It has been about four months since my trip to Hong Kong. Busy with work and back-to-back assignments, as well as assessments. Will update the other entries soon but here's a rough itinerary/guide for my budget trip there.
Went online to do some intensive research before my journey there but there are some hits-and-misses, and also some places that we've come across by accident so here we are.
I've decided to skip some of the major tourist attractions because..
1. I'm on a budget and let's face it, things in HK aren't really cheap
2. Weather wasn't that good as my trip was end June, it rained almost every day
3. Some of the tourist spots aren't really down my alley.
Below are some of the places to visit in HK and places to take your ootd shots. The best part? MOST OF THEM ARE FREE!
You only have to pay for the transportation fees (MTR or bus, whichever you prefer. Or you could try walking in between the nearer ones)
I've included the Chinese characters for the places so it would be easier to ask around/find/take a cab/etc. In no particular order,
1. Hong Kong Cultural Centre 香港文化中心
Nearest MTR Station: Tsim Sha Tsui
This art deco building is certainly something different from the hustle and bustle of the cities. It is rare to see such a building style in parts of South East Asia (prior to this I've only been to the Central Market in Phnom Penh; and Parkview Square and The Cathay in Singapore).
2. Street art/graffiti
Nearest MTR: Central; but it is also possible to find other pieces throughout the island.
Living in such a dense and populated city, it is exciting to find some street art tucked in some alleyway. Countless murals and artwork could be found within the city, you just have to keep your eyes peeled.
3. Police Married Quarters (PMQ)
Nearest MTR: Central
This former police quarters is now being repurposed into a creative arts hub, with vendors selling everything from art pieces, to clothings, to furniture and trinkets.
They have a few cafes within the vicinity too. It would be a nice place to chill and take a short break.
4. Sai Wan Swimming Shed 西環泳棚
Nearest MTR: Kennedy Town
Oh boy, this is certainly a little out of the way but it was quite a nice experience. We ended up walking from the MTR station under the hot sun. It took us a while to reach there as we made a few stops on the way (the actual journey was going uphill for around 20mins but feel free to take a bus there).
5. Montane Mansion 海山樓
Nearest MTR: Tai Koo / Quarry Bay
After seeing such breathtaking photos of the famed Montane Mansions, we decided to give it a go even though it was nowhere near our place.
There are actually people queuing up for their photos to be taken!
6. Hong Kong Monetary Authority 香港金融管理局
Nearest MTR: Central / Hong Kong
Apparently you could get a view of the city without paying nor climbing up hills. The weather wasn't really on our side the other day but the view was awesome, you get a city view on one side, and a sea view on the other!
To get there, walk over to the IFC II building and there will be a small counter where you could register for visitor passes up the Monetary Authority which is located on the 55th floor (yes, this is free!)
Make sure that you bring your passport!
7. Jockey Club Innovation Tower 賽馬會創新樓
Nearest MTR: Hung Hom
Nestled within Hong Kong Polytechnic, the Innovation Tower by Zaha Hadid is definitely one of the quieter spots on the list. Nevertheless, a nice place for ootd shots and getting in touch with your inner archi/design self (for me, at least).
8. Starbucks, Duddell Street
Nearest MTR: Central
You must be thinking, "Are you kidding? Starbucks, really?"
But wait, this bing sutt themed Starbucks is one-of-its-kind. This place is split into two: the more traditional bing sutt themed area, and the modern Starbucks.
Needless to say, the traditional space has more patrons. Stumbled upon a pre-wedding shoot and a Korean actor there.
9. Along Victoria Harbour
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui
You get to see Hong Kong's famous skyline from the Tsim Sha Tsui side, instead of the other way round. Gloomy weather but still managed to get a few photos taken.
10. MTR signs
Each MTR station has its own coloured wall and its so photogenic! Here are two of my favourites, with tiled walls.
To be honest, there are lots of photography opportunities in Hong Kong and we actually found some spots by accident. We also dropped by a few cafes which are slightly pricey but with nice ambiance. Wanted to go to a few others but it was a budget trip after all, and we were quite broke after some shopping.
I went with a friend and we split the room rates and shared food, which lowered the cost. All in all, we spent approximately RM1600 / S$510 (including flight, accommodation, transportation, and SIM card; excluding shopping).
Will update the other posts soon (I hope!)
Nearest MTR: Central
You must be thinking, "Are you kidding? Starbucks, really?"
But wait, this bing sutt themed Starbucks is one-of-its-kind. This place is split into two: the more traditional bing sutt themed area, and the modern Starbucks.
Needless to say, the traditional space has more patrons. Stumbled upon a pre-wedding shoot and a Korean actor there.
9. Along Victoria Harbour
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui
You get to see Hong Kong's famous skyline from the Tsim Sha Tsui side, instead of the other way round. Gloomy weather but still managed to get a few photos taken.
10. MTR signs
Each MTR station has its own coloured wall and its so photogenic! Here are two of my favourites, with tiled walls.
To be honest, there are lots of photography opportunities in Hong Kong and we actually found some spots by accident. We also dropped by a few cafes which are slightly pricey but with nice ambiance. Wanted to go to a few others but it was a budget trip after all, and we were quite broke after some shopping.
I went with a friend and we split the room rates and shared food, which lowered the cost. All in all, we spent approximately RM1600 / S$510 (including flight, accommodation, transportation, and SIM card; excluding shopping).
Will update the other posts soon (I hope!)
