Hongkong in 3 days!

My second trip abroad is to the lively island of HongKong!

Well, I am very eager to go to this place since this was supposed to be the first country I visited had my passport been released on the day that we should be going. 

Anyway, so much of the drama. On this trip, I would not be with the same bunch of people I was with (only 1 person was present - Iris) during my Bangkok Trip. I will be travelling with my college-friend-and-roommate Girley and my college-classmate-and-officemate Kareen. Actually, though we had the same flight with Iris, she was with her family. 

So, it leaves us to 3. 2 people who have not yet stepped off the country and 1 person who has not been in this next country.

So, shall we start? This would really be much detailed since everything has really been fresh.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

6:45 PM - Girley and I met at SM. I took out dinner from Chowking and we headed to Ate Natalie’s car. She then drove us to the Mactan International Airport.

Around 8: 00 – We stayed outside of the international departure area. I ate my dinner and Girley bought some foods for herself. I then bought 1 smart sim card for roaming since both our phones are postpaids. We tried roaming it on but the maintaining balance needed was 100. We texted our moms for the number.. Girley then loaded 100 to the sim..

Around 8:30 – Iris’ family arrived. They sat with us. We waited for Kareen for awhile but ended up checking in without her. I texted her though..

Around 9:00 – Kareen arrived while we were still in queue. We're filling out forms for the travel tax, paid the terminal fee and passed through immigration.

Around 9:30 – We were in the area ready for boarding. Too bad, Girley’s and Iris’ Aunt’s beauty paraphernalia had to be checked in..  Mom called and I went to the CR (even this, included.. hahaha).

Around 9:45 – We boarded. Pictures started here, on the way to the plane.  There were lots of passengers, mostly, for vacation. Our flight was schedule 10:15 pm, Cebu Pacific Air, 5J238. We were scheduled to arrive in Hongkong at 12:50 am. This was my first Cebu Pacific flight abroad. Actually, much the same with PAL. Except that there were no free meals. :(

In the plane – Girley and I sat together, not in the window side though.. We had lots of chikkas.. Then we slept for awhile. I was forcing myself to. Hahaha.. I feared about the guesthouse. Due to Anne’s email.. I just really hoped all things will be in place when we arrive.

Friday, October 14, 2011 
(HK Airport - Freewalker Guesthouse - Mc Donald's - Ocean Park - KFC - Mongkok Night Market)

Around 12:50 – the plane landed. We are in HK already!!! Weeeh!!!!

Around 1:30 – We had passed through immigration.  

1:30 am to 6 am

             a.) Gosh, the airport.. It was HUGE! Carpeted, all over!!!   

             b.) Octopus card – I was adviced by mom and I also read a lot about this. Hence,  I tried going to   
               7-eleven which was still open. However, they just recharged and not really sell Octopus cards.  
               Later did I find out that you can only buy these cards at the customer service of the MTR stations.

           c.) Tranportation to the guesthouse – Since we had no octopus cards and the driver of 
           the N21 bus (according to Iris’ aunt) does not let passengers with no exact fare, we 
           agreed to ride a taxi. It was agreed to be $ 35hkd per person, which was good. Iris’ 
           family  disembarked first. There, I saw the Mirador Mansion. There were lots of black 
          guys outside. We also passed by the Chunking Mansion which façade was under 
          construction. It was also during this time that I realized we had not roamed the sim card  
          on.

          d.) Sincere House - We then arrived at the Sincere House. It was a huge building. Unlike  
         the two mansions that we have passed, there were no people standing by below the 
         building which was the reason I have chosen this place over the two mansions (there were 
         no traders or the first floor was not a trading place). We passed through the receptionist 
        who asked us where we’ll go. And headed to the 5^th floor. When the elevator opened, I  
        was kind of afraid. There were lots of rooms or flats which are mostly developed as 
        guesthouses or hostels.

        e.)Freewalker Guesthouse – Right in front after going out from the elevator, I have seen  
        the name of the guesthouse, I was happy. However, my fear went right in front of me.  It  
        was LOCKED! And a note told us to call 2 numbers. We then headed back to the 
        receptionist and asked for their help. I  talked to Anne who said that she booked me for 
       the 14^th and 15^th (which made me calmer since the email said otherwise). I have always 
       expected a case of misunderstanding..  And she then told me that they were full for the  
       evening! What the?! And we may come before 12:00 pm of the day.

I told the receptionist of the situation and to my delight, he was really friendly and helpful! He tried contacting the different guesthouses inside Sincere House. There was also a guy named Philip who helped us contact. He was a friend of the receptionist and knew better English. Sadly, no rooms were available. I accompanied Philip in searching outside Sincere House. We walked and walked, inquired and inquired… But everything was full already… My only consolation was seeing Mongkok the first time.

Since we had exhausted every available way already, Philip suggested us to stay in Mcdonalds which was maybe 25 steps from the Sincere House. We ended up going there, ordered meals, took pictures, discussed the itinerary, met Filipinos and slept for awhile. I personally like the interiors of their Mcdonalds!!!   I also bought a SIM Card at the 7-eleven store. It costed 60hkd.

Around 6:00

When the sun was almost up, we went back to Sincere House where Mr. Receptionist told us to go back around 9! Imagine!!! We then toured the area unexpectedly to search for other guesthouses. There we saw Mongkok more. There was a block of different salons, a block of branded shoes, etc.. There were no available guesthouses though..

Around 7:00 am

After going around, we went back and headed up to Freewalker guesthouse and was really happy to see it was opened! There was no receptionist though. Girley and Kareen slept at the waiting area. There were different people passing by in front of us. We never cared. They never cared too! Hahaah.. then finally, through the help of a couple, I saw and talked to the receptionist. My name in their reservations spelled “YVI”, maybe they write that way or it was just not mine? Of course, I told her it was me! I paid 700hkd all in all for the 2 nights that we will be staying. She then prepared the room.

Around 8:30 

 We entered the room. It was what I expected. Small, but has everything already! There was a double deck and a single bed. I personally liked their beds, with a comforter!!! It was quite big as well. There were towels, toothbrushes and toothpastes, tissue, cabinet, aircon, tv and hot and cold shower. I was glad to see their toilets with the shower not above the bowl! I liked it personally! Good job Freewalker!!! Everybody prepared for our first ever destination, the Ocean Park!

Around 10:30 am – We went out and headed to the Mongkok MTR station. There was an elevator just outside the guesthouse however, we were not sure where it will direct us. Later did we find out that it was for the other entrance, much nearer to the MTR station! Amazing! I think this was the entrance that closes at 11 pm.  Girley and Kareen had exchanged their dollars to HKD, then went to the MTR!

They bought Octopus cards. We used these for the first time in boarding a train to the Admiralty Station. We then bought Ocean Park and bus tickets in the Admiralty Station. We boarded bus 629 to the Ocean Park!

11:00 am to 7 pm – Ocean Park Experience!!! - Well, it was the best theme park I've been to. I enjoyed not just the rides but the VIEWS - every corner seems to be picture-perfect! I have my review here in Tripadvisor.

Around 8:00 pm – Headed back to the admiralty station and ate at KFC. Rice is not common in HK!

9:30 pm to 11:30 pm – Boarded MTR for Mongkok. 

Upon going out the subway, we were very surprised and amazed! The place was full of people.. It was so bright! It was so busy, so HONGKONG! This was the city that I have thought of. We strolled past different shops, lots of jewellery shops, as in! We bought candies at the AJI ICHIBAN which was $88 for 2 pounds. Then, we strolled and took pictures! Then, we asked for the night market and headed to it! It was indeed a market.. But I was disappointed to see each store has the same goods as the others (One supplier only?). And the sales ladies were so demanding!!! I bought a shirt though.. But no map fridge magnet!!! Huhuhu.. We were also surprised to see that the last part of the market is right in front of the Sincere House block! Amazing!!!!

It was indeed a great day!

 October 15, 2011

(Ngongping 360 - Avenue of Stars - The Peak - Good Restaurant)

 

Around 8:00 am – Woke up..

Around 10:00 am – Headed out. Boarded in Mongkok MTR for Lai King Station. From Lai King station, disembarked at the last station, Tu Chung. A very big shopping mall with dancing fountains are some of the  sights upon walking to our very first stop, Ngong Ping 360. 

We fell in line and boarded a cable car to a one of the mountain peaks in Lantau island. It was a big cable car and you can really see the airport up there! 

Upon arrival, we were awed to see a very nice village up there! As in! With all the shops, brick walls, and even the road was really awesome! We went to the temple, then to wisdom path and lastly to the very very BIG Buddha!

Around 2:30 pm – We ate at a Taiwanese Restaurant upon reaching the ground. Then, we decided to take a bus in going back to Tu Chung Terminal. This will be a different experience than the cable car.

Around 3:55 pm – We boarded a bus located outside the village back to the Tu Chung Station. It was indeed a great experience.. Seeing the bus going through curves and ravines.. You will really be amazed how far you have gone when you slowly depart to the city and see what you have passed by.  There was a village where all houses were 3 stories. As in! When we reached the Tu Chung station, we went to the MTR and boarded back to Lai King then to Tsim Sha Tsui.

Around 5:00 pm – Our next stop upon arrival at TST was the Avenue of Stars! It was a boulevard. There were handprints and stars in the ground. The like of Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Bruce Lee were very much anticipated. The view in front of the Avenue was really amazing! Opposite it was the sea and lots and lots of buildings! The symphony of lights at 8 pm will be better viewed at this area.

Around 6:30 pm – Supposed to be, we will be boarding 15C to go to the Peak Tram. But, we followed the signs instead.. Here we have passed by so large buildings and amazing architectures.. 

The line to the tram was very long. I’ve expected at this point that we will not be able to go back down to the Avenue to see the Symphony. We bought a ticket which includes the skypass, the highest part of the Peak.

Around 8:00 pm – Yes, it was only at this time that we have boarded. Upon moving up the hill, you can see the view of the whole hongkong already. There, we saw the Symphony of Lights. You can’t really see it well since almost all buildings were lighted up. But you can see some which are blinking. We ran to the skypass to see the symphony. However, sadly, it ended.  BUT, the view… It was worth every penny.. It was even worth the plane fare, as my friend said! I tell you, you should try the peak at night time. Picture-perfect view! I just want to memorize everything I saw and we even didn’t want to go out!

Around 9:30 pm – However, that has to end. We went down the Peak and saw some souvenir items. There I was really searching for my map fridge magnet and ended up buying a magnet with a message and a small mp of hk! Huhuhuh.. I also bought items for pasalubong.. nail cutters with hk in it.. then 3 paper clips..

Around 10:00 pm – Went down through the tram. Now, we boarded 15C to the Central Terminus and boarded a Star Ferry to the Tsim Sha Tsui station! It was a very short journey in the sea but at least we have experienced it!

Around 12:00 mn Dinner?! Hahaha at the Good Restaurant – Dimsum.. But no sauce?! Isn’t it weird? Eating siomai without any condiments? This just exactly at the opposite of the guesthouse. Very near.. As in! The interior was also great!

October 16, 2011
(Disneyland - Airport)
 
We made friends with our neighboring room. He was a Malaysian, I guess.. I hope this is correct.. Hahaha.. To make the story short, we borrowed charger from him and promised to give back after an hour. However, due to tiredness, we were not able to give it as agreed. I was able to wake up with G's alarm clock but opted to sleep again.. Then after how many hours, banging on the doors started. I knew it was him! I was really scared that only G and K went out to give the charger back. Actually, there was a letter they saw a the door, addressed to me saying something like, "Hey Ivy, Are you joking with me? You promised to give the charger back after an hour. I knocked many times at your door.." Just the thought of it.. But if you just read it knowing he was angry, you would surely be afraid as I do... Anyway, they say he was calm when he received the charger.. Hopefully, he didn't take grudge against the Filipinos.. We then fell back asleep..

They say to save the best for last.. If this would be the case, we should've put either our first or second day's itinerary for this day... CURIOUS?

Today, we visited Disneyland!.. Most-awaited.. since it was mostly talked about... Yes, it was a dream come true.. Not for us, but for children I guess.. It was really nice.. Picture-perfect! Every single side, angle, or even just a tree,  would really be worth picture-taking! 

But... This was all we did.. Coz there were no rides!.. We tried UFO then space mountain.. It was only on the latter that we have enjoyed.. and the rest was walking and sight-seeing.. 

But,  what we knew later on amazed us.. the Philmagic, Adventure of the Lion King, and Golden Mickeys were truly unforgettable shows!!!.. We just ran and ran to meet the schedules! And luckily, we had.. but our feet were feeling really bad.. 

The Glow in the Park parade was also memorable.. Specially, Jack Skellington.. He even had a burger with his face on it! Amazing!.. Then, the castle illumination was also great.. The fireworks was ok.. I just expected more.. But seeing it all in the ground.. With burger, fries and iced tea.. It was truly perfect!

We boarded Airport Express.. I tell you.. when I punched my Octopus card, the balance just became negative! That's how expensive it is! We also even had no other companions aside from 2 people.. And the service explained the price.. It was very comfortable and fast!.. 

We returned our Octopus Card and got refunds. We then went to 7-eleven to buy some goods.. Then we walked to search for starbucks.. And ended up with the Security guard upon the immigration telling us to be fast.. Only to find out that after us 3, the immigration's doors closed! As in!!! I really don't know what to do if we were left there! Thank God!!!!

I slept whole day! And really really misses the fun in HK! I really recommend that place to any traveller.. It was worth every penny!!!! Thank God for the good weather too!