The vibrant Victoria Harbour of Hongkong
Hongkong is a vibrant, densely populated Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, famous for its stunning skyline where East meets West, blending British colonial history with Chinese culture, creating a unique cosmopolitan hub known for world-class shopping, diverse cuisine, and a bustling economy built on free markets and finance. It features a mix of towering skyscrapers, lush countryside (with 40% preserved as country parks), and Victoria Harbour, while maintaining its own legal, economic, and cultural systems distinct from mainland China.
February 1, 2025
While on board with my Cebu Pacific flight from Manila to Hongkong
This trip is a part of my February 1 - 6, 2025 Hongkong-Jeju Island (South Korea)-Hongkong-Macau trip. This was intended for four climbs, two of which are in Hongkong and two are in South Korea. This was availed from the services of Jonah Chavez Ranchez.
Arrival at Hongkong International Airport
I woke up as early as 2:00 A.M. where I stayed in Pasay near OWWA with my friend, Rome Frias. I booked for a Grab car to NAIA Terminal III for P200 and arrived at the airport 3:24 A.M. just timely to have my breakfast at the airport's Kenny Rogers for P721.43. I also paid P1,620 for the travel tax. My Cebu Pacific Flight 5J 110 left NAIA Terminal III at 7:25 A.M. and arrived in Hongkong International Airport at 9:45 A.M. with a total air travel duration of 2 hours and 20 minutes. In this flight I was with Nel OpolentoNel Opolento, a climbing buddy in my Mount Fuji (Japan), Yushan (Taiwan) and Mount Kinabalu (Malaysia).
While at Hongkong International Airport
Nel and I waited for his friend, a Filipina working in Hongkong for we will climb Tai Mo Shan. While at the airport I had exchanged my P10,000 cash to Hongkong Dollars for 1,023 at a currency rate of P0.10230. I bought Octopus Transport Card for P1,184.35 or HKD 121.
Hongkong International Airport
From the airport I also bought local internet data for HKD 88 or P860.21. Just from the airport I already spent HDK 209 or P2,044.56.
Fresh flowers at the airport
It was not boring to stay at the airport. The airport is far more clean, orderly and spacious compared to NAIA Terminal III. Comforts room are so clean and from the airport you can already buy the transport card and internet load.
Citygate Outlets Mall
From the Airport bus terminal, we took S1 Bus heading to Citygate Outlets Mall for HKD 10.20 or P99.71. There were two quick stops since it was very close to the airport. The point where the bus stopped was Tung Chung MRT Station, the main destination for shoppers which is right at the gate of Citygate Outlets Mall.
My lunch meal at the Food Opera in Citygate Outlets Mall for HKD 65
It was at the mall, that we met Nel's friend. Prior to that we deposited our luggage at the rented lockers at the basement of the mall. For a big luggage, was charged with HKD 40 at 10:55 AM. But when I retrieved it at 6:32 P.M. after our Tao Mo Shan climb, I had additional of HKD140 which made my locker rental to a total of HKD 180 or P1,75953. Compared to Japan's locker rentals, 600 yen is fixed for one day or P225.
My initial charge for the locker was HKD40
I learned that for larger luggage the charge is HKD 40 for every 2 hours for the first 6 hours, each 2 hours is charged for HKD20, but the rate will increase as soon as it is beyond 6 hours, thus, I was charged for a total of HKD 180. But that was okey, at least I was not carrying my luggage when I climbed Tai Mo Shan.
Enjoying lunch at Food Opera Court with Nel and his friend, Paula
After our lunch, we bought trail food and water at the mall's supermarket where I paid HKD 49.50 or P483.87. So expensive for a snack item and 1 liter bottled water.
Boarding a train going to Nina Tower Bus Terminal
The stations were from Tung Chung Station, then it passed thru Sunny Bay station - Disneyland Resort Line, Tsing Yi Station-Airport Express and Lai King Station. Then, we transferred to Tsuen Wan Line starting from Tuen Mun Station (Light Rail/West Rail) to Mei Foo Station (approximately 10-11 stops). Then, change at Mei Foo to the Tsuen Wan Line (red line). From Mei Foo Station to Tsuen Wan Station are 2 stops. Nina Tower Bus terminal is a short walk from Tsuen Wan Station. This trip costs HKD20.40 or P199.41.
Nina Tower Bus Terminal
From the Nina Tower Bus Terminal, we boarded a Bus 51 to Tai Mo Shan Country Park for HKD10.20 or P99.71. The interval of bus trips is 15-30 minutes during peak daytime on weekends/holidays, but much sparser (40-60 minutes) on weekday mornings/evenings.
The Tai Mo Shan Country Park bus stop
From this bus stop, we walked to the Tai Mo Shan Country Park entrance and started our trek for our Tai Mo Shan climb. We paid no registration or entrance fee for the climb. Guides are not required since the road going to the summit is just one, no branching out of trails. We were back at this point after the climb at 4:56 P.M. We had the same route going back to Citygate Outlets mall and spent a total of HKD30.60 or P299.12.
Retrieved our luggage at the Citygate Outlet Mall
Dinner at Cafe de Coral in Citygate Outlet Mall
I paid HKD56 or P547.41 for my dinner and a share in the treat for Paula for HKD30 or P293.26. From the Citygate Outlet Mall, we boarded the S1 Bus heading back to Hongkong International Airport for HKD10.20 or P99.70.
Arrived back at Hongkong International Airport at 8:40 P.M.
At the airport, we met all other joiners for the Jeju Island trip. Our main objective is to climb Mount Hallasan, the highest mountain in South Korea with an elevation of 1,950 meters (6,400 feet) and considered a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Relaxing at Hongkong International Airport
We really have to stay at the airport since our Hongkong Express Flight No. U0676 for Jeju Island of South Korea is at 2:45 A.M. of February 2, 2025 already. So, let's compute how much I spent in my Day 1 in Hongkong for the whole day of stay - it was HKD485.10 or P4,741.95 plus my expenses in the Philippines prior to my departure of P2,541.43 summing up to total amount of P7,283.38.
While at the boarding gate for our Hongkong Express flight for Jeju Island
As early as 11:45 P.M., our group was already at the boarding gate for our Hongkong Express Flight No. UO676 at 2:45 A.M. It was such a long wait but too much excitement kept us awake of our Jeju Island trip.
February 4, 2025
Our February 2-3, 2025 was a Jeju Island trip of South Korea and early in the morning of February 4, 2025, we flew back to Hongkong for a Day Tour and lastly to Macau.
We left Jeju International Airport at 7:55 AM. boarding Hongkong Express Flight No. UO677 and arrived at Hongkong International Airport at 10:20 A.M. for 2 hours and 25 minutes air travel.
While at Jeju International Airport, I bought a ham sandwich for 8,500 won or P346.87 or US$5.89 and bottled water for 1,500 won or P61.21 or US$1.04 which means that my Korean ham breakfast costs 10,000 Won or P408 or US$6.93.
Hongkong International Airport at 10:20 A.M.
I got hungry when we arrived at Hongkong International Airport since it was already 10:20 A.M. and so, I had a very quicky breakfast the airport's 7-11 store for HKD22.50 or P219.94.
So entertained with these fresh flowers
From Hongkong International Airport, we boarded a bus going to our hotel in Kowloon for HKD34.60 or P338.22 for a distance of around 32 kilometers for around 45 minutes drive.
On our way from the airport to Kowloon
A very long bridge from the airport going to Kowloon
Checked in at Delta Hotel in Kowloon
Delta Hotel also known as Delta Lounge is located in Chungking Mansion, at 36-44 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hongkong, right in the bustling heart of the city, near the Tsim Sha Tsui MRT Station, Kowloon Park, and Victoria Harbour, offering a central spot for exploring. The small room was shared by me and my good friend, Chris Palacio, my international travel buddy and each shared HKD 181 or P1,69.30. In our window, Victoria Harbour can be seen but by the time we check-in, the sun directly hit our window and so we closed it.
This restaurant is just at the back our our hotel accommodation and they really serve fast. I like their service. Unfortunately, they do not serve drinking water and so I need to buy it from a nearby 7-11 store.
My lunch of Beef Brisket in raw sauce with rice
My ordered meal above costs HKD65 or P635.39 and bottled water of HKD12.50 or P122.19, so my lunch costs HKD77.50 or P757.58. Generally in Japan I can buy a lunch meal of 700 yen or P263 or US$4.46. I can get drinking water from my hotel in Japan, but no water provision in Hongkong.
Since I left my toothbrush kit in Jeju Island, I bought Colgate toothpaste and toothbrush at 7-11 for HKD39 or P381.23. I also bought a Milk Bar Bun for HKD13 or P127.08 and a Raisin Bun for HKD14 or P136.85, to be sure that I have snacks with me when we tour around. It is very expensive to buy snack items especially near the train stations.
All the three pictures above are just across our hotel accommodation
At 2:48 P.M., we decided to move around the city. Our hotel accommodation is very accessible since it is located at the center of Hongkong. Food, tours, shopping and even viewing Victoria Harbour is just 2 blocks away.
The Hongkong MTR System Guide for your guide
Moving around Hongkong is not as complicated as it is in Tokyo and Seoul. Its train system is not as complicated as Tokyo and Seoul. It is even more simple compared to the train system of Fukuoka in Japan.
A group photo while boarding the train
While on board the train from Tsim Tsa Tsui to Sunny Bay Station
Sunny Bay Station, is where we have to reach so we can access Hongkong Disneyland and the whole route costs HKD22.20 or P217. When we transferred from Tsuen Wan Line to Disneyland Resort Line, it was only our group left at the coach. Thus, we took turns with the background of the Mickey Mouse. Sunny Bay Station is actually a key interchange for two MTR Lines, namely: Tung Chung Line and Disneyland Resort Line.
Solo pic at the train while boarding
I took a lot of pictures and videos while at Disneyland which I will share it to my family and friends and maybe a future reference when my family and I will visit the place.
Hongkong Disneyland Resort covers about 310 acres (126 hectares) on Lantau Island, including the theme park and hotels, while the park itself is smaller, around 68 acres (27.5 hectares) for the initial area, with expansions ongoing to increase capacity and attractions. We just stayed for an hour at Disneyland and left for another destination.
Arriving at Diamond Hill MTR Station
From Sunny Bay Station, we took the Tung Chung Line heading to Nam Cheong and transfer train to Tuen Ma Line heading to Diamond Hill and the train fare costs another HKD 22.20 or P217. Diamond Hill Station is a major interchange for the Kwun Tong Line and the Tuen Ma Line, located in the Wong Tai Sin District and integrated with the Plaza Hollywood shopping mall.
Heading near Plaza Hollywood Shopping Mall
We arrived at Diamond Hill MRT Station at 5:20 P.M. and we had a long walk from there going to our destination, the beautiful and culturally-rich Nan Lian Garden. It has no entrance fee.
Temples at Nan Lian Garden
The Nan Lian Garden is a Chinese classical garden along Fung Tak Road in Diamond Hill with an area of 3.5 hectares which is designed in Tang dynasty style with hills, water features, trees, rocks, and wooden structures. Rather than describe how this garden looks like, I will just show some pictures of it.
Since, moving around is so tiring and in most cases, I can smell the food near the train stations, I had took snacks twice at a total amount of HKD35 or P342.13. We left Nan Lian Garden at 6:25 P.M. and took train from the Diamond Hill Station to Tsa Tsui Station along Tuen Ma Line for 7 train stations: Diamond Hill, Kai Tak, Sung Wong Toi, To Kwa Wan, Ho Man Tin, Hung Hom, and finally Tsim Sha Tsui for HKD9.20 or P89.93.
Viewing Victoria Harbour at the background
Upon arrival in our hotel, I rested and our group took dinner at Samki Noodles House and again, I ordered for Beef Brisket with raw sauce with rice for HKD65 or P635.39. After that, we all scampered for our own agenda. Chris, being in Hongkong for a number of times, accompanied me to the harbour view at around 8:30 P.M.
Victoria Harbour at night
The Galleon cruise at night. No! We did not try this.
It was a perfect cool evening. No rain.
Chris never got tired taking me pics
Such a magical scenery
Walking back to our hotel accommodation three blocks away
By the way, upon returning to the hotel, we pass thru a McDonald's outlet, I bought two sundae for HKD12 each or a total of HKD24 or P234.60.
This city never sleeps
Chris and I returned to our hotel accommodation at around 9:30 P.M. and fixed our things for the following day's climb at Suicide Cliff. I was suppose to capture view of Victoria Harbour, but my camera is not so high tech to capture the best view at night time. Chris and I were slept at around 11:30 P.M. sharing all those memories and pictures we've hot since February 1 up to this 4th day of February coming from Jeju Island of South Korea.
Let's summarize my expenses for the day. I spent 10,000 won or P408 or US$6.93 early in the morning at Jeju International Airport and for my whole day expenses in Hongkong amounts to HKD573.70 or P5,601.17. So for the whole day, I spent P6,009.17 or US102.05.
February 5, 2025
Our Suicide Cliff climb was done in the morning. Suicide Cliff is a part of the Kowloon Peak located in Clear Water Bay for an elevation of 470 MASL (1,540 feet).
Here is the Step-by-Step Directions if the origin is from Tsim Sha Tsui:
1. Go to Choi Hung MTR Station:
a. From Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station, take the Tsuen Wan Line (red line) to Prince Edward
station.
b. At Prince Edward Station, interchange to the Kwun Tong Line (green line) and travel
to Choi Hung Station.
2. Take a Minibus to the Trailhead Area
a. Take Exit C1 at Choi Hung Station.
b. From the minibus station, take minibus 1A (towards Sai Kung) or 11 (towards Hang Hau)
c. Alight at the Good Hope School stop on Clear Water Bay Road
3. Walk to the Trail Start Point
a. From the bus stop, continue walking uphill along Clear Water Bay Road for about
10 minutes.
b. When you reach a traffic light/junction, turn left onto Fei Ngho Shan Road
c. Walk along Fei Ngo Shan Road for a few minutes. Look for a smaller road or path on
your left (it's a semi-private road near a residential house).
d. The exact starting point is discreet, so keep an eye out for ribbons or markers tied to
bushes on your right, which indicate the start of the hiking trail to Kowloon Peak.
4. Hike to Suicide Cliff
a. The trail is a steep ascent and can be challenging, with rocky sections and exposed
areas.
b. Follow the trail up to Kowloon Peak. From the peak, follow the ridge to the right to reach
Suicide Cliff.
c. The hike takes approximately 3.5 - 4 hours round trip, depending on pace and photo
stops.
While at Suicide Cliff ledge
From Tsim Shai Tsui to Prince Edward Station of Tsuen Wan Line (red line) are just five train stations (Tsim Shai Tsui, Jordan, Yau Ma Tei, Mong Kong and Prince Edward), then transfer to Kwun Tong Line (green line) for 6 train stops: Shek Kip Mei, Kowloon Tong, Lok Fu, Wong Tai Sin, Diamond Hill and stop at Choi Hung Station and this costs HKD22.20 or P217. On the other hand, mini-bus trip from Choi Hung Station to Good Hope School stop is HKD10 or P80.15. (see Suicide Cliff climb for detailed post)
For my breakfast and trail food and bottled water, I spent HKD41.50 or P405.67, of which my trail food are 3 big pieces of banana at HKD16 or P156.40.
Our train ride heading to Tung Chung Station
Tung Chung Station at Citygate Outlets Mall
After we reached the jump-off point of Suicide Cliff, we walked to Good Hope School to take a mini-bus going to Choi Hung Station of Kwun Tung Line (green line) for 9 stops, then at Ho Man Tin, transfer to Tuen Ma Line (brown line) for 4 stops at Nam Cheong, transfer to Tung Chung Line (orange line) for 4 stops which is already at the Tung Chung Station for HKD28 or P273.70.
While at the Citygate Outlet Mall, I was enticed to buy the three cakes and pastries
This costs HKD160 or P1,564.02, thus, I did not buy this now how much I salivated
The center one costs HKD299 or P2,922.78, thus, I just turned my back away
I opted to buy this instead at HKD29 or P283.48. Delicioso!
The cable car is just near Tung Chung Station and the Citygate Outlets Mall. We paid HKD153.45 or P1,500 for the round trip cable car Ngong Ping Village. If the floor of the cable car is simply metal, it is P1,500, but if it is glass, then it is HKD306.90 or P3,000.
We have been launched at the cable car at 12:35 Noon. Each cable car accommodates six passengers. Since, were last three in our group we have been accommodated with three other passengers of Taiwanese nationality, a family of three. They were also busy taking videos and pictures. Both our groups did not sit down, we have been standing.
Our cable ride as we went higher
We had touched down at Ngong Ping Cable Car Station at 1:18 P.M. It was such a festive place. So many restaurants, souvenir shops, food stalls and some cultural activities. The village actually sits on a plateau at an elevation of approximately 400 to 460 meters (about 1,300 to 1,500 feet) above sea level, a relatively high, flat area on Lantau Island.
Just one of the attractions Ngong Ping Village
We paid no entrance to Ngong Ping Village. The place offers a mix of casual eateries and snack spots, with famous options including vegetarian Buddhist cuisine at Po Lin Monastery's restaurant, traditional Hongkong snacks like tofu pudding and tea at stalls like Zhang Ji Lu Tian Cha Zuo, and international choices like Ebeneezer's Kebabs and Da Dolce Gelato, though many popular dining places are in nearby Tung Chung, like Paradise or Mint & Basil, for a wider variety.
The 268 steps to reach the base of the Tian Tan Buddha
The Tian Tan Buddha or Big Buddha is a massive bronze statue symbolizing peace, prosperity, and the link between humanity and nature, featuring 202 bronze pieces, a 34-meter height, which houses museum halls near the Po Lin Monastery.
Our group never regroup on top of the Big Buddha. We did our own touring around the place. I climbed at 1:50 P.M. and was back at the base at 2:37 P.M. Honestly, while at Ngong Ping Village I never felt hungry. I felt so different while touring around.
We boarded again the cable car at 3:10 P.M. on its Ngong Pong launching platform and touched down on its Tung Chung launching platform at 3:35 P.M. for a total of 25 minute-ride of 5.7-kilometer journey.
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