I never imagined that Hong Kong would be the destination of my very first trip abroad. The thought of visiting a vibrant and culturally rich place was beyond my wildest expectations. I still remember the thrill of boarding my first international flight. Hong Kong was calling, and I was both nervous and exhilarated.
Traveling with my companion, our hearts were racing with excitement as we passed through NAIA Terminal 3—immigration, security, and boarding. The reality of the upcoming adventure began to sink in, filling me with exhilaration and nervous anticipation. Every announcement at the airport echoed differently that day. My heart was racing, my stomach was fluttering, and my low-resolution phone’s camera was ready to capture everything.
Arrival at Hong Kong International Airport
Fast forward, and our plane touched down at Hong Kong International Airport. The sights, sounds, and smells were completely unfamiliar. Conversations flowed in Cantonese and English. Signage was written in both Chinese and English. I realized I was no longer on familiar ground. The bustling energy of the airport was overwhelming, yet thrilling.
I realized I was in a world completely unlike home—a place buzzing with life, yet strangely welcoming.
As I navigated through the crowds, I felt a growing sense of excitement for the experiences that awaited me. We took the airport train to immigration, where the officer issued an arrival card instead of stamping my passport. Soon after, we retrieved our luggage and grabbed a quick dinner at McDonald’s. We purchased an Octopus Card for HK$150—a reloadable card that would carry us through all our transportation needs in Hong Kong.
Getting our first Octopus Card for transportation—it all felt like part of a secret initiation into the city. Hong Kong’s efficiency amazed me: smooth, clean, and surprisingly easy for a first-timer.
Traveling to Our Guesthouse
We boarded the City Flyer A21 double-decker bus to our guesthouse on Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. The bus impressed me immediately with its CCTV, free WiFi, and luggage racks, a testament to Hong Kong’s efficient and traveler-friendly transportation.
The ride on the double-decker bus to our guesthouse gave me my first glimpse of the city streets. Skyscrapers, neon lights, and throngs of people—Hong Kong was alive in a way that made my pulse quicken with excitement.
Arriving at Golden Crown Guesthouse, we were relieved to find a comfortable room for four, complete with a private bathroom, TV, free WiFi, and hot and cold drinking water. Its location was ideal—close to MTR stations, restaurants, shopping areas, and tourist attractions. Even the airport buses passed by conveniently, making travel back and forth seamless.
Day 2: Spending the Day in Disneyland
Our second day started at 8:30 AM. After exchanging some currency and grabbing breakfast at a street stall, I tried dried seafood noodles with a milk drink for HK$20. It was my first taste of Hong Kong street food, and it didn’t disappoint.
Before heading to Disneyland, we visited the serene Kowloon Park, where middle-aged ladies performed morning exercises and flamingos strolled gracefully in the garden. Later, we wandered along the Avenue of Stars, admiring tributes to Hong Kong superstars like Jackie Chan and Jet Li.
Boarding the MTR Tung Chung Line, we transferred to the Disneyland Resort Line at Sunny Bay. Stepping into Disneyland was a moment of pure nostalgia, bringing back childhood memories as I finally met my favorite Disney characters in person. The Flights of Fantasy parade filled the streets with color and music, and I couldn’t stop smiling as I soaked in the magic of the park.
After a quick snack of mint chocolate and an egg tart, we explored Tomorrowland, enjoying the rides and excitement that Disney brings. Even the small snacks—the mint chocolate, the egg tarts—tasted like a celebration of new beginnings. By the time the fireworks display ended, it was already past 9 PM.
The Contrast of Mong Kok
Exhausted but exhilarated, we hopped on a packed train to Mong Kok. The night market was alive with energy—loud, colorful, and full of vendors selling souvenirs at bargain prices. It reminded me of Divisoria back home, with vendors chasing after customers and streets packed with shoppers.
The contrast was stark: from the colorful, choreographed joy of Disneyland to the chaotic, vibrant energy of street vendors, flashing lights, and haggling customers. Yet it was this contrast that captured the essence of Hong Kong—the harmony of old and new, order and chaos, and fantasy and reality.
Despite the late hour, we couldn’t resist grabbing dinner. I enjoyed a hot bowl of beef noodles, rich and flavorful, with tender slices of beef and chewy noodles that felt perfect after a long day of sightseeing. After some light shopping, we returned to Tsim Sha Tsui, calling it a day with hearts full of memories.
Moments That Stayed with Me
That trip wasn’t just sightseeing; it was a first encounter with a world beyond my comfort zone. Each smell, sound, and street corner became a story etched into my memory. From quiet moments in Kowloon Park to the neon-lit madness of Mong Kok, Hong Kong taught me how thrilling, overwhelming, and beautiful first experiences can be.
Looking back at my 2017 photos, I can laugh at how low-res they all are. The colors were a bit fuzzy, and some of the details are barely visible, but every shot reminds me of the thrill of my very first trip abroad.
Sometimes, it’s not about perfect pictures—it’s about capturing memories that make your heart smile years later.
*I traveled to Hong Kong on November 01-05, 2017, with my friends. This adventure wasn’t just a vacation; it was the beginning of a journey of exploration, learning, and unforgettable experiences abroad. From the bustling streets of Mong Kok to the magical Disneyland and the serene moments in Kowloon Park, Hong Kong gave me my first taste of international travel—and left me hungry for more adventures to come.
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