Hong Kong on a Shoestring (Flight Back to the Philippines)

Day 4 in Hong Kong. The day of our flight back to the Philippines. However, since our scheduled flight is at 9:45 AM, we obviously got no more itinerary for the day other than just get prepared and head immediately to HKIA.

Nathan Road near entrance to Mirador Mansion

Early morning in HK: The side of Nathan Road where the A21 Bus to the Airport passes.

We left the Pearl Hostel at around 6:30 AM. From Mirador Mansion, we crossed the other side of Nathan Road and waited for the A21 Bus to arrive. It was a Sunday and according to the Citybus website, the interval of A21 Buses is 12 minutes starting from 6 AM. There were already several others, some Pinoys, queuing at the Bus Stop as well. We actually waited no more than 5 minutes before the A21 Bus finally arrived. Of course, we immediately went up to the upper deck right after we left our luggage below for us to get a good last view of the city we now learned to love. I will truly miss transportation in Hong Kong. Sigh.

Entrance to the Departures Level of HKIA

After getting off the bus, we immediately looked for the Air Asia baggage counter. However, as huge as the HKIA is and as first time as we will ever get, we thought we needed some help after wandering around the airport for quite some time. We asked the information desk where Air Asia counters are located, we just told them our flight number and they directed us to Terminal 2. Apparently, we were in Terminal 1. It was close to a 5-minute walk between the two terminals, again don't underestimate reading signs and directions properly. After a few minutes, we managed our way to our assigned baggage counters.

HKIA Departures Level

It was around 8 AM and we headed back to Terminal 1 to clear Immigration and security. It was just quick. No further questions were asked. Actually we could already have waited at our assigned boarding gates but we were hesitant, thinking there were no restaurants or food stalls that may be available in the area for breakfast. Besides there were still several HKDs at our disposal, so we thought of just staying outside for a while and buying more pasalubongs. In retrospect, we regretted this decision. Actually, prior to going to the Airport, we have already bought some canned coffee and pastries for our breakfast at 7/11 last night, but someone's craving for another round of Hong Kong McDo. Hahaha. Honestly, I did too. We realized our breakfast was relatively light. And so we looked for a McDo outside but to no avail. So we just decided to proceed on looking for more pasalubongs instead. I guess we lost track of time that it was already passed 9 AM when we finally decided to go head to our boarding gates. To our surprise, the boarding gates area has a lot of food stalls and restaurants (including a McDo!) plus there were also plenty of other good finds for a possible pasalubong. Oh well, we'll meet HKIA soon anyway. Lesson learned. Hahaha.

I remembered the Air Asia baggage counter personnel saying our flight's boarding gate was at "Gate 25". My mistake: I did not double check my ticket or I think I actually did but I just overlooked! We hastily went to Gate 25. And then got surprised when it was Cathay Pacific passengers waiting at the gate. Did we just miss our flight? The adrenaline rushed yet again and I guess it went just up my head. I wasn't thinking clearly anymore. We asked the good lady in-charge at the boarding gate and she told us that the flight may be following Cathay Pacific's scheduled flight at 10:15 AM. What the hell?! Our flight is at 9:45 AM. Did we really just miss our flight back to the Philippines? Possibly. I looked at my watch. It was almost 9:30 AM. Did they just leave early? I don't think so. An angel might have told me to check on our tickets again. It was GATE 35, not GATE 25! Another effing airport boo-boo. Tsk tsk tsk.

We only had 15 minutes to sprint our way pass 10 boarding gates to the finish line - GATE 35! I thought to myself - are we somehow jinxed at airports and these things just keep happening to us? Hehehe. I'd rather think otherwise! Thank God HKIA has "walkalators"! Finally they served their purpose for clueless, not to mention helpless, HK idiots like us. Hahaha. We arrived just in time; our fellow passengers were also just about to board as well. Phew! That was close!

So long, Hong Kong!

Disembarkation Card signed for the Immigration and Customs waiting for us at DMIA

Meet Beany - our Hong Kong travel buddy - enjoying his flight home!

A good day back in the Philippines!

We arrived at Clark at around 11:45 AM. After clearing the Immigration and fetching our luggage, we again hopped on a DMIA jeepney shuttle bound for the Mabalacat Bus Terminal at Php 50/pax. From the bus terminal, we hopped on another bus, Victory Liner, bound for Cubao. We are home at last. Well, almost. Hehehe.

[END OF HONG KONG TRIP]

I must say that it really was a memorable Hong Kong adventure. Good thing it never rained throughout our entire stay which was great as we got to enjoy most of the attractions at their fullest. It was my first time abroad and although we went there with a specific itinerary in mind, we realized that it was really more fun following where you feel your heart (and feet) leads you. That, I believe, is the true spirit of adventure that no specific amount of money can buy. We may be in Hong Kong on a shoestring, but we did just fine and still had the time of our lives.

Next Hong Kong itinerary: possibly a visit to the theme parks or a sidetrip to Macau and Shenzen or just hike the Hong Kong trails or simply plain shopping, mall hopping perhaps? Hehehe. My pick, you ask? Your guess will be just as good as mine. ;)