by Kenneth K. Ong
I love going out on holidays specially when it involves going out of the country with good friends and spending time shopping and exploring the bigger world around me.
Although this is not the first time for me to visit the former British colony, Hong Kong always brings a smile to my face and a pulse of excitement through my viens.
Me and my travel buddies, Otoi Mercado and John Paul Punsalan decided to do Hong Kong the ‘flashpacking’ route. Far from backpacking, flashpacking basically means backpacking with style where accomodations may be modest and meals may be simple, but spending freely when it comes to shopping and activities at the chosen destinations as defined by Wikipedia.
Upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport, we chose to take the bus from the airport to Nathan Road at Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon where the Imperial Hotel was located. The 45 minute bus ride was fun, considering the fact that the commute gave us a top-side view of Hong Kong and its environs. After much ohs, ahs and chitchat, the bus thankfully stopped in front of the Imperial Hotel. This was a relief since we actually packed a-lot of stuff, and no travel would really be complete without the compulsary cameras, iPods, cellphones (set to roaming) and chargers.
Walking Kowloon
With our luggage stowed and feet rearing to go, we walked our way from Nathan Road to Canton Road where Harbour City is located. Personally I believe walking is the best way to experience Hong Kong since much of the city’s streets are really friendly to pedestrians and you get to brun some calories in the process. Fitflops anyone?
Upon arrival at Harbour City, get your wallets ready specially if you are a brand demon, since this is THE place to be where you can find all your favorite luxury brands, from Miu-miu, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Chanel, Gucci, you name it, its there! You can spend a whole day walking up and down the mall of the Harbour City yet still feel like you can go on-and-on-and-on.
Of course Hong Kong also has other unique shopping treats to offer and the Tsim Sha Tsui has lots of stores to shop in whether you are looking for electronic gadgets or for the compulsary pasalubong.
Star Ferry
From the Harbour City, you can take the Star Ferry to Central on Hong Kong Island. Hard to believe that although Hong Kong already has cross harbor tunnels and an ultra-fast MTR that also crosses the same channel, there are still people who take the Star Ferry to Hong Kong island. I guess its because of the spectacular evening views of the city and its lights in the evening and all for just two Hong Kong Dollars.
From the Star Ferry Docks its an eight minute walk to the IFC Mall. If ever you take the Airport Express Train from the airport to Hong Kong, you will have to get off here. Hard to believe the land the entire mall and the IFC towers one and two are built on were underwater just a few years ago.
Partying at Lan Kwai Fong and beyond
If you are a partyphile then Lan Kwai Fong is the place to be, and none more so then during its annual summer beer festival. The party starts pretty early and since the sun sets later in Hong Kong than in Davao City, the happy hour would seem a little on the sunny-side for the typical Dabawenyo.
In just a couple of hours, Lan Kwai Fong was literally filled with thousands of people up to the rafters, sampling beer and having a great time. And lo-and-behold we see our very own San Miguel Beer booths complete with cute promo girls and inflatable beer mugs which reminds me of home, of our very own Rizal and Torres Streets on a crazy weekend, albeit situated on a 30 degree incline with uber fashionable girls walking on 4” stilettos.
