Wednesday, March 6, 2013

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Is this the world's most awesome taxi?

Posted: 05 Mar 2013 10:01 PM PST

It was a dark and stormy night.

I'd been working late. Thankfully, a taxi was waiting in front of our building. 

Climbing in, I gave the driver my address and closed my eyes.

"Would you like a massage?" said the driver from the front seat.

Crap. It was finally happening to me. To me!

I'd survived four years in Manhattan without a mugging, but Seoul was going to get me.

I stealthily reached for the door.

"I said, would you like a massage?" he said again.

Before I could cannonball out of the moving car, something amazing happened.

The back of my seat began to poke lightly at my shoulders. Then it began massaging my lower back. Then up and down my spine.

It felt good. Absurdly good. What the hell was this?

I looked around the cab, which from the outside had looked like any other Seoul taxi.

No ordinary cab

The ceiling was wallpapered with a gaudy but cute flower scheme. There were little bunches of Christmas lights under the driver's seat and I could hear hear a steady trickle of running water.

I looked down. The pleasant gurgling was coming from a mini-fountain next to my feet. The fountain had a turning water wheel and … live goldfish?

More on CNN: The complete guide to Seoul taxis

These seats hide a built-in massage device that driver Chung installed for his passengers.
A sign anticipated the question forming in my mind: "Massages are free."

Taped above it were newspaper articles about the cab, with photographs of the driver with Korean politicians and television personalities.

I'd been weary minutes before, but with the massage and this bizarre cab, I felt wonderful.

Who was this driver and why couldn't all the cabs in the world be like this?

I knew we had to talk.

Man with a plan

Just an average Seoul cab on the outside ...
Drawing on an extensive background in mechanical engineering and management, taxi driver Chung Nok-hyun, 66, has a grand proposal.

If he has his way, all the taxis in Seoul would become what he calls "garden taxis."

Following his own cab, the city's taxis would be outfitted with flowers, grass, live goldfish, massage seats and a mini-karaoke machine (he does the singing in his own cab, upon request).

After retiring seven years ago from a career as director of a local electronics company, Chung began driving a taxi. He bought a massage device online for US$200, cut a large hole in the backseat and installed the device by hooking it up to the car's electrical system.

"It was quite easy for me because I am comfortable with electronics and machines," Chung says. "My passengers are always enthralled and I've had many people tell me it would be a wonderful tourism draw to change all the cabs in Seoul to be like mine."

More on CNN: World's best taxis

One passenger wrote to the Seoul government telling them about the cab, suggesting they work with Chung on developing a venture.

Former mechanical engineer and "garden taxi" driver/inventor Chung Nok-hyun."I hope the Seoul mayor will hear my idea," says Chung. "This will make Seoul taxis famous in the eyes of the world."

Chung has already filed for an international patent, which his lawyer says will come through around May.

Chung's vision doesn't stop at just taxis.

"I want to work with Hyundai and Kia," he says. "I think it would help cars sell more if they were like mine."

What's the next addition for his "garden taxi"?

"I'm installing a laptop so that my passengers can have Internet," says Chung. "People wonder if having so many electronic devices installed in the car uses up more gas, but the electrical system is completely separate. The gas bill isn't affected."

More on CNN: London cabs to offer free Wi-Fi in 2013

Appy Traveler: Best new apps for travelers

Posted: 05 Mar 2013 06:40 PM PST

Bookmark this article and check back in occasionally to see what new great apps we love, and think you should try.

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Updated March 6, 2013

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Fly Delta for iPad

Delta Fly Glass Bottom JetNo need for weeks of planning. You can fly by the seat of your pants with this handy app. iPad: App Store (Free)


Fly Delta, like any decent airline app, is equipped with check-in tools, e-boarding passes and gate info.

But this app's most download-worthy feature is its "Glass Bottom Jet."

It provides a bird's eye view of locations you're flying over, allowing users to explore the area with photos, landmarks and Wikipedia pages. It will also tell you which Facebook friends you're flying over.

You can spin the globe to explore worldwide destinations. They come complete with shopping and dining guides.

Your iPad will also be an entertainment system when flying Delta, accessing in-flight movies and the downloadable Sky magazine, as well as highlighting destination related music and movies.

101 Things to do before you go abroad

101 Things to do before you go abroadThere's more to England than London and fog. iPhone, iPad: Facebook App (Free)
Android: Facebook App (Free)
 


VisitEngland's Facebook app is building a list of 101 best English experiences.

The national tourist board wants locals to consider looking around their homeland before vacationing abroad. International travelers can also use this colorful interactive map to find activities all over England.

Everyone is invited to vote and offer suggestions. There are six themes, but for fun times too cool to categorize, they are pinned "because it's awesome."

Ideas are collected until March 10; nominees are announced mid-March. The complete list of 101 Things to do will be official April 23.

Some top experiences include stargazing in Exmoor's International Dark Sky Reserve and watching the Gatehead Millennium Bridge tilt.

Splid

Splid Security insuranceSplid will back you up if you get into emergencies during travel.iPhone, iPad: App Store ($0.99)
 


This app is like insurance against difficult situations during your travels. Splid is essentially a photo and audio app, that does not allow files to be edited or changed in any way.
Sounds like a step backward?

The idea is that the "Photoshopped" argument, where one party accuses another of falsifying or changing a picture or file, cannot be used.

Splid allows users to record their awful hotel rooms, inedible food and obnoxious travel reps and then save those file to the cloud.

If it comes down to their word against yours, Splid will have solid evidence.

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Updated January 11, 2013

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Minube

MinubeNot a fan of ours? Create your own guide. iPhone: App Store (Free)
Android: Google Play (Free)
Windows Phone: Windows Store (Free)
Minube is a e-library that stocks thousands of user-generated mini-guides.

The Madrid-based start-up social app covers 24,000 destinations in about 200 countries (and counting). There are more than 100,000 mini-guides from travelers for free or at a small cost.

The app tracks nearby spots recommended by travelers and allows users to search for locations worldwide -- from restaurant reviews at your current location to insider tips to Park Güell in Barcelona -- "How to get there without dying because of the hills" -- by browsing through an image library.

Users can also plan and interact with friends using Minube.

Springpad

SpringPadOrganizing can be fun, finally. iPhone, iPad: App Store (Free)
Android: Google Play (Free)
The latest smart notebook by Springpad is a hybrid of social networking and organizing with a good-looking layout.

Springpad takes the notebook to the next level by adding further details to your entries automatically. It's handy to create a checklist for a trip -- when you add entries like hotels, restaurants or landmarks, the app will save contact information, reviews, maps and pictures.

The data can be shared with your friends on Springpad and the saved data can also be accessed offline.

Airports by TravelNerd

TravelNerdYou can find out if there's a toilet on your way to the connecting gate before landing.
iPhone:
App Store (Free) 
Not just another real-time flight tracking app.

In addition to flight information, Airports by TravelNerb allows users to access information on the airport, including gate information, detailed floor maps, Wi-Fi availability and opening hours for shops and restaurants.

By using the app, users can pool other travelers who can share a taxi or just find different ways to travel to and from the airport.

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Updated November 23, 2012

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Air France Music

"Hidden tracks," literally.iPhone, iPad: App Store (Free)

Maybe the most entertaining airlines' app -- the latest Air France app combines music player and game.

Air France's music is no longer only available onboard. App users can now "catch" the tracks hidden in the clouds (virtually) by raising their iPhones towards the sky and aiming at the music icons in the sky.

The tracks captured can then be added to the playlist. Music available will vary in different destinations -- from Barcelona to Tokyo to Buenos Aires.

Even better, some unreleased tracks, free concert tickets can also be expected several times a year through the app.

 

Fotopedia Wild Friends

What is this cute animal and where to spot it? iPhone, iPad: App Store (Free)

Fotopedia Wild Friends is another gorgeous photo library created by Fotonauts Inc. after Fotopedia National Parks, Heritage, North Korea, etc.

The app is packed with great shots of wild animals, educational information, as well as the stories behind the photos.

It also locates the animals' pictures on a map accordingly — it includes locations and wildlife in Europe only at the moment.

 


Xe Currency

Make shopping abroad easier.iPhone, iPad: App Store (Free)

Android: Google Play (Free)

Xe Currency app is the app to go for if you are not a fan of clumsy currency conversion.

Apart from just an accurate currency conversion app, it provides the historic rates for the currency. You can monitor different currencies simultaneously and rate the highs and lows of the currency before even planning the trip.

It can be used offline.

 

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Updated October 11, 2012

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SeatGuru


seatguru appUltimate seat planner.Apple: App Store (free)

Android: Google Play (free)
Many flight booking apps may find you the cheapest tickets but not many provide enough crucial information -- from seat pitch to the proximity to the toilet to the likeliness to be bumped -- especially for long-haul fliers.

The new SeatGuru app developed by TripAdvisor has those details covered.

It not only allows flight search but also features the website's signature color-coded seating plan -- green is a good seat and red is bad. When clicked, a pop-up box provides seating advice and amenity information.

Waze

waze appNow you can know if you should drive to the next gas station to save money.Apple: App Store (free)

Android: Google Play (free)
Before hitting the road the next time, download Waze, a user-generated traffic information app.

The social GPS app gets drivers together to provide live traffic updates on jams, police traps, accidents and other hazards.

It also saves cost by comparing the oil prices of the gas stations along your routes or around you. Waze has partnered with a few gas stations to provide discounts through digital coupons on the app.

Its service covers more than 100 countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, Ecuador, Israel, etc. But some of them still require more users before the information available is strong.

SnapCast

SnapCastVideos made easy by SnapCast.
When travel photos are not enough to show (off) what you are seeing, SnapCast may be helpful.

It's targeted at citizen reporters but is also useful for enthusiastic travel bloggers, by allowing users to produce a 30-second, narrated video package without post-production editing. Then, you can swiftly upload and share it on social media platforms.

For now, it is still in its beta stage. Sign up on their website.

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Updated August 21, 2012

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TripIt Free

TripItLeave your piles of confirmation letters and contact details at home.iPad: App Store (Free)

Android: Google Play (Free)

Travel is great apart from the headache you get dealing with all the itineraries, reservations, numbers and schedules.

Travel organizer TripIt helps to make your life easier in this respect.

By forwarding your travel-related emails to TripIt's account, the app will create a calendar for you, especially handy for business and frequent travelers.

In addition to organizing, the app provides maps, weather forecasts as well as suggested restaurants and attractions.

SceneSpotter

SceneSpotterIf taking a picture in front of the Brandenburg gate no longer satisfies you, try SceneSpotter.iPad: Facebook page

Android: Facebook page


Who is more qualified than local tour guide? Several local guides from Lufthansa's SceneSpotter app.

The airline's new Facebook app highlights local insights and personal travel tips from Facebook users as well as specialized SceneSpotter editors.

"Users can get unique travel tips on 20 of Lufthansa's European destinations from locals and insiders," says Dr. Torsten Wingenter, Lufthansa's head of global co-ordination social media marketing. "Therefore, experiences and tips that are not mainsteam."

"But what makes this app really valuable and sets it apart from traditional city guides is the fact that users are able to have real-time information and advice on places to see and visit, they can share these tips with their friends and also see what their friends' plans and their recommendations."

CityJet

CityJetBook and manage your flight with just a few clicks.iPad: CityJet's mobile site

Android: CityJet's mobile site
If CityJet's 15-minute check-in promise isn't good enough for you, you may want to try the Irish regional airline's latest app.

"The majority of our customers are smartphone users who want the convenience of accessing our services on the go," Christine Ourmières, the CEO of CityJet said in a press release.

The CityJet app allows customers do what they normally do on website: view flight schedules, book flights, manage reservations, check-in and view flight status.

It also keeps you updated with the airline's latest deals and promotions. You will be directed to the app at m.cityjet.com in both Apple and Android devices.

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Updated June 12, 2012

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Milestones in Innovation by Boeing

boeing milestone appHistory of flight, on your phone.iPad: Boeing Milestones (free

Android: N/A

For anyone who's interested in the history of aviation, Boeing launched its first official app for iPad -- Milestones in Innovation.

Users can learn about the nine decades of aviation innovation and the airplane company's history and highlights through high quality photos, an interactive timeline and four videos.

"This is the history of Boeing as a digital coffee table book," said Fritz Johnston, Boeing's vice president of brand and advertising.

Some highlights are 1916 when Boeing was founded by Bill Boeing, and the delivery of the 787 Dreamliner.

Condition One

Condition One appVirtual reality meets vacation videos.iPad 2: Condition One (free)

Android: N/A


If looking at regular photos and videos of your vacation is not enough to bring back the memories, you might need something more impressive.

Condition One is an application that can gives you a sense of "being there."

See a video demo here.

Combining still images, narrative video and engagement with tactile controls, the app has series of first-person, 180-degree immersive videos that can be controlled by the user.

As well as the usual stop, play, pause, fast-forward options, the viewer can pan through the virtual world as if scanning it in real time.

Once this provides the option of shooting your own videos, the world of vacation filming will change forever.

Image it

image it appPictures speak thousands of words, in many languages.iPhone and iPad: Image it (US$0.99)

Android: N/A

Injured in a foreign country and don't know the word for bandage? "Image it" instead.

This application helps to solve the language barrier problem.

It has more than 450 pictograms in a number of set categories such as food, emergencies, accommodation and transport. Users can pick up at most three pictograms to convey a message, much like a puzzle.

The app also lets users to create their own pictograms by inserting pictures from their phones or drawing or writing on existing pictograms.

No internet required. 

Kuoni brochure-browsing app

kuoni appBrochures, guides, articles and more.iPad: Kuoni brochure-browsing (free)


Kuoni, a long-haul travel specialist, has launched a new application for iPad users that gives access to the company's brochures, videos, travel articles and website.

Once downloaded, the brochures can be read anytime without the Internet. And the app checks for new brochures automatically and will flag for users to notice.

"We want to make Kuoni as accessible as possible," Kuoni ebusiness and publishing vice president Matt Rooke said.

"The app self-updates so customers are getting the best quality of information on a daily basis, in a format that suits them."

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Updated: May 7, 2012

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Ritz-Carlton's Presidential Tips

Ritz Carlton appVIP treatment, even before you walk into the lobby. iPhone: Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts (free)

Android: Ritz-Carlton Hotels (free)
Guests, and even non-guests, of the Ritz-Carlton hotels can tune into the some of the best-kept secrets, VIP treatments and best deals through its new mobile app.

One of the most anticipated features is "Presidential Tips," authored by president and COO Herve Humler who shares his tips and experiences on each Ritz-Carlton hotel dotted around the world.

"I want to enrich a Ritz-Carlton experience for our guests further with details about the things I have found to be quite memorable and marvelous in my travels. With the Ritz-Carlton App I can now do that very easily and in real-time," Humler said in a press release.

The app also provides QR codes which include tours of the hotels.

For example, the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua QR code will guide guests to the hotel's art collection while the Ritz-Carlton Berlin features an exclusive digital scavenger hunt led by various mobile codes and clues.

New destination and landmark tips will also be uploaded every week by Ritz-Carlton Concierge experts all over the world.

The Ritz-Carlton App is free and available on iPhone and Android.

Zuji Packman

Zuji Packman appYour very own packing buddy.iPhone: Zuji Packman (free)

Android: N/A
Love traveling, but hate the chore of packing? You need a "Packman."

Packman, launched by online travel agency Zuji, helps travelers organize their itinerary, coordinate their packing and share travel schedules.

"Holiday packing is an integral step of the journey and the Zuji Packman is designed to help organize this process while making travel planning fun and more efficient," said Zuji managing director Asia Pacific James Gaskell.

Using the app, travelers can create multiple packing lists, set up personal reminders and even see what others are packing.

"It's fast, simple and easy to put together a list, share it with your friends and get out the door, safe with the knowledge that nothing has been left to chance," Gaskell said.

ZUJI Packman is available free of charge in Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong, with an Android version to launch soon.

FlyRights

FlyRights appHigh tech way to complain, or praise. iPhone: FlyRights (free)

Android: FlyRights (free)
Mistreated at TSA (Transportation Security Administration) checkpoints in the United States? Violated? Discriminated?

Previously, there wasn't really much travelers could do when they went through uncomfortable inspections at airports.

But via a new app called FlyRights developed by Sikh advocacy group, Sikh Coalition, travelers can now file their complaints right on the spot.

Your complaint is not only is listed on the app, but can also be sent directly to the TSA's official website.

"The TSA asserts it doesn't profile -- this application will allow us to better assess whether that's true," said Amardeep Singh, director of programs at the Sikh Coalition.

The founders of the app explained that although the TSA tells its screeners not to profile, they have not adopted effective measures to guard against it. The app will hopefully push the TSA to implement better safeguard against profiling, they added.

"All travelers now have an easy way of speaking to their government on the issue of airport profiling," said Singh.

Available on iPhone and Android.

More apps reviews

We've run various articles about apps in the past.

Ultimate Hong Kong shopping guide: Causeway Bay

Posted: 05 Mar 2013 06:00 PM PST

Causeway Bay may be the shopping mecca in Hong Kong, but arriving for the first time, all most people see is an overwhelming ocean of humanity circulating around seemingly bland shopping centers.

After Causeway Bay overtook New York's Fifth Avenue as the priciest retail area in the world, it's true that many local stores closed or were forced out by high rents and international chain stores.

But only out-of-towners dismiss Causeway Bay as one big tourist trap.

There are still plenty of treasures and, yes, bargains, to be found in this labyrinth of commerce. That's why you'll find it crowded with shoppers even at 10 or 11 on Sunday and Monday nights.

You'll need faith and the stamina of a marathon runner, but good things can still happen in Causeway Bay.

Here's how to find the biggest and best shops (not always the same thing) and get a head start on the competition. 

More on CNN: The world's 10 best shopping cities

SOGO Causeway Bay

SogoHalf of them are waiting to go somewhere else.

Department store (A on map)

Even if you don't shop in SOGO Causeway Bay, know this: its main entrance is an iconic meeting point for locals.

Opened in 1985, SOGO is the biggest and the most popular Japanese department store in Hong Kong. Its 12 stories (including two basement floors) include everything from high fashion to cosmetics to electronics to toys for kids.

SOGO Causeway Bay, 555 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay; +852 2833 8338; open Sunday to Thursday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday, Saturday and day before public holidays 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; www.sogo.com.hk


Island Beverly Center

Beverly Island CenterTime doesn't exist when you're shopping here.

Mall (B)

Shopping malls can be monotonous, but Island Beverly Center is different. Located next to SOGO, it's a four-floor treasure hunting adventure.

The small mall has around 100 boutiques that sell local, Korean and Japanese fashion, as well as communal consignment stores in cubicle cells that sell goods from toys to cosmetics. This is where to check out the best (and sometimes worst) of local trends.

Items are generally inexpensive, but fitting isn't allowed.

Island Beverly Center, 1 Great George St., Causeway Bay; +852 2890 6823; opening times vary but usually from afternoon till late; www.discoverhongkong.com


Causeway Place and Laforet

LaforetLocal designs, knockoffs and cheap imported goodies.

Malls (C for Causeway Place and D for Laforet)

These two mini-malls nearby are cousins of Island Beverly Center.

Compared with the other two, Causeway Place has more shops for men and some designer knockoffs.

Laforet, on the other hand, sells mostly women's wear, from clothes to cosmetics to undergarments.

Causeway Place, 2-10 Great George St., Causeway Bay; opening times vary but usually from afternoon till late; www.causewayplace.hk


Good Old Days at WTC More

Good Old DaysPing-sing Szeto's Good Old Days displays more than a thousand antique watches in a petite store.

Antique watches (E)

Hidden in a corner of a shopping mall, Good Old Days is a small shop cramped with about a thousand antique watches.

Well-dressed Ping-sing Szeto opened the shop 25 years ago to sell precious timepieces that he collected around the world when he was a professional cyclist.

Century-old, diamond-studded watches and even older pocket watches are the kinds of things you'll find.

Good Old Days, Shop P408A, WTC More, 280 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay; +852 2116 0088; open daily 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; www.wtcmore.com

More on CNN: 15 biggest souvenir-buying no-no's


Retrostone

RetrostoneFirst stop for rockers.

Men's/Women's (F)

From vintage to restored vintage to imitation vintage so convincing you can't tell they're imitations, Retrostone is a one-stop location, especially for rockers.

Retrostone made its mark in Hong Kong by importing secondhand band T-shirts from the United States. Although band tees are still the major attraction, the shop also sells a lot of leather products and small vintage design brands from overseas.

Retrostone, 1/F, 504 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay; +852 2838 6419; 
open daily 2:30 or 3:30-10 p.m.; www.facebook.com/retrostone

Retrostone, 2/F, 1 Cannon St., Causeway Bay; +852 3107 9131; open daily 2:30-10 p.m.; www.facebook.com/retrostone


Windsor House

Windsor HouseWarning: Your kids may keep you in this mall forever.Kid's stores/Mall (G)

Parents see this congregation of kids stores as heaven or avoid it like germs.

There are more than 20 stores to please tired travelers' energetic offspring.

You'll find organic children's clothes, educational toys and even corrective shoes.

Windsor House, 311 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay; +852 2882 3603; opening hours vary but generally open from 11 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m.; www.windsorhouse.hk


Liger

LigerFeel like a socialite just by entering.

Women's (H)

To meet a celebrity or just dress like one, Liger is the place.

Local fashion icon Hilary Tsui and her business partner have just opened their third Liger store, pleasing celebrity and fashion-forward clientelle.

The sleek shop carries a range of uncommon international and local brands, such as Alice McCall, Rue Du Mail and Joanna Ho, as well as the in-house label, Oh My God.

Liger, Shop A & C, 55 Paterson St., Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay; +852 2503 5308; open noon -9 p.m. daily; ligerstore.com

Liger, 1/F, 11 Pak Sha Road, Causeway Bay; +852 3483 3948; open Monday to Saturday 12:30-9 p.m., Sunday 1-8 p.m.ligerstore.com


KniQ

KniQCauseway Bay rents are soaring, but interesting shopping options remain plentiful.

Men's/Women's (I)

The stylish store is a hidden gem adored by local celebs -- see all their signatures on the wall.

The store mainly carries younger, high street fashion brands from Europe and Japan, such as KTZ and Henrik Vibskov. They also revamp classics (platform Vans' sneakers, anyone?) for their own label, Yah.

KniQ, 4/B, Vienna Mansion, 55 Paterson St., Causeway Bay; +852 2881 7903; open Monday-Saturday 2-10 p.m., Sunday 2-9 p.m.; www.kniq.com.hk

Shine

ShineWhere G-Dragon might shop in Hong Kong.Men's/Women's (J)

At this avant garde shop you can see the latest fashion K-pop stars like G-Dragon wear.

The store stocks labels like Haider Ackermann, C. Neoon and Toga Archieves.

The interior design is amusing. The store on Cleveland Street has a ceiling knitted from 900 white strings.

Shop B, 5-7 Cleveland St., Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay; +852 2890 8261; open daily from 12:30-10 p.m.; www.shinegroup.com.hk

Also on CNN: Insider Guide: Best of Hong Kong


Jexta

JextaKeith Cheng says that Jexta's shoes use the same French soles as Gareth Pugh's.

Men's/Women's (K)

Despite being the first venture from local fashion newbies, Keith Cheng and Grace Lee's elegant store aims high.

Opened a month ago, Jexta features bold designs with subtle details and the occasional vintage touch.

Elegant fishtail dresses, vintage brooches and high-quality leather shoes highlight the goods.

"We source different local tailors for different designs, depending on what they are good at," says Cheng.

1A Cleveland Mansion, 5-7 Cleveland St., Causeway Bay; +852 2972 7893; open daily from 2-10 p.m.; jexta.net

Causeway Bay MTR station exits B to E

eslite, Hysan Place

Hysan PlaceBest bubble tea in the least likely place: eslite bookshop.

Bookshop/Mall (L)

Eslite is the largest bookstore chain in Taiwan and the Hysan Place store is its first overseas branch.

The 3,800-square-meter (41,000-square-feet) bookstore offers an extensive selection of Chinese books and a decent selection of English books.

More importantly, it's the home of the best bubble tea shop, cha FOR TEA, in town.

eslite, 8-10/F, Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay; +852 3419 6788; Sunday to Thursday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday, Saturday and eve of public holiday, 10 a.m.-2 a.m., www.leegardens.com.hk


Jardine's Crest

Jardine's CrescentGet ready to rub endless shoulders and bags.

Street market (M)

Given its location behind the giant Forever 21 outlet and in the vicinity of the eye-catching Hysan Place, it's easy to walk past Jardine's Crescent without seeing anyting special.

Jardine's Crescent is a long and narrow street market cramped with clothing, accessories and tacky souvenir stores at good value. It's a place to polish your bargaining skills.

There are more shops behind the stalls on the side, too.

Jardine's Crescent, Causeway Bay Station Exit F, entrance next to Forever 21


Forever 21

Forever 21Open till 1 a.m. for the hardcore shoppers. But who in Causeway Bay isn't?

Men's/Women's (N)

You already know Forever 21.

But this one stays open till 1 a.m. daily.

Capitol Centre, 5-19 Jardine's Bazaar, Causeway Bay; +852 2890 4791; open daily from 10 a.m.-1 a.m.; www.forever21.com


Cuffs

CuffsCustom-made shirts aren't as expensive as you'd think.

Bespoke tailor (O)

Frustrated by the long process to get a custom-made shirt, Ian Fong founded Cuffs, a modern place for bespoke tailoring.

A genius shirt bar and suit bar illustrate the steps to customize your shirt, with a finely curated selection of patterns and fabrics. Cuffs recently collaborated with local design store G.O.D. to play with classic Cantonese designs on fabrics.

Shirts (HK$500-600/US$64-77) take around 10 days to make. Suits (HK$3,500-5,000/US$450-645) take two to three weeks.

Cuffs, 3/F, 27 Lee Garden Road, Causeway Bay; +852 2413 6033; open daily 1-9 p.m.; www.cuffs.hk


Lane Crawford, Times Square

Specialty stores (P)

If you want to eavesdrop on the latest gossip from Hong Kong socialites and tai tai (well-off wives), you can hang out where they shop -- Lane Crawford.

Founded in 1850, Lane Crawford is still Hong Kong's leading luxury fashion and lifestyle specialty store, offering the best of designer fashions.

In addition to womenswear and menswear, there are departments for shoes and accessories, home and lifestyle and an extensive area for beauty and cosmetics.

Lane Crawford, Times Square, 1 Matheson St., Causeway Bay; +852 2118 3638; open daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; www.lanecrawford.com

Pink Martini

Pink MartiniAlways great window displays.

Women's (Q)

Sweet and strong -- this is how Pink Martini describes itself.

The funky store with a pink neon sign and always charming window display sells the ideal wardrobe for the city's trendy youngsters.

Products range from the shop's own playful label, Daily Dolly, famous for its redesign of classic brands, to French chic designs from Japanese brand Duras Ambient.

Pink Martini, Shop 2, 3 Yiu Wa St., Causeway Bay; +852 2574 1498; open Monday to Saturday 1:30-10:30 p.m., Sunday 2-10 p.m.; www.pinkmartini.com.hk

More on CNN: 5 reasons Hong Kong shopping is better than ever


White Noise Records

White Noise RecordsSigur Rós may be the most mainstream option available here.CDs/Vinyl records (R)

Almost 10 years after opening, White Noise Records still attracts lots of indie-music addicts who share music on a 19th-floor shop on Yiu Wah Street.

White Noise doesn't just stock great music; its great music that's hard to find elsewhere.

"If you're looking for Pink Floyd, you ain't gonna find them here," said Gary Leong, co-owner of White Noise Records. "Why would you come all the way to look for something you can find in HMV?"

Leong says visitors should check out the best Asian indie bands and don't be afraid to ask for recommendation.

The shop also sells some vinyl and band T-shirts and organizes gigs for bands.

White Noise Records, 1901, 19/F, Workingview Commercial Building, 21 Yiu Wa St., Causeway Bay; +852 2591 0499; open daily 1-9 p.m.; www.whitenoiserecords.org


Oldies Co.

Oldies IncSecondhand or imitation vintage, this is where to get leather jackets.

Men's/Some women's (S)

Founded six years ago, Oldies Co. was one of the very first fashion tenants in Yiu Wah Street.

The small shop stocks secondhand leather jackets, secondhand dresses and imports Homage USA retro T-shirts. It also designs vintage biker jackets and leather jackets under its own label.

Oldies Co., 1/F, 28 Yiu Wah St., Causeway Bay; +852 2575 8775; open Monday to Friday 3-11 p.m., weekends 1-11 p.m.; www.facebook.com

Candies

CandiesCandies for your phone: You'll never mistake your phone with anyone else's.Accessories (T)

Phone cases in the shape of handbags, fortune cats or other clever designs can be found in this small corner store on the second floor of Sharp Street East.

Despite being founded by a Hong Konger, the colorful store made its fame in Japan long before setting foot here.

The shop has just expanded its business to add housewares and accessories made of silicone. Some items are exclusive to Hong Kong.

Plus side: You'll never have trouble finding a phone you buy here. Down side: You may need to shop for a bigger bag, as well.

Candies, 2/F, 9B Sharp St. East, Causeway Bay; +852 2354 9228; open daily 1-8:30 p.m.; www.candies-gifts.com


::mint::

MintYou can get a Polaroid SX-70, as well as tips on photography techniques from in-house experts. Gadgets (U)

Unless you're a Polaroid enthusiast, Causeway Bay isn't usually a destination for new cameras.

But ::mint:: is Hong Kong's only Impossible Project partner store -- a company that replicates the out-of-production Polaroid film for Polaroid 600 and sells secondhand SX-70 cameras.

It's also one of the world's biggest restoration centers for the SX-70. Hong Kong was a major Polaroid trading port, and ::mint:: has recruited a team of retired Polaroid technicians and possesses a few hundred restored SX-70s.

::mint::, 2/F, 26A Russell St., Causeway Bay; +852 2720 0222; open daily 1-9:30 p.m.; www.SX70asia.com

Caroline Haven Community

Men's/Women's/Accessories/Variety Store (V)

Neat cafes, galleries and stores have started popping up in this little upcoming neighborhood along Haven Street and Caroline Hill Road.

The stores are mostly hidden in the old, once-deserted mall of Lei Shun Court (entrance at Haven Street).

Haven StreetInBetween: Minimal space, ample treasure hunting.

InBetween, founded by two designers, amasses interesting items from 1950s posters to retro lamps and eyepieces designed in-house. It hosts mini-exhibitions for local artists in the shop or with other shops in the area.

Shop 12, Lei Shun Court, 1 Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay; +852 9751 3644; inbetweenshop.com

Bunkaya Zakkaten is a popular Japanese store that sells an amazing amount of zakka, or variety goods.

11A Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay; +852 2808 0304; open daily noon-9 p.m.; www.facebook.com/bunkayazakkaten

Haven StreetLuddite: secondhand leather gun bags to typewriter keys made into accessories.

Luddite has a thrilling mix of collectable clothing and interesting accessories. There's also wealth of blue-collar worker attire and military accessories.

15A Haven St., Causeway Bay; +852 2870 0422; open daily noon-9 p.m.; www.facebook.com/luddite1811

Hola Classic offers quality tailoring for men looking for the nostalgic style in their suits.

17A Haven St., Causeway Bay; +852 2870 0245; open daily noon-9 p.m.; www.facebook.com/HOLAclassic

Causeway Bay MTR station exits A and F

More on CNN: Beauty in the mundane: Hong Kong's zakka shops


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