2017 June: 6 days 5 nights DIY Budget Itinerary in Macau and Hong Kong

Accommodation: Where to stay in Mcau or Hong Kong?
Towns Well Hotel - No 6-6A Calcada das Verdades, Macau City
West Hotel - No.39 Wai Ching Street, Jordan Road, Yaumatei, Jordan, Hong Kong


Food: Where to eat in Macau or Hong Kong
Taste of Hong Kong
Food Stuff in Macau


Itinerary: Places to go, What to see, Things to do in Macau or Hong Kong?

Friday
Arrival in Macau
Since there is no direct buses heading to main streets apart from free Casino Hotel shuttle and bus to the port, you can opt to take taxi to your hotel.  You can pay in MOP or HKD. (We were not given our 5 MOP change).

2017 June: Hong Kong: Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha)

If you can skip month of June in Hong Kong, as most of the attractions are under maintenance, do so.

During our visit, Ngong Ping 360 cable car was under maintenance. You can take New Lantao Bus No. 23 from temporary bus station in City Gate Outlets.  What's the positive side of it?  Taking bus will only cost you 17.20HKD/weekday or 27HKD/weekend per way compared to 185 HKD/standard (1110 PHP) to 240 HKD/roundtrip (1440 PHP, 2017). (Pricing and Packages in Ngong Ping)

2017 June: Hong Kong: Disneyland

After 8 years, this will be my third visit at Disneyland.  New to my eyes are the lands of Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Point in Disneyland Hong Kong.  For anyone, how can we skip the ever amazing performance of Lion King.

2017 June: Hong Kong Monetary Authority

An amazing art piece on this floor, is the horizon displayed...
... and on a closer look, it is made up of coins.

2017 June: Taste of Hong Kong

Tim Ho Wan
Location: Olympian City 2, 18 Hoi Ting Rd, West Kowloon, Hong Kong

2017 June: Hong Kong: Kowloon: West Hotel

West Hotel
Address: No.39 Wai Ching Street, Jordan Road, Yaumatei, Jordan, Hong Kong
偉晴軒 九龍油麻地佐敦道偉晴街39號, 佐敦, 香港
Contact: westhotel[@]westhotel.com.hk
Book West Hotel, Hong Kong in Agoda
Dates Stayed: June 04-07, 2017 (3 nights)

Price: Average - Family Suite (No Breakfast) PHP 10,583.28 for 3 nights

Itinerary: First time visit in Hong Kong

Where to stay?
There are multiple inexpensive hotels and hostels in Kowloon area. But based on what I read most, it is okay to stay there if you are with some guys. But if you are traveling alone, or you are all girls they say it is better to stay in Hong Kong Island, which is a little expensive.  On my first to third stay in HK, my personal choice is to stay in Causeway Bay area.

On our fourth visit, I'll be trying to stay in Kowloon (specifically  near Austin and Jordan stations) for the convenience of near the port from Macau, near the shopping areas, closer to Disneyland and closer to International Airport.

Are you looking for trip plans or itineraries for Hong Kong, you are in the right page!

City Collection: Hong Kong

Been here in July 2007, July 2008 and February 2009 - able to collect 4 Starbucks mug. I got my first mug with old floral version.

In my next trip, I first sent out a city postcard back to Manila. I got this idea from my sister as she is now part of post-crossing activity. I must commend how modern the HK Airport Post Office is. Aside from the normal counter, there is a separate machine that releases stamps just by inserting coins. This is really helpful as you don’t need to fall in line in the counter section. With this postcard collection I was also able to start a stamp collection on the side.

The Peak mug, this is memorable because I got to the place after getting lost for almost 30 minutes when I was looking for my way from the Central Station.

After 2 years, I got this new version of HK City mini mug together with a new postcard.

2009 Feb: Hong Kong: Day 5: Last Day in HK

Saturday, was our last day in Hong Kong. We already check-out at around 9am, left our luggage in the Hostel, then made the final walk in Time Square and Lane Crawford. By 2pm, we return to the hostel to get our things, waited for the Airport Bus just right outside Marco Polo Mansion.

Upon arrival at the Airport, we had a chance to roam around the area, buy few things, take late afternoon snack, send out postcards to friends, check-in baggage and take some rest.

We also had a time to use the free internet service at the airport before going to the actual Departure Gate.

Good thing that at this trip, our Cebu Pacific flight was not delayed.

Thanks to my sister for getting me as her personal tourist guide on her first visit to Macau and HK. This makes my 3rd visit on both countries, all within 18 months.

2009 Feb: Hong Kong: Day 4: Ocean Park and The Peak

Travel Date: February 2009

Were going to Ocean Park!

We took Bus 629 from Admiralty Station Exit B. Entrance is roughly 210 HKD. Most of the areas are under renovation. Still, we got to see the Dolphin Show, Atoll Reef, Panda and Acrobatic Show. Here, I got to scare my sister for the cable car.

Before 3pm, we decided to go back to the city. From the bus terminal in Drake Street, we pass by the Pacific Place, HK Park and finally reached the Tram Station.

Of course we could not miss Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum. You can get the cheapest tram fare and Museum combo fee on the Peak Tram Ticket counter.

We had dinner at the Peak. Remember that Chinese Traditional Shops close at 6pm, so you need to buy your stuff early.
Going back to our hostel, we had to follow a long line of passengers waiting for the Peak Tram.

2009 Feb: Hong Kong: Day 3: Disneyland Day

Travel Date: February 2009

Our Lantau Adventure!

My sister is really afraid on taking cable car rides. Even though I’ve been dreaming on taking the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Ride, she decided to wake up so late for us skip that entry in our itinerary. Instead we just had a quick shop in Citygate mall, this is like a mall of factory outlets where you can buy stuff at a lower price.

Before noon time, we moved to Disneyland Resort. I advise you to visit the website before going there. Always check the show, character meet and greet opportunity and parade schedule - for you not to miss any of the fun offered. For first timers you should not miss Mickey’s Philharmagic Show, this is a 4-d show of Disney and Mickey adventures.

During Summer time, they have 2 parades, normal parade @ 12nn and Summer Wet Parade @ 3pm. During our visit, which is still covered by the Chinese New Year celebration, we got to see the Chinese Parade @ 12nn and normal parade by 3pm.

Since this is my second visit in HK Disneyland, I already skipped Tarzan/Pirate Adventure and Philharmagic. I had a repeat on Lion King Show.
It’s a Small World and Golden Mickey were something new for me. And this time, I finally got to see the Fireworks display!


How to get to Tian Tan Buddha if Ngong Ping 360 is out of service?  Take Bus #23 from Tung Chung station.

2009 Feb: Hong Kong: Day 2: Museum and Snoopy World

Travel Date: February 2009

I think, my sister is a little bit tired during this day, thus we did not follow our set itinerary for the day.

In the morning, we went back to Tsim Sha Tsui area. We were able to see the skyline with the actual buildings and without lights.

We had a chance to enter the Museum of Art for free, since it is a Wednesday. So try to set your itinerary to visit Museums during Wednesday. We were not able to enter Space Museum since it will open still on a later time.

Then, we decided to take the KRC Train to reach Shatin Station. Here we visited the Snoppy’s World which is located on Level 3 of Shatin New Town Plaza Mall. This is the place which will be more appreciated by kids. Even though the mall is too big for the adults to enjoy, the area is just too far from the Metro.

Then, my sister wanted again to visit Mongkok district. I finally convinced her to have dinner in Modern Toilet. (Hopefully, I can try the original Modern Toilet in Taipei.)

After doing some shopping on Mongkok, we still had the energy to roam around Time Square mall.

Hong Kong: Tsim Sha Tsui: Symphony of Lights

Travel Date: February 2009

After we took our breakfast, we had the final arrangement with the Hotel for our check-out. We went to Almeida Rebeiro Avenue, stayed on the San Ma Lo side to get into Bus #3 with “JetFoil” signage. Upon drop-off, you might need to take the underpass to reach the entrance gate.

Go to the second floor, this is the departure area. We choose to take the Turbo Jet (http://www.turbojet.com.hk/eng/home/index.html) since we are staying in HK Island. This is faster by almost 30 minutes compared to First Ferry. But if you are staying in Kowloon area, then it is advisable to take First Ferry which has also a cheaper fare compared to Turbo Jet.

Turbo Jet Terminal in HK Island is connected to the Sheung Wan MTR Station through Mall pathways. From here, you can now buy the Octopus card which will help you travel around the city.

From Sheung Wan Station, we stayed on the Blue Lane to reach Causeway Bay Station.
Months ago, I already settled the reservation fee with Marlboro Hostel via Western Union. Upon check-in we need to pay the remaining fee on our booking. From Causeway Bay, take exit E. Walk through Paterson Street and look for Paterson Building C. The door access code will be given to you via email.

After we have settled our things on the hostel, we took the MTR going to Mongkok. After roaming around the shopping district, we moved to Kowloon. We had our dinner, go to the Esprit Outlet (along Hankow Road) and finally watched the Symphony of Lights.

We had a chance to still walk along the Clock Tower and Avenue of Stars even though it is so windy and cold in the area. By 9pm, we took the MTR going back to Causeway Bay.


2017 June update:
Apart from the red traditional boat floating on the harbor front, there is an additional traditional boat with white flags carrying tourists and locals.

2008 July: Hong Kong: Day 2: Off Beaten Path

2008 July: Hong Kong: Day 2: Off Beaten Path

The following day, I decided that I would skip Noon Gun. I walked around the Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. I jump to MTR going to Kowloon Park. Since it started to rain, I left the place and took MTR going to Modern Toilet in Mongkok. Too bad I did not research on the time it will open, when I got there it was too early before I can order, haha! I then decided to move to my next target - Nan Lian and Chi Lin Nunnery. After that, I return to Modern Toilet by 2pm.

After having late lunch, I went back to my place in Causeway Bay to drop my shopping bags and pasalubongs. I took a nap because I got too tired carrying the bags. Then started walking again along the Causeway Bay area.

Next day, I got ready for my Macau Guided Tour. I booked on Splendid Tours (http://www.splendid.hk/new2005/eng/tours_detail.asp?id=2 ) for this trip. We went to St Paul Ruins and my major target here is visiting Senado Square to buy my coffee mug from Starbucks.

Since this is a budget trip I did not take Airport Express train going to the Airport, I waited again for a A11 Bus at the station. Good thing this time I was able to reach Philippines without any trouble or delay with Cebu Pacific.

Thanks to my family who allowed me to do this solo journey outside the country.

2008 July: Hong Kong: Day 1: Cheap City Tour

2008 July: Hong Kong: Day 1: Cheap City Tour

This is my second time in Hong Kong (July 2008), but I see this more of a challenge because now I’m doing it on a solo journey. I’m not really suppose to do this, not until I realized I’m just throwing a free one way ticket to HK.
I need to beat the September deadline of the expiration of the voucher and it is a factor to go there within the Summer Festival Season Sale. Too bad that the sale season is during the heavy rains of both Manila and HK.
I took the 8am flight on Tuesday bound to HK. For about 2 hour travel, I reached the HKIA. After a long walk from the arrival gate, you will transfer by train going to Terminal 1 for the Luggage and Immigration. Do exchange a few bucks at the Airport Money Changer for your immediate transactions. I bought the normal octopus card this time (since I don‘t need to try the Airport Express and is not in need of the 3 day free use of MTR).

After the photo op in the grounds of the Airport, find your way on the bus terminal, follow the arrows with signage “Bus to City”. The departure times of the A11 busses going to North Point passing Causeway Bay is every 20 minutes (00, 20, 40) from 9a to 23p. Luggage are left on the first level of the bus while most of the passengers go the second level for a better view on the bus ride.

No need to be afraid of when and where you are getting off. There are scrolling notes on the display on what stop they are arriving. I get-off the 14th stop for the Causeway Bay area. It is just near Sogo mall and everything is accessible from that point.
I booked on Alisan Guest House located in Flat 5A Hoito Court. I’m aware that the guest house owner or desk will be in different floor from the actual rooms.
After I settled my payments and my luggage, I decided to start my solo journey. I go straight to Central, checked out the Exchange Tower Three (building of our counter parts).
I got lost on finding my way to St. John’s Cathedral. Thank you to the Filipinos who help me find my way. Hehe!

Then , I got photo op on HK Park. By around 5pm I find my way to TST, checked on some camera stores for Nikon lens (was not able to buy one) and visited Esprit Outlet. I revisited Clock Tower, Avenue of Stars and waited until 8pm for the Symphony of Lights. I do recommend tripod for the night shots.