How To Get Ayyuthaya from Bangkok (Budget Friendly)

( Photo was taken April 2017 )

Ayutthaya is one of the top tourist destinations in Thailand.

You can reach Ayutthaya from Bangkok via van, private car and if you are on a tight budget, you can ride their train (SRT).

This was not my second time to be in Ayutthaya. Since my family is here, I decided to bring them there.

How To Get Ayutthaya from Hua Lumphong, Bangkok via Train

(Google Maps)

(Hua Lumphong Train Flatform)

From Hua Lumphong Train Station you can book a  ticket bound to Ayutthaya. I paid 15 Baht for one way train ticket per person and the travel time is approximately 2 hours.  You may use this link to check the schedules and fares of  State Railway of Thailand .

We arrived in Hua Lumphong Train Station around 8 o'clock from our hotel and book tickets for my mother, sisters and I. Since we  still have ample time before the train depart at 9:20 we've decided to have a slightly heavy meal for breakfast and to have enough energy for the tour.

Keep in mind that when you go to Ayutthaya don't forget to bring enough water since most of the places are uncovered, sunscreen or sunblock for your ultraviolet rays protection, umbrella or cap and some sleeves to protect your body from sunburns.

We arrived in Ayutthaya Train Station around 11:30 am (on time) and meet my friend from Ayyuthaya - Manny. We haven't seen each other for quite some time and good thing because he was waiting for his train ride going to Bangkok when we arrived there.

( Mamang Manny and I )

Right after we meet, we headed to Tourist Information Booth and haggled for a Tuk-Tuk that we rented for the entire tour in Ayutthaya. We got our Tuk-Tuk service for 1,000 baht for the entire 4 hours excluding of entrance fees. That amount is still fair enough. Don't be shy to haggle your Tuk Tuk service even though you are a tourist. Last April, I went to Ayutthaya with my 4 Filipino friends and we got our Tuk-Tuk service for 800 baht only. We also met 2 Indonesians who joined our trip and shared the expenses of Tuk-Tuk rent.

My Traveloka Booking Experience

     Most of us usually use reservation app or flatform online to place reservation than placing directly to property, hostel or hotel. Placing reservation through agoda.com, booking.com, hostel.com and traveloka.com can save you little cost because of their discount coupons etc (quite competitive right?)

     I wanna share my first reservation and customer service experience with traveloka.com. I usually book my hotel or hostel reservation through agoda.com and booking.com for some reasons. When I was in Royal Thai Embassy - Laos, I needed to book a hostel since I expected that I will arrive in Bangkok around 2 in the morning. I searched online the nearest hostel to the place  off my drop-off point in On Nut. Luckily, I found a good deal via Traveloka.com. 168฿  for dorm-type, fan  room and with complimentary breakfast. (Great deal right?!) But wait there's more... Traveloka gives special deal if you use their mobile app or discount coupon. I remember two days before I book my reservation I received 20% coupon discount that I used upon payment. Luckily, I was able to use the said discount coupon and I only paid 114.21฿ instead of 168฿. Whattaaa 54฿ less! It can compensate my BTS fare from On Nut Station to Victory Monument Station (42฿+ 1 bottle of Chang Mineral Water (8฿) to hydrate me. I usually do cross checking through different website to score good deal and ofcourse cheap accommodation. A first, I had doubt with Traveloka.com because their posted prices are too low than other website. I was in hurry while making reservation back then since I was in Thai Embassy in Laos. I purchased their wifi service for 10,000K - 5 minutes. Imagine it's just for 5 minutes and you need to pay 20 ฿ which you can buy 3 sticks of pork b-b-cue when you got back in Thailand. Anyhow, I paid 10,000K for 5 minute wifi service. I didn't check thoroughly  all the information I put on the reservation until my hotel voucher had been forwarded to my email. GEEEZZZ!! I was surprised because my name on the voucher they forwarded 'Ceds Ceds".

Since I only had few minutes I contacted them through their Chat Support. Thank you Eugene for your assistance and help! They fixed my name and issued new hotel voucher without paying any cost! Yes, you read it! They modified my reservation without paying any cost! I would probably use Traveloka.com again to my near future travels and I highly suggest this booking flat form guys!

How To Avoid Offload Scenario in NAIA Immigration

Pila sa Immigration at lakad na parang may-ari ng 3 hacienda... Yan ang lagi kong iniisip whenever I am walking in Immigration Hall. Plus, pakak na kilay at lipstick na kaya kang ipaglaban sa IO at makakasurvive sa flight ng hindi nag reretouch.

Aside from keychains, passport stamp is one of  my favorite souvenirs whenever I travel.

Immigration Officer: San ang punta mo sir?
Me: Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia
Immigration Officer: Ilang araw ka dun?
Me: 2 days sa Thailand, 2 days sa SG and 2 days sa Malaysia
Immigration Officer: Sino kasama mo? Mag-isa ka lang?
Me: Yes sir, ako lang mag-isa.
Immigration Officer: First time mo mag travel abroad?
Me: Hindi po.
Immigration Officer: San ang last travel mo?
Me: Hong Kong po, last August. Birthday gift ko sa mom ko.
Immigration Officer: Working ka dito sa Manila?
Me: Yes sir.
Immigration Officer: Saan? Gaano kana katagal dun nag wowork?
Me: *bleep - company * , 4 years na as an Account Executive.
Immigration Officer: Dala mo company ID?
Me: Yes, ofcourse. Here (sabay abot ng ID)
Immigration Officer: Bakit Solo ka lang mag travel this time?
Me: Birthday gift for myself.
Immigration Officer: Patingin ng return ticket mo.
Me: Ito sir... Manila- Bangkok ticket, Pattaya - Singapore and Kuala Lumpur-Manila...
Immigration Officer: Hotel Voucher mo?
Me: Ito po...
(Stamp... stamp......)
Immigration Officer: Sige na pasok kana... (SIGAW NG NEXT! I thought nasa munisipyo o kaya BIR office ako haha)

(POV: I made it! Hahaha I thought di ako uubra at di matutuloy ang byahe ko.)


Many first time Filipino travelers are afraid to face Immigration Booth in NAIA because of offload Scenarios. Ofcourse, who want it right? After how many times I traveled abroad,  I haven't encounter any problem with Phil. Immigration Officers and I wanna share some tips.

     So here are things you need to prepare and will help you a lot not to be offloaded. (Simplehan lang natin mga besh para di kana matakot pa since first time mo magttravel abroad.)

1. Valid Passport
     Traveler must hold a valid passport and with at least 6 months before it will expire. Please keep in mind to check your passport every month to check it's validity. If your check-in counter allow you to check-in to your flight with less than 6 months valid passport, Immigration Officer will not let you  fly out of the country.

2. CONFIRMED Return Ticket
     Always have a printed copy of your confirmed return ticket and most of my experiences whenever I travel out of the country, this is the first thing that the Immigration Officer ask.

3. Confirmed Hotel Voucher
     Aside from your confirmed ticket, hotel voucher is a must for tourist. If you were invited by your relatives or someone, this is different scenario. You should secure Guarantee Letter etc.

4. Company ID, COE and Leave Form (Private Companies)
    Company ID is one of the proofs that you will return to the Philippines. (Medjo judgemental po ang mga IO natin hahaha kailangan kaya mong suportahan ang pagtratravel mo). Some IO might ask if you have payslip to check that you are capable to travel abroad.

5.  Secure Visa (if needed)
     Philippine Passport can visit some countries without visa.

Asian Countries, member of ASEAN
(Association of Southeast Asian Nations)
In a reciprocity visa free agreement among member nations within the ASEAN:

 Brunei Darussalam - 14 days
 Cambodia - 21 days
 Indonesia - 30 days
 Laos - 30 days
 Malaysia - 30 days
 Singapore - 30 days
 Thailand - 30 days
 Vietnam - 21 days

Asian Countries, Non-ASEAN member
 Armenia - 120 days, visa issued on arrival
 China, Shenzhen - 7 days, if crossing from Hong Kong, and is valid in Shenzhen area only.
 Hong Kong - 14 days validity
 India - 30 days, eTourist visa online.
 Iran - 15 days, must obtain an e-visa pre-approval code from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
 Israel - 90 days
 Kyrgyzstan - 30 days, visa on arrival
 Laos - 21 days, visa on arrival
 Macau - 30 days
 Maldives - 30 days visa issued upon arrival
 Myanmar - 21 days
 Mongolia - 21 days
 Nepal - 21 days visa issued on arrival
 South Korea - 30 days, if arriving at Jeju Island or after visiting Korea 4 times with visa.
 Sri Lanka - 30 days, but must get an Electronic Visa Authorization prior to departure.
 Taiwan - 30 days, if holding a permanent residence certificate or an unexpired visa from: Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Schengen countries, United Kingdom or United States. And must register online at https://nas.immigration.gov.tw/nase/ prior to arrival.
 Tajikistan - 45 days, visa on arrival
 Timor-Leste (a.k.a. East Timor)- 30 day visa issued at the Dili airport and seaport

African Continent
 Cape Verde Islands – 21 days
 Comoros – 21 days
 Djibouti – 30 day visa issued on arrival
 Gambia – visa issued upon arrival, but must get prior clearance from immigration.
 Guinea-Bissau - 90 days visa issued on arrival
 Kenya - 90 days visa issued on arrival
 Madagascar - 30 days visa issued on arrival
 Mauritania - visa issued on arrival
 Morocco - 90 days
 Mozambique - 30 days visa issued on arrival
 Rwanda - 90 days
 Saint Helena - visa issued upon arrival
 Senegal - 30 days issued on arrival, invitation letter required. Visa available online.
 Seychelles – 30 days permit, must show sufficient funds & proof of accommodation.
 Somalia - 30 days on arrival, invitation letter by sponsor submitted 2 days before arrival.
 Tanzania - visa issued on arrival
 Togo (Togolese Republic) - 7 days, visa issued on arrival. Requires yellow fever vaccination
 Uganda - 90 day visa issued on arrival at Entebbe Airport
 Zambia - 90 days visa issued on arrival

Central America
 Costa Rica - 30 days Visitor's Permit issued upon arrival
 Guatemala
 Nicaragua - 90 days visa issued on arrival

Caribbean
 Anguilla - 21 days
 Dominica - 21 days
 Haiti - 21 days
 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - 30 days visa issued on arrival
 Turks and Caicos Islands - 21 days

Europe:
 Georgia - Visa issued on arrival. Preferably with invitation.
 Kosovo - 90 days

Oceania/Pacific Island Nations
 Cook Islands - 31 days
 Fiji - 120 days, Visitor's Permit issued on arrival
 Marshall Islands - 90 days visa issued on arrival
 Micronesia - 30 days, entry permit required for stays over 30 days
 Nauru - 30 days
 Niue - 30 days
 Northern Marianas  - visa issued on arrival
 Palau - 30 days visa issued on arrival
 Papua New Guinea - 60 days, visa given on arrival
 Pitcairn Islands - 14 days, entry permit given on arrival
 Samoa - 60 days Visitor's Permit issued upon arrival
 Tuvalu - 30 day visitor permit for tourist is issued upon arrival
 Vanuatu - 30 days

South America
 Bolivia - 90 days
 Brazil - 90 days
 Colombia - 90 days
 Ecuador - 90 days
 Peru - 183 days
 Suriname - 90 days

Source: http://www.philsite.net/visa-free-countries.htm

6.  Have Confidence
     Keep calm and confident that you are really a tourist and no intention to work abroad. I always advice for first timer to KISS (Keep It Short and Simple). Answer your IO straight to the point. (Relax lang mga beshy, wag kabahan kasi baka ito ang lumamon sayo at di matuloy ang pag rampa mo sa ibang bansa)

7.  Dress Like A Tourist
     Wear comfortable clothes and appropriate to your destination.

Weekend Warrior in Cha-Am

Cha-Am Beach

 After a stressful week of my English Camp, I decided to skip at least 2-3 days from my place to regain my energy. :D First thing came into my mind is my budget. Basically, when you are working in Thailand under agency, you really know how it works - No Work, No Pay. Through helped by my friends who I met in Laos and Thailand I made this trip possible. Since it's already summer break here, I really don't care how many hours should I consume for the travel time. 

I got amazed when my friends told me that I can only spend like 500-700 bahts for the travel expenses. Yeah! They are right because here in Thailand, public transportation is very cheap unlike in Singapore and Hong Kong. I searched online and look for possible affordable accommodation and I found one! I usually book my hotel accommodation through Agoda.com and booking.com whenever I travel abroad and Travelbook.ph for domestic.

I booked my hostel for  an overnight stay at M&S Guesthousefor 350 bahts (fan room, with wifi, private bathroom with h&c, flat screen tv with cable and double bed). Good thing because they offer Book and Pay at the hotel. 


How To Get Hua Lamphong Station  from Victory Monument

From Victory Monument ride a bus going to Hua Lamphong (bus no. 29 or 34) and you need to pay9 baths. It's like 10-15 min away from Victory Monument. You an also use your Google Map, it can help you a lot because of its accuracy. You don't need to worry because if you ride Bus 29 all people will get off at Hua Lamphong Station.

Once you already in the Hua Lamphong Train Station, just look for the Ticket Booth. Ticket price is just 40 bahts going to Cha-Am and train departs at 9:20am and will arrive in Ban Cha-Am at 1:15pm. Always remember that there are 3 scheduled trains only that will stop in Ban Cha Am; 9:20am, 3:30pm and 6:30pm.

Here's my ticket

You may use this timetable as reference or click State Railway of Thailand for further information

My meal while on board

Happy feet again after 3 months since the last time I had beach

*********Will Update this blog soon about hotel and food shops ************

Tambaron Island - Bulalacao, Mindoro PH




(c) @t0ptraveller

How to Get Bulalacao Island from Manila

1. From Buendia you can ride bus going to Batangas Pier (167.00php).

    (You may ride bus in Cubao bound to Batangas as well.)

2. From Batangas Pier you may take RORO going to Calapan Pier (197.00). Please be advised you need to pay 30php for the Passenger Terminal Fee.

3. Once you are already in Calapan Pier, you may ride van going to Bulalacao Pier. (180php)

      Keep in mind that Tambaron Island is a private Island and there is no public transportation. I highly suggest to contact Manong Donnie at  09194557727 and arrange your island transfer and island hopping at very reasonable price.  I contacted him 2 months prior our trip at least to have ideas how much we need to prepare for this travel. I haggled our island transfer for 2,000php (per one way) and 3,500php for our island hopping.

Please see below the breakdown of expenses.

	MANILA - Bulalacao (Transportation)
	Bus (Buendia to BTG)	167.00
	RoRo (Batangas - Calapan)	197.00
	Van (Calapan to Roxas)	180.00
	Van (Roxas to Bulalacao)	100.00
	Batangas Port Terminal Fee 30.00 (not included in event fee)
	ACCOMODATION and FOOD @ Tambaron Island
	Room (Fan room | Dorm Type room) -  Overnight	350.00
	Bus (MNL-Bantangas Grand Terminal)	167.00
	Entrance Fee	50.00
	Hosted meal (Lunch | Dinner | Breakfast	750.00
	ISLAND HOPPING
	Chartered boat from Bulalacao Port - Tambaron (VV) per boat
	2,000 / 12 pax	166.00
	Island Hopping for 2-3 island (depends on wave) per boat
	3500 / 12 pax	291.00
	Bulalacao -  MANILA (Transportation)
	Van (Roxas to Bulalacao)	100.00
	Van (Calapan to Roxas)	180.00
	Calapan Terminal Fee 20.00 (not included in event fee)
	RoRo (Calapan - Batangas)	200.00
	Bus (BTG-Buendia)	167.00
	Bus (BTG-Cubao) 175.00
	PER HEAD	3,065.00



Team DRP & HnF onboard



   

  

(c) @wandererkelvs

Mt. Sembrano - Day Hike

Unplanned and unexpected day hike near Metro? I highly suggest Mt. Sembrano with Pililia Windmill Side trip – budgetarian day hike.

               Weekend warriors - If you’re on a tight budget and want to escape from bitterness and stress, you may do a day hike in Mt. Sembrano. It is located in Pililia, Rizal. This is one of the mountains that I can suggest for beginners. I really appreciate the ambiance while climbing to the summit. I always consider the level of difficulty and elevation of the mountain to gauge if I am ready or not most especially for mga biglaang akyat. Mt. Sembrano is specified as minor and has a 3 /9 difficulty with trail class as 1-3.

How to Get Mt. Sembrano From Shaw Blvd:

1. Ride jeep from Shaw Boulevard bound to Tanay. Approximately an hour before you reach Tanay, Public Market. (56php)

2. From Tanay Market ride jeepney bound to Pililia and ask the jeepney driver to drop you at Brgy. Hall of Malaya, Pililla. (22php)

Once you are already in Brgy. Hall of Malaya, register there! Always register whenever and wherever you hike. Always get their contact details for security reason. You couldn’t tell what will happen along the trail. We paid 20php each at the Barangay and headed to jump off. Keep in mind, tour guide in Mt. Sembrano is not required. However, if you are a first timer kindly request one at the Brgy. Hall. (I am not sure how much it cost you since we didn’t hire one). Bring and buy all your essentials before leaving the Brgy. You may also eat breakfast nearby the registration since  there’s a lot of sari-sari store and tapsilugan.

                From the Brgy Hall you need to walk for about 10-15 minutes before you reach the jump off. 

4d/3N Hongkong-Macau Budget Friendly Itinerary

    

      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).

(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 2^nd 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.

(Picture taking while on our way to Gate 101)

(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).

Waiting for our luggage

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.

(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

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.

Symphony of lights starts at exactly 8pm. We arrived there around 7:30 pm and then waited for about 30 minutes for the show. James, Izzy and I luckily found good seats against the volume of tourists that night. If you really wish to have good seat in viewing the symphony of lights be there at least an hour or two. There’s a lot of good food shops around if wanted to eat some snacks.

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)

         Night before our last day in Hong Kong we had small talk and we planned our final itinerary in Macau. We decided to wake up around 5am to settle everything, fix our things, breakfast and last minute shopping. But due to cold weather, we woke up around 7am and leave the hotel around 9 in the morning. Since our flight going back to Manila was in Macau, we went to China Ferry Terminal where we purchased our Turbo Jet ticket for 164 HKD (single journey).  After I purchased our tickets, we proceed directly to immigration and pre-boarding gate. I slept the entire travel from Hong Kong going to Macau.

 



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).



                  I was not excited when we arrived in Macau since I’m not feeling well that time might as well due to bad weather. After we cleared the immigration, we looked for the free shuttle service of Venetian (color blue shuttle). Basically, once you are in Macau you don’t need to pay anything for the transportation since most of the hotels and casino offers free point-to-point shuttle service.

You may follow this itinerary for your Macau trip:

From Ferry terminal took a shuttle bus to Venetian Macau
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

Last picture taking before our flight back to Manila