Hong Kong

Hong Kong (香港 Heūng góng in Cantonese, meaning fragrant harbour) is a place with multiple personalities; the population is mainly Cantonese Chinese with British influence to be somhow visible. It is a unique destination that has absorbed people and cultural influences from places as diverse as Vietnam and Vancouver and proudly proclaims itself to be Asia's World City.

Hong Kong has been a major tourist destination for both tourists and business people from around the world for at least a century, and today it is also a major tourism destination for China's increasingly affluent mainland population. It is also an important air hub with connections to many of the world's cities.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China is much more than a harbour city with crowded streets: this territory with its cloudy mountains and rocky islands also offers rural landscapes with breathtaking views. Much of the nationside is classified as Country Park and, although 7 million people are never far away, it is feasible to find pockets of wilderness that will reward the more intrepid traveller.

Hong Kong has a subtropical weather with at least one season to match your comfort zone. Boasting one of the world's best airports, it is the ideal stopover for those who wish to travel deeper into Asia.

Districts

Hong Kong neighborhoods map - Map of Hong Kong

{{Regionlist | region1name=Hong Kong Island | region1color=#b85095 | region1items=香港島) (Hong Kong/Central|Central, Hong Kong/Eastern District|East Coast, Hong Kong/Southern District|South Coast | region1description=The site of the original British settlement and the main focus of most Muslim visitors. Most of Hong Kong's highest skyscrapers and the financial centre can be found here. Overall, Hong Kong Island is more modern and wealthy and considerably more prestigious than the other areas of Hong Kong. The Peak is the tallest point on the island, with the best views and highest real estate values in the world.

| region2name=Hong Kong/Kowloon|Kowloon] | region2color=#d5dc76 | region2items=九龍 | region2description=The peninsula to the north of Hong Kong Island, with great views of the island. It offers a chaotic mix of malls, street markets, and residential tenements. With over 2.1 million people living in an area of less than 47 square kilometres, Kowloon is one of the most densely populated places in the world. Kowloon includes Tsim Sha Tsui (尖沙咀) and the location of many hotels and Mong Kok (旺角), a shopping neighborhood.

| region3name=Hong Kong/New Territories|New Territories] | region3color=#71b37b | region3items=新界 | region3description=Named by British officials when leased from the Chinese government in 1898 and the New Territories contain a curious mix of small farms, villages, industrial installations, mountainous country parks and towns that have populations the size of some cities.

| region4name=Hong Kong/Lantau|Lantau Island | region4color=#d09440 | region4items=大嶼山 | region4description=A large island west of Hong Kong Island. You will not find many idyllic villages, but once you get over the stray dogs and the ramshackle buildings you will find beautiful mountains and beaches. The airport, Disneyland, and the Ngong Ping cable vehicle are found here.

| region5name=Hong Kong/Outlying Islands|Outlying Islands] | region5color=#d56d76 | region5items=離島 | region5description=Well-known weekend destinations for the local residents and the Outlying Islands are most of the islands surrounding Hong Kong Island. Highlights include Lamma (南丫島), well known for its seafood and Cheung Chau (長洲), a small island that used to be a pirates' den, but now attracts seafood aficionados, windsurfers and sunbathing day trippers.

Hong Kong Halal Travel Guide

Jamia Mosque (Hong Kong)

Shelley Street Temple1 - Shelley Street Temple1|alt=Jamia Mosque

The Jamia Mosque is a mosque in Mid-Levels, Hong Kong. The mosque is the oldest mosque in Hong Kong. The neighbouring streets Mosque Street and Mosque Junction are named after this mosque. Mufti Abdul Zaman is the main Imam of this Mosque and he leads prayers and taraweeh in the month of Ramadan.

The mosque was built in 1890 on a piece of land leased by the British Hong Kong government for 999 years. The treaty for the land was granted on 23 December 1850. Initially and the mosque was named Mohammedan Mosque. Extension of the building took place in 1915 which made the mosque into a larger building. After World War II and the mosque was renamed Jamia Mosque.

The mosque has a rectangular shape with an arched main entrance and Arabic-style arched windows on all sides.

A three-storey residential building next to the mosque provides rent-free lodging to followers. It was probably built in the early 20th century.

Conservation - The mosque has been classified as a Grade I building by the Government of Hong Kong in May 2010 which are described as "outstanding merits of which every effort should be made to preserve if feasible." The nearby three-storey residential building has been classified as a Grade II building.

Future expansions - There has been a plan to construct an Islamic Cultural Center by its side in the future.

Transportation - The mosque is accessible within walking distance South West from Central station of the MTR.

Kowloon Masjid and Islamic Centre

Kowloon Masjid and Islamic Centre from East 2 - Kowloon Masjid and Islamic Centre from East 2|alt=Kowloon Masjid and Islamic Centre

The Kowloon Masjid and Islamic Centre or Kowloon Mosque is one of five main masjids in Hong Kong. Located in Kowloon, in the Tsim Sha Tsui area at the intersection of Nathan Road and Haiphong Road, beside Kowloon Park, this mosque is currently the largest in Hong Kong. The mosque holds five prayers daily and is capable of accommodating up to 3,500 people.

History - The Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre was first established in 1896 by the Hong Kong Regiment. It was originally intended to serve the Indian Muslim troops of the British Army stationed at the nearby Whitfield Barracks, now the site of the adjacent Kowloon Park.

In the late 1970s and the building suffered structural issues due to the underground construction carried out for the Mass Transit Railway. With compensation provided by MTR Corporation and donations from the local Muslim community, a new mosque was built and opened on 11 May 1984 on the present site at 105 Nathan Road to replace the old one.

Currently and the mosque primarily serves Muslims from South Asia and Indonesia. Many of them also live in Tsim Sha Tsui, where ethnic minorities have settled. This also explains why it also plays an important role as a cultural site for non-Chinese Muslims in Hong Kong.

Vendors selling South Asian items at Chungking Mansions are close to the Kowloon Mosque (opposite the mosque, across the road).

This mosque, designed by architect I.M. Kadri, represents the unique identity of the Muslim community in Hong Kong. Decorated and elaborate and the traditional Muslim architecture of the mosque contrasts from the modern architecture of the nearby buildings. The most prominent features of the building are the four 11 meters high minarets which mark the junctions of the upper terrace and the extensive use of white marble on both the paving and the facade.

In addition to three prayer halls and a community hall and there is a medical clinic and a library. The main prayer hall on the first floor can accommodate 1,000 people. A smaller, women's prayer hall is on the upper floor and is surrounded by a terrace. This upper hall is surmounted by a dome 5 meters in diameter and 9 meters in height.

The mosque is located near exit A1 of Tsim Sha Tsui station (connected to East Tsim Sha Tsui station by underground walkways). It may be reached via the Tsuen Wan line or the West Rail line (if you walk through the station to East Tsim Sha Tsui station).

There is also a large bus stop situated outside the mosque, with buses to various destinations in Kowloon, New Territories and Hong Kong International Airport. This stop is either announced as Kowloon Mosque or Kowloon Park (which is adjacent to the mosque).

Ammar Mosque and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre

HK WC 灣仔 Wan Chai 日善街 Yat Sin Street June 2020 SS2 04 - HK WC 灣仔 Wan Chai 日善街 Yat Sin Street June 2020 SS2 04|alt=Ammar Mosque and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre

The Ammar Mosque and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre (traditional Chinese: 愛群清真寺林士德伊斯蘭中心; simplified Chinese: 爱群清真寺林士德伊斯兰中心; pinyin: Àiqún Qīngzhēnsì Línshìdé Yīsīlán Zhōngxīn) or Wan Chai Mosque is a mosque and Islamic centre in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. It is the third mosque built in Hong Kong.

The original building of this mosque can be traced back to the first Muslim cemetery in Hong Kong located at 7 Seymore Street where there were only five or six burials took place. By that time and the Ammar Mosque was just a small mosque built adjacent to the cemetery which was used primarily to offer funeral prayer. However, once the Muslim population increased, Muslims living nearby the mosque began to use it for daily prayers as well. The earliest grave can be traced back to the year of 1864. The site is now used for Jewish synagogue and the Muslim cemetery was moved to Happy Valley Muslim Cemetery.

The mosque was designed by a Chinese Muslim, Ramju Sadick. The centre of the mosque is an eight-storey complex with multi-purpose facilities, such as ablution halls for men and women on the first floor, mosque male prayer hall on the second floor, mosque female prayer hall on the third floor and Chinese restaurant,[6 Halal bakery, medical services, classrooms, library, offices for Imam and Quran teachers, conference and seminar rooms on the fourth until eighth floor .

Ammar mosque houses the headquarters of Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Islamic Youth Association. The mosque regularly holds Islamic workshops every weekends. It also holds classes for newly converts to Islam and proper Quran reading. Occasionally and the mosque hosts tour visits by school or university students on organised field trips.

Transportation - The building is accessible East from Wan Chai station and also West from Causeway Bay station.

Stanley Mosque

Xg11 - Xg11|alt=Stanley Mosque

The Stanley Mosque (Chinese: 赤柱清真寺; pinyin: Chìzhù Qīngzhēnsì) is in Stanley, Hong Kong, China.[2 It is the fourth mosque built in Hong Kong and it is located at the Stanley Prison.

History - In the early 20th century and there were around 400 Muslim employees from Pakistan and India working for the Prison Department of Hong Kong. The headquarters office of the department was initially at Arbuthnot Road. Most of them went to Jamia Mosque to perform their prayer. However, following the relocation of the headquarters from Arbuthnot Road to Stanley Prison, which is much further away and there was a demand to set up a new mosque around the prison area to cater for the welfare and religious needs for the prison Muslim staffs. Thus, Stanley Mosque was opened inside the prison on 1 January 1937.

The Advisory Board of Antiquities and Monuments Office designated the mosque as a Grade I historic building on 18 December 2009.

Due to the safety reasons and the Correctionals Services staffs limited access to the mosque but also you can show them your HK ID card or tell them that "I came here for only praying".

The Imam of the mosque is Hafiz Afzal Khan, he also teaches Quran in the mosque and leads the prayer. He has been the Imam of the mosque for over 20 years.

Architecture - The sandy coloured mosque has a large prayer hall, veranda and courtyard. A parking area is located in front of the mosque. The mosque is not generally open to the public as it is within the prison grounds.

Chai Wan Mosque

Chai Wan Mosque 06 - Chai Wan Mosque 06|alt=Chai Wan Mosque

The Chai Wan Mosque (traditional Chinese: 柴灣清真寺; simplified Chinese: 柴湾清真寺; pinyin: Cháiwān Qīngzhēnsì) or Cape Collinson Mosque is a mosque in Chai Wan, Hong Kong, China. It is the fifth mosque built in Hong Kong.

History - To compensate the resumption of cemetery and a small mosque in Ho Man Tin in 1963 and the British Hong Kong government provided a land for cemetery in Cape Collinson and constructed a small mosque called the Chai Wan Mosque which was opened on 4 August 1963 and was primarily used to offer funeral prayer. Initially regular prayers were not held there because the mosque was located in a very isolated area and no Muslims lived there except for a caretaker. However, as more and more Muslim families settled in Chai Wan and they started to perform their daily prayers at the mosque. The Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong had also renovated the entire building in 2005 and air conditioners had been installed in the main prayer hall.

On 17 May 2010 and the Advisory Board of Antiquities and Monuments Office designated the mosque as a Grade III historic building.

Architecture - The mosque main space is mainly devoted to three prayer halls with luxurious white marble finishing.[4 Outside the prayer hall is an open space suitable for small religious gatherings.

Transportation - The mosque is accessible within walking distance South West from Chai Wan station of the MTR.

Ibrahim Mosque

M 2013-12-05 11-37 - M 2013-12-05 11-37|alt=Ibrahim Mosque

The Ibrahim Mosque (Chinese: 易卜拉欣清真寺; pinyin: Yìbolāxīn Qīngzhēnsì) is a mosque in Mong Kok, Hong Kong. It is the sixth and latest mosque built in Hong Kong. The mosque was constructed and is managed by the United Welfare Union Hong Kong Limited.

History - In March 2011, a Muslim group approached the government for a land to build a mosque. A piece of land was offered by the government for one year but the offer was declined, instead a site at Hoi Wan Road was identified to be more suitable. On 20 September 2012 and the Lands Department approved the application and the site was handed over to the United Welfare Union Hong Kong on 1 February 2013.

The construction of the mosque started in July 2013. It was completed and inaugurated on 24 November 2013.

The Lease expired, and the land was taken back by the government by the end of 2019. However and the government had offered an alternate site which was accepted in 2019. The construction on the new site started in July 2020. On 1 January 2020 and the construction was partially completed. The previous Masjid was then demolished, and the Masjid Ibrahim officially moved to the new site in Mong Kok.

As of 2020 and the land is under a bridge on Ferry Street, respectively between its junction with Soy Street and Shantung Street. The management aims to complete the construction by late 2020, and expand service provision for Muslim community.

Architecture - The mosque has several facilities such as ablution room, pantry, classrooms, conference room and an office for Imam. These are divided into sections for men and women, to be kept separate according to religious and cultural values and norms.

Transportation - The mosque is accessible within walking distance from Exit C2 at Mong Kok station of the MTR.

Islam in Hong Kong

According to the 2016 census, Islam is practised by 4.1% of the population of Hong Kong, or about 300,000 Muslims. Of this number, 50,000 are Chinese, 150,000 are Indonesians and 30,000 are (Pakistani)s, with the rest from other parts of the world. The vast majority of Muslims in Hong Kong are Sunni.

About 12,000 of the Muslim families in Hong Kong are 'local boy' families, Muslims visitors of mixed Chinese and South Asian ancestry descended from early Muslim South Asian immigrants who took local Chinese wives (Tanka people) and brought their children up as Muslims. Hui Muslims from Mainland China also played a role in the development of Islam in Hong Kong, such as Kasim Tuet from Guangzhou, one of the pioneers of Muslim education in the city, for whom the Islamic Kasim Tuet Memorial College is named.

In the new millennium and the largest number of Muslims in the territory are (Indonesian), most of whom are female foreign domestic workers. They account for over 120,000 of Hong Kong's Muslim population.

The history of Muslims in Hong Kong started since the British Hong Kong government period. The first Muslim settlers in Hong Kong were of Indian origin, in which some of them were soldiers. From the mid 19th century onwards, more and more soldiers and businessmen arrived in Hong Kong from South Asia and Mainland China. As the number of them increased and the British Hong Kong government allocated land for them to build their communities and facilities, such as masjids and cemeteries. The British government respected the rights of those Muslim communities by giving them aid.

Chinese Muslims first arrived in Hong Kong in the late 19th and early 20th century, coming from southern Chinese coastal areas, where they had lived for centuries prior. They established their community around Wan Chai District (location of the Wan Chai Mosque). Later Chinese Muslim influxes occurred following episodes of unrest on the mainland. Some Chinese are also more recent converts to Islam. As of 2004 and the Chinese Muslims account for over 50% of the Muslim resident population of Hong Kong, and they play an important role in the Islamic organisations of Hong Kong. Hong Kong's Muslims have historically been treated as separate to Chinese Muslims in terms of Hajj arrangements.

Food

Over the past few years and there has been an increasing number of Halal restaurants to cater for Muslim dietary needs, as well as supermarkets selling more and more Halal products. In 2010 and there were only 14 Halal restaurants, but after a year the number had jumped three times. As of May 2023 and there are 70 Halal-certified restaurants in Hong Kong.

Islamic Finance

There has been a plan by HSBC to implement the Islamic finance system in Hong Kong, although the realisation has yet to be implemented. In 2007 and the HK Islamic Index was established by Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong to support Hong Kong's ambitions to develop into an Islamic financial centre. In the same year, Financial Secretary John Tsang announced a plan to capture part of the world's Islamic finance pie, which is worth around US$1.3 trillion. Hang Seng Bank has issued a retail Islamic fund in November 2007

Islamic Education in Hong Kong

• Islamic Kasim Tuet Memorial College

• Islamic Dharwood Pau Memorial Primary School

Until January 2010, Hong Kong has 5 Islamic schools, scattered around Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territories. The development of those schools have been remarkably fast, which ranges from kindergartens, primary schools and colleges.

Some of the Islamic educational institutes:

• Islamic Kasim Tuet Memorial College in Chai Wan, Hong Kong Island
• Islamic Dharwood Pau Memorial Primary School (伊斯蘭鮑伯濤紀念小學) in Tsz Wan Shan, Kowloon[17]
• Islamic Primary School (伊斯蘭學校) in Tuen Mun, New Territories
• UMAH International Primary School in Yuen Long
• Islamic Abu Bakar Chui Memorial Kindergarten in Shau Kei Wan
• Islamic Pok Oi Kindergarten in Tsing Yi
• Muslim Community Kindergarten in Wan Chai

There are also various madrasas throughout the region.

Pilgrimage

Historically few numbers of Muslims performed the Hajj from Hong Kong. Those that did wish to perform the pilgrimage would join Hajj groups from Malaysia and the Indian subcontinent, or Mainland China. Since the 1990s larger numbers of Muslims travel to Mecca directly from Hong Kong and the territory has its own small Hajj quota with Hajj visas awarded from the Saudi Embassy. PRC Muslims are not allowed to travel to Hong Kong for Hajj arrangements but Muslim foreign nationals living in China must make arrangements to travel either from their home country, or through Hong Kong.

Social challenges

Due to the limited lunch break time on Friday for working-class people in Hong Kong, Friday prayers are often held in a relatively short time. Muslims may also find difficulties in finding suitable place to pray at work or in school. Due to the absence of masjids in New Territories, Muslims living there may find it hard to go to Hong Kong's current six masjids due to their location in Kowloon or Hong Kong Island. Some of them rent flats and turn them into prayer rooms to serve Muslims living around the area. There are currently eight flats in Hong Kong being turned into prayer rooms.

Travel to Hong Kong

Visa policy of Hong Kong - 600px|Visa policy of Hong Kong

Immigration

Hong Kong maintains a separate and independent immigration system from that of mainland China. Muslims visitors of most GCC countries do not need a visa to visit Hong Kong. If required and the Hong Kong visa can be applied for at a Chinese diplomatic mission, but must be done so separately from the mainland Chinese one, and there is no single visa that serves both areas. A visa is still required to enter mainland China from Hong Kong and vice versa. Macau is also a separate country with regards to visas. As leaving mainland China for Hong Kong is considered to be leaving China, if you wish to re-enter mainland China after visiting Hong Kong, make sure you have a multiple-entry Chinese visa.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Hong Kong

Hong Kong International Airport

Main article: Hong Kong International Airport

HKIA at night - Hong Kong International Airport at night

Hong Kong International Airport (IATA Flight Code: HKG), commonly called Chek Lap Kok 赤鱲角 (the name of the small island containing the airport), is on Hong Kong/Lantau|Lantau Island in the west of Hong Kong. Designed by Sir Norman Foster it has since been named "World's Best Airport" by Skytrax 8 times.

Hong Kong's flag carrier is Cathay Pacific (國泰航空), which is widely regarded as one of the world's best airlines in terms of client service, and has an extensive network with Flights to many cities around the world. Other Hong Kong-based airlines include Hong Kong Airlines (香港航空) and low-cost carrier HK Express (香港快運航空).

Train is the quickest way between airport and city, by the MTR Airport Express. This costs $105 one-way to Kowloon, and $115 to Hong Kong Island; return tickets valid for 30 days are $185 / $205. Tickets are sold at a discount on apps such as Klook, with 1/3 off. There's no ticket barrier at the airport so you can just board and pay at the city end. Trains run frequently between 06:00 and 00:45 and take 30 mins; they also stop at Tsing Yi, and continue beyond the airport to AsiaWorld-Expo.

Two other train options are:

• Take the Airport Express only as far as Tsing Yi and change there for a regular Tung Chung (orange) line MTR train. This is a tad cheaper but the main advantage is that the Tsuen Wan (red) line runs right down Nathan Road in Kowloon, prime territory for hotels, before crossing to Hong Kong Central. So although it involves two changes, it may get you there just as quickly. Note that from a cursory glance at the MTR map, you might think there's also an interchange at Sunny Bay, but the Airport Express doesn't stop there.
• Take public bus S1 to Tung Chung (takes 15 mins) and catch a regular Tung Chung (orange) line MTR train into the city.

Bus: three routes run into town from the airport, find them by turning right as you exit Arrivals. The most useful for most visitors is the A21, which runs down Kowloon's Nathan Road to Hung Hom train station. This takes 75 mins, running every 10-20 mins 06:00-midnight, fare $33.

Taxis are also available and often slow because of downtown traffic.

Shenzhen International Airport

As flights between Hong Kong and mainland China are treated as international flights, it is often cheaper to fly to/from Shenzhen Airport (IATA Flight Code: SZX), in the nearby mainland Chinese city of Shenzhen.

By helicopter

Sky Shuttle operates a helicopter service every 30 minutes from the Terminal Marítimo in Macau to the Shun Tak Heliport (IATA Flight Code: HHP) at the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Pier in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island. The trip takes 15 minutes and one-way fares cost $4,100, plus $400 on public holidays.

By ferry

TurboJet Catamaran - A TurboJet catamaran] Star Pisces at Ocean Terminal, Hong Kong, from ferry pier 2 - The Star Pisces at Ocean Terminal Blake Pier at Stanley-1 - Blake Pier at Stanley

Hong Kong is only a one-hour hydrofoil ride away from Macau and there are also good connections to mainland China. The main terminals are:

• Operating from Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Pier, 202 Connaught Road (Sheung Wan MTR exit D) in Hong Kong/Island|Central.
• TurboJet, every 5–30 minutes, 24 hours a day to/from Macau.
• Cotai Jet , every 15–30 minutes, 24 hours a day to/from Macau/Taipa|Taipa, Macau.
• Operating from Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal, 33 Canton Road (Tsim Sha Tsui MTR exit A1) in Hong Kong/Kowloon|Kowloon].
• Chu Kong Passenger Transport, to Zhuhai and various other points in mainland China's Guangdong Province.
• TurboJet, every 30 minutes to Macau.
• Xunlong to Shekou in Shenzhen, mainland China.

By cruise ship

Star Cruises operates from the Ocean Terminal in Hong Kong/Kowloon|Tsim Sha Tsui. Cruise ships travel to Vietnam, mainland China and Taiwan, Province of China. There are also long haul services all the way to Singapore via ports in Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia.

Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is Hong Kong's new cruise ship terminal that opened at the former Kai Tak Airport runway. The terminal supports two large ship berths. The terminal has free shuttle service to nearby shopping and public transit.

Tip: Check with your cruise line before you travel to find out which terminal your ship berths at.

How to get around in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has an excellent and affordable public transport system.

Octopus card

The Octopus Card (八達通, Bat Dat Toong in Cantonese) is a prepaid debit card that can be used to pay for public transportation such as the MTR, trains, trams, buses, mini-buses and ferries. Most taxis do not yet accept it although more will in future. Paying for public transport with an Octopus Card is usually at a discounted fare.

It can also be used to pay for items in convenience stores, supermarkets, fast food restaurant chains, many vending machines, all roadside parking and some vehicle parks. It can also be used as an building access card. Some chain stores, such as Wellcome, offer discounts for paying with the Octopus Card. This is a great way to avoid carrying and counting coins.

Basic Octopus cards cost $150 for $100 in credit plus a $50 refundable deposit. A $9 service charge applies if the card is redeemed for the deposit within 3 months. The maximum value an Octopus card can carry is $1,000. The credit on the card can go negative. For example, you may pay for a ride costing $5 with only $2 of remaining value on the card (bringing the stored value to −$3) but you cannot use the card again until the value is topped up. The value of an Octopus card can go as low as −$35. That isn't really "negative", meaning you don't have to pay MTR back, since your $50 deposit secures it.

Your Octopus card's balance is displayed on the reader after each use. The balance can also be checked, along with the last nine transactions, using a small machine near regular ticket machines at MTR stations.

It is simple to top up your Octopus Card in $50 increments:

• "Add Value" machines, usually next to regular ticket machines in MTR stations.
• Client service centres at all MTR stations
• Certain merchants that accept Octopus (e.g. 7-Eleven, McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), Wellcome, etc.). This is the best way to avoid queues at the MTR station.

It is not feasible to top up with a credit card. Some Hong Kong credit cards have an Octopus Card top up facility although this is not available to cards issued elsewhere.

If you are planning to visit Shenzhen as well, consider getting a Hu Tong Xing (互通行) card, which doubles up as a Shenzhen Tong card in addition to being an Octopus card, allowing it to be loaded with both Chinese Yuan and Hong Kong dollars, and used on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen public transportation networks. Those travelling farther afield should consider getting the similar Octopus • Lingnan Pass, which can be used in Hong Kong, Guangzhou and several other cities in Guangdong province (but notably not including Shenzhen).

By Mass Transit Railway

Hong Kong Railway Route Map en.svg|MTR system map Shatin Wai Station - A typical MTR Station entrance; its symbolic red circle icon is easily recognisable.

Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is the quickest way to get around, but it does not offer the views of buses and trams and is more expensive. It is clean, safe, and widely lauded as one of the most reliable and efficient systems in the world. There are 4 underground lines (Kwun Tong, Tsuen Wan, Island, and Tseung Kwan O lines), 4 Suburban rail lines (West Rail, East Rail, Tung Chung, and Ma On Shan lines) and the Airport Express, and a network of modern light rail lines in the North West New Territories.

The most important lines for many visitors are the busy Tsuen Wan Line (red), which runs from Central to Hong Kong/Kowloon|Kowloon via tunnel and then down Nathan Road towards Tsuen Wan in the Hong Kong/New Territories|New Territories, and the Island Line (blue) which runs along the north coast of Hong Kong Island. The Tung Chung Line (orange) is the fastest route to Lantau and one of the cheapest ways to the airport via the S1 shuttle bus from Tung Chung MTR station. This line can also be used to change to the Disneyland Resort Line (pink) at Sunny Bay. All signs are in both Chinese and English and all announcements are made in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. Staff in the station control room usually speak enough English to be able to help lost tourists.

By tram

Peak Tram entering Victoria Peak terminal - Peak Tram entering Victoria Peak terminus]

Operated by Hong Kong Tramways and the narrow double-decker city trams (also known locally as "ding ding") trundling along the northern coast of Hong Kong Island have provided affordable transport for over a century. Riding the tram is a great and affordable way to sightsee. For an excursion lasting 1 hour, board at the Kennedy Town Terminus and get a good seat on the upper deck. As the tram travels eastward, you will have an elevated view of Hong Kong Island and its different flavours, from bustling Hong Kong street life to its glitzy financial and shopping neighborhoods and, finally, a taste of the local residential areas.

• Trams are slower and bumpier than other modes of transport, and they are not air-conditioned. Summer months can be very uncomfortable even with the windows open.
• They run 6AM Monday - midnight.
• Passengers board at the rear and a flat $2.30 fare is paid when getting off at the front of the tram. The fare is paid for by Octopus Card or coins (no change given)
• It is the favourite means of transportation on Sundays for Hong Kong's large foreign domestic helper community and it is very crowded on that day.

Peak Tram

The Peak Tram, Hong Kong's first mechanised mode of transport, opened in 1888. The remarkably steep 1.7 km track from Central up to Victoria Peak is worth at least one trip despite the comparatively steep price ( $37 one-way, $52 return; return tickets must be purchased in advance). The tram turnstiles do take Octopus cards, which will allow you to avoid the ticketing line at the station.

The Peak Tram is likely to be crowded at night when the view of the city's skyline is magic, as well as on public holidays. Queues can be very long (waiting an hour is common at busy times), and a lot of pushing has been reported.

The tram is not the only way to get to the Peak, and there are cheaper (but slower and still quite scenic) alternatives such as the #1 green shuttle van costing $10.2 & #15 double-decker bus costing $9.8 from Exchange Plaza Bus Terminus. These buses will often give you great views of both sides of Hong Kong Island on the way up.

Light rail

Hong Kong Light Rail Geographical Map - Geographically accurate map of the Light Rail network

MTR operates a tram system in the northwest Hong Kong/New Territories|New Territories called Light Rail. It is a modern and fast tram system connecting Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, and Tin Shui Wai. It has an open fare system, in which passengers are required to buy a ticket or tap an Octopus card at the station entrance before boarding, and ticket inspection is random. The area is seldom visited by foreign tourists but various sights are nonetheless accessible via Light Rail, such as numerous ancient walled villages (highlighted by the Ping Shan Heritage Trail) and the Hong Kong Wetland Park and the beaches of Tuen Mun New Town, Yuen Long Town Centre, and seafood towns like Lau Fau Shan and Sam Shing.

By ferry

StarFerry IslandSkyline - Star Ferry and the Island skyline Star Ferry crew using billhook to catch rope at Central ferry pier, Hong Kong - Crew using billhook to catch mooring rope.

A large fleet of ferries sail between the many islands of Hong Kong. The granddaddy of them all and an attraction in itself is the Star Ferry, whose most popular line travels between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central from early morning until late at night, and offers amazing views (especially when coming from Tsim Sha Tsui). The Star Ferry is an icon of Hong Kong legacy and has carried passengers for over 120 years. Taking its 11-minutes ride across the harbour and catching some misty breeze is considered a "must do" when visiting Hong Kong. Navigation enthusiasts will also not want to miss the sight of the crew using a billhook to catch the thrown rope as it moors at the pier, a training unchanged since the first ferry ran in 1888.

Upper deck seats cost $2.50 on weekdays and $3.40 on weekends while the lower deck cost $2.00 on weekdays and $2.80 on weekends, both payable with Octopus, cash (no change given) or by onsite vending machine. The Star Ferry also operates between Tsim Sha Tsui and Wanchai but only offers upper-deck seating. A 4-day tourist ticket is also available for $25.

Ferries to Lamma, Lantau and other islands depart from a variety of ports, but the largest and most important terminal is at Central adjacent to the Star Ferry. Ferries are usually divided into fast ferries and slow ferries, with fast ferries charging around twice the price for half the journey time, although not all destinations offer both kinds of service. Example fares for trips from Central to Yung Shue Wan (Lamma) are $10/15 slow/fast, and to Mui Wo (Lantau) $10.50/$21. All fares increase by around 50% on Sundays and public holidays.

Best way to travel in Hong Kong by a Taxi

Kowloon Waterfront, Hong Kong, 2013-08-09, DD 05 - Red taxis in Kowloon]

Taxis are plentiful, clean, and efficient. They are extremely affordable compared to many other large cities.

There are three types of taxi in Hong Kong, easily identified by their colours: red, green and blue, all of which serve the airport and Hong Kong Disneyland. When in doubt, just take a red taxi.

• The Urban (red) taxis can travel anywhere within Hong Kong, and are the most expensive. The meter starts at $24.00 for the first 2 kilometers, plus $1.70 ($1.20 after the fare reaches $83.50) for every 200 m or minutes of wait time thereafter.
• New Territories (green) taxis are slightly cheaper than the red ones but are confined to rural areas in the New Territories and the airport, and Hong Kong Disneyland. The meter starts at $20.50 for the first 2 kilometers, plus $1.50 ($1.2 after the fare reaches $65.5) for every 200 m or minutes of wait time thereafter.
• Lantau (blue) taxis are the cheapest of the three but operate only on Lantau Island, including the airport and Hong Kong Disneyland.

Considerations when riding taxis:

• Wearing of seat belts is required by law and the driver has the right to refuse carrying the passenger if they fail to comply.
• Tipping is usually not required or expected, however the driver will usually round the fare up to the nearest dollar.
• Drivers are required to provide change for $100 notes, but not for higher denominations. If you only have a $500 or $1000 note and are going through a tunnel, let the driver know beforehand and he will change it when paying at the toll booth.
• Some taxis accept credit cards and Octopus cards to avoid hassles with small change; these are usually indicated by a sticker in the windshield.
• Harbour crossing passengers (Hong Kong Island to Kowloon or vice versa) are expected to pay the return tolls. But you can use this to your advantage by picking a homebound taxi from a cross-harbour taxi rank in places like the Star Ferry pier or Hung Hom station. In these cross-harbour taxi stands only single toll charge will be applied to the taxi fare.
• All taxi drivers are required to display inside the vehicle an official name card that includes the driver's photograph and the license plate number. Unless a taxi has an out of service sign displayed and they are legally required to take you to your destination. They are also required to provide you a receipt upon request. If you think you have been "toured" around the city, or if they refuse to either carry you to your destination or provide for a receipt, you may file a complain to the Transport Complaints Unit Complaint Hotline (Voice mail service after office hours) at 2889-9999.
• All taxis are radio equipped and can be reserved and requested via an operator for a token fee of $5, payable to the driver. You are unlikely to need to call a taxi, though, as they are plentiful.
• It is good training to get a local person to write the name or address of your destination in Chinese for you to hand to the taxi driver, as many drivers speak limited English and Mandarin. For example, if you wish take a journey back to your hotel, ask a receptionist for the hotel's business card. Nevertheless, even if you don't, most taxi drivers know enough English to communicate the basics. Buildings might have an English name used by foreigners and a different English name used by local residents. The HSBC building in Central is called "Hong Kong Bank" by taxi drivers for example.
• Learning some Cantonese pronunciation for your location will help (especially as some names such as Hung Hom, don't sound in Cantonese like they are written in English). "Do" (said like "Doe" - a deer, a female deer, with a middle tone) and "Gai" (said more like "Kai" with a rising tone) are the Cantonese words for Road and Street respectively. If you can pronounce your suburb and local road correctly, this will help considerably.

By car

Renting a car is almost unheard of in densely populated Hong Kong. With heavy traffic, a complex road network, rare and expensive parking spaces, and well-connected public transportation, renting a vehicle is very unappealing. That said and there are parts of the New Territories, Lantau Island and southern Hong Kong Island that are poorly, or in some cases not at all served by public transport. Therefore, renting a vehicle should not be ruled out if you intend to spend a significant amount of time hiking and camping in the nationside, particularly if you are staying in a suburban hotel. Expect to pay over $600/day even for a small car.

The legal age for driving passenger cars in Hong Kong is 18 and the same as the mainland. Hong Kong allows most foreigners to drive with an International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to 12 months.

Hong Kong uses traffic rules and signs similar to the United Kingdom. Directional signs are generally bilingual in traditional Chinese and English. The majority of Hongkongers will exceed the speed limit by around 10 km/h which is the tolerated threshold. There are many speed cameras on most major highways. Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory for every passenger who has a seatbelt provided. Many drivers will not signal before changing lanes.

Traffic in Hong Kong moves on the left (the steering wheel is on right hand side), same as United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Thailand and Singapore, but opposite to mainland China.

What to see in Hong Kong

Hong Kong doesn't have street benches to sit down. Whilst "sitting down areas" are around and these are generally infrequent. Additionally, restaurants (especially affordable and quick ones) will prefer quick table turnover.All this adds up to spending a considerable amount of time on your feet in any given day. Make sure you have a pair of comfortable shoes, as even a good pair of shoes will still leave your feet sore after a full day on your feet.

Halal Tours and Excursions in Hong Kong

• Hong Kong to Kunming overland — covers one route to or from Hong Kong

Victoria Peak

Get a stunning view of Hong Kong Island on Victoria Peak atop the giant, wok-shaped Peak Tower! Ever since the dawn of British colonisation and the Peak hosted the most exclusive neighbourhood for the territory's richest residents. Local Chinese weren't permitted to live here until after World War II. The Peak Tower has an observation platform and a shopping mall with shops, fine dining, and museums. Read more at Hong Kong/Central#Victoria Peak.

Traditional legacy

Stilt houses Tai O - Stilt Houses in Tai O

There are many traditional legacy locations throughout Hong Kong. Murray house high.JPG |Murray House

In Hong Kong/New Territories|New Territories you will find Ping Shan Heritage Trail passing by some of the most important ancient sights and the walled Hakka village of Tsang Tai Uk, Fu Shin Street Traditional Bazaar as well as a number of temples including Che Kung Temple, Man Monday Temple and the Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas. In Hong Kong/Kowloon|Kowloon you will find the Kowloon Walled City Park at the location of the former Kowloon walled city.And on Hong Kong/Lantau|Lantau you will find the Stilt houses in Tai O, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha Statue.

Tian Tan Buddha 2013 - Tian Tan Buddha

Museums

There are a variety of museums in Hong Kong with different themes. Arguably the best museum is the Hong Kong Museum of History in Hong Kong/Kowloon|Kowloon, which gives an excellent overview of Hong Kong's fascinating past, not the typical pots-behind-glass format of museums you find elsewhere in China. Innovative galleries such as a mock-up of a colonial perioid street make history come to life. Allow about two hours to view everything in detail.

Kowloon also has a number of other interesting museums including Dialogue in the Dark, which is an exhibition in complete darkness where you should use your non-visual senses with the help of a visually impaired guide and the International Hobby and Toy Museum, which exhibits models, toys, science fiction collectibles, movie memorabilia and pop-culture artifacts from around the world, Hong Kong Museum of Art, which is a fascinating, strange and elusive place exhibiting Chinese ceramics, terracotta, rhinoceros horn and Chinese paintings as well as contemporary art produced by Hong Kong artists, Hong Kong Science Museum, primarily aimed at children, and Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre.

Hong Kong/Central|Central also has its share of museums including Dr Sunday Yat-sen Museum, "Hong Kong Maritime Museum", Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, which shows how the healthcare system evolved from traditional Chinese medicine to modern Western medicine, and Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre. There is also a 3D museum from Korea called Trick Eye Museum Hong Kong.

Hong Kong/New Territories|New Territories has the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, which will appeal to those who have a serious interest in Chinese culture, and the Hong Kong Railway Museum.

Nature

Tai Mei Tuk - Tai Mei Tuk country park, looking south towards Shatin town, north eastern Hong Kong.

Contrary to popular belief, Hong Kong is not all skyscrapers and it is worthwhile to go to the nationside (over 70% of Hong Kong), including the HTTPS://WWWW.Wcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_cou/cou_vis_cou country parks and HTTPS://WWWW.Wcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_mar/cou_vis_mar marine parks. Many are surprised to find that Hong Kong is actually home to some stunning landscapes and breathtaking scenery.

• Hong Kong/Lantau|Lantau Island is twice as big as Hong Kong island and is well worth checking out if you want to get away from the bright lights and pollution of the city for a spell. Here you will find open countryside, traditional fishing villages, secluded beaches, monasteries and more. You can hike, camp, fish and mountain bike, among other activities.
• In the waters just off Tung Chung on Hong Kong/Lantau|Lantau Island, live the Chinese White Dolphins. These dolphins are naturally pink and live in the wild, but their status is threatened, with the population estimated to be between 100-200.
• The Sai Kung Peninsula in Hong Kong/New Territories|New Territories is also a worthwhile place to visit. Its mountainous terrain and spectacular coastal scenery make this a special place. There are both challenging and more relaxed routes.
• Hong Kong Wetland Park in Hong Kong/New Territories|New Territories is a relaxing park set amidst an ecological mitigation area. One can stroll along a network of board walks or explore the large visitors centre/museum.
• North East Hong Kong/New Territories|New Territories is also famous for its natural environment. Yan Chau Tong Marine Park is in the North East New Territories. A few traditional abandoned villages are connected with hiking trails in the territory. North East New Territories is a famous hiking hot spot for the local residents.
• Short hiking trails (2 hours) can be found on Hong Kong Island and the New Territories. You can even hike up to the Victoria Peak.
• Some Hong Kong/Outlying Islands|outlying islands are worth visiting, e.g.: Lamma Island, Cheung Chau, Ping Chau, Tap Mun, Tung Lung Island.

Muslim Friendly Theme Parks in Hong Kong

Dis in the star - Fireworks at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

• Hong Kong Disneyland Resort opened in September 2005. It is on Hong Kong/Lantau|Lantau Island, about 12 km east of Hong Kong International Airport. The resort also features a Disneyland park, two resort hotels and a lake recreation centre. Though significantly smaller in size than other Disneyland-style parks elsewhere and the park is undergoing an expansion to offer more attractions (including, Toy Story Land and Grizzly Gulch). It offers some great tourist attractions and short queues most of the year (except the week of Chinese New Year, Easter, Halloween and Christmas season).
• Ocean Park is on the Hong Kong/Southern Hong Kong Island|southern side of Hong Kong island, and is the park that grew up with many local Hong Kong people. With roller coasters and large aquariums altogether, it is still packed on weekends with families and tourists. The cablecar is an icon. For many and the chance to see Hong Kong's pandas would be a deciding factor. Young adults will be attracted to the wider range of rides.
• Ngong Ping 360 on Hong Kong/Lantau|Lantau Island is a Buddhist themed park that features Imperial Chinese architecture, interactive shows, demonstrations, restaurants and Coffee shops. The highlight of this trip is the longest cable vehicle ride in Hong Kong that affords stunning views. The ride also takes you to the largest outdoor seated Buddha.

[[360 cable car-2 - Ngong Ping 360

Seeing different sides of Hong Kong by public transport

Travelling on a bus or a tram is ideal for looking at different sides of Hong Kong. Not only is it cheap, it allows you to see completely different lifestyles in different neighborhoods in a short time. Below are some recommended routes.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Hong Kong

Exploring

Ride the tram between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan. The journey takes around 80 minutes and costs $2.30. The Hong Kong Tramways run between the West and East of Hong Kong Island. Starting from the old neighborhood Kennedy Town, you can see the residential areas, followed by the Chinese herbal medicine and dried seafood wholesalers in Sai Ying Pun - Sheung Wan. Then the tram goes in the famous Central neighborhood with high rise commercial buildings and banks. Wan Chai and Causeway Bay are the neighborhoods popular with shoppers and are always crowded with people at all times. Travelling further east are North Point and Shau Kei Wan areas, which are of completely different styles from that in Central and Causeway Bay.

Beaches

You are never far from the sea in Hong Kong and going to a good beach is only a bus-ride away. However, if you want a really good beach and then it is worth making the effort to travel, possibly on foot, and seek out the beaches of the New Territories. With more than 200 outlying islands, as well as an extensive coastline that is jam-packed with impressive bays and beaches, you will surely come across some good looking beaches to while the whole day away. Hong Kong's urban beaches are usually well maintained and have services such as showers and changing rooms. Where beaches are managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, shark nets and life guards are present. Dogs and smoking are not permitted on these beaches.

The best beaches to use include:

Repulse Bay is a large urban beach on the south side of Hong Kong island that features a colourful Chinese temple. Money has been spent on its facilities and will appeal to those who have young children.

Middle Bay is popular with people and is a 20 minutes walk from the crowds at Repulse Bay. Middle Bay has lifeguards, showers, changing rooms, shark nets and a decent cafe serving drinks and Snacks.

Shek O is a beach popular with many young Hong Kong people. It is away from the bustle of the city but is well served by restaurants and has a good bus service from the north side of the island. The (Thai) restaurant close to the beach is worth a try.

Big Wave Bay This beach is smaller than others on Hong Kong Island but still has good services which include a number of small cafes close to the beach. Big Wave Bay, as the name suggests, has the sort of waves that appeal to surfers. From Big Wave Bay it is feasible to take the coastal footpath to Chai Wan where you can find the MTR and buses. The walk to Chai Wan is about one hour, or more if you are not used to the steep climb up the mountain.

Hung Shing Yeh Beach on Lamma Island is highly regarded as the most popular beach. This beach is Grade 1 and shows off powdery, fine sand as well as clear water. This beach is well-appointed by means of changing facilities, a barbecue area, and a refreshment kiosk. To arrive at this beach, take the ferryboat from Central Pier to Yung Shue Wan. Expect to walk around 20 minutes from the ferry hub to the beach (buses and taxis are not an option on Lamma).

Sailing

You can rent out a Junk Boat for a sailing trip with your family and friends. A typical junk boat can accommodate more than 30 people and can be rented for the day to take you on a tour of your choice. Sai Kung is a popular spot for the trip to start and you can sail to nearby beaches for a more secluded time. A cheaper alternative is to hire a much smaller water taxi (水道) to take you to where you want to go.

Study in Hong Kong

Muslim Friendly Universities in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has 9 universities. The University of Hong Kong is considered one of Asia's top universities. Other highly rated universities in Hong Kong include the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Most universities have exchange agreements with foreign universities, offering a good opportunity to study in Hong Kong. Courses for exchange students are often conducted in English.

Learning Cantonese

Some of the universities and private institutions offer Cantonese lessons for Foreign Muslims. This is a good way for those living in Hong Kong for an extended period of time to learn the local language. Like Taiwan and Macau, but unlike mainland China and the script taught is traditional Chinese.

Learning Mandarin

Although Mandarin is not the language of Hong Kong, it is nevertheless very important and some people will speak it to some degree for dealing with the mainland. The universities and institutes do offer short and long term Mandarin language courses, and although more expensive than the mainland it is much easier to arrange travel and stay in Hong Kong.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Hong Kong

Hong Kong - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Hong Kong, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Hong Kong. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Hong Kong and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Hong Kong. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Hong Kong. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Hong Kong: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Hong Kong.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Hong Kong: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Hong Kong, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Hong Kong.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Hong Kong, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Hong Kong, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Hong Kong and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Hong Kong, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Hong Kong, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Hong Kong without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Hong Kong is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Hong Kong.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Hong Kong is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Hong Kong, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Hong Kong Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Hong Kong

eHalal Group Hong Kong is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Hong Kong. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Hong Kong.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Hong Kong ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Hong Kong. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Hong Kong, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Hong Kong are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

With more than 50,000 rooms available, Hong Kong offers a huge choice of lodging from affordable digs to super luxury. However, budget travellers who are spoiled by affordable prices in the rest of Asia are often shocked that the lodging cost in Hong Kong is closer to that of London and New York.

For affluent travellers, Hong Kong houses some of the best world class hotels that run a fierce competition for your wallets by offering pick-up service by helicopter, a Michelin star restaurant, and extravagant spas. Major international chains are also well-represented. Five-star hotels include alal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&4525&&The+Peninsula+Hong+Kong&hotelId=19912&&.Zz067607e4f7104abf83dde22-206204 The Peninsula, alal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&4525&&Four+Seasons+Hotel+Hong+Kong&hotelId=306566&&.Zz0ba6f184d7cd4177bf761f9-206204 Four Seasons, alal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&4525&&Le+M%C3%A9ridien+Hong+Kong%2C+Cyberport&hotelId=19875&&.Zz45fdd72e61d1401c9a3fc85-206204 Le Meridien, alal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&4525&&W+Hong+Kong&hotelId=22437&&.Zz20930c98e033407fb99458f-206204 West Hotel, alal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&4525&&The+Ritz-Carlton+Hong+Kong&hotelId=554999&&.Zzf002c77bdecb4fe1ae3bcb4-206204 Ritz Carlton, alal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&4525&&Kowloon+Shangri-La%2C+Hong+Kong&hotelId=19797&&.Zz16957b2b11d148d88a9c398-206204 Shangri-La, and alal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&4525&&Mandarin+Oriental+Hong+Kong&hotelId=306602&&.Zzca7667404b354ef39401feb-206204 Mandarin Oriental. Rooms usually start from $3,900.

There are also some four star hotels such as Marriott, Novotel, and Crowne Plaza. Prices start from around $1,500, depending on the season.

Stay Safe

Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in Asia, with a large high density population with diverse socio-economic backgrounds managed very effectively.

Crime

With an effective police and legal system, Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world, and single Muslima travellers usually do not encounter any problems roaming the streets even at night. Violent crime is extremely rare, though petty crime occurs from time to time, with pickpockets being known to operate in crowded areas. Although local people feel safe carrying a knapsack with a wallet inside, one should be wary in crowded areas where pickpockets are likely to strike, particularly at the main tourist attractions. Do not wave your wallet in public, show the cash inside, or let people know where you keep your wallet.

Call 999 when you urgently need help from the Police, Fire and Ambulance services. Hong Kong has a strict service control system, so once you call 999 and the police should show up within 10 minutes in most cases, usually less. For non-emergency police assistance, call 2527-7177.

Traffic

Traffic rules are seriously enforced in Hong Kong. Penalties can be stringent, and road conditions are excellent, although road courtesy still has room for improvement. However and the driving speed can be so fast as to create higher death tolls when accidents happen.

Signage on the roads in Hong Kong is similar to British usage. Zebra lines (zebra crossings) indicate crossing areas for pedestrians and traffic comes from the right.

For crossing without any traffic control, local people usually have a habit to wait for vehicles to pass first, unlike some GCC countries which vehicles would deliberately (or required by law to) stop to let pedestrians cross first.

Crossing the road by foot should also be exercised with great care. Traffic in Hong Kong generally moves fast once the signal turns green. To help both the visually impaired and even people who are not, an audible aid is played at every intersection. Rapid bells indicate "Walk"; intermittent bells (10 sets of 3 bells) indicate "Do Not Start to Cross"; and slow bells indicate "Do Not Walk".

Jay-walking is an offence and police officers may be out patrolling accident black-spots. It is not uncommon to see local people waiting to cross an empty road - when this happens, you should stay patient and wait because it is feasible that they have noticed a police officer patrolling the crossing. The maximum penalty for jay-walking is $2000.

Corruption

Hong Kong is ranked as the world's 18th "cleanest" region in the Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International which aims to put an end to corruption, above the U.S and most European countries such as Germany and France.

The territory has a powerful anti-corruption police force: the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), which has been taken as a role model by Interpol and the United Nations. A number of countries, such as Australia, have adopted the Hong Kong system to combat corruption.

Take a Hiking Tour in Hong Kong

Several hikers have lost their lives in the wilderness in the past decade. Hikers should equip themselves with detailed hiking maps, a compass, mobile phones, Snacks and adequate amounts of soft-drinking water. Most areas of the nationside are covered by a mobile phone network but in some places you will only be able to pick up a mobile phone signal from mainland China. In this case, it is not feasible to dial 999 for emergency assistance. Emergency telephones have been placed in Country Parks; their locations are clearly marked on all hiking maps.

Heat stroke is a major problem for hikers who lack experience of walking in a warm climate. If you plan to walk a dog during the hot summer months, remember that dogs are more vulnerable to heat stroke than humans and owners should ensure their pets get adequate rest and water.

The cooler hiking and camping season in October to February is also the time of the year when hill fires likely strike. At the entrances to country parks you will likely observe signs warning you of the current fire risk. With an average of 365 hill fires a year, you should take the risk of fire seriously and dispose of cigarettes and matches appropriately. According to some hikers' accounts, in places where fires and camping is not allowed and the Staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) will most likely fine an offender.

Snakes are common in the nationside, and some are quite large. Most will move out of your way, but small bright green ones are poisonous and stay still. Avoid them.

While it's generally very safe to hike and the nationside can provide shelter to illegal immigrants and a few cases of robbery have been known. However and the police do patrol hiking routes and most major paths do offer the security of fellow hikers.

Natural disasters

Hongkong in august 12.08.2013 06-48-09 - Typhoon warning 1 announcement

Typhoons normally occur during the months of May to November, and are particularly prevalent during September. Whenever a typhoon approaches within 800 km of Hong Kong, typhoon warning signal 1 is issued. Signal 3 is issued as the storm approaches. When winds reach speeds of 63–117 km/h, signal 8 is issued. At this point, most noncrucial activities shut down, including shops, restaurants and the transport system, offices and schools. Ferry services will be suspended, so visitors should return to their lodging as soon as feasible if they are dependent on these boat services to reach a place of safety. Signal 9 and 10 will be issued depending on the proximity and intensity of the storm. Winds may gust at speeds exceeding 220 km/h causing masonry and other heavy objects to fall to the ground. During a typhoon, visitors should heed all warnings very seriously and stay indoors until the storm has passed. Remember that if the eye of the storm passes directly over there will be a temporary period of calm followed by a sudden resumption of strong winds from a different direction.

The city's infrastructure has adapted to typhoons well over time, and it is relatively safe place to be even with the most severe typhoons.

Some taxis are available during signal 8 or above, but they are under no obligation to serve passengers as their insurance is no longer effective under such circumstances. Taxi passengers are expected (but not required) to pay up to 100% more when a typhoon strikes.

Rainstorms also have their own warning system. In increasing order of severity and the levels are amber, red and black. A red or black rainstorm is a serious event and visitors should take refuge inside buildings. A heavy rainstorm can turn a street into a river and cause serious landslides.

Local Customs in Hong Kong

Business

When you give or receive a business card, always do it with both hands and with a slight dip of your head or you will be seen as either disrespectful or ignorant, even if you are a foreigner. Welcoming someone should also be done with a slight dip of the head and with a customary firm handshake, but there is no need to bow.

You will find that the cashier may hand you receipts or change with both hands too. This is considered a gesture of respect. Because you're the patron, it is up to you to do the same or not when handing cash to the cashier.

Cope in Hong Kong

The most important diplomatic mission in Hong Kong is the Chinese office that can provide visas for visiting mainland China. The normal visa service takes four working days including the day when the application is submitted but an express service of two or three working days is available for an extra fee. Visa waiting times can be over an hour and there is only one location (walking distance but not close to Wan Chai MTR), so using a travel agent on your behalf (for an additional fee) can be more convenient.

Consulates in Hong Kong

Although the official embassies for China are in Beijing#Embassies|Beijing and the separate nature of the special administrative region means that many consulates in Hong Kong operate almost as full embassies from the perspective of the traveller in terms of assistance and visa needs.

Argentina 1 Connaught Place ☎ +852 2523 3208

Bangladesh - Rm 4007, China Resources Building, 26 Hourbour Road, Wanchai ☎ +852 2827 4278, +852 2827 4279 +852 2827 1916 Cambodia Unit 1819, Star House, 3 Salisbury Road, TST ☎ +852 2546 0718 +852 2803 0570 Chile Unit 1712, West Tower, Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Rd. ☎ +852 2827 1826 Fax: +852 2827 1748

China - The Commissioner's Office of the PRC Foreign Ministry - fmcovisa@ 7F, Lower Block, China Resources Bldg, 26 Harbour Road, Wanchai 22.27999, 114.17524 From Wanchai MTR station walk to the HK Convention Centre. ☎ +852 3413 2300 +852 34132312 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00 Visas to Mainland China can be obtained from here. The normal visa service takes four working days including the day when the application is submitted but an express service of two or three working days is available for an extra fee. Also handles Macau visas.

Egypt - Flat A,40/F., Tower 5, Bel-Air on the Peak, Island South, No.68 Bel-Air Peak Ave | ☎ +852 28270668 +852 28272100 India - 16/F, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty ☎ +852 3970 9900 +852 2866 4124 Indonesia 2 Friday Indonesia Bldg., 127-129 Leighton Rd., Causeway Bay - ☎ +852 2890 4421 Fax: +852 2890 5446

Malaysia 24th Floor, Malaysia Building, 47-50 Gloucester Rd., Wanchai ☎ +852 2821 0800 Fax: +852 2865 1628

Mauritius Metroplaza, 232 Hing Fong Rd. ☎ +852 3668 1288 Monaco 25 Harbour Rd. ☎ +852 2893 0669

Myanmar Suites 2401, Sunday Hung Kai Centre, 30 Harbour Road ☎ +852 2845 0810 +852 2845 0820

Pakistan - Room 803-04, 8/F Tung Wai Commercial Building, 109-111 Gloucester Road, Wanchai - ☎ +852 2827 0295, +852 2827 0245, +852 2827 0681 +852 2827 6786 Philippines | 14/F, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty - ☎ +852 2823 8500, +852 2823 8501, +852 2823 8510 +852 2866 9885 or +852 2866 8559 Russia Room 2106-2123, 21st Floor, Sunday Hung Kai Centre, 30 Harbour Rd., Wanchai - ☎ +852 2877 7188 +852 2877 7166

Seychelles Room 3305, Tower 2, Lippo Centre, 89 Queensway - ☎ +852 3102 2829 Fax: +852 2369 9811 South Africa - 27/F Great Eagle Centre Rms 2706-2710, 23 Harbour Road, Wanchai - ☎ +852 2577 3279 +852 2890 1975

Sri Lanka | 22/F Dominion Centre, 43 Queens Road East, Wanchai ☎ +852 2876 0828 Switzerland 18 Harbour Rd., Wanchai ☎ +852 3509 5000 Fax: +852 3509 5050

Thailand - 8/F Fairmont House, 8 Cotton Tree Drive, Central ☎ +852 2521 Tunisia 246 Des Voeux Road, ☎ +852 2523 2313 Türkiye Room 301, 3rd Floor, Sino Plaza, 255-257 Gloucester Rd., Causeway Bay - ☎ +852 2572 1331 Fax: +852 2572 0275

Venezuela - Suite 5405, Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Rd., Wanchai ☎ +852 2730 8099 +852 2736 6519 Vietnam - 15 Friday Great Smart Tower, 230 Wan Chai Rd., Wanchai ☎ +852 2591 4510 +852 2591 4524

Travel Next

• Macau and the former Portuguese colony, is 40 minutes away by shuttle bus (HK$65) over the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau bridge or an hour away by TurboJet ferry (around HK$200). The ferry building is near the Sheung Wan MTR station on Hong Kong Island. Less frequent ferries are also available from New World First Ferry in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon and the Hong Kong International Airport (for flight connections only).
• Zhuhai in mainland China, across the border from Macau, is 40 minutes by shuttle bus over the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau bridge or 70 minutes away by ferry.
• Shenzhen, mainland China's boomtown just across the border, can be visited by high speed rail in less than 20 minutes. The MTR East Rail Line can be taken if you are keen on shopping as it ends in the Lo Wu commercial centre. Another alternative, especially if you are starting from the island, is the ferry to Shekou, which takes around 50 minutes and costs around $100. If you aren't a Hong Kong, Japanese or Singaporean citizen, you will need to pre-arrange a visa to enter Shenzhen.
• Guangzhou, capital of mainland China's Guangdong Province, can be visited by train in around 45 minutes by HSR from West Kowloon station or 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours on the Guangdong Line from Hung Hom station. If you are on a budget, many cross border buses are available throughout Hong Kong. The trip will take more than 3 hours, including going through customs at the border and changing buses.

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