The Backpacking Freelancer - Part IX

This post is all about itinerary planning. What sites in HK are worth your while? How do you get there and how much do entrance fees cost?

After arranging your flight and your accommodations in Hong Kong, you're all set to plan your "trip" -- and by "trip" I mean the things that you actually want to do when you arrive at Hong Kong International Airport. 

I'm going to assume that you'll be staying at Golden Crown Guesthouse or any of top-rated HK hostels and guesthouses by Trip Advisor. All of them are in Tsim Sha Tsui, which is the best location to be for sightseeing. So here goes:

12 Fun Things to Do in Hong Kong

• Buy an Octopus card. The card is equivalent to Singapore's EZ Link card. You can debit your bus and MTR fare (except the Airport Express) from the Octopus card at discount rates. You can also use the card to pay for your purchases at Watson's, Circle K, 7-11, McDonald's and many other establishments. Cost: 150 HKD.
  
  
• Stay at a place that is cheap, clean and accessible. What makes lodging houses in Tsim Sha Tsui appealing is that you can reach them at any hour of the day or night. To reach Golden Crown Guesthouse for instance, just take Bus A21 (day time) or N21 (midnight to 5:00 a.m.). Ask the driver to drop you off at the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR (across Kowloon Park) on Nathan Road, and you will find yourself just a few steps away from the guesthouse. Cost: 23 HKD.
  
  
• Shop at Citygate Outlet Mall. The mall is a commanding structure that is home to at least 80 famous international brands. Why am I recommending this seemingly high-class stopover for backpackers? It’s a prime location and it makes a nice sidetrip to your visit to Ngong Ping or Disneyland. To reach Citygate from Tsim Sha Tsui, take the Tsuen Wan line to Lai King and then head for Tung Chung aboard the Tung Chung line. Cost: 18 HKD.

The Backpacking Freelancer - Part VIII

Golden Crown is housed on the same building as Yiufai. Did you find it weird that I opted for number 3 instead of number 2? It's not such a mystery really when you consider the websites of these top-rated but cheap accommodations in Hong Kong.

I was more impressed with the Golden Crown Guesthouse website. Content is indeed king there. The site is packed with comprehensive and useful information on not only the guesthouse itself but on nearby attractions as well.

The only inquiry you will ever want to make is whether the rooms are available and if you can get them at standard rates. You see, the guesthouse adjusts its rates during peak season too. Rooms are at least 100 HKD higher whenever there are expos and exhibits held in Hong Kong.  

My favorite part of the website is the user-friendly and interactive reservations form. Unlike other hostels and guesthouses which leave you hanging about the status of your request, Golden Crown Guesthouse gives very prompt feedback and updates. Only the first page of bookings is displayed. You will have to log into the site to view the request details, check if the payment has been reflected and print the confirmation page.