Hong Kong Island & Kowloon Photo Essay

I never get tired of visiting Hong Kong.  All of my epic backpacking journeys across Asia have started and finished in a city I’d one day love to base myself someday possibly as an ESL teacher in China.  My most recent journey was back in 2011 when I finished my nearly one year tour of Asia.  Hardly uneventful, I ended up breaking my dSLR, losing an important document and enduring torrential downpours during my nearly one week stay; however, I still managed to make the most of my time.  It’s a city that tantalizes anyone who dares to venture around at any time of day.  One can immerse themselves fully in the madness of what is going on at street level or retreat to one of the nearby parks that offer a solitary refuge.  It’s a city worth exploring.  The following a photo essay capturing some of those magic moments:

The Bruce Lee statue looms larger than life along the Avenue of Stars in Kowloon.  It’s by far the most iconic statue that is along this popular pedestrian strip where tourists and locals flock for great views of Hong Kong Island at any time of day.

Part of the appeal of Hong Kong are the local markets scattered throughout the city.  This particular market specialized in fish.

Kowloon really offers gorgeous colours and views around sunset.  I snapped this photo around sunset when most others were commuting home or going out for dinner.  As a travel photography tip, getting up early and staying around a bit later (when others typically are eating dinner) are when you’re going to get the best light for taking photos.

One can’t help but marvel at the stunning architecture that dominates the Hong Kong skyline.  At night it truly shines as the buildings are illuminated.  Where I stayed at in my hostel in Causeway Bay, I had easy walking access to this area.  Had I stayed longer I would have wanted more privacy and personal space, there were some really cool apartments in Hong Kong and I heard that wimdu.com is great for short term rentals.

As I mentioned previously, I’m a sucker for local markets and this photo is of some exotic fruits being sold on the street.

As a highly advanced technological society, the citizens of Hong Kong are often seen using the latest cutting edge cellphones.

A photo essay of some candid portraits are a hallmark of my style of photography.  In this photo, a group of ladies laugh hysterically.  I remember this scene like it was yesterday because it was nearby where I was staying that was located next to some great local apartments that I one day would enjoy basing myself.

A group of teenage boys wait for a bus.

Peering across from either Hong Kong Island or Kowloon one can notice the vessels of all sizes and shapes both day and night.  This large vessel was passing during the afternoon.

No trip to Hong Kong Island is complete without a venture on the extensive tram double decker tram network.  It’s not only a fun and leisurely way to see the city but it’s also ridiculously affordable as well.

This is another shot of the tram at night with motion blur.

Aside from the tram, taking a trip from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon on the Star Ferry is my second favourite journey.  One has an opportunity to witness gorgeous views and it is (once again) a very budget savvy option.

One can escape the hustle and bustle of the city in nearby parks.  I remember snapping this photo of flowing water without noticing another person in the vicinity.

The International Financial Centre Building looms large at any hour but truly lights up and is at its most imposing self at night.

Tagged as: China, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, Photo Essay