My First International Trip

📍 Originally posted: November 2015

It had always been a dream of mine to explore places beyond the Philippines. And in November 2015, that dream came true when I flew to Hong Kong and Macau for five unforgettable days with my workmates. This trip became one of the golden bookmarks in the story of my life.

Pre-flight butterflies and sky-high joy

The hours leading up to my departure were filled with a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, anxiety, and anticipation all at once. I remember sitting at the boarding gate, watching planes taxi across the runway, and feeling my heart race faster with each passing minute. When it was finally time to board, I realised that I had been dreaming of this moment for years.

Stepping off the plane at Hong Kong International Airport felt surreal. The air was crisp, the terminals modern and efficient, and everything moved with quiet order. From the moment I arrived, I could sense that I was in a place where discipline and courtesy were part of daily life.

Essential first step: Getting an Octopus Card

Before leaving the airport, my workmate, who had been to Hong Kong several times, insisted that we buy an Octopus Card. This rechargeable travel card can be used for the MTR, buses, trams, ferries, and even purchases at convenience stores and some restaurants. We purchased ours at the airport ticketing office for HKD 150, which included HKD 100 in usable credit and a HKD 50 refundable deposit. Having this card in hand made our movements around the city fast and convenient—no need to queue for single-journey tickets each time.

Where we stayed: Golden Crown Guesthouse

From the airport, we hopped on a bus heading to Golden Crown Guesthouse, located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon—a central hub buzzing with life!
What I loved about this budget-friendly spot:

• Minutes away from Kowloon Park, Victoria Harbour, and Temple Street Night Market
• Easy subway access
• Affordable rates!

Sure, the room was small and simple—not exactly luxury—but hey, when you’re in a city as vibrant as HK, the goal is to explore, not stay indoors!

Observations on the city’s discipline

On our way to the MTR station, I noticed something that made a strong impression on me. Despite the number of people in the streets, no one pushed, no one littered, and everyone followed traffic signals. Commuters stood in line to board trains, gave way to the elderly, and kept to the right on escalators so others could pass. These small acts of consideration were not extraordinary in themselves, but seeing them so consistently practised made me reflect on how much such habits could improve life in any city.

Getting to the Big Buddha: A traveller’s guide

Our first destination was the Tian Tan Buddha—more commonly known as the Big Buddha—on Lantau Island. There are several ways to get there, and each offers a different experience.

By Cable Car (Ngong Ping 360)

From Tsim Sha Tsui, take the MTR Tung Chung Line to Tung Chung Station (around 40–50 minutes). The Ngong Ping 360 cable car terminal is a short walk from the station. The 25-minute ride offers sweeping views of the South China Sea, green hills, and the airport. Travellers can choose between a standard cabin or a Crystal Cabin with a glass floor. Booking online in advance is recommended to avoid long queues, especially on weekends and holidays.

By Bus (budget-friendly option)
This was the option we chose. From Tung Chung Station, walk to the bus terminus next to Citygate Outlets and take New Lantao Bus No. 23 to Ngong Ping Village. The ride takes about 50 minutes and passes through winding mountain roads and lush scenery. Sitting on the right-hand side of the bus offers better coastal views.

By Ferry and Bus (scenic alternative)
From Central Ferry Pier 6, take a ferry to Mui Wo on Lantau Island, then ride New Lantao Bus No. 2 to Ngong Ping Village. This route takes longer but is more leisurely and offers a glimpse into the quieter side of Hong Kong life.

Arrival at Ngong Ping Village

By the time we reached Ngong Ping Village, the midday light was spilling over the mountains and a cool breeze carried the scent of incense from the nearby monastery. The village itself was charming, with small shops, tea houses, and pathways leading to the base of the Buddha’s long staircase. The sight of the giant bronze statue seated peacefully against the sky was breathtaking—an image that, even from a distance, conveyed both strength and serenity.

That day was the beginning of many discoveries—not just about Hong Kong, but about myself as a traveller. I learned the value of planning ahead, the convenience of local transport systems, and the quiet joy of observing everyday life in a foreign place.

In my next post, I will share what it felt like to stand before the Big Buddha itself and how we spent the rest of our first day visiting museums in the city.

📍 Next up on the blog: Day 1, Part 2 – The Big Buddha Up Close & A Visit to HK Museums

💛 Thank you for joining me on this journey. More stories and snapshots soon!

Love,
Anj 🌸