Stimulating sights of Hong Kong

The shopping is unsurpassed, whether in open-air markets, factory outlets, giant malls or exclusive boutiques. Food lovers can savour some of the best Chinese food in the world; visitors can investigate the attractive Repulse Bay, see the world's largest Buddha on Lantau Island, ride the Peak tram for magnificent views, or enjoy a ride on the historic Star Ferry. For those seeking entertainment the nightlife is as exciting and varied as any metropolitan city around the world.

What to do?

Victoria Harbour is one of Hong Kong's greatest assets, a jewel that people marvel at, no matter how many times they visit the city. People come from all over the world to see and admire it.

Travel up to The Peak or visit the Avenue of Stars along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade for spectacular harbour views. Plan to get there an hour before the sun sets and watch the city lights come on in all their glory.

There is no better way to capture the magic of the harbour than by taking a night time cruise aboard a ferry where you'll be able to enjoy A Symphony of Lights, the stunning multimedia show featuring more than 40 Hong Kong skyscrapers in a dazzling extravaganza.

Victoria Harbour bustles with activity day and night. To experience the energy take a ride on the Star Ferry, a harbour cruise or a ride in a traditional Chinese junk.

Temple Street is an amazing shopping sight in Kowloon, featuring rows of brightly lit stalls hawking an astonishing variety of inexpensive items especially for men ─ including clothing, pens, watches, CDs, cassettes, electronic gadgets, hardware and luggage. That's why it is also called 'Men's Street'. Fortune-tellers cluster at the Yau Ma Tei end of the street, as do Chinese opera enthusiasts seeking kindred spirits for impromptu performances. The market is open from 4pm to midnight, but really comes alive after sunset.

No trip to Hong Kong would be complete without a visit to the Giant Buddha which sits serenely atop Ngong Ping plateau amid the spectacular mountain scenery of Lantau Island.

The more athletic visitors can climb the 200 steps to reach the platform where the Buddha, which took over 12 years to complete is seated.

Besides attracting Buddhists from all over Asia, the magnificent figure with its compelling presence almost instantly transformed the remote Po Lin Monastery with its devout monks into a must-visit on tourist schedules.

Besides admiring the massive statue there is also much to see and do at the monastery itself with its various figures of gods and other colourful manifestations of aspects of the Buddhist religion. You can even enjoy a vegetarian lunch.

Where to stay?

This award-winning Island Shangri La Hong Kong, www.shangri-la.com, hotel is located in the heart of the city's Central district, directly above Pacific Place, a prestigious entertainment, commercial and shopping complex. The hotel's luxury rooms and suites are amongst the largest in Hong Kong and feature breathtaking views of the city and world-famous Victoria Harbour.

The iconic Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, www.mandarinoriental.com, is the epitome of contemporary luxury combined with Oriental heritage. Having delighted guests with its award-winning service and impressive facilities since 1963, it is the much-loved address for those seeking an exclusive sanctuary in the heart of this exciting metropolis

If you are traveling with the kids, stay at the Hong Kong Disneyland Park, www.hongkongdisneyland.com, in walking distance from Hong Kong centre. The style of this hotel is inspired by the late 1800's Victorian era of England and colonial America. This theme has been dubbed 'Micktorian' architecture - a combination of Mickey Mouse and Victorian. This luxurious resort is set in a lush and relaxing landscape of gardens and has endless ocean views. With five fabulous lands to choose from, you can be certain of an action-packed time.

Step onto Main Street, USA, bringing to life a typical American town of the early 1900s, with its steam trains and colourful marching bands and parades; live your own happily-ever-after in Fantasyland, a timeless realm of imagination and enchantment where, beyond the drawbridge that leads into the fairy tale castle, classic stories are magically brought to life in nine enthralling adventures; launch into the future in Tomorrowland through a galaxy of thrilling adventures and journey through Adventureland to explore the intrigue, mystery, fantastic sights and stunning surprises of uncharted territory; The latest attraction is Asia's exclusive Toy Story Land, where you can explore this oversized world with its three larger-than-life rides.

Where to eat?

Noisy, gaudy and cheery, City Hall Maxim's Palace, www.maxims.com.hk, is the kind of restaurant that formed the earliest memories of yum cha - Chinese traditional tea and dim sum - for many Hong Kongers. The dim sum (11am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, 9am to 4pm Sunday) comes in infinite varieties and is paraded on trolleys. A table by the window will let you watch land reclamation in progress where the old Queen's Pier used to be.

Tung Po has revolutionised dai pai dong and it's not hard to see why. Beer is served in chilled blue-and-white porcelain bowls. Boss Ruby taps into his experience (in Western cuisine) and talent (a nominee for Best Supporting Actor in the Hong Kong Film Awards) to create Cantonese dishes at once unusual and unusually good. Try the prawn sautéed with egg yolk, squid-ink noodles, and fried rice wrapped in lotus leaf.

Any time of day you can see people squeezed together at Man Fai at the few communal tables, slurping up noodles. It's not a heaven for hygienists, but it is for Chiu Chow squid-ball lovers. The signature balls, desired for their al dente texture, are served with a variety of noodles and with other ingredients such as beef balls and crispy fish skin.

How to get there?

Emirates offer daily flights from Malta to Hong Kong with a stopover in Dubai. Flights departing from Malta on 12 July and returning on 26 July were priced at €1191.25 including taxes at the time of going to print. Total flying time is approximately 18 hours.