Hong Kong is one among the most visited country in Asia. Considering its size, it is one densely populated region. I can’t blame people for choosing to visit and stay here. Who would say no to delectable dim sum, a floating restaurant, a one of kind view of old streets, famous temples, night markets, and many spectacular sceneries? Let me share a part of my story in this incredible city with a limited budget.

With a limited budget, I was able to explore Hong Kong with my best friend Dhan. We just say yes to promos.

1. Flight

                                                                                                             (Photo:cto)
 From Manila, different airlines provide discounted airfare, you just have to take advantage of it. Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, and Philippine Airline offer promos almost every day. For our plane ticket, we spent PHP4300/each person via Cebu Pacific.

Manila to Hong Kong: PHP 1600
Hong Kong to Manila: PHP 2700

2. Bus and Trains Fare 

For a first time traveler, I highly recommend to read reviews or watch vlogs about Hong Kong. Note that the MTR system is your buddy in this city and it will be confusing for first-time travelers. I recommend getting an Octopus card as it is more convenient. Octopus card can be also used when riding buses and ticket entry to favorite tourist spots in the City. You won’t be needing to buy a ticket each time. Plus, the bonus here is, you can get discounts on tickets when you avail the card.

From Airport, if you wish to try an Airport Express, remember that it cost more expensive than riding buses. Using an Octopus card, it is about 110HKD or approximately PHP800 from Airport to Central. While it will only cause you 32HKD or PHP230 riding buses.

                                                                                                                                Photo:cto)

3. Hotels/ Hostels/Guest House
Because we are fans of promos, we used Agoda to looked for a cheaper yet safe hostel. When you are looking for a cheaper place to stay, I recommend Tsim Sha Tsui as it is close to almost every places a must see and experience in Hong Kong. As an option, Central and Mong Kok also offers affordable guest hostels and hotels to stay when you are around the City.

We stayed in New London Hostel at Chung King Mansion, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, Hong Kong. We spent 4500 good for two for our 3 nights 4 days stayed in the City.

4. Attractions in Hong Kong

1. Victoria Peak

Commonly called ”The Peak”, this is among the famous attractions in Hong Kong. The Peak is the highest point in Hong Kong which offers you an incredible unparalleled view of Victoria harbour. The quickest way to get here is riding a Tram which will cost you 37HKD or PHP265 (with Octopus Card). Other attractions include Sky Terrace 428, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and Sky Trick Museum.

We booked Sky Terrace 428 for 48HKD or PHP340. Sky Terrace which locates on the top of Peak Tower, offers you a 360-degree view of Hong Kong. You can enjoy the view of the busy Victoria Harbour and famous Islands like Lantau Island. Telescopes are also available which will give you a clearer view of the City you adore for HKD5. The view can be enjoyed in morning or night, tho most prefer to visit at night as the amazing lights of the city will give you a mesmerizing view. 

2. A Symphony of Lights 

Rated as topmost see and experience when around Hong Kong is the synchronized amazing laser show featuring the Hong Kong’s Skyscrapers. This says the City symbols of culture and dynamic energy. The laser lights join the participating buildings in unison to dance on a beat making a complete canvas of Hong Kong souls.  

The best place to watch Symphony of Lights is in Avenue of Stars. This features the well-known personalities of the Hong Kong Film Industry like Bruce Lee to name a few. However, as of our visit last October, Avenue of Stars is closed and says to reopened for the public on 2019.

3. A Walk Around the City

Hong Kong shines most after majestic sunset. I recommend a walk around the city to enjoy the place more. As says, you’ll get to know more of the place when you have time to walk around. Hong Kong is full of glittering lights, aroma of street foods and restaurants scattered around, and people at night which complete the myriad view of the City. 

During this time night markets should be enjoyed. Brace your pocket as this offers you colorful clothes, watches, bags, shoes to name a few for an affordable price. This will be a good place to buy your souvenir and Pasalubongs. Mong Kok is highly recommended for shoppers, take note of it. A walk is free unless you choose to spend.

4. Hong Kong Disneyland

The happiest place on Earth can also be experienced in Hong Kong. Like what I shared you on my post about Hong Kong Disneyland review, this theme park is not only for kids but also for those young at hearts. Get ready to scream and be amaze to fun and extreme rides around the park. It also sports live shows, parades, and spots of picture-perfect and instagramable view. 

I believe Hong Kong getaway will never be complete without visiting the park. For around PHP4000 (depends on promos, date etc.) you can book your Disney Adventure at Klook

There are more attractions to visit in Hong Kong, naming Ocean Park, Big Buddha, a ride to Star Ferry, 10,000 Buddhas Monastery, and many more.

5. Food
Popular for food attraction, Hong Kong is proud to offer you the best of it from stalls to classy restaurants. Dim sum is a no no no food to skip when in Hong Kong. Wonton is also on the list perfect with Hong Kong style Milk-Tea and Sago Mix. I’m sad that I can’t name a lot about foods as I am honestly not a food enthusiast. But believe me, when I say, Hong Kong is among the home of delicious foods around the world.

Would you believe that I only spent PHP1000 on my foods for my entire stay in Hong Kong? Well, I shared foods with my best friend Dhan all the time.

Expenses Break Down
Below is the break down of my expenses for my Hong Kong getaway of 4 Days and 3 Nights.

Air Fare- PHP4300
Airport Express Train- PHP786
Hotel- PHP2250
Disneyland with popcorn- PHP3670
Sky Terrace 428- PHP340
Octopus Card plus load: PHP1500 (estimated)
Food- PHP1000

My all in expenses is PHP13486, not bad for a first timer.

I know I haven’t seen everything in Hong Kong yet but looking forward to getting back on this city to taste more of it. I enjoyed sharing you my Hong Kong Lookbook. I would love to hear your comments and recommendations.

Now that she turned a year younger, (ha ha ha) I have nothing in my heart but praises to God for giving me another time and chance to look forward to more memories we'll create together. I always say she is among my greatest gift, her life is a gift to me.

Our friendship is a proof that no matter how impossible thing is, it will happen, only if we choose to. We are enemies who became best of friends because we decided to open our mind and heart to understand more than letting jealousy and hate win over our lives.

 

I wish the best of everything for her (she knows this) on this special day. I will always be proud that she's now part of the story I'm writing and livin' with. Let me say THANK YOU and HAPPIEST BURPDAY Janice Ann Caranguian. To this buddy, I love you :) I didn't post long cheesy messages on social medias but I hope this article proves that I really appreciate your existence in this world.

Do you have a story of things seems impossible? I would love to hear it.

Today I woke up with a heavy heart wishing I'm sharing you my recent adventure in Hongkong but here I am doing otehrwise. I’m afraid of life.

Life is been good to me for long now, this is the thing most people see. Who would have thought that a girl staying at home with SOMEHOW a fulfilling career (as they thought) is experiencing a heavy life? Many would want to be in my position. Many claimed I am free from stress; the stress of traffic and waking up early just not to be late, stress to the employer and concerns with work-colleagues and more, with these, they imagined I am completely happy. They believed I’m stress-free and living a toxic-free life. Who would have considered that the safest haven, HOME, is sometimes the place of pain? No one sees how I pressure my self-everyday just to get what I have. No person knows how I strive hard to laugh with the pain, fear, doubt and other things in my hearts. No one knows the pages I follow on social media just to get a post of daily encouragement to continue living. Little did they know, I’m afraid that material things would end up having worth more than me. I’m afraid of life.

It is one of my greatest dreams to inspire, to be a GREAT GREAT GREAT inspirational speaker. But now I’m asking myself how can I fulfill a dream in a world where I can’t find my self. Yes, I’m lost. I don’t even know my self now. I can’t find my purpose. I’m living in pain secretly and no one has figured it out because they see me laugh but never cry. No one sees the dark picture of my life. I’m afraid of life.

Right now I’m on my headset listening and singing a song with my computer pouring my self out. But no one knows this. Not even a single person knows what I’m writing now. No one knows I’m telling a dark side of my life (only me knows) to who may ever read this. They see me breathing but didn't know I’m dying, slowly dying inside. The pain and fear I’m holding for too long are slowly eating me up AGAIN. These are making me doubt my worth. They are killing my reasons to live. I’m afraid to continue living. I’m fed up trying to be perfect because no matter what I do, I am judged. I’m afraid to make mistake. I’m afraid of life.

Some of you might judge me for posting this. I know there are people whose a life worst than mine, whose facing problems bigger than mine. But just this time, just now I want to give this to myself. I didn’t write this for no reason. I didn’t write just to let you know what I’m going through. Not to share you my problems nor to gain pity and attention. I just want to raise awareness that each of us has a dark path to go through. Each of us is been challenging by life. As much as we can, let us help each other. Encourage each other and support one another. We may be having a different journey, but we are living the same life. 

Please do something good today. Give your best smile to someone, you don't know how much they need it. Throw your weirdest joke, someone might be longing for a laugh. Spill out your greatest dream, one might be needing this to get inspired. Inspire as much as you can.

This post is not for my blog to get traffic, not even sure if someone is really visiting my blog. Just this time, I want to be me. A normal person taking responsibility for everything written here. I am in fear of judgment right this moment, but I just want to express, I just want to share. What you’ve read here is not the whole me, it is only a portion of me, just please take note of this. Btw, I don’t need pity, just a word of encouragement and twenty cups of COFFE (lol) to win my life.

I also want to share that while I woke up with a pain in my chest, someone sent me some words from God. I know it is HIM, I praise HIM for sending someone to make me realized that He is just around. I don’t need to die just to see and be with HIM, I only need to look down my heart, He is here. I need to hold on to this because He knows Who I Am. Justt now, please let me be who I Am and what I feel.

Please tune up as I'll be writing my lookbook in HongKong soon. Very soon....