[2010.11.22] Day 2 in Hong Kong

On our second day, we went to Stanley at Hong Kong Island. It is where the beaches of Hong Kong are. We took Bus 6 at Central Exchange Square and the ride was about 45mins to 1 hour. Warning: The Bus 6 ride is not for the people with motion sickness. I got a little dizzy when I arrived at Stanley because of the winding roads. Although, it was indeed a scenic bus ride.

On the way to Stanley. I wasn't able to catch more pictures since I was dizzy with the bus ride.

Stanley is whole lot another story compared to the bustling cities of Tsim Sha Tsui and Central. The atmosphere here is very laid back and peaceful. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to explore the place that much. I only went up to Stanley Market then left for Central again. Stanley Market does not attract me, though. Prices are touristy and the merchandise selection are limited for my taste, at least for the part of the market I was able to look around and mostly can be found at the Ladies Market also. Lots of Caucasian tourists are here, by the way. As for the beaches, I caught a glimpse of it during the bus ride, I could say, our beaches in the Philippines are definitely more beautiful.

The only picture I have of Stanley. Near Stanley Market.

For lunch, we ate at Yung Kee Restaurant in Central, famous for its roasted goose. It was quite a fine dining restaurant, if I may say. Good thing, they serve set meals worth HKD 30-40. Before our meals were served, they gave us two teapots of Jasmine Tea and a plate of preserved duck eggs. All along we thought they were complimentary. However, when the bill arrived, the tea and eggs were charged! Pfffft! The roasted goose I ordered wasn't that extraordinary. I guess saying Yung Kee's the best was a bit overrated. Nevertheless, Yung Kee is a Michelin-starred restaurant, so I guess their other food offers are good.

Roast Goose and Soup fom Yung Kee. I enjoyed the soup more than the Roast Goose.

We went back to the hostel quite early. The elders were very exhausted walking all day and yesterday. As for  me, I rested for a bit and ready to explore again! I waited for Mama and Tita Baby, though because they want to come with me in Mongkok. They shopped at the Ladies Market while I went to Fa Yuen Street to canvass Chucks. It was my first to go to Fa Yuen and wow, the street is really lined up with rubber shoes store, left to right, north to south! It was overwhelming!

We bought street foods while in Mongkok, it was like a barbecue stand counterpart in the Philippines (but they also do some frying aside from grilling). They are selling various balls, intestines, sausages and many other kinds. Average price is HKD 10 per one stick. While we already got our orders, the vendor told us to get away in front of their stall in a rude way! Hmmmp. Eh nag-iisip pa ako kung anong sawsawan ang kukunin ko dahil syempre hindi ko naman alam kung ano ang bagay dun sa inorder ko. Alam ko na medyo nakaka-istorbo kami pero sana sabihin naman ng maayos. Grabe talaga 'yung mga iyon. 

Point in case: Whenever, you're in Hong Kong, don't slack. Walk and act fast. People there are always on the go and they don't want you interrupting their fast-paced lives.

[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

Buying HKD for your HongKong Vacation

The downside of Filipinos when it comes to travelling is that Philippine Peso is very weak compared to other countries currencies. For Hongkong, 1 HKD = 6.3 PhP on the average. But as I write this blog, PhP is getting stronger where 1 HKD = 5.8 PhP. Not much difference, but with ForEx, this 0.5 difference is something already.

Anyway, some Filipinos usually take the hassle of buying USD rather than HKD when going to Hongkong. Then, they will buy HKD in Hongkong using their USD. Cross-rates. Hmmmm. Really not appealing to me, if HKD is the subject. Moreover, there is an insignificant difference on PhP to USD to HKD and PhP to HKD.

HKD is readily available in Banks (HSBC, BPI, and BDO) and money changers here in the Philippines. So, engaging to cross-rates would really just be a hassle on your vacation. Instead of roaming around and getting on with your itinerary, you'll be looking for money changers, eh? You wouldn't even know if the money changer has good rates or not. So, why take the inconvenience?

So, here are my proven and tested suggestions when buying your HKD.

1. MB Aguirre (recommended by BPI) - It has better rates than the banks by a few cents. It has several branches over the metro. The one I have tried is their South Center Branch, Alabang. Call them up first before going to there to ensure there is HKD reserved for you.

MB Aguirre
Contact No: 8094251 and 8504617

2. HSBC Savings Bank / BPI / BDO - The problem with HSBC is you have to have an account with them in order to buy HKD with them. As for BPI and BDO, I believe they sell HKD to non-account holders. Although, for all banks, you have to reserve first at least 3 days prior.

3. If you really cannot buy HKD in Philippines, you can bring your PHP in Hongkong and buy your HKD at Frank's in World Wide House, Central. They really have good rates there, even better rates when you buy HKD in Philippines. You can just buy a minimal amount of HKD at the Hongkong Airport for your transpo costs. If you are in Tsim Sha Tsui Area, Wing Hoi Money Changer are mostly recommended by the Filipino Hongkong Enthusiasts but I think you need USD to buy your HKD here.



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Always remember DO NOT BUY HKD WITH ALL YOUR MONEY AT THE AIRPORT. Just buy enough until you can have your money changed at decent money changers. Airport Rates are rip-offs!

Note: Don't be baffled when you see your HKD. They really do not have uniformity with their bills and coins. The design of the paper bills depends on the issuer of the money, i.e., HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, etc.

Planning Your Hongkong Vacation

from http://www.abercrombiekent.co.uk/china/hongkong/

It ain't no easy feat to plan your vacay, especially when you are considering the likes and dislikes of your travel buddies. Hongkong is a city bustling with night life, good food, tourist spots, and shopping. And putting it all together in your constraint trip is the challenge.

Anyhoo, I have been lucky enough to travel outside the Philippines for four times already since I started working. And this November, I will be availing of our Company perk for a trip for two to HongKong. Yahooooooo! And this will be my second time there but with different companions this time.

First things first.

1. Budget. Moolah, moolah, and moolah. Set your budget. Decide for how long your vacation will be given the budget you have and how long you can leave your work. Here are the basic things you need to account for:

• Air Fare Ticket
• Travel Tax (PhP 1,620) + Terminal Fee (PhP 750)
• Accomodation for __ Days
• Food for __ Days
• Transportation for __ Days
• Entrance Fee on spots you want to go
• Shopping and Pasalubong Money

2. Book your plane tickets! If you are not constrained with a budget, booking your tickets anytime wouldn't be a problem. But since I am following a budget, checking airline promos everyday is a must. Being a fan on Facebook and a follower in Twitter of Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines are the best way to know of their promos. The downside, on the other hand, of availing the promo fares is that the travel period is months ahead so there is a risk that something may occur on your flight sched. I booked my Roundtrip ticket to HK for PhP 4,200 on promo. Not bad, right? The earlier you book, the cheaper the tickets you can get.

3. Reserve your Accommodation. It's best to look for an accommodation in a central location, i.e., transport and tourist places accessible. For me, it would be Tsim Sha Tsui in Hongkong. Next, choose whether you want to stay in a Hotel or Hostel, then again, your budget comes. In my opinion, Hostel will do (especially I am on budget) since you are mostly out and will just be there to sleep. So a decent and clean sleeping bed and private bathroom are  more than enough for me. Hence, I booked to Golden Crown Hostel where I got the room for HKD 350 a night!

4. Itinerary. Hmmm the hard part especially if you are not only considering what you like but also the others' and if you're with Senior Citizens who are not into too much walking and need rest time. I'll be travelling in a pack of 7 and with seniors. A-huh. Good thing, I have the liberty to choose where to go since I am in charge with the Iti and they don't know much about HK so they can't comment much. Haha! But of course, I took into consideration where they want to go and all.

My vacation will be on November and our Iti is 95% done already. Haha! Excited much? It was hard at first to organize this trip where you want to cramp so many places in a few days. But you just have to set your priorities and where you really want to go and all will be well.

Here are some helpful links to plan your Hongkong Trip:

1. Pinoy Exchange Forum for HK Dummies - super helpful site especially Page 1. Everything you need to know is there already. You can also ask other forummers if you have further questions about HK. Kudos to those who made this thread!

2. Official Hongkong Tourism Site

3. MTR Fare and Journey Planner - You can play on this so you'll know the exact transportation costs and travel time you will incur during the course of your travel.

4. Google Map and Street View - I just discovered the Street View recently, and this is the best thing ever! You can actually see the streets of Hongkong at 360 degrees view! Just drag the Human in the zoom panel to the street you want to view and voila. In the map, you can also calculate the distance and how much time you need to walk or to drive from point A to point B. Fabulous, isn't?