The Peak
The Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island and traditionally is the most prestigious and exclusive area dating back to colonial times. Although covered in mist at certain times of the year, it tends to be the coolest area in the summer months. The Peak is very pretty with plenty of greenery, offering spectacular views in all directions. Buildings tend to be older and low rise, with recent developments of very modern townhouses and apartments. This area is about 15 minutes driving time from Central District and is 7 minutes by the Peak tram as well as a good minibus and bus service. Facilities include Doctors surgery, hospital, shopping complex and even top quality restaurants. The Peak and German-Swiss Schools are located on the Peak.

Mid-levels
The close proximity to Central and breathtaking harbour views make this area one of the most popular expatriate residential locations. There is a mixture of high and lowrise, old and new, big and small set in this crowded, hilly, green belt. Over the years this area has experienced a vast amount of new construction as many of the older colonial buildings have gradually succumbed to the developers hammer. The Central section of the Mid-levels covers University of Hong Kong in Pokfulam to Stubbs Road in the Eastern District. Access to Central for business and shopping is easy via taxies and one of the many bus services. Located within area are numerous supermarkets, shops and both junior and high schools.

Shouson Hill
A short drive from Central through the Aberdeen Tunnel makes this exclusive little corner a popular area with expatriate families. Set back from the coastline on the southside with pleasant green views, townhouses and lowrises with communal gardens gives one the impression of true-suburbia. A brand new shopping complex where there is a large Park N Shop supermarket is the centre of attraction provides convenience to the residents.

Chung Hom Kok
This is a quiet peninsular of lowrise apartment blocks and town-house complexes. Many of the homes have lovely seaviews. This small community has its own shopping centre, one of the best beaches in Hong Kong, and a fast, direct bus service to Central. Stanley Village with the markets, shops and restaurants are a short drive away.

Stanley and Tai Tam
Stanley is an attractive green peninsular with lowrise developments, and several beaches in close proximity. Famous for its wonderful market with good varied shopping. Stanley is interesting to both the resident and tourist. The village like atmosphere makes Stanley a popular place to live, particularly with the continental Europeans.
Recently along the hillside of Tai Tam Road are new large modern developments with facilities, nestling against the coast are attractive lowrises. The vast, open seaviews, together with an easy commute to Central via the Eastern Island Corridor makes this a desirable place to live.

Pokfulam
Located on the western side of the Island amidst lush, green hills, Pokfulam was once a quiet domain of lowrises and hidden houses. In more recent years with the improvement of the roads, building progress has overtaken the area, with unique houses and very large, high-rise developments and most significantly, the Cyberport! These complexes have many facilities, such as pools, play areas, tennis courts, shopping centres and direct mini bus services to Central are especially suitable for families. Kennedy Junior and West Island Secondary Schools (ESF schools), Singapore International and Kellett Schools are located within this district. This area offers good value for money and fabulous sunsets.? A large cyber residential estate, Residence Bel Airwith panoramic ocean view, brings the best the world has to offer in clubhouse facilities and lifestyle services for the enjoyment of its residents.??

Happy Valley
This area is convenient for Wanchai and Causeway Bay and famous for the Happy Valley race course. This busy area encompasses old and new buildings, high-rise and lowrise, supermarkets, local food markets, furniture stores and a large variety of restaurants. With the redevelopment of Broadwood Road new developments have spread along and up to the hillside of the Valley. Apartments facing north have a view of the race course, but few buildings have a harbour view. There are frequent bus and tram services to all parts of the Island.

Jardine's Lookout and Tai Hang
This area overlooks Happy Valley and was formerly the main area for the early settlers who came to Hong Kong. The area is predominately lowrise, housing many of Hong Kong’s fabulously wealthy. The area has been increasingly developed and now features many popular high-rise blocks. The Japanese Primary and French International Schools are both situated within this area and it is convenient for shopping and transportation. Driving time to Central is approximately 20 minutes.

Eastern Side
This includes Tin Hau Temple Road, Cloudview road and Braemar Hill Road. These locations offer high-rise living with good harbour views and ample facilities. Apartments which are neat, compact and very often furnished and have a great appeal to the Japanese community due to the presence of the Japanese Secondary school and Japanese supermarkets. This area is well serviced by public transport, and within easy reach of local markets and a country park. Rents tend to be more reasonable in this area even though many of the apartments have good harbour views.

Discovery Bay
Discovery Bay is a new town being developed privately by stages in North-East Lantau Island. It is situated 10 Km. from the nearest point of Hong Kong Island. The site encompasses 3 bays and a land area of 649 hectares (2 1/2 square miles) stretching inland as far as the hilly spine of Lantau. Two thirds of the site may only be used for recreation, open space or water catchment purposes.
Unlike other large Hong Kong developments, Discovery Bay provides a mix of housing ranging from 400 sq. ft. studio flats to 5,000 sq. ft. garden houses. There is a sense of space, little traffic, clean air, shops, restaurants, schools, a large man-made beach and a lot of sporting facilities including a golf course and marina.

New Territories
Clearwater Bay & Sai Kung are some of the more popular areas in the New Territories as the property here are more reasonably priced than some of the areas on Hong Kong Island. Here, it offers value for money in terms of its larger sizes, with selection of houses or apartments with garages, swimming pools and gardens, and pleasant scenery with views across the South China Sea. The main drawback is that commuting to the city can take a little longer especially by public transport. A car is a necessity if one chooses to live here. This area offers a slower and friendlier lifestyle in a cleaner living environment. The ESF's Clearwater School accepts junior school students, while secondary students can attend the King George V School in nearby Homantin. The Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club, Marina Cove Club, Hebe Haven Yacht Club provides residents with recreational services.

BACKGROUND
The English name of Hong Kong is derived from Chinese characters "Heung Gong" which refers to a fragrant harbour.
Hong Kong is located at the southeastern tip of the People's Republic of China. It is just South of the Tropic of Cancer and at the same latitude as Mexico City, the Bahamas and Hawaii. Hong Kong can be divided into four distinct parts that cover 404 square miles : Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories and 235 outlying islands.


HISTORY
Its modern history begins in 1841 when Hong Kong Island ceded to the British as a spoil of the first Opium War. Kowloon Peninsula and Stonecutters Island were added to the colony 1860 as a result of the second Opium War, and in 1898 the New Territories including the outlying islands were leased to Britain for 99 years.
An agreement between China and Britain to return Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty is embodied in the Sino-British Joint Declaration theoretically allowing Hong Kong to retain its present social, economic and legal systems for at least 50 years after 1997. Hong Kong is now designated as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) which in effect allows it to exist under "one country, two systems."
Despite being handed back to China, Hong Kong after 1997 is still a unique meeting place of east and west and continues to blossom as a magnificent place for travellers, merchants and fortune-seekers, to name a few.

CULTURE
THE PEOPLE
In 2005, the population of Hong Kong was nearly 7 million. During the period 1996-2000, the population grew at an average annual rate of 0.8%. The population by Ethnicity in 2001 is listed below:

LANGUAGE
English and Chinese are the official language of Hong Kong. All road signs and notices are posted in both languages. Cantonese is the most widely spoken dialect. Most staff in restaurants and hotels understand and speak English. Taxi drivers are familiar with the names of hotels and streets. English proficiency is comparatively low among bus drivers and security guards.

THE Government of Hong Kong SAR
For more details, please access to www.gov.hk.

THE LEGAL SYSTEM
The legal system of Hong Kong is firmly based on the rule of law and the independence of the Judiciary. The Basic Law provides for the constitutional framework of the legal system. Under the principle of 'one country, two systems', it is based on the common law and is supplemented by a large amount of local legislation. All ordinances in force in Hong Kong are accessible on the Internet at www.legislation.gov.hk.

WEIGHTS & MEASUREMENTS
Hong Kong has adopted the metric measurement system of kilometres and kilograms to replace the imperial system of miles and pounds.

HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS

1. STATUTORY HOLIDAYS OF HONG KONG (2007)

2. CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR
It is the start of the lunar calendar. It is the most important holidays in Hong Kong.

‧ TRADITIONS (YEAR-END DAY)
Before the day of New Year, house should be cleaned, debts should be paid, respects are paid to the "Kitchen God" and the shrines of ancestors. Everyone should have new clothes. Families enjoy a big festive meal at home at the year-end day at night which all family members are supposed to attend. They visit huge flower fairs to shop for lucky flowers and plants to herald the Lunar New Year. At around midnight, throngs offer prayers at the Wong Tai Sin Temple, hoping their wishes will be granted in the new year. People queue up early in the day to be first in line to make their offerings to this popular deity.

‧ PUBLIC ACTIVITIES – THE FLOWER FAIRS (BEFORE LUNAR NEW YEAR)
There are huge flower fairs in Mongkok, Victoria Park and other districts in Hong Kong. Hawkers and New Territories gardeners sell thousands of potted plants, fresh flowers, and tree branches during the four days they remain open. There are also toys, lights, food, candies and other goods. Going shopping or sightseeing at the fairs is a wonderful experience for those who love crowds.
Homes are decorated with flowers : chrysanthemums, peach and plum blossoms and kumquat trees. They are symbols of good luck and prosperity.

‧ NEW YEAR’S DAY (18TH OF LUNAR JANUARY)
Everyone greets one another with 'kung hei fat choy' which is roughly 'Happy New Year' and literally, 'Good wishes, good fortune' or also 'prosperity'. Relatives visit each other and 'lai see' are given out on these occasions. These red envelopes contain a sum of money and are given to children or unmarried adults by married couples. Red is the symbol of luck and believed to exorcise evil, the gesture of giving bestows luck on the giver and recipient. Gifts like chocolates, cookies, wine, basket of fruit are exchanged during visits.
Families enjoy a vegetarian dinner with dishes signifying good fortune in the year to come.
'Lai see' is usually distributed to newspaper boys, delivery people, building caretakers etc when you see them after the start of Chinese New Year. It is a form of tipping to the people who have served you well over the year. 'Lai see' are customarily opened after 15th of 1st Lunar month.

‧ THE 2ND DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR
Families start the New Year with a sumptuous lunch featuring dishes whose names signify good fortune and blessings. Customarily, there are fireworks display at the Victoria Harbour on the 2nd day of Lunar New Year night. Many people gather on both side of the harbour to enjoy the fireworks display. Sea-view hotels are fully booked, too.

‧ THE 3RD DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR
Although the Che Kung festival falls on the 2nd day, families visit Che Kung Temple on the 3rd day instead of their friends and relatives' homes since it is believed that people tend to quarrel on that day.

‧ THE 7TH DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR
It is everyone’s birthday.

‧ THE 15TH DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR (SPRING LANTERN FESTIVAL)
A tradition to eat sweet dumplings. It is also a Chinese Valentine’s Day where young men and women meet and date to enjoy the magic of the colorful lanterns. This festival also marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations.

‧ BUSINESS
During Lunar New Year, shops and businesses, including food stores and markets, will close for a 3-day period traditionally. However, most shops open on the second day of Lunar New Year nowadays. Barbers and beauty parlors charge double during the week prior to the holiday. The Chinese Amah will have at least four days to a week off.
As a kind of celebration and symbol of "good luck", shops often arrange lion dance on the first day of opening in the new year. Some property estates also arrange lion dance show to celebrate the new year.

‧ CHING MING FESTIVAL
It is on April 4 or 5. Chinese families go to graves sweeping annually to show respect to their ancestors. They clear away weeds, touch up gravestone inscriptions and make offerings of wine and fruit. Incense and paper are burned for the dead.

‧ BIRTHDAY OF LORD BUDDHA
It is on the 8th day of the Fourth moon. The birthday of Lord Buddha is a celebration of great reverence in Hong Kong’s Buddhist temples. Worshippers show their devotion throughout the day by bathing Buddha’s statue. Many people enjoy sumptuous Chinese vegetarian dishes cooked by the monks at Po Lin Monastery.

‧ DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL (TUEN NG)
It is held on the fifth day of the fifth moon. The festival commemorates the death of Chu Yuan, a popular Chinese national hero, who drowned himself in Mi Lo River over 2000 years ago to protest against corruption in government. His friends then threw cakes into the water to divert the fish, and used paddles to create waves to scare them away. This practice is then transformed into the traditions of making and eating rice and meat dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, and paddling in Tuen Ng Festival nowadays.

‧ PUBLIC ACTIVITIES – DRAGON BOAT RACES
Furious Dragon Boat races are held at Taipo, Stanley, Aberdeen, Cheung Chau and other places. Long narrow boats with dragon heads and tails seat 6 to 20 rowers. Gongs or drums beat loudly and flags fly. It has also become an yearly international event with many fine overseas teams participating in the International Dragon Boat Race.

‧ MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL
It is held on the fifteenth night of the eighth moon. It commemorates the cunning plan uprising in 14th century when China was against the Mongols (Yuan Dynasty). The rebels wrote the call to revolt on pieces of paper and embedded them in small pastry cakes that they smuggled to compatriots.

‧ OTHER PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
They include China’s National day and the following day (October 1 & 2) and SAR Establishment Day (July 1). Western holidays such as Christmas and Boxing Day, Western New Year, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday are also observed.

CLIMATE

Hong Kong, which lies 100 miles south of the Tropic of Cancer, has a tropical mon-soon climate. Two seasons dominate the year. One is consistently hot, wet and humid (the Southern Monsoon in Spring/Summer) while the other is cool and dry (the Northern Monsoon in Autumn/Winter).

1. SPRING (MARCH to MID-MAY)
Temperature and humidity rise gradually in spring. The weather is cool but lightweight jackets suffice. The average temperature ranges from 18°C to 27°C while humidity is around 82%.

2. SUMMER (LATE MAY TO MID-SEPTEMBER)
Hot and humid weather with temperature ranging from 26°C to 35°C and humidity is around 86%. Short sleeves and cotton clothes work best, with a lightweight jacket for indoor areas such as restaurants. It is because these places tend to set air-conditioning on high. An umbrella or a hat works well to ward off heavy rain and sun. Thunderstorms is not uncommon at this time of year.

3. AUTUMN (LATE SEPTEMBER TO MID-NOVEMBER)
Warm, clear and sunny days are the norm in autumn. Short sleeve jackets are most suitable at this time of year. Nights are cool with low humidity and the daily range of temperature is small.

4. WINTER (MID-NOVEMBER TO FEBRUARY)
The weather normally remains sunny during the day but the nights are considerably cooler. The humidity is low. Though the temperature ranges between 14°C and 20°C, it can drop to 10°C or lower. Occasional chills make woolens and overcoats necessary.

5. TYPHOON SEASON
Typhoons may be expected from May to September. Typhoon (toi fung) is the local name for a hurricane, meaning "big wind" in Chinese. The tropical storms bring heavy rains, high tides and strong winds. Typhoon and monsoon warning signals are forecast via visual signals in the harbour, and regularly broadcast on radio and television.
The government induces simple but effective warning system. There are five grades of Tropical Cyclone Signals.

6. RAINSTORM WARNING
There are three levels of warning, namely amber, red and black.

‧ THE AMBER
It will be hoisted when it is raining heavily or is expected to rain generally throughout Hong Kong, exceeding 30 mini-meters in an hour. There will be flooding in some low-lying and poorly drained areas. The public is advised to pay attention to the coming weather changes as these might lead to Red or Black signal situations.

‧ THE RED
It will be hoisted when it is raining heavily or is expected to rain generally throughout Hong Kong, exceeding 50 mini-meters in an hour, and is likely to continue for a period of time. It means that the heavy rain might cause serious road flooding, and people who have to travel should carefully watch out for the weather and road conditions.

‧ THE BLACK
It will be hoisted when it is raining very heavily or is expected to rain generally throughout Hong Kong, exceeding 70 mini-meters in an hour, and is likely to continue for a period of time. It means that road flooding and weather conditions are serious. People should take shelter in a safe place.
They include China’s National day and the following day (October 1 & 2) and SAR Establishment Day (July 1). Western holidays such as Christmas and Boxing Day, Western New Year, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday are also observed.

RELIGIONS & BELIEFS

Ancestor worship (respect) is the fundamental basis of Chinese society and religion. Nearly every home and shop has a small and decorated ancestral altar at which candles (or red electric bulb) and incense are burnt and food laid out to invoke the blessings from ancestor. The Chinese almanac, Tong Sing, is widely consulted whenever any change (e.g. choosing a wedding date) is contemplated.
There is also a pantheon of deities, earth gods, kitchen gods, and patron saints for professions, events, and aspects of daily life. Most of them are inherited directly from rural animism. Most people go to temples at the beginning of the year to invoke blessing for luck, health and wealth and the end of the year to thank the 'gods'. People also go to the temples to celebrate the birthday of respective god or when they need feeling of comfort.
Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism are the major traditional ethical and ceremonial systems that meet the western ideas of religion. They are not exclusive, though.

1. CONFUCIANISM
Confucius lived from about 551-475BC. He is a great and respected sage that defined the code of humanity and love, and specified the duties and obligations to harmony. All officials in China were selected from those who passed the exam in the Confucian Classics thereafter.
Confucianism is said to be an ethical system that concentrates on moral and social standards and practices.

2. TAOISM
It is much magical and mystical where Taoist priests supervise worship, officiate at burials and marriages and form a religious hierarchy of the pantheon of gods and goddesses, dragons and other spirits. It is common that people consult 'tung shing' and 'fung shui' when placing buildings and furnishings.

3. BUDDHISM
Buddha taught compassion for all living things and directed all human beings to seek their own roads to truth. The religion accepted many local divinities and shamanistic practices. Buddhism plays an important role in Hong Kong. There are more than 400 Buddhist temples and these smoky shrines, laden with incense and offerings of fruit and flowers, can be seen everywhere.

4. ISLAM
There are some 80,000 followers of the Islamic faith in Hong Kong. Most of them are Chinese. The incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund, recognized by the HK Government, is responsible for the management and maintenance of mosques and cemeteries, arrangements for the celebration of Muslim festivals and the supervision of charitable work.

5. CHRISTIANITY
Hong Kong has an estimated base of half a million of christians, including Roman Catholics and Protestants of many denominations such as Baptists, Adventist, etc. Christian churches play a prominent role in the Hong Kong community. They run schools, colleges, hospitals and social centres throughout the territory.

The major cathedrals in Hong Kong are located at* :

ETIQUETTE

Hong Kong is an international city with rich Chinese culture that ancient traditions and ancestral rites are deeply embedded in the culture. Below are some very general customs:
1. GENERAL GUIDELINES
‧ NAMES
For Chinese names, the surname is always written first : for instance, Tung Chee-hwa is referred to as Mr. Tung or Mr C. H. Tung. Many Chinese give themselves a western first name. Thus, Tung Chee Hwa, Steven, is equivalent to Mr Steven C. H. Tung in Western nomenclature.

‧ BODY TOUCH
Chinese are more formal than foreigners. They are reluctant to have direct body contact with strangers except shaking hands.

‧ GIVING/ RECEIVING GIFTS
It is polite to use both hands to give or receive gifts. The gift should be set aside and opened later. Never opened it in front of the giver unless you are told to do so.

‧ BEHAVIOR IN SOCIAL MEETINGS
Avoid losing temper and disagreeing someone straightly as it is regarded as impolite and embarrassing.

‧ CHINESE WEDDING DINNER
It is customary to give some money in a red packet ("Lai See") or a gift check inside a nice envelope if you are invited to a Chinese wedding banquet.

2. BUSINESSESS

‧ BUSINESS CARDS
Business cards with English on one side and Chinese on the reverse side are commonly used in Hong Kong. They should be given and received with both hands. It is considered respectful to examine the card after receiving it.

‧ DRESS STANDARDS
Suits are worn year-round, even during the hot, humid summer months. Hong Kong people also like to dress up for occasions like business and social entertaining, cocktails, dinner parties and formal banquets.

‧ PUNCTUALITY
Punctuality is very important.

‧ TEA & COFFEE OFFER
Tea and coffee should be served during a meeting. Visitors should wait for the host to begin.

3. DINING

‧ FOOD DISHES
Chinese food is placed in central platters on the table and everyone shares by selecting morsels directly from the plate with chopsticks. It is a sign of courtesy for the host to put food into your bowl with his/her own chopsticks (some people use the handle-side to dish up). Simply eat it and say that it's delicious. Or, leave the food untouched and thank the host politely. Never eat from the central dish directly.

‧ CHINESE BANQUETS
It is not necessary to bring a gift unless it is for a special reason such as birthday. Guests will always wait for the host before they begin to eat. Toasts are proposed frequently throughout the meal, especially at the beginning of the meal and when the Shark's Fin soup is served. "Gan Bei" or "Yum Sing" in Cantonese equals to cheers. Fruit or fresh towels serve at the end of the meal at banquets.

‧ PAY & ORDER
It is customary to let the host order food. When the meal is served, the guest should wait for the host to invite others to begin. Avoid taking the last piece of food from the dish as it signals to the host that insufficient food is ordered. Let the host pay for the meal.

‧ THE GUEST OF HONOUR
The guest of honour always receives the choicest morsels of each dish, for instance, the cheek of fish. Chinese guests do not like chatting at the end of a meal. Usually, they leave promptly and it is suggested to wait and see what the host or the guest of honour does.

‧ FISH
The fish head should be positioned to point towards the guest of honour or senior family member. When its top half is eaten, it is considered to be bad luck to 'over-turn' the fish as it is believed that the fishing boat will capsize. Usually, the host or waiter will do the separation of the skeleton.

‧ TOOTHPICKS
When toothpick is used to deal with lodged fragments of food, it is polite to cover your mouth with one hand while the toothpick is being used with the other hand.

‧ CHOPSTICKS
Chopsticks should always be laid on the chopstick rest provided and not on your bowl or your plate. Don't stick your chopsticks in your bowl of rice. This is reminiscent of funerary ritual.

‧ BONES
Bones may be removed from the mouth with the help of chopsticks and placed on the side plates or tablecloth.

EDUCATION

ESF JUNIOR SCHOOLS

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the governing body for schools participating within its system utilizing an English system of education. There is no debenture system for school fees and the standard fees are around HK$5,100/m and HK$8,260/m for Primary & Secondary respectively. For more information, contact the head office of the ESF – 43B Stubbs Road, Mid Levels. (Tel : 2574 2351) www.esf.edu.hk

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

International Schools in Hong Kong usually provide good facilities; hence, a hefty debenture is usually required, which is refunded when the children leave the school.

PRE-SCHOOL

There are numerous private preschools and playgroups in Hong Kong. Some are privately run, while others are non-profit organizations that require parent participation on a regular basis.

TRANSPORTATION

PUBLIC NETWORK

RAILWAY NETWORK

1. MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (MTR) & THE AIRPORT EXPRESS
The MTR is a heavily utilized underground railway network, consisting of five line - Kwun Tong Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Island Line, Tseung Kwan O line and Tung Chung Line -- and the dedicated Airport Express running through 43 stations in Hong Kong. It operates from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. daily.
The Airport Express provides a swift link between Hong Kong International Airport and the heart of Hong Kong in just 23 minutes. The Airport Express stations offer in-town check-in, Airport Express Shuttle Bus Service and many other facilities.
Adult single journey fares on the MTR lines range from $4 to $26, and $50 to $90 for the Airport Express.
Webpage: http://www.mtr.com.hk



2. KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY (KCR)
The Kowloon-Canton Railway (East Rail) runs from Hung Hom to the boundary of the Mainland at Lo Wu. There are 13 stations along the 34-kilometre long route. Fares please refer to the official notice. ?KCR East Rail also operates intercity through train services from Kowloon to Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing. Seven trains are available daily from Hung Hom to Guangzhou, three of which call at Dongguan, and one terminates at Zhaoqing via Foshan.

3. THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT)
It is owned and operated by the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation. It serves Tuen Mun, Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai new towns in the northwest New Territories. It is supported by feeder bus services. Fares please refer to the official notice.

5. THE PEAK TRAM
Another tramway is a cable-hauled funicular railway, operated by Peak Tramways Company Ltd since 1888. The 1.4-kilometre line runs between Central and the Peak, with four stops en route, climbing 343 metres on gradient as steep as one-in-two. The line mainly carries tourists and local sightseers. Fares please refer to the official notice.

BUSES

1. KOWLOON & NEW TERRITORIES
Kowloon Motor Bus operates about 336 bus routes in Kowloon and the New Territories and 59 cross-harbour routes. Fares please refer to the official notice.??????????? Website: http://www.kmb.com.hk

2. HONG KONG ISLAND
New World First Bus operates about 60 Hong Kong Island routes, 32 cross-harbour routes and two routes serving Tseung Kwan O. Fares please refer to the official notice. Website: http://www.nwfb.com.hk
Citybus is the other franchised operator on Hong Kong Island. It operates about 107 bus routes, including 66 Hong Kong Island routes, 25 cross-harbour routes and 16 routes to Tung Chung and the airport. Fares please refer to the official notice.
Website: http://www.citybus.com.hk

3. LANTAU ISLAND
The Long Win Bus Company provides bus service to north Lantau and the airport. It operates 15 routes. Fares please refer to the official notice.
The New Lantao Bus Company operates 22 routes on Lantau Island. Fares please refer to the official notice.

MINIBUSES
Public Light Buses (PLBs) are minibuses with not more than 16 seats. Green PLBs offer scheduled services and red ones offer non-scheduled services (red minibuses).
Green minibuses operate on fixed routes at fixed fares which are generally higher than those of franchised buses. A number is posted on the windshield as well as on the destination sign. The fare is posted on the bottom of the windshield in the middle and it is reduced at certain points along the route.
Yellow and Red minibuses are free to operate anywhere, except where special prohibitions apply, without fixed routes or fares. They are permitted to deviate from an exact route if the bus driver chooses to do so, although they must arrive at the destination posted on the sign.
The mini-bus drivers stop to pick up people who wave, provided that it is not full and it is a legal place to stop. They stop when passengers request to disemburk.

TAXIS
Urban taxis (red in color) operate throughout Hong Kong except Tung Chung Road and roads in south Lantau. New Territories taxis (green in color) are fundamentally confined to rural areas in the New Territories and are permitted to serve certain locations in the urban area through specified routes. Lantau taxis (blue in color) operate only on Lantau Island and Chek Lap Kok.
Taxis in Hong Kong are relatively inexpensive. Fares are charged according to the approved fare scales. Urban taxis cost $15 for the first two kilometers and $1.4 for every 0.2 kilometer thereafter. A trip from Central to Mid-Levels costs approximately $15.00-$30.00. A trip from Mid-Levels to the airport will cost approximately $400.
For New Territories taxis, the flag fall is $12.5 for the first two kilometers with a charge of $1.2 for every subsequent $0.2 kilometer. Lantau taxis cost $12 for the first two kilometers and $1.2 for every $0.2 kilometer thereafter.
Taxis can often be hailed on the street, but they are prohibited from stopping where there is a yellow line along the curb until after 7 pm. Most taxi drivers understand the English names for major streets, hotels and numbers.
At night a lighted roof dome indicates availability; in daytime a red "for hire" flag on the dashboard can be seen at a distance. Of off duty or pre-booked taxis will display an "Out of service" sign. Drivers may not refuse a fare except at cross-harbour taxi stands when they are permitted to refuse hire for non cross-harbour journeys.
Drivers do not give small change. Tipping in the form of rounding up to the nearest dollar is common practice. Taxis are quite difficult to get during rush hour and during rainy periods. Moreover, passengers are required to pay the return tunnel fee as taxi drivers prefer to stick to their patch except those at the cross-harbour taxi stands.

FERRIES
1. STAR FERRY
The Star Ferry Company operates four cross-harbour services with 13 vessels. Fares range from $1.7 to $5.3. The most frequently used is the Central to Tsim Sha Tsui ride located at Central Pier 7. It takes about 7 minutes. Other routes go between Central Ferry Pier and Hung Hom situated at Central Pier 8.
Website: http://www.starferry.com.hk

2. DISCOVERY BAY FERRY
The Discovery Bay ferry takes passengers to and from Discovery Bay on Lantau Island 24 hours a day. The service departs from the Outlying Ferry Pier 3.

3. OUTLYING ISLAND FERRIES
New World First Ferry operates other ferries travelling to the outlying islands of Peng Chau and Cheung Chau. The outlying ferries pier is located northwest of the Star Ferry terminal behind Exchange Square. Normally, ferries run on a schedule of about once an hour.
Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry operates ferries travelling from Central to Lamma Lisland.
‧ Pier 4 - to Lamma (Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan)
‧ Pier 5 - to Tsing Yi, Tsuen Wan, Peng Chau
‧ Pier 6 - to Cheung Chau, Mui Wo (Lantau)

Octopus cards can be purchased at any MTR station. There are four types of card : Adult, Student, Child, Elder/Senior. Any amount paid is then credited to the card, the minimum amount being $150, which includes a $50 deposit. Adding value to the card can be done at designated sales outlets, 7-eleven convenience stores or through "Add Value Machine" at MTR stations.

DRIVER'S GUIDE


DRIVING LICENCE

1. DIRECT ISSUE OF HK DRIVING Licence
A HK driving licence may be issued to you without a test if you satisfy the Commissioner with documentary evidence that
‧ you have a full driving licence (but not an international driving permit) issued during the past 3 years by one of the following countries or places;

‧ the driving entitlement for which you are applying must be equivalent to the class which are authorized to drive by the issuing country or place; and
‧ your driving licence was obtained by passing the relevant driving test in the issuing country or place; and
‧ you comply with one of the additional conditions :
- have resided in the overseas country or place of issue for not less than 6 months during which the licence was issued; or
- have held the licence for not less than 5 years prior to the application; or
- hold a passport or equivalent document of the country or place in which the licence was issued.
Application form (TD63A) should be submitted with the originals & copies of the following documents:-
‧ your HK Identity Card;
‧ your passport or other travel documents;
‧ your overseas / PRC driving licence, an officially certified translation is required if the licence is in a language other than English or Chinese; and
‧ Supporting documents to prove that you are eligible as mentioned above in a) to d).

2. VISITORS DRIVING IN HK
A visitor to HK (planning to reside in HK < 12 months), as a holder of an International Driving Permit issued outside HK, can drive in HK the class of motor vehicle authorized by his/her valid International Driving Permit issued outside HK for 12 months starting from the date of his / her arrival in HK provided that he/she satisfies the legal age requirement - 18 years old for private car, light government vehicle, motorcycle and motor tricycle; 21 years old for other type of motor vehicles.
If you do not satisfy all the conditions for direct issue, you will be required to pass a test in all parts before a HK driving licence is issued. Applications are only accepted at the Hong Kong Licensing Office.

3. TEMPORARY DRIVING LICENCE
If you hold a valid overseas driving licence issued by a country or place not on the approved list, a temporary driving licence may be issued provided that you satisfy one of the requirements in (d) above and that you have applied for a driving test within 3 months of your arrival in HK. It will enable you to drive on public roads before the test but it will be cancelled immediately if you fail any part of the driving test.

4. LEARNER’S DRIVING LICENCE
If the applicant for a temporary Driving Licence has been in HK for more than 3 months, he is no longer eligible for a Temporary Driving Licence. He/she is required to apply for a learner's driving licence before taking the driving test. An application for a Full HK Driving Licence can be submitted upon his/her passing the appropriate driving tests.

5. DRIVING TEST
The driving test for a private car consists of three parts. Part A is a written test of multiple choice type, consisting of bilingual questions on the Road Users' Code. Part B is a test of driving technique, conducted on-street or off-street and can be combined with Part C which is a test on a road.

6. FIRST ISSUE OF FULL DRIVING LICENCE
Applications may be made on the prescribed form within 3 years from the date of passing the driving test. The driving licence will be valid for 10 years for applicants aged 60 or below.


‧ DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION

‧ LICENSING OFFICES
- Customer Service Hotline 2804 2600
- Transport Dept Website: http://www.td.gov.hk
- Opening Hours : 9:00am to 4:00pm (Mon to Fri, open during lunch hours)

REGISTRATION & LICENSING OF A VEHICLE
Usually, a local motor vehicle agent applies for registration and licensing of a vehicle on behalf of its client. However, if you import a vehicle, you have to do it yourself.

PROCEDURES FOR IMPORTING A CAR FOR PERSONAL USE
Applicants should first submit relevant noise and exhaust emissions test reports issued by recognized laboratory to the Environmental Protection Dept with a view to ascertaining whether the vehicle to be imported fulfills the exhaust and noise emission standards set out in the legislation.
Upon approval from the Environmental Protection Department, the applicant can arrange to import the vehicle to HK. The applicant should lodge an import declaration to the Customs and Excise Dept within 14 days after the importation of vehicle, and lodge import returns to the Motor Vehicles Valuation Groups C & ED for valuation of the taxable value of the vehicle within 30 days of the importation. In the meantime, the applicant may book an appointment to pre-register a vehicle inspection at a specified vehicle examination centre.
After the assessment of the provisional taxable value of vehicle and passing the vehicle inspection, the applicant can apply for registration and licensing of the vehicle at Counter No. 1 of the HK Licensing Office, with the following documents and fees :

Further information can be obtained from the HK Licensing Office at 3/F, United Centre,
95 Queensway, HK (Tel: 2804 2637)
CAR SERVICES


MAJOR NEW CAR DEALERS

Below is a list of major new car dealers, some of which sell second-hand cars too. Also, it is easy to look in the classified section in newspapers or on notice-boards in supermarkets and clubs for second-hand cars.

CAR HIRE/ RENTAL
Several companies offer vehicles for hire on an hourly or daily basis.

DRIVING LESSONS
These will help you get contact details of instructors in your district.

CAR REPAIRS & SERVICING
Most major car dealers listed above have professional service centres for repairs and maintenance. Here are some of reliable independent maintenance workshops

DRIVING IN HONG KONG

Most cars in Hong Kong are right-hand drive and they drive on the left-hand side of the road. People are required to pay for metered parking and multi-storey car parks.
The Road Users Code, the publication of major road rules in Hong Kong, is available at www.td.gov.hk/public_services/licences