Let’s go to Hongkong
I got my second summer vacation after starting my job.
From Monday, August 20, 2012, to Saturday, August 25, I spent 5 nights and 6 days in Hong Kong.
It was a time when low-cost carriers(LCC) were emerging.
Even my hometown Busan, operating from Gimhae International Airport, had Air Busan,
and because there was a direct flight from Busan to Hong Kong, it became convenient and affordable to travel to Hong Kong quickly.
Passengers at Gimhae International Airport
At the international departure gate of Gimhae Airport, many people were already there from the early morning, eager to start their vacations.
The excitement at the beginning of a journey and the reluctance when it ends; all these emotions get heightened as you arrive at the airport.
Busan Bank, SKT at Gimhae International Airport
I stopped by Busan Bank to collect the pre-reserved foreign currency, Hong Kong Dollars.
Then, I visited the SKT(telecommunications company) booth to activate roaming.
Gimhae International Airport Duty-Free Shops
The scale of Gimhae International Airport’s duty-free shops was smaller compared to Incheon Airport, but still adequate for shopping.
To set the mood for international travel, I bought a small souvenir online and collected it from the airport.
Gimhae International Airport Gate
After getting duty-free items, I waited in front of the gate for the flight.
As it was an international departure, I could see many foreigners.
Being there already felt like being in a foreign country.
Air Busan Boarding Pass
Thinking of going abroad after a long time, it didn’t quite feel real.
The flight was relatively short, around 4 hours.
Gate 3, Late Evening Flight
Passengers for the same flight started to gather in front of the gate according to the flight schedule.
It felt good to see familiar faces and know we were on the same journey.
To the Flight
Since it was a Low-cost airline, the plane wasn’t directly parked at the gate.
I showed my boarding passes and took a bus to reach the airplane.
Air Busan Ground Staff
“Have a safe trip.”
They kindly guided us through; their assistance was much appreciated.
Air Busan Flight BX391
Though it was inconvenient that the plane wasn’t directly at the gate, getting to board the plane from the runway allowed for the privilege of taking a commemorative photo in front of the aircraft.
Taking a picture in front of the plane is a must-do ritual.
Boeing 737-400
I personally like the Boeing 737 model. Having played a bit of Flight Simulator games, I knew a bit about different plane models.
It was perfect for short-distance international travel.
Economy Seats, not too uncomfortable
Air Busan In-flight Meal
Despite the late hour, received dinner after take-off.
It was my first time flying with a low-cost airline internationally, and it wasn’t bad at all.
Extra In-flight Meal
It was comforting to receive an additional in-flight meal, thanks to an acquaintance of a friend who worked at Air Busan’s ground staff.
It made the long journey more reassuring.
Asahi Beer, Peanuts, and the Latest Samsung Galaxy S2 Phone
Just when it started to get a little boring after the meal, the steward brought Asahi beer.
“You guys are friends of my colleague?
Would you like a drink?”
They were incredibly kind.
Customer Feedback
I and my friend weren’t the type to take the kindness for granted.
We wrote a heartfelt compliment card for the steward.
Travel Kit
As a token of appreciation, we received some simple antacid, bandages, and candies.
Give and take!
Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok International Airport
There’s a mission in flight simulators similar to the old Hong Kong airport landing.
It’s the approach at Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong.
It was known for the challenge of maneuvering through the city’s high mountainous regions and the urban jungle for landing.
United Airlines’ Boeing 747-400 in the process of landing at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Airport (source: Namuwiki)
However, due to the difficulty of landing in the city center, pilot skills were crucial.
Moreover, concerns about the risks of such landings and noise issues led to the closure of the airport in 1998.
The newly emerged airport is the Chek Lap Kok International Airport, where I just landed.
Tourists heading to Immigration
The initial impression of the Hong Kong airport was that it was clean and neat.
Yet, it felt noticeably hotter and a bit more humid than Korea.
Despite the air conditioning, that’s how I remember it.
Airport Convenience Store
After smoothly passing through immigration and exchanging Hong Kong dollars obtained for the bus fare, I made my first purchase at the airport’s convenience store, buying some snacks and preparing coins for the journey.
On the way to the Bus Terminal
Even at late hours, buses were available from Chek Lap Kok, the landfill next to Lantau Island in Hong Kong, to the city center.
Although taking a taxi was an option, we decided to experience riding the double-decker bus despite the longer travel time.
There was a train to the city, but it was so late that it had already run out.
One way or another, the bus seemed like a good choice.
Outside the Airport
The airport exit was a slightly downhill path.
I could feel the hot air rising along the way from the open doors further down the street.
N11 Night Bus to the City Center
I decided to take the N11 bus to Central, where my accommodation was located on Hong Kong Island.
As it was the bus’s endpoint, I didn’t need to worry about where to get off,
but it did take a long time due to passing through many stops.
[N11 Bus Route]
Prince Edward → Mong Kok → Yau Ma Tei → Jordan → Tsim Sha Tsui → KCR Hong Ham Station
[Fare] HK$31 / 1 ppl (in 2012)
[Operational hours] 00:55 to 04:50
Taking the N11 Bus to the City
I easily found the N11 bus stop after exiting the airport.
There weren’t many people waiting; however, the buses were infrequent at this late hour, so I had to wait a bit longer.
Hong Kong Double-Decker Bus
In movies I enjoyed as a child, Hong Kong was always depicted with red double-decker buses.
But they had now transformed into something more sophisticated.
It truly felt like being in Hong Kong.
It was the evening, warm and humid like a midsummer night in the tropics.
Front Seats on the Second Floor of the Double-Decker Bus
The reward for waiting was that I was one of the first to board the bus and secured a seat right at the front on the second floor.
As the bus made turns, it felt like it might brush against the buildings and pillars.
Hong Kong City
After a while, we entered the city and arrived at Tsim Sha Tsui.
The numerous signs everywhere seemed to confirm that this was indeed Hong Kong.
Crossing the Underwater Tunnel to Hong Kong Island
The view of the city and the roads from the second floor was fascinating.
Unlike Korea, they drive on the left side here, and I was a bit nervous about the possibility of the buses hitting the cars on the opposite side.
Thinking about exploring Hong Kong in this way was quite enjoyable.
Aug. 20, 2012