Hong Kong Itinerary: Exploring the Megalopolis

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.

1. It's a unique experience 
2. 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)

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.

Klook: https://www.klook.com/activity/523-peak-tram-3-in-1-combo-ticket-hong-kong/

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.

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.