Throwback Post: Hong Kong and Macau 2014

Mark and I were sad we couldn’t go to Sydney this year to visit his brother last April. So we decided to go to Hong Kong instead. During that time, Mark’s sister in law was still working there. His mother, father and younger sister decided to visit her so Mark and I decided to do the same as well. His younger brother, the husband, was flying in from Australia too. So the whole family’s complete. Plus, this was another great opportunity for me to see my friend Olga again.

The last time we went to Hong Kong the year before, we also visited Olga and she toured us around a bit. So we were definitely hitting two birds with one stone with this trip. I was excited to visit Hong Kong for the second time.

At first, Mark and I were in doubt if we could even get a promo fare to Hong Kong. We didn’t mind paying for regular fares but it would be great if we could get the seats for discounted prices. Fortunately, A DAY AFTER we decided to go to Hong Kong, Cebu Pacific launched another promo fare. It wasn’t the infamous PISO FARE but the base fare was low enough for us to get Davao-Manila, Manila-Hong Kong roundtrip tickets for less than Php 10,000 total. Regular fares would have cost us Php 15,000 or even more! Yeay! This trip was really meant for us. Took three days off from work – Thursday, Friday and Monday. Vacation leave – approved! Check!

Wednesday

Our flight to Manila was still in the evening before 10:00 pm. So Mark and I worked the whole day, went to the airport after work and arrived at Manila almost before Midnight. Our flight to Hong Kong the next day was at 5:40 in the morning. We just hung out at the departure area before boarding. Good thing I was able to catch some Zzzssss despite being in a public place. Mark was watching over me and our things anyway. I really didn’t seem to care if people saw me sleeping because others were also doing the same as well.

Spot me sleeping like a baby. Hahaha. Not a single care was given that night.

bye bye, PH

Thursday

Hello Hong Kong! It was a smooth two-hour flight from Manila. I was able to sleep during the flight too. Good thing I brought my eye mask. I can’t sleep when it’s too bright and sunny. Went through immigration smoothly, went to the bag carousel to retrieve our bags.

Then, we went to 7-11 to buy sim cards for this trip. I checked online days before and I found out that I can buy a tourist sim card that only costs HKD 69 – inclusive of unlimited local calls and 1.5GB of internet data. The sim card was just what we needed to contact Olga plus enough internet data for me to viber my family back home. Mark bought an Octopus card at the information counter (it’s on top of a small stairway right before the exit on the left). He paid HKD 150 – HKD 50 as refundable deposit (if the card will be returned) and HKD 100 consumable credits. The octopus card will come in handy for those staying more than three days in Hong Kong and it could be used in the MTR, Buses, Trams, 7-eleven stores, Café de Coral and other establishments. And since we were there for five days, we really needed that. I didn’t buy one because Olga was just going to lend me her sister’s extra Octopus Card.

Photo not mine. Got this on the internet. Mark and I bought the one on the left.

Photo no mine. Got this on the internet as well. This is what an octopus card looks like.

Olga lives in North Point. She instructed us to catch the A11 bus at the airport and the last stop of the bus is actually just a few blocks away from her home. Since I didn’t have the Octopus card on hand yet, I bought a ticket from the counter before boarding the bus. I paid HKD 40 for the ticket. The fare actually depends on the destination. Northpoint was around 45 minutes to an hour’s drive from the airport. We boarded the double decker bus and stayed at the second floor to get a better view of the city during the trip.

off to Northpoint.

Arrived an hour later at Northpoint. Thanks to the sim card we bought, I was able to let Olga know that we were there already. She was still at home when we called her but it didn’t take that long for her to reach the bus station where we stopped. And boy were we in luck too because every Thursday is Olga’s day off from work. Another whole day to spend with her.

Weather was great! We went in March and HK’s weather is cold during this time. Winter just ended and it was the start of spring time there. So I fairly bundled up. That explain why my luggage was heavier compared to my previous trips since cold weather clothing is way heavier than the clothes fit for Philippine weather.

After leaving our things at Olga’s place, we dropped by 7-11 located near her house to top up the Octopus card she lent me. Then our HK adventure day 1 started.

First Stop: Lunch at TIM HO WAN

From Northpoint, we rode the MTR to Central and went to FTC mall where one of TIM HO WAN's restos is located.

My friend, Lizanne, suggested this place. They serve delicious Dimsum food.

Our Orders. Gotta love the pork meat buns.

Chicken Feet. I loved it! *BURP*

Next Stop: Sky Terrace 428 (THE PEAK)

We bought the Sky Terrace tickets for HKD 80 each. That included the Peak Tram ride going to the top and entrance to the Sky Terrace which gives an amazing view of Hong Kong.

More Tourists

View of a part of HK while going up

ME, OLGA and MARK

Breathtaking view of the city on top of the Peak

Olga and I

The Peak Tram. It only has one rail. So it just moves forward and backward. The ride was pretty scary but it was worth it.

Next Stop: TEN THOUSAND BUDDHAS at SHATIN

So from Central, we got on the MTR to Shatin. It was around 20 minutes from Central. After getting off at Shatin, we walked a little further until we reached the sign. Oh and good news. NO ENTRANCE FEE :)

Alight here.

We're here!

Going up! There were a lot of steps. Another long walk.

After going to Ten Thousand Buddhas at Shatin, we went back to Shatin station to catch the MTR going to Tsim Sha Tsui. We decided to have dinner at Paisano's Pizzeria which I read about on the internet that serves BIG SLICES of pizza. We just had to see it for ourselves. Good thing Olga knows the way since she works in that Area.

MENU

See how huge this pizza slice is!

Pizza slices were priced at around HKD 25 to 40 dollars, depending on the flavor. We had three flavors (forgot the exact names though) and they were all good! 

After dinner, we went back to Northpoint, got our things at Olga's apartment and bid farewell to her. We weren't that sad since we were still going to see her the following month in Singapore. (Another throwback post)

From northpoint, Mark and I got on the MTR to Taikoo, where his sister in law lives and waited for the whole family there.

Friday

So the whole family’s in perfect attendance during breakfast. But we had our own itineraries that day. Mark and I decided to pay Macau another visit (just a day tour) as we failed to check out St. Paul Ruins the last time we went there. And I have been craving for Macau’s steamed Milk Pudding for quite some time. I fell in love with that dessert instantly the first time I tried it last year. On the other hand, Mark’s mom dad and sis were going to Disneyland and Mark’s bro and sister in law were staying at home. We agreed to meet up for dinner.

We left the apartment before 10 in the morning. Got on the MTR from Taikoo to Shun Tak Center. Bought a ticket (Cotai Jet) to Macau and left HK 30 minutes later. Fare was HKD 160 one way.

Hello again Macau!

After going through immigration, we got out of the ferry terminal and got in the free shuttle of Venetian Hotel. I love the hotel’s shuttle because some of them have free wifi on board. It’s not really that fast but it’s enough for me to check a few Instagram and Facebook updates.

First on the list, try the GONDOLA :)

Just like in Italy

This is the Gondola Boat

It was a quick 12 minute ride but we loved it.

You know you're in the Venetian Macau Hotel when you see this on top.

Weather in Macau was wayyyy colder than that of Hong Kong. I was wearing layered clothing but that wasn’t enough. I didn’t wear a jacket. I still survived. Hahaha. Learned my lesson. Tsk Tsk.

Ahhh milk pudding. Fell in love with you the first time I tasted you last year. We meet again my love <3

Walked through the busy streets of Senado Square. There are arrows everywhere going to St. Paul Ruins. Mark and I just followed them.

Finally, ticked off my Bucket List :)

After St. Paul Ruins, we stopped by Koi Kei bakery to buy goodies to bring as pasalubong to the Philippines. After buying, we decided to go back to Hong Kong. Mark and I walked around 20 minutes to Grand Lisboa to catch the next shuttle that’s bound for the ferry terminal. This was another ferry terminal as Macau has two ferry terminals just like Hong Kong. It was a quick 6-hour trip to Macau.

We arrived in Hong Kong a few minutes past 6 in the evening. The ferry terminal we arrived in HK was not the one in Shun Tak Center (the one we were used to). We arrived at Tsim Sha Tsui ferry terminal and it took us awhile to find the nearest MTR. We just looked for the red MTR sign. And we were so happy to have found one after walking soooo long.

We got on the train and reached Taikoo. We went back to the apartment to wait for Mark’s mom, dad and sis. When they arrived, we all went out to dinner together to celebrate Papa’s (Mark’s dad) birthday since his birthday was two days before the trip.

We ate at FRITES. It was located a few minutes walk from the apartment. We were surprised to find two Filipinos working there and both of them were BISAYA. The girl(forgot her name) was also from Davao. We had a blast talking to her. They gave us a discount off our total bill. Food was excellent too. Thanks guys!

One of Frites' specialties - THE GOOD WIFE SAUSAGE. Nomnom.

Saturday – Ocean Park

Before heading to Ocean Park, the family and I ate at Passion by Gerard Dubois located at Johnston Road, Wan Chai. I was in desset heaven. :)

OCEAN PARK

Had super fun with the family. This was also the first time Mark and I celebrated our Monthsary out of the country. Normally, Ocean Park Tickets cost more than HKD 300. But since there were 7 of us, we got a group discount. We paid HKD 260 each instead. Ocean Park was a bit far from the city center. After riding a MTR to Admiralty, we rode the bus going to Ocean Park.

We rode a cable car going to Ocean Park since it's located on a mountain.

Finally! That cable car was quite scary. Just not used to it though.

I rode this one. Mine train ride, I think.

SEALS :)

Grab a copy for reference ;)

Dolphin show. It's amazing how Dolphins are really smart and cute too!

Won this burger during one of the games.

BRRRRRRRRRRRR super cold!

Sunday

Family day, Trekking, Stanley Park

The family that exercises together, stays together. Mark’s brother and sister in law love to go on long walks. They showed us where they usually hang out whenever Mark’s brother was in Hong Kong. Ate breakfast at Café de Coral before trekking with the fambam at Quarry Bay.

Love the view

We conquered the Hong Kong Trail :)

After four hours of Trekking, we went to Stanley Park. I love it here. The place looks so European.

We ate at Pizza Express. Checked in at Four Square and we got a free dessert :)

Monday 

Bye HK… Until next time =)

XOXO,

AVI

Photo Credits: Mark Angliongto

Tips:

If you wanna save on Ocean Park tickets, go in groups. You get to save around 20% plus it’s much more fun than going solo.

Always bring your passport with you wherever you go. Just make sure it is kept safe inside your bag. Put it somewhere that is not exposed all the time (e.g a different pouch from your money, make up, etc).

The weather in Ocean Park is quite colder than the city since it is located on higher ground. Best to take a light jacket with you during summer (June to October), and really bundle up during Winter and Spring Months (November to May).

If you’re staying for three days or more, having an Octopus card would really come in handy. Just make sure you don’t leave it at your hotel or where you’re staying. Always check before you leave. (I almost left mine at the apartment. Good thing I remembered it before going reaching the elevator. Whew!)

If you’re not in a hurry, always stay at the right side of the escalator. People rushing tend to walk faster using the left side of the escalator.

Bring a cracker or two if you’re going to go to places like Ocean Park or Macau or wherever so that in case you get hungry, you’ll have something to munch on. Bring a small bottle of water too. I think it’s much cheaper if you buy at 7-eleven stores.

Check the weather before visiting Hong Kong and Macau, or any place for that matter so that you’ll know what clothes to pack for your #ootd. Hahahaha.

Be prepared to take long walks.

Don’t spend half a day in Disneyland and half a day in Oceanpark if you have little time in Hong Kong. You won’t enjoy doing so. Each place requires at least a day to really explore the place. Disney even sells two day passes and annual passes so that’s an indication that even a day is not enough to see the place.

You can cover a lot if you plan your itinerary well. But also consider the time and the people you’re with.