Dear fellow bloggers, as we progress through Northern Hemisphere autumn season, please do accept my apologies for the shortage of overseas getaway travel reports for the past few months or so. To keep you all updated on my overseas voyages, I would like to warmly welcome you all to this brand new main trip report detailing my Northern Hemisphere autumn season culinary and hobby shopping vacation to Hong Kong in November 2024. This recent trip report will be divided into a total of only four major sections, for which, this shall constitute the first section of the report itself.
There shall be two main focus topics, excluding the prologue, that are to be covered up in this first sector of the main trip report. They are the in-bound morning journey to Hong Kong and the metro railroad trip to the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong in the Tsim Sha Tsui district. Although I cannot permit any comments to be published for all my videos featured directly on YouTube as part of online security measures, you may leave your comments in the comment boxes at the end of each trip report section.
Part 1 ~ The Prologue
After spending the last couple of months or so assisting both my parents out in their our private family business, I decided that it was time for me to have another solo overseas getaway vacation trip close to the end of the year. My mom had to safely travel down to Western Australia to support my younger brother for his final second semester examinations during his fourth year of main tertiary university education in late October. Given that our Australian possessions would have to be placed in long-term storage over the next few months, she would not return with him until mid-November.
For my next solo overseas getaway trip of this year, I wisely decided to go to a place where I had not been too for a long time, most notably for years, in the Far East. Looking through several getaway destinations available, it was not really long before my choices directly narrowed down to Hong Kong as the getaway destination where I have not traveled to for an extended time period. This was especially true during my university education days back in Perth, Western Australia, and the global outbreak of COVID-19.
While both my parents did approve of my need to travel out of Singapore once in a while, they also warned me that Hong Kong would be different from what we once knew since the 2019ｰ20 government protests and the implementation of the National Security Law by Mainland China. I would have the freedom to travel around Hong Kong via the major Mass Transit Railway (MTR) network lines, as I had done before on my past major trips there. However, as additional private precautions, I would have to refrain from mentioning anything that could be viewed as politically sensitive by Hong Kong law and quickly return to my hotel at any sign of protests.
Through this coming vacation itself, Hong Kong would become my second official destination of my solo overseas trips after Japan. Having grown up with Hong Kong since late 2005, I immediately knew that Hong Kong had given me the foundation I required for Mainland China, which then came true when I first went up to Shanghai, Mainland China, in December 2019 after spending about two weeks in western Japan. This coming major trip would instantly mark the first time that I would ever travel to Hong Kong since the mass political protests and the global outbreak of COVID-19.
During the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday (6 November), I was up and about preparing all of my lighter carry-on belongings for the upcoming solo main getaway trip to Hong Kong. Having prepared my bulkier baggage and loaded it into our family car the day before the trip, I quickly knew that things would be a lot easier as my flight would be scheduled to depart early that morning. With quite a stringent policy of arriving at the central airport terminal building at least three hours before any flight, my dad had directly offered to take me to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 by precisely 4.45 a.m. later that morning.
For the in-bound regional morning voyage to Hong Kong later on, I would directly fly with Singapore Airlines on flight SQ 882 bound for Hong Kong, which would depart from Singapore Changi Airport at 8.25 a.m., and then arrive at Hong Kong International Airport securely at 12.25 p.m.. Knowing that I had directly accumulated several KrisFlyer rewards miles for the past few years or so, I naturally wanted to attain more miles so that I could use some of them to fund certain solo voyage trips in the event that I traveled with Singapore Airlines. Singapore Airlines would thus become my second airline I would fly with on my solo overseas trips after All Nippon Airways.
Furthermore, as for my hotel accommodation, I would stay at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong located in the core Tsim Sha Tsui area. Having known this particular main deluxe hotel since at a young age, I had always found it to be one of the best main five-star hotels I have ever stayed at in Hong Kong. Whenever we booked Horizon Club guest rooms, I would also seize the chance to proceed to the Horizon Club Lounge for breakfast and some local canapés while enjoying the panoramic views of Victoria Harbor, especially before heading out for the day.
Once I had finished preparing my lighter baggage, the time had safely come for me to depart the house for Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 by 4.35 a.m.. While my dad started up our white family car, I helped to load the rest of my belongings into the rear trunk area. As soon as I had finished loading everything into the rear car trunk area for my coming getaway trip to Hong Kong, I finally departed the familiar compound of my home by around 4.40 a.m. for a short and quick predawn early morning road trip duration of just 20 minutes over the Tampines Expressway to the airport passenger terminal building at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3.
It was not that long until we eventually arrived at the local departures and drop-off areas located just outside Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 at five o' clock sharp. While my dad instantly went to get an airport baggage cart for me, I unloaded all my baggage from the rear car trunk area of the white family car. Upon loading all my baggage onto the baggage cart, my dad then wished me a pleasant getaway trip to Hong Kong and reminded me to take extra care and pay attention to my surroundings at all costs.
Once my dad had left me to commence my overseas getaway trip to Hong Kong, I quickly went into the departures and check-in lobby at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in the direction leading to the major Singapore Airlines Business Class check-in counters. Reaching the manned Singapore Airlines Business Class check-in counters at around 5.05 a.m., I informed a lady check-in agent that I was checking in for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 bound for Hong Kong. With both my passport and required overseas documents, the entire check-in procedure for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 bound for Hong Kong took approximately five minutes.
Singapore Airlines (Japanese: シンガポール航空; Chinese: 新加坡航空; Korean: 싱가포르 항공) is the international flag carrier and the largest airline company of the Republic of Singapore. Headquartered at the Airline House located in 25 Airline Road, the airline company has its largest hub at Singapore Changi Airport, offering 75 destinations across Asia, Africa, North America, Oceania and Europe with a large mixed fleet consisting of Airbus A350 XWBs, Airbus A380s, Boeing 737s, Boeing 737 MAXs, Boeing 777s, Boeing 777Xs & Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The airline even plays a key role as a competitor across the Kangaroo Route connecting both Australia and the United Kingdom via the Eastern Hemisphere.
The airline was officially founded two years following the end of World War II as Malayan Airways on 1 May 1947, until it was split into Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines from 1 October 1972. Progressing rapidly through its development, it took delivery of the first Airbus A380 from 15 October 2007, also flying the world's first regular commercial Airbus A380 service between Singapore and Sydney on 25 October 2007. It was also the first customer for the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, having acquired its very first aircraft from 14 March 2018 and launching the aircraft's first revenue flight from Singapore to Osaka (Kansai) from 3 May 2018. As one of the 10 airlines to be awarded five-star rating by Skytrax, the airline won the 'Airline of the Year' award in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2018 and 2023.
The airline also operates three of the world's longest non-stop flight services between Singapore, Los Angeles, New York and Newark. Initially flown with five Airbus A340-500s from 2004, these services ended in late 2013 following the retirement of its Airbus A340-500 fleet. However, with the delivery of its Airbus A350 XWBs since 2 March 2016, including seven Airbus A350-900/ULR aircraft, the airline reinstated non-stop services to the United States from 23 October 2016, starting with San Francisco. This was also followed by Newark on 11 October 2018 and Los Angeles on 2 November 2018, thereby allowing it to reclaim the title of operating the world's longest commercial flights. As a formal pure member of Star Alliance since 1 April 2000, Singapore Airlines maintains mutual code-share agreements with several Star Alliance partners through its KrisFlyer frequent-flyer program.
The departures and drop-off point located outside Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 shortly after I had arrived during the predawn hours of the early morning
Overlooking Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 from the departures and drop-off point at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in the predawn hours of the early morning
Entering the departures and check-in lobby at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
Walking through the departures and check-in lobby in the direction leading to the Singapore Airlines Business Class check-in counters at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
Finally arriving at the Singapore Airlines Business Class check-in counters located in the departures and check-in lobby at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
One final look at my bulkier check-in baggage at the Singapore Airlines Business Class check-in counters located in the departures and check-in lobby at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 shortly before I checked it in for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 bound for Hong Kong
After completing the main check-in process for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 bound for Hong Kong at the Singapore Airlines Business Class check-in counters located in the departures and check-in lobby at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, I finally received my boarding pass securely by 5.10 a.m. sharp. The check-in staff agent informed me that today, Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 bound for Hong Kong would safely depart at 8.25 a.m. sharp from Gate No. A14. Boarding would commence by exactly 7.55 a.m., which was approximately half an hour before the scheduled departure time.
With that, I thanked the Singapore Airlines check-in agent for her efficient services and proceeded to the departure immigration checkpoints with my belongings. To clear the departure immigration checkpoints, I made use of the automatic facial recognition entrance gates, with the major departure immigration procedures taking not more than approximately five minutes that early morning. Once I had safely passed through the major departure immigration checkpoints, I was in the large main transit area of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 by around 5.15 a.m..
Given that there was plenty of good time before Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 bound for Hong Kong later that morning, I wisely decided to proceed to the Silver Kris Lounge for some refreshments first. Without wasting anymore time, I walked across the transit mall of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 and took the nearest escalator up to the mezzanine transit lobby, where the airline lounges were located. The entire airport terminal passage connecting between the central transit concourse level and the Silver Kris Lounge in the mezzanine transit level took not more than approximately 10 minutes.
My Business Class boarding pass for the in-bound flight segment from Singapore to Hong Kong
Bypassing the "Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary" sculpture in the departures and check-in lobby at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
One final view of the departures and check-in lobby at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 shortly before I went through the departure immigration checkpoints during the predawn hours of the early morning
Finally entering the central concourse of the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
Bypassing The Cocoa Trees (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 South Branch) located in the main transit area on the way to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
The departure flight information screens in the central concourse of the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
Bypassing Maison De Chronus (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Central Branch) located in the main transit area on the way to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
Bypassing some more duty-free retail outlet stores in the central concourse of the main transit area on the way to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
Bypassing Gassan Watch Rolex Boutique (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Branch) located in the main transit area on the way to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
Approaching the escalators and elevator connecting directly to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level from the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
Finally arriving at the main entrance to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
After walking through the main transit lobby of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 for not more than approximately 10 minutes, I safely arrived at the front main entrance to the Silver Kris Lounge by 5.25 a.m.. Heading to the local lounge reception counters, a lounge receptionist promptly had a quick look at both my passport and major boarding pass in order to verify my eligibility for lounge use. Once I had been verified as eligible for main lounge access, she then reminded me to allow sufficient time to reach my assigned boarding gate to ensure that I could catch my flight efficiently.
Given that I had changed some Singapore dollars into Hong Kong dollars in town the previous afternoon, I thus knew that it would not be necessary to exchange currencies in the central airport terminal building itself. This thus resulted in the amount of Hong Kong dollars inside my pockets totaling up to HK$27,104.80. With that instant, I promptly proceeded into the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge and secured an empty table near the window before helping myself to a few lounge refreshments and using my electronic gadgets.
Upon finishing all of my breakfast refreshments for the day, the local clock was now showing 6.15 a.m.. Since I was in the mood to for some duty-free shopping, I departed from the lounge with my belongings and caught the escalator down to the main transit area in search of a duty-free store that would naturally suit my major tastes and preferences. It was not that long until I arrived at a notable major confectionery store, known as The Cocoa Trees (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Concourse B Branch), safely by 6.30 a.m.. There, I purchased a standard party-sized bag of peanut M&M's chocolate candies to eat in my hotel room in Hong Kong.
Once I had purchased my duty-free confectionery treats, I quickly made my way through the main transit area of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 back to the Silver Kris Lounge, thus reaching the lounge's entrance area at exactly 6.40 a.m.. Heading into the lounge's major inner dining area in the Business Class section, I soon secured another seating table by the window prior to eventually helping myself to a glass of iced water. I then did some personal surfing on my own laptop until it was eventually time to proceed directly to Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A.
Bypassing the open-air seating areas in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 shortly after I had entered the lounge
Bypassing some counter-style seating areas near the self-service hot food refreshment corners in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
Bypassing the self-service hot food refreshment counters in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
Arriving at the seating tables in the inner dining area in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
Securing a seating table for myself in the inner dining area in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
A mug of hot cocoa and a plate of scrambled eggs with ham and tater puffs for myself in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Planning out the first section of my regional overseas getaway vacation trip report on my blog via my portable laptop in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 using Frutiger LT Std as the standard font for the trip report
Stopping at the self-service beverage and wine corner in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
About to help myself to some 2016 Château Pey La Tour Réserve du Château, Bordeaux, French red wine at the self-service beverage and wine corner in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
A glass of 2016 Château Pey La Tour Réserve du Château, Bordeaux, French red wine and a plate of potato chips for myself in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
The overall view of the inner dining area from my seating table in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
Bypassing the self-service hot food refreshment corner in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 as I begin to make my way down to the main transit area for some duty-free shopping during the predawn hours of the early morning
Walking through the passageway leading to the open-air seating areas in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 as I begin to make my way down to the main transit area for some duty-free shopping during the predawn hours of the early morning
Bypassing the open-air seating areas in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 as I begin to make my way down to the main transit area for some duty-free shopping during the predawn hours of the early morning
The main entrance to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 as I begin to make my way down to the main transit area for some duty-free shopping
The escalators and elevator connecting directly to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level from the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 as I begin to make my way through the main transit area for some duty-free shopping
Bypassing Gucci (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Branch) in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
Bypassing The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Transit Area South Branch) in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
Bypassing some food and beverage outlets in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
Bypassing some open-air passenger rest areas in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-941, registered 9V-SJA, resting at Gate No. A1 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 after arriving from her ultra-long non-stop overnight transpacific return flight over the North Pacific Ocean and South China Sea from the United States as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 033 from San Francisco. She will then have another long early afternoon flight over the Java Sea and Indian Ocean Down Under to the Commonwealth of Australia as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 217 bound for Melbourne
A Singapore Airlines Airbus A380-841, registered 9V-SKR, resting at Gate No. A2 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 after arriving from her routine overnight return flight over the Indian Ocean from the Republic of India as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 403 from Delhi. She will then have another long morning flight over the Indian Ocean to the United Kingdom as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 308 bound for London (Heathrow)
Overlooking the main airport tarmac from the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 as dawn begins to break over Singapore
Bypassing Bulgari (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Branch) in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
Bypassing Sony Store (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Branch) in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
Bypassing iStudio (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Branch) in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
Bypassing Electronics Computers by Sprint-Cass (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Transit Area Concourse B Branch) in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
Stopping at The Cocoa Trees (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Concourse B Branch) in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
Bypassing Lotte Duty-Free Wines & Spirits (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Departure Branch) in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 on the way back to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level during the predawn hours of the early morning
Walking through the central concourse of the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 on the way back to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level during the predawn hours of the early morning
Bypassing several duty-free retail outlet stores in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 on the way back to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level during the predawn hours of the early morning
Bypassing Gucci (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Branch) and Hermès (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Branch) in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 on the way back to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level during the predawn hours of the early morning
Approaching the escalators and elevator connecting directly to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level from the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 once again during the predawn hours of the early morning
Finally arriving back at the main entrance to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the predawn hours of the early morning
Bypassing some open-air seating areas in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 shortly after I had reentered the lounge during the predawn hours of the early morning
Bypassing some central dining areas in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 shortly after I had reentered the lounge during the predawn hours of the early morning
The overall view of the inner dining area from my seating table in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 from my during the early morning rush hours
A glass of iced water for myself in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Overlooking more seating tables in the inner dining area from my seating table in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hours
Overlooking the main airport tarmac from my seating table in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hours
One final view of the inner dining area in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hours shortly before I departed the lounge for Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A
To: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG / VHHH), Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong
Aircraft: Airbus A350-941
Registration No.: 9V-SMS
Class: Business Class
Seat No.: 15K
Date: Wednesday, 6 November 2024
After spending approximately 1 hour 50 minutes of using my large portable electronic devices and having several light treats in the Silver Kris Lounge in the mezzanine transit hall area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, the clock was showing 7.15 a.m.. Knowing that boarding for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 bound for Hong Kong would soon commence in 40 minutes, I packed away my belongings and departed from the airline lounge for Gate No. A14. The terminal passageway from the Silver Kris Lounge over to Gate No. A14 took not more than approximately 15 minutes.
Soon enough, I reached the central entrance to the passenger waiting area located at Gate No. A14 at 7.30 a.m., which was in good time for boarding for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 bound for Hong Kong to commence in approximately 25 minutes. With a rather quick and simple security check, I was inside the waiting lounge at Gate No. A14 by 7.35 a.m.. Observing the number of waiting passengers by Gate No. A14 situated in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, I could safely deduce that Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 bound for Hong Kong would have a somewhat light passenger load today.
For today's voyage, Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 bound for Hong Kong would be operated by an Airbus A350-900 aircraft, registered 9V-SMS and powered by two powerful Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engines. 9V-SMS was delivered new to Singapore Airlines on 1 December 2017 as the 19th main Airbus A350-900 aircraft and as the 19th Airbus A350 XWB aircraft for the airline company. The overall delivery would make the aircraft have a total revenue passenger service age of approximately 6.9 years old today.
Bypassing several tables in the inner dining area in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hours as I begin to make my way to Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A
Bypassing the self-service pastry refreshment corner in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hours as I begin to make my way to Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A
Bypassing more seating areas in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hours as I begin to make my way to Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A
Overlooking the open-air seating areas in the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 as I begin to make my way to Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A
The main entrance to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 as I begin to make my way to Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A
Taking the escalator down to the main transit area from the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 on the way to Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A during the early morning rush hours
The escalators and elevator connecting directly to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level from the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 on the way to Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A during the early morning rush hours
Bypassing Bacha Coffee (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Branch) located in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 on the way to Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A during the early morning rush hours
Bypassing Gates No. A1 to A8 on the way to Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hours
Approaching the passageway leading to Gates No. A9 to A21 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hours
Walking through the automated passageway leading to Gates No. A9 to A21 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hours
Bypassing Gates No. A9 and A10 on the way to Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hours
Walking through the automated passageway leading to Gates No. A11 to A21 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hours
Bypassing Gates No. A11 and A12 on the way to Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hours
Walking through the automated passageway leading to Gates No. A13 to A21 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hours
Finally arriving at the main entrance to the passenger holding lounges at Gates No. A13 and A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Finally entering the passenger holding lounge at Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hours
My aircraft for today, 9V-SMS, being serviced at Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in preparation for her upcoming regional early morning flight over the South China Sea to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 bound for Hong Kong
A closer view of 9V-SMS being serviced at Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in preparation for her upcoming regional early morning flight over the South China Sea to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 bound for Hong Kong
The passenger holding lounge at Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 filled with waiting passengers for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 bound for Hong Kong during the early morning rush hours
A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-941 Regional, registered 9V-SHM, making her way to her assigned airport runway after departing from Gate No. A13 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in preparation for her coming early morning flight over the Java Sea and Indian Ocean Down Under to the Commonwealth of Australia as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 213 bound for Perth
One additional view of 9V-SMS being serviced at Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in preparation for her upcoming regional early morning flight over the South China Sea to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 bound for Hong Kong
A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-941, registered 9V-SMJ, about to make her way to her assigned airport runway after pushing back from Gate No. A11 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in preparation for her coming long early morning flight over the Java Sea and Indian Ocean Down Under to the Commonwealth of Australia as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 207 bound for Melbourne
The passenger holding lounge at Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 shortly before the first boarding announcements for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 bound for Hong Kong were made
After spending approximately 15 minutes of anticipated waiting inside the main passenger waiting lounge located at Gate No. A14, the first boarding announcements for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 bound for Hong Kong were soon made by 7.50 a.m.. The Business Class passengers, including the KrisFlyer Gold Club passengers and those needing priority assistance, were called out to board the aircraft first. As I was among the passengers being summoned for boarding, I securely got out both my passport and Business Class boarding pass ready to be checked by the boarding gate staff.
Passing through the major jet bridge to Door A, I was on board 9V-SMS at precisely 7.55 a.m., which was in excellent time for an 8.25 a.m. departure bound for Hong Kong. At the front main aircraft entrance door area, two flight attendants welcomed me on board before directly pointing out the direction to my assigned seat in the front Business Class cabin. Placing my belongings into their respective stowage areas, I instantly settled into my assigned Seat No. 15K for the regional early morning flight timing of just four hours over the South China Sea to Hong Kong.
The Business Class seat products I would have for this regional morning flight to Hong Kong were the second generation of major long-haul Business Class seats. These seats were directly introduced on 9 July 2013 before the delivery of the airline's second batch of eight Boeing 777-300/ERs and were gradually refitted on the existing first batch of Boeing 777-300/ERs by the final quarter of fiscal 2018. They are even featured on the Airbus A350-900 Long Haul jets delivered from 2016 to 2024. Capable of reclining to a total of only 132º in a standard lounging position, these seats can then fold into a complete lie-flat bed of 180º to allow passengers to sleep during long-haul flights.
The flight attendants then went across the cabin distributing beverages and free newspapers to the Business Class passengers. To commence the coming routine early morning flight over to Hong Kong, I had my two usual glasses of champagne and orange juice, which I wisely used to create a mimosa for myself during the general boarding procedures by Gate No. A14 situated in Concourse A. I then informed one of the other cabin crew attendants that I had directly purchased a Scale 1:500 exclusive die-cast aircraft model online two weeks in advance, with my purchase to be delivered on board.
A flight cabin attendant soon came by my seat to confirm my meal order for the major in-flight breakfast service after taking off from Singapore. For the in-flight main course, I would have the airline's signature Lobster Thermidor served with button mushrooms and herbs, which I had ordered online using the airline's 'Book the Cook' service. Once my main order had been securely recorded, I sat back to finish off my self-created mimosa and edit some new trip report data on my laptop while awaiting departure from Gate No. A14.
A closer view of 9V-SMS while passing through the jet bridge of Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
The front view of the Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 Business Class cabin during the boarding process at Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
A view of my seat, 15K, during the boarding process at Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
The view of the Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 Business Class cabin from my seat during the boarding process at Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-941, registered 9V-SJG, resting at Gate No. A15 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 after arriving from her ultra-long non-stop overnight transpacific return flight over the North Pacific Ocean and South China Sea from the United States as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 037 from Los Angeles
A glass each of champagne and orange juice for myself, which I would mix to create a mimosa, during the boarding process at Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
The cover page for the KrisShop in-flight duty-free shopping magazine during the boarding process at Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Reviewing the KrisShop in-flight duty-free shopping magazine during the boarding process at Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
The cover page for the in-flight dining menu for the in-bound flight segment from Singapore to Hong Kong during the boarding process at Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Reviewing the main food section of the in-flight dining menu for the in-bound flight segment from Singapore to Hong Kong during the boarding process at Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Reviewing the champagne and wine sections of the in-flight dining menu for the in-bound flight segment from Singapore to Hong Kong during the boarding process at Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Reviewing the wine, cocktail and aperitif sections of the in-flight dining menu for the in-bound flight segment from Singapore to Hong Kong during the boarding process at Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Reviewing the cocktail, aperitif, spirit and beer sections of the in-flight dining menu for the in-bound flight segment from Singapore to Hong Kong during the boarding process at Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Planning out the first section of my regional overseas getaway vacation trip report on my blog via my portable laptop during the boarding process at Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 using Frutiger LT Std as the standard font for the trip report
Overlooking the main airport tarmac while awaiting departure from Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
The view of the Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 Business Class cabin from my seat while awaiting departure from Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Awaiting departure from Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
After the in-flight clock struck around 8.50 a.m., all the aircraft doors were closed, and the wide-body aircraft finally pushed away from Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, which was approximately 25 minutes behind schedule. Once the main in-flight safety briefing demonstration video was directly showcased on my front in-flight entertainment video screen, the aircraft soon began to make its way to its assigned airport runway for its routine regional morning journey to Hong Kong, bypassing many other aircraft parked at Concourse B and the older Terminal 1 en route. The main tarmac passage connecting to the assigned runway took not more than approximately 20 minutes that morning.
It was not until approximately one aircraft take-off that the flight was given the all-clear for departure. Soon enough, the two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 aircraft engines spooled into action, and the wide-body aircraft safely lifted off from Singapore Changi Airport at 9.10 a.m. for its routine regional early morning journey duration of just 3 hours 35 minutes across the South China Sea to the major hustle and bustle of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). I soon ascended further into the morning sky for a routine regional morning flight journey of 3 hours 35 minutes over the South China Sea to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
Finally pushing back from Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
9V-SJG being serviced at Gate No. A15 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in preparation for her upcoming ultra-long non-stop morning transpacific flight over the South China Sea, East China Sea and North Pacific Ocean to the United States as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 032 bound for San Francisco
The in-flight safety briefing information video outlining the procedures of locating the emergency exit points on board the aircraft in the unlikely event of an emergency or an evacuation
Taxiing away from Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 shortly after pushing back from Gate No. A14 located in Concourse A
A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-312/ER, registered 9V-SWW, being serviced at Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in preparation for her upcoming routine morning flight over the South China Sea to the People's Republic of China (Mainland China) as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 830 bound for Shanghai (Pudong). This particular aircraft was familiar to me as I had previously flown on it once as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 638 from Singapore to Tokyo (Narita) in December 2015
A China Eastern Airlines Airbus A350-941, registered B-30FM, being serviced at Gate No. A3 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in preparation for her upcoming routine morning return flight over the South China Sea back to the People's Republic of China (Mainland China) as China Eastern Airlines flight MU 546 bound for Shanghai (Pudong)
A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-941 Regional, registered 9V-SHK, being serviced at Gate No. B1 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in preparation for her coming long morning flight over the Java Sea and Indian Ocean Down Under to the Commonwealth of Australia as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 245 bound for Brisbane
A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-312/ER, registered 9V-SWK, being serviced at Gate No. B5 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in preparation for her coming long morning flight over the Java Sea and Indian Ocean Down Under to the Commonwealth of Australia as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 211 bound for Sydney
Bypassing Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 on the way to the assigned airport runway for the coming morning departure bound for Hong Kong
A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-312/ER, registered 9V-SNC, being serviced at Gate No. B10 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in preparation for her upcoming routine regional morning flight over the South China Sea to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 892 bound for Hong Kong
A Turkish Airlines Airbus A350-941, registered TC-LGT, being serviced at Gate No. C23 located in Concourse C at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 in preparation for her continuing long morning flight over the Java Sea and Indian Ocean Down Under to the Commonwealth of Australia from Turkey as Turkish Airlines flight TK 168 bound for Melbourne from Istanbul
An Air China Airbus A330-343X, registered B-5913, being serviced at Gate No. C24 located in Concourse C at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 in preparation for her upcoming routine morning return flight over the South China Sea back to the People's Republic of China (Mainland China) as Air China flight CA 976 bound for Beijing (Capital)
Making a right turn close to Gate No. C26 located in Concourse C at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 in the direction leading to the assigned airport runway for the coming morning departure bound for Hong Kong
Bypassing Gates No. C18 and C19 located in Concourse C at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 on the way to the assigned airport runway for the coming morning departure bound for Hong Kong
Bypassing Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 in the direction leading to the assigned airport runway for the coming morning departure bound for Hong Kong
An Emirates Boeing 777-31H/ER, registered A6-EGQ, being serviced at Gate No. C15 located in Concourse C at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 in preparation for her continuing long morning return flight over the Indian Ocean back to the United Arab Emirates from the Commonwealth of Australia as Emirates flight EK 405 bound for Dubai from Melbourne
Overlooking Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on the way to the assigned airport runway for the coming morning departure bound for Hong Kong
Getting closer to the assigned airport runway located near Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 for the coming morning departure bound for Hong Kong
Ascending further into the relatively cloudy morning sky over the Singapore Strait shortly after taking off from Singapore Changi Airport
Shortly after taking off from Singapore Changi Airport, the 'fasten seat belt' lights were switched off by precisely 9.20 a.m., which was approximately 10 minutes into the flight. While the flight crew attendants sprung into action to commence the in-flight service, I went to the lavatory and safely got out my portable electronics for my entertainment purpose during the course of the flight. Even though the passengers would be free to move through the airplane cabin, they were kindly reminded to have their seat belts fastened whenever seated in cases of unexpected turbulence.
A flight attendant then came by my seat to ask what beverages I wanted to accompany my upcoming major in-flight breakfast courses later on. For the first in-flight breakfast course, I promptly requested to have a glass of fresh orange fruit juice, along with one glass of 2016 Château Rahoul, Bordeaux, French red wine to accompany my main course later on. With that moment, the cabin crew attendant took down my orders and went back to the front galley area do some final preparations for the in-flight breakfast service.
It was not that long until the in-flight breakfast cart stopped by my seat at precisely 9.45 a.m. so that I could safely obtain my in-flight breakfast meal tray containing my first breakfast dish courses. The major appetizer course consisted of a selection of sliced fresh fruits with a mango-flavored yogurt. At the same time, I kindly requested for a croissant so as to accompany my major appetizer course once I had obtained my glass of fresh orange juice. Once all my first in-flight breakfast dish courses had been safely placed on my table, I tucked into my first in-flight breakfast courses.
The assorted fruits tasted refreshing to get my cravings started for the major in-flight breakfast meal experience, with the mango-flavored yogurt on the side tasting especially good as an accompaniment to the fruits. Furthermore, the croissant tasted tender as if it came out freshly-baked from the bakery's oven. Another passing in-flight cabin attendant even kindly offered to pour my glass of 2016 Château Rahoul, Bordeaux, French red wine in front of me at my seat, which I greatly appreciated. Once all my used in-flight appetizer dishes had been cleared away, I then sat back and did some Interent surfing on my laptop while waiting for my main breakfast course to be served.
The view of the Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 Business Class cabin from my seat shortly after the seat belt signs had been turned off
A warning sign in the lavatory reminding passengers that smoking on board the aircraft, including the use of electronic cigarettes and tampering with, disabling or destroying lavatory smoke detectors, is prohibited under the regulations of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)
The rear view of the Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 Business Class cabin during cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Kuantan, Malaysia
A view of my seat, 15K, in its lounging position during cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Kuantan, Malaysia
The view of the Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Kuantan, Malaysia
Cruising over the South China Sea close to Kuantan, Malaysia
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Kuantan, Malaysia
Continuing with my planning for the first section of my regional overseas getaway vacation trip report on my blog via my portable laptop during cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Kuantan, Malaysia, using Frutiger LT Std as the standard font for the trip report
Cruising over the South China Sea close to Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
The view of the Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
My first in-flight breakfast course: A selection of sliced fresh fruits with a mango-flavored yogurt
A glass each of water and orange juice to accompany my first in-flight breakfast course
A piece of fresh croissant to accompany my first in-flight breakfast course
Cruising over the South China Sea between Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the South China Sea between Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The bottle of 2016 Château Rahoul, Bordeaux, French red wine held by the flight attendant shortly before she poured a glass for me at my seat
My glass of 2016 Cháteau Rahoul, Bordeaux, French red wine poured in front of my at my seat in preparation for my main in-flight breakfast course
Cruising over the South China Sea close to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The view of the Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
After spending approximately 50 minutes of using my electronic devices and savoring my first breakfast courses, an in-flight attendant soon appeared by my seat again by exactly 10.10 a.m.. This time, she had my main meal course consisting of the airline's signature Lobster Thermidor, which I had reserved online via the airline's 'Book the Cook' service. Once my main in-flight meal course had been placed on my in-flight meal tray, I immediately tucked into my 'Book the Cook' breakfast course over the South China Sea.
To my pleasant surprise, the Lobster Thermidor tasted really tender, with the button mushrooms and melted cheese directly giving the lobster the flavors it needed. The condiments, such as the fondant potato, tomato and roasted pumpkin, paired very well with the in-flight dish, including my own glass of 2016 Château Rahoul, Bordeaux, French red wine. Now realizing its popular nature as a major meal dish for First and Business Class passengers traveling with Singapore Airlines, this was indeed one of the best in-flight breakfasts and meals I have ever had on board an aircraft.
Once I had finished my main in-flight breakfast course, I was beginning to feel tired as I had spent the previous night preparing my baggage. With a flight crew attendant coming by my seat to collect my used main in-flight meal tray, I soon requested her to convert my seat into a complete lie-flat bed as I wanted to take a nap. While the in-flight crew attendant directly converted my seat into a complete lie-flat bed of 180º, I went over to the lavatory prior to taking a nap at around 10.30 a.m. for 1 hour 20 minutes across the South China Sea.
Upon waking up from my nap, the main in-flight clock was already showing 11.50 a.m.. Since I had slept through the in-flight duty-free service, I quickly informed one of the flight attendants about the online purchase. With that, she headed to the galley area and reappeared by my seat with my exclusive aircraft model sealed in a main KrisShop security tamper-evident bag and a single glass of water to hydrate myself prior to the descent cum arrival into Hong Kong. Once I had securely stored my purchase away in my baggage, I did some more personal surfing on my laptop for the rest of the flight.
As for my Airbus A350-900 exclusive die-cast aircraft model I had purchased online via the KrisShop website, the details are as follows:
1) Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-941 Herpa Scale 1:500 (529051-001)
Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-941 Herpa Scale 1:500 (529051-001)
My main course: Signature Lobster Thermidor served with button mushrooms, fine herbs, roasted pumpkin, asparagus, fondant potato and tomato
A glass each of water and 2016 Château Rahoul, Bordeaux, French red wine to accompany my main in-flight breakfast course
An overall view of my main in-flight breakfast meal on my dining table for the in-bound flight segment from Singapore to Hong Kong
The view of my used in-flight breakfast meal tray shortly after I had finished my main in-flight breakfast course of Singapore Airlines' signature Lobster Thermidor
The rear view of the Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 Business Class cabin during cruising altitude over the South China Sea between Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Brunei Darussalam
A view of my seat, 15K, in its complete lie-flat bed position during cruising altitude over the South China Sea between Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Brunei Darussalam
Cruising over the South China Sea between Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Brunei Darussalam
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the South China Sea between Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Brunei Darussalam
The view of the Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 Business Class cabin from my seat shortly before I went to have a nap during cruising altitude over the South China Sea between Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Brunei Darussalam
The view of the Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 Business Class cabin from my seat shortly after waking up from my nap during cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Hainan Province, Mainland China
Cruising over the South China Sea close to Hainan Province, Mainland China
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Hainan Province, Mainland China
My newly-purchased Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 Herpa Wings Scale 1:500 exclusive die-cast aircraft model sealed in a KrisShop security tamper-evident bag (STEB) as I had purchased it online via the airline's KrisShop website approximately two weeks before my flight
A view of my seat, 15K, in its original position during cruising altitude over the South China Sea between Hainan Island, Mainland China, and the Pratas Islands
The rear view of the Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 Business Class cabin during cruising altitude over the South China Sea between Hainan Province, Mainland China, and the Pratas Islands
Cruising over the South China Sea between Hainan Province, Mainland China, and the Pratas Islands
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the South China Sea between Hainan Province, Mainland China, and Pratas Islands
The view of the Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the South China Sea between Hainan Province, Mainland China, and the Pratas Islands
A glass of water to hydrate myself in preparation for the descent cum arrival into Hong Kong later on
The view of the Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 Business Class cabin from my seat shortly before the seat belt signs were illuminated in preparation for the descent cum arrival into Hong Kong
In accordance with the Hong Kong Standard Time (HKT), the seat belt signs were soon illuminated at precisely 12.10 p.m., which was approximately 35 minutes in preparation for the descent cum arrival into Hong Kong. Since I had just less than an hour left prior to the major afternoon arrival into my final destination, I quickly stowed my belongings back into their respective stowage spaces and buckled my seat belt before the aircraft could securely commence its final approach into Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). The flight attendants also went around the main aircraft cabin conducting their final safety checks at the same time.
The sun was shining brightly over the mountainous areas of Lantau Island as the airplane began to make its final approach into Hong Kong International Airport. After a routine regional morning flight of approximately 3 hours 35 minutes across the South China Sea from the humid tropical island city-state of the Republic of Singapore by the sea waters of the Malaysian Peninsula, I finally touched down into Hong Kong International Airport by exactly 12.45 p.m., approximately 20 minutes behind schedule. The aircraft soon made its way over the major airport tarmac to its assigned arrival gate at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1.
Hong Kong International Airport (Chek Lap Kok) (Traditional Chinese: 香港國際機場; Simplified Chinese: 香港国际机场) is a large international airport on a reclaimed island at Chek Lap Kok, Lantau Island, Hong Kong. It is the central airport complex serving the entire Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the main gateway for all passengers coming into Hong Kong by air travel and the world's 13th-largest airport complex, with approximately 71.5 million passengers passing through the central airport complex by 2019. The airport complex serves as a main hub for Air Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific, DHL Aviation, Greater Bay Airlines, Hong Kong Express and Hong Kong Airlines.
The major airport was directly opened from 6 July 1998 to replace the older Kai Tak Airport (Traditional Chinese: 啟德機場; Simplified Chinese: 启德机场) situated by the waters of Kowloon Bay that had served Hong Kong since 25 January 1925, which had exceeded its airport handling capabilities over the 1980s and 1990s with the rapid growth of Hong Kong. With the old airport closed down, all commercial flights were shifted to the modern complex by Chek Lap Kok. This led to the airport being occasionally referred to as Chek Lap Kok Airport (Traditional Chinese: 赤鱲角機場; Simplified Chinese: 赤鱲角机场) to differentiate it from its predecessor.
From 28 February 2007, a new passenger terminal building, Terminal 2, was opened for service, housing the departure and check-in facilities for certain airline companies and the SkyPlaza entertainment and regular retail center areas. The airport terminal building was closed from 28 November 2019 for local redevelopment and triple-runway expansion works, with the terminal scheduled to reopen for regular passenger service by the end of fiscal 2024 once an additional satellite concourse and new arrival facilities are opened.
The local airport is directly accessible via the Airport Express MTR line, which directly connects both Kowloon and central Hong Kong in approximately 21 minutes and 24 minutes. Access to the major AsiaWorld-Expo exhibition and convention center is also provided by the Airport Express MTR line, with the Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong also located in Terminal 1. Road cab services to other parts in Hong Kong are also readily available from the local airport complex, with the red urban-style cabs serving both the Kowloon and Hong Kong Island district areas, the light blue cabs serving the main Lantau Island areas and the green cabs serving the areas around New Territories.
The view of the Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 Business Class cabin from my seat shortly after the seat belt signs were illuminated in preparation for the descent cum arrival into Hong Kong
Cruising over the South China Sea close to the Pratas Islands
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to the Pratas Islands
Cruising over the South China Sea close to Lidou Bay
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Lidou Bay
The view of the Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Lidou Bay
Cruising over the South China Sea close to Lamma Island, Hong Kong
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Lamma Island, Hong Kong
The view of the Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to Lamma Island, Hong Kong
Cruising over the South China Sea close to the Lantau Channel near Lantau Island, Hong Kong
The view of the Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to the Lantau Channel near Lantau Island, Hong Kong
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating the aircraft's cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to the Lantau Channel near Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Cruising over the South China Sea close to Lanni Bay as the aircraft begins to make its final approach into Hong Kong International Airport
Cruising over the South China Sea close to Lantau Island, Hong Kong, as the aircraft begins to make its final approach into Hong Kong International Airport
Singapore Airlines Flight 882 ~ Afternoon Arrival Into Hong Kong International Airport
Taxiing along the main airport tarmac in the direction leading to the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1
A Hong Kong Express Airbus A321-251NX, registered B-KKF, being serviced at Gate No. 202 located in the Midfield Concourse building at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1 in preparation for her coming regional early afternoon flight over the South China Sea to the Kingdom of Thailand as Hong Kong Express flight UO 700 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)
A China Airlines Airbus A321-271NX, registered B-18115, taxiing along the main airport tarmac to the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1 after arriving from her routine regional early afternoon Cross-Strait flight over the South China Sea from the Republic of China (Taiwan) as China Airlines flight CI 909 from Taipei (Taoyuan)
A Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-343X, registered B-HLR, resting at Gate No. 70 located in the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport after arriving from her regional early morning flight over the South China Sea from the Kingdom of Thailand as Cathay Pacific flight CX 700 from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)
A Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-343X, registered B-LBB, being serviced at Gate No. 68 located in the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1 in preparation for her coming regional early afternoon flight over the South China Sea to Malaysia as Cathay Pacific flight CX 725 bound for Kuala Lumpur. This aircraft was notable for sporting the "We Are Flying The 1000th Airbus A330" special titles from its delivery on 20 July 2013, though these were removed when the aircraft was repainted into the revised Cathay Pacific livery from May 2019
A Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-367/ER, registered B-KPA, being serviced at Gate No. 62 located in the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1 in preparation for her coming long mid-afternoon flight over the South China Sea and Indian Ocean Down Under to the Commonwealth of Australia as Cathay Pacific flight CX 171 bound for Perth
An All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered JA922A, resting at Gate No. 34 located in the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1 after arriving from her regional early morning flight over the East China Sea from the State of Japan as All Nippon Airways flight NH 859 from Tokyo (Haneda)
Making a left turn along the main airport tarmac in the direction leading to the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1
A Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-941, registered B-LRN, resting at Gate No. 32 located in the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1 long after arriving from her regional early morning return flight over the South China Sea from the Republic of Singapore as Cathay Pacific flight CX 692 from Singapore
An Asiana Airlines Boeing 777-28E/ER, registered HL8284, being serviced at Gate No. 30 located in the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1 in preparation for her coming regional early afternoon return flight over the East China Sea back to the Republic of Korea (South Korea) as Asiana Airlines flight OZ 722 bound for Seoul (Incheon)
An EVA Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered B-17885, being serviced at Gate No. 28 located in the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1 in preparation for her coming routine regional early afternoon Cross-Strait return flight over the South China Sea back to the Republic of China (Taiwan) as EVA Airways flight BR 868 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan)
A China Eastern Airlines Airbus A330-343X, registered B-5976 and painted in the "Disneyland-Pixar Toy Story" special livery, being serviced at Gate No. 24 located in the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1 in preparation for her coming routine regional early afternoon cross-country return flight back to the People's Republic of China (Mainland China) as China Eastern Airlines flight MU 5018 bound for Shanghai (Hongqiao)
Finally arriving at my assigned arrival gate, Gate No. 5, located in the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1
The view of the Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 Business Class cabin from my seat shortly after arriving at my assigned arrival gate, Gate No. 5, located in the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1
After taxiing across the local airport tarmac for approximately 15 minutes to Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1, I finally arrived at my assigned arrival gate, Gate No. 5, in the Main Terminal building by one o' clock sharp. Once all the 'fasten seat belt' signs had been safely switched off, I promptly unbuckled my seat belt and retrieved all my belongings from their stowage spaces in preparation for the passenger disembarkation procedures at Gate No. 5 later on. I also conducted an additional spot check around my seating area to ensure that nothing had been left behind on board.
The flight cabin attendants soon armed the two aircraft doors open securely to allow all the passengers to disembark from the aircraft. As I disembarked from 9V-SMS via the first major airplane door, the cabin attendants thanked me for choosing to travel with Singapore Airlines and wished me a pleasant and fun-filled recreational overseas shopping vacation in Hong Kong. I then walked across the major passenger jet bridge of Gate No. 5 leading into the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1 with my belongings in tow.
After flying with an airline on any particular flight sector, I give the airline an overall holistic airline score report to determine whether that airline is worth flying with for that major flight sector. If that flight has a rapid stopover at a different airport before its final destination, the airline shall receive the final score report at the end of the second flight journey section. For example, if I am flying on Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 from Singapore to Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita), the airline will receive the final score report at the end of the second flight sector from Tokyo (Narita) to Los Angeles.
There are five components that constitute an overall airline score report, which consist of the seating, in-flight catering, in-flight service, legroom space and aircraft cleanliness. With each component weighing 20 points (thereby implying 20% of the final scores each), the overall airline score report has a maximum of 100 points. An airline company must attain an overall airline score of 50 points or higher out of 100 points to receive a passing grade following any flight sector, whether it is a one-stop flight service or a non-stop flight service.
The top two grades, 'Outstanding' and 'Exceeds Expectations', are quality passes, while 'Acceptable' is a borderline pass. 'Fair' and 'Poor' are below passes, with the lowest grade being 'Dreadful', thereby meaning that the airline has failed to satisfy the prerequisite for the minimum grade. With increasing competition levels between global airlines, this airline grading system is updated every three to four years, though in view of the global outbreak of COVID-19, there will be delays in implementing a newer and more up-to-date aggregate scoring system until at least 2026 or 2027.
As of 1 November 2024, the airline grading system for my overseas travels is as follows:
Outstanding: 80% or above (Airline has an excellent rating and performance)
Exceeds Expectations: 65% ~ 79% (Airline has a good rating and performance)
Acceptable: 50% ~ 64% (Airline has an adequate rating and performance)
Fair: 35% ~ 49% (Airline has a fair rating and performance)
Poor: 20% ~ 34% (Airline has a poor rating and performance)
Dreadful: Below 20% (Airline has failed to meet the prerequisite for the minimum grade)
Singapore Airlines Flight 882 Score Report
Seating: 18 / 20
In-flight Catering: 19 / 20
In-flight Service: 17 / 20
Aircraft Cleanliness: 17 / 20
Legroom Space: 18 / 20
Total: 89 / 100
Grade: Outstanding
On weighing all of the five individual score components, Singapore Airlines has obtained an aggregate score of 89% for the in-bound voyage segment from Singapore to Hong Kong, implying that they have safely obtained the highest airline grade of 'Outstanding'. The major in-flight breakfast service was the strongest aspect for this voyage, with the Lobster Thermidor really hitting the spot, making it the first time I ever had such a special meal dish. The cabin attendants carried out their duties well and were professional in handling my requests, with the seat being quite comfortable and big for a regional flight like this. A job very well done, Singapore Airlines! You have indeed proven to be 'A Great Way to Fly'.
Part 3 ~ The Journey To The Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong
After disembarking from Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 from Singapore at Gate No. 5 with my belongings, I immediately walked through the terminal passageway leading to the main arrival immigration checkpoints situated in Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1. The entire passage connecting from Gate No. 5 to the main arrival immigration checkpoints took not more than approximately five minutes that early afternoon. Reaching the central arrival immigration checkpoints securely by 1.10 p.m., I went to the foreign visitors section and got out all my necessary travel documents and passport to be safely checked by the arrival immigration staff officers on duty, which lasted not more than approximately 10 minutes that afternoon.
Upon clearing the post-arrival immigration checkpoints by 1.20 p.m. sharp, I went to check which baggage carousel number my larger check-in baggage would arrive at. According to the baggage carousel information screens, all my check-in baggage from Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 from Singapore would soon arrive at Belt No. 6. With that, I immediately went over to grab one baggage cart in the baggage claiming lobby and proceeded to Belt No. 6 to collect my bulkier baggage from Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 from Singapore. The main post-arrival bulky check-in baggage collection process took not more than approximately five minutes that early afternoon.
Walking through the jet bridge of Gate No. 5 leading into the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1 shortly after disembarking from Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 from Singapore
Walking through the passageway leading to the arrival immigration checkpoints and connecting flight security checkpoints in the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1 on a bright and clear early afternoon
One final view of 9V-SMS resting at Gate No. 5 located in the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1 after arriving from her regional early morning flight over the South China Sea from the Republic of Singapore as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 from Singapore
Shortly after collecting my check-in baggage from Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 from Singapore at Belt No. 6 and clearing a simple customs check, I was securely in the arrivals and meeting lobby of Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1 by around 1.25 p.m.. Knowing how costly it could be to arrange for a hotel limousine to take me to the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong from the airport, I quickly decided to catch the Airport Express MTR line to Central Hong Kong and change to the Tsuen Wan Line to Tsim Sha Tsui, which was the closest MTR station to my hotel.
However, as my Octopus Card had not been in use for the past eight years, especially during the course of the pandemic, I knew that I would have to either reactivate it or purchase a replacement card and transfer whatever monetary value left in the old card into the new card. With that, I quickly headed to a nearby major Airport Express MTR line ticketing counter and directly informed a staff member that I wanted to reactivate my Octopus Card. To my relief, it was instantly reactivated and had a major monetary value of approximately HK$450 (S$77.15) left in it.
Upon securely reactivating my Octopus Card, I immediately decided to catch the Airport Express metro service bound for Kowloon & Central Hong Kong that would depart at exactly 2.08 p.m. (14 08). With that instant, I promptly went to have a routine restroom break and passed through the automated passageway leading safely to Track No. 2 at Airport Station, thus arriving at the platform safely by around 1.40 p.m.. I then unloaded my baggage from the airport baggage cart before finally pushing it back to the baggage cart return area located on the station platform itself.
The Airport Express (Traditional Chinese: 機場快綫; Simplified Chinese: 机场快线) is an airport railway link and one of the main Mass Transit Railway (MTR) metro lines in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). As the name implies, it primarily connects the modern major downtown districts of central Hong Kong and Kowloon with Hong Kong International Airport and the AsiaWorld-Expo exhibition and convention center located across Lantau Island. Though it is officially part of the MTR network, it provides dedicated premium express train service for all passengers traveling to and from Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo. The major railroad line has a top operating speed of 135 km/h (84 mph).
The main railway line was opened for service on 6 July 1998, in conjunction with the opening of Hong Kong International Airport situated at Chek Lap Kok, using a fleet of 11 Adtranz-CAF A-Stock EMUs built jointly by Adtranz and CAF in Spain. As with the very first A-Stock EMUs running on the Tung Chung Line, they were made up of seven cars each until 2005, but were all lengthened up to eight cars before the opening of the local line extension over to AsiaWorld-Expo Station on 20 December 2005. Car No. 8 (K400 car) currently operates as a baggage container car for larger check-in baggage checked in via the in-town check-in services.
With most services operating every 10 minutes through most of the day and 12 minutes during the late night hours, a typical railway trip between Hong Kong Station and the local airport complex takes approximately 24 minutes and 28 minutes up to the AsiaWorld-Expo exhibition and convention center itself. Free Airport Express shuttle bus services were available to many main hotels situated in both the Hong Kong and Kowloon districts, though these were discontinued from 30 June 2020 in view of low ridership levels amidst the global outbreak of COVID-19. In-town check-in service facilities are also available at both Hong Kong and Kowloon Stations, where Airport Express passengers traveling with Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines can safely check in their baggage and receive their boarding passes without charges.
On-board Wi-Fi Internet service is available in all Airport Express passenger cars, while Cars No. 1 (E100 car) and 7 (J400 car) provide AC electric outlets and USB charging areas for all travelers to charge their personal electronic devices. The Airport Express also offers direct Morning Express (Traditional Chinese: 早晨專綫; Simplified Chinese: 早晨专线) rail services between both Tsing Yi Station and Hong Kong Station for just HK$25 from seven o' clock until ten o' clock each morning, except during Sundays and main national holidays, thus allowing passengers to get to work quickly during the early morning rush hours.
Airport Station (Traditional Chinese: 機場站; Simplified Chinese: 机场站) is an elevated Mass Transit Railway (MTR) station complex situated in Hong Kong International Airport across Cheong Tat Road, Chek Lap Kok, Islands District, Lantau Island, Hong Kong. Located directly on the Airport Express line itself, it mostly serves the core complex of Hong Kong International Airport and is securely connected to the major terminal building via an unpaid pedestrian passageway. The station is also the westernmost railroad station complex in the entire major Mass Transit Railway (MTR) subway network and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
The station complex was officially opened from 6 July 1998, in collaboration with the formal opening of Hong Kong International Airport, serving as the western terminus for the Airport Express line until the line was extended to the AsiaWorld-Expo exhibition and convention center area on 20 December 2005. From 28 February 2007, an additional westbound side platform, Track No. 3, was opened to directly connect to Terminal 2 and SkyPlaza, although the major platform was closed on 28 November 2019 in preparation for the expansion of Terminal 2 and is expected to reopen at the end of fiscal 2024 once the expansion works are completed. While the major station does not have paid ticketing gates, passengers must still purchase valid tickets inside the arrivals and meeting area or on Track No. 1 to exit at the other stations.
Finally entering the arrivals and meeting lobby located in the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1
Walking through the arrivals and meeting lobby in the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1 during the early afternoon off-peak hours
Bypassing a traditional barbershop-like sculpture in the arrivals and meeting lobby in the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1 during the early afternoon off-peak hours
Approaching the passageway leading to Track No. 2 at Airport Station in the arrivals and meeting lobby in the Main Terminal building at Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1 during the early afternoon off-peak hours
Finally arriving at Track No. 2 at Airport Station during the early afternoon off-peak hours
An 8-car Adtranz-CAF A-Stock EMU Set No. K405-E105, operating as the 1.40 p.m. (13 40) Airport Express service bound for Central Hong Kong, on Track No. 2 at Airport Station
Track No. 2 serving the Airport Express trains bound for Tsing Yi, Kowloon and Central Hong Kong during the early afternoon off-peak hours
An 8-car Adtranz-CAF A-Stock EMU Set No. K409-E109, operating as the 1.49 p.m. (13 49) Airport Express service bound for Central Hong Kong, on Track No. 2 at Airport Station
An 8-car Adtranz-CAF A-Stock EMU Set No. K408-E108, operating as the 1.57 p.m. (13 57) Airport Express service bound for Central Hong Kong, on Track No. 2 at Airport Station
Track No. 2 at Airport Station shortly before the 2.08 p.m. (14 08) Airport Express train service bound for Central Hong Kong arrived at the station
After spending approximately 25 minutes of anticipated waiting across the eastbound platform area, an 8-car Adtranz-CAF A-Stock EMU Set No. K401-E101, now operating as the 2.08 p.m. (14 08) Airport Express service bound for Central Hong Kong, soon arrived at Airport Station at 2.05 p.m. (14 05) on Track No. 2. Once the train doors were automatically opened, I securely boarded the train through Car No. 2 (F101) and settled into both Seats No. 6A and 6B for the coming afternoon commuter railway journey time of 25 minutes to the hustle and bustle of Central Hong Kong.
Once the clock struck exactly 2.08 p.m. (14 08) sharp, all the train doors were closed, and the Airport Express train service finally pulled out of Hong Kong International Airport for the rest of its afternoon journey duration of just 29 minutes from AsiaWorld-Expo to Central Hong Kong. I was soon on the way for a routine mid-afternoon Airport Express railway journey duration of just 25 minutes to the ultra-modern and lively hustle and bustle of Central Hong Kong located in the center of Hong Kong Island.
機場快綫 A-Train (K401-E101) 駛入港鐵機場站二號月台
The front view of Car No. 2 (F101) on board the 8-car Adtranz-CAF A-Stock EMU Set No. K401-E101, operating as the 2.08 p.m. (14 08) Airport Express service bound for Central Hong Kong, during the boarding process on Track No. 2 at Airport Station
Awaiting departure from Airport Station
機場快綫 (F101) 行走片段 機場至香港 (AIR TO HOK) (1/2)
Making a brief stop at Tsing Yi Station
機場快綫 (F101) 行走片段 機場至香港 (AIR TO HOK) (2/2)
After a routine mid-afternoon airport railway link journey of just 25 minutes from Hong Kong International Airport situated on Lantau Island, I arrived at the Hong Kong terminal station by precisely 2.33 p.m. (14 33) sharp on Track No. 1. Checking to make sure that I did not leave anything behind inside the train car, I disembarked from the train and tapped my main Octopus Card at the Airport Express ticketing gates prior to changing to an elevator down to the Tung Chung Line concourse of the station complex.
Once I had tapped into the Tung Chung Line transit concourse, I promptly passed through the underground interchange passageway connecting to Central Station, with the entire walk between both major stations lasting approximately five minutes that mid-afternoon. Taking the nearby major elevator down to the local Tsuen Wan Line railroad platforms, I promptly found an 8-car Metro Cammell M-Stock EMU Set No. A272-A263 securely waiting on Track No. 1. I then boarded the train via Car No. 1 (A263) and secured a vacant seat for the short Cross-Harbor metro trip timing of five minutes to Tsim Sha Tsui Station.
As soon as the main clock struck 2.49 p.m. (14 49), all the doors were closed, and the Tsuen Wan Line train finally pulled out of Central Station safely for its routine major mid-afternoon commuter trip of only 35 minutes to Tsuen Wan located directly within Tsuen Wan New Town in New Territories. I was then on my way for a routine Cross-Harbor metro railway journey duration of approximately five minutes to Tsim Sha Tsui Station located in the major Tsim Sha Tsui area of the Yau Tsim Mong District, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Station (Chinese: 香港站; Japanese: 香港駅; Korean: 홍콩역) is an underground Mass Transit Railway (MTR) terminal station complex located between Man Cheung Street and Harbor View Street, Central, Central and Western District, Hong Kong. It is the major eastern terminus point for the Tung Chung Line and Airport Express, and is one of the two major Airport Express MTR stations that provides in-town check-in service for passengers departing from Hong Kong International Airport. The interchange station complex is safely linked to Central Station situated on the Tsuen Wan Line and Island Line via an underground passageway between the two railway stations and sits below the International Finance Center (IFC) building.
The station was opened on 22 June 1998, in collaboration with the opening of the Tung Chung Line connecting to and from Tung Chung located to the west on Lantau Island, with a paid underground passageway connecting to and from Central Station located along the Island Line and Tsuen Wan Line available via a walk that can last between three to six minutes. From 6 July 1998, the station became the eastern terminus area for the Airport Express both to and from Hong Kong International Airport, with the major railway line securely extended to AsiaWorld-Expo from 20 December 2005.
Though the station serves as the eastern terminus area for the Tung Chung Line and Airport Express, the lines are situated considerably far away from one another. With the Tung Chung Line transit concourse located only one floor below the Airport Express transit concourse, passengers must take an escalator or elevator just one level down to directly access the Tung Chung Line. As of 16 March 2024, the station has an underground island platform serving only two tracks for the Tung Chung Line trains and a side platform with only one track for the Airport Express, with cab stands located on the same level as the Airport Express platform for passenger convenience.
Central Station (Traditional Chinese: 中環站; Simplified Chinese: 中环站) is an underground interchange Mass Transit Railway (MTR) metro station located on the main intersection between Des Voeux Road Central and Chater Road, Central, Central and Western District, Hong Kong. It is the southern railroad terminus for the Tsuen Wan Line and serves as a crucial interchange railway station for the Island Line, with at least 200,000 passengers passing through the main station complex daily. The station complex is directly connected to Hong Kong Station located on the Tung Chung Line and Airport Express via an underground interchange passageway, with a walk connecting between the main stations lasting approximately three to six minutes.
The station was originally opened for service on 12 February 1980 as Chater Station (Chinese: 遮打站), initially serving the Kwun Tong Line until it safely became part of the newer Tsuen Wan Line on 31 May 1985 after gaining its current name. From 23 May 1986, the local station complex became a main interchange railroad station for the Island Line after the line was extended to Sheung Wan, although cross-platform interchange between both metro lines is not provided at this station complex unlike Admiralty Station. As of 16 March 2024, the station has one underground island platform with two tracks for the Tsuen Wan Line train services and just two underground side platforms serving two tracks for the Island Line train services.
Track No. 1 serving the Airport Express trains bound for Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo at Hong Kong Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
The 8-car Adtranz-CAF A-Stock EMU Set No. E101-K401, now operating as the 2.40 p.m. (14 40) Airport Express service bound for AsiaWorld-Expo via Hong Kong International Airport, on Track No. 1 at Hong Kong Station
The Airport Express ticketing concourse at Hong Kong Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Approaching the elevators connecting to the Tung Chung Line concourse from the Airport Express ticketing concourse at Hong Kong Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Approaching the Tung Chung Line interchange ticketing gates at Hong Kong Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Walking through the Tung Chung Line transit concourse at Hong Kong Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Walking through the automated passageway leading to Central Station from the Tung Chung Line transit concourse at Hong Kong Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
About to make a left turn towards an additional automated passageway leading to Central Station from Hong Kong Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Walking through the additional automated passageway leading to Central Station from Hong Kong Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Approaching the Tsuen Wan Line transit concourse and Track No. 3 serving the Island Line trains bound for Chai Wan at Central Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Track No. 3 serving the Island Line trains bound for Chai Wan at Central Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Walking through the Tsuen Wan Line transit concourse at Central Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Approaching the elevator connecting to the Tsuen Wan Line platforms in the Tsuen Wan Line transit concourse at Central Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
The passageway connecting from the elevator to the Tsuen Wan Line platforms at Central Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Finally arriving at the Tsuen Wan Line platforms at Central Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
An 8-car Metro Cammell M-Stock EMU Set No. A272-A263 waiting on Track No. 1 at Central Station
The interior of Car No. 1 (A263) on board the 8-car Metro Cammell M-Stock EMU Set No. A272-A263 during the boarding process on Track No. 1 at Central Station
Finally departing Central Station
The route guidance information map above the train doors on board Car No. 1 (A263) of the 8-car Metro Cammell M-Stock EMU Set No. A272-A263 indicating that the next station is Admiralty
Making a brief stop at Admiralty Station
The interior of Car No. 1 (A263) on board the 8-car Metro Cammell M-Stock EMU Set No. A272-A263 between Admiralty and Tsim Sha Tsui Stations
The route guidance information map above the train doors on board Car No. 1 (A263) of the 8-car Metro Cammell M-Stock EMU Set No. A272-A263 indicating that the next station is Tsim Sha Tsui
Finally arriving at Tsim Sha Tsui Station
After a Cross-Harbor metro railway trip of not more than approximately five minutes from the hustle and bustle of Central Hong Kong, I safely arrived at Tsim Sha Tsui Station at around 2.54 p.m. (14 54) on Track No. 1. Checking to make sure that I had not left anything behind, I disembarked from the train and took the escalator up to the major transit concourse before tapping my Octopus Card and proceeding to the long unpaid underground passageway connecting over to the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong via the major K11 Art Mall and East Tsim Sha Tsui Station.
Soon enough, I reached the main entrance doors to the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong at 3.10 p.m.. A hotel porter then offered to assist me with my baggage before escorting me to the hotel check-in reception counters in the main hotel lobby. Seeing that I had booked a Horizon Club Harbor View King Room, the hotel staff receptionist directed me to the elevator lobby so that I could check in privately at the exclusive Horizon Club Lounge situated on the 20th and 21st floors. Catching a nearby elevator, I reached the major entrance to the Horizon Club Lounge located on the 20th floor at 3.15 p.m..
A female Horizon Club Lounge check-in staff receptionist soon turned up at one of the major check-in desks and warmly welcomed me to the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong. Requesting for my red passport and necessary hotel accommodation documents, she safely assured me that the rest of my baggage would sent up to my assigned hotel room once the hotel check-in process had been completed. The entire major hotel check-in process at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong lasted not more than approximately five minutes that afternoon.
Tsim Sha Tsui Station (Chinese: 尖沙咀站) is a local underground Mass Transit Railway (MTR) metro station situated in the major Tsim Sha Tsui area of Yau Tsim Mong District, Kowloon, Hong Kong. It serves the central financial and urban district of Tsim Sha Tsui, with several popular shopping malls and city hotels located around its major vicinity to cater to foreign and local tourists alike. The station is located on the Tsuen Wan Line and is connected to East Tsim Sha Tsui Station on the Tuen Ma Line through an unpaid underground passageway, with a typical main passage connecting between both railroad stations lasting approximately three to six minutes.
The station was opened from 16 December 1979 as part of the Kwun Tung Line, with rail services crossing Victoria Harbor to Hong Kong Island on 12 February 1980. Operations of the major station were transferred from the Kwun Tong Line to the Tsuen Wan Line on 10 May 1982. From 24 October 2004, the major station became connected with East Tsim Sha Tsui Station situated along the KCR West Rail, though the latter was rebranded as the West Rail Line from 2 December 2007 and eventually as the Tuen Ma Line from 27 June 2021. As of 1 October 2024, the station has an underground island platform with two tracks for the Tsuen Wan Line.
The Kowloon Shangri-La (Traditional Chinese: 九龍香格里拉大酒店; Simplified Chinese: 九龙香格里拉大酒店) is a five-star main luxury hotel complex located at 64 Mody Road within Tsim Sha Tsui East, Yau Tsim Mong District, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Formally opened since 17 June 1981, the five-star hotel complex has a total of 679 hotel rooms and seven restaurants spanning over 21 floors. Overlooking both Victoria Harbor and the panoramic skylines of Hong Kong Island, it is the sister hotel of the Island Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong located around the Admiralty district of Hong Kong Island. The hotel is accessible by the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) system via East Tsim Sha Tsui Station situated on the Tuen Ma Line and Tsim Sha Tsui Station on the Tsuen Wan Line via an unpaid underground passageway.
The overall view of the main station platforms at Tsim Sha Tsui Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
The main station transit concourse leading to the station platforms at Tsim Sha Tsui Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Walking through the main ticketing concourse at Tsim Sha Tsui Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Approaching the entrance to the underground passageway leading to East Tsim Sha Tsui Station from Tsim Sha Tsui Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Walking through the automated passageway leading to East Tsim Sha Tsui Station shortly after exiting Tsim Sha Tsui Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Walking through the automated passageway leading to East Tsim Sha Tsui Station past the entrance to K11 Art Mall during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Walking through the unpaid underground passageway leading to Exit P and the Tsim Sha Tsui East area at East Tsim Sha Tsui Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
Approaching the underground concourse leading to Exit P and the Tsim Sha Tsui East area at East Tsim Sha Tsui Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
The elevator leading to the streets of Mody Road at Exit P of East Tsim Sha Tsui Station during the mid-afternoon off-peak hours
The Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong coming into view along Mody Road shortly after I had exited East Tsim Sha Tsui Station on a bright and clear mid-afternoon
Finally arriving at the main entrance to the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong on a bright and clear mid-afternoon
The overall view of the main hotel lobby located on the first floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong shortly after I had entered
Heading to the elevator lobby in the main hotel lobby located on the first floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong on a bright and clear mid-afternoon
Finally arriving at the main entrance to the Horizon Club Lounge located on the 20th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong
The overall view of the lower check-in and seating areas of the Horizon Club Lounge located on the 20th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong on a bright and clear mid-afternoon
A glass of iced water provided for me at the Horizon Club Lounge check-in desks in the Horizon Club Lounge located on the 20th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong
The interior of the lower seating area of the Horizon Club Lounge located on the 20th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong on a bright and clear mid-afternoon
After completing the hotel check-in procedures at the Horizon Club Lounge situated on the 20th and 21st floors at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong, I securely obtained my assigned room keys by 3.20 p.m.. The Horizon Club Lounge check-in receptionist informed me that I would be assigned to Room No. 1929 located on the 19th floor and that my room would have an unobstructed view of both Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Island, much to my delight. As a Horizon Club floor hotel guest, I would be able to directly access the Horizon Club Lounge for daily breakfast, mid-afternoon tea and evening cocktails and canapés.
At the same time, I informed the check-in receptionist that I had plans to have a hotel dinner at the hotel's main Cantonese restaurant, known as Shang Palace (Traditional Chinese: 香宮; Simplified Chinese: 香宫), with a reservation also scheduled for eight o' clock on the night of Saturday (9 November). Thanking the receptionist for her services, I was even kindly reminded that the cocktail hours in the Horizon Club Lounge would last from 5.30 p.m. until 7.30 p.m. daily. With the major check-in procedures completed, I quickly caught the nearest elevator down to the 19th floor before eventually arriving at my assigned Room No. 1929 at 3.25 p.m..
My Horizon Club hotel room had one single king-sized bed with a miniature living cum work area, while the bathroom had a toilet, sink, bath tub and a shower compartment. There was also another interconnecting door leading to Room No. 1928 next door, though it would be locked for the duration of my stay due to another guest staying in that adjacent room. It was not that long before the rest of my baggage was brought up directly to my assigned Room No. 1929 at around 3.40 p.m., together with a pot of welcome tea.
With everything delivered to my assigned Room No. 1929, I went to have a hot shower and sorted out all of my belongings for the days ahead before having a well-earned rest for the afternoon. I also took the opportunity to head upstairs to the Horizon Club Lounge on both the 20th and 21st floor areas for some canapés from 5.15 p.m. to six o' clock, with the canapés for the evening directly ranging from smoked salmon and assorted cheeses to foie gras terrine and lamb kebabs. Having a glass of Baileys Irish Cream to accompany my major canapés, I wisely knew that I was off to a wonderful hotel stay at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong.
Heading to the elevator lobby located on the 20th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong shortly after completing the hotel check-in process
Finally arriving at my assigned Room No. 1929 located on the 19th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong
The bathroom in my assigned Room No. 1929 located on the 19th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong
The shower compartment in my bathroom in my assigned Room No. 1929 located on the 19th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong
The overall view of Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Island from my assigned Room No. 1929 located on the 19th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong on a bright and clear mid-afternoon
A clearer view of my assigned Room No. 1929 located on the 19th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong on a bright and clear mid-afternoon
The work space area in my assigned Room No. 1929 located on the 19th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong
Overlooking the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center (HKCEC) and Wan Chai District, Hong Kong Island, from my assigned Room No. 1929 located on the 19th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong on a bright and clear late afternoon
One additional view of Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Island from my assigned Room No. 1929 located on the 19th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong on a bright and clear late afternoon
One additional view of my assigned Room No. 1929 located on the 19th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong on a bright and clear late afternoon
Heading to the elevator lobby located on the 19th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong on the way to the Horizon Club Lounge located on the 20th and 21st floors for some evening canapés
Arriving at the main entrance to the Horizon Club Lounge located on the 20th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong
Finally arriving at the upper dining level of the Horizon Club Lounge located on the 21st floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong during the early evening canapé and cocktail hours
Stopping at the self-service cold cut refreshment corner in the upper dining level of the Horizon Club Lounge located on the 21st floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong during the early evening canapé and cocktail hours
Checking out the self-service beverage corner in the upper dining level of the Horizon Club Lounge located on the 21st floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong during the early evening canapé and cocktail hours
Stopping at the self-service hot food refreshment corner in the upper dining level of the Horizon Club Lounge located on the 21st floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong during the early evening canapé and cocktail hours
A plate each of lamb kebabs, smoked salmon, brie cheese and foie gras terrine for myself in the upper dining level of the Horizon Club Lounge located on the 21st floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong
A glass of Baileys Irish Cream with ice for myself in the upper dining level of the Horizon Club Lounge located on the 21st floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong
An overall view of my evening canapés in the upper dining level of the Horizon Club Lounge located on the 21st floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong
Overlooking Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Island from the upper dining level of the Horizon Club Lounge located on the 21st floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong as dusk begins to fall
An additional plate of foie gras terrine for myself in the upper dining level of the Horizon Club Lounge located on the 21st floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong
One additional view of Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Island from the upper dining level of the Horizon Club Lounge located on the 21st floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong as dusk begins to fall
The overall view of the upper dining level of the Horizon Club Lounge located on the 21st floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel during the early evening canapé and cocktail hours
Heading back to the elevator lobby located on the 20th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong shortly after I had finished my canapés for the evening in the upper dining level of the Horizon Club Lounge located on the 21st floor
Arriving back at my assigned Room No. 1929 located on the 19th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong at nightfall
The overall view of Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Island from my assigned Room No. 1929 located on the 19th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong at nightfall
The view of my assigned Room No. 1929 located on the 19th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong shortly before I went out for dinner
After spending the rest of the afternoon resting in my assigned hotel Room No. 1929 and having several early evening canapés within the Horizon Club Lounge located on the 20th and 21st level areas at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong, the clock was finally showing 7.30 p.m.. Given that I was already beginning to feel rather hungry, I promptly decided to search for a nearby shopping mall and have my first dinner in Hong Kong at one of the restaurants. Upon doing some quick research, I found out that there was a major shopping mall around the Tsim Sha Tsui area, known as K11 Art Mall, and thus decided to head there to see what was on offer.
Without wasting anymore time, I quickly gathered my necessary belongings and departed from my assigned Room No. 1929 before catching the closest elevator down to the main hotel lobby located on the first floor, eventually reaching there safely at 7.35 p.m.. Making my way over to the hotel's main entrance doors, I quickly headed to Entrance P of East Tsim Sha Tsui Station before taking the escalator down to the unpaid main underground station passageway leading securely to Tsim Sha Tsui Station and the underground entrance to K11 Art Mall.
Soon enough, I finally arrived at the underground entrance to K11 Art Mall from East Tsim Sha Tsui Station by 7.40 p.m.. Entering the mall through the second basement area, I caught a nearby escalator up to the first basement level before changing to an elevator up to the second floor, where most of the shopping mall's restaurant outlets were located. I also spent some time looking the various restaurant outlets available to see which one would be suitable my tastes and preferences for my first official night in Hong Kong.
Approaching the elevator lobby located on the 19th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong as I begin to make my way to K11 Art Mall for the evening
The overall view of the main hotel lobby located on the first floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong as I begin to make my way to K11 Art Mall for the evening
Bypassing the fountain near the Lobby Lounge located on the first floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong as I begin to make my way to K11 Art Mall for the evening
Bypassing the Lobby Lounge located on the first floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong as I begin to make my way to K11 Art Mall for the evening
The main entrance area to the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong at night as I begin to make my way to K11 Art Mall for the evening
The exterior view of the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong at night as I begin to make my way to K11 Art Mall for the evening
Approaching Entrance P of East Tsim Sha Tsui Station along Mody Road during the early evening rush hours
Making my way to the unpaid underground passageway leading to Tsim Sha Tsui Station via K11 Art Mall from East Tsim Sha Tsui Station during the early evening rush hours
Walking through the first set of automated unpaid underground passageways leading to Tsim Sha Tsui Station from East Tsim Sha Tsui Station during the early evening rush hours
Walking through another set of automated unpaid underground passageways leading to Tsim Sha Tsui Station from East Tsim Sha Tsui Station while getting closer to K11 Art Mall during the early evening rush hours
Finally arriving at the underground entrance to K11 Art Mall from the unpaid underground passageway connecting between East Tsim Sha Tsui Station and Tsim Sha Tsui Station during the early evening rush hours
Proceeding to the escalators leading to the first basement level from the second basement level at K11 Art Mall during the early evening rush hours
Walking past some retail outlets stores in the first basement level at K11 Art Mall during the early evening rush hours
Approaching the elevator lobby located in the first basement level at K11 Art Mall during the early evening rush hours
Walking past several retail outlet stores on the second floor at K11 Art Mall during the early evening rush hours
Walking past Ahan Thai (Traditional Chinese: 阿閒泰; Simplified Chinese: 阿闲泰) located on the second floor at K11 Art Mall during the early evening rush hours
Finally arriving at the main entrance to Empire City Roasted Duck (Traditional Chinese: 大都烤鴨; Simplified Chinese: 大都烤鸭) located on the second floor at K11 Art Mall. This particular restaurant joint was quite familiar to me as I had eaten here with my family during a few of my previous trips to Hong Kong
After walking through the first few levels of K11 Art Mall for not more than approximately 10 minutes, I eventually reached a main roasted Peking duck restaurant, known as Empire City Roasted Duck (Traditional Chinese: 大都烤鴨; Simplified Chinese: 大都烤鸭), located on the second floor at exactly 7.50 p.m.. This particular restaurant joint was quite familiar to me as I had eaten here with my family during a few of my previous family trips to Hong Kong. Heading to the main restaurant reception counter, I immediately requested for a table for myself as I was already feeling quite hungry.
A restaurant staff waiter soon escorted me to a nearby vacant table before securely providing me with the major dinner menus to make my reviews, a pot of warm water and just a glass of iced water. Once I was ready to have dinner, another staff waiter came over to my table to take down my major food orders for dinner. For my main course, I would have a half-portion of the restaurant's mass signature roasted Peking duck served with wrapping pancakes, along with one bowl of steamed white rice and a glass of house red wine to accompany my meal.
With that, the staff waiter carefully recorded my meal orders and sent them to the kitchens to be prepared. It was not really long until my dinner orders gradually started to arrive at my table from precisely eight o' clock, thereby permitting me to tuck into my meal. The roasted Peking duck tasted tender and the skin gave it the required crispy texture, with the red wine, steamed white rice and wrapping pancakes pairing excellently with my coming meal. That night, I had a delicious and filling roasted Peking duck meal at Empire City Roasted Duck (Traditional Chinese: 大都烤鴨; Simplified Chinese: 大都烤鸭) located on the second floor at K11 Art Mall.
The interior view of Empire City Roasted Duck (Traditional Chinese: 大都烤鴨; Simplified Chinese: 大都烤鸭) located on the second floor at K11 Art Mall from my dining table shortly after I had settled down for dinner
The cover page for the main menu at Empire City Roasted Duck (Traditional Chinese: 大都烤鴨; Simplified Chinese: 大都烤鸭) located on the second floor at K11 Art Mall
Reviewing the signature roasted Peking duck section of the main menu at Empire City Roasted Duck (Traditional Chinese: 大都烤鴨; Simplified Chinese: 大都烤鸭) located on the second floor at K11 Art Mall
Reviewing the Huaiyang classic delicacy section of the main menu at Empire City Roasted Duck (Traditional Chinese: 大都烤鴨; Simplified Chinese: 大都烤鸭) located on the second floor at K11 Art Mall
Reviewing the beverage and dessert sections of the main menu at Empire City Roasted Duck (Traditional Chinese: 大都烤鴨; Simplified Chinese: 大都烤鸭) located on the second floor at K11 Art Mall
A glass of house red wine to accompany my roasted Peking duck dinner at Empire City Roasted Duck (Traditional Chinese: 大都烤鴨; Simplified Chinese: 大都烤鸭) located on the second floor at K11 Art Mall
A half-portion of the restaurant's signature roasted Peking duck with wrapping pancakes as my main dinner course at Empire City Roasted Duck (Traditional Chinese: 大都烤鴨; Simplified Chinese: 大都烤鸭) located on the second floor at K11 Art Mall
A bowl of steamed white rice to accompany my roasted Peking duck dinner at Empire City Roasted Duck (Traditional Chinese: 大都烤鴨; Simplified Chinese: 大都烤鸭) located on the second floor at K11 Art Mall
The overall view of roasted Peking duck dinner at Empire City Roasted Duck (Traditional Chinese: 大都烤鴨; Simplified Chinese: 大都烤鸭) located on the second floor at K11 Art Mall
The interior view of Empire City Roasted Duck (Traditonal Chinese: 大都烤鴨; Simplified Chinese: 大都烤鸭) located on the second floor at K11 Art Mall from my dining table shortly after I had finished eating
After having a sumptuous and satisfying local roasted Peking duck dinner at Empire City Roasted Duck (Traditional Chinese: 大都烤鴨; Simplified Chinese: 大都烤鸭) on the second floor area at K11 Art Mall, the restaurant clock was showing 8.50 p.m.. Given that I was already beginning to feel stuffed to the brim, I securely decided that there was nothing else left to do other than to head back to the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong for the night. With that, I paid my check and departed the major restaurant before catching an elevator from the nearest elevator lobby down to the first basement level.
Upon exiting K11 Art Mall by 8.55 p.m., I walked along the major streets of Hanoi Road leading over to Entrance N of East Tsim Sha Tsui Station before walking down the stairs to the public underground pedestrian passageway connecting both East Tsim Sha Tsui Station and Tsim Sha Tsui Station. I then passed through the local underground passageway leading to Exit P of the station area, where the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong was directly situated. The major late night walk to the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong took not more than approximately 10 minutes.
The main entrance to Empire City Roasted Duck (Traditional Chinese: 大都烤鴨; Simplified Chinese: 大都烤鸭) located on the second floor at K11 Art Mall as I begin to make my way back to the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong for the night
Approaching the elevator lobby located close to Empire City Roasted Duck (Traditional Chinese: 大都烤鴨; Simplified Chinese: 大都烤鸭) located on the second floor at K11 Art Mall as I begin to make my way back to the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong for the night
Bypassing Coucou Hot Pot & Tea Break (Traditional Chinese: 湊湊火鍋 ・茶憩; Simplified Chinese: 凑凑火锅 ・茶憩) located in the first basement level at K11 Art Mall on the way back to the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel late at night
Overlooking the streets of Carnarvon Road from the street level at K11 Art Mall on the way back to the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong late at night
Bypassing Common Man Coffee Roasters Hong Kong located on the street level at K11 Art Mall on the way back to the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong late at night
The overall view of the street level at K11 Art Mall on the way back to the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong late at night
Bypassing Chow Tai Fook (K11 Art Mall Branch) (周大福 香港K11店) located on the street level at K11 Art Mall on the way back to the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong late at night
Walking along the streets of Hanoi Road near K11 Art Mall on the way back to the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong late at night
Approaching Entrance N of East Tsim Sha Tsui Station located near K11 Art Mall late at night
Finally entering the unpaid underground passageway connecting between East Tsim Sha Tsui Station and Tsim Sha Tsui Station late at night
Walking through the unpaid underground passageway leading to Exit P and the Tsim Sha Tsui East area at East Tsim Sha Tsui Station late at night
Approaching the underground concourse leading to Exit P and the Tsim Sha Tsui East area at East Tsim Sha Tsui Station late at night
The exterior view of Entrance P of East Tsim Sha Tsui Station along Mody Road late at night
Walking along the streets of Mody Road shortly after I had exited East Tsim Sha Tsui Station late at night
The Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong coming into view along Mody Road shortly after I had exited East Tsim Sha Tsui Station late at night
Finally arriving back at the main entrance to the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong late at night
The overall view of the main hotel lobby located on the first floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong shortly after I had arrived back late at night
Heading to the elevator lobby in the main hotel lobby located on the first floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong late at night
Finally arriving back at my assigned Room No. 1929 located on the 19th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong late at night
The overall view of Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Island from my assigned Room No. 1929 located on the 19th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong late at night
One additional view of my assigned Room No. 1929 located on the 19th floor at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong shortly before I turned in for the night
After walking through the unpaid underground passageway connecting directly between East Tsim Sha Tsui Station and Tsim Sha Tsui Station for approximately 10 minutes from K11 Art Mall, I arrived at the front main entrance area to the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong by 9.05 p.m. sharp. Entering the main hotel lobby, I instantly proceeded to the guest elevator lobby and caught the nearest elevator up to my assigned hotel Room No. 1929 located on the 19th floor, thus arriving back at my main room safely at 9.10 p.m..
Once I had washed up and changed into my pajamas, I immediately went to set up my private electronic devices to be charged overnight. Given the fact that I would be going for some major Airport Express MTR line joyrides and aircraft model hobby shopping the following day, I wisely set my cell phone alarm to wake me up at precisely 6.30 a.m. early the next morning. With all my larger electronic devices charging and the room curtains closed, I finally turned in at around 10.30 p.m. for a well-earned and good night's rest.
This officially brings the first major section of my regional solo gastronomic and hobby shopping getaway vacation voyage to Hong Kong in November 2024 to a formal conclusion. As with all other existing getaway journey trip reports found in this blog, questions and / or comments shall be more than welcome inside the user comment boxes situated at the end of each report segment. The remaining three sections of this solo getaway trip report will be posted once all the highest quality photos and videos have been chosen for them. Please be patient as extensive time and effort will be required to publish the sections thoroughly and effectively.
.jpg)
Ladies & Gentlemen, as the Northern Hemisphere mid-summer season rapidly approaches its peak, I hope you will accept my most sincere apo...
Dear fellow bloggers, as we progress through Northern Hemisphere autumn season, please do accept my apologies for the shortage of overseas g...