Hong Kong, My Travel Plan #1

Wow, I'm so excited ... another two more days, I will be in Hong Kong ...

To do a DIY trip in Hong Kong is not easy but I am trying my very best to plan for a fun holiday for my family.

Day 1

Arrival to Aiport

I will be arriving Hong Kong International Airport at 12.45 pm. First thing to do is to find the hotel. Based on my research, the airport limo is the most expensive transportation it charges HK$480 per trip and I need two limousines as one couldn't take all of us in one car. 

Second option is travel by Airport Bus Shuttle but it costs HK$120 per person, that means HK$600, not so worth it but it is very convenient. 

Final option is to take the Airport Express Train to Tsing Yi Station and by Taxi to the Hotel, which only cost me (HK$60 x 5 person)+(HK$30 x 2 taxi)= HK$360.00. Most likely, I will go for third option to save cost.


(Later I found out taking their public transport is the cheapest and most convenient way)

Check in Hotel

I booked Panda Hotel from booking.com. Although this hotel is out of city center and situated near Tsuen Wan, but it is a well developed place. I read a few good reviews about this hotel at Tripadvisor. The room view from the internet looks nice and descent. The room cost is reasonable as compare to other city hotels, it cost me HK$310 per room per night. 

From the hotel, walking to the nearest MTR station will take approximately 500 meter (8 minutes) walk to the Tai Wo Hau Station. 

After check in, plan to have lunch at nearby shopping center, the Panda Plaza. then we will take MTR from Tai Wo Hau station to the Central station, but before that, never forget to buy the octopus card at the station. The card allowed us to make payment at any MTRs, Buses, 7-Eleven, and even some eateries. It is very convenient. A card cost HK$150 with HK$50 as deposit and balance as credit. Any unused credit can be refunded.

The Peak

source : www.citytraveltips.com

After reaching MTR Central station, will take taxi to the Peak, one of the most popular tourist attraction in Hong Kong. Getting to the Peak need to take Peak Tram to go up, it is one of the world's oldest railways that rises to 396 meters (about 1,300 feet) above sea level and the journey is about 45 degree ascending up, this place offering a stunning 360 degree panoramic view across the Hong Kong. On top, the Sky Terrace 428 standing at 428 meters above sea level is a famous scenic spot. In addition, The Sky Gallery at the terrace, showcases the works of the city's talented artists.

Plenty of shopping centers and eateries around, I guess is a good place to have our first tea break there and to relax ourselves while overseeing the magnificent view of Hong Kong. 

Wow .....

Staying til night is very tempting for me, I know the panoramic view from the Peak is one of the most beautiful night scenes in the world that seeing all the night in the Victoria Harbor and the Kowloon Peninsula.

But ....

Symphony of Light
 

source : www.discoverhongkong.com

I think is better choice to go down to the Victoria Harbour to see the Symphony of Light show. At night, there will be a multimedia show that involves more than 40 buildings on both side of the harbour. Colorful light, laser beams and search lights will be displayed and synchronized with music ... what an awesome narrative by the website. 

After think about it, better come down early to view the light show instead of staying up in the Peak. I am excited and can't wait to capture the beautiful light show. I bet it is going to be an unforgettable night for my family.

Day Two

Big Bus Tour

After breakfast, first thing to go is to check out the Big Bus Tour information center located at the following places:

• Unit KP-38, 1st Floor, Kowloon Star Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel : (852) 3102 9021

• Shop i2, 1st Floor, Centra Ferry Pier 7, Central. Tel : (852) 2167 8995

The internet booking of Big Bus Tour is cheaper, it is 15% off as their normal rates. It cost USD42 for adult and USD30 for child, that means it will cost me USD198 (approx . RM623.70)

 

 

This is a hop-on and hop-off sightseeing topless double deckles bus. It has three routes that most tourist won't miss. I decided to pick on the day tour, I will first travel with the red route, the city tour route that travel around a few famous shopping districts in the city, just sightseeing but not coming down.. Subsequently, will exchange to the green route which covers the outskirt areas (southern) of Hong Kong Island. The place of attraction are as follows:

• The Repulse Bay
• Stanley Beach / Market
• Ocean Park
• Aberdeen

I'm planning to stay short time in Repulse Bay and Stanley Market because I did not see much good review on these tow places. My focus is on the ocean park which someone claim is one of the best theme park in the world and the off course the famous Aberdeen Harbour, place for the fishing boat.

source : http://www.jumbo.com.hk/chi/main.php

At Aberdeen, you can try the sampan ride that bringing you around by the boat people to view the fishing village. I think the cost is about HK$50 (someone even pay HK$60) per adult and HK$25 for child, i think I need to negotiate for a better price. Over there, there is a famous floating restaurant called the Jumbo Kingdom, apparently  if cost nothing if you take the sampan to the restaurant. However, I heard that this place the food cost is pricey, mostly tourist will dine there. but again, after think about it .... a thought came into my mind .... "Ah yah! Don't order so much lah! Just enough to wet the mouth loh, after all come all the way, don't be stingy-lah" (sorry for the Manglish style of writing. ka! ka! ka! ka!)

Toward the end, if time is allowed, I will take the blue route that cover the areas in Kawloon Peninsular where the famous shopping areas are located, like Mong Kok (Laday Market), Jordan and Tsin Sha Tsui.

Time for shopping ... but can't buy anything because the next day, we will be going to Macau !!!

  

Day 3

After breakfast, relax at the hotel for a while, then check out from the hotel. Then, we will take MTR to Sheung Wan station where the Ferry Jeti to Macau is located. The Turbo Jet will take you approximately 60-75 minutes to reach the destination. One way fare is estimated at HK$124.00 per person, with 5 person, my damage is HK$620.00 .. Walaueh ..

Everything in Hong Kong need money!!


What's is next, yet to find out!?

. ... to be continue ..