Day 2 Avenue of Stars, Star Ferry, City gate, Victoria Peak

8:00 AM Schedule for today was to go around avenue of the stars to get some day time views of the harbor, go straight to Citygate outlets and meet Av( straight from the airport). Victoria Peak was the spot of choice for the evening.






9:30 AM We had Delifrance again for breakfast as it was along the way going to Avenue of the stars. We discovered that the nearest route from our hotel located at corner Chatham road south and Cameron road would be to pass by Chatham Road South which is a main avenue parallel to Nathan Road, walk inside the MTR East Tsim Tsa Tsui station and look for the SOGO/New World Center Exit. 

TRAVEL TIP: Pass through MTR stations to get from point A to B if your tired and in a hurry. being at the station gives you the feeling that all the tourist spots is just an exit away. The Tsim Tsa Tsui MTR station has 13 exits starting from Cameron road along Nathan Road up to Salisbury road next to the waterfront/ Avenue of Stars. Just be on the look out for signages on the MTR stations as you might be walking towards the wrong exit. Dont worry as the MTR is very tourist friendly signs are everywhere!








10:00 AM Took a lot of pictures at the waterfront to the Star Ferry Pier. Along the way you will pass by the HK Museum of Art, Olympic RIngs, and the Olympic torch.

TRAVEL TIP: Visit the Avenue of stars both day and night. At night you get a stunning view of Victoria harbor plus the spectacular Symphony of lights show downside is its really hard to take a good photo without a tripod and there are lots of tourists at night. During the day you also get the same view minus the lights but you also have all the free space for photo sessions.






11:30 AM It was pretty exciting to ride the Star Ferry although nothing spectacular really about the boat itself but you get to be part of history. As the ferry has been the main mode of transport between the islands since the early 1900's and seeing the Star Ferry in numerous postcards and pictures just makes you want to try it. Plus its also a quick and cheap way to travel to Hong Kong island its HKD 3.00 for a token and the trip was less than 10 minutes. Waiting time was around 5-10 minutes.





12:00 PM We docked at Central which is where IFC building and IFC mall is located. The International Finance Center is the 7th tallest office building in the world! The MTR Hong Kong station is right underneath the IFC mall which makes it very convenient. Aside from the nice looking buildings and the IFC mall there isnt really much to do in this area as it is a Business district.



12:45 PM Arrived at Citygate outlets. Definitely this time all the shops were already open! Since we were to meet Av coming in from Manila at around 3Pm we had at least 2 hours of shopping time. There was a good variety of shops to cater to different preferences: Puma, Adidas, Nike, Quicksilver, A/X, Polo Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Giordano, Esprit, Nautica, Timberland, Rockport, Body Shop, Samsonite, I.T, and Fortress to name a few.

TRAVEL TIP: Dont be disappointed and expect stuff to be dirt cheap at the outlet stores they are still brand names so expect a 50-70% price discount. To give you an idea you USD $150.00 might get u a pair of Adidas sneakers, Jeans, 2 polo shirts, 3 round neck shirts, and a small sports bag.




5:45PM time to head for the PEAK! MTR to Central and exited into a park just beside the HSBC building there were no signs to which way would be the Victoria peak tram so we asked security for directions. You should walk towards the HSBC building there you will see signs pointing to the direction of the tram station. It was an uphill walk past a couple of buildings. You can get to the peak via Bus. taxi, or Tram.



6:30PM there was a short queue for the tram tickets. You could choose between one way/ return tram tickets plus access to the Sky Terrace. Purchased a two way ticket with access for HKD 48.00 



it was a 10minute wait for the tram and off we go! we were standing up so it was a pretty exciting ride plus the fact its pitch black in some areas adds to the excitement! ( you could see in the photo that it the track really is at a 45 degree angle)






7:00 PM At the sky terrace we were rewarded a stunning view! Better bring some winter wear as the wind was very chilly up there.I was so irritated i didnt have a tripod with me it was so difficult taking photos of the view!( I missed my chance on a postcard photo op!) We spent around 20 minutes enjoying the view and experimenting on our cameras different modes!




7:20PM Then we walked around the Peak mall lots of small shops selling interesting accessories, and souvenirs. Our favorite was a Godiva Chocolate shop Ella was already smiling to the ear hahahaha! The sales lady was so nice she let us try different variants never tasted chocolate this good specially their truffles. We didnt buy their boxed chocolates as we didnt know what to expect so we got the ones displayed at the counter. You purchase by gram and we got a hundred grams which is about 6-9 pieces costing around HKD 150.00. ( we were already done but the lady was continuously giving Ella free samples and was happily munching away. Mind you their free sample is not a small chunk of chocolate but its the same size that they sell) Pretty expensive, yes but the fine chocolates just gives you a momentary feeling of heaven. Ella also bought some earrings from the Swarovsky shop.



The line going dowan was so long about 30 minutes! We got on the 3rd or 4th tram! Bad move we should have bought 1 way tickets and just took a cab gong down as there were cabs going around the peak mall. Don know how much cab fare would be but definitely wouldnt be too much of a difference from the tram tickets plus you get to save time!

TRAVEL TIP: If 1 tram ride is for you is enough consider a 1 way tram ticket and take a cab down hill to save on time there can be long lines in the evening. Also better to purchase tickets in advance if possible.

9:00 PM Back at Tsim Tsa Tsui had dinner at a local diner near the hotel. Chicken/ Porkchop rice and soda costs around HKD 35.00. Me and AV headed back to the hotel while Ella walked around for a while along Granville road. 

10:30 PM its time for some shut eye. Tomorrow would be our last day in Hong Kong before we head off to Macau. Ocean Park and Mong Kok would be our destinations for tomorrow.

DAY 1

7:40 am Arrived in Hong Kong rushing to head to City Gate outlet hoping to catch the early worm. We rode the S-1 bus to Citygate outlets cost us HKD3.00 and the trip was less than 7 mins. Citygate is right at the bus terminal and Tung Chung MTR station definitely you wont miss it.

TRAVEL TIP: Please prepare exact change bus drivers do not have change. You pay with the octopus card or exact change which you drop in a bin beside the driver

9:00am The stores were still closed although the entrances are open so you could walk around. Theres also a coffee shop on the top floor but we decided to eat at Delifrance which is right next to the main entrance. The set meal for sausages, omelettes, bread, and coffe/orange juice costs HKD 27.00 

9:45am started walking around the mall but to our DISMAY! only 20% of the stores were open most of the stores open at different times but mostly 1130am and 1230pm. Just made a quick walk around before deciding to head straight to Tsim Tsa Tsui for our hotel

Travel Tip: With the exception of shopping malls most shopping areas in Hong Kong specially Granville Road and Causeway bay open late at around lunch time others around 2pm. Although they close late at around 11-12am.

10:45am Went next door to MTR Tung Chung station tickets to Tsim Tsa Tsui is HKD18.00 the trip was around 40mins 

11:30 am At last! We were in real Hong Kong( lots of people in a hurry, shops everywhere, and numerous neon signs all over) It was a 10 minute walk from the MTR exit to the Park Hotel

Travel Tip: Hotel prices at Tsim Tsa Tsui depends on how near you are to the harbor. Intercon, Marco Polo, and Mandarin hotel has rooms in which you hav a stunning view of Victoria harbor but dont expect the prices to be less than HKD1200/night . Choose a hotel near an MTR exit and located within walking distance of Granville Road, Cameron Road, Nathan Road, Canarvon Road, Park Lane and Miramar shopping Center. 

This is in front of Park Hotel a very convenient location at the corner of Cameron road and Chatham road South. Downstairs you can find a money changer, 7-11, local diners, and Granville road which is full of shops is just a few steps away. very ideal for those with their girlfriends/wives who never gets tired shopping around. MTR station is nearby and taxi to ocean terminal/canton road would cost around HKD15.00 

130PM  MTR to Central was hoping to get to "Li Yuen Street" before the mad crowds arrive. Li Yuen street East and West is so talked about in the net and in some travel maps( ladies shopping and cheap luggage) so we decided to check it out.

We were surpised as we arrived at a small alley with stores on the sides and hawker type stalls at the center( almost missed it as we were expecting more of a closed street with hundreds of stalls). The two ladies standing at the corner are Filipinas offering "gupit" haircut and manicure. I even heard a someone singing her heart out to the tune of Aegis from a 3rd floor window. We were a little bit disappointed as all that was there were some cheap watches, bags, luggage bags, small accessories the only notable store was a costume shop. We also saw a couple of stores selling silk and other fabric. If your looking for these kind of items better go to Mong Kok they have a section for this kind of goods and also sports shoes, electronics, toys and hobbies,and branded botiques.

230pm We were getting hungry due to frustration and also its so past lunch time! Tried Cafe de Coral its a local fastfood chain. Chicken/ Duck set meals cost HKD 22-29.00.

Stay away from the Crispy Sausage as i thought it was something special case it was paired with an Egg tart in the Menu. Its Just plain old sausage!!! never really had the chance to rate the food as we were so hungry at that point and to us everything tasted nice :)

3:00 pm a quick stroll around Queens Road and checked out H&M( downside is winter clothing is already on the racks).  Shops in this area are H&M, Episode, Marks & Spencer, Watch retailers, Bape, Nike, and Bossini. 

Parallel to Queens Road is Stanley Street famous for its Photographic Equipment. Didnt really check out the shops. But to give you an idea they have everything bodies, lenses, filters, tripods, accessories im just not too sure about the pricing, warranty, and service.

Headed back towards MTR station which is located at the hi-end Land Mark Atrium which is the home of a Louis Vuitton store which is almost as big as their store at Canton Road.

5:15 pm arrived at Causeway Bay MTR ride costs HKD7.00 instantly reminds me of the Scene from Tokyo Drift wherein hundreds of commuters were crossing the street in a sea of neon lights. ( tsk tsk wasnt able to take a good pic though) We exited right inside Japanese department store giant SOGO. I was too tired at this point so i decided to just stay at Starbucks while Ella shopped around.( Iced Caramel Machiato small size was about HKD 35.00)

CauseWay Bay stores is more for trendy and street fashion. Ive read somewhere that its similar to Japan shopping districts and the locals mimic Japanese fashion. Three big street fashion centers Island Beverly, Causeway Place, and Fashion walk plus hundreds of stores along the streets. Ella was so mad at this point aside from being dead tired from all the walking shes having a hard time shopping due to the "wierd fashion" and almost all the stores were already selling winter clothing. Next stop would be Nathan road and Kowloon waterfront.

7:20PM MTR station TsimTsa Tsui. we headed towards the farthest exit which will take us to the Avenue of the Stars/Waterfront.We really had no plan to view the Symphony of Lights show but since we had a little time we just wanted to take a peek just so we could gauge how far would it be for our plans tomorrow night. From the MTR exit you have to walk about a 100 meters to New World shopping Center wherein you have to pass through to get to the Avenue of Stars. The view was mesmerizing all those lights and builidngs!!! We were just too exhausted at this point to still walk around and take photos. Ella was so tired but still wanted to have a taste of Mong Kok! we hailed a Cab in which we really were not sure if the driver was taking us for a ride and going the long route.



8:30PM HKD42.00 poorer we arrived at Mong Kok. Arguabley one of the busiest places on earth! People everywhere! Ella took a quick look at Ladies market while i just stayed in a corner and took Photos( i was too tired to walk around!) I saw some really yummy looking dimsum places but Ella found the place too messy...




9:30PM Headed back towards the Hotel.Took the MTR to Tsim tsa Tsui we were so wasted we just decided to take out whatever was available at 7-11 and eat at the hotel room. We got 10pcs. curry fish balls, 2 cup noodles, 1 big sausage, and 2 sodas for around HKD 50.00 pretty expensive for a 7-11 meal.

Phew after a very long day from the airport to Tsim Tsa Tsui, Central, CauseWay Bay, Avenue of Stars, and Mong Kok we already had "cement feet" (feels like your dragging cement blocks in your shoes). Good thing we bought an MTR Tourist one day pass unlimited MTR rides for a 24 hour period for only HKD55.00 which really saved us a lot.

TRAVEL TIP: If you want to go shopping please do your homework as Hong Kong shopping can be very segmented( designer, local designer, and trendy street fashion)

Hong Kong trip 2008

 Finally!...Another vacation to relax( hmmm...) from all the stress. For this trip we avoided the package tours like the plague and decided to plan and book our own itenerary through the net.  We avoided the hassles of spending almost half a day picking up and ferrying tourists to their hotels, going to places you DO not want to go to, and limited or too much time at tourist spots. Since Hong Kong's public transport is excellent and its such a small place( easy to got back and forth from HK island and Kowloon in a day). If your not travelling with your kids or with elderly people I recommend you customize your trip you will be surprised with the number of places you can visit in a day( MTR from Kowloon to HK island is about 15mins)

Since its Ella's first time in Hong kong our main objectives were Ocean Park, shopping and to watch the Macau Grand Prix we decided to spend 3 days in HongKong and 2 days in Macau. It was very challenging as we had only 2 days to go around the various shopping areas( Nathan, Mongkok, Causeway Bay, Citygate factory outlets, Central) and the tourist spots( Victoria peak, Avenue of Stars, Symphony of Lights) as our last day in HK would be left for Ocean Park. 

PR and ELLAS TIPS WHEN VISITING HONG KONG

1. Plan your trip well. With so much to do and places to go to but with very limited time better do your homework. We were very optimistic with our itenerary which resulted in "cement feet" we wanted to cover so much in 2 days!

2. Walk! Walk! Walk! Better be well rested before your trip all those walking, people jostling around, all the sights and sounds can really drain your energy.( We learned it the hard way hehehe)

3. Pick a hotel which is very near an MTR station.

4. Go to Victoria peak around 5pm. So you can catch both day and night views of the Hong Kong Skyline. Watch out for the Tram lines on a bad day it would take you 30 minutes.Consider taking the tram up the peak and by cab when going down should save you time.

5. Ride the Star Ferry. Just for experience plus its a fast and a cheap way( HKD 3.00) of crossing over the harbor.

6. Visit City Gate Outlets located at Tung Chung right next to the airport. Expect all the shops to be open around 11:30am

7. Let your Hotel front desk write down in chinese the places you want to go. just in case your taking a cab better have this handy as we got ripped of twice and we got dropped of a wrong area once which is really far from our destination!

8. MTR One day unlimited tourist pass. Only costs HKD 50.00, one trip from Airport/City Gate Outlets already costs HKD 18.00

9. If you want to save on taxi from the airport to Tsim Tsa Tsui. just take the bus to Tung Chung MTR( HKD 3.00) and MTR to Tsim Tsa Tsui ( HKD 18.00). Taxi fare might be around HKD 250.00- HKD 350.00

10. Please be reminded that taxi cabs charge for EACH PIECE of extra luggage stored in the trunk. Also you have to pay for their tollfees when crossing to the other island.

11. Dont starve yourself! meals in Hong Kong are expensive so dont waste your time looking for cheap food as you wont find any. Average meals at Mcdo, and KFC will range from HKD15.00-30.00, While local diners/dimsum places will cost you HKD22.00-50.00. Fishballs/ Siomao from the street peddlers is around HKD 8.00. Please include in your budget meals in which will cost around HKD30.00 on the average.

12.