Friday, October 10, 2025

Land of Bruce Lee

 

Day 1: 18 Oct 2025 CCU (0200 HRS) >BKK (0800 HRS) > Hong Kong (Arrival at 1145 HRS & Night Tour & City Explorations )

Day 2: 19 Oct 2025 (Hong Kong City Tour)

Day 3: 20 Oct 2025 (Lantau Island & Big Buddha )

Day 4: 21 Oct 2025 (Macau Day Trip)

Day 5: 22 Oct 2025 (Departure) Hong Kong (17 40 HRS) >Manila,Philippines (20 10 HRS)

Day 6 : 23 Oct 2025 : Manila, Philippines - Colonial City Tour

Day 7 : 24 Oct 2025 : Manila, Philippines - Cultural City Tour / any other tour

Day 8 : 25 Oct 2025 : Manila,Philippines (0630 HRS)> Cebu,Philippines (0840 HRS) - City Tour

Day 9 : 26 Oct 2025 : Cebu,Philippines - Bohol Tour

Day 1027 Oct 2025 : Cebu,Philippines (20 05 HRS)>Mactan Island tour> Manila,Philippines(21 40 HRS)

Day 11 : 28 Oct 2025 : Manila, Philippines (02 05 HRS) Hong Kong (04 30 HRS)

Day 11: 28 Oct 2025 : Departure : Hong Kong (1825 HRS)  >BKK(23 35 HRS)>CCU(00 40 HRS)


Apply for Visa

See this wonderful video to know about problems of visa application from India, especially Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chandigarh. If you apply from these cities, Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) Process will be unsuccessful, like my application, inspite of visiting 44 countries. But there is nothing to worry about, still you will get visa. See this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5vTDJpfD-U

For documents required, follow this link -

 https://www.gov.hk/en/nonresidents/visarequire/visasentrypermits/applyvisit_transit.htm

Ultimately I got visa by paying Rs 2300 approx.

Hong Kong: Country Snapshot

Population: ~7.5 million (2025 est.) — one of the most densely populated regions on Earth.

Islands: Comprises over 260 islands, with Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories forming the main regions. Hong Kong means all of these 260 Islands.

Area: ~1,110 sq. km — about 1/80th the size of West Bengal, yet with far higher population density.

Per Capita Income: ~USD 53,000 (India ~USD 2,700) 

Religion: A blend of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, with Christian minorities and a growing number of non-religious residents.

Languages: Chinese (Cantonese) and English are official languages; signage and government services use both.

Currency: 1 Hong Kong Dollar ≈ 10.7 Indian Rupees (2025 est.).

Industries: Finance, trade, logistics, tourism, and professional services — Hong Kong is Asia’s major financial and shipping hub.

🍜 Famous Street Food & Night Markets in Hong Kong

✅ Ladies Market, Mong Kok — famous for street food like curry fish balls, egg waffles, and stinky tofu.
✅ Temple Street Night Market — more street snacks and souvenirs.
✅ Mong Kok Food Stalls — look for Hong Kong-style French toast, dim sum, egg tarts, roasted


Climate: Subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild winters.  October is pleasant and dry, one of the best months to visit.

Climate in Oct: Pleasant, 22°C–28°C, mostly dry.

History

Originally a small fishing village.

Ceded to Britain after the First Opium War (1839–1842) under the Treaty of Nanking. 

Developed into a global port and financial hub. 

Returned to China in 1997 as a Special Administrative Region under “one country, two systems.”

✅ Transportation & Travel Tips

  • Octopus Card — Buy at airport for seamless travel (MTR, buses, ferries AND shopping).



✈️ Day 1 (18 Oct 2025) — Arrival to Hong Kong and Kowloon Peninsula Tour

  • 🕚 11:45 am: Arrive at Hong Kong International Airport.

  •        Citybus A21 (Airport → Nathan Road / Tsim Sha Tsui)
  • This is one of the most cost-effective and simple ways. It goes from the airport bus terminal to Bus Stop No.14 Middle Road, Nathan Road, which is very close to Chungking Mansions. 
  • Approx fare: HK$ 33.
  • Time: ~ 40-60 minutes depending on traffic. 
  • Operates 05:00 to about midnight. If you arrive after midnight, there’s an N21 night bus that covers similar route. 
  •   Or Airport Express + Short Bus 

    • Take the Airport Express train from the airport to Kowloon Station (≈ HK$ 105 one-way). 

    • From Kowloon Station, either walk, take a local bus to Chungking Mansions . The walk isn’t very long if your hotel is close to Nathan Road.

  • 2:00 pm onwards: Walking tour 1 in Kowloon Peninsula as per LP from Prince Edward                MTR do as  per tour plan : it ends at Jordan MTR - 2 hours

  •       Have lunch and shopping at Ladies Market, Mong Kok MTR

  •       Walking Tour ends at Jordan MTR 

  • Wander Temple Street Night Market and sample street food (egg waffles, fish balls) for dinner at Jordan MTR

  • 🛏️ Overnight in Kowloon.


🏙️ Day 2 (19 Oct 2025) — Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island Tour

  •   After breakfast, do walking Tour 2 of Kowloon as per LP from Star Ferry Pier 1 and                  explore Avenue of Stars & Clock Tower,1881 heritage, Bruce Lee Statue .... and end at Jordan MTR - 1 hour

  • Take MTR from Jordan MTR to go to Sai Ying Pun MTR / Ride the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour.  of Hong Kong Island.

  • Do walking tour 1 of Hong Kong Island from Kennedy Town Tram (Sutherland St) or Sai Ying Pun MTR and end at Sheung Wan MTR  -  1 hour 

  • Have lunch at Lan Kwai Fong

  • Do walking tour 2 of Hong Kong Island from Star Ferry Pier  7, Central and end at Cental MTR - exit K -  1 hour

  • Then take Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak for a panoramic sunset view

  •  For night life - Lan Kwai Fong [nearest metro station Central - Island Line (Blue Line) is the closest]. From there, it's about a 5–7 minute uphill walk.

  • Spend time at Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront of Kowloon Peninsula

  • 🛏️ Overnight in Kowloon.


🏞️ Day 3 (20 Oct 2025)Lantau Island & Big Buddha

  • 🕘 Morning:

    • Travel by MTR to Tung Chung Station (~45 mins).

    • From Tung Chung Station take the Ngong Ping 360 by Cable Car for stunning views up to Lantau Island, enjoying sweeping views of North Lantau Country Park and Hong Kong International Airport

  • 🕙 Visit Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) and Po Lin Monastery.

  • 🕚 Optional trip to nearby Tai O Fishing Village (bus #21).

  • 🕕 Return to hotel via MTR/bus in the evening.

  • 🛏️ Overnight in Kowloon.


🏰 Day 4 (21 Oct 2025)Macau City Tour

  • 🕖 Early morning transfer to Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal.

  • 🕣 Ferry to Macau (~1 hr).

#RouteDetails / How it worksApprox Cost*Time / Things to Consider
1. HZMB Shuttle Bus (“Golden Bus”) via Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau BridgeTake local transport to the Hong Kong Port / HZMB terminal → cross the bridge by shuttle bus → arrive Macau Port.
~ 40-60 mins for the crossing + time required to get to the HZMB departure point.
HK$ 65-70 one way - You’ll need to travel from Tsim Sha Tsui to the bridge’s Hong Kong Port first (extra local bus/MTR). There’s immigration checks at each border crossing. 

2. Cross-boundary Coach Direct / Bus via BridgeBuses (express coach) that
pick  up in Hong Kong city &
drive by the bridge to Macau. More comfortable seat, luggage space.
HK$ 160-180 depending on operator & drop-off location in Macau (inner city or hotel area). 




3. Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui (China Ferry Terminal) → Macau (Outer Harbour / Taipa terminals)
Walk / take local transport to the China Ferry Terminal in TST → take TurboJET or Cotai Water Jet ferry. There are economy & super classes.~ USD 22-29 (~HK$ 160-230) for economy one-way, sometimes more for premium class.  ~ 1 hour boat ride +    time to reach ferry     terminal +    immigration.

HZMB Shuttle Bus (Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge shuttle) — cheapest overall

Approx total cost from TST: HK$80–120 (HK$65 shuttle + HK$15–50 for local transfer to Hong Kong Port)
Time: ~1–1.5 hours door-to-door (40 min crossing + transfer & immigration time)


How to do it from Chungking Mansions (TST):

  • From Chungking Mansions walk/Grab to an MTR station (Tsim Sha Tsui) → take MTR to Tsing Yi / Lantau area and then local bus to Hong Kong Port (HZMB Hong Kong Port)

  • Buy shuttle ticket at the Hong Kong Port ticket counters or online. The shuttle runs 24-hours and is frequent. You will pass through Hong Kong immigration, then the 40-minute bridge crossing, then Macau immigration at Macau Port.

Explore Macau’s highlights: Start walking tour from Largo do Sendao and ends at Maritime Museum - 2.30 hours
    • Largo do Sendao

    • A-Ma Temple

    • Ruins of St. Paul’s

    • Senado Square

    • Na Tcha Temple

    • Venetian Casino

    • Macau Tower (optional observation deck)

    • Maritime museum

  • Return to Hong Kong by ferry in the evening.

  • 🛏️ Overnight in Kowloon.


🛫 Day 5 (22 Oct 2025) — Departure :   Hong Kong (17 40 HRS) > Manila (20 10 HRS)

  • Check-out, take Airport Express or A21 bus to Hong Kong International Airport for onward flight.

         Arrive in Manila in the evening. 

Manila Arzo Hotel Grand Lodge: 1440 San Marcelino St, Ermita, Manila

+63 963 584 5578

Public transport + mix options (cheapest / low cost)

  1. Bus + local jeepney / tricycle / walk combo

    • Use the airport buses (or local buses) that head toward Pasay / Taft Avenue / Roxas Boulevard routes.

    • Then transfer by jeepney, tricycle, or local bus toward Ermita / San Marcelino streets.

    • Cost: ~ ₱ 41–61 (as per one route from airport → Ermita) 

    • Time: ~ 45 min to 1 hour (or more under traffic) 

  2. Airport Premium / Point-to-Point Bus + local transfer

    • Some services (like premium airport buses) operate between the airport and major districts. You can take one of them to a central hub, then take local transport (jeepney, tricycle, taxi) to your hotel. Klook Travel

    • Cost: somewhat more than basic bus routes, but more comfortable.


🚖 Taxi / Ride-hailing (more direct, higher cost)

  1. Metered airport taxi / regular taxi

    • There are designated taxi lanes at NAIA. Use official white/yellow airport taxis.

    • Cost: ~ ₱ 240-300 (for standard taxi) from airport → Ermita. Taxi Pasay Metro Manila

    • Time: ~ 10-15 minutes (if traffic is moderate) 

Philippines: Country Snapshot

  • Population: ~115 million (2025 est.), larger than West Bengal (~100 million).

  • Islands: ~7,641.

  • Area: 300,000 sq. km (≈ 3.4 times West Bengal’s 88,752 sq. km).

  • Per Capita Income: ~USD 3,500 (India ~USD 2,700).

  • Religion: ~80% Roman Catholic; others include Islam, Protestantism.

  • Languages: Filipino & English official; 170+ local languages.

  • Currency: 1 Philippine Peso ≈ 1.5 Indian Rupees.

  • Climate: Tropical; October is in the rainy season (carry an umbrella).

  • Industries: Electronics, BPO (outsourcing), tourism, agriculture.

  • Enjoy a short stroll along Roxas Boulevard    with its famous sunset views over Manila Bay. This is a good way to ease into the country’s tropical rhythm.

Day 6: Colonial Manila (23 Oct)

This day is devoted to exploring Intramuros, the old Spanish walled city that tells the story of 300 years of colonial rule.

  • Fort Santiago – a 16th-century fortress where José Rizal, the national hero, was imprisoned before his execution.

  • San Agustin Church & Museum – UNESCO site, oldest stone church in the Philippines. Its Baroque design and collection of colonial art make it a gem.

  • Casa Manila – a recreated 19th-century Spanish colonial house, giving you a feel of elite life in the past.

  • Lunch inside Intramuros at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant, serving Filipino food in an old colonial ambiance.

  • In the afternoon, walk along the walls of Intramuros for panoramic views of both old and modern Manila.

Evening: Free time in Makati or Bonifacio Global City (BGC) – modern districts with lively nightlife and shopping.

or Take a city tour

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by pick-up for a private full-day Manila City Tour including a visit to the Destileria Limtuaco Museum.


Your journey begins at Rizal Park, honoring the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. 


Continue to Intramuros, the historic “Walled City,” and visit Fort Santiago, where Rizal was imprisoned before his execution.


Next, drive through cobbled streets to San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the Philippines, and visit the beautiful Manila Cathedral


Pass by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the country’s national performing arts venue.


Later, visit the Destileria Limtuaco Museum, home to the country’s oldest distillery, with a tasting session included.


Enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant before heading for a Shopping Tour.


https://www.makemytrip.com/holidays-international/philippines-vacation-tour-packages.html


or


Manila American Cemetery, 

Rizal Park, 

Intramuros. Fort Santiago, 

Manila Cathedral Church,San Agustin Church, 

Casa Manila, 

Baluarte De San Diego, 

Running Tour: Bgc Area, Moa Area, Ccp Grounds, Intramuros Area, Neilsen Tower.


https://www.thomascook.in/holidays/international-tour-packages/philippines-tour-packages/explore-philippines?pkgId=PKG011394&packageClassId=0&destination=PKG011394_philippines_COUNTRY_1&destTag=Philippines


or


Manila – Angeles City

 


Today we check out and drive to Angeles City - famous for its raucous nightlife, making it effectively the Sin City of the Philippines.



Day 7: Rizal Park & Cultural Manila (24 Oct)

Now you explore the wider city and get a taste of modern Filipino culture.

  • Morning: Rizal Park (Luneta) – a national symbol where José Rizal was executed in 1896, sparking the revolution against Spain.

  • Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts & Natural History, which houses treasures from prehistoric fossils to colonial masterpieces.

  • Afternoon: Head to Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown (est. 1594). Enjoy a walking food tour with Chinese-Filipino delicacies like lumpia (spring rolls), hopia (pastry), and pancit (noodles).

  • Evening (optional twist): Take a Pasig River ferry cruise or visit the Cultural Center of the Philippines for a traditional dance or music performance (depending on schedule).

This way, Day 3 mixes history, food, and cultural experiences.


Day 8: Flight to Cebu (25 Oct, 00:30 hrs)

Catch late-night flight to Cebu and reach 101 F. Gonzales St., 6000 Cebu City

  • Bus (MyBus) + Jeepney / Short Walk

    • Take the MyBus from the airport to SM City Cebu. The fare is ~ ₱50

    • From SM City Cebu, take a jeepney or short taxi/Grab to Mybed Dormitory. The walk may be too far for a heavy load, so jeepney/taxi preferred.

    • Total cost: ~ ₱70-₱100 depending on final leg.

    • Time: ~ 45-60 mins depending on traffic.

  • Airport Bus / Van + Taxi / Grab

    • If there is a direct airport bus service (or shared van) that drops you closer to city center, then from that drop-off point take a taxi or Grab to Mybed.

    • Cost: ~ ₱150-₱250 depending on how much of the last leg is by taxi.

    • Time: ~ 35-50 mins.

  • Regular Metered Taxi from Airport → Mybed Dormitory

    • Head to the official taxi stand at the airport and tell them your destination (101 F. Gonzales St.).

    • Cost: around ₱260-₱320 depending on traffic and waiting.

    • Time: ~ 25-35 mins if traffic isn’t very bad.

  • After arrival, rest a bit, then explore:

    • Magellan’s Cross – planted in 1521, a Christian relic.

    • Basilica Minore del Santo Niño – the oldest Catholic church in the country.

    • Fort San Pedro – a Spanish fort dating to the 1500s.

    • Evening: Try Cebu lechon (roast pig), considered the best in the Philippines.

    or Take a city tour

    After breakfast, proceed for a private Twin City Tour covering the key highlights of Cebu.
     
    Visit the Lapu-Lapu Monument and Magellan’s Shrine, followed by the historic Magellan’s Cross and the beautiful Basilica del Santo Niño

    Explore the craftsmanship at the Alegre Guitar Factory and the serene Taoist Temple

    Discover the city’s heritage at the Heritage of Cebu Monument and either the Yap-San Diego House or Casa Gorordo

    Drive past notable landmarks such as Colon StreetFuente Circle, and the Capitol Site

    Enjoy a local lunch during the tour 

    ~Fort San Pedro or National Museum of the Philippines - Cebu 

    Note: Wearing of sleeveless shirts, shorts and ripped pants is not allowed inside Sto Nino Church


    or

    Enjoy the city’s historic, religious and cultural site. 
    In Cebu City, visit famous tourist destinations like the Philippine Taoist Temple, 
    Heritage of Cebu Monument, 
    Mallegan's Cross, 
    Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, and 
    Heritage of Cebu Monument. 

    End the day with a delicious dinner.

    Day 9: Bohol Day Trip (26 Oct)

    Morning ferry to Bohol (approx. 2 hrs).

    • Visit the iconic Chocolate Hills.

    • Stop at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary.

    • Explore old Spanish-era churches, like Baclayon Church.
      Return to Cebu by evening.

    BLOOD COMPACT SITE (Tagbilaran City) - View the spot where the Spaniards and the Filipinos fostered friendly relations through blood. This is considered as the First Seed of the United Nations and the first Treaty between the brown and white race. 

    (Running Tour) BACLAYON CHURCH (Baclayon) - Behold an old stone church along with its religious relics dating back to the early 16th century inside the museum. It is considered as one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines. 

    LOAY BACKYARD INDUSTRY (Loay) – Observe the local craftsmen as they make bolos and other handmade metal crafts. You may also witness, as the men and women made the Nipa leaves into roofing materials. 

    (Running Tour) CLARIN ANCESTRAL HOUSE (Loay) – Visit a typical Boholano home, which was declared by the National Historical Institute as a heritage site. View the old collections of the Clarin Family displayed inside the house. 

    (Running Tour) TARSIER (Corella) – See the smallest primate in the world at the Tarsier Sanctuary. 
    MAN-MADE FOREST (Bilar) - Feel the coolness of the air and view the awesome display of the thousands of mahogany trees painstakingly planted by the people. 

    CHOCOLATE HILLS (Carmen) - Feast your eyes on the breathtaking work of nature, One thousand two hundred sixty-eight haycock hills, which turn brown during, dry season. This has been considered as one of the wonders of the world. 

    LOBOC-LOAY RIVER CRUISE - View the majestic panorama of Nipa palm plantation along the Loboc-Loay River. Sometimes wild ducks are seen swimming and feeding on the river. While cruising, lunch will be served on board.

    or

    This morning after breakfast, we proceed to Bohol via a ferry. 
    Upon arrival, we proceed to Chocolate Hills Tour where we visit Blood Compact Shrine, Baclayon church "The Ruins" and Museum, Loboc River Cruise, Laoay Backyard Industry, Clarin Ancestral House, Tarsier Encounter, Chocolate Hills & Man-made Forest.

    Day 10: Cebu Exploration (Mactan Island tour) + Flight to Manila (27 Oct, Flight 20:05 hrs)

    Your last day in Cebu. Since your flight is at 20:05 hrs, you still have most of the day for sightseeing.
    Options:

    • Morning: Mactan Island tour – visit the Mactan Shrine (where local chieftain Lapu-Lapu defeated Magellan in 1521) and enjoy some beach time.

    • Afternoon: Explore Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines, and shop for souvenirs.

    • Early evening: Light dinner before heading to the airport.

    Catch your flight to Manila at 20:05 hrs.


    or


    Mactan Island Hopping tour (PVT Basis)

     

    Breakfast at the Hotel

     

    Visit Hilutungan Island, Caohagan Island and San Vicente in Olango Island, some of Mactan's most beautiful islands. All three islands have marine sanctuaries you can explore, with an abundance of corals and hundreds of tropical fish species. Go snorkeling or just sunbathe for a great day on the beach.


    or


    HIGHLAND VISTA TOUR


    This morning after breakfast, we proceed for the tour of Highland Vista where we see the Temple of Leah, built in memory of a much-loved wife, the Sirao Flower Garden, home to windmills and a giant hand, and Tops Lookout, with sweeping views of Cebu City, Taoist Temple, sits on a hill in the Beverly Hills subdivision.


    Day 11: Departure (28 Oct, 02:05 hrs)

    Arrive in Manila late on the 27th. After a short rest, connect to your 02:05 hrs international flight to Hong Kong.


    Chronological order

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