Trip details
Dates: April 12-15, 2013
Travel Party: 8 adults (2 seniors) and 1 infant (22 months)
Airline: Cebu Pacific via NAIA Terminal
Cebu Pacific and Tiger Airways via DMIA Clark Pampanga
Travel Agency: GJM International
Hotel: Rambler Garden Hotel
Cost of the trip
Airfare: P43, 825.56
Package Tour: P55, 600.00 (This includes HK city tour, breakfast coupon, Disneyland,
Hotel and Roundtrip Transfers)
Additional P29, 520.00 (This includes compulsory HK tip of HK50 each, travel tax,
terminal fees both in Clark and Manila and 8 regular Octopus Cards with HK200 load
Total cost of the trip: P128, 945.56 (meals not included)
This is basically half package tour, half DIY. All of my trips in the past are DIY but since we have 2 seniors and 1 infant and we have already specific places where we wanted to go, I got the package tour that will just require as one whole day of compulsory tour and the rest will be dependent on us. This proved to be economical, easy and convenient for everyone.
Airlines
We left Manila on April 12, I had difficulty booking promo fares for all of us and my mom wanted us on separate flights just in case something happens. (my superstitious mom=) so I decided to group us into 2. I booked my 2 sisters and a boyfriend via Cebu Pacific Manila-HK-Manila while me, hubby, Johan, my parents and another sister were booked via Cebu Pacific Clark-HK and via Tiger Airways HK-Clark. I made sure we both have the same flight schedules so that we will arrive and depart in/from HK airport on the same time.
Airport
It was my second time in Diosdado Macapagal International Airport. The first time, I believed I commuted with a group of friends. This time, we brought our car and parked it on their Park ‘n Fly parking grounds. We left Quezon City at around 230AM and arrived at 530AM. It was the first time for hubby to drive to Clark so we were a little cautious. Plus the fact that it was unfamiliar and super early. I noticed the signs are not that clear and user-friendly. When we asked around, they are friendly and more than willing to help but they have different versions of how long, where to exit so we just go by instincts since hubby had already asked his friends before the trip. There were areas that are too dark and sometimes we felt that we were lost only to find the light at the end of the long dark road literally. What we did is from Commonwealth we drive towards NLEX and we exit at Dau. Then from there we ask some people until we finally got to our destination. We parked inside Clark for P90 pesos per day. Just a little warning, we lost our 4 tire valve caps. Since the parking place is huge and I saw just a few guards, this incident can really happen. Too bad we weren't able to report it. We were already tired and we just want to go home already so I guess we will just be careful and report it next time.
Tour package
As I’ve said this is partly package tour. I decided to get a package from GJM International because it’s practical and convenient. Transactions done via email and phone only, Grace of GJM International was easy to talk to and very efficient and fast. I didn’t have any problems with them so I will definitely get them in the future. For P6, 950.00 each (infant is free), we already have hotel accommodations, breakfast vouchers, roundtrip transfers, city tour and Disneyland. Our itinerary is like this: 1 day tour and Disneyland and 3 days free time. So I made the itinerary for our 3 days like this: Day 1: arrival, Mongkok, Langham Place and rest. Day 2: City tour (Bauhinia Square, HK International Convention Center, Jewelry Store, Aberdeen Fishing Boat Ride, Jumbo Restaurant) and Disneyland. Day 3: Citygate Outlet, Cable Car Ride, Ngong Ping Village, Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Tian Tan Buddha Statue, HK Museum of Art, Avenue of Stars, Ladies Night Market. Day 4: Grand Seasons at Kwai Fong and Maritime Square at Tsing Yi, Mongkok.
Hotel
We stayed at The Rambler Garden Hotel at Tsing Yi Road. This is the container terminal part of Hongkong. There are 3 hotels in the area namely Garden Oasis, Mexan Harbour Hotel and the one where we stayed at—the Rambler Garden. Though far from the city, Rambler Garden Hotel is near the airport, Disneyland , Citygate Outlets, Ngong Ping Village, Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. We already know where we wanted to go so when we booked thru the travel agency, we were given choices for the hotels. But since most of where we wanted to go is near the airport, we decided to choose this hotel. Checking in was fast and easy. They just asked our passports and asked us to deposit HK1000 dollars for the 4 rooms/3 nights which is refundable once you check out. The receptionist is ok. Just be polite I guess and they will treat you right. I had no problems with any of the staff I have talked to. They don’t smile that much but they are pleasant and courteous as well. They don’t speak English that much but they understand simple questions in English. Checking out is also a breeze. Since we were leaving later on that day, we left our luggage at the concierge. You pay HK10 dollars per luggage when you leave it while waiting for your airport pick up.
The room is ok for the price you pay. I mean you get what you pay for. And I have been to HK a couple of times and all hotels I have stayed in (except Hotel Nina in Tsuen Wan West which has huge rooms) were really small. Rambler Garden though small is decent and has high ceiling and has basic amenities like ref, water kettle, cabinet. They provide soap, toothbrush, slippers, towels, shampoo and conditioner (dispenser). The aircon works well. The view is really not to die for (containers and sea view) but ok. I mean I’d rather have this view than the view of another building or back of the building or no view at all. And we went to HK to experience the sights and sound not to stay at the hotel so it’s just ok. If you want to go out, you just ride the shuttle bus to either Tsing Yi MTR or Kwai Fong MTR (fare is HK3.60 dollars) but you can use your Octopus card for the ride. From there, you can go anywhere. Nearest malls are the Grand Seasons at Kwai Fong and Maritime Square at Tsing Yi.
There are 2 restaurants at the lower ground floor (L1) Café de Coral and another restaurant. There are stores like Park & Shop, 7-11, some souvenir shops but they open late and close early. Yes it is really far from where the action is like downtown Hongkong or the shopping areas of Mongkok, Central, Tsim Tsa Tsui but they have efficient train system so you just have to go to the nearest MTR to be where the action is. Yes the location is outside the city but since the places we were visiting are outside the city, the location is just right for us.The place is not Shangri-la or Hilton but given the price we would stay here again.
Going Around
I also computed and bought us our individual regular Octopus cards which came in handy during our free time and when moving around Hongkong. I bought HK200 each regular MTR. This can also be used in several establishments and you can top up (reload) anytime, anywhere. And because HK has efficient mass transport system, everything is just within reach.
Learnings
Traveling is really a test of patience, understanding and endurance. It also made our relationships stronger as a couple, as a family. It also tested our strength during the long walks and it made us appreciate and respect each other more.
Good thing we brought Johan’s stroller, this made life easier especially during long walks and when Johan is sleeping.
It also pays to delegate tasks so that everyone knows their role. Chris is in charge of Johan’s stuff while me and one of my sisters took turns in taking care of Johan. I’m blessed with super nice sisters. One sister is in charge of my mom and the other is in charge of dad. They are both seniors so they needed assistance.
The best thing about traveling with family is it gives you peace of mind and the happiness you feel when you see your parents enjoying is priceless, that no matter what you do or where you go, you will always enjoy the moment because you are with the people you love.
