Hong Kong and busy shopping districts that throw up tons of street opportunities.


One can take this tram to avoid the traffic during the busy day or enjoy Hong Kong in a relaxed fashion if there is no time pressure. The only problem with the tram is that it is non air-conditioned and its open windows make you smell the fumes from the vehicles below on the road.


Even though both these are tough issues to handle, if you are prepared to rough it out, you will see some special sights of Hong Kong. If you are doing this for photography, make sure you carry a zoom lens that is capable of handling low light with high shutter speeds.


Do note that this tram is very different from the more touristy peak tram that costs an obscene amount to climb the scenic peak and see one of the more iconic views of Hong Kong.

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World’s Most Expensive Coffee

What is the most expensive coffee you have had or come across? How does 800,000 Hong Kong Dollars or ~103,000 US Dollars sound for a cup of coffee? Are you interested in knowing what is special about this coffee and where it is available?


Well, this coffee is special because it is available at the Fiat café in Hong Kong and along with a shot of single espresso, one gets an Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari. Well, you heard right!! A Ferrari car with a cup of coffee for 800,000 Hong Kong Dollars.


The place is actually a Ferrari car showroom with an attached café. One can have a cup of coffee, take a look at all the various cars on display and other merchandise, pay the bill and drive home in a Ferrari. Sweet right?

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Hong Kong in Pictures

Hong Kong is one of my favorite cities in the world. It’s infectious pace and its deep rooted oriental culture are what draws me close to it. I explored this city for a week earlier this March. During this week, it was misty and nippy and offered me a view that was totally different to what we usually see in the online and print media. Enjoy these pictures of Hong Kong.


Hong Kong Skyline covered in mist


Misty Hong Kong in March


Welcome to Hong Kong! Sign board at Hong Kong Central Station


Tram and Double Decker Buses of Hong Kong

Bargain Shopping ay Ladies Market, Mong Kok


The famous Chinese Hot Pot Dining Experience


A Hong Kong Moment


Billboards and signs of Hong Kong


Tourists enjoying Hong Kong's Avenue of Stars


Signboard on the harbour side of Hong Kong


Traffic Crossing in Hong Kong as seen from inside a tram

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Hong Kong and Macau Visa for Indians

Hong Kong and Macau are two of those countries (special regions) where the Indian passport doesn’t need a visa. It is where you feel like you have a European, American, Australian or Japanese passport as the citizens of the countries walk in into most of the countries around the world without a visa or any documentation. Even though the Indian citizen does not need a visa to enter these two countries, the Indian traveler still needs to be prepared.



Hong Kong
To get into Hong Kong, the Indian traveler needs the following:
1) Passport with minimum 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
2) Return ticket within 14 days out of Hong Kong
3) A business card or a document to show that you are employed or self-employed
4) Hotel bookings for the 1st night (some immigration officials are known to ask for this)
5) An international credit card and some foreign currency

There is free entry. All the Indian passport gets is a stamp saying that you are allowed to stay in Hong Kong for 14 days. As long as you exit Hong Kong within 14 days, the Indian traveler can enter many times in a short duration.

UPDATE: Do note that all Indian travelers to Hong Kong require a Pre Arrival Registration (PAR) slip in order to enter Hong Kong. This does not cost anything, but it is a necessity. This change was made in early 2017.

Macau
Macau is a bit easier to get into than Hong Kong as the Indian passport is a bit more respected here. To get into Macau, the Indian traveler needs the following:
1) Passport with minimum 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
2) An international card and some foreign currency

Generally, the immigration officials don’t ask for any other documentation, but it is good to have some answers ready regarding hotel bookings and return journey. There is no charge for entry into Macau for the Indian passport and the traveler gets 30 days in Macau on a single entry. As long as you exit within 30 days, you can enter Macau as many times as possible.

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Travel Costs: South East Asia Backpacking

A lot of you must be curious to know how much I spent in the last nine months while I traversed 12 countries across South East Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines) and a bit of East Asia (Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau).

Below is an approximate daily cost (in US Dollars and Indian National Rupee @INR 58 to 1 USD) for each country that I visited. This should help you give you a ballpark for your future travel expenses to any of these 12 countries. It includes:

1) Stay in a budget hostel or sharing a budget room with another traveler
2) 3 vegetarian meals either on the street or in a budget restaurant per day
3) 1 or 2 snacks from the street or from the super market (like yoghurt, fruits or biscuits) per day
4) Small commute inside the city using public transport or self drive rentals (I walk quite a bit)
5) Entrance fee for one tourist attraction per day
6) Occasional drinking. I don’t drink beer
7) Inter-city travel via trains, buses, ferries and planes
8) Bottled water wherever safe drinking water is not available
9) Lots of Souvenir Shopping (Fridge Magnets, Wood Work and the usual stuff)

Per Day Costs
South East Asia
Thailand: $23 (INR 1344)
Cambodia: $21.5 (INR 1247)
Vietnam: $19.5 (INR 1131)
Laos: $19 (INR 1102)
Myanmar/Burma: $38 (INR 2204)
Malaysia: $32 (INR 1856)
Singapore: $48.5 (INR 2813)
Indonesia: $28 (INR 1624)
Philippines: $19 (INR 1102)

East Asia
Hong Kong: $48.5 (INR 3103)
Macau: $43 (INR 3132)
Taiwan: $38 (INR 2668)

Note. There can be cost variances due to the following:
1) The above costs can be higher for larger cities and lesser for small towns. This is an average across the country.
2) I spent a bit more in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan as I wanted to treat myself.
3) I spent 2 weeks in Malaysia with family and hence the cost went up marginally.
4) I did some big shopping in Malaysia as it was my last country
5) I took some expensive flights to reach the northern stretches of Myanmar
6) I had to pay for medical expenses in Singapore
7) I stayed with friends for brief durations, especially in Vietnam and Indonesia.

In total, I roughly spent about INR 4.25 Lakhs or ~USD 7,400 over the nine months. Mine was not truly low cost backpacking and I indulged in luxury from time to time. Below points briefly describe the way I traveled.

Accommodation
If the temperature went above 33 degree Celsius or more than 80% humidity, I ended up taking an air-conditioned dormitory or an air-conditioned room.

Land Travel I am 6 foot 3 inches tall. Hence, when it came to land travel, I always opted for more leg room and this were available in the most expensive buses and trains.

Air Travel
I took the cheapest flights available and never paid for anything extra except for 1 check-in baggage.

Food
I never once sacrificed food. I am a big guy who needs a lot of food and drinks and that’s exactly what I gave myself. I am a vegetarian so sometimes I ended up paying more to get good vegetarian food.

Paid Activities
I did avoid some unnecessary activities, but never bothered about entry fees or charges to go somewhere or do something. Since I was already there, I never shrugged from participating in a activity that would otherwise be deemed expensive.

Intra City Travel
I always took public transport and only in rare instances did I take a taxi all alone.

Shopping
I did a fair bit of souvenir shopping, but I bargained real hard.

Phone Connectivity
Except  for Vietnam and Indonesia, I didn’t get myself a local phone connection.

Packaged Tours
I think I took a total of 3-4 tours in the entire 9 months. I tried avoiding tours as much as possible and did everything my own way.

Internet
I always leveraged free internet available in hostels/hotels, restaurants, airports and other tourist areas.

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Fridge Magnets from South East Asia

Welcome back! I got a lot of such phrases from many of you when I landed in India a couple of days back. Thank you so much for giving me such a warm welcome. I would like to thank you in return by showing you South East Asia through fridge magnets. These are the magnets that I collected over 267 days and 12 countries.


I had purchased more magnets, but this is what remains on my metal wardrobe doors after my sister and my friends wacked some for their respective fridges. To all those who do not know my travel shopping habits, the two things that I collect religiously from my travels are fridge magnets and currencies and to a small extent, rare wooden work and masks.


I hope you like this magnet tour! I am slowly settling back into the Indian lifestyle. The first two days were tiring as I found it difficult to get used to the polluted air in Bangalore, but I am doing much better today. I have a lot of stories and pictures to share with all of you. Do stay tuned for a lot of my South East Asia experiences.

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17 Random Things about Hong Kong

I have been in Hong Kong for a little bit over a week and I have noticed various interesting things as I have walked and explored its glittering buildings, its mighty harbors, its busy markets and its quiet residential neighborhood. Here are those random things listed out to make an interesting read for you.

1) Hong Kong has possibly got one of the best public transport system in the world with its fast MTR, its heritage trams, its double decker buses, its many ferries, its multi colored taxis and umpteen escalators, elevators and public walkways.

2) People in Hong Kong are extremely fashionable. The dress, the colors, the footwear, the accessories and all are eye-catching. least se

3) People say the East meets West in Hong Kong. Well, it is true in most cases, but when it comes to the languages, only a few speak English. Those few are either young people or those who work in a multi national company. Otherwise, it is just Cantonese or Chinese, which makes conversations difficult. Thankfully, Hong Kong’s communication system is idiot-proof.

4) Hong Kong has hardly any concept of vegetarian food. Everything has to have meat in it, if not meat, at least seafood. Even the so called vegetarian dishes are notorious for their chicken paste that is added to enhance flavor.

5) If a person is not talking or sleeping, then they are on their phone or tablet in Hong Kong. Everyone has an expensive touch phone or tablet and are immersed in it most of the times.

6) It is said that there is no duty in Hong Kong, but I am not sure why everything is a bit expensive here than in the United States of America.

7) People literally run here in Hong Kong. Such is the fast pace of life here.

8) The buildings are large and tall, the population density is really high, the vehicular population is also very high, but in spite of all these, Hong Kong remains very clean, has very low levels of noise pollution and bearable amounts of air pollution.

9) Gucci, Versace, Louis Vitton, Prada, Giorgio Armani, Rolex and other designer brands are like normal brands in Hong Kong. One can see them everywhere.

10) Apple has their biggest store not in the United States, but in Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay.

11) People of Hong Kong are much quieter than those from mainland China.

12) Use one Octopus card and use it for travel in MTR, ferries, buses, trams, some cars, departmental stores and more.

13) Hong Kong has its fair share of Maserati, McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Rolls Royce and other premium cars. But, you will see them or more so hear them mainly in the nights and the weekends when the owners take them out to revv up the senses.

14) Even top officials in Hong Kong commute in the MTR and trams.

15) Even in a big and established city like Hong Kong, bargaining is quite the norm, though it is more common in the smaller shops and outlets.

15) Water costs as much as 3 times more in supermarkets when compared to the lady selling it outside the MTR station.

16) Locals of Hong Kong are not familiar with shopping bags as they use shopping suitcases and generally they are mega size. So, next time you are in Hong Kong, don’t be surprised when you see suitcase trollies moving out of shopping malls quite regularly.

17) The standard 2 bedroom house in Hong Kong is about 600 square feet. However, it has all the modern amenities and luxury, like high class security system, lifts, swimming pool, clubs, personal parking space, etc.

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My first Airbnb Experience: Seemingly good one!!

Hotel booking is a huge industry, but I generally don’t use online booking as it doesn’t allow me to feel the ground up and also costs me a bit more than walking into a hotel and using good old bargaining skills. The only time I book a hotel is when I am arriving late in the night or there is a event taking place in the city that leads to a huge rush. Sometimes, you need to book, but not in hotels as they are very expensive in those cities.

I am talking about the developed world – Western Europe, the larger cities of Asia and North America. In most of these places, the hotels work out much expensive for a budget traveller and definitely a BIG NO for a backpacker. In such cases, it makes sense to look out for other options. 3 immediate options come to my mind. The first one is see if the hotel can host you free of cost (applies to a travel blogger). The second one is to leverage the couchsurfing community. But, this one works only for young people or solo travelers. If you are a couple or a traveler who likes his/her space, then Airbnb.com can be your interesting third option.

They allow you to either rent a full apartment, opt for a private room in an apartment, share a room with other people living in the house or opt for bed services, wherever available. Generally, such apartments are lower priced than hotels of similar standards. The positives of staying in an apartment is that it allows you to interact with a local family, stay in a residential area of town and not in the busy tourist district, get access to more space than you can get in a hotel.

However, there are some negatives too. Sometimes, residential areas can be far away from the tourist destinations. Similarly, it might be far away from shopping and eating joints. You have to be prudent of your decibel levels when you share a house with someone.

Recently, I got a fair idea of the Airbnb experience when I shared a room in a residential area of Hong Kong. The place was a house where I got to use one of their 2 bedrooms and had access to their television, kitchen, wi-fi, etc. The place was located in a plush neighborhood of Hong Kong. It was far away from the rest of Hong Kong, but the increase in space when compared to hotels, a good healthy breakfast offered by the house owner, lower cost when compared to the hotels, great access to the public transit system and the option of walking with locals everyday ensured that I had a great time in Hong Kong.

I really like the Airbnb concept and would be more than willing to try their properties in other cities the world over. If you have not tried them yet, you should give it a try. If you haven’t heard of them, you definitely need to look them up as they will help add quality while reducing the cost of your travels.

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Ying Vegetarian: A must visit for all vegetarians in Hong Kong

If you are a vegetarian in Hong Kong, you know how difficult it is to get true vegetarian food. Either they add chicken to your dish for flavor or cook your dish in the same vessel that is used to cook meat. Thus, you end up getting the taste of meat in your dish. And such vegetarian options come by only when you find a place where the hotel staff understand English. English speaking staff is available only in the bigger restaurants or in some of the more touristy side of Hong Kong or the areas where Expats feature more like the island side of Hong Kong.


This means you either have to travel far to eat good food or you end up paying more. Neither are sustainable options. But, thankfully I chanced upon one good vegetarian restaurant while I was exploring the temple street night market at Yau ma Tei. The place is called Ying Vegetarian and is located at one end of the temple street along side other traditional Cantonese restaurants.


The best part about the place is that they serve Cantonese food, but in vegetarian style. As a first timer, their menu can confuse you as its dishes look and read like the other Cantonese restaurants with words like hot pot, beef, pork, chicken, grouper, fish, squid, etc. Even I was confused when I went there for dinner. I had to double check with customers and the restaurant staff to validate if it was truly vegetarian. Their menu says that some dishes might contain egg, but that also can be removed if informed while ordering the food.


When they serve you the food, it looks exactly like its meat counterpart, but the meat component is either built with tofu, egg white or mushrooms. They have a fairly large number of dishes spanning Antipasto and Noodle Rice, but I opted for the traditional Cantonese hot pot variety that included Eggplant, Chicken and Fish. The dish that I ordered was the best dish that I had tasted in Hong Kong and may be one of the best veggie fare in all of my South East Asia journey.


While the food is great and the service decently quick, the restaurant might not be the cleanest in Hong Kong, though not dirty either. The setup is entry level restaurant type with air conditioning dining and all, but misses the sophistication. The prices are similar to other restaurants in remote areas of town (about 50 to 80 HKD for a dish) and definitely cheaper than the same scale restaurants on Hong Kong Island. Don’t miss to try them out if you are a vegetarian living in Hong Kong.

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