Discover Hong Kong: Spectacular Attractions

Start Reading here:

Part 1: Discover Hong Kong: Getting Around

Part 2: Discover Hong Kong: Street-side Shopping and Dining

You are reading Part 3 of my HK entry.

*Prices were posted to give you some ideas on how much to budget for an HK trip.

*More photos in this post

Must-See Attractions

At dusk, and if you are staying somewhere in Mongkok, take the MTR which travels from Mongkok to Yau Ma Tei (Yes, I tried to familiarize myself with the route, LOL). Go down and transfer a train that heads to Jordan, going to Tsim Sha Tsui and to Admiralty. From there you can take a cab to Hong Kong Space Museum (free admission on Wednesdays). Nearby is the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront, where you can view Hong Kong Island. A few steps away is the Avenue of the Stars.

Ocean Park

Going to Ocean Park is not that confusing. When you get to Admiralty Station, take the City Bus with Route 629. Use your Octopus Card when getting on the bus. You can also buy Ocean Park Tickets at a booth beside the bus station. Tickets are at HK$250  per adult (about Php1,600) and HK$125 for children ages 3-12; under 3 years old is free. Luckily, that day the weather was going along with us – no glaring sun, so I wasn’t worried about getting baked under the sun while enjoying the rides.

The Raging River ride is awesome and the vertical drop may get you wet. I wish they gave free shirts after that Don’t miss these exciting rides: Space wheel, Mine Train, Ocean Express,  and the Cable car. The park also has an aviary, flamingo pond, Panda Habitat, gator marsh and an ocean theatre where you get to see dolphins and seals perform.

Hong Kong Disneyland

At the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, expect the front desk and concierge to greet you “Have a magical day!” The Victorian-styled hotel is the best so far. The guest room is spacious and detailed to perfection (See room rates here).

From the hotel we took the free bus ride to the park. We had lunch at one of the restaurants in Main street and since it was Halloween, the food was, err- spookylicious:

Dubbed as the smallest Disney-themed park in the world, it didn’t take us that long to go around the 4 parks. We got unlimited park tickets good for 2 days which would cost HK$350 per adult. The glow-in-the-dark parade was fun and the fireworks display took my breath away! As magical as it is, all the pending work and deadlines looming over my head suddenly disappeared, lol.

My favorite activity was shopping although I must tell you, the prices were crazy. I got Goofy and Mickey for HK$195 each (about Php1,250), Chip and Dale fridge magnets for HK$95 each, a few pens for HK$35 each (Php220 for a pen, ack!), a Jack Skellington Rubik’s cube for HK$60, a pair of mickey gloves for HK$100, a few cookie canisters for $55-60 each, A Minnie bubblehead for $40, and a set of cups for HK$95. The shopping craze didn’t end there.

Our flight back to Manila was not until 7 in the evening. So after checking out at 11, we left our luggage at the concierge and took the bus to Disney’s Hollywood Hotel. We had lunch at Chef Mickey’s. At HK$198 (Php1,250) per adult, buffet lunch was good! La cena era deliziosa! – well, the photos below spell it all!

Before leaving the hotel, we stopped at the gift shoppe to buy key chains, magic towels, bracelets, stuff toys, notebooks, and drawing kit for Migui and some pasalubong for our nieces and nephews. Shopping for them is just as nice as shopping for myself. I felt like a kid again carrying a load of goodies in my basket.

A vacation in Hong Kong is kinda pricey if you do not set a budget. Get those tour packages on sale. You can either contact your travel agent or purchase online. Nowadays, most travel agencies have their own websites making it easy for you to compare prices from one package to another. Try searching at Multiply for local travel agencies. If you do not wish to join tours and discover Hong Kong by yourself, expect to spend a bit more – especially on taxi cabs. Although I strongly suggest you take the MTR to cut down on fares. Read hotel reviews online to help you find the right hotel. Ask if they have special promos or ‘long-stay’ packages. If booking online, they will normally ask you for your credit card to guarantee the booking. However, if you want to cancel your reservation, do it at least 3-4 days before the check in date or they will charge you with an overnight accommodation.

More tips:

• A small bottle of water, which sells here at Php10, cost about HK$7 (Php45) at 7-Eleven. Before going back to your hotel from a day of shopping or tour, buy 2 gallons of water instead of those medium-sized bottles. Mineral water at the hotel can cost HK$45 (Php300) a bottle.
• Bring a large bottle of Hand-sanitizer and wet wipes.
• Take your passport with you every time you leave the hotel.
• When you check your atm balance or make a withdrawal, currency will be in HK Dollars. Try atm machines at the MTR station.
• Baggage allowance is up to 20 kilos per passenger.
• Lastly, have a great time!