VLDB 2002 28th International Conference on Very Large Data Bases   Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel August 20-23, 2002 Hong Kong, China

TOUR INFORMATION

| Tour Booking Form | Contact Information | | Hong Kong Island Tour | Kowloon Nine Dragon Tour | Ocean Park Tour | | Aberdeen and Harbour Night | The Land Between Tour | Lantau Island Monastery Tour | | The Heritage Tour | Lei Yue Mun Dinner Cruise | Macau Excursion |

TOUR BOOKING FORM

Please complete and return the tour booking form by fax, postal mail or email (quoting VERY LARGE DATA BASES BOOKING) directly to Farrington American Express Travel Services Ltd. The tour booking form can be downloaded in one of the following formats: PDF tour booking form Word tour booking form The complete tour information, including the booking form, can be downloaded as: PDF tour information

CONTACT INFORMATION

Billy Tsoi - MICE Operations & Inbound Farrington American Express Travel Services Ltd. 31/F World Trade Centre 280 Gloucester Road Causeway Bay Hong Kong Tel: (852) 3121-3268 Fax: (852) 2576-6172 Email: inbound@farringtonamex.com

TOUR FAE-001 HONG KONG ISLAND TOUR

Price: HK$145 Duration: Approximately 5 hours. Hotel pick-up time: 8:00 am - 9:30 am and 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Actual pick-up time will be advised when booking is made. Tour begins after the hotel pick-up service is completed. Hong Kong, once a quiet fishing village with a scarce population situated at the estuary of the Pearl River Delta on the southern coast of China, is now a city full of contrasts of East and West. After over a century's cultural and tradition exchange, it is now one of the world's major financial and commercial centers. You will find that it has a lot to offer, and for sure you will not regret making a trip to this city in the Orient. VICTORIA PEAK The Peak Tram, once the only way up, climbs the 373 meters of Victoria Peak where the panoramic views of the bustling Victoria harbour and Kowloon peninsula are simply breathtaking. Sit at the famous Mövenpick Marchélino for a coffee break and treat your eyes to the spectacular views. ABERDEEN FISHING VILLAGE Anchored in this typhoon shelter are many fisher folks boats where you will be fascinated by their style of living. An option, at your own expense, is to take a sampan ride to get a close-up look at fisher folk's the unusual way of life. Moving on we stop at a jewelry factory where you can have a glimpse of the fine art of hand-made jewelry. REPULSE BAY WATCH Repulse Bay is renowned for its glorious views of the South China Sea. En route you will be able to view the bay watch, the most-visited beach in town and a summer escape for swimmers. STANLEY MARKET The Stanley market has become a favorite place for local and foreign shoppers. Here you will find abundant stalls selling a wide range of clothing and footwear, as well as bars and restaurants which surround this must-do shopping experience.

TOUR FAE-002 KOWLOON NINE DRAGON TOUR

Price: HK$145 Duration: Approximately 4-5 hours. Hotel pick-up time: 7:45 am - 8:30 am Actual pick-up time will be advised when booking is made. Tour begins after the hotel pick-up service is completed. Kowloon means "Nine Dragons" and it is commonly believed that the Nine Dragons lie on the hills that form the backbone of this area sandwiched between the Victoria Harbour and the New Territories. The tour will first take you past the picturesque Sung Wong Toi Garden where the Sung Dynasty's last emperor once visited. Come and feel the dragon's energy from here! OLD KAI TAK RUNWAY The Kai Tak International Airport was once a busy and challenging airport for pilots on Hong Kong-bound flights. Enjoy the spectacular views of the "dragons" (ridges) and Victoria Harbour from the runway of the Old Kai Tai Airport. CHI LIN NUNNERY The Chi Lin Nunnery is the largest timber complex in the world. This Buddhist complex uses Tang Dynasty style architecture and is built in a traditional, balanced seven-hall design. LUNG CHEUNG ROAD LOOKOUT POINT Get an excellent view of the Kowloon Peninsula and the North Side of Hong Kong from here! En route you will be able to visit a jewelry factory in Kaiser Estate, home of factory outlets. BIRD GARDEN Here you will be able to see hundreds of birds on sale at a price which often reveals that the birds singing abilities are valued more than their exquisite plumage.

TOUR FAE-003 OCEAN PARK TOUR

Price: HK$280 Departure: Daily Duration: Approximately 7 hours. Hotel pick-up time: 8:15 am - 9:30 am Actual pick-up time will be advised when booking is made. Tour begins after the hotel pick-up service is completed. Ocean Park is one of the largest oceanariums in the world and the largest of its kind in S.E. Asia with an area of 870,000 square meters. It features aquariums, dolphin shows, thrilling rides, Asia's largest film simulator ride and the giant pandas. CABLE CAR A breath-taking ride in the cable car is a must for every visitor. You can experience a fascinating 360 degree grand view of the Park from high up in the sky. GIANT PANDAS An excellent opportunity to see a pair of giant pandas, An An and Jia Jia, in their 2,000 square meter habitat. OCEAN THEATRE Where adorable marine mammal stars like dolphins, seals and sea lions show off their spectacular tricks to thrill you. ATOLL REEF You'll be mesmerized as the exciting mysteries of the underwater world unfolds in front of you. Note: Ocean Park admission ticket is good for all available games on the day, shows and rides except for drinks and souvenirs. You will be guided to visit a jewelry factory to view the art of hand-made jewelry en route.

TOUR FAE-004 ABERDEEN AND HARBOUR NIGHT

Price: HK$500 Duration: Approximately 4-5 hours. Hotel pick-up time: 5:15 pm - 6:30 pm Actual pick-up time will be advised when booking is made. Escorted to the pontoon, you will be aboard an authentic, yet modernized, Chinese junk - a time to put your feet up. Even if you don't, you are promised a relaxing evening cruise on the Victoria Harbour as you see the sunset gradually dimming on the horizon. After the cruise there is a fabulous Chinese-style dinner awaiting you at the famous Jumbo Floating Restaurant in Aberdeen. Take some snapshots after dinner to remember your journey there. Before heading back to your hotel, the tour bus will stop at Mid-Levels where you will see the tranquil harbour beautifully displayed before you. HARBOUR CRUISE Unlimited free drinks are served aboard a traditional style Chinese junk for a relaxing cruise of the Victoria Harbour. JUMBO FLOATING RESTAURANT A superb Chinese dinner will be served at the world renowned floating restaurant in Aberdeen. HARBOUR VIEW A coach trip up to Stubbs Road Lookout to gaze at the spectacular harbour view. It is a sight that inspires and awes every visitor to Hong Kong.

TOUR FAE-005 THE LAND BETWEEN TOUR

Price: HK$330 Departure: Daily Duration: Approximately 6 hours. Departure time & Pick up points:      Hong Kong Island: 8:30 am & 1:00 pm, Queen's Pier Central, opposite the City Hall "Low Block".      Kowloon: 9:00 am & 1:30 pm           Lobby of "The Salisbury" - YMCA of Hong Kong, 41 Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui. The New Territories is an enormously diverse suburban area full of contrasts with the cosmopolitan city center. More than a century ago, this area was entirely rural. Today, the area still abounds in rural beauty. Yet modern times have made their mark. The Land Between stands both as a gentle reminder of Hong Kong's past as well as a symbol of its hopes and plans for the future. YUEN YUEN INSTITUTE The institute demonstrates the significance of Confucian, Taoist and Buddhist contributions to society. TAI MO SHAN Hong Kong's tallest mountain provides a panoramic view of Hong Kong Island and Tsuen Wan industrial town to the south. Past Shek Kong and Lam Chuen Valley for a stop at Luen Wo where you can browse among colorful stalls piled high with dried fish, herbs and vegetables, fresh fruit, flowers, etc. LUK KENG This is the boundary with China. Nearby are a Hakka village and a bird sanctuary where Chinese pond herons and night herons nest. SAM MUN TSAI FISHING VILLAGE Passing the Plover Cove Country Park we proceed on to Sam Mun Tsai Fishing Village to see how local fisher folk breed fish in submerged cages.

TOUR FAE-006 LANTAU ISLAND MONASTERY TOUR

Price: HK$450 Duration: Approximately 7 hours. Hotel pick-up time: 7:45 am - 8:30 am Actual pick-up time will be advised when booking is made. Tour begins after the hotel pick-up service is completed. With its pristine ambiance, striking landscape, unique quaint fishing village and long white sand beach blended congruously with some modern developments nestled in the foot of the hills, "Lantau Island" offers a pleasant respite from the city's diurnal noises. SILVERMINE BAY Sit back and relax on a comfortable pleasure ferry for a soothing harbour cruise. CHEUNG SHA BEACH The water-kissing white sand stretches all the way across the coast making a lovely picture. TAI O VILLAGE The stilt-home settlement, Tai O village, shows a rare aspect of fisher folks culture like the frail tiny huts and ramshackle houses. PO LIN MONASTERY A visit to the Great Bronze Buddha Statue and museum where Sarira, or Buddhist relics, are revered.

TOUR FAE-007 THE HERITAGE TOUR

Price: HK$250 Departure: Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday. Duration: Approximately 5 hours. Pick up point and time: 8:45 am Lobby of The Kowloon Hotel, 19-21 Nathan Road, Tsimshatsui. Hidden away among high-rise apartment towers and busy highways, the past lives on in the New Territories ... a living museum shaped by the rise and development of the so-called five great clans of Hong Kong (the Tang, Hau, Pang, Liu and Man). Taking in historic sites around the New Territories, the Heritage Tour brings to life the customs and cultures of these clans and provides a fascinating glimpse of Hong Kong's rich heritage. MAN MO TEMPLE A temple dedicated to the gods Man (Literature) and Mo (Martial Arts); it was built a century ago to serve as a center of worship for the community. Also situated here is the Tai Po Market which sells all kinds of fresh produce, dried herbs and seafood. En route we visit the Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree to pray for protection and good luck. TANG CHUNG LING ANCESTRAL HALL Built in the early 16th Century, the exquisitely decorated three-hall building is still used for annual rituals and festival celebrations. The structure was declared an historic monument in 1997. LO WAI WALLED VILLAGE The first walled village built by the Tang clan. Today it remains the cradle of clan activities and houses the family's descendants. The site was also gazetted as an historic monument in 1997. TAI FU TAI An opulent stately home built in 1865 by a scholar of the gentry class, Man Chung-luen. The ornate country mansion shows how high-ranking officials lived.

TOUR FAE-008 LEI YUE MUN DINNER CRUISE

Price: HK$390 Duration: Approximately 4-5 hours. Hotel Pick-up time: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Actual pick-up time will be advised when booking is made. Tour begins after the hotel pick-up service is completed. A wonderful opportunity to experience the outstanding cuisine of Hong Kong. Along with a delightful cruise through the glittering harbour. After a superb dinner now is your chance to meet with the locals and prove your bargaining skills in the amazing Temple Street night market. GOLDEN BAUHINIA PLAZA The Forever Blooming Bauhinia is a gift from the people of China to mark the widespread joy of the Chinese on the return of the territory to the Motherland after 156 years If time permits, you will be able to see the flag lowering ceremony. HARBOUR CRUISE The view of Hong Kong's glittering Victoria Harbour and skyline is simply breathtaking. A leisurely harbour cruise is something not to be missed LEI YUE MUN SEAFOOD VILLAGE Partly built on harbour-side stilts, the old village of Lei Yue Mun is an off the beaten track destination adored by seafood aficionados. A superb seafood dinner will be served in Lei Yue Mun. OLD KAI TAK RUNWAY The Kai Tak International Airport was once a busy and challenging airport for pilots on Hong Kong bound flights as it is located in the middle of the city. Enjoy the spectacular Victoria Harbour view from the runway of the old Kai Tak Airport.

TOUR FAE-009 MACAU EXCURSION

Price: HK$500 (weekday); HK$520 (weekend) Departure: Daily Duration: Approximately 10 hours. Hotel pick-up Morning Town Ride 6:45 am - 7:30 am Like Hong Kong, Macau is a place where East meets West. In this tour, you will be shown the charm of the Chinese and Portuguese heritages embraced in arrays of modernized architecture. After hotel pick up, transfer to Macau Ferry Terminal for departure to Macau. Upon arrival, city sightseeing begins by glimpsing the statue of Kun Iam which presides over the Macau waterfront. Then, move on to the landmark of Macau - the Ruins of St. Paul's. The Ruins of St. Paul's & Museum of Macau This Roman Catholic Church was built in 1602 and burned down in 1835, Miraculously, the fine art of carvings and statues can be seen on the surviving facade. The Museum of Macau exhibits Macau's history, people and culture, emphasizing the bi-culture of the place. Temple of A-Ma The temple was built 400 years ago in homage to a girl who saved a seamen's life. Macau was later named by the Portuguese settlers in the mid-16th Century. Casino Casinos in Macau offer a large variety of casino games that give versatile entertainment to visitors. Try your luck here! Lotus Flower in Full Bloom The lotus sculpture, dedicated by the State Council of China, symbolizes the everlasting prosperity of Macau.