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Old 29th May 2002, 04:56
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Far canal
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Hong Kong
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Tbird 1

Hong Kong at that time of the year will be expensive. The prices of airflights into and the cost of hotels will at a premium due to the CNY. It will also mean that many of the shops that tourists come to Hong Kong for will be closed for the three or more day period. The Firework display will be as good or most likely better than any you have seen before!

Macau is a good place to go for a day or two. Try the Hyatt Regency on Taipa Island if you have kids they will love it there. If you don't have kids then many of the macua island Hotels can be had for a good price.

Shenzen is good for getting a suit or two run up. Or if you want a designer rip off coat just take a picture choose your material and it can be run up over night although it is best to leave it a couple of days and go back later. They will be cheap and good quality too. Lots of things Chinese can also be had for a fraction of the price they are in HK.

One point to remember about Shenzen if you have a British pasport they will not give you a visa at the border - you will be turned away. Virtually any other main stream passport and you can get one at the border. The costs posted by a prevoius contributor are about right - probably best to get a double entry visa as you may want to go back for your suit etc.

Bali - this is one superb holiday spot. It has everything is cheap the food is good the Indian Ocean crashing in on the beaches and the trip to the Volcanoe at first light is breathtaking. Much arts and crafts together with the scenery will keep you interested for a couple of weeks.

Nusa Dua is the place to go for beach type resorts.

The hotel near the volcano is cheap and has a colonial feel about it.

Away from Nusa Dua (can't remember the name place) but the Meridien Hotel on the west coast is outstanding. Has one of the best Golf courses in Asdia and is right next door to the Island Temple.

Cannot recommend Bali highly enough. It is not subject to the same turmoil as the rest of Indonesia - I went there when all the riots were on in Jakarta and was welcomed with great hospitality wherever we went. No threats or intimidation - they are mainly Hindu's and not wrapped with the Muslim troubles of the rest of Indonesia.

Be careful of the money changers I personally would now only use the banks having caught some of the scams that go on fortunatley before i was ripped off but that probably goes for most places in these parts. You will also need a whellbarrow to cart your money around - not so bad now as a few years ago when the exchange rate was 16000 Rupiah to the US$ but even so you will still be walking around with a million or so if you change up 100 GB pounds.

Enjoy
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