I have only been to Hong Kong once before when visiting my father who used to live out there and that was many years ago now. Despite the time that has lapsed since that visit, I can still view clearly the incredible imagery that I hold in my mind’s eye of the various landscapes and scenes that are quite unlike any other destination I had been to before, or since.

The immediate image that is imagined by those who have not yet been to the Island is one of vast skyscrapers, a crowded and bustling population and streets busy enough with traffic to rival even the worst of congested days among the central streets of London. Despite the truths that are in those associations, Hong Kong is a place of such variety and diversity that has so much more to offer than the high rises and architecture on display.

Here, space is a rare commodity as Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. The constant quest to use space has incurred a fascinating juxtaposition of the old and the new which can be witnessed all over the city. In between the modern, shimmering, glass clad structures stand old apartment blocks, many of which are in a state of decay.

Beyond the excitement of the city there is a whole host of natural beauty readily available to explore. If you want to venture out of the urbanity the Dragon’s Back walk provides you with tranquillity and peace from the sounds of the city buzz. Declared by Time Magazine as the Best Urban Hike in Asia the trail takes you through lush woodland and shady groves of bamboo and out on to the open hillside providing glorious views out to the sea and over the city, and it here where you can truly appreciate this wondrous place.

For those planning to visit Hong Kong with family, one of the more attractive places that should be planned into your itinerary is the Ocean Park. It has four main and varying attractions which consist of a marine mammal park, the oceanarium, an animal theme park and an amusement park. The cable car journey which connects the lowland and upper areas offers a brilliant sample of the views that will great you once you reach the top. Here you can thrill seek and indulge in some of the various rollercoasters and proceed to enjoy the marine life that can be found in the aquarium.

When booking your accommodation you do not have to be restricted to searching among the throng of the usual hotel chains, there are many serviced apartments and private bed and breakfasts in Hong Kong that present you with a far more diverse choice and a more intimate experience. For families wanting to be able to kick back at the end of the day and relax in their own space, let the kids spread their toys out and unwind before venturing out the following morning, the benefits of private bed and breakfasts allow you to do exactly this. It is possible to save money on the essentials of accommodation by booking through sites that offer these services, such as Wimdu, which will in turn allow you to indulge more when it comes to getting out there and exploring what’s on offer.