Hong Kong Macau
Wanderlust. A perfect word for those who have a strong desire to travel around the world. With young people’s brightest mind, we can view the world and understand local cultures in the way that differs from other and the experience that we had is precious and priceless. Aside from embracing their cultures and lifestyle, through traveling, our maturity is beyond the normal stigma in understanding people’s life. In European countries, we can see their buildings and sculptures are under the influences of their own cultures whereas in Asian countries we can see it on the people itself. It is normal to get lost while exploring. Sometimes, we made bad choices while traveling and regret later on. In contrast, it somewhat makes the trip more memorable and adventurous.
Itinerary
1 August 2017
10:45 am: Departure from KLIA
2:30 pm: Arrival. Drop by Maritime Square and Tsing Yi Park.
4: 30 pm: Check-in Hong Kong downtown backpackers hostel in Chungking mansion.
7: 30 pm: Dinner. Hong Kong Space Museum, Avenue of Stars, Symphony of Lights, Clock Tower
9: 00 pm: Sleep
2 August 2017
8:00 am: Central Pier, Hong Kong Maritime Museum
11: 00 am: The Peak Tram, Sky terrace
1:30 pm: Wan Chai, Ammar Mosque
3:30 pm: Ocean Park Hong Kong
9:00 pm: Go Back to Hotel
3 August 2017
10:30 am- 9:30 pm: Hong Kong Disneyland
4 August 2017
8:30-930 am: Departing for Macau by Turbojet
9: 30 am: the fisherman wharf, Kun Lam Buddha, Macau Tower, A’ Ma Temple, The Golden Casino, St, Ruin Cathedral, Senado Square via private tour
4:30 pm : Ride the tram across Hong Kong island
6: 00 pm: Rest at hostel
7:30 pm: Kowloon Mosque and Ma’s restaurant for dinner
9:00 pm: Ladies Market.
5 August 2017
10:30- 2:30 pm: Ngong Ping
3: 00 pm: Rest at Airport
7:30 pm: Depart for home since flight delayed.
11:00 pm: Arrived in KLIA
|
Expenses
|
Amount
|
|
Return flights ( Malaysia Airline)
|
RM 780
|
|
Etiqa Travel Insurance
|
RM 41.80
|
|
Travel Recommends Wifi Router
|
RM 95
|
|
HK Downtown Backpacker Hostel
|
RM 599.5/2
|
|
Hong Kong Disneyland ( book with Klook)
|
RM 296
|
|
Ocean Pak with HKD 100 voucher
(book with Klook)
|
RM 216
|
|
Return Peak Tram Ticket
|
RM 51
|
|
Ngong Ping ( Crystal Cabin)
|
RM 127
|
|
Macau Return ferry ticket (Turbojet)
|
RM 163
|
|
Macau Private Tour
|
RM 272
|
|
Food and Souvenirs
|
RM 660
|
|
Total
|
RM 3,000
|
What to expect about Hong Kong?
HK is a modern and expensive city in the world. No matter how much you are trying to save, at one point you have to spend more money than you expected but teach yourself not to be a spendthrift. HK is not suitable for living condition particularly regarding their accommodation because it is too small and claustrophobic. The city itself is too suffocated. On the contrary, the public transport was superb. It was surprising as the way the local walks is a bit faster compared to Malaysian. It is normal to see people running in MTR station. As a Muslim, be prepared to bring extra tissues and water bottle before going to any toilet. Regarding places to eat, so far Kowloon and Wan Chai are the best places to find halal food. In addition, make sure you use lift if you are carrying heavy stuff. Extra tips while using the escalator, you need to stand on right side and let people walk on the left side, or else you will be given a sharp look from the citizen
Accommodation: Hong Kong Downtown Backpackers hostel.
I gave this place 4/10. The room is too small and suffocated. What makes it is more suffering was the bathroom size was like the size of a big refrigerator. Imagine yourself living in the room for five days together with cockroaches as your companion. The reception was located on the other block and they didn’t clean up thoroughly as requested. The fee is not worth the stay. The only bright side of this hostel was the location is great! Easy access to public transport, tourist attraction, and shopping complex.
About the places
Hong Kong Disneyland.
Oh.my.god. I can still can’t move on from this place. What I had was amazing and something that I could not forget. I had a superb experience like being in a musical theatre, watching a spectacular fireworks show, a plentiful of magical studio and taking several scary thrill rides. Upon arrival, the security will check your bags and no outside food is allowed. If you want to buy their souvenirs, bring extra money as a lot will be used for snack and beverages. Also, don’t forget to plan your day in Disneyland wisely as you should not miss all shows and parades as this will be lifetime experiences. I can assure you this place is worth the money. Despite arriving so early, I still didn’t manage to try all the rides and join every show as the theme park was so big and a lot of things occurred at the same time. In my opinion, if you had to wait for more than 30 minutes, I would suggest you sacrifice it and go for other attractions. We enjoyed ourselves until its closing time.
Ocean Park Hong Kong :
Another iconic theme park located in the South part of Hong Kong Island. You can stop at the Ocean Park MRT station which is directly in front of the main entrance. We were wrong to put this in our itinerary later in the evening as it requires a day to cover all areas of the park. The park is separated into two part, the Summit, and the Waterfront which connected via the ocean express and cable car. This theme park would not only give you a joyful entertainment but it also an educational theme park which somehow instills awareness about marine and also Asian wildlife. Don’t forget to finish your day in ocean park with a mesmerizing light and Symphony lake show.
The Peak Tram :
The entrance was located near the iconic building of Hong Kong, the Bank of China. We booked our express pass ticket via Klook app. Return ticket and entrance to sky terrace were included in the package. Luckily, we took the express pass so the time can save for other places as the line was too long. Up there, it was like entering a shopping mall on the hill. You can also purchase a ticket to enter Madame Tussauds and Trick Eye Museum. We spent about an hour up there, capturing all amazing shots and sceneries. We went there at noon in the summer and it was freaking hot. I would advise you to apply sunblock and also a moisturizer.
Ngong Ping :
Ngong Ping is a place located in Lantau island just beside Hong Kong Airport. After checking out from the dreadful hostel on our last day there, we go here straight away bringing our luggage along. To be honest, we regretted so much for not renting a locker because later on, we keep dragging our luggage around that place. We waited excruciatingly as the queue during the weekend was crazy. Overall, we waited about 1.5 hours to ride the cable car. The pain was paid off as we enjoyed a breathtaking view from the cable car. The journey took about 22 minutes and there were few spots with a perfect view of the island and the city. No wonder Ngong Ping
Ammar Mosque and Islamic canteen:
Located in Wan Chai area which is within 3km walking distance from Wan Chai station. The mosque is surrounded by building and it is quite confusing to find it as there is dome as a mosque sign. With the overall of 6 floors, the first three floor is the praying hall and the canteen is located on the sixth floor. The price is affordable and I can assure you it worth the money.
Symphony of Light:
The light show start at 8:00 pm daily as one of the famous attraction in Hong Kong city. The performance is the combination of light and sound together with outstanding effects like music and laser light. The performance lasted about 15-20 minutes so pretty sure it can make your hand tired. The best spot to view the performance is at Avenue of Star, which can see Hong Kong island clearly. If you are rich enough, you can take Aqua Luna cruise to view the performance on the sea.
Macau :
We booked two tickets for Turbojet, a ferry to Macau island via Klook app as it provides the cheapest price to that place. The journey took about an hour and the seat is spacious and comfortable. Upon arrival, we took a private tour around Macau. Of course, it is a bit pricey, but we decided to sacrifice a bit from our savings so that we can save time, more place to be visited and escape the scorching Sun. If you are on a budget trip, you can buy a hop on- hop off bus ticket to travel around Macau. Our trip was short and pack as we been to a lot of places in a short period of time. Starting from the Fisherman Wharf, we visited the Lady Buddha, Macau tower, A’ma Temple, the Golden Casino, St, Ruin Cathedral and lastly Senado Square. It was an amazing experience as I watched people gambling for the first time in my life. I know there is nothing to be proud of, but at least I understand better why Islam prohibited us to gamble in life. We tried their famous Macau egg tart and it was superb! At the St. Ruin Cathedral and the Fisherman Wharf, I can feel the European vibes as the building had the influences from their culture. Starting at 9:00 am, we ended our short trip in Macau at 2:00 pm.
My trip to Hong Kong by far was the most enjoyable, unforgettable and worthy yet expensive. From entering a big casino to watching other religion praying, I also got to taste their halal delicacies and practice my mandarin little by little. Even though I haven’t plan yet to come back there, but I would highly recommend you to put Hong Kong in your list together with a lot of savings. It is a place to go with friends and family.
Thank you for your time reading my blog. Do support and promote my blog to your friends.
Best wishes, J
