Tag Archives: tripadora

Commuting 101: Getting around Hong Kong

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What I love the most about Hong Kong is their transportation. It’s easy to go from one place to another, be it through their MTR system, the traditional TRAM, bus or the Star Ferry. All you need is one access card to pay for the fare. This access card is called the Octopus Card. It’s like your stored value card used in the MRT in the Philippines.

Since we stayed in Hong Kong for 6 days & 5 nights, we bought an octopus card for easy transport. Being a DIY Traveler, the Octopus Card has become our friend during our stay there. An Octopus Card costs HK$ 150 (Php 827). This card has a credit worth HK$100 (Php 551.00) while the HK$ 50 served as a refundable deposit. When you leave Hong Kong, you can return the card and you get your HK$50.

The next important thing is to get a map. As soon as you arrive at the airport, get maps. These maps would really help you do your trip at your own pace and time. I would share our itinerary in a different post.

Types of Transportation in Hong Kong: 

  • Tram- The tram is one of the icons of Hong Kong. You shouldn’t miss riding this. Getting around via the tram would only cost you HK$2.00 (Php 11.00). But you should also be careful when you alight, you might get yourself into an accident since there are at least three railways. We almost got ourselves into an accident when we were there.
  • Star Ferry- The Star Ferry is one way of enjoying a scenic ride from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island. You should do this when the sun is about to set or at night time. Fare is HK$2.20 (Php 12.00). On our way back to Kowloon, I saw this junket cruising.

  • Bus- There are numerous buses around Hong Kong. But you should be aware of the codes corresponding with the routes of the buses. The maps or other tourist brochures would guide you.

  • TAXI- You can always hail a cab if you want but flag down rate is HK$18.00 (Php 99.25) and sometimes the driver asks for an additional HK$15.00 (Php 82.70). Yes, they’re similar to drivers in the Philippines.
  • MTR- Commuting around Hong Kong via the MTR is very convenient. They have 7 lines. The MTR from Kowloon Station also connects you to the airport via the airport express. So when you’re on a rush to chase your flight, this is your best option. You should expect a large number of commuters during rush hours. When taking their elevators, hold tight because the elevators are fast too. If you have a smartphone, you can download their apps to plan your trip


FARES and DESTINATIONS (based on what we spent in Dec 2010): 

via MTR (You can check out updated rates here)

  • Jordan (Kowloon Island) to Central Station- HK$ 7.90 (Php 43.55)
  • Going to Ngong Ping Village- Central to Tung Chung (Ngong Ping Village/ Lantau Island) – HK$ 13.8 (Php 76.00)
  • Going to Disneyland- Central (HK Island) to Sunny Bay Station (gateway to HK Disneyland)- HK$ 16.6 (Php 91.53)
  • Going to the Airport- Airport Express -HK$ 70.00 (Php 385.97)

via the Bus

  • Going to Ocean Park- From Admiralty Station (MTR), you can take the bus 629 going to Ocean Park. Fare is HK$ 10.00 (Php 55.13)

 via the TAXI

  • Salisbury to Kowloon ( Tung Chung Line for Airport Express) – HK$ 24.00 + HK$15.00 (additional)= HK$ 39 (Php 215.00)

via the Star Ferry

  • Going to Victoria Peak – Take the Star Ferry at the Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon. Then alight at Pier 7 in Hong Kong Island. Fare is HK$ 2.20 (Php 12.00) From Central, take bus no. 15 C (It’s a maroon open-top bus) just a few meters away from the pier. Fare is HK$4.20. This bus will bring you to the Peak Tram Station, your gateway to the Victoria Peak.

via the Peak Tram

  • This tram gives you a 45 degree-angle ride when going to the Victoria Peak. Return ticket (roundtrip) costs HK$40.00 (Php 220.55). The Peak is where the Madam Tussauds Wax Museum is.

How I wish the Philippines is well connected too. But with 7,107 islands, how can transport system be connected? hehe. Nonetheless, in the Philippines, commuting is more fun–that is through island hopping.

Celebrate with fireworks as Trip@dora turns 2

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Trip@dora will celebrate another year of sharing her travel adventures and misadventures this coming March 4, 2012.

And as this site turns two, I’d like to thank my readers who appreciate the stories that I’ve written here. This birthday won’t be complete without gifts. But this time, I’d like to give back to my readers through a contest. Yes, this is the first time that I’ll be giving away something. It’s not a trip yet. But nonetheless, it’s magical.

Get a chance to win VIP Tickets to the 3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition at the SM Mall of Asia. How? Just follow these steps:

1. If you’re not a fan yet of my Facebook page, then click this link and click LIKE. 

2. Now, among the stories that you’ve read on my site, pick your favorite story. Post the link on my Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/Tripadora and tell me why it was your favorite.

3. For your entry to be valid, have at least 3 Friends to like your entry.

THE WINNER (1): The most creative and compelling answer would win two (2) tickets to the Pyromusical competition this March 3, 2012 (Competing Countries: China & The Netherlands)

The Winner will be announced on February 29, 2012 at 12pm. The winner should be able to meet-up with me in Makati or Manila area to claim the prize on or before March 1, 2012. 

Photo: Roadtrip. It’s more fun in the Philippines!

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Are you fond of roadtrips? How about a roadtrip to Diura Fishing Village just like these Ivatans?

Photo taken by Izah Morales in Mahatao, Batan Island, Batanes, Philippines.

Theater Acts you shouldn’t miss in HK Disneyland

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Golden Mickey Theater by Izah Morales

Going to Hong Kong Disneyland in December was magical. It seemed like yesterday but it has been a year since I lived my childhood wonders of seeing my favorite characters. It’s every child’s fantasy land, especially for those who grew up watching Disney movies. I was one of them.

The popular theme park in Lantau Island, Hong Kong covered hundreds of hectares in land area and a day of roaming was not enough. Hence, Mama and I had to choose what to see and experience. A map would be given to you as soon as you buy your ticket at the park’s ticket counter.

Being art lovers, Mama and I chose to watch the Theater Acts: Golden Mickey and the Lion King. These were two of the attractions that you shouldn’t missed when you’re in Hong Kong Disneyland.

The schedules of the acts can be seen on the map. We chose to watch the Golden Mickey first. The Golden Mickey Theater was huge. It has two screens on the side where English Translations were displayed.

I was surprised when I heard Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse talking in Cantonese. haha. But I know I shouldn’t be, since I’m in the Special Administrative Region of China. It just seemed so weird to hear them speaking in a foreign language. The translations on the side screen somehow helped me understand the conversation.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed the production number especially the dance of Beauty and the Beast.

Other Disney characters like Ariel of the Little Mermaid and Quasimodo of Hunchback of Notre Dame also performed in the show. The show ran for almost an hour.

Here’s a slideshow of the Golden Mickey:

Afterwards, we wandered and proceeded to the Festival of the Lion King. Unlike the first one, the Lion King theater has a smaller venue. The stage was enclosed by the benches for the audience. It’s less formal than the Golden Mickey Theater. But when the show began, it did not fail my expectations.

The production number and the props were awesome. The Firedancers and the music were entertaining. This has more audience than the Golden Mickey so be there early. There were different show times throughout the day.

Mama and I enjoyed the show but it would have been a lot better if Papa and my brothers were there with us. Nonetheless, it was fun-filled! Definitely, it’s a must-see for every kid and kids at heart.