Private tour in Hong Kong William S

Streets of Old Macau (Full Day Excursion From Hong Kong)

5.0

(7) reviews

-
Hours icon 10 hours 30 minutes
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 10 hours 30 minutes
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

William S.

4.9

Guide rating

145

Reviews

Tours delivered

7 hrs

Avg. response time

Experience The Streets of Hong Kong With An Accomplished Artist, Professional Photographer and One of ToursByLocals Most Highly Rated Hong Kong Guides. . . Greetings Fellow Travelers, Welcome to Hong Kong, the Pearl of the Orient! Allow me to share with you the finest ways to experience all facets of this truly magnificent city, culturally, historically and visually, just as we locals do; so that when we are finished, you will be able to confidently and knowledgeably relate the modern story of Hong Kong as an inquisitive and well informed cultural traveler. I'm an American of Asian descent and I have lived as a local in an old neighborhood of Kowloon called To Kwa Wan for 22 years. I spent substantial amounts of time here on business and pleasure over the years following my earliest visits in the 1970s and witnessed the evolution of this city as well as the rest of North and South East Asia over the past 50 years. I am also a retired international lawyer and have reinvented myself as a professional artist, urban street photographer, and a street-savvy premium Hong Kong guide. I have performed 1500+ premium private tours to date. My artwork and photography have been featured on prominent American and international websites for over a decade and I sell prints to collectors from all over the world. I have literally spent thousands of hours walking the streets of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and Old Macau, camera in hand, searching for all manner of intriguing people, local points of interest, fine eateries and the wonders of Cantonese street culture in all of its curious manifestations. In my preparations to serve as your premium guide, I have also logged countless hours engaging in cultural and historical research of pre-colonial, colonial and modern-day Hong Kong. I pride myself in being a keen social observer, an artist/entertainer, a lover of good food and a culturally intelligent human being. Much of my knowledge of Hong Kong is a knowledge that I acquired long before I started preparations to offer premium guide services. Knowledge I acquired when my Dad had offices here in the 1970s and I visited during summer breaks, living in an old Chinese neighborhood in a 'Chinese style' building, interacting with family and relatives in Thailand, Hong Kong and Macau, observing local holidays and traditions, relishing all manner of local cuisine and nightlife, wandering and exploring the many old urban and rural neighborhoods as a raw street photographer and just being a curious and alert cultural observer. I have spent a lifetime honing my skills as a communicator and I have redirected these skills to sharing my unique portfolio of local knowledge and experience with maximum efficacy. I have plenty of intriguing local facts and anecdotes to share with each and every one of you. It is one thing to blather on about the much-touted "hidden gems" of the universe, it is quite another to put in the requisite elbow grease to build and share a comprehensive framework connecting the multitude of cultural and historical dots in an engaging and user-friendly manner. Hence, my mission can be encapsulated as follows: To provide all of my clients with an entertaining, deeply informative and street savvy premium travel experience ultimately leading to cherished memories, a portfolio of stunning on-tour photographs, an urge for further cultural and historical investigation and a strong desire to return to this fascinating city that I will call my home for many years to come. All of my premium tour engagements are performed soulfully by me. Accordingly, you can expect the utmost attention to detail in preparation, proactive communication, positive attitude and demeanor and the highest standard of client service professionalism. Warm regards from Hong Kong! William Resident of Hong Kong for over 20 years. Lived and/or worked for substantial periods in the following cities: NYC, Washington DC, Chicago, London, Warsaw, Kobe, Singapore, Shanghai and Bangkok. Master Digital Artist and Professional Photographer (i.e., people from around the globe purchase my works). Tourist Guide License TG12434 issued by Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong. First Aid Certification Hong Kong Red Cross Retired International Lawyer (admitted NYC Bar 1982) Featured in Hong Kong's Apple News Daily (William, an American who knows his way around Hong Kong like a native Hong Konger) 1500+ Premium Private Tours Delivered to Date. Tours By Locals Guide On-Boarding Team (2018-2020). Tours By Locals Night Tour recently featured in June 2019 issue of American Airlines Inflight Magazine. Five HarvardX Courses Completed: -Ming China -Modern China's Foundations; The Manchu and Qing -Invasions and Rebellions and the End of Imperial China -Creating Modern China: Birth of a Nation -China and Communism Please note the following: A. I do not offer food tours and am unable to handle complicated dietary requirements. For this I can refer you to another capable guide. B. I am not a commercial driver. However, I can engage a late model air conditioned car or van with driver at reasonable cost, if requested.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message William S.

Overview of your Hong Kong tour

This is one of my most popular tours. It is a cultural and historic walking tour of the Center of Old Portuguese Macau. When most people think of Macau as the Las Vegas of the East. It is true that Macau is a gambling Mecca. However, hidden behind the flashy facade of casinos lies a magnificent old world city full of an eclectic mix of Sino-Portuguese architecture much of it dating back some 400 years, charming old style street life, quiet sitting areas and parks and delicious Macanese, Cantonese and Portuguese eateries. My wife has family in Macau and I have been exploring and photographing the street life there for 15+ years. In fact, we almost moved there! My single day excursion to Macau is well tested. I will show you all of the main world heritage points of interest in the city center plus many other wonderful spots I have discovered through the years. The tour begins and ends at your hotel lobby. The Macau ferry is roughly 1 hour each way. Don't forget to bring your passports!

Your Hong Kong tour itinerary

- We begin the day at your hotel lobby, preferably at 8AM to beat the crowd at the Ferry Terminal (particularly on weekends) (BRING YOUR PASSPORTS); - Following our arrival in Macau, we cab straight to the fascinating Ama Temple and begin our walk there. - The morning will be spent viewing wonderful old neighborhoods, historic streets, panoramic city views and the infamous Street of Happiness. - Midday we will enjoy a delicious Portuguese meal in a very local venue. (Complex dietary issues cannot be handled). - Afternoon our tour will continue past historic sights in including the ruin of St. Paul's, avoiding the the maximum extent practicable, the hoards of Mainland tourists. - Many wonderful photographic opportunities, street style and snap shot, will be passed along the way. - We will continue exploring as long as you can keep walking! - Finally, we will return to Hong Kong via the ferry arriving around 7PM. A terrific day of history, culture and photography!

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Public Transportation / Category: Train

Ordinarily we will utilize public transportation such as the MTR train to the ferry terminal, the Macau Ferry and cabs to and from the Macau Outer Harbor Ferry Terminal. A private vehicle can be arranged if required).

What's included
Other: My services as your private local guide for the day. Important: I put the highest priority on protecting my clients and conducting my tours safely. If you have any questions concerning the current travel safety situation in Hong Kong, feel free to ask.
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Round trip ferry ticket for guide (approximately $400HKD) and entrance fees, if applicable.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong

  • You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
Boat
Architecture
City Highlights
History
Off The Beaten Path
Day Trip
Tour reference number
436477
Languages
English
Activity level
Moderate
5.0

Traveller reviews for this private tour in Hong Kong

7 reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Hong Kong best suited for?

This private tour is ideal for travellers interested in exploring the cultural and historical aspects of Old Macau, beyond its reputation as a gambling hub. It's perfect for those who enjoy walking tours, photography, and learning about the unique Sino-Portuguese architecture and local culture. With William S. as your guide, you'll gain insights from someone who has been exploring and photographing Macau for over 15 years.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Hong Kong be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 10 hours 30 minutes
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 10 hours 30 minutes
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Explore more of Hong Kong
Hong Kong Island Kowloon Full-Day Tour with Private TransportationFull Day - Hong Kong "Be a Local" TourHong Kong Cultural Immersion Full Day Private Walking TourPeaks to Piers - a perfect introductory day tour of Hong KongLantau Island Big Buddha Half-Day Tour with Private TransportationThe Amazing Hong Kong - Private Tour with Private CarHong Kong Cultural Immersion Full Day Private Car TourShore excursion: private car tour tour of Hong Kong and Kowloon'Restricted Access' Lantau Island Big Buddha Car Private Half-Day TourMacau Full-Day Private Tour Starting at Hong KongThe Authentic Hong Kong - Bespoke 8h Walking TourTram & Treats - Culinary Hong KongLantau Island Private Half-Day Tour with Private TransportationThe Big Buddha & Lantau Island - Private Tour with Private CarPeak & Central Highlights (with Private Transportation)Hong Kong Safari Half Day Private Car TourHong Kong Highlights & Hidden GemExtended Half Day Car - Hong Kong "Be a Local" TourFirst Time Fab Car Hong Kong TourNew Territories Wonders: Hong Kong Suburb Car TourHong Kong Safari Half Day Private Walking Tour8-Hours Shore Excursions City Walking TourHong Kong "Be a Local" City Private Half-Day TourHong Kong & Kowloon: Skyline to Street MarketsBig Buddha, Cable Car & Tai O Private Tour (with Private Transportation)Hong Kong Island Highlights Half-Day Tour with Private TransportationFull-Day Grand Walking Tour of Hong Kong Island and Old British KowloonShore excursion: Half day tour of Hong Kong with private guideBitesize Hong Kong: Michelin Rated Street Food & Culture Walking TourHong Kong Lantau's Private Car Tour (Big Buddha & Tai O)Hong Kong Lantau's Walking Tour with Cable Car (Big Buddha & Tai O)Hong Kong Island Kowloon Full-Day Private Bus Tour4 Hours Shore Excursion City Walking TourHongKong One Day ExperienceHong Kong Airport Arrival Transfer Private TourHalf Day Walk Full Overview of Hong Kong IslandHong Kong & Kowloon: Skyline to Street Markets (with Private Transportation)Highrise to Harbourfront, Hong Kong Unveiled in a Heartbeat!Kowloon 4-Hour Night Tour with Private TransportationVIP Private Macau Excursion from Hong Kong