Hong Kong was my first real “I saved for this” international trip.
Back then, I was working night shifts in a call center. Budgeting every sweldo. So stepping into Hong Kong didn’t feel casual.
It felt earned.
We stayed in Tsim Sha Tsui, walking distance to the MTR. Small Airbnb space shared with cousins. Nothing fancy, but for a first timer, location mattered more than aesthetics.
Tsim Sha Tsui felt like the right base. Busy but safe. Harbour view nearby. Avenue of Stars within walking distance.
And Café de Coral everywhere for affordable meals.
First Afternoon in the City
First afternoon we went straight to Victoria Peak.
The Peak Tram was steeper than I expected. When you finally reach the top and see the skyline, you understand why it’s famous.
The real highlight was watching the view transition from day skyline to night lights.
That night we walked along the harbour for Symphony of Lights. Not dramatic. Just city lights reflecting on water.
Simple, but memorable.
Disneyland Day
I won’t pretend — this was the main reason for the trip.
Goosebumps agad pagkapasok pa lang ng Disneyland.
Hong Kong Disneyland felt smaller compared to what people imagine, but for a first timer it didn’t matter.
Space Mountain. It’s a Small World. Walking down Main Street. Waiting for fireworks.
When the fireworks started and A Whole New World played, I remember just standing there quietly.
Not screaming.
Not crying loudly.
Just thinking, “So ganito pala.”
It wasn’t about the rides.
It was about realizing I made it there.
After years of night shifts and budget meals, standing in front of that castle felt like a checkpoint.
Ngong Ping and the Big Buddha
Another day we took the cable car to Ngong Ping.
Glass cabin. Long ride over water and hills. Not for people scared of heights.
We climbed the steps to Tian Tan Buddha — 268 steps, but worth it.
The monastery nearby felt peaceful compared to the city buzz.
Hong Kong shifts quickly — from skyscrapers to quiet spiritual spaces within an hour.
Street Markets and Cheap Thrills
Temple Street Night Market at night felt chaotic in the best way.
Ref magnets. Shirts. Street food everywhere.
Egg waffles. Fish balls. Siomai.
Nothing gourmet.
But everything felt part of the experience.
Star Ferry ride was probably the cheapest highlight of the trip.
Crossing the harbour for a few dollars but getting full skyline views.
Sometimes the cheapest attractions are the most satisfying.
Looking Back
Hong Kong wasn’t luxury.
It was crowded trains, small rooms, and walking everywhere to save money.
But it was also:
First Disneyland fireworks.
First cable car ride over mountains.
First time realizing travel was possible even on a modest salary.
It didn’t feel like a travel influencer trip.
It felt like proof.
Proof that if you save long enough, plan properly, and just go — you’ll get there.
And that first stamp always hits different.
