I know this is a late post but still I would like to share some things I have realized when I had a long stay in Hong Kong during winter.
Though this was a second time around tour, it's MINE and MY FAMILY's first Christmas celebration experience in Hong Kong. Like ever!!! And because I cannot tell you every detail of what happened and where we’ve been, I'll just give you a handful tips if you have plans on travelling during winter time.
So here they are:
Though this was a second time around tour, it's MINE and MY FAMILY's first Christmas celebration experience in Hong Kong. Like ever!!! And because I cannot tell you every detail of what happened and where we’ve been, I'll just give you a handful tips if you have plans on travelling during winter time.
So here they are:
9 Surviving tips in Hong Kong
1. Prepare the Right Clothes
From 24 degrees, the temperature drops to 14 to 17 celsius degrees. This means a perfect time to show off your winter collection clothes!! Now I understand why people are wearing shorts with leggings underneath. I tell you, for a person who isn't used to winter, the coldness struck right into your clothes into your skin!! In reality, comparing in Philippines, it's like opening a freezer in a highest temperature and putting your head inside of it (hehehe - just kidding). Well, that was what I felt the whole time. The air pierces through my brain giving me headache every time we are out. So, always use cottony clothes and make sure it can help prevent the cold air not the other way around. Better to use beanies. I know in the Philippines there are no many winter jackets on sale, if there is it's sure expensive so better go to UK (ukay-ukay, a store for used imported clothes).
2. Prepare Medicines for Dizziness
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Hong Kong is a moving land.
I want you to be aware that it is normal if you feel dizzy when in Hong Kong. I mean, that's only on some places. And I mean, it's not you, it is where you stands. :) Yes, the land moves and its not an earthquake, but because it's a man made land. Hep! Not all of it. Prepare your medicines kontra biyahilo (dizziness). The airport is man made, that's all i know. I assumed the inn we stayed built in a man made land because when I go in the bathroom, it feels swaying like in a ship. But not sure of this guys. That's just what I have experienced. If any Chinese man read this, just correct me. |
3. Get Each Available Brochures in the Airport
After passing the immigration and proceed to arrival exit, you will notice something like bookshelf where a lot of brochures are laid out. Pick each one of it and READ them. They give information of what are the current events that a tourist should anticipate and most importantly a MAP of the city.
4. Always Bring With you passport and Buy Octopus Card
Octopus card is very useful. You can use it to pay in trains and also almost in any stores even in adventure or theme parks like Hong Kong Disneyland. But I prefer you to save this one for trains. Cool thing is, you can take a refund for the remaining balance in any train stations. If it is your first time to travel, a reminder from an experienced traveler, always bring your copy of passport at least a photo copy of your identification because you may not know of what will happen.
5. Always Bring Water and Flakes
If you are not used to Chinese food, then you better prepare your tummy for any discomfort. Always bring with you flakes or biscuits so that you have an option when you do not like the food. As for Filipinos, we are lucky because a mall exists in Hong Kong where almost sellers are Filipinos. However, sadly to say, I forgot the name :(( . Inside it has small restaurants (carinderia type) and mini grocery. They even sell Goldilocks products and known Filipino goods and junk foods. But there is one restaurant that we like, a Chinese restaurant, the name is Cafe de Coral which foods taste closely to Filipino delicacies and serves pecking duck with complimentary drinks either soft or coffee. It's delicious and affordable.
6. Go to Disneyland Early
When travelling in Hong Kong you can't miss going to Disneyland especially a family with kids. Funny is, we are not kids. We’re just acting like kids. (Walang ganito sa pinas... hehehe)
In Christmas, it's obvious that a lot of people will be celebrating and spending a fun time with Mickey and friends so we were thinking it will be lesser at afternoon. Wrong. It does not make a difference either day or night. I think people prefer more at night because the fireworks show in the castle is the more awaited event and the light effects of the parade is much enjoyed when moon is up.
In Christmas, it's obvious that a lot of people will be celebrating and spending a fun time with Mickey and friends so we were thinking it will be lesser at afternoon. Wrong. It does not make a difference either day or night. I think people prefer more at night because the fireworks show in the castle is the more awaited event and the light effects of the parade is much enjoyed when moon is up.
7. Budget for a Shopping
Always, CELEBRATION = SALE. For shopping lovers, almost branded stores are on red tags. From original price of 200 HKD, you can purchase it at lowest price of 50 to 100 HKD. This is from my experience, a dress I bought in H&M store in a still good condition. Well, you have to check first because sometimes when it's on sale, means there is something quite wrong. There are other brands on sale like Adidas, Nike, Esprit, Bossini, Lacoste, etc. We spent whole day going around the city just to shop. Every brand has there own store situated along the road or inside the mall.
8. Buy Souvenirs at Night Market
This time you cannot use octopus card, only cash but way affordable than in mall. My sisters were able to buy 10 pieces of 32GB USB worth 100 HKD. Converting to peso, that is only 600 pesos. So cheap right??!! I was not able to go with them because I'm not adjusting well with the weather so I decided to stay at home for the night.
9. Jump to Macau
Macau is just a 2 hours ferry away from Hongkong. It’s like Cagayan de oro to Camiguin. No visa needed and you’ll be able to enjoy the mixed culture of Chinese-Portuguese.
Even if this is my second time, still feels like the first. Can't get enough of the wonderful theme parks, automated machines, clean surroundings, strict policy on establishments, and people. Some are strict especially those old ones and those that does not understand and speak English. Still, I will be happy to come back and be more prepared next time.