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.