✈ Kandikatta Family · Hong Kong 2026
PLT2397289 · PNR: DIZXR3 · Cathay Pacific · v10
PLT Reference
PLT2397289
Airline PNR: DIZXR3
Passengers
Sai Praveen + Mounika
Venessa (10) · Mayaan (8)
Hotel · HK
Novotel Citygate, Tung Chung
2 rooms · Oct 1–5 · Check-in 15:00 · Ref: PWRLDDCC
HK Flights
CX104 MEL→HKG · Oct 1 14:25
CX500 HKG→NRT · Oct 5 15:20 → Japan
E-Tickets
1606040851219 (Praveen)
…220 Mounika · …221 Venessa · …222 Mayaan
Hong Kong Skyline
✦ Kandikatta Family · October 2026 · Hong Kong ✦

Hong Kong
4 Days of Wonder

香港 — A private field guide for Praveen, Mounika, Venessa & Mayaan

✈ Oct 1–5, 2026
🏛 Novotel Citygate, Lantau Island
👤 Praveen · Mounika · Venessa · Mayaan
📍 Then Tokyo, Japan on CX500 →
Day 2 · Fri Oct 2
The Mountain & Sea
Cafe de Coral → Ngong Ping 360 → Big Buddha → Tai O → Crystal Jade
Day 3 · Sat Oct 3
Peak, Tram & Harbour
Kam Wah → Monster Bldg → Tai Kwun → Star Ferry → K11 → Peak → Symphony → Tsui Wah
Day 4 · Sun Oct 4
Temples & Markets
Wong Tai Sin → Chi Lin → Goldfish → Flower → Ladies Mkt → One Dim Sum → Temple St → Avenue Stars
Day 5 · Mon Oct 5
Fly to Tokyo
Citygate → HKG → CX500 → Tokyo Narita
Route Overview — 4 Days · Novotel Citygate Base
Melbourne
Thu Oct 1
Melbourne
DEP 14:25
CX104 9h55m
Hong Kong
Thu Arrive
Hong Kong
ARR 21:20
Hotel shuttle
Novotel
Night
Novotel
Citygate
Ngong Ping
Cable Car
Fri 10AM
Cable Car
Crystal+
Bus
Tai O
Fri 3PM
Tai O
Stilt village
MTR
Monster Bldg
Sat 9AM
Monster Bldg
Quarry Bay
MTR+tram
Tai Kwun
Sat 11AM
Tai Kwun
Heritage arts
Star Ferry
K11 MUSEA
Sat 1:30PM
K11 MUSEA
Tim Ho Wan
Bus 15C
Victoria Peak
Sat 5PM
Victoria Peak
Sunset 6:15PM
Walk
Symphony
Sat 8PM
Symphony
Lights show
MTR
Wong Tai Sin
Sun 10AM
Wong Tai Sin
Temple
MTR
Chi Lin
Sun 11AM
Chi Lin
Nunnery
MTR
Goldfish Mkt
Sun 2PM
Goldfish Mkt
Mong Kok
Walk
Temple St
Sun 7PM
Temple St
Night market
CX500
Fly Tokyo
Mon 15:20
Fly Tokyo
NRT 20:05
📖 Contents — Field Guide to Hong Kong
I
Arrival by NightMelbourne → Hong Kong · late arrival, Novotel Citygate
Thu Oct 1
Day 1
II
The Mountain and the SeaLantau · Cable car, Big Buddha, Tai O village
Fri Oct 2
Day 2
III
The Peak, the Tram, the HarbourMonster Building → Tai Kwun → Peak sunset → Symphony
Sat Oct 3
Day 3
IV
Temples and MarketsWong Tai Sin → Chi Lin → Mong Kok → Temple St
Sun Oct 4
Day 4
V
Fly to TokyoCheck out → CX500 → Narita
Mon Oct 5
Day 5
📱 Quick Reference — Numbers & Fares
Emergency — 999
Police / Fire / Ambulance
Tourist Hotline — 1823
HK Government 24hr hotline
Octopus Card
HKD 50 deposit + load HKD 200–300/adult
Airport Express
HKG → Central HKD 115 adult · 24 min
MTR Fare Range
HKD 4.6 – 55.0 per trip (Octopus)
Star Ferry
HKD 4.8–5.6 Octopus · Last ~23:30 · every 6–8 min peak
Novotel Citygate
+852 2915 8888 · Check-in from 15:00 · Check-out 12:00
Cathay Pacific AU
1300 366 842 · PNR: DIZXR3
Australian Consulate
+852 2827 8881 · After hours 1300 555 135
Hospital
Queen Elizabeth, 30 Gascoigne Rd, Kowloon
I
Chapter I · Thursday, October 1, 2026

Arrival by Night

Melbourne to Hong Kong — a late arrival, a first glimpse of the city lights.

Thursday, October 1, 2026
Cathay Pacific CX104 · Economy · PLT2397289
MEL
Melbourne
14:25 · Depart
✈
9h 55m direct
Cathay Pacific CX104 · Economy · PLT2397289
HKG
Hong Kong
21:20 · Arrive
Arrive Hong Kong International Airport
21:20
Arrive Hong Kong International Airport
CX104 touches down. Immigration at T1 — allow 30–45 min. Collect all 4 bags. Buy Octopus cards at Airport MTR customer service (HKD 50 deposit + load HKD 200 each). Free Novotel shuttle from T2 Ground Floor bus bay — check at info desk.
📷 Kids with luggage trolley under the huge HKIA arrivals board — classic travel shot.
Octopus card buy hereFree hotel shuttle
Novotel shuttleHK Airport site
Octopus Cards — Get All 4
22:00
Octopus Cards — Get All 4
Buy at Airport MTR Customer Service Centre before leaving arrivals. HKD 50 refundable deposit + load HKD 200–250 each adult, HKD 120 kids. Tap at every MTR, bus, tram, Star Ferry, 7-Eleven, McDonald's. Tourist Octopus (24/48/72hr) available too but stored-value is better value for 4 days.
Buy tonightHKD 50 deposit
Octopus site
▼▲ Details
💳 Octopus at Airport
WhereMTR Customer Service, Level 5 Arrivals Hall
CostHKD 50 deposit + load amount (refundable on departure)
KidsAge 3–11 HKD 50 deposit, concessionary fares on MTR
TipLoad HKD 200 per adult to start — easy to top up at any MTR
AltTap-to-pay on Praveen iPhone (Apple Pay Octopus) — already loaded
Novotel Citygate — Check In
22:30
Novotel Citygate — Check In
Free hotel shuttle from T2 bus bay (runs every 20–30 min). 8 Cheong Wang Rd, Tung Chung. Confirmation: PWRLDDCC. 2 rooms booked Oct 1–5. Check-in from 15:00 (late arrival tonight — rooms guaranteed). Check-out: 12:00 noon Oct 5.
PWRLDDCC2 roomsCheck-in from 15:00
Hotel siteMaps to hotel
▼▲ Details
🏛 Novotel Citygate
Address8 Cheong Wang Rd, Tung Chung, Lantau Island
Phone+852 2915 8888
Check-inFrom 15:00 (late arrival guaranteed)
Check-out12:00 noon Oct 5
ConfirmationPWRLDDCC · 2 rooms · Oct 1–5 (4 nights)
ShuttleFree from T2 Ground Floor bus bay — check times at desk
II
Chapter II · Friday, October 2, 2026

The Mountain and the Sea

Lantau Island — cable car, giant Buddha, stilt village, and noodles by sunset.

Friday, October 2, 2026
☀️ Breakfast — Cafe de Coral (Tung Chung)
08:00
☀️ Breakfast — Cafe de Coral (Tung Chung)
Iconic HK fast-food chain, open early. Egg toast set with HK milk tea HKD 38. Congee with egg HKD 25. Chicken baked rice. All items safe — no pork or beef needed. 5-min walk from Novotel along the waterfront promenade.
📷 Stacked dim sum baskets or the classic egg toast set on a tray — bright, simple, very HK.
08:005 min walkHKD 25–60/head
Walk from hotelTA reviews
▼▲ Details
🍽 Safe Orders at Cafe de Coral
SafeScrambled egg toast set · HK French toast · Chicken baked rice · Fish fillet with rice · Congee with egg
DrinksHK milk tea (湯奖茶) · Iced lemon tea · Ovaltine
BudgetHKD 25–60/head incl drink
Show phone去裘肉 = no pork · 去牛肉 = no beef
Ngong Ping 360 — Crystal+ Cabin
10:00
Ngong Ping 360 — Crystal+ Cabin
Crystal+ floor-to-ceiling glass cabin, 25 min each way over Lantau mountains. 180-degree panoramic views. Opens 10:00–17:30 Mon–Fri · 10:00–18:30 Sat/Sun/PH. Arrive terminus by 09:30 to board first ride. BOOK on Klook #45 (Crystal+ round-trip x4).
📷 Inside Crystal+ cabin — glass floor shot looking straight down to mountains below. Ultra-wide 0.5x lens.
BOOK KlookCrystal+ glass floorKids love
Walk to terminusKlook #45TA reviews
▼▲ Details
🛤 Ngong Ping 360 Details
Hours10:00–17:30 Mon–Fri · 10:00–18:30 Sat/Sun/PH
TicketCrystal+ Private Cabin round-trip x4 ≈ AUD $296
Duration25 min each way · 5.7 km cable route
ArriveAt Tung Chung terminus by 09:30 to board 10:00
TyphoonCloses in strong wind — check website if weather bad
KlookOpen-date ticket — use Oct 2 (Fri)
Tian Tan Big Buddha — 268 Steps
11:15
Tian Tan Big Buddha — 268 Steps
World's largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha at 34m. Climb 268 steps (kids can do it!). Incredible 360-degree Lantau mountain views at the top. Oct sunrise ~6:15 AM but mid-morning golden light is beautiful. Allow 45 min.
📷 Halfway up the stairs, shoot UP — Buddha towering above you. Dramatic perspective. Kids silhouetted against the sky.
Free to view268 stepsMountain panorama
Walk from cable carTA reviewsNext: Po Lin
🍽 Lunch — Po Lin Monastery Vegetarian
12:15
🍽 Lunch — Po Lin Monastery Vegetarian
Authentic Buddhist vegetarian meal inside the monastery — set menu approximately HKD 100/head. Rice, tofu, vegetables, no meat at all. Perfect for the family. Wisdom Path nearby — giant wooden sutras in bamboo grove, magical walk.
📷 Wisdom Path — giant wooden sutras along a curved valley path. Shoot looking along the row for scale.
Veggie lunchHKD 100/headWisdom Path
2 min walkTA Monastery
▼▲ Details
🍽 Po Lin Vegetarian Set
Price~HKD 100/head set menu (4 people = HKD 400)
MenuRice + 3–4 vegetarian dishes · tofu, greens, mushroom
100% safeZero meat, zero pork/beef — Buddhist vegetarian kitchen
Wisdom Path5 min walk from monastery — don't skip, very photogenic
Tai O — Stilt Fishing Village
15:00
Tai O — Stilt Fishing Village
HK's most authentic fishing village — pink dolphin spotting, stilt houses over tidal channels, dried seafood shops, local shrimp paste. Bus No.21 from Ngong Ping (~25 min). Optional: pink dolphin boat tour HKD 80/head at the jetty.
📷 Canal walkway — stilt houses reflecting in the water at low tide. Morning light is magical. Walk to the far bridge for the classic shot.
Free to wanderPink dolphinsBus No.21
Bus No.21 from Ngong PingBus to Ngong Ping, cable car downTA reviews
▼▲ Details
🎮 Tai O Transport
ThereBus No.21: Ngong Ping → Tai O (~25 min, Octopus)
Ferry altFerry from Mui Wo (35 min) then bus — longer but scenic
BackBus No.21 back to Ngong Ping (~25 min), then NP360 Crystal+ cable car DOWN to Tung Chung (round trip booked)
Dolphin tourHKD 80/head at Tai O jetty — buy on the day
SnackTai O egg waffle & shrimp paste dried fish — very local
Citygate Outlets — Evening Browse
17:30
Citygate Outlets — Evening Browse
HK's only outlet mall connected to Tung Chung MTR and Novotel shuttle. Great for kids' toys (Hamley's), Adidas, Nike outlet, food court. Pick up any last supplies for the trip.
📷 Kids outside the Citygate entrance with bags — happy shopping shot.
Connected to hotelOutlet shopping
Citygate siteTA reviews
🌙 Dinner — Crystal Jade La Mian (Citygate L3)
19:30
🌙 Dinner — Crystal Jade La Mian (Citygate L3)
Michelin-recommended Shanghainese restaurant inside Citygate Mall. Famous for hand-pulled noodles and xiao long bao. Safe order: chicken noodle soup, wonton soup (ask for no pork), steamed egg. Excellent quality for a mall restaurant.
📷 Xiao long bao steam lifting from bamboo basket — classic dim sum shot.
Citygate L3Michelin recNo pork XLB possible
Citygate L3TA reviews
▼▲ Details
🍽 Crystal Jade Safe Orders
SafeChicken la mian · Wonton noodle soup (specify chicken wonton) · Steamed egg · Vegetable stir fry
Show phone去裘肉 去牛肉 — no pork no beef
Budget~HKD 120–180/head
III
Chapter III · Saturday, October 3, 2026

The Peak, the Tram, the Harbour

Kowloon to HK Island — the biggest day, ending with a city on fire at sunset.

Saturday, October 3, 2026
☀️ Breakfast — Kam Wah Cafe (Pineapple Bun)
08:00
☀️ Breakfast — Kam Wah Cafe (Pineapple Bun)
Kam Wah Cafe (金華冰廳) in North Point is one of HK's most famous cha chaan tengs for pineapple buns. Fluffy pineapple bun + thick cold butter slab + HK milk tea = the ultimate HK breakfast. MTR from Tung Chung to Quarry Bay then short walk. Opens ~07:30.
📷 Pineapple bun split open with the butter melting inside — golden, glossy, perfect morning shot.
HK classic08:00MTR 35 min
MTR from Tung Chung
▼▲ Details
🍽 Kam Wah Must Orders
Pineapple bunBo lo bao + butter (莼號包加鑭) — HKD 14
Milk teaSignature silk-sock milk tea — hot or iced
French toastDeep-fried with golden syrup — kids will love it
Address47 Java Rd, North Point — near Fortress Hill MTR Exit B2
TipArrive before 08:30 to avoid queue
Monster Building — Quarry Bay
09:00
Monster Building — Quarry Bay
Iconic mega-structure of 5 apartment blocks — starred in Transformers, Ghost in the Shell. 2024 update: inner courtyard entry BANNED — view and shoot from Hoi Tai Street exterior only. 10-min walk from Quarry Bay MTR Exit B.
📷 Hoi Tai Street — ultra-wide 0.5x lens looking UP. Shoot from the centre of the street. Rectangular frame of sky above 5 blocks.
FreeExterior only 2024Ultra-wide shot
Walk from Kam WahTA reviews
% Arabica — Quarry Bay
09:30
% Arabica — Quarry Bay
Iconic minimalist Japanese coffee brand. Slow-pour single-origin coffee in a beautiful white space. Only 5 min walk from Monster Building. Perfect stop before heading to Tai Kwun.
📷 The % logo latte art in a white ceramic cup — minimal and beautiful.
Coffee stopInstagram-worthy
5 min walkTA reviews
Tai Kwun — Heritage Arts Centre
11:00
Tai Kwun — Heritage Arts Centre
Former Central Police Station compound (1841) converted into world-class arts centre. BOOKED: Better Together Exhibition 11:00 AM timed entry. Main courtyard is stunning — symmetrical Victorian brick arches. JC Cube gallery + Grounds cafe.
📷 Main parade ground courtyard — symmetrical brick arches from the centre. Shoot wide at f/4 with tilt. Kids running through the arch tunnel.
BOOKED 11:00 AMHeritage siteArt exhibition
MTR to Sheung WanKlook bookingTA reviews
Man Mo Temple — Hollywood Rd
12:00
Man Mo Temple — Hollywood Rd
1847 Taoist temple dedicated to the God of Literature (Man) and God of War (Mo). Famous for enormous hanging red incense coils. Free entry. 2-minute walk from Tai Kwun along Hollywood Rd.
📷 Inside — shoot up at the massive spiral red incense coils hanging from the ceiling. Smoke and golden light. iPhone portrait mode for the altar.
Free2 min from Tai KwunIncense coils
2 min walkTA reviews
Ding Ding Tram — Western Market Stop
12:30
Ding Ding Tram — Western Market Stop
Board at Western Market stop, Des Voeux Rd Central. Always upper deck front seat. HKD 3.0 exact change or Octopus (tap on entry, tap off exit). Runs the length of HK Island through Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay. Rattle and grind through the city — the real HK.
📷 Upper deck FRONT seat — tram tracks stretching ahead, city rushing past, trams and neon signs on both sides. Burst mode.
HKD 3.0Upper deck frontOctopus or exact change
Walk to Western Market stopTA reviewsHK Tramways site
▼▲ Details
🚓 Ding Ding Tram Details
BoardWestern Market stop, Des Voeux Rd Central
FareHKD 3.0 exact change OR Octopus (tap on/off)
Best seatUpper deck, front row — always grab it first
AlightWan Chai or Causeway Bay for Star Ferry connection
TipTram runs every 2–3 min — just hop on the next if full
Star Ferry — Central → TST
13:00
Star Ferry — Central → TST
The best HKD 5 ever spent. Central Pier 7 to Tsim Sha Tsui (8 min). Upper deck, rear facing to watch HK Island skyline recede. Last ferry ~23:30. Runs every 6–8 min peak hours.
📷 REAR deck facing back — HK Island skyline growing smaller as you cross. Shoot wide, use portrait mode for family shot with skyline behind.
HKD 5 Octopus8 min crossingBest view in HK
Central Pier 7TA reviewsStar Ferry site
▼▲ Details
⛴ Star Ferry Details
RouteCentral Pier 7 → Tsim Sha Tsui Pier · 8 min
FareHKD 4.8–5.6 Octopus (upper deck more)
FrequencyEvery 6–8 min peak · every 10–20 min off-peak
Last ferry~23:30 both directions
TipUpper deck rear for skyline shot · upper deck front for ICC view
🌞 Lunch — Tim Ho Wan (K11 MUSEA L1)
13:30
🌞 Lunch — Tim Ho Wan (K11 MUSEA L1)
World's most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant. Queue 20–30 min (worth it). L1 of K11 MUSEA, walk from Star Ferry TST. Best orders: har gow, baked BBQ pork bun (request chicken alternative), cheung fun, egg tart. ALWAYS say: 遇裘肉 (no pork). Budget ~HKD 150–200/head.
📷 Bamboo dim sum baskets stacked 3 high on the table — iconic HK dim sum shot. Shoot from above.
Michelin starK11 MUSEA L1Queue 20–30 min
Walk from Star FerryTA reviews
▼▲ Details
🍽 Tim Ho Wan Safe Orders
SafeHar gow 螺驤 · Cheung fun 秘罢纶 · Egg tart 虛傕 · Turnip cake 處豁糖
Ask forBaked pineapple bun (no BBQ pork) · Plain rice roll
Show phone遇裘肉 = no pork · budget ~HKD 150–200/head
QueueJoin queue before 13:00 or after 14:00 for shorter wait
K11 MUSEA — Art-Luxury Mall
14:30
K11 MUSEA — Art-Luxury Mall
Victoria Dockside art-luxury mall. Outdoor terrace has the best panoramic HK Island skyline shot in Kowloon. Ground floor Gold Tree sculpture. Multiple art installations kids will love. Browse before heading to Peak Tram.
📷 Outdoor terrace: wide-angle panoramic of HK Island skyline — the best midday shot in all of HK. Ground floor: shoot UP at the Gold Tree, ultra-wide.
Free to enterHarbour viewsArt installations
Walk from FerryTA K11Next: Peak Tram
Victoria Peak — Sunset Panorama
17:00
Victoria Peak — Sunset Panorama
The defining HK view. Peak Tram up from Garden Rd lower terminus (allow 30 min queue). Sky Terrace 428. Oct sunset ~6:15 PM — arrive by 5:00 PM for golden light. The city lit up at dusk is extraordinary.
📷 Sky Terrace 428 at golden hour — full city panorama. Shoot wide then pull in on ICC tower. Night mode after dark. Kids silhouetted against the city lights.
Book KlookSunset 6:15 PMSky Terrace 428
Peak Tram terminusKlook Peak TramTA Peak Tower
▼▲ Details
⛰ Peak Tram Details
TerminusGarden Rd, Central (MTR Central Exit J2)
Fare~HKD 140 return adult · ~HKD 70 child
Sky TerraceHKD 55 extra adult · worth every cent
QueueAllow 20–40 min weekends — buy Klook online
SunsetOct sunset ~6:15 PM — be there by 5:00 PM
BookKlook #765 · select 17:00 slot Sat 3 Oct
Symphony of Lights — TST Promenade
20:00
Symphony of Lights — TST Promenade
World's largest permanent light show — 13 minutes, every night at 20:00 sharp. Free. Stand on TST waterfront. 44 skyscrapers, lasers + LED across the harbour. Best view: TST waterfront promenade or Avenue of Stars.
📷 Burst mode from Avenue of Stars toward HK Island. Start filming at 19:58. Wide angle + Night mode. Radio RTHK 97.6 FM for the soundtrack.
Free20:00 exactly13 min show
TST PromenadeTA reviews
🌙 Dinner — Tsui Wah (TST branch)
21:00
🌙 Dinner — Tsui Wah (TST branch)
24-hour HK cha chaan teng institution. Open till 3AM. Famous for pineapple bun, HK French toast, egg waffles, chicken baked rice, fish ball noodles. Perfect after the Symphony of Lights. Consistently safe — everything clearly labelled. TST branch on Lock Rd.
📷 Late night cha chaan teng table — milk tea glass, French toast, and neon outside the window.
24hr openTST Lock RdHKD 80–120/head
TST branchTA reviews
▼▲ Details
🍽 Tsui Wah Safe Orders
Safe alwaysChicken baked rice 革擬革饼饼 · Fish ball noodles · HK French toast · Egg waffles · Milk tea
WatchWonton noodles default = pork — say 遇裘肉 or order fish ball version
BudgetHKD 80–120/head incl drinks
MTR homeJordan MTR → Tung Chung Line → Tung Chung → Hotel shuttle
IV
Chapter IV · Sunday, October 4, 2026

Temples and Markets

Kowloon — ancient rituals, lotus gardens, exotic markets, and a neon night market finale.

Sunday, October 4, 2026
☀️ Breakfast — Novotel or Tung Chung Town
08:30
☀️ Breakfast — Novotel or Tung Chung Town
Last full morning. Either hotel breakfast or quick MTR one stop to Tung Chung Town for a dim sum breakfast. Budget: Cafe de Coral chicken rice HKD 45. Leave by 09:30 to reach Wong Tai Sin by 10:00.
📷 Bamboo dim sum baskets stacked at the table — iconic HK breakfast shot.
08:30Dim sum yum chaHK classic
Find yum chaHotel breakfast
Wong Tai Sin Temple
10:00
Wong Tai Sin Temple
One of HK's most visited Taoist temples. Famous for fortune telling — kau cim fortune sticks and palm readers. Free entry. Colourful rooftops, incense rituals. Hours: 07:00–17:30 daily.
📷 Main hall with red-gold roof against blue sky. Wide angle with incense smoke in foreground. Low angle for dramatic red columns. Kids trying fortune sticks.
Free07:00–17:30 dailyFortune sticks
MTR from hotelTA reviewsNext: Chi Lin
Chi Lin Nunnery — Tang Dynasty Garden
11:00
Chi Lin Nunnery — Tang Dynasty Garden
Stunning Tang-dynasty wooden nunnery — not a single nail in the construction. Reflective pools, perfectly proportioned halls. One of the most serene spots in all of HK. Hours: 09:00–16:30 daily, CLOSED WEDNESDAY.
📷 Long reflective pool with wooden halls mirrored in water. Morning light is perfect. Portrait mode for max reflection symmetry.
Free09:00–16:30 (closed Wed)UNESCO quality
MTR 5 minTA reviews
Nan Lian Garden — Lotus Pond
12:00
Nan Lian Garden — Lotus Pond
Adjacent to Chi Lin. Tang dynasty classical garden — lotus ponds, golden pavilions, ancient bonsai. Free. Hours: 07:00–21:00 daily. Perfect slow walk. Kids love the giant koi carp.
📷 Golden pavilion reflected in lotus pond. Portrait mode for maximum reflection symmetry. Kids feeding koi — adorable shot.
Free07:00–21:00 dailyKoi carp
TA Nan Lian GardenNext: Goldfish Market
🌞 Lunch — One Dim Sum (Prince Edward)
13:00
🌞 Lunch — One Dim Sum (Prince Edward)
Locals' favourite no-frills dim sum at 209A Tung Choi Street, Prince Edward (NOT Yum Cha which is closed). No booking needed — queue moves fast. Best har gow, cheung fun, turnip cake in Kowloon. ~HKD 70/head.
📷 Packed local dim sum scene — stacked trolleys, busy aunties, bamboo baskets — raw and authentic.
Locals favePrince Edward MTR~HKD 70/head
Prince Edward MTRTA reviews
▼▲ Details
🍽 One Dim Sum Safe Orders
SafeHar gow 螺驤 · Cheung fun 秘罢纶 · Turnip cake 處豁糖 · Egg tart 虛傕
Show phone遇裘肉 = no pork · 遇牛肉 = no beef
Address209A Tung Choi St, Prince Edward (MTR Exit B2)
Budget~HKD 70/head · One of cheapest Michelin-level dim sums in HK
Goldfish Market — Tung Choi St South
14:00
Goldfish Market — Tung Choi St South
Entire street lined with bags of exotic fish. Betta, koi, jellyfish, sea horses. Free to browse. Kids will be absolutely mesmerised by the luminous bags of colour.
📷 Hanging bags of luminous fish against the street. Macro mode on iPhone for fish close-ups. Shoot into the sun for the backlit translucent effect.
FreeMong KokColourful walls
MTR 20 minTA reviewsNext: Flower Market
Flower + Bird Market — Mong Kok
14:30
Flower + Bird Market — Mong Kok
Flower Market Rd: wall-to-wall blooms, one of HK's most photogenic streets. Adjacent Yuen Po St Bird Garden: singing birds in bamboo cages — extraordinary cultural sight.
📷 Get low and shoot along the flower market street with vendors and blooms stretching into the distance. Bokeh the far end.
FreeMong KokBird Garden too
5 min walkTA reviewsNext: Ladies Market
Ladies Market — Tung Choi St (opens 12:00)
15:30
Ladies Market — Tung Choi St (opens 12:00)
600+ stalls across 1 km. Souvenirs, toys, handbags, phone cases. Haggle for everything — offer 40% of asking price. Kids love the toy stalls. Hours: 12:00–23:30 daily. Best atmosphere after 16:00.
📷 Wide shot down the tunnel of stalls. Kids holding up their best haggle haul. Neon signs at dusk from one end of the street.
Haggle!12:00–23:30 dailyToys for kids
10 min walkTA reviews
🍦 Dessert — Honeymoon Dessert (Langham Place)
16:00
🍦 Dessert — Honeymoon Dessert (Langham Place)
Famous HK dessert chain at Langham Place, Mong Kok (1 min from Ladies Market). Signature mango pomelo sago (棒桂産集) HKD 45. Kids: mango ice cream, taro balls, grass jelly with coconut milk. All 100% safe.
📷 Mango pomelo sago in the tall glass with a wooden backdrop — golden, glossy, vibrant. Natural light by the window.
Langham PlaceMango sago HKD 45Kids love
Langham PlaceTA reviews
▼▲ Details
🍦 Honeymoon Dessert Must Orders
SignatureMango pomelo sago 棒桂産集 HKD 45 — cold, refreshing
KidsMango ice cream · Taro balls in coconut milk · Grass jelly
100% safeZero pork/beef in any dessert product
BudgetHKD 40–65/person
Temple Street Night Market (opens 16:00)
19:00
Temple Street Night Market (opens 16:00)
HK's famous night market. Fortune tellers, opera singers, dai pai dong street stalls, cheap watches. Best atmosphere from 18:00. Jordan MTR. Hours: 16:00–23:00 daily.
📷 Neon-lit night market tunnel from one end — bokeh stalls into distance. Start filming at blue hour (18:30). iPhone night mode.
Jordan MTR16:00–23:00 dailyFortune tellers
Get thereTA reviewsNext: Avenue of Stars
Avenue of Stars — Harbour Finale
21:00
Avenue of Stars — Harbour Finale
TST waterfront promenade with the full HK Island skyline glittering across the water. Best night view in Asia. Kids will be wide-eyed. Perfect last night in HK.
📷 Long exposure from Avenue of Stars (Night mode, 3-sec minimum). Kids silhouetted against the city. Burst mode for the ICC tower light columns.
FreeNight mode photosLast night in HK
Walk from Temple StTA reviews
V
Chapter V · Monday, October 5, 2026

Fly to Tokyo

Check out by noon — one last egg tart — then Japan begins.

Monday, October 5, 2026
Cathay Pacific CX500 · Economy
HKG
Hong Kong
15:20 · Depart
✈
4h 45m direct
Cathay Pacific CX500 · Economy
NRT
Tokyo Narita
20:05 · Arrive
📋 Day 5 — Departure Checklist
Check-outBy 12:00 noon — luggage to concierge at 8 AM if needed
CX500 check-inOnline 24h before · departs 15:20 → at airport by 12:30 PM
Airport ExpressTung Chung → HKG T1 · 7 min · HKD 24/adult
Last HKDSpend Octopus balance at Citygate food court or 7-Eleven
Japan readinessBuy JPY yen at HKG T1 Travelex before boarding
Japan hotelConfirm Narita hotel before departure
🍝
🍝 HK Food Guide — Must-Eats
HK Egg Tart
HK Egg Tart
Flaky pastry + silky custard. Best: Tai Cheong, Central. Always safe — no pork/beef.
Pineapple Bun + Butter
Pineapple Bun + Butter
Cha Chaan Teng classic. Toasted with thick cold butter. HKD 10–15. Insanely good.
HK Milk Tea
HK Milk Tea
Strong tea + evaporated milk, silk-sock strained. Order 冷奖茶 (iced) or 湯奖茶 (hot).
Dim Sum (Yum Cha)
Dim Sum (Yum Cha)
Safe: har gow, cheung fun, turnip cake, egg tart. Show phone: 去裘肉 (no pork).
Egg Waffles
Egg Waffles
Grid crispy waffle. Kids favourite HK street snack. Temple St or Causeway Bay stalls. Fresh only.
HK French Toast
HK French Toast
Deep-fried toast + golden syrup. Cha chaan teng breakfast staple. Kids will devour it.
Restaurant Guide — No Pork · No Beef
Tim Ho WanMichelin dim sum. L1 K11 MUSEA. Safe: har gow, egg tart, cheung fun. Say: 去裘肉
Tsui Wah (24hr)Cha chaan teng TST. Safe: congee, noodles, HK French toast, milk tea. Open till 3AM.
Honeymoon DessertHK desserts: mango sago, tofu pudding, taro balls. All safe. Kids go wild.
Cafe de CoralFast food chain. Chicken rice, noodle soup — all safe. Near Novotel.
One Dim SumLocals' fave Prince Edward. Har gow, cheung fun, turnip cake. ~HKD 70/head.
Crystal JadeCitygate L3. Chicken la mian, wonton soup (request chicken). Dinner Day 2.
Lin Heung KuiWestern District budget dim sum. Old-school trolley service. Say: 去裘肉
7-ElevenLate-night friend. Curry fish balls, egg tart, milk tea, congee. All safe.
Key phraseShow phone: 去裘肉 = no pork · 去牛肉 = no beef · 有養胡肉? = do you have chicken?

⚠️ Hidden Pork Danger — Watch These

❌ Always check: Dim sum fillings (siu mai, char siu bao) · Fried rice with char siu mixed in · Wonton noodle soup (default = pork) · XO sauce · Clay pot rice.
✅ Always safe: Har gow · Cheung fun · Turnip cake · Egg tart · Steamed egg · Fish ball noodle · Chicken baked rice · HK French toast · Egg waffles · All desserts at Honeymoon Dessert.
Always say: 去裘肉 (no pork) and show the Cantonese phrases card at every restaurant.

🗣 Show Your Phone at Restaurants

去裘肉同牛肉
mm sik jyu yuk tung ngau yuk
We don't eat pork and beef
有冤隠胡或者海鵖?
yau mou gai yuk waak je hoi sin?
Do you have chicken or seafood?
走裘肉
jau jyu yuk
Remove pork (from this dish)
隠热饼
gai chau faan
Chicken fried rice
虓震口角
ha wan tan min
Shrimp wonton noodles
素饼
sou sik
Vegetarian
吨試
m goi
Thank you / Excuse me
很錢?
gei chin?
How much?
平单啊
peng di la
Cheaper please
太好吃了!
taai hou sik la!
This is delicious!
和居处在哪角?
chi so hai bin gok?
Where is the toilet?
收据
sau geui
Receipt please
🚇 Transport Guide
💳
Octopus Card
Tap for all MTR, trams, buses, Star Ferry + 7-Eleven. Load HKD 200–300/adult. HKD 50 deposit. Kids: physical card HKD 120.
🚇
MTR (Subway)
Fast, air-conditioned, cheap. HKD 4.6–55.0/trip. Tung Chung line is your main line from Novotel.
⛴
Star Ferry
Central ↔ TST. HKD 4.8–5.6 Octopus. Upper deck front. 8-min crossing. Last ~23:30. Every 6–8 min peak.
🚓
Ding Ding Tram
HK Island tram. HKD 3.0 exact change or Octopus. Top deck, front seats. Board: Western Market, Des Voeux Rd.
🚌
Bus (Lantau)
No.21 Ngong Ping → Tai O. No.23 Tai O → Tung Chung. Octopus. Scenic mountain roads.
🚕
Red Taxi
Safe, metered, cheap. ~HKD 50–80 most trips. Show Chinese address on phone.
✈
Airport Express
HKG → Tung Chung 7 min (HKD 24). HKG → Central 24 min (HKD 115 adult). Day 5 departure.
🏙
Hotel Shuttle
Free Novotel shuttle HKG ↔ hotel. Check times at front desk. Saves HKD 24/person.

💰 Transport Savings: Octopus vs Cash

4 people using Octopus saves ~HKD 600–800 across the trip (≈AUD 115). Always tap Octopus.

✅ Pre-Trip Checklist
📱 Before You Fly
📱 Cathay Pacific app + boarding passes downloadedCX104 + CX500 both2 weeks beforeMorning
💴 Buy HKD cash at MEL Travelex~AUD 200 worthWeek beforeMounika
💳 Octopus Tourist app loaded on Praveen iPhoneApple Pay, HKD 200 loadedWeek beforeEvening
🛡 Travel insurance docs downloaded + screenshotScreenshot tooWeek beforeEvening
🧭 Weigh all bags — max 23 kg each4 bags totalDay beforeMorning
📄 All 4 passports in one zip pouch6+ months validity eachDay beforeMorning
🔌 USB-C + USB-A cables packedA350 has both seat portsDay beforeEvening
💊 Kids motion sickness meds if neededFor gondola + mountain busesDay beforeEvening
🇭🇰 HK Bookings
🛤 Ngong Ping 360 Crystal+ — TO BOOK Klook #45Oct 2 (Fri) · ~A$296 family · Arrive terminus by 09:30, board 10:00 AM📅 Book anytimePraveen
🏛 Tai Kwun Better Together Exhibition — TO BOOK Klook #213048Oct 3 (Sat) · 11:00 AM timed-entry · ~A$22.20 family📅 Book anytimePraveen
🏠 Novotel Citygate 2 rooms — BOOKED ✓Oct 1–5 · PWRLDDCC · Check-in from 15:00Done ✓
🛢 Peak Tram + Sky Terrace 428 — Klook #765~AUD $220 family x4 · Select 17:00 slot Sat 3 Oct📆 WHEN TO BOOK: Aug/Sep 2026 — Oct weekends sell out | WHICH SESSION: Sat Oct 3 17:00 sunset slotPraveen
🎡 HK Observation Wheel — Klook #18856AUD $3.69/person · No cancellation · Instant confirmation📆 WHEN TO BOOK: Book for Sun Oct 4 evening | WHICH SESSION: Oct 4 evening after Temple StreetPraveen
🍂 Tai O Pink Dolphin Boat TourHKD 80/head · buy at jetty Day 2Day 2 on arrivalOn the day
✈ CX104 seat selection — 4 togetherSelect row seats for familyNowPraveen

Activities to Book

5 items · all Klook · open-date + flexible tickets
Day 2 · Fri 2 Oct · Lantau Island
Ngong Ping 360 — Crystal+ Cabin Round-trip × 4
to book
SELECT “Crystal+ Private Cabin round-trip ticket”. Floor-to-ceiling glass, panoramic visibility over Lantau mountains. 25-min each way. Opens 10:00–17:30 Mon–Fri, 10:00–18:30 Sat/Sun/PH. Non-refundable — typhoon closure allows date change.
📅 OPEN DATE — book anytime, use Oct 2. Arrive terminus by 09:30, board from 10:00 AM.
HK$420 × 4 ≈ A$296 family
Klook #45 →
Day 3 · Sat 3 Oct · Central
Tai Kwun — Better Together Exhibition × 4
to book
HK movies-themed timed-entry exhibition. Sessions 11:00–15:00 half-hourly. Select 11:00 AM on Sat 3 Oct. Kids program + Grounds cafe on site. Non-refundable once booked.
📅 Book anytime — Oct sessions filling fast. Select 11:00 AM on Sat 3 Oct.
A$5.55 × 4 ≈ A$22.20 family
Klook #213048 → Venue →
Day 3 · Sat 3 Oct · 17:00 · Victoria Peak
Peak Tram — Round-trip + Sky Terrace 428 × 4
to book
SELECT “Round-trip Peak Tram + Sky Terrace 428”. FLEXIBLE DATE valid 30 days from purchase. Target Sat 3 Oct at 17:00 for golden-hour skyline.
📅 Book Aug/Sep 2026 — valid 30 days from purchase, use Day 3 at 17:00.
HK$288 × 4 ≈ A$220 family
Klook #765 →
Day 4 · Sun 4 Oct · Evening · TST Harbourfront
HK Observation Wheel — General Admission × 4
to book
15-min gondola over Victoria Harbour. Right by Star Ferry + Avenue of Stars. AUD $3.69/ticket — cheapest we found. Valid on selected date only. No cancellation once booked.
📅 Book for Sun 4 Oct (Day 4 evening after Temple Street Night Market). Select exact date — no flexibility.
AUD $3.69 × 4 = AUD $14.76 family
Klook #18856 → Venue →
Optional · Any full day Oct 2–4
Ocean Park — Full Day (decide by Aug 2026)
pending decision
Great for Venessa + Mayaan. Rides, marine life, cable car, night shows. Would replace one HK day. Current 4-day plan already very full. Decide by Aug 2026 then book on Klook.
📅 Decide by Aug 2026 — then book on Klook, any full day Oct 2–4.
≈ A$150–200 family · OPTIONAL
Klook → Venue →
📋 Flights & Hotel — Confirmed
✈
CX104 · MEL → HKG
Thu Oct 1 · Departs 14:25 AEDT
Arrives 21:20 HKT (9h 55m direct)
Cathay Pacific · Economy N
PLT2397289 · PNR: DIZXR3
Non-refundable fare
✈
CX500 · HKG → NRT
Mon Oct 5 · Departs 15:20 HKT
Arrives 20:05 JST · Narita
Cathay Pacific · Economy
Same PNR: DIZXR3
Non-refundable fare
🏛
Novotel Citygate · HK
2 rooms · Oct 1–5 (4 nights)
8 Cheong Wang Rd, Tung Chung
Confirmation: PWRLDDCC
Check-in: from 15:00 · Check-out: 12:00 noon Oct 5
HKD 4,583.28 · PAID
🛤
Ngong Ping 360 Crystal+
Fri Oct 2 · 10:00 AM · Return
Crystal cabin (glass floor) x4
Arrive terminus by 09:30
~AUD $296 · NOT YET BOOKED
🏛
Tai Kwun · Better Together Exhibition
Sat Oct 3 · 11:00 AM timed-entry
Better Together HK movies exhibition × 4
10 Hollywood Rd, Central
~AUD $22 · NOT YET BOOKED
📅
Still to Book — Action Needed ⚠
1. Peak Tram + Sky Terrace — Klook #765 — Book Aug/Sep 2026 · Select 17:00 slot on Sat 3 Oct
2. HK Observation Wheel — Klook #18856 — AUD $3.69/ticket × 4 = AUD $14.76 · Book for Sun 4 Oct
3. Ngong Ping 360 Crystal+ — Klook #45 — ~AUD $296 family · Open date, use Fri 2 Oct
4. Tai Kwun Better Together — Klook #213048 — ~AUD $22 family · Select 11:00 AM Sat 3 Oct
4 items pending ⚠
⚠️ Emergency Contacts
🚑 HK Emergency
Emergency: 999
Police/Fire/Ambulance: 999
Tourist Hotline: 1823
Hospital: Queen Elizabeth, 30 Gascoigne Rd, Kowloon
🇦🇺 Australian Consulate
23/F Harbour Centre, 25 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai
Phone: +852 2827 8881
Hours: Mon–Fri 9AM–12:30PM
After hours: 1300 555 135
💊 Medical
Travel insurance docs: on all phones
Panadol + antihistamine in carry-on
Kids band-aids + antiseptic wipes
Watsons pharmacy: Citygate L2
📞 Contacts
Praveen: iPhone 14 Pro
Mounika: Samsung
Hotel Novotel: +852 2915 8888
Cathay Pacific AU: 1300 366 842
⛈ Typhoon Watch: Oct in HK = 26–30°C with occasional typhoons. Check HK Observatory app daily. Signal 3 = most things open. Signal 8+ = everything closes, stay at hotel. Ngong Ping 360 closes in strong wind — check their site if weather is bad. Pack small umbrella + kids waterproof layers.