Sunday, November 26, 2017

Hong Kong budget travel guide for first timers


One of the popular destinations in Asia is Hong Kong. Tourist arrival rose from 5-10 percent every year and you will be amaze on how this country is able to keep up the pace despite the influx of tourists.

There are attractions suitable for both children and adults. You can find many hotels and guesthouses. You can go out shopping at high end malls and night markets found all over Hong Kong and Kowloon island. The transit system is very reliable and infrastructure projects are ongoing. Your safety and protection is also guaranteed.

Temple Street Night Market
 The MTR

It is our first time to visit Hong Kong and being first timers it is natural if something didn’t work out as planned. We’re going to share some important things you need to know on how to get the most out of your trip.

We stayed in Hong Kong for 4 days and 3 nights however we only have 2 days to explore Hong Kong because on our first day, we arrived at 8:30PM and got to our hostel at 10PM, so there’s nothing much  to do other than to call it a night. Then on our last day, we check out early to get to the airport for our 10AM flight back to Manila.

Our advice for first timers is if you could book an early morning flight, do it, so you can maximize your trip. A three days and two nights itinerary is enough to visit the important landmarks and attractions in Hong Kong as long as you come in early on the first day and leave at night on your last day. However, if you book your plane tickets through the low fare promotions of an airline company, chances that you might get an early flight to Hong Kong will be very slim.

View of Hong Kong Island from Avenue of Stars

Sample itinerary for  3days/2 nights

Day 1
5:30 AM  - Arrival at Hong Kong International Airport
8:00 AM  - Proceed to Ngong Ping 360 Tung Chung Station
11:00 AM – Ride the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to Ngong Ping Station
11:30 AM – Visit Ngong Ping Village, Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery
1:00 PM – Ride the cable car again back to Tung Chung Station
1:30 PM – Take MTR Tung Chung to Disneyland Resort
1:45 PM – Arrival at Disneyland
8:30 PM – Leave Disneyland after the fireworks show

Day 2
7:00 AM – Breakfast
8:00 AM – Visit different museums and parks
10:00 AM – Proceed to The Peak Tram Station
11:00 AM – Ride the Peak Tram going to Victoria Peak
12:00 PM – Proceed to Sky Terrace for a beautiful view of Hong Kong
12:30 PM – Lunch
1:30 PM – Proceed to Madamme Tussauds Wax Museum
3:00 PM – Ride the tram back to the Peak station
3:30 PM – Proceed to ferry station and try to ride the ferry to Kowloon
4:00 PM – Go shopping at Temple Street or Mongkok markets
8:00 PM – Watch the light display of the Hong Kong skyline at the Avenue of Stars / Dinner

Day 3
7:00 AM – Breakfast
8:00 AM – Stroll along Avenue of Stars
10:00 AM – Check out of hostel
10:30 AM – Take the Cityflyer A21 airport bus
12:00 PM – Arrival at airport
1:00 PM – Lunch
2:00 PM – Airport Check in/proceed to boarding gate for your flight
5:00 PM – Board plane to Manila

You can spend the whole day at Disneyland Resorts on your first day. There is a check in luggage at the entrance. Then on your second day, you could go to Ngong Ping 360.and in the afternoon you can proceed to Victoria Peak so you can experience Hong Kong skyline at night from atop. Then you can proceed to Temple Street night market. The third day stays the same. You just skipped riding the ferry and watching the lights display at Avenue of Stars.

Where to stay

There are cheap hostels in Kowloon Island particularly at the Tsim Sha Tsui area. Tourists looking for budget accommodations go here also because of its location. It is near the MTR station, the Cityflyer A21 airport bus, fast food outlets and convenience stores.
You can visit Agoda.com or Booking.com to check out the rates and availability. The hostels are located in Chungking Mansion and Mirador Mansion.

triple room at Traveller Friendship Hostel, Mirador Mansion

Check out these sites for more information

Attractions

Hong Kong Disneyland

A Hong Kong trip is not complete without a visit to the world famous Disneyland Resorts. It has been the main attraction in Hong Kong since it opened its gates in 2005. Every child and adult will be amazed with the magical performances of the parade and spectacular fireworks display at night.





















Main Ave, Disneyland

You can buy discounted Hong Kong Disneyland tickets at the Klook website. 

Book with Klook

Ngong Ping 360 Cable car

To boost  tourism in Lantau Island and to make the trip to Po Lin Monastery and Tian Tan Buddha more accessible, the Ngong Ping 360  was built.


Tian Tan Buddha
The Po Lin Monastery

You can buy discounted Ngong Ping 360 Cable car tickets at the Klook website.

Book with Klook
Ngong Ping 360  

Victoria Peak

It is a major tourist attraction that offers views over Central, Victoria Harbour, Lamma Island and the surrounding islands.


photo courtesy of wikipedia
 
photo courtesy of wikipedia


You can buy discounted Victoria Peak tram tickets with choice of combination of the Sky Terraces at the Klook Website.

Book with Klook

Ocean Park

The largest theme park in Asia, Ocean Park Hong Kong still maintains to be one of the most popular theme parks in Hong Kong despite opening in 1977.

Photo courtesy of Klook.com

You can buy your discounted Ocean Park tickets at the Klook website.

Book with Klook

How to get around Hong Kong?

The transit system in Hong Kong is very reliable and convenient. You just need to buy an Octopus card and you’re assured of a hassle free travel. You can top up at any MTR stations and 7-11 stores.  The Octopus card can also be used as a payment in restaurants and convenience stores.



Know more of the Hong Kong Octopus Card

Where to eat

There are plenty of fast food and specialty restaurants found all over Hong Kong and Kowloon Island.  You may want to check out the line of restaurants near the
Temple Street night market. A typical meal at a fast food restaurant costs between HKD 20.00 to HKD 30.00 and HKD 60.00 to HKD 100.00 for specialty restaurants. It is extremely alright to try the delicacy of a particular country especially if you’re a first timer and I am sure spending a little over your budget for food will not burn a hole in your pocket.

ordering at McDonald's

Total expenses for three people

Airfare w/check in luggage - Php 8500.00
Accommodations 4D/3N - Php 9000.00
Disneyland tickets - Php 9400.00
Ngong Ping 360 - Php 3900.00
Octopus card - Php 2500.00
Food/Drinks - Php 5500.00
Gifts/souvenirs - Php 4000.00
City tour - Free
Total - Php 42800.00

HKD 1 = PHP 6.50
USD 1 = Php 50.95       As of Oct 2017

Until our next trip, see you on Tara...Let's Go!

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