[2010.11.21] Day 1 in Hong Kong

Most awaited day has come, finally! We were at Terminal 3 a little past 5am to catch our 7:55am flight bound to Hong Kong. I didn't know that during mornings, Departure Entrances are filled with long queues [I usually take the afternoon or night flight where getting in is a breeze]! I think we queued for about 15-20 minutes before we were able to get inside the airport.

We paid for the Travel Tax (PhP 1,620) first, then proceeded to check-in our baggages. Ate my rush breakfast at Jollibee, paid the Terminal Fee (PhP 750) and then went on to the Immigrations. Waited for around 30 minutes before boarding. Boarding was on time, but the take off was delayed for around 10 minutes. I think the runway is a little traffic. Haha!

Tip: For those who bought their tickets online, especially Cebu Pacific, you can pay first the Travel Tax before checking-in so you wouldn't need to go back and forth to claim the boarding pass.

At 10am, we had our touchdown. Weeeeee.. I smell Hong Kong!!! We grabbed some free city maps then proceeded right away at the Immigrations. We went in one-by-one. It was fast, no questions asked for my lot of 7 people. After clearing with Immigrations, I reloaded and bought Octopus Cards at the Customer Service.

It was my second time in Hongkong but I still forgot the way going to the Airbus station. O_o Anyway, we were able to find it after a few questions here and there (got confused with the signs). We rode A21 bus going to Kowloon, then boarded the 13th Bus Stop in Tsim Sha Tsui. Walked a little then we were able to find Golden Crown Guest House, located at the building where Standard Chartered Bank is. The signage of the guest house is a bit inconspicuous so you have to open your eyes a little.

Aboard the A21 Double Decker Bus

Golden Crown is located in the 5th and 6th floors of the building. We stayed in the 5th floor where the Twin and Double Rooms are while 6th floor houses the Triple and Family Rooms. Sixth floor rooms are newer and more hi-tech than 5th floor (they have keycards while 5th has steel keys). Anyway, the rooms are skimpy but they are clean (as well as the toilets) and just enough for a place to sleep on. We will be out most of the day, anyway. Plus, the caretaker is a friendly Filipina! ^^ Sorry, have no pictures to show of the room. -_-

After checking in and paying the hostel in full, we had our lunch at Cafe de Coral in Granville Road. I loved my first Hongkong meal for this trip! Ordered a set of Barbecued/Roasted Meats (Chicken and Pork) with side dishes. I tasted the best roasted pork skin! The crunch of the skin is perfect in each mouthful. Ooohh I am drooling again!

Tip: Ordering at Cafe de Coral - After paying for your order, proceed to the Claiming Area and present the receipt. Make sure you are queuing up in the right line. They have separate queues for the Roasted and Non-Roasted Foods.

After Café de Coral, we went to Nan Lian Gardens and Chi Lin Nunnery. It was really amazing there's a place like this in the midst of skyscrapers. Nan Lian Gardens is very relaxing and the sights are to behold. Chi Lin Nunnery needs a few more walks from Nan Lian. When I saw Chi Lin, it was like I entered inside the TV and an ancient Chinese movie is playing, with all the temples and Buddha there. It was really a nice, relaxing
and calming experience to go there.

Nan Lian Gardens and Chi Lin Nunnery
Diamond Hill  MTR Station Exit C2. Then follow the signs.
Open daily 7am to 9pm

We then went to Causeway Bay to do a little shopping, Lee Gardens and Jardine's Crescent. I am not really sure if we missed something good but that area was more of like a bazaar (I enjoy Mongkok more). Although some are sold relatively cheap. We were supposed to ride the Ding Ding Tram going back to Central but apparently for this day ONLY, the tram stops at Admiralty only.

Star Ferry Central Pier, Hong Kong at night

We boarded Star Ferry going to TST to experience the beautiful night scenery of Victoria Harbor. Ahhhh, the night lights were just breathtaking coupled with cold night breeze (too bad my camera didn't cooperate with the nice view). By the way, the walk from Central MTR Station going the Star Ferry Pier was quite a long walk, around 15-20 minutes depending on your pace.

Another walk again going back to hostel. First, we had dinner at Food Republic inside Silvercord. Lots of choices to choose from. My best was the Preserved Egg Congee.. oooohhh I want more of that now!

The oldies already called it a night but Kuya Regie and I still went to Temple Street, Night Market. We just walked from Golden Crown, the walk was around 20-30 minutes but I didn't mind the long walk because I enjoy looking at the shops and lights. ^_^

Today's Expenses:

Octopus Load	HKD	150
Café de Coral Lunch		30
Mineral Water		8
Cream Soda		8
Gong Cha		12
Hui Lan Shan Dessert Drink		16
HK Ballpens (12 pcs)		50
Eggette		13
White Top (from Jardine's)		10
	HKD	297