My Hong Kong Trip: A Malaysian's Adventure 🇭🇰
1. Visa Application:
I started preparing my documents about 1.5 months before my departure date, April 7th. Here's how it went:
- February 14th: Submitted the application.
- February 17th: Received the acknowledgement letter.
- March 4th: Provided additional travel proof.
- March 6th: Visa granted!
Heads up, guys! Apply at least 4-6 weeks in advance, as the embassy's processing time can be lengthy, especially during events or holidays.
2. Getting Around Hong Kong:
Mostly, I used the MTR (Mass Transit Railway). To get to Hong Kong Island, I hopped on the "Ding Ding" tram – so nostalgic!
Taking the Ding Ding: Board from the back, tap your card when you exit at the front. It was a flat fare of 3 HKD (when I travelled). The journey is slow and relaxed, perfect for sightseeing. I took the Ding Ding from Kennedy Town to Wan Chai to soak in the city views.
Google Maps was my best friend for navigating. The bus timings weren't always accurate, so I didn't take the bus too often.
When using the MTR, keep an eye out for the exit signs and lifts, especially if you have heavy luggage. I found it very convenient.
If you plan to take a taxi, look for the designated taxi stands. I didn't personally use taxis, but I noticed people were able to hail taxis easily from these stands.
I borrowed an Octopus card from Hong Kong Bên Hông's admin and a friend – so helpful! You can top up the card with cash at machines or Circle K/7-Eleven stores, but they only accept 50 or 100 HKD notes. (Keep smaller denominations handy!) I didn't try topping up with my phone, so I can't share any tips on that.
3. Accommodation:
I stayed in the Mong Kok area, at the Epoch Hotel on Tung Choi Street. It's a very central location. The hotel was quite new, spacious, clean, and tidy. The price was around RM1700 per night. There was a bus stop right outside the hotel, and loads of eateries nearby, many open late!
I also booked one night at M1 Hotel in Yau Ma Tei. This hotel was older and smaller. (I needed to book another hotel due to some unexpected circumstances). The price was around RM950 per night (booked last minute).
In general: I chose hotels close to MTR stations for easy access, in central locations, and safe neighborhoods.
4. Airport Transfers:
Arrival: I flew with VNA, landing in Hong Kong at 1:30 PM (HK time). After immigration and baggage claim, I topped up my Octopus card and took the MTR to my hotel. Follow the signs for the Airport Express. Note that you only tap your card when you exit the station, not when you board from the airport. I chose the MTR to avoid carrying luggage too far. The A21 bus goes directly to the hotel door =))))
Departure: I flew with VNA, departing at 2:30 PM. I took the MTR again; the fare from Hong Kong Island to the airport was around 100 HKD. It's a great way to enjoy one last view of the city! I arrived at the airport at 10:30 AM. While waiting to check in, I bought Kee Wah Bakery goodies for souvenirs (delicious and not too sweet). There's a Disneyland store outside, which I checked out, but it had a limited selection. When the VNA counter opened around 11:30 AM, I checked in my luggage, went through security and immigration, then visited the Disneyland store inside, which had a much better variety.
The airport is massive with many gates, so pay close attention to your gate number and allow plenty of time to get there. You'll need to take a train to reach some gates.
5. Food and Drinks:
I kept it simple and relied on Google Maps reviews to find places to eat. Just eat what you like, okay?
Important: Bring enough cash.
6. Things To Do:
I visited the tourist attractions and enjoyed the scenery, but here are two experiences that I especially loved:
6.1. Disneyland:
- Purchase tickets on the Disneyland Hong Kong app/website or through Klook.
- Download the Disneyland Hong Kong app to check ride wait times and park maps.
- Visit on a weekday. I went on a Tuesday, and it wasn't too crowded, though the entrance queue took about 40 minutes because I arrived at 11:00 AM.
- Eat a good breakfast (I had dim sum before heading to Disneyland).
- Bring an umbrella, hat, snacks, and a refillable water bottle. There are water refill stations in the ride areas.
- I took photos and browsed the merchandise first, then started riding at 1:30 PM. I went on about 10 rides before dinner at 6:45 PM. During the hottest parts of the day, I chose indoor rides.
- I used the mobile order & pick up feature at a restaurant in Tomorrowland. I highly recommend this feature because ordering at the counter is packed. I ordered and picked up my food in 5 minutes. After dinner, at 7:30 PM.
- The fireworks show started at 8:00 PM. I only started searching for a spot at 7:45 PM. Basically, any spot is a great view (except if a pole is in the way).
- The Disneyland staff were so friendly and waved goodbye as I was leaving.
6.2. The Peak Tram:
- Book tickets on Klook to skip the long ticket queues and check in straight away.
- The tram ride is quite relaxing; I enjoyed it even though I was a little tired.
- At the top, there's a shopping mall, lots of shops, fun activities, and even a % Arabica coffee shop where you can enjoy a coffee with a stunning city view.
- I bought a combo ticket for the round-trip tram and Sky Terrace to enjoy a 360-degree view of Hong Kong. I visited The Peak in the afternoon and didn't stay for sunset or the evening.
- Follow the signs to find the queue for the return tram.
- I took the Ding Ding to The Peak, but I planned to wait for the bus on the way back. When the bus was taking too long, I decided to walk to the nearest MTR station.
My trip to Hong Kong was so much fun! Despite the sun, it was enjoyable, and walking around the city was super relaxing. Wishing you a fun and memorable Hong Kong trip, filled with amazing experiences!
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