How About Hong Kong on a Stormy Day?

The colorful and sparkling view at night from Victoria's Peak. — The colorful and sparkling view at night from Victoria’s Peak.

Hong Kong is the second nearest country from the Philippines, next to Taiwan. Thus, it’s one of the most famous and easiest destinations for Filipinos, and with the fact that Disneyland is housed in this tiny nation.

I have been to this place three times in, I would say, different seasons. I have experienced a canceled flight due to a signal-number 8 storm and I have also experienced the hot season, which is probably just normal, but never during winter.

I find the meals in Hong Kong to be generally a bit more expensive than Singapore’s. With this, we have McDonald’s fish fillet to the rescue! Personally, I dislike fast-food. It is my last resort especially when regular meals become way too costly for me.

The skyscrapers that are full of dancing lights in the evening.

Upon arrival, we secured the most useful card in the city, the Octopus Card. We loaded it up with 300 HKD but it was more than enough. We were only able to consume around 150 HKD for 5 days and then refunded the rest.

We looked for the bus terminal and took Bus A21 to Mongkok for 33 HKD as the regular price and 50% for children and seniors.

The welcoming wallpaper in the airport. — The massive, welcoming wallpaper in one of the train stations.

We came in with the storm. Hong Kong was a bit gloomy.

Streets were still busy in spite of the weather.

And then we checked-in to the smallest hotel I’ve ever booked (I wasn’t aware when I booked online). Hong Kong is really known for compact rooms and did I say compact rooms? Indeed, our room was a triple one but it didn’t feel so. Big-bodied (not even tall) people wouldn’t be able to fit here. But like I said, I have been to Hong Kong three times and the hotel rooms are usually tight and small. No surprise.

Super tiny space for 3 people. The toilet is likewise only fit for small-built not-so-tall Asians.

Places Visited

October 18, 2016

International Commerce Centre

Sky 100 Admission for Adults: 188 HKD
Sky 100 Admission for Child or Senior: 128 HKD

It was heavily pouring that day. There was actually a storm coming but we didn’t mind. We just bought an umbrella on the way and headed to the highest tower of Hong Kong. It was kind of empty but the shops were still open.

The International Commerce Centre in the middle of the storm.

The halls were empty because of the weather.

I particularly like high vantage points from the city’s skyscrapers but it would always depend on the price. The Sky 100 in ICC is worth 188 HKD (25 USD) for adults and 128 HKD (16.50 USD) for children and seniors. The price was acceptable for me. However, we came at the wrong time since it was closed due to the storm. Well, on the bright side, I saved 25 USD!

We were on the way to the entrance of the Sky 100 and contemplated if we would go or not.

Finally, we found out that we couldn't because it was closed, obviously, because of the storm. — Finally, we found out that we couldn’t because it was closed, obviously, because of the storm.

Back to List

October 18, 2016

Tim Ho Wan

Visiting Hong Kong means definitely trying the food in Tim Ho Wan. After being whipped by the storm outside the International Commerce Centre, we headed straight to Tim Ho Wan to fill our tummies and try their famous dishes.