OVERVIEW

Israel is located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its religious and cultural history, Israel is a popular tourist destination with 3 million people visiting in 2008 alone.  Overall, it is a developed country with a significant amount of information and resources for physically challenged travelers and senior travelers.

AbilityTrip thanks The Israel Government Tourism Corp and Access Israel for their cooperation and support.  They have posted a significant amount of information on accessible destinations – “For example, the summit of the Massada fortress near the Dead Sea is now accessible, and wheelchairs can now reach the upper level of the site. A special area on Masada has been adapted so that persons with visual disabilities can touch and feel the surroundings.”

LANGUAGE

The official language(s) of Israel are Hebrew and Arabic, although English is spoken by most as well. 

CURRENCY

The official currency of Israel is the Shekel

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

ISRAEL : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Ben Gurion International Airport:  “Ben Gurion Airport’s ultra-modern terminal, Terminal 3, was opened in 2004 and serves all international flights.”   Please contact your airline directly to ensure your flight will be properly supported and assistance will be arranged according to your needs. 

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Public transportation in Israel does not fulfill the needs of the majority of the disabled population. 

Milbat: The Israel Center for Technology and Accessibility. Milbat, situated at the Sheba Medical Center (972-3-5303739) specializes in building, transport and other aides for people with disabilities. The center gives advice on transport solutions for people with disabilities. The website is written in Hebrew, but there is an English tab located at the top left of the website.

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SHUTTLE

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BUS

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TRAIN (Light Rail)

Israel Railways: According to accessibility regulations, a passenger with disabilities must notify the railway company at least 12 hours in advance of the trip. Notify Israel Railways by calling their national call center at 03-5774000 or abbreviated dialing code *5770. Before you plan to travel, it’s best to plan out the course to verify all stops are wheelchair accessible. Visit the Israel Railways website to verify accessible stops. All accessible trains and train stops are designated with the international symbol for access.

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FERRY

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ISRAEL : Accommodations

HOTELS

Access Israel: There are several types of accommodations in Israel. The most accessible options will be hotels.  Some information on house exchanges, B&B’s, etc. can be found on Access Israel. 

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ISRAEL : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

There are many featured trips and areas of access here.

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ACTIVITIES

Accessible Beaches: There are a variety of beaches located throughout Israel, which vary in levels of accessibility.

  Massada:  “For example, the summit of the Massada fortress near the Dead Sea is now accessible, and wheelchairs can now reach the upper level of the site. A special area on Masada has been adapted so that persons with visual disabilities can touch and feel the surroundings.”

 Jerusalem:  There are many accessible places including the open air market (shuk), the Western Wall and Yad Vashem (the Holocaust memorial) to visit in Jerusalem.

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

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ISRAEL : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Yad Sarah: Yad Sarah is a volunteer organization with branches all over Israel that lends tourists wheelchairs, crutches and other aides without charge and only a secutity deposit. More information is available on the Yad Sarah website or by calling +972-2-6444555.

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ISRAEL : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

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OTHER USELFUL LINKS:

www.goisrael.com

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OVERVIEW

Macau, located near Hong Kong and borders mainland China, is a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world, who are seeking wheelchair accessible travel. Macau has been compared to Las Vegas in terms of its gambling options. Even though visiting Macau can be difficult for people with mobility impairment or for people with other special needs travel, due to a deficiency in accessible transportation options, an accessible holiday can be attempted with careful planning.

LANGUAGE

The official language(s) of Macau is Chinese and Portuguese.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Macau is the Macanese Pataca.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

MACAU : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Macau International Airport

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

The Macau Tourism Board suggests visitors with mobility impairment to contact local travel agencies for coach rental services for getting around Macau. Public transportation is not an option if you utilize a motorized wheelchair, and are not able to transfer into a taxi and store a manual wheelchair.

They have suggested contacting these local travel agencies.

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TAXI

There are taxis available in Macau, however at this time; there are none equipped with special equipment such as a wheelchair accessible ramp or lift.

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RENTAL VEHICLE (Accessible Van)

There are rental cars in Macau, but Macau does not have wheelchair accessible vans equipped with a ramp or lift for rent. Visitors must contact the Public Security Police Force or email the government to be granted permission to drive in Macau. The email address is: info@fsm.gov.mo.

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SHUTTLE

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BUS

Currently, Macau does not have wheelchair accessible buses, and the bus can be extremely crowded. 

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TRAIN (Light Rail)

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FERRY

Turbo Jet: Turbo Jet is a ferry service that runs between Hong Kong and Macau. The ferry terminals in HK and Macau are wheelchair accessible. Turbo Jet asks that visitors contact their staff for assistance prior to arrival. The journey between Hong Kong and Macau is approximately 60 minutes.

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MACAU : Accommodations

HOTELS

Macau has a large selection of hotels to choose from and this list of hotels claim to have rooms which are wheelchair accessible. When booking a hotel room, be sure to ask specific questions that relate to your particular accessible accommodations. Remember in other countries, ADA laws do not apply, so it’s important to ask a lot of questions about the hotel, the room, bathroom, door width, etc.

 Altira Macau: The Altira in Macau does have some rooms which are specifically designed for wheelchair accessibility. It’s advised to call in advance to book an accessible room to properly meet your needs. The hotel can also provide a manual wheelchair for guests if necessary.

 The Venetian Macau: The Venetian Macau can provide an accessible suite which is all on one level. The bathroom is equipped with a roll in shower. Guest services can also provide a manual wheelchair upon request. Please contact the hotel directly for further information.

 Westin Resort Macau: The Westin Resort in Macau is conveniently located on the waterfront and near an 18 hole golf course. The hotel has one accessible room specifically designed for people who utilize a wheelchair. A couple accessible features include: grab bars, lowered closet/sink and a roll in shower. When making a reservation specify room type as ACC and request the room that will accommodate your needs.

 Wynn Macau: The Wynn does have wheelchair accessible rooms available upon request. Some accessible features include: lowered switches, lowered threshold, lowered closet, roll in shower, and grab bars. Accessible rooms must be booked in advance and specifically requested. 

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MACAU : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

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ACTIVITIES

Macau Fisherman’s Wharf: The macau Fisherman’s Wharf is fully accessible to guests with a disability. At the Wharf there is something for every visitor, whether it be shopping, dining, or gaming, surely you will find an activity that’s interesting and fun. Wheelchairs can also be rented at the visitor center.

Museums in Macau: In Macau, there are a variety of museums to visit. The Macau Tourism Board has suggested the following museums to be wheelchair friendly: Grand Prix Museum, Wine Museum, Macau Museum Of Art, Handover Gifts Museum of Macau, and the Communications Museum.

Macau Tower: At the Macau Tower, visitors will find fun and entertaining things to do, everything from dining, and shopping, to theater entertainment. 

Leal Senado Square: Even though the buildings at the Leal Senado Square is not totally wheelchair accessible, the architecture and the square are a spectacular site to see and a popular tourist stop. There is always something going on in the square and many festivities are held here.

New Yaohan Department Store: The New Yaohan Department Store is a site to see, and is one of the largest department stores in Macau.

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

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MACAU : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

Centro Hospitalar Conde S. Januario
Hospital kiang Wu
University Hospital

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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MACAU : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Even though Macau is a densely populated city, it’s not as crowded as Hong Kong. Note that it can be a challenge using a mobility device or maneuvering a wheelchair around the city because sidewalks can get crowded. 

Public transportation options that are accessible (vehicle with ramp or lift) unfortunately don’t exist at this time.  

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OTHER USELFUL LINKS:

Macau Government Tourism Office

OVERVIEW

Hong Kong is located on China’s south coast and is well-known for its bright, colorfully lit skyline and its beautiful harbor, known in English as “Fragrant Harbour.” Hong Kong offers a variety of things to do for people with mobility challenges, and the city has worked extremely hard to provide a sophisticated, wide assortment of transportation options for people with disabilities to easily access and tour the city.

LANGUAGE

The official languages of Hong Kong are Chinese and English.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Hong Kong is Hong Kong Dollar.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

HONG KONG : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Hong Kong International Airport: The Hong Kong International Airport is very expansive and generally welcoming for People with a physical disability. The airport is very open and easy to maneuver and has elevators located throughout with seemingly no barriers. The Hong Kong Airport provides loaner wheelchairs and help to those who need assistance. There are signs for special assistance and a customer service counter. The bathrooms of the airport have accessible stalls, but no family/companion bathrooms exist at this time. Remember to always talk with your airline prior to traveling about special assistance at the Hong Kong airport to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

Wheelchair accessible transportation to and from the airport is available. However, it must be booked in advance. See below for more detail about booking accessible transportation through the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation.

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FERRY

The Ferries in Hong Kong and sister islands are relatively accessible for people who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility. The piers have grooved ramps which offer non-slip access onto the ferry and there are also call bells for assistance. Keep in mind there are different types of ferry systems, and not all are accessible, however most of the licensed and franchised companies are fairly wheelchair accessible. Typically an entire boat is not accessible and there are stairs to upper or lower levels, however most ferries have wheelchair areas or seating.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

There are three taxi cab companies which are identified by color, red with a silver top services the Urban Hong Kong area, green with white top services New Territories, and blue with a white top services the Lantau Island domain. The taxis are a typical sedan style vehicle. Most of these vehicles are equipped with Braille for taxi registration information and many are also equipped with a talking taxi meter. We have not been able to locate any wheelchair accessible taxis with a ramp or lift system.

For people who use crutches, or other mobility aides such as foldable wheelchairs, these devices can be stored in the cab for no extra charge as long as they fold and can fit into the appropriate area.

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SHUTTLE (Tramway)

Hong Kong Tramways, Limited: The Hong Kong Trams run along the Northern Shore of Hong Kong, and are fixed to a track, much like a double-decker trolley system. This mode of transportation is feasible for people who have a visual impairment or a slight mobility challenge. However, it is not recommended for wheelchair users or people who can’t climb stairs.

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BUS

The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation: HKSR offers transportation to and from the airport, to and from hotel, and for sightseeing use. This service is not the public bus service, but rather a non-profit organization. They society offers a variety of transportation options depending on services needed. One type of service is the “Rehabus Service” – this service has over 100 various wheelchair accessible vehicles in its fleet. The vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts for easy access and are equipped with wheelchair safety restraints. There are dial-a-ride services, car pool services, or scheduled routes in place. This service must be booked in advance by visiting their website or calling. For out of area visitors call +852 8100 8655 or email rehabus@rehabsociety.org.hk for more information.

There are also five different franchised bus companies in Hong Kong and we have listed a few below who have some accessible buses in their fleet; note that not all buses have accessible features.

Kowloon Motor Bus Company: KMB offers an easy access bus service for wheelchair users. Some of their buses are equipped with the following accessible equipment: lowered floors with ramp for easy access, lowered board call button, handrails painted in bright colors, onboard announcement system for next stop, and Braille plates which provides information about the bus license number and route information. The website provides an accessible bus route and fare information in a PDF file for quick trip planning, and also provides pictures of the accessible features.

Long Win Bus Company Limited: Offers bus services to north Lantau and the Airport. It consists of 18 routes with around 155 air-conditioned buses.

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TRAIN

Mass Transit Railway (MTR): The MRT is working hard to accommodate not only people with disabilities, but also people traveling with small children who need easy access, and baby boomers. Overall the MTR is very accessible and they are planning to make future projects even better. The MTR website offers a list of accessible facilities for customers with special needs. Click here for more details about accessible features.

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HONG KONG : Accommodations

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HONG KONG : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

The Star Ferry Company, Limited: The Star Ferry Ride in Victoria Harbor is a great way to see Victoria Harbor and the fabulous views of the city. The Ferry is mostly wheelchair accessible by ramps and the lower deck of the ferry is accessible for wheelchair users. Note that there is not a restroom on board the ferry. Senior citizens 65 or older are allowed to travel free by presenting an I.D. or a senior citizen card before entering the yellow turnstile. There are other Ferry Rides to the outer islands – Hong Kong is a collection of islands and there are accessible ferries to get to all of them – most ferries board by ramps.

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ACTIVITIES

Hong Kong Disneyland:” Hong Kong Disneyland is reachable via subway, similar contents to the Los Angeles Disneyland but about ¼ of the size. The  subway and resort were both fully accessible with elevators, disabled bathrooms, etc.  Of course certain rides in the resort are not appropriate for people with disabilities, but there are many other options like shows, parades, restaurants, and shopping.” Feifei, 1/1/2010

Shopping: Shopping and eating at several commercial center areas of Hong Kong (e.g., Causeway Bay, Central, Meng Kok, TST), most large department store buildings are fully accessible, but stores in small streets sometimes have limited accessibility (e.g., no elevator, very small bathrooms).  Feifei, 1/10/2010

The Peak: Victoria Peak is the highest spot in Hong Kong with beautiful views of the city and the harbor. It is amongst the top 10 places to visit, but pollution and general haziness often decreases the quality of the view. There is an inaccessible tram to the top – but you can take a private car, taxi, or prearranged wheelchair transport to compensate. Once at the peak the observation decks are accessible. The experience provides one with a great perspective on the city and gives maps to highlight key buildings.

Lantau Island: Is the largest island in Hong Kong, and is accessible by ferry, subway and bus or car. One can easily take the ferry one way and then the cable car / subway the other. There is an accessible cable car that provides beautiful views of the island. Visitors can ride it either up or down from the subway station to the base of the village or use it as a full round trip.

Located on Lantau Island is the Big Buddha, which is the largest outdoor seated Buddha statue in the world. The Buddha is a big attraction on the island. The top of the Buddha is not wheelchair accessible, but the bottom is, and the views are just as magnificent.

Po Lin Monastery: The Po Lin Monastery is located on Lantau Island and is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible. The rest of the village in Lantau Island is accessible with one major street, cute shops and restaurants.

Stanley: Stanley is a town and tourist attraction in Hong Kong. It is a peninsula on the southeastern part of Hong Kong Island, which can be accessed by bus or taxi. There is an open air market to visit that is largely accessible but there are parts that unfortunately have stairs or other obstacles. Another major site to see is the Tin Hau Temple. Unfortunately, it is largely inaccessible but there are many open plazas and areas with great views of the interior.

Temple Night Market: Temple Night Market is an open air market located in Kowloon. The market is accessible by subway, bus or taxi. The market is garnished with a variety of gifts, crafts and other misc treasures.

Victoria Harbor Light Show: Everyday at 8pm there is a light show that is viewable from either Hong Kong island or Kowloon island. Watching it from the Avenue of the Stars (similar to the one in Hollywood) is a great way to see the show – it is free and accessible.

Museum of Contemporary Art: The museum is located in Kowloon and is fairly new. The museum is accessible with some permanent and special exhibits. We went to see a Louis Vuitton exhibit which was great. Entrance to access the building for people using wheelchairs is at level G/F. A wheelchair passenger lift provides access to each floor. The museum website provides a floor map which illustrates where the restrooms are located for people with disabilities. The museum also offers wheelchairs for use during a visit if needed and are located on level 1/F at the information counter.

Cheung Chau: Cheung Chau is another outlying island, which is accessible only by ferry. The island sports many beaches, a few temples, cafes, and lots of little shops. The main paths are accessible, but there are a lot of stairs throughout parts of the town. The streets of Cheung Chau are very narrow, so the cars are quite compact.

Malls: There are countless malls in Hong Kong, and each one is relatively new and equipped with elevators.

Avenue of the Stars: Like Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, this is a water front path in Kowloon that is very pleasant to walk and is very accessible. You can click through the photos at the top right of this page to see Bruce Lee’s star.

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

Tea at the Peninsula Hotel: High tea is a tradition in Hong Kong and the Peninsula is located in Kowloon and is a favorite spot to relax. The hotel is accessible and the tea is served in the front lobby.

There are countless restaurants in the various malls around the city so that is the safest and most accessible option. A few examples (there are hundreds more)

-IFC

-Time Square

-Lee Garden

-Elements

“Many restaurants along the street have doorsteps and no ramp. Some restaurants on the second floor only have stairaccess but no elevator. Restaurants in large department store buildings are usually fully accessible with elevators, e.g., Lei Mo Tai building at Causeway Bay has many floors of restaurants.” Feifei, 1/10/2010 

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HONG KONG : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Most of the streets are pretty new and have curbs that are accessible. However, remember that ADA laws do not apply in many countries around the world, including Hong Kong. Hong Kong can also be very hot and humid, oppressively so. Bring plenty of bottled water when touring the city and a spray bottle if needed.

“The city is in general very crowded, should avoid taking the subway or buses at rush hours (7-9am, 4-7pm).” Accessible taxis are not usually readily available on the street, would be best to ask hotel/restaurant staff to arrange before you go.”  Feifei, 1/10/2010