Our Hong Kong Travel + Macau 2017

Yes, it was our (me and my daughter) first time to travel outside of the Philippines and we were very excited!

We are fortunate to get a good flight deal from Cebu Pacific Airline and got a great package deal from a travel agency: Shore2Shore Travel Services. We got the airline ticket roundtrip from Manila to HK and back for only 6,555 pesos per person ($133 per person). We got the 4 nights & 5 days hotel and tour package (City Tour and Disney e-tickets) for a total of P32,600 ($665). Our travel date was June 19 - 23rd.

After arriving at HK International Airport, we went to our designated waiting area to meet our tour guide. The package includes shuttle service from Airport to Hotel and Hotel to Airport. The shuttle dropped us at Tsim Sha Tsui where our hotel is located.

After checking in, we looked for a place to eat lunch. We went inside Pizza hut and I ordered a snack since their pizzas were expensive. I had a total of $78 HKD which was the first mistake I did in HK. We should have looked around first. Anyway, I didn't want to ruin that first day so I just joked around and informed my friends that the food were expensive so I ate shredded lettuce and leafy greens only.

When it comes to finding a money changer, you need to look around because they don't have the same rate.

Tip: When looking for a money changer and you're at Tsim Sha Tsui area, go inside the Mirador Mansion and look for "Best Exchange" (if I'm not mistaken). Their rate for the Pesos was .158 while other money changers gave us .128 per peso.

After lunch, we decided to look for the ferry terminal because we're planning to go to Macau. Our hotel is in Tsim Sha Tsui area and it's a great place to stay because of the stores/malls around, MTR station nearby and the ferry terminal is just walking distance.

We had a long walk looking for the terminal and we thought it was far because we didn't know that we went the wrong way. We hired a cab going back to the hotel and that's when we found out that the terminal is just close.

Due to the long walk, we spent the rest of the day in the hotel. But the great thing is, I got to see the city right away. I love how drivers respects the pedestrians and how pedestrians follow traffic rules.

For our second day, it is for the half day City Tour. We took our FREE breakfast at Fairwood first. Our package includes FREE breakfast for 5 days (cool right?).

We visited the Jewellery Shop, Mid Level of Victoria Peak, Garden of Stars and Aberdeen Fishing Village. There's a mandatory tip of HKD50 each so yeah we gave the right amount.

TIP: The plate with your picture on it will cost $200 HKD per piece. If you don't want to spend that much, do not let your tour guide take a picture using their camera. They will not tell you upfront about the plate and how much it will cost.

When we get back, I was surprised that there were two plates for me because he took two photos. Yes, that's the second mistake I had. I should have ask them how much it will cost.

For the third day, we visited HK Disney Land! I can't help but release the kid inside me! We were so happy. The Disney shuttle is so cool! We don't have a shuttle from hotel to Disney so we took the MTR.

Riding the MTR is not that hard. You just need to know where you are going, buy your ticket at the ticket booth or at any kiosk, follow your destination's color because there are color codes and check where you need to transfer. While inside the train, you will hear a recorded audio informing passengers where the train is heading and which station it landed in English and in Chinese language.

The weather is good for me. The sun shined but then after a while it will rain a little and will stop right away. The lines going to the shows are long but it won't take too long to wait. The best show we had was Mickey's Philhar Magic. It was the best 3D experience!

TIP: Bring your own water because the food is a bit costly inside. We bought our water on the first day but we did not throw the empty bottles. We kept it and refilled it at the hotel. The hotel have mineral water for their guests and that's where we fill our empty bottles. Make sure that you take your breakfast before going to Disney. As for us, of course we didn't miss our free breakfast :)

After our free breakfast, we walked going to the Ferry terminal. We have our tickets and we rode the Cotai Water Jet. The terminal is clean and the immigration officers won't ask you questions unlike in the Philippines.

TIP: Don't take picture when you arrive at Macao's terminal. It is not allowed and if they see you, they will check your phone. It did not happen to me but I saw a lady took a picture and got caught right away. I was just about to take a picture when I saw the sign. Unfortunately for her she didn't notice the sign.

Upon arriving at Macau Terminal, we went to the shuttle area. Hotel's shuttles are offering free ride even if you have no bookings yet. We rode the Venetian Hotel's shuttle bus and we got dropped at The Venetian Hotel.

Since we're travelling with a kid, we we're not allowed to enter nor pass the casino area (I'm already expecting that) so we have to use a different way to get to our destination.

We went to see the Grand Canals and watched the gondoliers serenaded their passengers. What a romantic ride! I hope to ride a gondola with my daughter and my husband when I get back there.

There are lots of stores/boutiques to choose from. We got a good deal at Victoria Secret so we bought lots of perfume and body lotion. We're also lucky to see some shows within the area.

I'm a foodie, unfortunately I have a very tight budget. Cost of living in HK is really expensive and I got to experience that. Good thing we found Fairwood Fast Food where the food's cost are reasonable. That's where our breakfast coupon is and we enjoy every food we ate there. That's also the place where I've tasted the best Congee (I wish I took a picture of it).

I also had a sponge cake and it's good! (I didn't get to check the store name, sorry)

My auntie works in Hong Kong. She visited me and we had a quick walk that night. I got to taste the famous Egg Waffle for $15 HKD and saw the night market but didn't have the time to stop and try the street food :(

In Macau, I've also tasted the best pie ever! I bought it at Kee Wah Bakery inside the Venetian Hotel (see photo below).

It is a great experience. I really had a good time despite of the difficulty in spending money, talking to locals and finding the place to go. I should have brought my laptop with me so I could still work at night. The hotel has a great wifi signal!

I would suggest not to get a tour guide next time. They will actually make you spend more. It's better to explore the area by your own. Don't be afraid to take MTR.

Activate your ATM for international banking before going to HK, you might need extra money.

On our way back to the HK airport, we didn't wait for our shuttle, instead, we took a bus. We didn't know that the card could be purchased in any 7/11 store so I paid in cash $100 HKD. Good thing we're 3 adults traveling because they will not give you any change.

My daughter and I sat at the second level of the bus LOL! We felt the need to experience to sit at the second level because busses here in the Philippines are not like that.

Overall, it's a great experience and would love to come back to HK or Macau but will probably save more money next time.