🇭🇰 Mid-Summer 21st Birthday Shopping Vacation To Hong Kong In June 2016 ~ Section 4 🇭🇰

Welcome to the fourth sub-section of my mid-summer 21st birthday vacation to Hong Kong in June 2016. This will officially be the final segment of the entire vacation trip report. There will be two focus topics, not counting the concluding sequences, that will be covered up in this final segment of the entire vacation trip report. They will mainly be the hotel limousine journey from the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong to Hong Kong International Airport, and the mid-afternoon return flight back home to Singapore.

Part 1 ~ The Hotel Limousine Trip Back To Hong Kong International Airport

After spending six enjoyable and fun-filled day trips of mid-summer 21st birthday shopping, dining, railways and sightseeing in Hong Kong, it was finally time to be heading back home to the Republic of Singapore. On the morning of Wednesday (8 June), I woke up at exactly 9.30 a.m. after my mobile phone alarm blasted off early. The first thing I did was to have a hot shower and do some personal surfing on my laptop. With my younger brother rising up approximately an hour later and having a shower, we went to prepare the remainder of our baggage for the trip back home to Singapore.

As for the mid-afternoon return flight back home to Singapore, we would be flying directly with Cathay Pacific on flight CX 635 bound for Singapore, which would be scheduled to depart Hong Kong International Airport at 3.20 p.m., and arrive back at Singapore Changi Airport at 7.10 p.m. later that evening. We were quite lucky as we had arranged with the hotel to pre-book a hotel limousine to take us back to Hong Kong International Airport at 12.30 p.m. on the night of our arrival into Hong Kong. Since everyone was awake by 10.30 a.m., we spent the rest of the morning packing our baggage for the trip back to Singapore.

With our check-out time at the hotel scheduled for 12 noon, my dad came over to our Room No. 1945 to check that none of the items for our bulkier baggage were left out unpacked. He also informed us that he had arranged for a hotel porter to come up to our Rooms No. 1944 and 1945 at 11.45 a.m. to assist us with our baggage, which was approximately 15 minutes before our scheduled check-out time. Once we were all dressed up in preparation for the mid-afternoon return flight back home to Singapore, we conducted a check on our Room No. 1944 to ensure that no parts of our baggage was left unpacked.

The view of Mody Road in the Tsim Sha Tsui district from my Room No. 1944 at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong on a bright and sunny early afternoon

The view of the hotel garden from my Room No. 1944 at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong on a bright and sunny early afternoon

The interior view of my Room No. 1944 on the 19th floor of the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong shortly after all our baggage was packed for the return trip back to Singapore

After spending the rest of the entire morning packing the remainder of our baggage for the mid-afternoon flight back home to Singapore, a hotel baggage porter finally came up to our Rooms No. 1944 and 1945 at 11.45 a.m.. The hotel porter assisted with our bulky baggage located in my parents' Room No. 1944 before coming over to my Room No. 1945 to assist with the remaining baggage. Once our baggage had been loaded onto the baggage trolleys, we did a final mass check on both our Rooms No. 1944 and 1945 to ensure that there was absolutely none of our belongings left unpacked for the return flight back to Singapore.

With our rooms having none of our belongings left unpacked, we departed our Rooms No. 1944 and 1945 at 11.55 a.m., and promptly took the nearest elevator up to The Horizon Club lounge on the 20th and 21st floors, eventually reaching there by 12 noon. While my mum went to return our room keys at the reception counter, the rest of us went to help ourselves to some light snacks and drinks. I then took this opportunity to enjoy the beautiful afternoon views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island for the last time before returning home to Singapore.

The beautiful view of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island from The Horizon Club lounge located on the 20th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong with clouds looming over the skyline

A large Star Cruise ferry resting near Hung Hom Ferry Pier on Victoria Harbour in the afternoon

One final look at the beautiful view of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island from The Horizon Club lounge located on the 20th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong with clouds looming over the skyline shortly before we departed the hotel back to Hong Kong International Airport

After completing the entire hotel check-out process and returning our room keys at the reception counters located in The Horizon Club lounge, the clock was finally showing 12.10 p.m.. Knowing that we had 20 minutes before our pre-arranged hotel limousine to Hong Kong International Airport, we quickly took our belongings and headed to the elevator lobby before taking the nearest elevator down to the main hotel lobby, thus reaching there at 12.15 p.m.. Given that we had some 15 minutes left before our pre-arranged hotel limousine to Hong Kong International Airport, we decided to stop at a nearby hotel souvenir store near the open hotel lounge to get some mooncakes for home.

Once we were done purchasing our mooncakes for home, we promptly headed out to the main entrance of the hotel, where our black pre-arranged hotel limousine to Hong Kong International Airport was already waiting. Boarding the limousine, some porters helped to load our baggage into the limousine boot, while Miss Miyako Takizawa, who served us on the night of our arrival, was also there to see us off and thank us for our stay at the hotel. Once all our baggage was safely loaded into the limousine boot and everyone was on board, we finally departed the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong at 12.30 p.m. for a short and routine early afternoon hotel limousine trip of half an hour back to Hong Kong International Airport located to the west on Lantau Island.

To summarise my hotel stay at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong, I can safely say that I had enjoyed my stay at the hotel very much. Despite the bed pillows being a bit too soft for our linkings, the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong still stands as the best hotel that I have ever stayed at in Hong Kong, even outshining the Hotel Novotel Citygate Hong Kong. The complimentary à la carte breakfast service at The Horizon Club lounge was also some of the best breakfasts I have ever eaten, with its afternoon tea and evening time food and beverage offerings being much better than the ones offered at the Premier Lounge at the Hotel Novotel Citygate Hong Kong. Personally, I would certainly not hesitate to stay at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong again during subsequent trips to Hong Kong in the future.

The interior of the main hotel lobby at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong in the afternoon shortly before we departed back for Hong Kong International Airport

A large miniature green elephant decoration structure in the main hotel lobby at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong in the afternoon shortly before we departed back for Hong Kong International Airport

The interior of the lobby lounge in the main hotel lobby at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong in the afternoon shortly before we departed back for Hong Kong International Airport

Finally departing the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong

Travelling across Mody Road shortly after departing the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong

Travelling across Salisbury Road close to the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers en route to Hong Kong International Airport

Bypassing the InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong, where we previously stayed during my post-GCE 'O' Level examination mini-shopping vacation to Hong Kong in November 2012, along Salisbury Road en route to Hong Kong International Airport

Travelling across Kowloon Park Drive from Salisbury Road en route to Hong Kong International Airport

Travelling across the flyover bridge on Kowloon Park Drive shortly after turning out of Salisbury Road en route to Hong Kong International Airport

Climbing down the flyover bridge on Kowloon Park Drive near Harbour City en route to Hong Kong International Airport

Travelling across the crowded roads of Austin Road near Austin Station en route to Hong Kong International Airport

Bypassing Olympic Station

Travelling across the West Kowloon Highway below Nam Cheong Station en route to Hong Kong International Airport

Turning to the flyover leading to the Ma Wan Viaduct from the West Kowloon Highway en route to Hong Kong International Airport

The view of the beautiful skyline of Hong Kong Island from the Ma Wan Viaduct en route to Hong Kong International Airport

Travelling across the Ma Wan Viaduct near the Port of Hong Kong en route to Hong Kong International Airport

One final look at the beautiful skyline of Hong Kong Island from the Ma Wan Viaduct en route to Hong Kong International Airport

About to cross the Tsing Ma Bridge from the Ma Wan Viaduct en route to Hong Kong International Airport

Crossing the Tsing Ma Bridge from the Ma Wan Viaduct en route to Hong Kong International Airport

About to enter the Nam Wan Tunnel on the Ma Wan Viaduct en route to Hong Kong International Airport

Crossing the Nam Wan Tunnel on the Ma Wan Viaduct en route to Hong Kong International Airport

Crossing the Kap Shui Mun Bridge onto Lantau Island en route to Hong Kong International Airport

Travelling across the North Lantau Expressway shortly after crossing the Kap Shui Mun Bridge onto Lantau Island en route to Hong Kong International Airport

Bypassing Sunny Bay Station

Travelling parallel to the Airport Express and Tung Chung Line tracks near the Siu Ho Wan Depot on the North Lantau Expressway to Hong Kong International Airport

About to bypass Tung Chung Town Centre on the North Lantau Expressway to Hong Kong International Airport

Bypassing Citygate Outlets in Tung Chung New Town on the North Lantau Highway

Travelling parallel to the Airport Express tracks on the North Lantau Expressway en route to Hong Kong International Airport

Hong Kong International Airport coming into view shortly after we had exited the North Lantau Expressway

Finally arriving at the departures and drop-off area located outside the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport

After a short and quick routine early afternoon hotel limousine trip of just half an hour from the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong, we finally arrived at the departures and drop-off area of the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport at one o' clock. Being sure to check that there was nothing left behind on board, my younger brother and I went over to get two baggage trolleys while the limousine driver assisted my parents in unloading our baggage from the limousine boot. Paying our limousine fare, we thanked the driver for his services and promised to come back to Hong Kong again in future.

Once all our baggage was safely loaded onto the baggage trolleys, a Shangri-La hotel representative escorted us into the departures and check-in hall in the Main Terminal to the Cathay Pacific Business Class check-in counters. Soon enough, we finally arrived at the Cathay Pacific Business Class check-in counters at 1.05 p.m.. Heading to the nearest open Cathay Pacific Business Class check-in counter, we went to check our bulkier baggage in for Cathay Pacific flight CX 635 bound for Singapore. The entire check-in process for Cathay Pacific flight CX 635 bound for Singapore took not more than approximately five minutes.

The departures and drop-off area located outside the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport shortly after we had arrived

Crossing the overhead bridge leading to the departures and check-in hall on the seventh floor of the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport

Finally arriving at the Cathay Pacific Business Class check-in counters in the departures and check-in hall in the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport

Shortly after completing the entire check-in process for Cathay Pacific flight CX 635 bound for Singapore at the Cathay Pacific Business Class check-in counters, we finally received our boarding passes and lounge invitation passes at 1.10 p.m.. The Cathay Pacific Business Class check-in agent then informed us that today, Cathay Pacific flight CX 635 bound for Singapore would be scheduled to depart at 3.20 p.m. from Gate No. 2. Boarding would also commence at 2.50 p.m., approximately half an hour before the scheduled departure timing.

With that, we thanked the check-in agent for her kind and warm services and headed to the security checkpoint entrance to clear the airport security checks before entering the airside. Even though both the security checkpoints and passport control area were quite crowded that afternoon, we took all out our necessary belongings, such as our electronics and loose items, to be screened before proceeding to the passport control areas. Once both the security checks and passport controls were successfully cleared, we were finally in the main airside of Hong Kong International Airport at 1.25 p.m..

Given that we still had plenty of time left before our afternoon return flight back home to Singapore, my parents decided to look for a nearby restaurant to have lunch first while I decided to go over to The Wing Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge for some light refreshments. My family agreed to meet up with me at Gate No. 2 at least 15 minutes before boarding. With that, we parted our respective ways and headed to our intended destinations. The entire walk to The Wing Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge near Gates No. 1 to 4 took approximately five minutes.

My boarding pass for the return segment from Hong Kong to Singapore

Finally in the main airside of the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport shortly after clearing the security checkpoints and passport control area

A Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-367/ER, registered B-KQY, resting at Gate No. 1 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport after arriving from her long overnight trans-Siberian flight from the United Kingdom as Cathay Pacific flight CX 238 from London (Heathrow). She will then have an additional regional afternoon flight to the Kingdom of Thailand as Cathay Pacific flight CX 751 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

The interior of the main airside located just aft of the security checkpoints and passport control area in the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport

The departure flight information screens in the main airside located just aft of the security checkpoints and passport control area in the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport

Bypassing some duty-free shops en route to The Wing Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge in the main airside of the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport

Bypassing the passenger waiting areas between Gates No. 1 to 4 en route to The Wing Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge in the main airside of the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport

A Dragonair Airbus A330-342, registered B-HLE, about to be pushed back from Gate No. 21 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport in preparation for her regional mid-afternoon flight to the People's Republic of China (Mainland China) as Dragonair flight KA 874 bound for Shanghai (Pudong)

Finally arriving at the main entrance to The Wing Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge in the main airside of the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport

After a short walk of not more than approximately five minutes across the main airside of Hong Kong International Airport, I finally arrived at the main entrance to The Wing Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge at 1.30 p.m.. Heading over the lounge reception counter, a lounge receptionist checked my lounge invitation pass before allowing me to enter the main lounge area. Positively identifying my boarding pass, I was then allowed to enter the main lounge area, where I secured a good seating spot in the middle of the lounge near to where the self-service refreshment counter was.

Informing my family that I had arrived at The Wing Cathay Pacific Lounge safely, I took out some of my electronics, such as my laptop, for my own entertainment usage and to make some editings to my blog. I also went to the self-service refreshment counter to obtain some light afternoon refreshments to freshen up in preparation for the afternoon return flight back home to Singapore. Together with a glass of white wine, I had a bowl of mushroom soup and some dim sum siu mai dumplings while having a rest and doing some personal trip report editings on my blog.

The interior of The Wing Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge in the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport shortly after I had entered the lounge

A glass of white wine, mushroom soup and two siu mai dumplings for myself in The Wing Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge in the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport

Preparing the final section of the trip report from my blog on my laptop in The Wing Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge in the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport

Reading through the most hilarious sentence in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" via iBooks, where Harry's Uncle Vernon throws a temper tantrum at the breakfast table after Harry tells Dudley to say 'please' to obtain more bacon as a form of manners ｰ "WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU," thundered his uncle, spraying spit over the table, "ABOUT SAYING THE 'M' WORD IN OUR HOUSE?!"

Four more siu mai dumplings for myself in The Wing Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge in the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport

The view of the self-service food and beverage corner from my seating area in The Wing Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge in the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport

Part 2 ~ The Flight Back Home To Singapore

Airline: Cathay Pacific
Flight No.: CX 635
From: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG / VHHH), Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong
To: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN / WSSS), Changi, Singapore
Aircraft: Airbus A330-343X
Registration No.: B-HLO
Class: Business Class
Seat No.: 15K
Date: Wednesday, 8 June 2016

After spending approximately 1 hour 05 minutes of relaxations, using my electronics and having some light afternoon tea refreshments inside The Wing Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge, the clock was finally showing 2.35 p.m.. Given that boarding for Cathay Pacific flight CX 635 bound for Singapore would commence in 15 minutes' time, I promptly packed up my carry-on belongings and departed The Wing Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge for Gate No. 2. The entire walk between The Wing Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge and Gate No. 2 approximately five minutes.

Soon enough, I ultimately arrived at the passenger waiting area located near Gate No. 2 at 2.40 p.m., which was in good time for boarding for Cathay Pacific flight CX 635 bound for Singapore to begin in 10 minutes' time. Looking at the number of waiting passengers near the passenger waiting area at Gate No. 2, I could see that Cathay Pacific flight CX 635 bound for Singapore would be filled to the brim today. My family was waiting at Gate No. 2 by the time I arrived. However, due to a change of aircraft, there was an advanced notice that the flight would be delayed by approximately 20 minutes, with the new departure timing re-scheduled to 3.40 p.m. instead.

Today, Cathay Pacific flight CX 635 bound for Singapore would be operated with an Airbus A330-300 aircraft, registered B-HLO and powered using two Rolls-Royce Trent 772B-60 engines. B-HLO was delivered new to Cathay Pacific on 30 March 2001 as the 16th Airbus A330-300 and the 16th Airbus A330 for the entire airline. The overall delivery would make the aircraft approximately 15.3 years old today. This aircraft was particularly familiar to me as I had flown on it twice before in July 2014 and December 2014.

One final look at The Wing Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge in the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport as I begin to make my way to Gate No. 2 for Cathay Pacific flight CX 635 bound for Singapore

Finally arriving at the passenger waiting area at Gate No. 2 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport

A Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-367/ER, registered B-KPF, being serviced at Gate No. 3 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport in preparation for her long afternoon trans-Siberian flight to the United Kingdom as Cathay Pacific flight CX 253 bound for London (Heathrow). This aircraft was notable for being painted in the "Asia's World City" special livery from her delivery in January 2008 until it was re-painted into the standard Cathay Pacific livery in March 2014

A Japan Airlines Boeing 777-246/ER, registered JA706J, being serviced at Gate No. 25 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport in preparation for her regional mid-afternoon return flight back home to Japan as Japan Airlines flight JL 026 bound for Tokyo (Haneda)

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A330-343X, registered 9V-STM, resting at Gate No. 21 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport after arriving from her regional morning flight from the Republic of Singapore as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 856 from Singapore. She will then return back home to the Republic of Singapore as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 861 bound for Singapore

The departure information screen at the passenger waiting area at Gate No. 2 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport, detailing the information for Cathay Pacific flight CX 635 bound for Singapore

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A380-841, registered 9V-SKE, taxiing to her assigned runway in preparation for her regional mid-afternoon return flight back home to the Republic of Singapore as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 863 bound for Singapore

Our aircraft for today, B-HLO, taxiing to Gate No. 2 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport to be serviced in preparation for her regional late afternoon flight to the Republic of Singapore as Cathay Pacific flight CX 635 bound for Singapore. I clearly remember flying on this particular aircraft twice before in July 2014 and December 2014

B-HLO about to undergo servicing at Gate No. 2 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport in preparation for her regional late afternoon flight to the Republic of Singapore as Cathay Pacific flight CX 635 bound for Singapore

A Garuda Indonesia Airbus A330-343X, registered PK-GPT, resting at Gate No. 29 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport after arriving from her regional morning flight from the popular tourist resort island of Bali in the Republic of Indonesia as Garuda Indonesia flight GA 856 from Denpasar (Bali)

B-KPF being pushed back from Gate No. 3 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport in preparation for her long afternoon trans-Siberian flight to the United Kingdom as Cathay Pacific flight CX 253 bound for London (Heathrow)

An All Nippon Airways Boeing 777-281/ER, registered JA716A, taxiing to her assigned runway in preparation for her regional late afternoon return flight back home to Japan as All Nippon Airways flight NH 860 bound for Tokyo (Haneda)

The passenger waiting area at Gate No. 2 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport filled with waiting passengers

A Dragonair Airbus A330-342, registered B-HLI, being serviced at Gate No. 27 in preparation for her regional mid-afternoon flight to the Kingdom of Cambodia as Dragonair flight KA 206 bound for Phnom Penh

One final look at B-HLO being serviced at Gate No. 2 at the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport in preparation for her regional late afternoon flight to the Republic of Singapore as Cathay Pacific flight CX 635 bound for Singapore

A Cathay Pacific Boeing 747-412, registered B-HKT, taxiing to her assigned runway in preparation for her regional mid-afternoon flight to the Republic of the Philippines as Cathay Pacific flight CX 919 bound for Manila. Sadly, these aircraft are bound to be retired from revenue passenger service from 1 October 2016

The passenger waiting area at Gate No. 2 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport shortly before the first boarding announcements for Cathay Pacific flight CX 635 bound for Singapore were made

The entrance to the jet bridge to Gate No. 2 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport shortly before the first boarding announcements for Cathay Pacific flight CX 635 bound for Singapore were made

After spending almost 40 minutes of anticipated waiting at the passenger waiting area at Gate No. 2, the first boarding announcements for Cathay Pacific flight CX 635 bound for Singapore were finally made at 3.20 p.m., which was approximately half an hour behind schedule. The Business Class passengers, along with the Asia Miles & Marco Polo club members and passengers in need of special assistance, were called out to board the aircraft first. Since we were among the first passengers being called out to board the aircraft first, we rolled up at the front of the line for the boarding process to commence smoothly.

Walking through the jet bridge to Door A, we were finally on board B-HLO at 3.25 p.m.. At Door A, two flight attendants welcomed us on board, and showed us the direction to our seats located in the Business Class cabin. Upon stowing our carry-on belongings into their storage spaces, we settled down into our assigned Seats No. 15D, 15G, 15H and 15K for the regional late afternoon return flight of 3 hours 50 minutes across the South China Sea back home to the Republic of Singapore. A flight stewardess, known as Patricia, also had the courtesy to address us by our respective names.

The flight attendants also went about their usual routines around the cabin distributing free newspapers and pre-departure beverages to all the Business Class passengers. Like my previous airline travels, I decided to have my normal pre-departure glasses of orange juice and champagne to settle down for the regional late afternoon return flight back home to Singapore. Browsing through the in-flight duty-free shopping magazine, I filled up an in-flight duty-free coupon to purchase an additional Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300/ER Scale 1:500 exclusive aircraft model, and gave it to a flight stewardess while the boarding process was still underway.

A view of my seat, 15K, during the boarding process at Gate No. 2 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport

The view of the Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300 Regional Business Class cabin from my seat during the boarding process at Gate No. 2 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport

My usual pre-departure glasses of champagne and orange juice

Looking through the in-flight duty-free magazine during the boarding process at Gate No. 2 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport

The 'no smoking' and 'fasten seatbelt signs' illuminated during the Gate No. 2 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport

The view of the main airport tarmac during the boarding process at Gate No. 2 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport

A Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-367/ER, registered B-KPQ, being serviced at Gate No. 3 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport in preparation for her long afternoon transpacific flight to the United States as Cathay Pacific flight CX 812 bound for Boston

Awaiting pushback from Gate No. 2 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport

The view of the Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300 Regional Business Class cabin from my seat shortly before pushing back from Gate No. 2 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport

At around 4.05 p.m., the aircraft doors were closed, and we finally pushed back from Gate No. 2 located at the Main Terminal, approximately 25 minutes behind schedule. With the safety briefing information video being shown on the personal front seat video screens, the captain made a sincere apology to the passengers for the delay, since there were certain undeviated weather circumstances taking place. We then made our taxi to our assigned runway in preparation for the late afternoon departure back home to Singapore, which took approximately 15 minutes.

It was not that long until we arrived at our assigned runway from the Main Terminal for the late afternoon departure to Singapore. Soon enough, the aircraft's two Rolls-Royce Trent 772B-60 engines spooled into action, and the aircraft ultimately lifted off from Hong Kong International Airport at 4.20 p.m. for a regional late afternoon flight duration of 3 hours 15 minutes over the South China Sea to the Republic of Singapore located across the waters near the Malaysian Straits. We then climbed into the relatively clear late afternoon sky for a regional late afternoon return flight of 3 hours 15 minutes over the South China Sea back home to the Republic of Singapore.

Finally pushing back from Gate No. 2 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport

A China Airlines Boeing 737-8Q8(WL), registered B-18651, resting on the main airport tarmac after arriving from her regional mid-afternoon flight from the Republic of China (Taiwan) as China Airlines flight CI 7867 from Tainan

A Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-367/ER, registered B-KQT, being serviced at Gate No. 4 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport in preparation for her long late afternoon transpacific flight to the United States as Cathay Pacific flight CX 890 bound for Newark

A South African Airways Airbus A340-642 resting on the main airport tarmac near the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport

PK-GPT taxiing to her assigned runway in preparation for her regional late afternoon return flight back to the popular tourist resort island of Bali in the Republic of Indonesia as Garuda Indonesia flight GA 856 from Denpasar (Bali)

A Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-941, registered B-LRA, being serviced at Gate No. 1 at the Main Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport in preparation for her regional late afternoon flight to the Republic of China (Taiwan) as Cathay Pacific flight CX 400 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan)

Taxiing across the main airport tarmac to our assigned runway in preparation for the late afternoon departure back home to Singapore

Finally approaching our assigned runway in preparation for the late afternoon departure back home to Singapore

Cathay Pacific Flight 635 ~ Afternoon Departure From Hong Kong International Airport

Finally climbing into the mid-afternoon sky over the South China Sea shortly after taking off from Hong Kong International Airport

Shortly after taking off from Hong Kong International Airport, the seatbelt signs were turned off at 4.30 p.m., which was approximately 10 minutes into the flight. With the rest of the flight attendants springing into action to commence the in-flight service, I headed to the lavatories and got out my electronics for my own use during the flight. The flight attendants then went around the Business Class cabin distributing the in-flight dining menus to the Business Class passengers, with one of them coming over directly to my seat and asking what I wanted for the in-flight afternoon tea service.

For the main in-flight afternoon tea course, I opted to have the beef stroganoff served with green beans and buttered spaetzle, together with a glass of Coca-cola and Les Chapitres de Jaffelin Bourgogne Chardonnay 2014 white wine to accompany my meal. With our main meal orders recorded down, the flight attendant then went back into the galley to get some small light bites for the passengers before collecting our meal trays. A small bowl of mixed nuts was provided for each Business Class passenger, with my bowl of nuts arriving at my seat with my desired white wine. With my laptop in hand, I sat back and enjoyed my light bites and wine while waiting for our meal trays to arrive.

The view of the Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300 Regional Business Class cabin from my seat shortly after the seatbelt signs were turned off following take-off from Hong Kong International Airport

A warning sign in the lavatory indicating that smoking on board the aircraft, including tampering with smoke detectors in the lavatories, is a criminal offence under Hong Kong law

A view of my seat, 15K, during cruising altitude over the South China Sea near Hainan Island in China

The rear view of the Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300 Regional Business Class cabin during cruising altitude over the South China Sea near Hainan Island in China shortly before the in-flight afternoon tea service commenced

The final section of the trip report under planning on my blog during cruising altitude over the South China Sea near Hainan Island in China

Reading through the most hilarious sentence in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" via iBooks, where Harry's Uncle Vernon throws a temper tantrum at the breakfast table after Harry tells Dudley to say 'please' to obtain more bacon as a form of manners ｰ "WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU," thundered his uncle, spraying spit over the table, "ABOUT SAYING THE 'M' WORD IN OUR HOUSE?!"

The cover page for the in-flight dining menu for the segment from Hong Kong to Singapore

Reviewing the in-flight dining menu for the segment from Hong Kong to Singapore

Reviewing the wine list in the in-flight dining menu for the segment from Hong Kong to Singapore

The view of the Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300 Regional Business Class cabin from my seat shortly before the in-flight afternoon tea service commenced

Cruising over the South China Sea near Hainan Island in China and the Philippines

A glass of Les Chapitres de Jaffelin Bourgogne Chardonnay 2014 white wine and a small bowl of mixed nuts for myself

After spending approximately 45 minutes of using my electronic devices and enjoying my light bites, the flight attendant finally appeared at our seats with our afternoon tea trays containing our first courses at 5.10 p.m.. With our first courses delivered to our tables, I sat back to enjoy my afternoon tea while waiting for my main course to arrive. The cured salmon tasted sufficiently good for my liking, with the mayonnaise going very well with it, thereby consuming both pieces of salmon in less than a few minutes.

Soon enough, the flight attendant finally re-appeared at our seats again with our main meal courses at 5.30 p.m.. This time, she had my beef stroganoff served with green beans and buttered spaetzle. I also requested for a refill of my white wine glass, with my glass of Coca-cola also served at the same time. With everything delivered to my table, I promptly tucked into my main afternoon tea course. The beef stroganoff tasted quite tender with the sauce, with the buttered spaetzle also pairing well with the meal, though the green beans tasted slightly dry, with the white wine also pairing quite well.

Upon finishing off my main afternoon tea course, the clock was finally showing 5.40 p.m.. With the flight attendant coming over to our seats to collect our used meal trays, she asked me whether there was anything else I wanted to end off the meal service. I then requested for a glass of Baileys Irish Cream and a tub of Royal Milk Tea Häagen-Dazs ice cream. As soon as my orders were recorded, she provided them to me from the dessert cart, thus allowing me to enjoy my ice cream and Baileys Irish Cream as the most suited way to end off the in-flight afternoon tea service. Once I had finished off my dessert, I sat back to use my own electronics and have some rest.

The first course: Cured salmon served with fennel and crème fraiche

My main course: Beef stroganoff served with green beans and buttered spaetzle

The view of the Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300 Regional Business Class cabin from my seat during the in-flight afternoon tea service

A small tub of Royal Milk Tea Häagen-Dazs ice cream and a glass of Baileys Irish Cream and Coca-cola in-flight afternoon tea service

Cruising over the South China Sea near Vietnam between Danang and Ho Chi Minh City

The flight route indication map indicating our cruising altitude over the South China Sea near Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam

The late afternoon sun shining brightly while cruising over the South China Sea near Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam

Cruising over the South China Sea near Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam

Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-312/ER Herpa Scale 1:500 (524858)

After spending approximately 50 minutes of using my electronic devices and getting some rest, a flight stewardess finally appeared at my seat with an in-flight duty-free shopping bag containing my exclusive aircraft model painted in the revised livery at 6.30 p.m.. With the model costing HK$270, I paid HK$500 in cash, thereby receiving HK$230 in return. Once the cash payment for my model had been settled, I headed to the lavatories and packed some of my belongings back into their respective storage spaces to ensure that it would be less time-consuming before the evening arrival back into Singapore.

Once I had stowed some of my belongings back into their respective storage areas, I settled back down into my seat to continue using my own electronic devices for the remainder of the flight. Given that some of the passengers were already beginning to feel rather tired, the cabin lights were dimmed at around seven o' clock to allow them to get some rest before the evening arrival into Singapore Changi Airport. The cabin lights would continue to remain dimmed until the seatbelt signs were illuminated once again in preparation for the descent cum arrival into Singapore.

As for the new exclusive aircraft model I had purchased, the details are as follows:

1) Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-367/ER (2015 New Livery) Hogan Scale 1:500 (CXcitement Exclusive)

Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-367/ER (2015 New Livery) Hogan Scale 1:500 (CXcitement Exclusive)

My newly-purchased Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300/ER Scale 1:500 aircraft model painted in the airline's revised livery from 2015

The 'no smoking' and 'fasten seatbelt signs' illuminated due to turbulence during cruising altitude over the South China Sea near the state of Kelantan in Malaysia

The view of the Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300 Regional Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the South China Sea near the state of Kelantan in Malaysia

A view of my seat, 15K, during cruising altitude over the South China Sea near the state of Kelantan in Malaysia

The rear view of the Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300 Regional Business Class cabin during cruising altitude over the South China Sea near the state of Kelantan in Malaysia

The flight route indication map indicating our cruising altitude over the South China Sea near the states of Kelantan and Pahang in Malaysia

Dusk falling across the South China Sea during cruising altitude near the states of Kelantan and Pahang in Malaysia

The view of the Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300 Regional Business Class cabin from my seat shortly before the seatbelt signs were illuminated for the descent cum arrival into Singapore Changi Airport

In accordance with the Singapore Local Timing, the seatbelts signs were illuminated once again at 7.15 p.m., approximately 20 minutes in preparation for the descent into Singapore Changi Airport. Knowing that we had less than half an hour left before our arrival back home into Singapore, we promptly stowed our belongings back into their respective storage areas, and buckled up in preparation for the aircraft to commence its final descent into Singapore Changi Airport. The flight attendants also went through the cabin conducting safety checks and collecting the personal in-flight entertainment headsets at the same time.

The night was beginning to close in very rapidly as the aircraft began to commence its one final approach into Singapore Changi Airport. After a regional late afternoon return flight of 3 hours 15 minutes across the South China Sea from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), we finally touched back down into Singapore Changi Airport at 7.35 p.m., which was approximately 25 minutes behind schedule. We then taxied over the main airport tarmac briefly before eventually docking onto our assigned arrival gate located at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1.

The view of the Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300 Regional Business Class cabin from my seat shortly after the seatbelt signs were illuminated for the descent cum arrival into Singapore Changi Airport

Dusk falling across the South China Sea during cruising altitude near Penang in Malaysia

The 'no smoking' and 'fasten seatbelt signs' illuminated in preparation for the descent cum arrival into Singapore Changi Airport

The flight route indication map indicating our cruising altitude over the South China Sea near Penang in Malaysia

Overlooking the Penang Bridge during cruising altitude over Penang in Malaysia

Cruising over Penang in Malaysia as the aircraft begins to make its final approach into Singapore Changi Airport

Cruising over the Johor Strait between Singapore and Malaysia as the aircraft begins to make its final approach into Singapore Changi Airport

Cathay Pacific Flight 635 ~ Early Evening Arrival Into Singapore Changi Airport

Taxiing across the main airport tarmac close to Singapore Changi Airport Terminals 1 and 3 shortly after we had touched down into Singapore Changi Airport

An Emirates Airbus A380-861, registered A6-EDE, being serviced at Gate No. C26 in Concourse C at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 in preparation for her long evening trans-Indian Ocean return flight back home to the United Arab Emirates as Emirates flight EK 355 bound for Dubai

A British Airways Boeing 777-336/ER, registered G-STBF, being serviced at Gate No. C15 in Concourse C at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 in preparation for her continuing flight Down Under to the Commonwealth of Australia from the United Kingdom via the Republic of Singapore as British Airways flight BA 015 bound for Sydney from London (Heathrow) via Singapore

Finally docking onto our assigned arrival gate, Gate No. D32, in Concourse D at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The view of the Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300 Regional Business Class cabin from my seat shortly after docking onto our assigned arrival gate, Gate No. D32, in Concourse D at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

After taxiing across the main airport tarmac to our assigned arrival gate at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1, we finally docked onto our assigned arrival gate, Gate No. D32, at 7.50 p.m.. Once the seatbelts signs had been switched off, we unbuckled our seatbelts and retrieved all our belongings from their storage spaces in preparation for the disembarkation process to commence smoothly. We then conducted a final check around our seating areas to ensure that there was really nothing left behind on board the aircraft before leaving.

Once the flight attendants had opened the two front aircraft doors, we rolled up behind some other passengers in preparation for the disembarkation process to commence. As we exited the aircraft through the frontmost aircraft exit door with all our belongings, the rest of the in-flight cabin attendants, including Patricia, sincerely thanked us for our patronage with Cathay Pacific and wished all of us a pleasant trip back home. We then walked across the jet bridge linking to Concourse D in the direction to the main arrival immigration checkpoints.

Cathay Pacific Flight 635 Score Report

Seat: 18 / 20
Food: 17 / 20
Service: 17 / 20
Aircraft cleanliness: 17 / 20
Legroom space: 17 / 20
Total: 86 / 100
Grade: A+ (Quality Pass)

On a final note, Cathay Pacific has managed to obtain a total aggregate score of 86% for the return flight from Hong Kong to Singapore. However, an area for improvement for the airline would be the on-ground technical services at Hong Kong International Airport, with the flight times also a good area that can be brushed up on to reduce the amount of daily flight delays experienced by the airline. Other than that, it was a good flight with Cathay Pacific, but perhaps on future trips to Hong Kong, I might consider flying with Singapore Airlines instead.

Part 3 ~ The Concluding Sequences

Shortly after disembarking from Cathay Pacific flight CX 635 from Hong Kong at Gate No. D32, we walked through the passageway of Concourse D leading to the arrival immigration checkpoints in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1. The entire walk from Gate No. D32 to the main arrival immigration checkpoints located in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 took less than five minutes. Arriving at the main arrival immigration checkpoints at 7.55 p.m., we headed over to the automated thumbprint checkpoints reserved for local Singaporean citizens and Permanent Residents, thus clearing the entire arrival immigration process in less than five minutes.

Upon clearing the arrival immigration process by eight o' clock, I went over to check which baggage belt our check-in baggage would arrive at. According to the baggage claiming information screens, all check-in baggage from Cathay Pacific flight CX 635 from Hong Kong would be scheduled to arrive at Belt No. 21. With that, I followed both my dad and younger brother to claim two baggage trolleys before proceeding to Belt No. 21 to claim our bulkier check-in baggage. My mum also went to claim a baggage trolley for herself to do some duty-free shopping at the post-arrival duty-free shop in the baggage claiming hall.

Walking across the moving passageway in Concourse D in the main airside at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 in the direction to the main arrival immigration checkpoints

Bypassing some duty-free shops near Concourse D in the main airside at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 in the direction to the main arrival immigration checkpoints

Finally approaching the main arrival immigration checkpoints in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1

The baggage claiming information screens located just aft of the main arrival immigration checkpoints in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 during the early evening rush hour

The baggage claiming hall in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 during the early evening rush hour

The arrivals and meeting hall in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 during the early evening rush hour

After claiming all our bulky check-in baggage from Cathay Pacific flight CX 635 from Hong Kong at Belt No. 21 and loading them onto the baggage trolleys, we were finally in the main arrivals and meeting hall of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 at 8.10 p.m.. Heading to the MaxiCab counters, we quickly got our MaxiCab queue ticket for the journey back home. Before we could head home, my dad knew that we had yet to return the portable Internet Wi-Fi routers to the post office. With that, while the rest of us waited for our MaxiCab driver to arrive, my dad went to the post office to return the portable Internet Wi-Fi routers before meeting us back.

Soon enough, a well-dressed Malay MaxiCab gentleman finally met us in the arrivals and meeting hall of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 at 8.15 p.m.. Escorting us to the main MaxiCab pick-up point on the other side of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1, he offered a helping hand with our baggage to his MaxiCab, thus reaching there at 8.20 p.m., also assisting us to load our baggage into the cab boot while we boarded the MaxiCab for the short and routine early evening return trip of just 25 minutes back to the familiar compound of our home.

Once our baggage had been safely loaded into the cab boot with everyone on board, we finally departed Singapore Changi Airport at 8.25 p.m. for a routine evening return trip of 25 minutes across the Tampines Expressway to the familiar compound of our house. Soon enough, we finally arrived back at the familiar front gate of our house at 8.50 p.m.. With the gate being opened, our housekeeper then came out to assist us in unloading our baggage from the cab boot with the cab driver. Paying our MaxiCab fare, we headed into the house and began unpacking our baggage before having dinner of some local delicacies and turning in for the rest of the night.

To end off this trip report, I can safely say that this was a pleasant mid-summer 21st birthday shopping vacation to Hong Kong. Through my trips to Hong Kong in the past years, this was be one of the best Hong Kong trips I have undertaken in my entire life, which I would never forget. Together with my Airport Express MTR line roundabouts and aircraft model shopping sprees at Pioneer Centre and West Main Toys in Prince Edward, our five-star luxury hotel accommodation at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong was a very highlighting factor for this particular trip to Hong Kong.

It was indeed a pleasant surprise when the hotel surprised my parents with a bouquet of flowers in celebration of their 23rd wedding anniversary on the night we arrived, and for them to leave me with two boxes of complimentary birthday chocolates for my 21st birthday. Together with the bed and room comforts being much more comfortable and cosy, even even though the sleeping pillows were a bit too soft, its complimentary and free à la carte breakfast service and The Horizon Club lounge food and drink offerings are much wider and better than the food and drink offerings at the Premier Lounge at the Hotel Novotel Citygate Hong Kong.

The Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong still remains one of the best hotels I have ever stayed at in Hong Kong, although there are more modern luxurious hotels in the downtown Kowloon area my parents wish to sample during future trips to Hong Kong. I sincerely hope that you have enjoyed reading this report, and thank you for taking the time to read through each section carefully. There will be more trip reports, which may be of interest to you, to come in the near future. Lastly, but certainly not the least, do have a fun, safe and pleasant blogging experience!