Is Hong Kong safe?

[SF]

We are scheduled to be there the first week of January disembarking from a cruise and we had planned to stay 3 days in a hotel not far from Nathan's Road. With all the riots and unrest right now we are seriously thinking about changing our flight reservations and leaving the day the cruise disembarks. The riots seem to be more violent and not only contained to one area so we feel if we stay we won't get to see very much plus the unease of not knowing if something's suddenly is going to happen nearby concerns us . Anyone else considering changing their flight reservations to leave earlier after disembarking a cruise or canceling their trip to HK?At this point we are so unsure of what to do as it seems that things are only getting worse.

[MightyQuinn]

mking8288, your alerts are very helpful.  Thanks for posting them.

Are you aware if the ferry from Macau to SkyPier Ferry Terminal at HKG has been affected by the protests?  We head to Macau in early April for a few days after our cruise ends in Hong Kong and we plan to take the ferry direct from Macau to the airport on a Friday.  I know that demonstrations are mostly staged on weekends but I don't know if any have targeted that particular ferry route. 

[Expat Cruise]

43 minutes ago, SF said:

We are scheduled to be there the first week of January disembarking from a cruise and we had planned to stay 3 days in a hotel not far from Nathan's Road. With all the riots and unrest right now we are seriously thinking about changing our flight reservations and leaving the day the cruise disembarks. The riots seem to be more violent and not only contained to one area so we feel if we stay we won't get to see very much plus the unease of not knowing if something's suddenly is going to happen nearby concerns us . Anyone else considering changing their flight reservations to leave earlier after disembarking a cruise or canceling their trip to HK?At this point we are so unsure of what to do as it seems that things are only getting worse.

Another   option for you would be to stay in Macau. And then take the high speed ferry from Macau to Hong Kong Island. Just a short trip to the cruise terminal by taxi. This is not the SkyPier Ferry Terminal.

 

[mking8288]

56 minutes ago, SF said:

We are scheduled to be there the first week of January disembarking from a cruise and we had planned to stay 3 days in a hotel not far from Nathan's Road ... At this point we are so unsure of what to do as it seems that things are only getting worse.

 

48 minutes ago, MightyQuinn said:

Are you aware if the ferry from Macau to SkyPier Ferry Terminal at HKG has been affected by the protests?  We head to Macau in early April for a few days after our cruise ends in Hong Kong and we plan to take the ferry direct from Macau to the airport on a Friday ... don't know if any have targeted that particular ferry route. 

 

@SF - instead of changing your flights, you might want to look into spending time Macau after disembarkation.  In addition to the hydrofoil fast ferry services between HK & Macau, there are now inter-city buses that do that via the newly opened (and under-utilized) sea-land-tunnel bridge that connect via Lantau Island via mainland China to Macau.  I have not look at the logistics & how it work but it is doable.  Ferry is convenient but not designed for visitors with lots of heavy luggage.  

SCMP is the local English-language source (also, Hong Kong Standard, another news daily) for the latest news & analysis, far more in-depth & neutral enough in being fair and balanced with reporting from different angles - to stay on top on matters.  I am trying my best to not set off alarms  for fellow CC'ers - still feeling upset to do this - and it is sad to watch & follow, a place that has a special place in our hearts, for many reasons.  

 

@MightyQuinn- great question and in short, thus far, that route has not been targeted nor successfully endangered (for lack of a better term) by the elements.  It is safe for now.  There is another call to jam & disrupt the airport on December 1st. (expiration of the current court injunction, I believe ...)   Airside at HKIA, it is well guarded & protected, and armed HKP with MP5's are known to & seen patrolling - very little chance of being breached by these acts of civic disobedience.   Lantau Island, where HKIA is situated, including Tung Chung MTR Station (NP 360 ... the giant Budda) and the Tsing Yi Island with the Tsing Ma Bridge connecting to N.T. & Kowloon (with the AE running) are easier for cops or riot police to guard, patrol and protect - and, road blocks has been set to screen public buses heading out to HKIA.  

 

Hence, the SkyPier to Macau connection is good for your April trip  ... perhaps, you want to share your strategy & plans with "SF" above in case they want to have a Plan C ...  Doing a sideline check (it's now Saturday morning, 13 hours ahead of EDT there) - HK Police has a high visibility presence on Tsing Yi Island - probably safeguarding possible attempts to disrupt air travelers go to/from the airport by all possible means.  

 

The next 2 months, probably will define the outlook for the first half of 2020, depending on how the HK-SAR government handles the unrest.  What is going on now is far worst than the 1967 riot in H.K. then - and the British Army based there locally were called out, mobilized & patrolling city streets alongside with the local police.  I hope & pray not. 

 

Next month, I've noted a Celebrity ship will be visiting ... for a longer stay in HK, plus the Westerdam will be back - will stay current with the "pulse" for folks here ... Just not liking what I am seeing in real time, raw & unedited - streaming live earlier as it unfolded. 

 

Be safe, be smart & happy cruising and travel.    

 

 

 

Edited November 9, 2019 by mking8288

[SF]

mking8288:

As mentioned above your posts and up to date information is greatly appreciated. 

We are going to look into going to Macau instead as an option. Any suggestions on what to see and do for 3 days if we do decide to switch and visit Macau? Do you know how long the drive is from the port where celebrity docks to Macau?

 

[mking8288]

@SF - on our last 2 trip to/from Macau & HK, we used the fast hydro/turbojet ferries, since we're traveling light, our long-haul luggage in Kowloon both times (checked with the hotel, as we're returning) so it was easy ... with the next ferry leaving every 30 minutes (hourly services by 2 ferry operators, alternating from different piers/berths within the same terminal building w. on-the-spot ticketing windows & self-service kiosks).

 

The Zhuhai Sea-Bridge wasn't completed then, and even now, it is new and said to be under-utilized means for visitors ... my main concern is transfer & handling of luggage, as clearing border control/custom - all passengers are responsible for taking their belonings & pieces of luggage thru the checkpoints themselves (although, I am sure they have luggage carts & other means of helping "mature" travelers in need of special assistance)

 

I looked it up just now - here are some info, shoud be useful to see whether this is something you wanted to look into, explore & perhaps consider ... depending on events in the coming weeks.  Costs via these dedicated bus or motorcoach services look very reasonable & inexpensive. 

https://thehkshopper.com/transportation/travelling-via-the-hk-zhuhai-macau-bridge

https://www.nextstophongkong.com/travel-to-macau-via-hong-kong-zhuhai-macau-bridge/

https://www.onebus.hk/en/

 

Private transportation via 7 passengers van or sedan, apparently, available and can be pre-arranged & booked.  This is probably a good option, all things consider, although very limited info written - I haven't look at TripAdvisor site to see or Flyertalk forum ... 

 

As for the question of what to see & do in Macau, besides all the casino & hotels on the new strip, you will feel like being in Las Vegas ... seriously, very impressed when we're there a few years ago then - even more so these days.  One doesn't have to gamble, just visit & see, eat & be a tourist.  Then, there are all the World Heritage sites, landmarks & historic places to see, many are easily walkable from one to the next ... the ruins of the Catholic Church (I believe that's what it's called, or something similar) along with the historic fortress/hilltop views, all part of its Portuguese colonial history.  There is more than enough to see on a full day, without checking out the casino & all their places to see what to eat (world class cuisine from everywhere) - easily take 2 days.  Plus, there are day trips via motorcoach into mainland China (without requiring a visa, I believe, as long as one is booked & using a licensed, approved travel agency/operator.)  

https://www.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/

 

Above is the official Macau gov't tourism site ... of course, go use CC's other site: TripAdvisor to take a good look.  

[mking8288]

This weekend - visitors currently in HK should remain on high alert.  On "their" sites - there's a call to target 17 different key shopping malls across the city from 3 p.m. local time, onward (key objectives: to disrupt & force stores, shops & restaurants and nearby businesses to pull down their security gates, fences & close up for the day) ... HK has 18 "districts" divided for geo-politcal-administrative purposes.  

 

While up to 3 million residents are said to be supporting these "movements" - what about the other 5 million residents ?  Well, suffice to say - many would probably & possibly be doing some kind of "shelter in place" & stay put mode.  In my "Incidents Command" or NICS days on the team with first responders - it would be considered a form of proactive or protective lock-down.  Not very nice, IMHO.

 

Go to Youtube & search using keywords - you should see live streaming news from assorted "channels" on the latest ... just a few hours from now ... it's mostly non-English and some of it graphic, please exercise care if you choose to watch.  Protests, demonstrations, riots & other forms of public gatherings are not unique to H.K nor new to the rest of the world - please decide for yourself what is and is not, use critical thinking & choose wisely. 

 

Saturday evening, a large scale gathering will be held at Tamar Park, near/close to the Admiralty MTR Station - between Central & Wan Chai on the island side, starting at 6 p.m.  There is a "possible" in/direct link with another event in Causeway Bay, near "SOGO" - a major department store/shopping centre in the afternoon.  More things being called for next Monday ... about "Double Eleven" 

 

Again, safe travel & happy cruising ... (I trust that the cruiselines are doing their own due diligence for ships scheduled to be in H.K. in the coming weeks ... especially around the winter holidays) 

[SF]

mking8288:

 

Thanks for all the info you provided on Macau.  Since there are three of us we may look for a private driver. Probably a little more cost-wise but more convenient as they will take us right to the hotel. 

Will keep a lookout for your upcoming Hong Kong posts.

[MightyQuinn]

17 hours ago, mking8288 said:

 

@MightyQuinn- great question and in short, thus far, that route has not been targeted nor successfully endangered (for lack of a better term) by the elements.  It is safe for now.  There is another call to jam & disrupt the airport on December 1st. (expiration of the current court injunction, I believe ...)   Airside at HKIA, it is well guarded & protected, and armed HKP with MP5's are known to & seen patrolling - very little chance of being breached by these acts of civic disobedience ....

 

Hence, the SkyPier to Macau connection is good for your April trip  ... perhaps, you want to share your strategy & plans with "SF" above in case they want to have a Plan C ... 

 

Many thanks again mking8288.  As you say, it appears the Macau to SkyPier HKIA route avoids the major disruptions and is almost in a protected zone.  Of course, it's good until it's not, so we'll continue to watch the situation closely.

 

I'll respond to SF on the thread (s)he created about getting to Macau.

[ryndam]

15 hours ago, mking8288 said:

Again, safe travel & happy cruising ... (I trust that the cruiselines are doing their own due diligence for ships scheduled to be in H.K. in the coming weeks ... especially around the winter holidays) 

 

Thank you so much for your candid updates. They are much appreciated.

 

We are scheduled to arrive on Crystal Symphony on 14 February 2020, docking at Ocean Terminal with an overnight onboard, disembarking on 15 February 2020 for a 4 night stay at the Intercontinental. We fly back to the US on 19 February 2020. One of the unintended consequences of the current events in HK is that hotel rates have plummeted; our rate at the Intercontinental has dropped by over 50% since we initially booked, and we were given a significant room upgrade.

 

Again, your insight and willingness to share specific details are very much appreciated.

[intr3pid]

21 hours ago, SF said:

We are scheduled to be there the first week of January disembarking from a cruise and we had planned to stay 3 days in a hotel not far from Nathan's Road. With all the riots and unrest right now we are seriously thinking about changing our flight reservations and leaving the day the cruise disembarks. The riots seem to be more violent and not only contained to one area so we feel if we stay we won't get to see very much plus the unease of not knowing if something's suddenly is going to happen nearby concerns us . Anyone else considering changing their flight reservations to leave earlier after disembarking a cruise or canceling their trip to HK?At this point we are so unsure of what to do as it seems that things are only getting worse.

Same situation with us, but we are staying at the HK Disneyland (Lantau Island) for our two additional nights.  Whatever we want to see in the HK island, we will see when our cruiseship docks overnight in HK. 

 

From Lantau island, we will do a day trip to Macau as well.  All our hotel bookings are refundable, and the flights booked using points with small cancellation/rebooking fees.  In case the situation deteriorates a lot.

[mking8288]

@SF, @MightyQuin, @ryndam, @intr3pid ... and others

Thanks & I hope you are finding these helpful and informative ... to help making smarter decisions and choices.  NOT the kind of post and/or update that I like nor enjoy sharing, I hate and dislike doing this, knowing how this is affecting fellow CC'er vested plans to tour, cruise & see Asia, including HK in the near future.  But I would not feel right nor sleep tightly knowing that what I am seeing, and to give fair warnings to be on the alert out of an abundance of precaution.  

 

Here's a graphical snapshot of hotspots all over HK about 10 hours ago ( 10 p.m. local time) on a live map ... not just the popular tourist area or along Nathan Road or Central/Wan Chai/Causeway Bay.  More "gatherings" later today (Sunday) - a couple of hours from now.  

 

Lantau Island, where HKIA is located, is relatively safe, protected & guarded by airport security & local police, for now.  For those thinking of rather not go to Macau for whatever reasons, there are 3 hotels near the airport - Regal AP,  SkyCity Marriott and Novotel CityGate at Tung Chung - for consideration on where to stay ... in addition to the hotel at Disneyland at Sunny Bay.  Their rates aren't going to be that much lower than usual and occupancy level - staying high.  Go explore HK's scenic & beautiful countryside, NP 360 and the Big Budda, and Tai O Fishing Village on SW coast of Lantau at a leisurely pace, maybe a day at Disneyland (deals & specials are offered/coming ... to promote tourism & visits)

 

If you stay at one of the Lantau hotels for 2 or 3 days before flying home or pre-cruise, a day trip via the Sea Bridge's bus services - should be easy to go to Macau & back - not to see the casinos or gamble, as good as seeing HK.  

 

BTW, aside from major dept. stores, shops, businesses & restaurants closing early - expect to see and plan for the waves of closing in the coming weeks and months, resulting from ... always check & reconfirm their business hours & closing time.  Holiday celebrations & events are likely scaled back for obvious reasons.  

 

 

Edited November 9, 2019 by mking8288

[SF]

Thanks for the good suggestion of staying on Lantau Island at one of the hotels you mentioned. We may consider doing this since we'll get one day in Hong Kong before our ship disembarks and hopefully being a weekday there won't be too many riots or disturbances so we'll get to see at least some attractions.

I believe the big Buddha should not be too hard to get too from one of those hotels. Also believe the bus terminal to take the new road to Macau is nearby. Any other suggestions to pass the time until our flight if we decide to stay at one of the hotels you mentioned? 

[mking8288]

@SF (and others)  Big Budda/NP 360 (cable car) is easily accessed from Tung Chung, one of the regular MTR station line stop serving Lantau - it's a 10 to 15 minutes bus/taxi or hotel shuttle to/from the airport.  Novatel is part of the multi-story shopping/outlet mall, next to the MTR staion - an easy walk - served also by multiple bus lines to Kowloon (and HK island & N.T.)  

 

From these hotels, should conditions warrant - the best/easiest & direct way to get to/from the cruise terminal is by taxi - it will travel mostly on elevated highway and/or roadways, above city streets toward Kowloon Bay for KTCT ... metered taxi fare w. bridge toll and tips (10% will be very nice, as locals mainly leave "loose" change only) should run about/under $50 USD (payable in local currency or HKD ... not all of them take credit card, supposed to.)  Typical taxi is good for 3 adults + 3 large pc. of luggage, bungee corded safely in the trunk + space for hand/carry-on luggage.  

 

From these hotels, hop over to Tung Chung's NP 360 for a cable car ride up to the Big Budda ... from there, buses will take you back to Tung Chung; or, head south to Tai O Fishing Village for the afternoon/evening dinner of fresh seafood.  Or, simply plan for a 3/4 or full day at Tai O to explore if religion isn't a must to see those temple ... the bus trip from Tai O back to Tung Chung is about 1 hour, maybe a bit more - very scenic & nice, you get to see the rural, countryside w. cows roaming the roadways or in fields nearby.  Another day or 3/4 day easily at DisneyLand and/or day trip to Macau.  

 

Other ideas - which I haven't look at lately ... to do small island hoppings ... Lamma Island is a favorite among expatriate living and/or working/retired to HK, taking up residency there - it's quiet and very safe.  But, one has to get back to Central on the island to connect/switch to ferry services (fast & regular/slower ones) with frequent services.  Same for the small but equally tranquil, scenic Cheung Chau island - near "Mui Wo" on the Lantau's NE, not far from Tung Chung - served by bus services.  These are largely unchanged from decades ago when I first set foot upon them and remained explored by most travelers & visitors making a quick one thru HK ... perhaps, time to give it a push ... 

 

Meanwhile, here's 2 YT video link about how to get to Macau from HK ... both offer a scenic glimpse on this sea bridge link for this "Bay" region linking 3 different administrative zones  ... there are numerous videos, just check them at your own pace

a) from Tung Chung CityGate - 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whYBITIHTpU

b) from Mong Kok/Kowloon by taking the A21 Airporter Bus route - it is luggage friendly as long as yours isn't a jumbo 29" one, limited luggage racks on the lower level of the Double Decker (it's our favorite route to/from HKIA - inexpensive) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INMsssFuNV4

 

[SF]

mking8288:

 

Once again so much great information. 😀  All your help is greatly appreciated. 

 

[Jamietravelstheworld]

I'll be in HK Feb. 28-Mar 3. Arriving on Regent Seven Seas Voyager - the 28th I'm doing a ship tour to Lantau Island. The 29th I disembark the ship and have a hotel on my own on Hong Kong Island until the 3rd. These latest posts are making me nervous. My plane ticket is for Mar. 3rd and there's a change penalty. I was going to do a day tour to Macau on Mar 2nd, so the option of just going to Macau on the 29th would be a possibility. Are there other areas around HK that people would recommend besides Macau? Thanks.

[Expat Cruise]

1 hour ago, jamieandsam said:

I'll be in HK Feb. 28-Mar 3. Arriving on Regent Seven Seas Voyager - the 28th.**** I was going to do a day tour to Macau on Mar 2nd, so the option of just going to Macau on the 29th would be a possibility. Are there other areas around HK that people would recommend besides Macau? Thanks.

The problem is only Hong Kong & Macau are visa free.  You can do a guide day trip to main China but only  covers one day.  The protesters really do not want to interact with Foreign Nationals. I was in Hong Kong last week came came across a wall of protester. I was wearing very popular  red hat,  they saw the hat and broken the line and allowed me to past. No issues. Hong Kong Protesters are carrying American Flags they love the Untied States.

[mking8288]

Sunday evening (10:27 pm local time in HK now) while it's 9:27 am EDT here in the Americas ... mass transit virtually shut down (scheduled MTR closing was 10 pm) and incidents everywhere.  Monday, Nov. 11 - there is a call for a "Triple Strike" to paralyze HK entirely, to shut down the whole region.  While it is safe to roam and walk carefuly by choosing wisely ... is this how one wish to sightsee on a visit - a place that some of us has not been to, a place that I have fond memories of and ... I dunno.  We've been to places like Mexico with the military on armed patrol with AR-15's and other countries walking past cops with MP5's, not to mention being 10 city blocks from Ground Zero until the afternoon of 9/11 when it was time & safe to get out ... and gone back to Zone 3 a week later, to resume.  Never Forget !

 

Enough comments over the 24 hours, more on this tonight/tomorrow - perhaps - as I am going to attend to some Roll Call matters on an upcoming cruise.  For now, another snapshot of what's going on over in HK ... HK Int'l Airport is on the lower left of the map, Tung Chung is just east of HKIA, Macau and the Sea Bridge gateway is to the west of the Airport - all relatively safe & good.  

 

Edited November 10, 2019 by mking8288

[ebslcc]

Thanks for all the info posted so far.  Our upcoming cruise will arrive in HK on a Friday and staying over night. We have originally booked a hotel for 3 nights in TST.  We re-booked on the HK side at the Marriott near Admiralty (close to the peak) thinking it may be safer.  Reading this thread we are now considering to just spend 3 nights in Macau and take the Turbo Jet directly to HKIA for our flight out on Tuesday.  https://www.turbojet.com.hk/en/routing-sailing-schedule/hk-airport-macau/luggage-services.aspx

 

We can still see HK on Friday during the day time and on Tuesday during the day.

 

What's the best way to go from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Macau? via Taxi to one of the hydrofoil service to Macau? Is there a shuttle service available?

 

Thanks for your help!

 

Laurence

[Boatharbour]

28 minutes ago, ebslcc said:

Thanks for all the info posted so far.  Our upcoming cruise will arrive in HK on a Friday and staying over night. We have originally booked a hotel for 3 nights in TST.  We re-booked on the HK side at the Marriott near Admiralty (close to the peak) thinking it may be safer.  Reading this thread we are now considering to just spend 3 nights in Macau and take the Turbo Jet directly to HKIA for our flight out on Tuesday.  https://www.turbojet.com.hk/en/routing-sailing-schedule/hk-airport-macau/luggage-services.aspx

 

We can still see HK on Friday during the day time and on Tuesday during the day.

 

What's the best way to go from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Macau? via Taxi to one of the hydrofoil service to Macau? Is there a shuttle service available?

 

Thanks for your help!

 

Laurence

Hi Laurence,

I think you’re on our roll call on Celebrity Millenium.

 

I asked this same question on another TA forum with the same topic. This thread has provided up,to date advice from locals in HK to tourists over the past months. You  can follow it here https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g294217-i1496-k12734994-Is_HK_save_to_travel-Hong_Kong.html

 

The advice I was given was to take a taxi from the Kai tak cruise terminal to the main Macau ferry terminal and then travel by ferry. 
 

[ebslcc]

12 hours ago, Boatharbour said:

Hi Laurence,

I think you’re on our roll call on Celebrity Millenium.

 

I asked this same question on another TA forum with the same topic. This thread has provided up,to date advice from locals in HK to tourists over the past months. You  can follow it here https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g294217-i1496-k12734994-Is_HK_save_to_travel-Hong_Kong.html

 

The advice I was given was to take a taxi from the Kai tak cruise terminal to the main Macau ferry terminal and then travel by ferry. 
 

Thanks for your link to TA.  I didn't think to look there. It is kind of sad reading it.  

If you don't know already there are 2 different ferry services to Macau, which to take depends on where your hotel is located:

https://www.nextstophongkong.com/how-to-get-to-macau/

 

Laurence

[Boatharbour]

7 minutes ago, ebslcc said:

Thanks for your link to TA.  I didn't think to look there. It is kind of sad reading it.  

If you don't know already there are 2 different ferry services to Macau, which to take depends on where your hotel is located:

https://www.nextstophongkong.com/how-to-get-to-macau/

 

Laurence

Thanks Laurence for the additional information about the ferries. We’re heading back to the ship on the Friday and will spend Saturday on Lantau Island before flying home that night.

 

 Seems like the situation in HK is even worse today. Very sad. 

[Trevor Fountain]

fyi Chinese New Year will fall  on 25 Jan 2020. This may not be a good time to visit. 

[mking8288]

As FYI to provide multiple soures, link & info for all to plan and consider contingencies, especially those with very, near-term plans to be in HK ... while in transit, port visit, pre- and/or post-cruise.  Flyertalk's Asia Forum on HK/Macau has multiple threads to read & stay current, there are "boots" on the ground in the trenches - some of the discussions are rather "emotional" & personal, as one can be expect.  I don't post there often (different screen name / userid ...) - there are useful info & facts from multiple contributors, just exercise discretion of what is appropriate and perhaps not.  What started out early this morning, local time in HK has been ongoing, all day & into - now - late night; and, calls to escalate higher/further tomorrow (Tuesday) - not a pretty picture.  I am saddened, truly, watching these live streams with DW.  

 

Please travel & visit wisely and be smart, be very careful about where & how you are using digital devices with cameras & videos while in HK.  

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hong-kong-macau/1974998-impacts-demonstrations-travel-47.html

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hong-kong-macau-436/

 

 

[MightyQuinn]

@mking8288 Thanks as always.  Your real-time reports are tremendously helpful, albeit, equally disturbing.  It's alarming to be 26 weeks in with no sign of abatement in the protests.  Makes me wonder how and when it will end.  Will follow your posts as well as other sources to stay informed.