Hongkong Getaway

Bell Tower

Marco Polo Gateway Room

I was very fortunate to be rewarded with an all expense paid trip to Hongkong. It was a four day trip, and when we were looking at the itinerary we thought that it wasn’t going to be as fun as we thought but we were proved wrong. We were in a group of 15 people coming from mixed groups. We were able to mingle with them and eventually enjoyed ourselves in the tours and especially the meals and night life. Call it the rich and famous life, we were in a luxurious hotel Marco Polo in Kowloon and we did not eat in your average Chinese restaurant. We enjoyed the meals from day 1 to day 4 and the eating experience is close to fine dining. Much fun ensues during the night life, as we went fine clubbing. Of course, it will not be complete without the shopping. Shops were actually everywhere you turn your head, from the cheapest unbranded store to most lavish designer brands.

Outside Marco Polo Gateway

Marco Polo in Kowloon if I would say, is the most convenient place / island in Hongkong. Most of the sought after shops / brands are located within the area. Food or restaurants are also found almost everywhere. These stores and restaurant are found inside and as well as outside the malls. Though, some say that stores and food here are pricier compared to Hongkong island. Transportation is also not a problem. There are 3 main transportation system I know of in Hongkong. First is the MTR (Train) which is the 

Citygate outlet mall

cheapest and fastest means of transpo if you're going island hopping. Ready your, Hongkong dollars, your change and your coins for most payments here are in absolute monetary value. Though money changers and "bill breakers" are located mostly inside the train stations. The two transportation are taxi and bus ride. I suggest you try the double decker bus and the trams just for the experience and fun. 

Ngong Ping Mountain Top

On our first day of arrival, we went straight to Citygate Outlet store to eat in Federal Place. It was lunch time, and the weather is very hot and sticky, though I believe Philippines is more humid. We ate peking duck, some dumplings and shanghai lumpia as called in the Philippines. After the lunch, we window shopped in the area and planned to go to Ngong Ping cable car. This is the cable car that will bring you to the big buddha located in the mountains. The view is spectacular. You will see the gigantic Hongkong aiport from above while the cool winds breezes you inside the cable car. 

Below the steps to Budhha

Buddha with Swastika Symbol

After the very tiring walks and steps, we chilled down and was brought down back to citygate outlet mall. We went to the hotel to refresh and prepare for our sumptuous eat-all-you can japanese food. I forgot to take the name of the restaurant but I can still remember the food it offered us, from it's fresh seafoods to the aromatic grilled beef and chicken. The place is very small, but is filled with locals and foreigners such as us. It was located in a building that you'll ride an narrow elevator to reach the restaurant. You will be choose from a number of menus with categories. Food will be brought to you one after another. I can't forget the experience. It was a pleasure. It was delightful. It was satisfying. 

Seafood platter

Ladies Market

We went to shop in the ladies market. It was like the ukay-ukay in Baguio or in Divisoria but has more branded shops. Shops were opened until 12midnight. People are literally found everywhere in the streets, it was really busy. There are street performers; stalls selling magazines, shirts, bags to souvenirs; restaurants and many more. If you're a shopaholic, you will definitely enjoy this place. Designer and branded clothes have big discounts on them. Bulk buying is also encourage to have more discounts. This place is a treasure. A haven for shopping addicts and people like me who is on a budget. 

The second morning comes and we just went around kowloon and enjoy the Hongkong diverse culture. We were told that we'll be having lunch in one of the most recognized chinese restaurants in Hongkong. Yung kee greeted us with delicious chinese dishes. I just found it weird, water in Hongkong seems to be an expensive necessity. They don't offer tap water, you have to buy water from them. We ordered evian as our drink, tried it for experience and found out that it no differs with any bottled water except for the elegant premium glass bottle packaging. 

Painted Street Signs

We rode the MTR going back to the hotel and went to the Avenue of stars in Kowloon. The area is filled with street performers, people who want to ride the star ferry and all the rest who just want to enjoy the scenic urban landscape of Hongkong. 

Fine clubbing @ SOSO

We rested and dressed up for our fine dining and fine clubbing experience. We had our dinner in Le Fauchon near the hotel. We had steak that oozes tenderness and juiciness and fine wines from france. We went straight to SOSO club, and got drunk and partied our night away.

Ocean Adventure

We spent our last day of stay in ocean park adventure. I love rides. If I would compare this to our Enchanted Kingdon or our very own star city; ours will be minuscule. Ocean adventure is huge and even requires you to ride a cable car or a train to go to the other side of the island. I recommend that you participate on all the rides, but be mindful if you have heart ailments and the likes.

The flash in Ocean Adventure

Busy street of Kowloon

We had the time of our lives. We got a chance to live a life of the Rich and Famous. We worked hard, but played harder. It won’t stop there. Success will find its way for the dreamers, but will always be given to those who work hard on it.

Bye Hongkong - Outside Marco Polo Gateway