Hong Kong
BEST OF ALL IT'S IN HONG KONG
November 2016.
I got excited when I received my flight ticket going to Hong Kong- my first flight and it’s international.
We booked the reservation earlier this year to avail the flight carrier’s promo. A round trip flight with food, 20 kg baggage and terminal fee inclusions for only 6,700 pesos. Great deal!
As a first timer, I used my waiting months for passport application. For more details visit DFA website: http://www.dfa.gov.ph/
Prior to your flight, here are some of the things that you need to prepare:
Where to stay?
My colleagues and I booked our hotel accommodation a month prior to our travel date. This gave us time to look for our preferred hotel (considering our budget and places to visit.) Suggestion: You may want to consider booking a place within Jordan Area. The area has lots of accommodations to offer with good and cheaper options. It is also located at the center of HK with easy access to every place that you may want to visit.
We stayed in Pak Shing Building located at Parkes St. corner Jordan Rd. The hotel is beside McDonald’s. Our place is just a street away from MTR – Jordan Station and near Temple Street.
PARKES STREET
How to explore the place?
Before the trip, I spent almost an hour everyday trying to familiarize myself with HK’s geography and its mode of transportation. There’s no special trick to it, just explore Google Maps. I started listing the places that we will visit then plotted it in Google Maps by using the Direction option. It will also help you identify which spots are on the same location, thus, organizing your itinerary and optimizing your plans.
Also, download MTR Map. Make yourself understand how it works since MTR will be your most used mode of transportation in HK.
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MTR STATIONS. JORDAN at RED LINE
Once you’ve arrived. It is advisable to get the Octopus card- an electronic card that can be used in accessing public transportation and buying items in convenience stores. It is convenient and will save you time. You can purchase one in airport or any MTR stations.
NO NEED TO PUSH YOURSELF JUST TO GET IN
Where to go and what to do?
We only had three whole days to explore the wondrous place of Hong Kong. We arrived late evening on the first day and we left early morning on the fifth day. Given with only few days to explore the land, here are the spots that we were able to visit. Note: If this would be your first time visiting HK you must visit the well-known spots in the country.
1. Nathan Road and the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui
Best place to do your shopping. You will never get bored exploring this side of Hong Kong. The place is very lively and overwhelming, every turn has its own surprises and stories to tell. You will be amazed on how their culture collides with the modern world.
2. City Gates Outlets in Tung Chung Station
All of the good deals are here. Most of the outlet stores of famous brands in the world are here. If you are planning to grab branded items for cheaper price then this should be included on your list.
3. Hong Kong Disneyland
The happiest place on Earth. If you are a kid at heart and grew up watching Disney animated movies (like me), then you should visit this place. Disneyland will offer you different attractions like stage plays, expos, parades and extreme rides. Restaurants and refreshments are also available inside the park. Note: You are not allowed to bring your own food inside.
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Jof’s Recommended Attractions: Mystic Manor, Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, Festival of the Lion King, Toy Soldier Parachute Drop, Jungle River Cruise, and Hyperspace Mountains.
Since Toy Story is my favorite animated series of all time, I didn’t miss the opportunity to purchase Buzz Lightyear in Andy’s Toy Box Shop.
4. Ocean Park Hong Kong
I thought this one was a trip that we can skip, BUT, I was so wrong! This one turned to be one of the amazing things that I experienced in Hong Kong. This one was not my typical ocean park encounter, aside from water creatures the place has extreme rides that you can enjoy.
If you are brave enough then you should try their Hair Raiser. It is a roller coaster set on top of the mountain, this is not for a faint-hearted.
You can also try the cable cars! You will enjoy the majestic view of the bay.
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5. Peak Tram & Victoria Peak
The Peak Tram is the weirdest way to explore the wonders of Hong Kong. This train ride going to The Sky Terrace 428 a.k.a Victoria Peak will give you a spectacular visual illusion, the train ride going uphill with 27 degrees slope will make you perceived tilted structures and environment. Take a ride and experience the Peak Tram Illussion.
The Victoria peak is the well-known and the highest viewing platform in HK, offering a 360 degrees panoramic view across the Hong Kong. This is my favorite site in HK. I enjoyed the night staring at the bright and colorful lights of the harbour.
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Writer's Final Words.
They say that the first country you visit would leave a remarkable place in your heart. Hong Kong gave me a wondrous experience and journey that I would never forget. It didn't only touch my heart but it also brought me a new soul- a soul that's thriving for new adventures in life by wandering different cultures. I would never regret starting it all here. I would agree with their tourism slogan, "The Best of All, It's in Hong Kong."