Hong Kong is the first destination for budding wanderlusts. Other than the fact that it’s less than 2 hours away from Manila, the city is tourist friendly and the destinations are so familiar among Filipinos that research and itinerary planning isn’t necessary. We technically played it by ear.

The first destination (and the most popular one), where tourists flock from all over the world, is the Tsim Sha Tsui East Harbor also known as the Victoria Harbor. It’s a long stretch park area where you can hang around while enjoying the view of Hong Kong skyline where the buildings are soaring side by side with the mountain (Victoria Peak). The best time to visit the place is during the afternoon to wait for the sunset.

They also have the Hong Kong Museum, Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower, Avenue of the Stars and the Symphony of Lights, a synchronized display of lights, laser and sounds dancing on the grandest stage in the island–the city skyscrapers. this is an everyday spectacle which happens every 8 PM. Better reserve yourself a seat earlier because at 6pm, people would be swarming the place. You wouldn’t want an obstructed view.

You won’t be spending a single HK$ here except for some knick knacks and quick snacks when you get tired and hungry from walking and snapping photos.  Museum has an entrance ticket, but why do you have to hide inside the museum when the most beautiful harbor in the world is blazoning right in front of you?

You also have an option to sail the Victoria Harbor. Ferry ships are available at the dock. Some ships even offer meals on board. We even saw beer and cocktails served. After the light show, you may walk across the street and start your night shopping. After a few minutes of walking, you’ll find yourself right in the middle of the fashion capital of Asia, the shopping capital of this side of the world!

Getting there:
Take the MTR and get off at Tsim Sha Tsui.
Take exit E.
Once above ground, you’re on Nathan Road. Go straight (south), cross Middle Road, continute to the corner (Salisbury Road, the Peninsula Hotel is on your right) and turn right.
Keep going the same direction. You will first pass Peninsula Hotel, then the Salisbury YMCA, and then you’ll have to take a pedestrain tunnel to cross Kowloon Park Drive.
Cross Canton Road.
Continue straight. Star House will be on your right.
Follow the sidewalk and curve left. The Star Ferry pier will be on your right.
After passing the Star Ferry pier, you will be at the western end of the Tsim Sha Tsui East waterfront, where you can see the century-old clock tower.

Alternate route from Hong Kong Island:
Take the Star Ferry either in Wan Chai or Central district and head for Tsim Sha Tsui.
Once the ferry arrives at Tsim Sha Tsui and you are out of the pier area, turn right (east). Within 30 yards/meters, you will be at the western end of the Tsim Sha Tsui East waterfront, where you can see the century-old clock tower.