Day before our flight going to Hong Kong, I did my weekend hobby with my team at Mt. Sipit Ulang and Ayaas in Brgy. Mascap, Rizal (my casual routine during weekends and also my ultimate stress reliever). Having said that, I was so tired before my flight going to Hong Kong. By the way, I want to thank Krizza for making my luggage cover looks fabulous. If you’re interested to avail her personalized luggage cover please let me know. We are offering customize luggage cover that can be delivered within 2 to 3 days and wouldn’t hurt your pocket. (Ofcourse para rin makaiwas sa Laglag Bala or Tanim Bala sa NAIA).
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| (Photo taken at the summit of Ayaas – Brgy. Mascap, Rizal) |
After 6 months, finally our long
wait is over. This was my first time to travel abroad with my high school best
friend and one of my travel buddies. We booked our Manila-Hong Kong during AirAsia
seat sale for only 699php and our Macau-Manila tickets for 2,300php per person.
Were supposed 4 to travel abroad, but for some reason… you’ll find out why were
just 3.
All of us were excited and half
nervous if we will pass the immigration interview. Since our flight is at 4pm,
we decided to eat in Chowking located at the 2nd floor of NAIA
Terminal 3 while waiting for Krizza.
Pre-Departure Procedure
First time to travel abroad? Don’t worry, just calm and bring all your documents. Make sure before you leave your home bring your passport (should be valid at least 6 months before it expires), confirmed plane ticket (return ticket), hotel voucher, company ID, cards (credit/debit-sometimes immigration asks this to prove that you can afford traveling abroad), COE – if you’re employed. Check-in counter opens 4 hours prior your flight for
international flights unlike domestic flights that open 2 hours prior your
flight. Be on time because sometimes the immigration line, travel tax counters and check-in counters have long queue that can consume much of your time. And of
course you don’t want to see your plane leaving the airport without you onboard.
James and Argie decided to check-in
ahead of time since I still need to wait my friend (Krizza) because she forgot to bring our itinerary and our names were on the same plane ticket. We didn’t encounter any
hassle in checking-in for our flight with the help of AirAsia staffs. They were
polite and very helpful. A friendly advised, if the queue is long in check-in
counter better to pay your travel tax first and then proceed to designated check-in
counter for your flight.
Immigration Interview
Most of the first timer to travel
abroad are afraid to face Immigration Officer. My interview
with Immigration Officer was too fast; she asked me if this is my first time to
travel abroad (obviously no! hahaha ), where is my destination, how many days staying there, what is my
work and who’s with me? I was also asked if I have my company ID. More or less 2
minutes, Taadaannn! My passport had another stamp!
Were supposed 4 on this travel,
unfortunately one of my high school friends was offloaded for some reason (lack
of documentation). Again, if you will travel abroad as tourist please bring all
your documents.
After our passports were stamped by the immigration officer we headed to our dedicated gate and wait for the boarding call. Our flight was delayed for 30 minutes but that was fine since we roam
around the airside.
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| (Picture taking while on our way to Gate 101) |
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| (Drama daw kunware, mag OFW sya sa Hong Kong while having his last Skype Video Chat) |
Touch Down HONG KONG!
We landed at Chep Lak Kok
International Airport or HKIA safely and sound. Our flight was smooth though
encountered mild turbulence along our way to Hong Kong. I was too happy when we
landed because the captain informed us that the temperature in Hong Kong dropped to 13’c (warm welcome hahahaha).
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| Waiting for our luggage |
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| Krizza and I with our personalized luggage cover |
After we cleared Immigration in Hong
Kong, we proceed directly to customer service booth where we bought our Octopus
card for 150 HKD (100HKD-is your revolving fund while 50 HKD is the deposit but
you can refund it if you want).
 |
We met 2 Filipina while finding the
customer service booth.
|
We utilized the Airport Express going
to Central / Hong Kong Station since it was past 9 already; Airport Express is a bit
expensive – 100HKD; HKIA to Central Station. You
may also ride bus from HKIA going to TST; Board an Airbus 21, a double decker
bus to Tsim Sha Tsui (13th Stop).
OUR HOTEL – KOWLOON NEW
HOSTEL
We
stayed at Kowloon New Hostel for 4 days and 3 nights since its location is very
ideal. There’s a bank near the area, money changer, 711, fast food etc. I
booked our hotel through Agoda. I got the Deluxe Quadruple
Room with Free Wi-Fi, hot and cold shower, cable TV for only 5,600php or 933
HKD.
DAY 2 – Dragon’s Backvia Hong Kong Trail
(Please click link for complete direction going to Dragon's back)
Night before of our second day in Hong Kong, we decided that our
wakeup call will be at 5 AM. Unfortunately, because of the gloomy weather we woke
up around 6am and felt lazy that whole morning and can’t really decide where we
go. Our itinerary was totally ruined hahaha (as always – it add spice and thrill).
So being the head of the team, I invited them to join me and hike Dragon’s Back.
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(Morning walk with Krizza along Nathan
Road going to Jordan)
Day 3: Lantau Island, Ngong Ping, Big Buddha, Disney Land, Symphony of Light – Avenue of Stars |
Since
this was our last day, we decided to wake up early and utilize our day and we
would like to visit Hong Lantau Island, Big Buddha, Hong Kong Disney Land and
of course Avenue of Stars.
 |
| WHoa! Excited? hahaha |
How to Get Big Buddha,
Ngong Ping – Lantau Island from TST:
1.
From Tsim Sha Tsui ride MTR bound to Central/Hong Kong Station (Red Lane) and
then connect to Tung Chung Lane (Orange Lane).
2.
From Tung Chung Station ride Bus # 23 bound to Ngong Ping / Big Buddha (approximately
45 minutes – 1 hour ride). We paid 17.20 HKD for single fare since Cable Car
was under maintenance that time. Please be advised that during weekends (Saturday,
Sunday and Public Holidays) bus fare is 27 HKD. Travel time is approximately
about an hour.
3.
The bus will drop you in front of the main entrance so you don’t need to worry
if you don’t have tour guide.
 |
| There's a fare difference between regular days and weekends & OH |
You may roam around and enjoy the fantastic view. Just keep in mind that there are some places that is restricted in talking pictures most specially inside the temples.
Piece of advice: Bring enough water and crackers to suffice your thirst and to your hungry tummy.
 |
| main entrance |
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| James - photo bummer hahaha |
 |
| Alrigh! |
 |
| James (My Bestfriend) and I |
How to Get Disney Land
from – Ngong Ping - Lantau Island
1.
From Tung Chung MTR Station ride the train going to Sunny Bay Station and then
connect to Disneyland Resort lane (pink lane – the only lane if you are going to
Disneyland).
 |
| waiting for the train |
 |
| Picture taking!!! |
We
visited Disneyland and roam around until 4pm since we need to be in the Avenue
stars before 8pm to watch the Symphony of Lights.
How to Get Avenue of
Stars via Hong Kong / Central Station – Ferry
1.
Since we came from Disneyland we just followed the same route going back to
Central Station.
2.
From Disneyland Resort ride again the train going to Sunny Bay (Pink lane).
From Sunny Bay, connect Central Station / Hong Kong (yellow lane). From Central
Station just follow the sign going to CFC Mall where you need pass through
going to Central Ferry Station. You need patience - literally long walk from
MTR station.
3.
Once you already in the Central Ferry just look for Pier 4 bound to Tsim Sha
Tsui where you need to buy the token. Just look for the vending machine where
you can purchase your token.
Ferry leaves in different intervals and also fare may
varies depends on the day when you will use it. We bought our token for $2.50 for
a single journey since that was Wednesday.
I
was so amazed with their ferry service. I really adore how they manage it. It
was really a great experience riding the ferry going to Tsim Sha Tsui from
Central Station – approximately 10-15 minute ferry ride.
Once
you’re already in Tsim Sha Tsui ferry station just turn right and walk going to
sea deck where you can sit and enjoy the city lights.
After
the light show, we decided to have dinner and look for better and affordable
restaurant since this was our last night in Hong Kong. We went to Café de
Coral and ordered meals for the three of us.
Day 4: Hong Kong – Macau
(Our Last Day)
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If you wish to have refund with your octopus card you may do so. Just go to the Customer Service in any MRT station and ask for refund (50 HKD + remaining balance – 9 HKD refund fee).
|
You
may follow this itinerary for your Macau trip:
Take the shuttle to Venetian from Sands Hotel (lobby)
Deposit Luggage in Venetian Hotel West Lobby
Stroll around Venetian Hotel (Grand Canal, Casino)
Lunch at Venetian Hotel Food Court
Walk to Galaxy Hotel from the West Lobby of Venetian
Galaxy Hotel
City of Dreams
Dragon Show in City of Dreams
Hard Rock Hotel
Back to Venetian took the shuttle to Galaxy Hotel
Shuttle to San Ma Lo from Galaxy Hotel
Senado Square
St. Paul Ruins
Macau Museum and Guia Hill
Back to Senado Square (Beef Jerky free tasting and Macau Egg Tart Hunt)
Grand Lisboa Hotel
Wynn Hotel
Took the shuttle from Star World Hotel to Galaxy Hotel
Took the shuttle from Galaxy Hotel back to Venetian Hotel
Claimed baggage at West Lobby of Venetian
Took the shuttle from Venetian to Macau Airport
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| Last picture taking before our flight back to Manila |
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