My very first over seas travel. I still can't believe this just happened. I had second thoughts at first because I wasn't sure if I could pull it off but I did and I can't wait for the next adventure. So read on if you wanna know what came down the entire trip.
I bought my airfare tickets from two separate CebPac seat sales costing me P3,500 total. Going to Hongkong and then coming back to Manila from Macau. For months I've been reading blogs and HK info websites to learn my way around the city and from there I planned my itinerary. Basic.
HK airport was amazing. It was huge and so modern and clean and they have access to free wifi and it was fast. Btw, make sure to get a map and transpo booklets at the information center near the arrival center elevator before you head out. They'll come in handy.
HK Tourism booth
Information Center
After immigration I went to the money changer to convert my peso and bought an octopus card. This card is your access to all the available transpo in Hongkong. You can also use it to purchase items in 711. Its very reliable so if you're staying in Hongkong for more than a day, you better get one. There's a 50 HKD deposit but you can get it back upon returning the ticket. My 100HKD octopus card lasted for 3 days.
If London has an Oyster card, Hongkong has Octopus card. You can also buy this from MTR (Mass Transit Railway) Customer Service Centres.
MTR Customer Service Centre
After getting the money and the card I went to the bus stop and waited for the A21 Bus that will take me to Mirador Mansion in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Exit to bus stop. Right wing.
I wanted to experience the double decker bus but I got this instead.
For my hotel, the only option I had in mind was Chungking and Mirador because they were the ones conviniently located to every tourist spot in Hongkong and most importantly its very affordable. I was in touch with Elaine from USA Hotel in Mirador for 2 months to secure my reservation. It was just pencil booking so I emailed her from time to time to make sure the room is still available. I did provide her with my debit card but its of no use since it doesnt have an expiration date. I didn't have any credit card so i have no means of paying her the reservation fee. Shes trusted me with the room and just paid it full upon arrival. Thanks Elaine 👌
Entrance to Mirador facing Tsim Sha Tsui road. Take the first left for the elevator.
The room that I got was located at the 7th floor. It was clean and spacious. For 184.5 HKD per night, I had a window view, a hanging TV with 4 chinese channels, a small desk and an office chair. The bathroom has hot and cold shower but it was for sharing with another room. The service elevator on my floor does not have the option to go down directly, I have to go all the way up to 13th to get down to the 1st floor. It wasn't much of an inconvinience since it only serves 5 floors.
Room Window view
Check-in time was 2pm and since I arrived early I left my bag in their storage room and started the tour around the city. Problem was the rain started to pour. HK weather in June is unpredicatble so its best to bring an umbrella or poncho.
USA Hotel
13th Flr, Mirador Mansion
usahostelhk@gmail.com
How to get to USA Hotel?
1. Take the A21 Bus from the airport and then alight in Tsim Sha Tsui. Its the 13th stop from the airport. Travel time is 45minutes to an hour depending on the traffic.
Expenses
Airport Tax P 1620
Terminal Fee P 550
Octopus Card HKD 150
USA Hotel HKD 369
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