My love for travelling started in April 2014 when Vic and I visited Hong Kong. It was my first international trip and Vic's second time abroad.
Vic was on an onshore assignment for 2 years and just got back from his trip from the United States. He was constantly telling me stories about how beautiful, clean and organized the countries that he had visited and wished that we have that here as well in the Philippines. He then asked me that we go to Hong Kong so I could experience it myself.
We booked our tickets from a friend who owned a travel agency at that time. She offered me a 4 days 3 nights Hong Kong package which is inclusive of round trip airport transfers, 3 nights accommodation in a 2 star hotel in TST area, city day tour excluding entrance fees, Disneyland passes and a day tour in Shenzhen, China with buffet lunch. We paid almost PHP 18,000 each for the package, excluding the airfare. At that time, it was already a good deal but now I can say that we could have enjoyed the same inclusions for a lesser price.
Travel Tip # 4: If you are sure to get the services of a travel agency, do some canvassing first prior to confirming your booking. You may not know, there are others who offer the same package inclusions but at a lower cost.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
It was a smooth 3-hour flight to Hong Kong. When we arrived, I was pretty amazed of how big their airport was, it was clean and orderly. There's free wi-fi too! Thankful that Vic was with me during this trip as he was confident and experienced in dealing with immigration officers and asking locals for directions.
We arrived at our hotel safe and sound. It's really convenient to arrange for airport transfers prior to your arrival to save time and it's less hassle.
Travel Tip # 5: If it's your first time travelling, especially if it's out of the country, better arrange for airport transfers to avoid getting lost on your way to your hotel.
We stayed at Wing Sing Hotel which is located somewhere in TST area (Tsim Sha Tsui). Although I like the location since it is near to the bus station and convenience stores, I find the hotel room really really small (5-9 sq. meters). There was barely enough space to put our luggage.
Travel Tip # 6: The power outlet sockets in Hong Kong are different than what we have here in the Philippines. They are usually of type G and D. Before flying to Hong Kong, buy a power plug adapter at a local hardware store.
DAY 2: HONG KONG CITY TOUR AND A TRIP TO DISNEYLAND
After we finished eating our breakfast, we waited at the hotel lobby for the driver to pick us up for the compulsory city tour. We were picked up at around 7:30 AM but the tour started at 9:00 since the driver need to pick up other tourists from different hotels.
In our mini-bus, Vic and I met other Filipino tourists from Manila. We visited Avenue of the Stars, a jewelry factory, Aberdeen Fishing Village and Victoria Peak before heading to Disneyland and stay there until their fireworks display.
Avenue of the Stars
Avenue of the Stars
Aberdeen Fishing Village
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland
The highlight of our 4 days Hong Kong trip would definitely be Disneyland. It is indeed the happiest place on Earth! We enjoyed watching a live musical of the Lion King. Great actors and singers, and great production number too!
Hong Kong Disneyland
HONG KONG AT NIGHT
After our Disneyland tour, we explored the TST area. We went back to Avenue of Stars and witnessed the Symphony of Lights. It was amazing!
DAY 3: EXPLORE SHENZHEN, CHINA
We were given options on what tour we would like to avail for our third day. Instead of choosing Macau, we opted to visit Shenzhen in mainland China. The good thing of joining organized tours is that you do not need to worry on where to buy/book your tickets, or go through the hassle of lining up just to process and pay for your visa. Everything is already taken care of by the agency.
As usual, we were picked up by the driver from our hotel and headed to the TST train station. For this tour, the agency hired a tour guide to explain / guide us on where we are going and what we need to expect when we get there.
Getting to Shenzhen was really quite an experience. There were officers dressed in army suits (the ones you see in Chinese movies), guarding the border and they're all pretty serious and scary at the same time. I heard from the tour guide that it's a holiday in Shenzhen (memorial), so that's why there were a lot of locals eager to cross the border. It was chaotic but we managed to cross the border safely.
We successfully entered Shenzhen and we're immediately picked up by another van.
Here's what Shenzhen looks like.
My first impression of Shenzhen was that it's less crowded compared to Hong Kong. Not sure if that was just because of the holiday but the place was really quiet and peaceful when we got there. The streets are super clean too!
Out first stop was the Shenzhen Museum. We discovered a lot about their culture and learned some interesting facts about the place.
After the museum tour, we then went straight to Shangrila Hotel for the buffet lunch then to a shopping mall before heading back to Hong Kong.
DAY 4: DEPART HONG KONG
Coming to Hong Kong was a big eye opener for me. Life is not just about working to support yourself and your loved ones or paying the bills. It's about exploring what's out there, experiencing, enjoying life and spending it with people we love while we still can. Life is short, we need to make the most out of it.
Thanks Hong Kong for helping me realize that. Thanks for the wonderful experience! We will never forget this vibrant city.
Comments