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Roaming Around Kowloon

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong

Originally published in January 5, 2014
Edited December 17, 2018

2013 has been my lucky year for my writing journey. I’ve got a chance to meet nice and good people, worked with them and promoting common goals, and the best part – travelling for free. YES! Back in September 2013, I was invited to visit the amazing Hong Kong, and get a chance to learn new cultures and enjoy the new place!

Since I have tons of photos to share, I’ll give you first this first post about my first day in Kowloon City.

Travel is my newest pleasure since these past few months, though it’s quite pity that I haven’t shared it to you here, being distracted with loads of writing gigs, and social events that are very hard to resists (thanks to my sponsors).  Partnering with some non-profit organizations (and of course with my generous Amore) gave me chances to travel overseas free, and experience the different cultures and living outside the Philippines.



It is my first time to travel overseas, and I am very happy to visit Hong Kong. I only had 4D3N and I need to maximize my time, without the pressure and just enjoying my stay.

I arrived at Hong Kong International Airport last September 6, at around 09:30PM. I felt some butterfly in my stomach (in a positive way), it was an unexplainable feeling. I was impressed with the Hong Kong Airport – very tidy and organized, fully-equipped and very impressed with their facilities – not to mention their very fast WIFI connection that you can access for FREE.

I felt relieved when I saw my boyfriend walking towards me with his glazing eyes and smiling face, welcoming me to his city (my Amore is an Italian, and had acquired his HK residency). Yes I rarely mention here about him as I want my relationship be private – but I couldn’t help it now as he is part of this journey (Grazie, Amore mio!).

Hong Kong International Airport is located at Lantau Island – a man-made island that was built for this purpose. From Lantau, we rode in his BMW and traveled 30minutes going to Kowloon City. I was amazed how clean the main street and highways are! I have this tourist-facial expression, and my Amore keeps on smiling and teasing me.

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong

We arrived at Kowloon City at around 10:30pm and I was greeted with these crowd, walking in the main streets of Hong Kong, doing anything – walking while eating, ladies with their shopping bags, other tourist with their luggage, everything’s are very alive during night time! It was very different compared in Manila (of course). I guess the people here never sleeps!

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong

Aside from the busy people, another thing I've noticed are the crazy lights of each shops – their signage are outrageous, compared to the businesses here in Manila. Perhaps because it’s the Chinese way of business – the colorful and huge it is, the more noticeable (and perhaps will bring more customers).  Stores are still open until midnight, or until there are still customers, so shopping and having fun here are quite enjoyable. I wonder how much power they needed every day and night to have this kind of outrageous sight.



2018 Edit: Yay, it's already 5-years since my first HK trip! Back then, I just keep on taking photos within strategy (if you know what I mean) hence some not-so-goody-pictures here. I remember how crazy these signages, and how deliriously hot it feels on my face, like geez - I could literally passed with a damn hair and come back with a dried one. If you are always around these areas, you got to wear sunscreen lotion on your face - IT IS A MUST!

Another thing - I wasn't into skincare circa 2013 hence my awful face, and if I learned it earlier... OMG this Body Shop is my coffee shop, lol. But seriously, Hong Kong is another mecca for many beauty products. Like, have you visited Sa Sa?

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong

We arrived at our hotel for the weekend, the very impressive Intercontinental Hotel – Grand Hamptons located along the famous Tsim Sha Tsui. This is my view outside my room – overlooking the famous Hong Kong skyline across the lake, and seeing the iconic red-flagged fishing boat! You can also see the Tsim Sha Tsui Promerade – Amore said that every morning you can see joggers, and some tourist hanging out and walking in the promenade and enjoying the sight.

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong

We woke-up at 6:00am (yeah so early, and I can’t sleep properly because of excitement) and saw this beauty outside my window. Again, Amore teasing me to go back to bed, as I have more time to explore the place than spending time with him, (hyena laugh). Yup, I went back to bed and have my quality time with him. After all, I'm in Hong Kong!


2018 Edit: Geez look at my effin face! Hahahaha I am soooo thankful I switch my lifestyle and gave focused on taking care of my skin, and ditch some unnecessary make-up. Hallelujah!

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong

At around 10:00am we are ready to have our brunch to this famous Chinese restaurant in town (apology that I forgot its name, I only remember the feeling). I wore this cute dress I've made (I called it Emily, named after my bestfriend), paired with my foldable ballet shoes from Butterfly Twist (thanks to my sponsor!). 

2018 Edit: PS. I still have that dress and still fit on me! Crazy right?! But I've already bid goodbye for the flats long time ago. But hey, that foldable flats is the most comfy shoes I have. Ooppss! I need to buy a pair!

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong

Driving in his BMW, I was like a puppy enjoying the sight outside the window. I’ve noticed that most (or may I say – all) the buses in Hong Kong have printed signage and advertisements on it. Chinese knows how to maximize its resources. Unlike when you are in Manila that you can use jeepneys for public transportation – Hong Kong uses public buses that are traveled by assigned schedule (think about the buses in BGC) I find it more organized and less traffic.

2018 Edit: Of course back then they already have MTR, which I never use BTW because we got a car available (duh). But, I had enjoyed my time with those public buses, or we call it Ding Dings or Tram.


Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong

I am so glad that we have a car to use for this day trip, and a very caring driver, hehehe. We are now arrived at the school district. Education in Hong Kong is indeed an expensive business, and a good investment. Parents are working their best to send their kids at the best schools in town, starting from pre-school days until their college, and choose their own desired university. Studying in a best school means uplifting your social status – it’s very Chinese as they said, but analyzing its reason makes sense at all. 



2018 Edit: So you must not wonder why Asian parents are very (dead) serious about their child's education. It is expensive as hell, and parents will do everything for their child's future. Yeah, it is exhausting for the kid - going to school early, and arriving home with their homework, and almost no free time to play. Then weekends are for extracurricular activities like piano lessons, ballet classes, art workshop, etc. and Sundays focus on family (okay I love Sundays!).

OMG, I  think I will be a scary Asian Mom too!

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong

Residences in Hong Kong are very steep. You are very lucky if you own a 45sqm flat. They build all high as 100-storey building residence, which can occupy thousands of residents. This picture is a government owned housing project, which are rented-out for its people. As you have noticed, the structure and design is similar to the condominium buildings of SM Residences (like Jazz Residence, Sapphire, to name a few).

2018 Edit: You are already RICH if you owned a 45sqm unit in Hong Kong!

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong
Passing along the school district. Mothers' peaceful heaven.

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong

If you already traveled to Hong Kong or to any Chinese community, you will probably notice how they constructed their buildings. Unlike here in Manila where construction companies uses metals for scaffoldings, in Hong Kong I’ve noticed that they are using bamboos, no matter how tall the building is. Amore explained that Chinese believes that bamboo are the best – bamboos are not get rusted, it becomes more sturdy under the changing weather, and it’s cheaper than metals. 

2018 Edit: Well, that makes sense. I think having a bamboo farm is a lucrative business!

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong
More gigantic billboards along the busy streets of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong
More skyscrapers. Due to limited land mass, Hong Kong needs to built it more taller to accommodate more people.

2018 Edit: Living in Hong Kong is truly expensive, but did you know that dying in Hong Kong is 5-times more expensive?!

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong

After our brunch and a short drive, Amore drop me off to this place called Mongkok (like Divisoria) or popularly known as The Lady's Market, as he still have a client meeting. The place offers lots of cute finds in very cheap prices. He said this place is famous to most domestic helpers, to buy some gifts for their families. Though it’s not my plans to go shopping, I went out the car and started to roam around the place. 



This store sells stationery finds, and lucky paper lanterns and flags.

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong

I’ve saw this stall selling cheap books – academic books, trade books, magazines, novels, and the most catchy thing – erotic books. The owner shoo me away seeing me with my camera, but luckily I’ve managed to get this photo behind his back (sneaky bitch)

2018 Edit: Then I realized some of the books being sold are illegal!

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong
 This crowd looks like it’s always payday!

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong
This photo is similar scene here in Divisoria or Baclaran markets. 

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong

I find Hong Kong to be very tourist-friendly, in spite of the hear-say that Hong Kong people are snobs. There are signs everywhere, on every street like these photos. You can tour around the city without the help of the tour guide (but I still advice to maximize the use of your smart phones and always have your Google Map).

2018 Edit: Yup Google map still your best companion.

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong

Aside from friendly signage and directions, you can also find many ads like this, selling spaces, and residence properties. 

2018 Edit: Ahh still the same, but more crazy gimmicky signages for space rentals, residential, etc. I think the main sports in Hong Kong is real estate.

Hong Kong travel; Kowloon Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a very busy place, even this old man. He is carrying his cart full of junks that he got from the streets nearby, and selling it to the next junk shops. Everyone has something to do; you can barely see bystanders around (as compared here in the Philippines wherein you can see thousands around). 

It’s quite enjoyable day! I felt that Hong Kong suits me, not bad for my first day. I’ll share more photos and stories about my journey on my next posts. I encourage you to start exploring our nearby country and learn about their cultures. You’ll learn more from traveling, and enjoying each experience. 

2018 Edit: I can't remember now how many times I've visited the city and I enjoyed every single moment.



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38 comments :

  1. So many tall buildings, colorful signage and people everywhere. That is one busy city, isn't it? Good to know its a tourist-friendly place.

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    1. That is true and the present is even more busier! I will share my recent Hong Kong travel stories soon :D

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  2. What a great journey, the first trip outside of one's country is always so special.

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    1. That is so true, and sometimes the succeeding trips gains me few memories.

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  3. Loving some of the street photos you took, especially the one of the old man! Also, I wonder what would happen if the police found out about those illegal books? Would they take them away?

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    1. I heard some police do take them away. But that makes these books quite special!

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  4. I liked visiting hong kong, everything looked so big and condensed. It was funny ont he beggining to see the look right and look left signs. However, later I understood, that they are really useful, when they literally saved me from getting under the car :P

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    1. Sometimes we find it funny, but they have reasons why they put it.

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  5. I loved you Hong Kong trip! Its so beautiful and exciting!

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  6. Wow, you're making me want to pack and visit Hong Kong right away. Your pictures look absolutely amazing. I think 2019 will be the year I finally visit. Thank you for this article

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    1. There's a lot of changes happened and yeah I think you should final visit Hong Kong.

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  7. I'm really hoping to get there this coming year, so this is a big help! Thanks so much!

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    1. That is fantastic, and hope you will make most of your time in Hong Kong!

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  8. Love this unique spin on a country visited 5 years. I'm sure so much can change! Would love to do these reflections on my favorite cities too!

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  9. Hong Kong seems indeed to be a busy city, I hope I get the chance to visit it some day :)

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    1. Oh you should! I wish to visit them again for the football week :D

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  10. Amazing intro to HK for me. your adventure seemed to never end. Such great memories that you can look back on.

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  11. Really enjoyed reading this post. It's good to look back and have a better perspective and reflection.

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  12. You did a really great job pointing out Hong Kong's unique features. I think the tall skyscrapers and harbor would be my first points of interest. I love that you mentioned skin care because that's something I wouldn't even thought of exploring while in Hong Kong. That's certainly a unique tourism tip!

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    1. Yeah, when you visit Hong Kong the skincare stores are like 7/11 stores!

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  13. I totally loved Hong Kong when I visited for a short period of time in 2014. I was also surprised by how tall and narrow the apartment buildings were! Hoping to be able to go back in the next year or so :)

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    1. Residential properties are getting expensive and smaller and its crazy!

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  14. Isn't it amazing the difference five years can make? I enjoyed your commentary looking back on the photos and experiences. Hong Kong is high on my travel wish list.

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    1. Sometimes it is nice to look back :D
      Thank you for reading my update!

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  15. Jane Dempster-SmithApril 2, 2019 at 7:00 AM

    Hong Kong is one of my favourite Asian cities. I adore the food, the architecture and love shopping at Ladies Market. Your post has brought back so many memories. It is so easy to get to the centre of Hong Kong after your flight arrives, I wish it was so easy in other cities.

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    1. I heard recently that the Ladies Market will soon be gone?! OMG

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  16. It’s been a long time since I was in Kowloon, and now I’m inspired to return. I forgot how busy and chaotic it is there! It's very Chinese, and I have to agree, this city never sleeps!

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    1. Recently, I am thinking of going back and explore it again :D

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  17. This looks like a place you can’t miss! Unfortunately on my China trip, I could explore Shanghai only. I was in the city for a month but could neither go to Hong Kong nor to Beijing �� thanks for giving a virtual tour though x

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    1. Hope you'll visit Hong Kong next time :D China and Hong Kong are still quite different :D

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  18. I appreciate that you came back to update this post years later. So many times I am looking for information and find really old posts and don't know if the information is still accurate. So thanks for that! I'm looking for information to pass along to a friend who is in Kowloon now. I think she would really like the Lady's Market, so I'm passing your post along to her.

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    1. Thank you for appreciating my post! The most recent news I heard is that Lady's Market might be moving elsewhere.

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  19. You managed to cover so much in 4 days and 3 nights! I am yet to visit Hong Kong, but from all that I have read about the place till date it seems like a combination of Mumbai and Kuala Lumpur - so so busy, like you have mentioned. Your commentary was so vivid!! :D

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    1. LOl Thank you Vaisakhi! I want to visit it again this year :D

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  20. I love this idea of revisiting and updating an old post. It's nice to reflect on where we were were, not just as travelers, but as writers as well, and also appreciate how we've grown. You really brought Hong Kong to life for me, both in your initial post and you through your recent updates. Thanks for sharing!

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