Hong Kong: Lights. Weather. View.

If you want to shop like you're in Thailand, visit Mickey and the rest of the gang in Disneyland or enjoy mouthwatering dishes then Hong Kong should be definitely your next adventure.

It's ideal to be in Hong Kong around December to February since you will really enjoy the cold weather especially if you're living in a tropical country here in South East Asia. 

How do we get there?

There are numerous airlines that offer affordable flights to Hong Kong. You don't need to apply for a visa if you're just planning to have a one week holiday (Though, it's still best to check their embassy for any updates regarding their tourist visa).

For the transportation, we never took a cab when we were there since they have a good  train system as well as there are also buses from the airport to the city. Just make sure that you purchase an Octopus Card upon your arrival in the airport. You can use this card in their public transportation.

Do you want a cozy and affordable  place for accommodation?

Please do note that any accommodation in Hong Kong is really costly. We are fortunate to know Ms Rainbow from OiSuen Guesthouse.  The rooms are quite affordable as well as their good service(room cleaning, assistance etc). She offered a lot of tips on how to reach various tourist destinations and how to deal with locals especially if you want to shop in the night markets. Discounted tickets may also be purchased in the hostel. When we went there, it seemed like we were visiting a friend. After a tiring day, we would talk to Ms Rainbow about our experiences and she also shared some unforgettable  memories of  other tourists. Indeed staying there is an enriching experience.

Here are the top 5 places that you shouldn't miss:

1. Ocean Park

You can do a lot of things here, that's for sure. You can go to there magnificent aquarium, visit other animal sanctuaries, try their park rides, play games, shop for souvenirs  or  watch shows. I really like here because your ticket is really worth it!

2. Disneyland

If you're a child at heart then  you  really belong in this place.When I saw Mickey Mouse or just even the Palace, the magic and  excitement  just came back to me. Indeed, Disneyland will bring you back to the time when you believe that fairies and happy ever after do exist.

3. Avenue of Stars/ Symphony of Lights
When we watched the Symphony of Lights, our first reaction was "how did they do that?" Synchronizing the lights of every building is quite tough but then they pulled it off. After the show, we  strolled  in the Avenue of Stars where you can discover Hong Kong's film history and stars.

4. Big Buddha
When we went to the Big Buddha, we rode this Crystal Cable Car (If you are adventurous, then try this!) It has a glass flooring which let you see the scenery. For the Big Buddha, I felt  peace while we were there on the top. You can also visit the temples nearby if you want to commune with nature and reflect.

5. Night Markets (Ladies Market)

Just a tip, try to bargain  for the lowest price then if  they can't give your demands then look for another stall which has the same product that you want. You can see a lot of merchandise along the streets and  a good way to get the most affordable price is to look around first then bargain :)

Sidetrip:

Once you are in Hong Kong, You can also take a short day trip to Macau. There you can see Saint Paul Ruins, Casinos and the heavenly, egg tarts.

Kuala Lumpur: Your Next Destination?

Kuala Lumpur is one of the "must- see" cities in South East Asia. At first, I thought Petronas Tower is the only tourist spot worth visiting there. However after our visit last December, we realized that four days were not really enough to discover everything that this city has to offer.


How did we get there?

If you will be coming from Singapore; then you have a choice to take a plane or a bus. Since travelling by land is much cheaper , we booked Star Mart Air Asia bus online. For a 5 hour bus ride, 63 SGD was not that bad for a round trip ticket right?

On the day of your trip, you just need to go to Golden Mile Complex terminal in SG and the bus will take you to Berjaya Times Square. The transportation in KL is not that difficult because like SG, they have good train services. It's very tourist friendly, as well as, there are also free bus rides which travel within the city; or if you are really lost, then call a cab!

Do you want to have a cozy party place for accommodation?

If you are the type of person who wants to have fun, party and dance your heart out after a long tiring day then Reggae Guesthouse is the place to be! We booked a twin room for 88 SGD-meaning, I only paid 44 SGD for my three night accommodation and free breakfast. Reggae Guesthouse 2 has a Reggae bar downstairs if you want to chill and meet other tourists. As a guest, you are also welcome to party in Reggae Mansion's rooftop where you can enjoy three complimentary drinks. The hostel also offers discounted tickets to some tourist destinations in KL.

So what are the "must see's" in the city?

Here are the top 5 places you shouldn't miss when you go there:

1 Petronas Tower
Enduring the long queue to see the city from the top of Petronas Tower is definitely worth it!

2. Batu Cave
Knowing the Malays through their religion while appreciating the magnificence of nature is such an enriching experience!

3. KL Bird Park
Walking side by side with  birds  is an adventure that you wouldn't want to miss!

4. National Museum
Discovering their heritage opens a realization that they are not really different from us. Even their language is quite similar with our own native tongue (Filipino).

5. China town and market place.
I know that you will not leave KL without a souvenir in your hand so you can just go to these places for affordable products.

That's it for now~ Until our next adventure!