Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok Airport is a traveler's dream come true. Unlike other large, international airports, CLK is well laid out and marked, convenient and makes for a relatively pleasant travel experience. Opened in July 1998, CLK sits on it's own 1,248 hectare island and has approximately 550,000 square metres of floor area. An "Automated People Mover" (a passenger shuttle train) was built to carry people from one part of this huge terminal to the other and moving sidewalks also make getting from one spot to another a relatively painless experience.

This state of the art airport is situated on north Lantau Island, a beautiful, lush, green area still relatively uninhabited. Access to Kowloon and Hong Kong Island couldn't be easier. From the airport, travelers can reach the city in less than 25 minutes by means of the Airport Express train. This fast, efficient train departs from inside the terminal building and is easily spotted if you look for the huge signs. It isn't the cheapest option, but by far the most enjoyable and convenient. Other options to the city include taxis, buses, airport coaches and limousines. A central information centre is located on the arrivals level and there they can answer most questions and get you going in the right direction. (Click here to learn more about Central District)

Got time to kill while waiting for your flight? Why not have a massage or some beauty treatments at one of the salons in the airport? A communal lounge on the 7th floor of the West Hall offers travelers a pay one price (approximately $250 HKD) entrance fee. Once inside, help yourself to the buffet or drinks, have a shower, watch some movies, listen to some CDs or read some books. It's a great spot to kill time if you have a few hours.

Banks and money exchangers are readily available in the terminal and exchangers here give fair rates without charging exorbitant commissions. The shopping will please even the most discriminating shoppers and you'll find anything from the usual perfume and watches to electronics and CDs. Those of you leaving Hong Kong with money burning a hole in your pocket will still have one last chance to get rid of it. A new "Cyber Zone" opened in the northwest wing of the departures level in November 2000, bringing Hong Kong into the new millennium. This new "retail and infotainment" centre offers visitors a variety of shopping possibilities, free Internet access at the coffee shop and also provides a play area for the children with free access to Playstations. It's a great spot for adults and kids alike to spend time while waiting for a flight. Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok Airport has got to be one of the best and most impressive in the world and we're sure you'll find it an incredible place to visit. For more detailed information, click here to visit the Airport Authorities website.