Hong Kong Airport and Immigration

Travelling to Hong Kong for Filipino Citizens only requires a valid passport.

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Months before we left overseas, we felt a bit of apprehension remembering the incident that happened last August 2010 in Manila with the 1st phase restriction to Filipino government officials & diplomats for a visa free access to HK being raised 1st quarter of 2014. Continuous meetings and agreement have been worked out so as not to broaden the sanction, knowing that HK is one major destination where Filipinos visit for vacation as well as job opportunities.

By 2nd quarter of 2014 the Hong Kong Government has finally accepted PH apology with its sincerest gesture of sympathy and lifted the ban and prohibition allowing Filipino government officials and diplomats to once again enter its territory visa free.

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Thank God there were no further sanctions and that gave us a big relief at a perfect timing. We are now all set for our HONG KONG Teenage Dream Travel. As of this writing Filipino Citizens / Government Employees / Diplomats are now entitled to 14 days visa free period of stay.

HONG KONG DAY 1

CEBU PACIFIC AIR

Cebu Departure: 6:20AM
HKIA Arrival: 8:55AM
No Check in Luggage
Accommodation: Dragon Hostel in Mongkok

Withdrawing some cash for Ate Pam

Be ready with the following as you set foot in HONG KONG:

Itinerary

Guide Maps (HKe Transport App/Web)

Passport

Immigration Card

HK Dollars (We had our money converted in Core Pacific Money Exchange in Ayala Mall Cebu. You all have the option to bring in US dollars and have it exchanged in HK whichever is suitable for you.)

Octopus Card

HONG KONG

International Airport

(HKIA)

This is considered to be one of the most admired airports being a primary hub for the biggest airlines in the world. With vast travelers flying in and out of the city, it has been hailed as one of the airports with highest traveler interchanges. I can attest to such statement with its vast area, a well built structure catering to so many tourist.

We can't help it but hugged at each other that finally we are already here together in Hong Kong after years of planning and after waiting for 4 months since we booked our ticket. We didn't have checked-in luggage with us so it was a quick one as soon we arrived. One benefit being a certified backpacker.

Once inside HKIA don't forget to grab their free brochures, it will be an essential guide giving you options for featured sights as well as providing transportation map.

HONG KONG Immigration

A quick train ride will bring you to the immigration area.

HK immigration inspection is prompt and efficient I have to comment. No further questions asked among all five of us. We just presented our passport and immigration card.

As compared to other countries, HK this time don’t put in stamp with your passport but instead they give you a small sheet of computer generated document which contains your information and this serves as your Tourist Pass with all your relevant details now stored online in their system.

Make sure to keep this document with you all the time as it will be checked once you depart the country. There will be no additional fees to be paid once you're in HKIA.

Drop by the Tourist Service Center

and Express Counters

Here you can buy your OCTOPUS Card which I consider a necessity for your transportation, even locals use it for daily transactions and it definitely saves you time.

This can be use for their buses, trains, local ferries, trams and subways. You can also use the credit to purchase goods at selected stores. Payments will be automatically deducted.

If you already have an active card, just reload it here straight away or you can also get the card and reload at your nearest MTR station. We kept our cards for future travels once we get to be back here for another weekend getaway.

Be mindful for signs and directions.

We proceeded to Terminal 2 to exit HKIA looking for A21 Bus Stop, which will be sending us to our accommodation at Dragon Hostel in Mongkok City, stopping by Nathan Road going to Argyle Street.