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Hong Kong on a budget: A 'Biyahe ni Drew' itinerary


Want a quick trip outside the country? Hong Kong is the place to be.


No visa needed here, just an open mind and a taste for adventure. An empty stomach ready to be filled up with delectable dim sum helps, too.


How to get there

“The best thing about Hong Kong,” said Drew, “is that it’s just 1-1/2 hour away by plane.” To save on transportation costs, we booked our flights with budget airline Cebu Pacific Air. To save ourselves from hassle, we decided to fly from the Clark International Airport. It’s less crowded!


Take their airport express to the city instead of a taxi. It will just just you HKD100 (P500), while a taxi will cost you thrice that amount.


Quick Facts

East meets West in Hong Kong! The Chinese territory was colonized by the British for 165 years and is divided into three districts: Kowloon, Hong Kong Island and New Territories.


Where to stay

In tourist-friendly Hong Kong, hostels go for HKD400 to HKD700 a night (P2,240 to P3,920). But

for a more comfortable stay, you can choose to splurge on a boutique hotel like L’hotel Elan, which will set you back HKD700 to P2,000 (P3,716 to P10,618) a night.


A standard room at L’hotel Elan comes with a flat-screen TV, a king-sized bed and an iPad for room use only. This iPad is hooked up to cable television and can even be used to order room service and for express checkout.


“The design itself is pretty modern. Parang sauna feel ‘yung bathroom,” commented Drew as he went through the room. The bedroom is separated from the bathroom by a magic glass divider that can instantly become opaque with a touch of a button. When he saw the extra-large sink, Drew couldn’t help but crack a joke: “Pwede akong magpaligo ng bata rito.”


How to get around


Hong Kong’s public transportation is efficient and affordable. Here are the usual fares for their tram, bus, and MRT systems:


Tram HKD2.30 (P12) per trip

Bus HKD4 (P21) per trip

MTR (Mass Transit Railway) HKD 8 to 10 (P42 to P53) per single trip, depending on distance

Taxi HKD20 (P105) flag-down rate


Where to eat

If you ask Drew, the star of your Hong Kong trip should be the food: “Ano bang gagawin natin sa Hong Kong? Isa lang naiiisip ko eh: Kumain nang kumain nang kumain.” After all, Hong Kong is home to authentic dim sum and Cantonese cuisine!


Lang Fong Yuen

Goge Street, Hong Kong Central

This hole-in-the-wall is a favorite of world-famous actor Chow Yun-fat. Silk milk tea and noodles (around P300 for a serving) are must-try dishes here. “Pagpasok pa lang, bubungad na sa’yo yung amoy ng tsaa at pinapakuluang noodles,” said Drew. He added: “Mukhang ito na rin ‘yung version nila ng turo-turo. Kahit walang English descriptions ng pagkain, tingnan mo lang ‘yung picture at ituro ang mga gusto mo!”


Good Spring Company, Ltd.

Cochrane Street, Hong Kong Central

This tea kiosk sells over 7,000 cups every day. The Sweet Flower Tea is light and refreshing, and goes for HKD7 (P37) a cup. It’s perfect for washing down an oily lunch and calming you down in preparation for more adventures.


Tim Ho Wan

Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon

Here, they say, is the best dim sum in all of Hong Kong. “What hits the spot for me? Simple lang. Gusto ko ng mainit na dim sum at malamig na beer,” says Drew.


The baked bun with barbecue pork resembles a baked asado siopao, while chee cheong fun is a thick rice noodle stuffed with shrimp and ginger. The vegetable dumpling is a translucent pocket of chives and pork; the spinach dumpling is just the same thing with a different set of greens.


In the mood for an odd dessert? Try Tim Ho Wan’s Tonic Medlar and Petal Cake. Three large cubes of firm gelatin arrive on a saucer, all jiggly and with crunchy bits of wolfberry (medlar) mixed within. It isn’t too sweet and is a subtle end to an epic food trip.


There’s always a waiting line outside Tim Ho Wan. It can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours before you get a table, so take your number from the attendant and try the shaved ice dessert place next door while waiting. Don’t worry—it’s worth it. Just check out all the food blogs raving about Tim Ho Wan.


What to see

West Kowloon Cultural District

West Kowloon

Get a dose of culture in the museums and installation art exhibits of West Kowloon. Last summer, its M+ Inflation exhibit showed massive inflated sculptures and a life-sized replica of Stonehenge with which which tourists can interact.


Tsim Sha Tsui

Southern Kowloon

The ‘Avenue of the Stars’ is Kowloon’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It also doubles as a viewdeck and provides the best view in Hong Kong. Here, locals and tourists come together to see the nightly light show and brightly lit skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island. The best part? It’s all for free.


Where to shop

If you want big brands, head to the shopping malls. If you’re on a budget, here’s where to go:

Ladies Market

Mongkok, Hong Kong Island

This tiangge-like shopping area got its name from its primarily female clientele. However, there are now plenty of goods for men as well. Not all the branded items here are original, but if you’re after fun presents for your loved ones back home, don’t let that stop you.


Sneakers Street

Fa Yuen Street, Mongkok, Hong Kong Island

Collectors and casual sneakerheads alike will love Fa Yuen, where top brands of sneakers have stores lined up next to each other. There are also lesser known brands only found in Hong Kong.


What to buy for pasalubong

Egg tarts at Tai Cheong Bakery

Lyndhurst Terrace Street, Hong Kong Central

“Looks pretty,” Drew said when he first saw the small, bright yellow pastries. His tour guide Joe replied: “Not only the color, but the taste.” Flaky on the outside but creamy on the inside, the egg tarts at Tai Cheong are not as sweet as other brands.

 
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