We took the Metro to the Airport instead of the Taxi. We will not be driving on this trip and public transport will be our main mode of transport. So we might as well get used to it.
Looks like we are not alone. We could see others pushing their luggage along also.
Similar to our previous, we used the self-check-in kiosk to deposit our luggage and print the boarding pass. This was really convenient as we did not have to queue at the Airport Check-in rows with the others.
We took our time to walk around the Airport Duty-Free area before heading to our boarding gate.
There were plenty of charging stations in the waiting area. Those in need can make it of it easily.
We boarded the plane around 30 minutes before the take-off time.
“Welcome on board”
Our in-flight meals came shortly after take-off. We were served Chicken Noodles and Mediterranean Fish.
Ice-creams were served as dessert.
After about 4 hours of flight, we arrived at Hong Kong Airport.
For those intending to take the Airport Express to the city, the ticket counter is just outside and straight ahead of the Arrival Gate.
Our one-way tickets to Hong Kong Station cost us HK$170 in total. They have a special price for a group of 2 tickets.
It will only take us 24 minutes to reach Hong Kong Station.
Do take note of the train intervals as they are not as frequent as the MTR.
There were spaces on the train allocated for luggage.
The seats on the Airport Express were comfortable.
The trains were also quite spacious.
At Hong Kong Station, we switched over to MTR.
As we will be using the MTR extensively over the next few days, we bought an Octopus card for each of us.
From Wan Chai station, we took a short walk to our hotel.
Our small but functional room.
Took a walk around the area. Many shops were still open.
We decided to have supper here.
Our first meal in Hong Kong.
The next morning, our first destination was the Wan Chai Market. This is the place where Hong Kongers get their daily groceries. The place sells of Meats, Fish, Vegetables, etc.
Typical Hong Kong street view with tall buildings, narrow streets, and lots of people.
Besides Double Decker Bus, Taxis, and Mini-Bus, the good old-fashioned Trams still served many areas in the country.
As it was a Saturday, street vendors were out in force.
So were the Foreign domestic helpers. Those looking for a good bargain can try their luck here.
We came across this One Dim Sum outlet and decided to have a tea break here.
Along Hollywood Road and Peel Street, several beautiful street graffiti attracted both locals and tourists to the area.
Our next destination was this Man Mo Temple.
Built in 1847, this Taoist temple is dedicated to the deities Man Cheong (God of Literature) and Mo Tai (God of Martial Arts). Its ornate architecture, intricate wood carvings, and coils of incense create a serene atmosphere that transports visitors to ancient China. The temple serves as a place of worship and reflection for locals and tourists alike, offering a glimpse into Hong Kong’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions.
Spanning a length of over 800 meters, the escalator system connects the Mid-Levels residential area with the bustling streets of Central. Originally built to ease the commute for residents living on the steep slopes of Hong Kong Island, it now serves as a convenient and scenic route for locals and visitors alike.
As passengers ascend or descend, they are treated to panoramic views of Hong Kong’s vibrant neighborhoods, street markets, and historical landmarks.
On many of the bridges and walkways, the foreign domestic workers gathered together to have a picnic and take a break from their hectic work week.
From the Escalator, we proceed on our journey to the Star Ferry Terminal. For Tsim Sha Tsui, we used Pier 7.
The schedule of the ferry was quite frequent.
The Star Ferry is an iconic symbol of Hong Kong’s maritime heritage and a beloved mode of transportation connecting Hong Kong Island and Kowloon across Victoria Harbour. Since its inception in 1888, the ferry service has provided an affordable and scenic means of crossing the harbor, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline and harborfront landmarks.
The Star Ferry remains a popular choice for commuters, tourists, and locals alike, providing a convenient and leisurely journey between Hong Kong’s bustling districts.
Holders of the Octopus Pass can use it for boarding.
Over at Tsim Sha Tsui, we took the MTR to Wong Tai Sin Temple.
Wong Tai Sin Temple, located in the bustling district of Wong Tai Sin in Kowloon, Hong Kong, is a revered religious site and cultural landmark. Dedicated to the Taoist deity Wong Tai Sin, the temple is renowned for its ornate architecture, vibrant colors, and serene ambiance. Visitors flock to Wong Tai Sin Temple to pray for good fortune, health, and prosperity, making it one of the most popular temples in Hong Kong. Beyond its religious significance, the temple complex also features beautiful gardens, intricate carvings, and picturesque pavilions, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
There were many stores selling offerings outside the temple.
There is also now a shopping mall right beside the Temple.
We decided to try out a popular Char Chan Ten (Tea House) recommended by many on the internet.
We ordered a bolo bun and Beef rice noodles.
This statue will greet you as you reach the Avenue of Stars.
The place was crowded with many people.
The laser show started at 8 pm and lasted for about 10 minutes.
After the show, we proceed to Temple Street Night Market by taking the MTR to Jordan Station.
They sell all types of products here.
Before we headed back to the hotel, we had dessert.
Today we will be trying out this popular Dim Sum restaurant.
The place was very packed with both locals and tourists. You will need to share a table with strangers if necessary.
This was one of the few restaurants that still uses push carts.
The food was quite delicious and the pricing was fair.
A traditional items card used in Hong Kong Dim Sum restaurant.
After our breakfast, we headed over to Citygate Outlet.
The place was not very crowded. Many of the branded shops had an outlet here.
Those looking to buy branded goods at a discounted price may try their luck here. You may find something you like and the price matches your budget.
After spending some time at the Outlet, we took the MTR to this highly recommended Red Tea House. There was always a queue outside the store.
The food and service were pretty efficient.
We ordered from their popular menu and the taste was decent. The portion was sufficient.
After our meal, we took a slow walk to the famous Lady’s Market.
Similar to the Temple Street Market, they sold items like bags, clothing, toys, etc. here.
The MTR at some stations will be this crowded even at 8 pm. So plan your traveling time on the MTR correctly.
We ended the day with a light supper of a rice dumpling and porridge.
This was the last night we were in Hong Kong. Tomorrow we will be taking the High-Speed Rail to Guangzhou.
Goodbye, Hong Kong.
