Hong Kong
香港
13 May - 15 May 2016
Hong Kong is just an hour ferry ride away from Macao. The ferry tickets are bought at the terminal, depending on the time I arrive after work. I've booked my accommodation in advance, and I can say that the room hunt was very tiring and disappointing. As expected, the rooms will not be spacious but that doesn't concern me. What matters most is the cleanliness and location. Most of the hotels didn't appear to be in good condition. They looked old in the pictures and the reviews are terrible. I finally stumbled into this hotel's offer and it looked pretty decent to me. Fingers crossed for the best!
I used the Hotels Combined mobile app and also my trustworthy Agoda mobile app. Both is very useful in filtering the searches according to my needs and always offer good deals and easy usage.
P/S: The picture at the top is taken with the Art Shot feature on my Casio ZR2000.
I used the Hotels Combined mobile app and also my trustworthy Agoda mobile app. Both is very useful in filtering the searches according to my needs and always offer good deals and easy usage.
P/S: The picture at the top is taken with the Art Shot feature on my Casio ZR2000.
Expenditure:
Ferry Ticket (Macau to Hong Kong) HKD 153
Acesite Knutsford (2 nights) (Tsim Sa Tsui) HKD 787.96
Ferry Ticket (Hong Kong to Macau) HKD 177
A Total Of HKD1117.96 (SGD196.85)
Ferry Ticket (Macau to Hong Kong) HKD 153
Acesite Knutsford (2 nights) (Tsim Sa Tsui) HKD 787.96
Ferry Ticket (Hong Kong to Macau) HKD 177
A Total Of HKD1117.96 (SGD196.85)
Day 1
I ended my shift at 8.06am and I rushed towards the bus station to catch Bus 3A towards the Macau Ferry Terminal. The bus came around 8.15am and reached the ferry terminal in less than 10 minutes. I went to the ATM and withdrew HKD4000. I wanted to purchase the 8.45am ferry but the lady said it's still possible to catch the 8.30am ferry. So after getting my tickets, I rushed towards the immigration and Gate 1 for immediate departure. As you enter the waiting lounge, you will pass by a counter that assigns your seats for you. So if you're travelling in groups, you should be able to get seats together if it's not packed.
I was able to nap on the ferry and was glad that I've got an empty seat next to me so I can sleep more freely. The ferry ride took around 1 hour and 10 minutes, and upon arriving I had to queue for another 15-20 minutes for the immigration. It was only 10am so I planned to walk around first, since the hotel room won't be ready till 2pm.
I bought a HK sim card for the wireless internet in order to navigate my way around the city. The mobile plan that I purchased costs HKD48, but it does not include unlimited internet. Basically you'll have $48 in it and you can use it to purchase data plans. I activated the 2G data plan which will last for 3 days that costs $38. I only used the data for Google Maps, WeChat messaging and occasional Facebook-ing. |
I wanted to have a dim sum breakfast at Lin Heung Dim Sum 莲香楼 which is located at Wellington St. So I took exit A2 and walked 5-7 minutes. The place was packed with morning people having tea with their friends, so I decided to leave for the Mid Level Escalator for some sight seeing. I started at Queen Street and proceeded uphill with the crowd.
It was nice going up the escalators and reaching the end of the path. But the hardship comes when I had to walk all the way back towards Queen Street using the stairs.
I kept reminding myself that I did not have breakfast that day and to not push myself past my limits. The last thing I want is to faint and waste my entire trip in Hong Kong hohoho. |
I bought some beverage on the way down to keep myself hydrated and pump up my sugar level. I went back to Lin Heung Dim Sum again and the place is still too crowded. I ended up walking back the MTR and headed towards Tsim Sha Tsui.
I exited the MTR to visit the Avenue of Stars and the Clock Tower. I have to walk towards the Maritime Museum and the Clock Tower was located behind the museum. Unfortunately the Clock Tower was under maintenance so I couldn't see it clearly. But I was still able to witness the awesome and famous harbor view of Hong Kong.
I exited the MTR to visit the Avenue of Stars and the Clock Tower. I have to walk towards the Maritime Museum and the Clock Tower was located behind the museum. Unfortunately the Clock Tower was under maintenance so I couldn't see it clearly. But I was still able to witness the awesome and famous harbor view of Hong Kong.
I walked for another 7-10 minutes for the Avenue of Stars, but it was closed for renovation. Sigh. So I visited the Garden of Stars located next to it. I noticed the statues and hand prints were relocated to the Garden of Stars in accordance with the Avenue's renovation.
After the Garden of Stars, I walked over to the Observatory Road to check in my hotel room. I was determined to look for a place for lunch before my body surrenders to hunger. I spotted Tsui Wah Restaurant and went in for a table. I ordered their Ice Bucket Milk Tea 冰桶奶茶 and XO Noodle with Shrimps.
The restaurant was packed as well, so I shared a table with another person. The noodles was okay I guess, the shrimp is fresh and crunchy, and the milk tea is always awesome. I left to search for my hotel after lunch, which should be 5 minutes walk from Tsui Wah. I had to rely on Google Maps Locator again cause the streets are very confusing to me. I finally reached the hotel after 10 minutes of wandering around. It's on the slope which houses a few Korean restaurants. The entrance to the hotel is a small walk way at the center of the building, which leads to an elevator. The reception counter is on level P, which is also where the pool is. The check in process was done in 5 minutes that requires HKD500 for deposit. Take note that they do not accept HKD1000 notes.
Fortunately the room was clean. The room is spacious enough for one person. There was a strong detergent smell when I first went in, but I let the air con run for the whole day while I was out, and the smell was gone when I came back at night. They provide the basic amenities such as shampoo, toothbrush, towels and cups. I am overall satisfied with the room.
I took a bath and rested until 4pm. I figured it's better to nap awhile as I've been awake since 5pm the day before. I wasn't able to sleep well so I ended up searching for attractions using the complimentary internet provided by the hotel. My mobile plan is only for 2GB so I changed to WiFi mode whenever possible.
After resting and charged my camera, I got ready to visit the Victoria Peak. It took less than 5 minutes to reach the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR. I headed over to Central MTR 中环 and took Exit J to the Peak Tram. It's another 5-7 minutes walk towards the Peak Tram counter, which will be guided by road signs along the way. The queue was CRAZY!!!
I planned to visit the Museum of Madame Tussauds at the peak. As I was queuing up with the crowd, I noticed there's sign board indicating that I could go the express lane if I purchase the package that includes two way tram ride and entry ticket for the Madame Tussauds' Museum. I overheard the staff said it will be another 1.5 hours of waiting time for the tram ride, so I immediately left the queue and went to purchase the package tickets. I was then placed together with other tourists that has bought the package as well. Still, I had to wait for another 30 minutes to enter the tram cause there's just too many people and tour groups.
I took a bath and rested until 4pm. I figured it's better to nap awhile as I've been awake since 5pm the day before. I wasn't able to sleep well so I ended up searching for attractions using the complimentary internet provided by the hotel. My mobile plan is only for 2GB so I changed to WiFi mode whenever possible.
After resting and charged my camera, I got ready to visit the Victoria Peak. It took less than 5 minutes to reach the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR. I headed over to Central MTR 中环 and took Exit J to the Peak Tram. It's another 5-7 minutes walk towards the Peak Tram counter, which will be guided by road signs along the way. The queue was CRAZY!!!
I planned to visit the Museum of Madame Tussauds at the peak. As I was queuing up with the crowd, I noticed there's sign board indicating that I could go the express lane if I purchase the package that includes two way tram ride and entry ticket for the Madame Tussauds' Museum. I overheard the staff said it will be another 1.5 hours of waiting time for the tram ride, so I immediately left the queue and went to purchase the package tickets. I was then placed together with other tourists that has bought the package as well. Still, I had to wait for another 30 minutes to enter the tram cause there's just too many people and tour groups.
I was able to get seats on the tram, but that means missing opportunities to capture pictures on the way up. The slope was almost 45 degrees steep I guess. Upon reaching the top, I first went to check the opening hours of the museum, after that, I purchased tickets to ascend to the Sky Terrace which costs $48. Okay I'm afraid of heights, it has been awhile since I experienced the frozen sensation in my legs as I went up the escalator. I thought I got rid of the fear but I guess I judged too early. After thinking of how high the peak is and the fact that I'm going higher up the building, I...I just can't. I had to stand in the middle of the escalator to avoid myself from looking down and freak out. I held on to the escalator handle just like how I would hold on to my dear fried chicken.
I finally reached the top level and finally stepped out to the terrace. The staff is standing by to hand out head sets and a device that will explain the peak to you. I opted for English and started strolling around the terrace. There's a designated spot for professional cameramen to take picture for you with the Hong Kong scenery, with a price of course.
I finally reached the top level and finally stepped out to the terrace. The staff is standing by to hand out head sets and a device that will explain the peak to you. I opted for English and started strolling around the terrace. There's a designated spot for professional cameramen to take picture for you with the Hong Kong scenery, with a price of course.
It got very crowded at the terrace, so I went back down to visit Madame Tussauds' Museum. The wax figures are so real that most of the time I thought they were real, or the people standing beside them are also wax figures. It was scary to stare at them for a long time, so I proceeded through the hall way quite fast. I was so happy they had TVXQ as well!
After the museum, it was already dark outside, so I went out to look at the night scenery.
It was 8pm when I joined the queue to go back down the hill. The queue was faster and shorter compared to what I experienced coming up.
I walked back to the MTR and went to Tsim Sha Tsui for some shopping. After looking through a few stores featuring Korean fashion and H&M, I concluded that I wasn't in the mood for shopping, so I walked back to my hotel. I realized I haven't had dinner, so I stopped by at 7-11 to get some instant food, I bought kimchi kimbap, Milkis and Melon Soya. There's a Hong Kong style bakery along the road so I bought the Polo Bun.
I was awake for at least 30 hours at that moment, my eyes were red and dry, and I was just too tired to think of anything. I got ready for bed at 12am and set my alarm at 7am.
Day 2
My alarm sounded at 7am, but I wasn't up until 9am. I was too tired from yesterday and decided let myself off slack this morning. I showered and got ready to go to the Golden Bauhinia Square 金紫荊广场 near Wan Chai MTR 湾仔. On the way to Tsim Sha Tsui MTR, I stopped by Kai Kee to buy Polo bun again, this time I opted the one with a slab of butter in it which costs HKD11. It was heavenly!
At Wan Chai MTR, I followed the signs towards the Golden Bauhinia Square which took around 10-15 minutes. The walkway leads towards the exhibition center, where you have to walk till the end to reach the Golden Bauhinia Square.
There's an event that features comic characters displaying at the square. Their idea was to let the public take selfies with the characters, which was pretty interesting.
There's an event that features comic characters displaying at the square. Their idea was to let the public take selfies with the characters, which was pretty interesting.
The golden bauhinia was surrounded by tourists, and tour buses can be seen lined up by the curb.
The square was by the sea as well, so we could get some really nice shots and view of Hong Kong.
After done walking around the square, I headed to the streets to look for the Ding Ding Trams, but I wasn't able to find them. I was really hungry so I took the MTR towards Causeway Bay for shopping and lunch. I wanted to try the famous Ramen shop - Butao 豚王. I followed the MTR exit sign towards Times Square and went up to the street. Butao was located two streets away from Time Square. There's 6-7 groups of people waiting outside the shop. I went to the server and asked for the menu. He positioned me in the queue at the opposite side of the road for solo diners. I was able to enter in less than 15 minutes.
The order chit was given to you with the menu, so you could make your decision while waiting in line. I chose the classic ramen with an egg on the side. The soft-yolked egg was too runny to my liking. So I did not enjoy the egg at all. The broth was great, and I should have chosen 'soft' for the noodle's texture. I ordered a milk pudding dessert as recommended online, and it was really good!
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After lunch, I went for shopping around Causeway Bay area, especially targeting the multi story Forever 21, but I wan't able to hunt for anything I like. I spotted the Ding Ding Tram but it wasn't going where I wanted to go later.
I left Causeway Bay and took the MTR towards Tung Chung MTR for the cable car up to Ngong Ping 360. However when I finally reached the station, they announced the cable car is temporary suspended due to the weather. So I figured I could walk around the shopping mall to try to wait out for the cable car to resume operation. There's an outlet mall right in front of the MTR entrance which features many outlet stores including Adidas and New Balance.
I did not purchased anything because my favorite ones are not sold here. Anyway, after 45 minutes of lingering, I decided to try my luck for the cable car again. This time the staff said it will be suspended the whole day, and suggested us to take the bus uphill. He reminded the last bus will be at 7pm.
I went to the bus station just in time to catch the 5.10pm bus uphill. It costs HKD17 but you can use your Octopus MTR card to board. The bus is in a 3-2 seat arrangement, so the seats are quite narrow but the bus itself could fit a lot of people. It takes 30 minutes to reach Ngong Ping, but it was so worth it cause the scenery is just amazing.
I went to the bus station just in time to catch the 5.10pm bus uphill. It costs HKD17 but you can use your Octopus MTR card to board. The bus is in a 3-2 seat arrangement, so the seats are quite narrow but the bus itself could fit a lot of people. It takes 30 minutes to reach Ngong Ping, but it was so worth it cause the scenery is just amazing.
When I alight from the bus, the first thing that caught my eye was the mountain with clouds covering its peak. It was so magical and I couldn't believe I'm seeing it with my own eyes. The Ngong Ping Village was buzzing with people, so I decided to walk towards the mountain and the Buddha statue first.
The stairs up to the Buddha statue was closed at 5.30pm, so I was only able to take the picture by zooming my camera lens past the gates. I went for the Wisdom Path instead, which needs us to walk 15 minutes through the woods. The path was quite eerie and I determined to leave the place before sunset.
I was so glad when I finally reach the Wisdom Path as the path is really really scary to walk alone. The place was so beautiful and breathtaking, I wished I came up here sooner.
It was 6.30pm when I finally decided to head back. The walk back feels faster but still scary. I wanted to visit the Ngong Ping Village but the place looked empty and the shops are all closed. I remembered the cable car staff mentioned about the last bus at 7pm, so I decided to go to the bus terminal to check it out. The queue for the bus was so long, I guess it really is the last bus down hill.
As I was queuing up, a bus was at the front of the line picking up passengers. I figured that bus won't be able to fit in this many passengers and started thinking of another way to get downhill if I was really unlucky. Just when I started worrying, another bus drove in and waited at the curb. I was so relieved that they are nice enough to call up extra buses to take everyone down hill.
I was able to squeeze in the bus with an aisle seat. The bus ticket lady was very kind to reassure me that I will have a seat on board when I told her I was alone. The ride down took another 30 minutes and I walked back to the MTR station for my ride back to the city.
I alighted at Jordan MTR station and walked to the Temple Street. It isn't much, just the exact same thing as Ladies Street. Don't bother going there if you've already planned to go to Ladies Street.
As I was queuing up, a bus was at the front of the line picking up passengers. I figured that bus won't be able to fit in this many passengers and started thinking of another way to get downhill if I was really unlucky. Just when I started worrying, another bus drove in and waited at the curb. I was so relieved that they are nice enough to call up extra buses to take everyone down hill.
I was able to squeeze in the bus with an aisle seat. The bus ticket lady was very kind to reassure me that I will have a seat on board when I told her I was alone. The ride down took another 30 minutes and I walked back to the MTR station for my ride back to the city.
I alighted at Jordan MTR station and walked to the Temple Street. It isn't much, just the exact same thing as Ladies Street. Don't bother going there if you've already planned to go to Ladies Street.
Since there's isn't much to see here, I walked back to Mong Kok area for shopping and dinner. I went to the huge H&M but there isn't anything I'd like to buy. I stopped at a street food stall and bought deep fried octopus to munch on. I was tired so I took the MTR back to Tsim Sha Tsui. I stopped by the Kai Kee Restaurant for dinner. I ordered egg tart and stir fried beef noodle. The servers are super friendly and the dishes comes out fast and hot.
OH OH!!! I forgot to mention about my loot that night!!! I finally bought my Adidas Superstar sports shoes!! I'm so excited and happy for myself, I've been wanting to buy these since I discovered them! HKD899, worth it!
I rested at the hotel for the rest of the night, and packed for tomorrow's departure.
Day 3
I woke up at 11.30am and had a quick shower before checking out. I had to wait for 10 minutes at the reception for them to check on the room before returning my HKD500 deposit. I bought the Polo bun with butter again before taking the MTR towards Macau Ferry Terminal at Sheung Wan.
This trip to Hong Kong is short and nice for me. I withdrew HKD4000 on the first day, and was left with HKD1500 at the end of my trip. So I spent 2500 which includes transportation and meals. It ain't that bad.