The season when scarlets burn the brightest and yellows are aglow, when monotonous trees become glamorous shades of yellow, orange, red and green.
The season when scarlets burn the brightest and yellows are aglow, when monotonous trees become glamorous shades of yellow, orange, red and green.
Home to the world's most majestic skyline- Hong Kong is definitely a tourist destination you'd want to keep coming back to.
Here's a rundown of our trip to Hong Kong last June 2016:
Arrival at the Hong Kong Airport- 12 Midnight
We took the train (Airport Express) going to Kowloon Island, where our hotel was located.
[Note: This is the fastest and most convenient option for traveling from the airport to the city]
Arrival Kowloon Station- 1:00AM
Where towering skyscrapers seem to house the stars...
We initially felt tired and exhausted from the delayed flight but the moment we stepped out of Kowloon Station, awe overpowered the exhaustion. We couldn't wait for the sun to rise and see what the city had to offer.
DAY 1- The Fascinating Megalopolis
First Stop: Kowloon Park
Second Stop: Tsim Sha Tsui
Third Stop: Hong Kong Central
Fourth Stop: The Peak
Last Stop: Mong Kok
First Stop: Kowloon Park
To start off the day right, we went to Kowloon Park- a 13.3 hectare public park perfectly nestled at the center of Tsim Sha Tsui- for some relaxation prior to navigating the concrete jungle.
The park has a lot to offer: you can easily spend half a day unwinding in the midst of the greenery, jogging thru the fitness trail, taking quirky photos at the Avenue of Comic Stars and encountering animals at the Aviary and Bird Lake.
Trivia: There's a swimming pool complex at the park composed of indoor training & Olympic pools capable of hosting major swimming competitions (such as SEA Games). There are also outdoor leisure pools for everyone to enjoy.
Second Stop: Tsim Sha Tsui/ Victoria Harbor
The best spot to take in the world-famous skyline superimposed against a mountainous terrain backdrop...
Fortunately, the weather was cooperative during our visit. Nothing's worse than not being able to capture a clear photo of the skyline due to all the haze- caused by a bad/rainy weather or maybe pollution.
It would be best to schedule your visit during the dry season.
Tip #1: Take your time to appreciate the stunning cityscape in front of you. Capture as many photos as you can because you'd not want to regret not having that picture-perfect memory at the end of your trip.
Tip #2: Patiently wait to capture a photo of the traditional Hong Kong Junk juxtaposed with the skyline-- a stark contrast to Hong Kong's modernity.
Tip #3: Experience that crazy-rich-asian vibe by hopping aboard this Chinese junk (Aqua Luna) at night while enjoying the spectacular Symphony of Lights for approximately Php 1900.
Book thru Klook: https://www.klook.com/invite/I4EW1?c=PHP
How to get from Kowloon Park to Tsim Sha Tsui:
Tsim Sha Tsui is just a short walk from Kowloon Park. No need to ride a train or bus. Plus, you'll get to experience more of the city along the way.
What to see along the way:
The Peninsula Hong Kong
Hong Kong Space Museum
Other Landmarks at Tsim Sha Tsui:
Hong Kong Cultural Center
Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower
Third Stop: Hong Kong Central
Landmarks:
1. The International Finance Center (IFC)
This is the second tallest building in Hong Kong and one the most prominent fixtures in its skyline.
Tip: If you are visiting on a Saturday, make sure to come early. There's a free viewing deck at the 55th floor managed by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority which is open at 10:00AM-1:00PM only. On weekdays, it's open until 6:00PM.
2. The Apple Store at IFC Mall
Yep. It's an Apple nerds' wonderland, not only because of the Apple gadgets it houses but also because of its elegant architecture and the floor-to-ceiling glass that offers unobstructed views of Hong Kong Central.
And that spiral glass staircase is absolutely gorgeous!
3. The HSBC Building
Its structure is made entirely of steel. It was considered as the most expensive building in the world during its completion in 1986.
4. The Bank of China Tower
Many locals believe that this building is giving off bad feng shui.
5. Statue Square, Legislative Council Building
A historical monument in Hong Kong. A colonial piece preserved right at the heart of Central.
6. The Lippo Centre
They say that the facade's design resemble koala bears climbing a tree.
7. Hong Kong Park
You can drop by this park on your way to The Peak. Despite being heavily urbanized, it's great to know that Hong Kong preserves its green public spaces even right at the center of the business district.
Fourth Stop: The Peak
The Peak should always be in any Hong Kong itinerary. This is one of the best spots to see Hong Kong's enthralling charm.
The best way to get there:
Riding the Peak Tram, Hong Kong's century-old funicular, is definitely the best option.
- It's a unique experience
- The steep incline on the way to the top is rather terrifying, but breathtaking as well
1. The Peak Tram
Ticket Price: 45 HKD, two-way (~290 Php)
Ticket Price: 45 HKD, two-way (~290 Php)
Patience is really needed if you choose to ride the Peak Tram. It's a major tourist attraction and lines can get really long especially in the afternoon.
Tip#1: Book your tickets online to save time on queueing at the ticket booth. The best option is booking thru Klook since they have a priority lane. You'd still need to wait, but at least the lines are shorter. The priority lane is only applicable going up. Going down, you'd have to fall in line with the rest of the crowd.
We hopped aboard the Peak Tram and found perfect spot on the right side of the funicular.
Tip#2: Upon the Peak Tram's arrival at the station, people will immediately rush inside. Do your best to be seated on the right side of the tram to get best views of Hong Kong on your way up.
2. Madame Tussaud's
Ticket Price: 240 HKD (~1500 Php)
If you haven't been to any Madame Tussaud's at any part of the globe, I think this is where you should visit one. The wax museum features a wide array of international, Asian, and local celebrities. The crowd is also tolerable; you'd have enough time and privacy to take photos.
Hello, Johnny Depp!
3. Sky Terrace 428
Ticket Price: 77HKD (~500 Php)
Aptly named because it is 428 meters above sea level.
We timed our visit perfectly for us to be able to see the city's beauty as it transitions from day to night.
Hong Kong in Broad Daylight
At dusk
At night
Be warned, Sky Terrace 428 is so touristy, it gets completely jam-packed especially in the evening, right before the Symphony of Lights.
But with the stunning views it offers, it's definitely worth all the hassle.
Tip#3: In visiting any overlooking tourist destination, always come late in the afternoon at around 4:00 or 5:00PM and stay until the evening to witness how the cityscape/landscape around you transforms.
Tip#4: Book all activities at The Peak (Tram, Sky Terrace and Madame Tussaud's) thru Klook for a total price of more or less 1700 Php. Buying the tickets separately at the venue would cost approximately 2300 Php.
Klook: https://www.klook.com/activity/523-peak-tram-3-in-1-combo-ticket-hong-kong/
Last Stop: Mong Kok
The best way to cap off the evening is to visit Mong Kok, Hong Kong's most popular shopping district bustling with a multitude of rabid shoppers especially at night.
Tip#4: Book all activities at The Peak (Tram, Sky Terrace and Madame Tussaud's) thru Klook for a total price of more or less 1700 Php. Buying the tickets separately at the venue would cost approximately 2300 Php.
Klook: https://www.klook.com/activity/523-peak-tram-3-in-1-combo-ticket-hong-kong/
Last Stop: Mong Kok
The best way to cap off the evening is to visit Mong Kok, Hong Kong's most popular shopping district bustling with a multitude of rabid shoppers especially at night.
Fellow Filipinos we met at The Peak who paid for our bus fare going to Mong Kok. Anecdote: When we were already about to ride the bus, the driver demanded that we pay the exact fare, but we only had large bills. Getting immediately impatient, he asked for us to get off, after we had waited for an hour at the very long queue to get a bus ride! Luckily, two kababayans whom we had casual conversations with while waiting in line volunteered to pay for our fare. It was a small act of kindness that we would treasure forever. Kababayans are definitely always there to help no matter where you are.
East Asians really have an obsessive penchant for neon signage.
This is where we bought trinkets and stuff for pasalubong.
And that ended Day 1 of our weekend at Hong Kong.
For our first three days, we've had quite enough of Japan's modernity and historical sites.
On our fourth day, it was time to experience Japan's idyllic countryside.
On our fourth day, it was time to experience Japan's idyllic countryside.
We were in a bit of a 'Disney Dilemma' while planning our itinerary: Tokyo Disneyland or Disney Sea? But upon learning that Tokyo Disney Sea is the only Disney Sea in the world, it became a clear choice.
If you are fond of cityscapes and spectacular city views enjoyed from hundreds of meters aboveground and you know that chances of you returning to Japan is slim, you should include Tokyo Skytree in your itinerary and make it one of your priorities, given that it's a one-of-a-kind experience.
Ueno is the most visited park in Tokyo, especially during Spring when it draws thousands of people for the much-awaited Sakura Season.
Asakusa is one of Tokyo's districts where traces of Old Japan is very much alive.
The most popular tourist attraction in the district is the Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple which was completed in 645. However, the current structure is just a reconstruction. Much like any tourist attraction in Japan, the place is easily accessible via train. It's just a few meters away from the Asakusa Station.
March 21, the day of our visit to the temple, was the spring equinox, a holiday in Japan. Hence, the place was jam-packed with tourists. But perhaps the constant movement and incessant bustle added up to the temple's vibrance. Of course, it would have been better if the place was calm and quiet since the essence of visiting a temple is to find inner peace.
The Nakamise Dori serves as the entryway to the temple. It is bounded by the Kaminarimon Gate, the main entrance to Nakamise Dori, and the Hozomon Gate, the entrance to Sensoji Temple itself.
Prior to visiting the temple and in order to see the tourist attractions with a different perspective and less crowd, we dropped by the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, right across the Kaminarimon Gate.
The building is hard to miss due to its architectural design that stands out in the neighborhood. This is where you should first stop over if you need help with your Tokyo Tour. We didn't avail their tourist guidance since we already had our itinerary planned and we wouldn't stay in Tokyo for too long, plus we had friends around that helped us along the way. The tourist center would be of great help if you plan to spend your entire Japan vacation in Tokyo, or intend to stay in Tokyo for at least a week. The staff can speak English and services are offered for free including going up the building's roof deck, which a lot of travel blogs highly recommend.
Going up the roof deck before heading to the temple was a great decision.
The place was not crowded and the views from the top are spectacular.
On one side is the old neighborhood of Asakusa, with a good bird's eye view of the Senso-ji Temple.
On the other side, is the modern district of Sumida, with a picturesque view of famous architectural wonders: Tokyo Skytree and Asahi Beer Building.
Too bad that the angle was incorrect and I was tall enough to block the golden flame/ "golden turd" of the Asahi Beer Building, which really fascinates me.
After taking enough photos, we didn't stay longer at the tourist center. If your timing is right, you can enjoy a free exhibit in the building and if you have plenty of time to stay in Tokyo, perhaps you should also try the restaurant and cafe in the building.
Finally, we went on and explored the temple after being previously discouraged by the huge crowd.
It's hard to take a good photo at the Kaminarimon Gate since this is where tourists flock and take selfies and groupfies. But it's a famous landmark, so you should take a photo no matter what.
Going along with the crowd, it felt like we were marching towards something important.
The Nakamise Dori is not just a street leading to the Sensoji Temple. The place itself is a historical landmark. It is one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan. Lined with stores on both sides, it is a great venue for buying authentic Japanese souvenirs.
Since we planned to go shopping on our last day of stay in Japan, we didn't drop by the stalls. Looking back, I regret not buying anything.
According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the place is also quite an attraction at night when the stores finally close down their canvas shutters. Each canvas is painted according to the season.
If you have plenty of time, you should also consider dropping by at night.
The main hall and the Nakamise Dori are the main attractions but actually there's a lot more to explore in Sensoji.
Sensoji is not just limited to these areas. It is actually a complex comprised of multiple halls, wide open spaces, shrines and a five-storied pagoda, which is a marvelous work of art.
It's worth the time to spend half a day at Sensoji in a slow-paced manner and just appreciate Japanese culture and architecture.
More photos of our day in Tokyo here.
More photos of our day in Tokyo here.
A trip to Japan is a trip to an architectural/engineering and cultural haven. The country preserves its cultural heritage as much as it builds its modern environment. And it does both ambitiously- from rebuilding damaged heritage sites based on the original appearance and materials to constructing tall and aesthetically superior skyscrapers in an earthquake-prone region. What else could be a perfect place for the old and new aside from Tokyo? It's an architect's/engineer's paradise, where the juxtaposition of traditional and modern is at its finest.
This got me even more excited for our trip to Tokyo.
We arrived in Tokyo at 5:30 AM (after almost 6 hours of travel time). I immediately opened the window shades and gaped in awe at the beauty of Tokyo in early morning light.
Luckily for us, the overnight bus station is located near the business districts of Ginza and Marunouchi, places which were not included in our itinerary, but we serendipitously had to stop over.
The bus station is located right behind the Tokyo International Forum.
We had to walk from the bus stop to the nearest train station. Our hotel's check-in time was still at 2:00 PM, so while we were still in the Philippines, Luvley already contacted her former officemates and asked if we could leave our things and take a bath at their apartment before going around Tokyo.
We were in a bit of a hurry to meet them but we couldn't help but take tons of photos along the way. It was an opportunity that we just couldn't miss, especially since our vacation was limited. In that moment, everything in our path seemed to be picture-worthy. Even the stark cleanliness was worth documenting.
Upon research, I discovered that the buildings and areas we passed by are actually some of Japan's most loved landmarks.
This is the Tokyo Station. It is a red brick building which originally opened in 1914 but was extensively damaged during the World War II. The structure was renovated in 2012 based on the original design and specifications of Japanese Architect Kingo Tatsuno.
This is the Tokyo Station. It is a red brick building which originally opened in 1914 but was extensively damaged during the World War II. The structure was renovated in 2012 based on the original design and specifications of Japanese Architect Kingo Tatsuno.
This is not just a major transportation hub but also a historical site and prominent landmark in Tokyo.
This park in front of the Tokyo Station leads to the Imperial Palace. If only we had more time, we could have visited the palace and perhaps spotted the emperor and empress of Japan.
The imposing steel and glass structure in the background is known as the Glass Hall of the Tokyo International Forum.
Its appearance, which resembles a hull, was designed by New York Architect Rafael Viñoly. With just two columns supporting the massive steel truss system and glass roof, the building is an architectural and engineering feat.
It was indeed one hell of a photo walk. The Marunouchi District itself is a sight to behold.
Later in the day, we visited Asakusa, Ueno, Tokyo Skytree, and Shibuya
More photos of our arrival at Tokyo here.
After the fun photowalking, we arrived at Otemachi Station, the station and train line identified by Google Maps as the shortest route going to Monzen-Nakacho, where we will meet Luvley's former officemates. Since we planned to go around the city, we bought Pasmo cards. Pasmo is a stored-value card which is accepted by almost all train lines in Tokyo. It's very convenient, especially for tourists since you won't have to keep buying single journey tickets. Plus, it also greatly reduces your use of the train ticket vending machines which can be confusing at times, particularly when you have to transfer from one train line to another.
Finally we arrived at our destination. We were greeted by Luvley's former officemates, Sir Eric and GV, at the exit of Monzen-Nakacho station.
We had to walk from the station to their apartment and it was a different neighborhood all together. In contrast to Marunouchi and Ginza, it was a residential area sprawled with mid-rise buildings with narrow frontage (which is quite typical for residential buildings in Japan due to high cost of real estate).
Incidentally, we saw a temple nestled in the quiet neighborhood. And yes, it was another photo opportunity.
Maybe it's true that you'll always find a temple within your neighborhood in Japan.
Upon arrival at their apartment building, I immediately noticed the needle-like tip of Tokyo Skytree. I got chills seeing it from a distance yet knowing that somehow it was within my reach. Visiting Tokyo Skytree was included in our itinerary and it's a place I've really been wanting to see.
Thank you Sir Eric and Sir GV for the accommodation and even preparing breakfast for us, despite the inconvenience we might have caused by waking you up early in the morning and disrupting your silent sanctuary.
It was a perfect start to a perfect day!
Later in the day, we visited Asakusa, Ueno, Tokyo Skytree, and Shibuya
More photos of our arrival at Tokyo here.
