One week in Hong Kong on a budget

Old Apr 25th, 2012, 12:34 PM
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One week in Hong Kong on a budget

Just back from one week in Hong Kong and my money went farther than what I expected. In fact, the one week cost me about $550 plus airfare.

When I arrived I caught the bus A11 at the airport to Causeway Bay to the Comfort Hostel. I shared a bed in an eight bed room. The hostel is located in the Fashion District. While this arrangement is not recommended if you are on your honeymoon, I met two teachers from the United States teaching English in China, two guys from Scotland traveling around the world, a business woman from Texas working in China and two young guys from Japan who were taking an English class in Hong Kong.

On day 1, I was up at 6:00 a.m. and at McDonald’s for breakfast. I saw the young girls dress up in ties and sweater vests and the boys in ties getting on the bus for school. I walked to the tram station and went up Victoria Peak, then caught the bus to the ferry station and went over to Kowloon. This was the only place where I was hassled to buy things.

On day 2, I was up at 6:00 a.m. and off to the ferry station. I spent the day on Lamma Island and treated myself to a nice lunch where one picks the fish in the tank. I spent the day hiking and took a nap on the beach.

On day 3, I purchased a Big Bus hop off and on pass. Personally, I thought the pass was overpriced, but it was good to learn some facts about Hong Kong like the fact that they have twice as many skyscrapers as New York City and than 90% of the people use public transportation. I went out to Stanley and purchased two polo shirts and three t-shirts. The weather was warmer than what I had planned for.

On day 4, I took the subway from Causeway Bay to Central Station and walked to the ferry terminal. I took the ferry over to Cheung Chau. I had a nice swim and a nice hike. Later that day I finish the Big Bus tour and took the Hong Kong at night tour. The lights of the city are incredible.

On day 5, I caught the ferry with two minutes to spare and was off to Lantau Island to see the Big Buddha. It was pretty foggy but I climbed the stairs. I took the 20 minute gondola back to the subway station and made a stop at the Hong Kong park.

On day 6, I caught the bus and went to Ocean World. This is a combined animal and ride park. I took some great photos and movies of the very active pandas. The park was not very crowded and the employees even offered to take my photo with the pandas.

I had purchased an economy ticket in W class with United and was able to get a free upgrade three weeks before each flight in Business Class. I was quite impressed with United Business Class. The flight attendants upstairs were both Asian and obviously, the pilots were not Continental pilots because the fasten seatbelt sign was off more than it was on.
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Old Apr 25th, 2012, 02:18 PM
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great report..

did you have some good food other than mcdonalds?
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Old Apr 25th, 2012, 02:39 PM
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I only did McDonald's for breakfast each day. Their breakfast was cheaper than a cup of coffee at Starbucks. I did go to an Outback Steakhouse my last night there because it was only one block away and it was raining. But I did loose four pounds on the trip.
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Old Apr 25th, 2012, 05:57 PM
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Free upgrades? I guess you mean you use your Systemwide Upgrades.

My gosh, how can a budget traveler like you take the Big Bus Tour? Also, can't believe you take the A11 bus when you can save half by taking E11!!!

Anyways, McDonald's not the big bargain in HK like it used to be for years. Now most decent value meals cost US$4.
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Old Apr 26th, 2012, 02:16 AM
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Yes, I used system upgrades. I was able to get an isle seat on the upper deck three weeks before the flight. On the return flight I was able to get a window seat on the upper deck three weeks before the flight.

Egg McMuffin, hash browns and coffee was 21 Hong Kong Dollars or about $2.71 USD.

The A11 bus was 40 Hong Kong Dollars or about $5.16 USD.
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Old Apr 26th, 2012, 10:11 AM
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But if you've taken the E11 (HK$21), you can get 2 extra Sausage McMuffins (promotional price: HK$8/each), and still have more than enough change to ride the Star Ferry or the HK Tramway!!!
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Old Apr 26th, 2012, 12:13 PM
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I don't like sausage McMuffins. But I think they need to pass a law in Hong Kong that says you can't walk down the street with your umbrella open and text message at the same time. I had visions of my eyeballs being pulled out of my head as they were hanging on the tips of an umbrella. Perhaps a good thriller movie.
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Old Apr 26th, 2012, 01:56 PM
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You shared a bed? That sounds either very cozy or very awkward.
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Old Apr 26th, 2012, 02:29 PM
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Hostels are very popular in Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. In fact, I once counted more hostels in Western Australia than in the United States. I met a businessman from Germany who said he never stays in hotels anymore. Too boring, he said. Unfortunately, I had my own bed each night. Converting an old hotel into a hostel in a downtown area would certainly be a good money making proposition for a business person. Most people I meet from foreign countries don't even bother to come to the United States until they turn 21 due to the drinking age. I often mention that most people from the United States have a fake ID.

The hostel I stayed at in Hong Kong had a very small kitchen--just a microwave and sink. But I've seen some hostelers cook up steaks on the grill with the trimmings.
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Old May 9th, 2012, 11:27 PM
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Business class flight....to then share a bed in a hostel? Sorry I just had to point that out.

Glad you enjoyed Hong Kong. It is a great city.
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