It was my first time to ride on a plane let alone go out of the country in my whole 21 and a half years (then) in life, so of course, I was so excited and scared at the same time. Excited, to go abroad, to explore another country and see what it has to offer. My first ever out of the country was in Hong Kong--of course because of Disneyland. :)
Back when my boyfriend booked this (a year and a month before our travel dates), I was still a bum and living under my parents' roof so I was more pressured to find a job. Thank God though, a few months after, I had a job! So the pressure to save was the stress. It was a four-day stay in Hong Kong and our goal was to visit these places:
- Hong Kong Disneyland
- Hong Kong Ocean Park
- Avenue of the Stars
- The Peak Tramway and Historical Gallery
- Madam Tussauds (Wax Museum)
- Sky 360
- Ngong Ping Cable Car (But we did not make it here because it was raining hard :( )
- Ladies'/Night market
- Gadget shops that sell PS4 (release date in HK is December 17, soooo)
But on the day before our flight, we did not expect the rainy weather in Hong Kong. There was a possibility of rain, but we did not expect it to be really rainy! So we were a little bit underdressed; the clothes we packed were not enough for winter season AND the heavy rain that welcomed us.
DAY 1: (In pictures)
Arrival at Hong Kong International Airport (Tip: Buy the Octopus card upon arriving at Hong Kong International Airport because you can use this to pay in the MTR and buses, as well as taxis)
En route to Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui via the MTR.
Nathan Road and Tsim Sha Tsui on a very rainy and cold weather!
The Peak: Tramway and Historical Gallery.
Madam Tussauds (Wax Museum) featuring wax figures of Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Lady Gaga, Johnny Depp, Queen Elizabeth, William Shakespeare, Albert Einstein, Ironman, Hulk, Madonna, Jackie Chan, Audrey Hepburn, Nicole Kidman and Asian artists.
Sky 360 features a 360 view of Hong Kong; but unfortunately, since it was indeed raining really hard, we only got a 360 degrees, fog-full view of the Hong Kong skyline. It was really cold I'm telling you! The temperature that day was 10-15 degrees--which is half of the Philippines' average temperature.
What I learned from my first day traveling abroad, and in Hong Kong:
- At least a day or two before your flight, research the country's climate--when are the wet and dry; hot and cold season so you'll know what clothes to bring.
- Do not forget to pack light and wisely.
- Wear something comfortable. It's a plus if you can show off your fashion, but then again at the end of the day, comfort is still the best way to prioritize. You can look good and still be comfortable at the same time anyway.
- Arrive at least 1-2 hours before your flight at the airport. Do not be late. It's a hassle!
- Always go for the web check-in if possible. Less hassle and convenient.
- Be prepared to walk. Like in Hong Kong, the people there mostly walk, so yeah. Comfortability is still the issue here.
- Screenshot or download the map of the country you're visiting.
- Have a translator app.
- If you'll visit Hong Kong, do buy their Octopus card. It's more convenient, plus easy to use.
- In Hong Kong, the left lane in the escalators is for people who are in a rush. So if you are not in a hurry, step to your left and give way to the locals in rush.
- Make a schedule and follow it.
- Take pictures. Lots of pictures. So bring extra memory cards, as well as power banks!
- But also, do not forget to enjoy and live in the moment. Have fun! :)
Note: This is a DIY trip, meaning we did not book through a travel agency. All we did was to book a flight (Piso/Promo fare!) and research online about the places to visit and hotel to go for.
Click here for my review of the hotel we stayed in. It was the New Yiu Fai Guesthouse, which is just very near the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station. They also offer discounted prices for Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, and other attractions as well. :)
Click here for my review of the hotel we stayed in. It was the New Yiu Fai Guesthouse, which is just very near the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station. They also offer discounted prices for Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, and other attractions as well. :)
Click here for the continuation of our 4 Days in Hong Kong:
