Hong Kong is one of the two special administrative regions of China, the other one being Macau. It was formerly a British colony and was awarded full sovereignty in 1997. It is one of the world's most densely populated areas. Cantonese is the dominant language in HK, as it was where locals from Guangdong (formerly Canton) province escaped to during wars and Communist rule.
We visited Hong Kong as a side trip to our Macau adventure. To get there, we took the Cotai Jet ferry. (If you get torn between Cotai and Turbo Jet, take Turbo Jet. They have newer ferries and cozier interiors). It did not take long before we arrived in HK port and proceeded via MTR to our hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui.
I advise you to purchase the Octopus Card, even if you don't think you need that much stored value for your train and bus fares. It has a lot of uses; we were able to cut in line for some attractions because we could use the card instead of paying with cash. At the end of our HK trip, we bought breakfast at McDonald's using the Octopus Card. The cards that had high credits still, we reimbursed and the ones with less balance we used to buy stuff from 7-11 and kept the cards as souvenirs instead.
We visited Hong Kong as a side trip to our Macau adventure. To get there, we took the Cotai Jet ferry. (If you get torn between Cotai and Turbo Jet, take Turbo Jet. They have newer ferries and cozier interiors). It did not take long before we arrived in HK port and proceeded via MTR to our hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui.
I advise you to purchase the Octopus Card, even if you don't think you need that much stored value for your train and bus fares. It has a lot of uses; we were able to cut in line for some attractions because we could use the card instead of paying with cash. At the end of our HK trip, we bought breakfast at McDonald's using the Octopus Card. The cards that had high credits still, we reimbursed and the ones with less balance we used to buy stuff from 7-11 and kept the cards as souvenirs instead.
We arrived late afternoon in HK, so we proceeded to Victoria Peak first. En route to our destination we passed by several towering buildings, a church and a small park where I curiously eyed some folks doing some form of group exercise, which later on I learned was tai chi.
Apparently, it was a popular thing back in 2010. I looked out our hotel window the next day and I saw a different group doing tai chi too.
To reach Victoria Peak, we rode the tram. It was a treat riding the tram since they are no longer common modes of transport. The track was steep, there were times I wondered if the tram can pull through with the load of people that it had, but surprisingly it did. The view as we ascended the mountain was spectacular. Here's a photo of the tram making its designated stops.
Finally, at Victoria Peak. Here's the view.
We stayed for almost two hours at the peak because I wanted to get a sunset shot and a night shot. However, no visible sunset came and this was the darkest it got.
It was really beautiful though. The skyline, the cool fresh breeze and a little serenity brought bliss to my traveler's heart and a welcome respite to my body. Large fowls soaring overhead and across the skyline were amazing to watch.
There's a catch though. To be able to go to the highest viewing deck, there is an additional fee. I would not advise that you do so. There is not much difference in the view that will justify its fee. Here's a secret. Just one floor below there is a Burger King and it has a veranda at the back. You will get the same view, the same photos you can take upstairs, but no additional fee. Besides there were not many seats at the viewing deck, it can get crowded at times, and there is nothing else to see so you won't stay very long there. Not worth the extra bucks at all.
There's a catch though. To be able to go to the highest viewing deck, there is an additional fee. I would not advise that you do so. There is not much difference in the view that will justify its fee. Here's a secret. Just one floor below there is a Burger King and it has a veranda at the back. You will get the same view, the same photos you can take upstairs, but no additional fee. Besides there were not many seats at the viewing deck, it can get crowded at times, and there is nothing else to see so you won't stay very long there. Not worth the extra bucks at all.
Moving on, we took the tram going back and proceeded to the Avenue of Stars. The promenade was built as tribute to prominent film workers whose contributions both local and worldwide have made an impact to theater and film industry.
The next day, we were able to see the city in broad daylight. Here are a couple of shots I took.
The first floor is a long line of boutique stores while the second floor, a nice quiet park. I was really impressed with this because back in 2010, malls and nature do not really go together in Manila. I never thought having the best of both worlds was possible, until HK showed me how.
We spent the entire day on two attractions since we were pressed for time. We went to Ngong Ping 360 first. Ngong Ping is the jump off point if you want to go to Lantau Island where the second highest peak of HK is found by trekking the mountains.
Unfortunately for us, the queue to get tickets for the cable car was very long. It took us an hour to get to the ticket booth because it was a China Holiday (Labor Day) so there was a multitude of people doing tours. Upon reaching the ticket booth though, I discovered there was an express lane to buy tickets using your Octopus card (again, I reiterate the importance of securing one). It could have saved us an entire hour had we loaded our Octopus cards with lots of balance.
Once inside the cable car though, all thoughts of the regrettable time spent on the queue was obliviated.
We spent the entire day on two attractions since we were pressed for time. We went to Ngong Ping 360 first. Ngong Ping is the jump off point if you want to go to Lantau Island where the second highest peak of HK is found by trekking the mountains.
Unfortunately for us, the queue to get tickets for the cable car was very long. It took us an hour to get to the ticket booth because it was a China Holiday (Labor Day) so there was a multitude of people doing tours. Upon reaching the ticket booth though, I discovered there was an express lane to buy tickets using your Octopus card (again, I reiterate the importance of securing one). It could have saved us an entire hour had we loaded our Octopus cards with lots of balance.
Once inside the cable car though, all thoughts of the regrettable time spent on the queue was obliviated.
Spectacular view, isn't it? There are cable cars with transparent floors so if you want extra thrills, I encourage you to go for these.
Alighting the cable car, we were greeted by Ngong Ping Village, where a wide array of shopping and dining choices can be found. There are also attractions to see in the village such as Walking with Buddha and Monkey's Tale Theatre.
Alighting the cable car, we were greeted by Ngong Ping Village, where a wide array of shopping and dining choices can be found. There are also attractions to see in the village such as Walking with Buddha and Monkey's Tale Theatre.
And finally, a 5-minute walk will take you to the Giant Buddha, perched atop a hill. It seems like it's looking after the village.
We bid our goodbyes to the charming village and to the Giant Buddha and continued on our way to Disneyland, the most magical place on Earth. Why? It will easily bring out the child in you. Let's start with the train that will take you to the park.
Sunny Bay station is an interchange between the MTR and the Disneyland Resort Line. Surely you ARE headed to Disneyland Park once you get to this station.
The Disneyland train was a treat! You will feel the magic instantly, the interiors of the train is adorned by popular Disney characters. I especially loved the Mickey Mouse handle bars.
The Disneyland train was a treat! You will feel the magic instantly, the interiors of the train is adorned by popular Disney characters. I especially loved the Mickey Mouse handle bars.
It was a short ride though, and much too soon we were at the park's entrance. WELCOME, it said, and just nearby,there was an interesting fountain where Mickey was sort of riding a whale's blowing water up and down. Too cute. We instantly felt giddy like little kids.
I strongly urge you to allot a whole day for Disneyland, especially if you're going on weekends or local holidays where lines for the attractions could be long. Aside from the rides, there are also parades of stars which you should not miss, picture taking with popular Disney characters, shopping, dining, or simply looking around. Of course take into account that you would also need some time to sit down and rest your tired feet in between attractions. Most attractions have schedules, so it would be beneficial to create a system/plan to maximize your time in the park. NEVER EVER miss the fireworks display at 8PM, before the park closes. I would say THAT was the most spectacular part of my HK trip altogether.
Overall, we had a blast in Hong Kong. Never mind the food though for we only had one good decent meal, which was in the Ngong Ping Garden Restaurant. Good food is expensive in HK. Even international fast food chains will fall short of your usual expectations, so if you're not on a budget I tell you -- dine at expensive hotels and posh restaurants. Else, settle with just having food in your tummy to get you through the day because the places of interest will make up for it.
Hong Kong was full of surprises. We saw and experienced a place and culture so different from ours. It indeed is a place where eastern culture meets western architecture. And that in itself is a charm that will make you want to go back every once in a while.
Hong Kong was full of surprises. We saw and experienced a place and culture so different from ours. It indeed is a place where eastern culture meets western architecture. And that in itself is a charm that will make you want to go back every once in a while.