ITINERARY SEPTEMBER 2010
Day 1 (Sep 5)- NAIA to HongKong International Airport (HKIA)
Disneyland (whole day)
Day 2 (Sep 6)- Ocean Park (morning to afternoon)
The Peak (at night)
Symphony of Lights (at night)
Day 3 (Sep 7)- Big Buddha Ngong Ping 360 degrees (morning)
Shopping (afternoon)
Dinner with a friend
Day 4 (Sep 8)- to and from Macau (whole day)
Day 5 (Sep 9)- Central to Tong Chung (shopping for souvenirs)
Back to Manila
Flight
Going to the airport always kills me due to the expensive cost of taxi fare. Most taxi drivers ask the passengers for a fixed price of 350 pesos. Luckily, I found a metered taxi that never asked this. So from BF Homes in Las Pinas to NAIA, I only paid P220. Then I took the flight from Cebu Pacific Air in the morning located in NAIA Terminal 3.
The regular flight fare in Cebu Pacific ranges from P9,000 to P15,000, while the promo fare is P3,000 to P4,000 only. This fare includes 15 kg check-in luggage to and from Manila.
You have to pay the following before boarding:
Travel tax: P 1620
Terminal fee: P 750
After paying all these expensive taxes, I went straight to the immigration. I was surprised that besides the usual requirements they ask such as the 2-way flight ticket and the voucher of my accommodation or the copy of your friend's address if you have, they asked me if I brought an NBI clearance (a kind of form in the Philippines to show if you had any criminal records in the past). For travelling abroad for so many times, I had never thought of NBI clearance as one of the primary requirements to be presented in the immigration. Since I was not advised to bring it, I was not able to show one. However, the officer still permitted to go on with my tour. Since then, I always have a phobia of being interviewed by the immigration officers every time I go out of the country for a tour.
Day 1 (Sep 5)- NAIA to HongKong International Airport (HKIA)
Disneyland (whole day)
Day 2 (Sep 6)- Ocean Park (morning to afternoon)
The Peak (at night)
Symphony of Lights (at night)
Day 3 (Sep 7)- Big Buddha Ngong Ping 360 degrees (morning)
Shopping (afternoon)
Dinner with a friend
Day 4 (Sep 8)- to and from Macau (whole day)
Day 5 (Sep 9)- Central to Tong Chung (shopping for souvenirs)
Back to Manila
Exchange Rate as of Oct. 19, 2012
1HK$ = Php 5.4
Flight
Going to the airport always kills me due to the expensive cost of taxi fare. Most taxi drivers ask the passengers for a fixed price of 350 pesos. Luckily, I found a metered taxi that never asked this. So from BF Homes in Las Pinas to NAIA, I only paid P220. Then I took the flight from Cebu Pacific Air in the morning located in NAIA Terminal 3.
The regular flight fare in Cebu Pacific ranges from P9,000 to P15,000, while the promo fare is P3,000 to P4,000 only. This fare includes 15 kg check-in luggage to and from Manila.
You have to pay the following before boarding:
Travel tax: P 1620
Terminal fee: P 750
After paying all these expensive taxes, I went straight to the immigration. I was surprised that besides the usual requirements they ask such as the 2-way flight ticket and the voucher of my accommodation or the copy of your friend's address if you have, they asked me if I brought an NBI clearance (a kind of form in the Philippines to show if you had any criminal records in the past). For travelling abroad for so many times, I had never thought of NBI clearance as one of the primary requirements to be presented in the immigration. Since I was not advised to bring it, I was not able to show one. However, the officer still permitted to go on with my tour. Since then, I always have a phobia of being interviewed by the immigration officers every time I go out of the country for a tour.
Cebu Pacific
After approximately 2 hours, I was able to reach Hongkong without any delay.
Hong Kong International Airport
HKIA is located on the island of Chek Lap Kok. It has 2 main terminals. You have to check your flight details what terminal you will check-in to avoid late show.
Contact Information
Postal Address: Airport Authority Hong Kong, HKIA Tower, 1 Sky Plaza Road, Hongkong Internatonal Airport, Lantau, Hongkong
Telephone #: +852-2181-8888
Fax #:+852-2824-0717
Website: http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/index.html
Contact Information
Postal Address: Airport Authority Hong Kong, HKIA Tower, 1 Sky Plaza Road, Hongkong Internatonal Airport, Lantau, Hongkong
Telephone #: +852-2181-8888
Fax #:+852-2824-0717
Website: http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/index.html
It was around 9am when I met my friend, Jo-anne, who fetched me at the airport. We had our breakfast right at the aiport to rev-up our day to Hongkong Disneyland. The breakfast meal includes a breaded pork meat, scrambled egg, a piece of bread with a hot mushroom soup and a small glass of cold beverage.
Price: HK$ 25 (P 135)
Transportation
There a number of modes of transportation in the metro. This includes city buses, MTR trains, and taxis.
There a number of modes of transportation in the metro. This includes city buses, MTR trains, and taxis.
1. The Airport Express
website:
2. Bus
Double-decker buses
Tourist Sites:
1. Hong Kong Disneyland
HK Disneyland is located in Lantau Island. You can get there by MTR trains. HK Disneyland is very accessible through MTR trains if you will be visiting the site straight from the airport. You don't need to worry about transferring from a bus to a city train.
How to get there
From HKIA. take the train at MTR Airport Station. Alight at Tsing Yi Station and from there, transfer to Sunny Bay Station all the way to Disney Resort Line. This will take for approximately 30 minutes.
You may purchase the tickets at the HK Disneyland Ticket Express conveniently located at the MTR Hong Kong Station in the Tuang Chung line concourse. You may click their website below for the updated list of fare.
ADULT - $HK 350 (P 1890) CHILDREN - $HK 250 (P 1350) (Aged 3 - 11)
SENIOR (65 and above) - $HK 170
Contact Information
Website: www.hongkongdisneyland.com
• If you are coming straight from the airport with your luggage, you can leave your things at the luggage storage area located at the entrance of the amusement park.
Price: HK$ 60 (P 324) one whole day
• Disneyland is absolutely a one-day tour, so be early on this amusement park.
• You are not allowed to bring any foods or drinks. If you want the budget meal, go for burgers and fries including a medium-sized cola.
• Before entering the park, you have to drink a bottle of water or any kinds of tonic drinks. A day walking would certainly make you thirsty.
• Disneyland is absolutely a one-day tour, so be early on this amusement park.
• You are not allowed to bring any foods or drinks. If you want the budget meal, go for burgers and fries including a medium-sized cola.
• Before entering the park, you have to drink a bottle of water or any kinds of tonic drinks. A day walking would certainly make you thirsty.
Food
We chose to buy burger meal instead of other local food inside the amusement park. The meal has 1 large fries, a medium size burger and a medium size cola.
We chose to buy burger meal instead of other local food inside the amusement park. The meal has 1 large fries, a medium size burger and a medium size cola.
Price: HK$ 58 (P 313.2)
2. Ocean Park
Admission fee:
ADULT - $HK 250 (P 1350)
CHILDREN - HK$ 125 (P 675) (Ages 3-11)
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri 10 am - 6 pm
Sat 10 am - 7pm
Sun 9:30 - 7pm
Sched may vary according to season
Admission fee:
ADULT - $HK 250 (P 1350)
CHILDREN - HK$ 125 (P 675) (Ages 3-11)
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri 10 am - 6 pm
Sat 10 am - 7pm
Sun 9:30 - 7pm
Sched may vary according to season
Contact Information
Telephone #: (852) 3923-2323
Telefax #: (852) 2873-5584
Website: www.oceanpark.com.hk
How to go there
Take a train going to Admiralty Station, just outside the station you will see the ticket booth of Ocean Park. From there, you can purchase the ticket and get Bus 629 which will bring you to the entrance of the amusement park.
TIP:
• Please check their website for schedule changes. They might adjust their opening time to an earlier sched. Definitely you must be there at the opening time, so you could enjoy their attractions and some shows.
• You can bring your own food and drinks here to save money. Have enough fluids to replenish you from thirst and exhaustion.
• Don’t carry anything you don’t need. It may add up to your burden while touring around the park and make you tired easily.
3. ATTRACTIONS of LANTAU- Giant Buddha
The Tin Tan Buddha Statue is adjacent to Po Lin Monastery, is 34 metre high and weighs 220 tons. It is the largest outdoor bronze Buddha statue.
Route Number: If you're taking the bus
1R, 2, 21, 23
Telephone #: (852) 3923-2323
Telefax #: (852) 2873-5584
Website: www.oceanpark.com.hk
How to go there
Take a train going to Admiralty Station, just outside the station you will see the ticket booth of Ocean Park. From there, you can purchase the ticket and get Bus 629 which will bring you to the entrance of the amusement park.
• Please check their website for schedule changes. They might adjust their opening time to an earlier sched. Definitely you must be there at the opening time, so you could enjoy their attractions and some shows.
• You can bring your own food and drinks here to save money. Have enough fluids to replenish you from thirst and exhaustion.
• Don’t carry anything you don’t need. It may add up to your burden while touring around the park and make you tired easily.
3. ATTRACTIONS of LANTAU- Giant Buddha
The Tin Tan Buddha Statue is adjacent to Po Lin Monastery, is 34 metre high and weighs 220 tons. It is the largest outdoor bronze Buddha statue.
Route Number: If you're taking the bus
1R, 2, 21, 23
2 Ways to explore Lantau
1. Lantao Bus
Holder of Lantau Pass can enjoy unlimited rides on all regular routes of New Lantau Bus on the day which the Pass is validated for use. It is the easiest and most cost-effective way to visit all the attractions in Lantau
Fare
ADULT- $HK35 (P 189)
Contact Information
Telephone #: 3193-9333 / 2984-8361
Website: www.newlantaobus.com
2. Cable Car
"Tai O Pass" Day Pass with a single trip cable car, visitors can stop at all attractions which this route is serving, including Tai O Fishing Village, Ling Yun Temple, Kunyin Temple, Po Lin Monastery (where the Giant Buddha is located) and the Heart of Sutra Carving.
Price:
ADULT - $HK92 (P 497)
CHILDREN - $HK56 (P 302.4)
TIP:
• Both ways are acceptable; however; cable car is a lot better and enjoyable. It can bring you a 360-degree view of Lantau area. You will enjoy the green attractions on birds-eye-view.
• During my tour, the cable car was not available. Instead of putting this trip off I didn’t have a choice but to take a bus. I was not expecting that the trip turned alright. Since the weather was terribly hot, the air condition in the bus gave me pleasant relief from the annoying summer season in HK.
4. The Peak Tram
The venerable Peak Tram is, as most passengers agree, the only way to truly experience the beauty of Hong Kong's natural wonders. Tens of millions of people from every corner of the globe have taken the ride, which affords a uniquely spectacular perspective of the city.
Located also at the Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus is The Peak Tram Historical Gallery. Open in September, 2007, The Peak Tram Historical Gallery is like a time tunnel with more than 200 memorabilia exhibited. Divided into 15 theme sections, it will take you back to Hong Kong in the 19th and 21st century. The first day of commercial operation on May 30th, 1888, attracted 600 passengers.
1. Lantao Bus
Holder of Lantau Pass can enjoy unlimited rides on all regular routes of New Lantau Bus on the day which the Pass is validated for use. It is the easiest and most cost-effective way to visit all the attractions in Lantau
Fare
ADULT- $HK35 (P 189)
Contact Information
Telephone #: 3193-9333 / 2984-8361
Website: www.newlantaobus.com
"Tai O Pass" Day Pass with a single trip cable car, visitors can stop at all attractions which this route is serving, including Tai O Fishing Village, Ling Yun Temple, Kunyin Temple, Po Lin Monastery (where the Giant Buddha is located) and the Heart of Sutra Carving.
Price:
ADULT - $HK92 (P 497)
CHILDREN - $HK56 (P 302.4)
TIP:
• Both ways are acceptable; however; cable car is a lot better and enjoyable. It can bring you a 360-degree view of Lantau area. You will enjoy the green attractions on birds-eye-view.
• During my tour, the cable car was not available. Instead of putting this trip off I didn’t have a choice but to take a bus. I was not expecting that the trip turned alright. Since the weather was terribly hot, the air condition in the bus gave me pleasant relief from the annoying summer season in HK.
4. The Peak Tram
The venerable Peak Tram is, as most passengers agree, the only way to truly experience the beauty of Hong Kong's natural wonders. Tens of millions of people from every corner of the globe have taken the ride, which affords a uniquely spectacular perspective of the city.
Located also at the Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus is The Peak Tram Historical Gallery. Open in September, 2007, The Peak Tram Historical Gallery is like a time tunnel with more than 200 memorabilia exhibited. Divided into 15 theme sections, it will take you back to Hong Kong in the 19th and 21st century. The first day of commercial operation on May 30th, 1888, attracted 600 passengers.
Ticket Price
Peak Tram Sky Pass
(The Peak Tram & Sky Terrace)
Return Single
Adult ..........................
Senior....................
(age 65 or above) and Child (age 3 - 11)
Single and Return Peak Tram Tickets is also available.
Peak Tram tickets
Return Single
Adult ..........................
Senior ..........................
(age 65 or above) & Child (age 3 - 11)
TIP:
• You must purchase some souvenirs here such as ceramics, cups encrypted with HK, made of bronze, etc. You have a lot of selections on this area that can’t be found in the Night Market so don’t lose your chance.
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5. Temple Street Night Market
Type: Flea/ Street Markets, Monuments/ Statues
Activities: Shopping
Cost: Free
Temple Street Night Market is a bustling night market on Temple Street, at Jordan on the Kowloon side. It's open 7 days a week from 6pm till late, and is one of the best bargain shopping spots in HK.
Nearest MTR station is JORDAN. Temple Street runs parallel to Nathan Road and is three streets from Nathan Road.
Clothing, accessories, pirated goods of all kinds- most anything you can imagine. Just bargain hard.
Peak Tram Sky Pass
(The Peak Tram & Sky Terrace)
Return Single
Adult ..........................
Senior....................
(age 65 or above) and Child (age 3 - 11)
Single and Return Peak Tram Tickets is also available.
Peak Tram tickets
Return Single
Adult ..........................
Senior ..........................
(age 65 or above) & Child (age 3 - 11)
TIP:
• You must purchase some souvenirs here such as ceramics, cups encrypted with HK, made of bronze, etc. You have a lot of selections on this area that can’t be found in the Night Market so don’t lose your chance.
.JPG)
5. Temple Street Night Market
Type: Flea/ Street Markets, Monuments/ Statues
Activities: Shopping
Cost: Free
Temple Street Night Market is a bustling night market on Temple Street, at Jordan on the Kowloon side. It's open 7 days a week from 6pm till late, and is one of the best bargain shopping spots in HK.
Nearest MTR station is JORDAN. Temple Street runs parallel to Nathan Road and is three streets from Nathan Road.
Clothing, accessories, pirated goods of all kinds- most anything you can imagine. Just bargain hard.
TIP:
• You have to go around on this long stretch of market in HK before you buy all things you need. This place is famous for a greater selection of souvenir shirts with various styles and qualities. Shirt price ranges from HK$10-20 (P 54 - 108), depending on the quality of the cloth. Haggle the price and use your bargain skills to get the things you want on a cheaper cost.
Souvenirs:
• You have to go around on this long stretch of market in HK before you buy all things you need. This place is famous for a greater selection of souvenir shirts with various styles and qualities. Shirt price ranges from HK$10-20 (P 54 - 108), depending on the quality of the cloth. Haggle the price and use your bargain skills to get the things you want on a cheaper cost.
Souvenirs:
1. Starbuck's Demitasse
Price: $HK 85 (P 459)
Price: $HK 85 (P 459)
2. Shot glass- bought in The Peak
Price: $HK 30 (P 162)
3. Photo Frame- bought in Ocean Park
Price: $HK 75 (P 405)
Going to the airport in Hongkong has never been a hassle for me. To save time, I chose to travel via Aiport Express that only took approximately 30 minuttes from the city center.
The fare was more expensive than the regular fare of the MTR trains. The rate starts from HK$ 220 and there is a refund of HK$50 after using the card. Just present it at the train counter before leaving the station.
GENERAL TRAVEL GUIDELINES
• Travelling is like a game plan. To fully-enjoy your one-in-a-lifetime tour, you must prepare your itinerary and even the budget ahead of time. For a wise traveller, one doesn’t only know the details of his/her itinerary and plane ticket, but he/she must be knowledgable enough how to navigate the map and follow the directions. Also, be a keen observer as well as a good listener.
• Purchase an Octopus card for a convenient and faster way of getting on and off MTR train. This will avoid long lines of passengers buying single-journey tickets on all stations.
• If you don’t know the way, DO ASK THE LOCALS. There’s nothing wrong with asking people than losing your trip and draining your energy looking for the place you couldn’t even find. On the other hand, if you want somebody that’s worth talking to, choose teenagers or yuppies. They are able to speak English well compared to older ones.
• Chinese are familiar with bargaining style of trading and business, so if you have all the chances to ask for discounts, do it so. You might not know that you’re saving huge bucks from your skill.
• Travelling is like a game plan. To fully-enjoy your one-in-a-lifetime tour, you must prepare your itinerary and even the budget ahead of time. For a wise traveller, one doesn’t only know the details of his/her itinerary and plane ticket, but he/she must be knowledgable enough how to navigate the map and follow the directions. Also, be a keen observer as well as a good listener.
• Purchase an Octopus card for a convenient and faster way of getting on and off MTR train. This will avoid long lines of passengers buying single-journey tickets on all stations.
• If you don’t know the way, DO ASK THE LOCALS. There’s nothing wrong with asking people than losing your trip and draining your energy looking for the place you couldn’t even find. On the other hand, if you want somebody that’s worth talking to, choose teenagers or yuppies. They are able to speak English well compared to older ones.
• Chinese are familiar with bargaining style of trading and business, so if you have all the chances to ask for discounts, do it so. You might not know that you’re saving huge bucks from your skill.
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