Delta Hotel, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Hongkong

Two months ago when I was looking for a hotel to stay in Hongkong for our leisure trip, I first made a thorough research about the most affordable tourist inns in Hongkong that have high customer’s satisfaction rating/review. I’d got several suggestions in the net but the one that really caught my attention was Delta Hotel because aside from its very affordable rate per night, it earned a very good rating from satisfied customers, so I went on to book our 3 night stay there.

 Bedroom at Delta Hotel

Delta hotel is more like a transient inn where travellers can just spend the night with a bed to sleep on, it is far from the traditional hotel that everyone is thinking, it is like you are just renting a room in a small apartment. But its services and basic amenities are very good. This is ideal for people who are embarking into a short vacation trip abroad under a tight budget and for backpackers.

Delta hotel is located on the 16^th floor of Chungking Mansion, Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hongkong, just across the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station. The rooms are clean and conducive for sleeping and resting. Each room has a private bathroom with shower. The room provides telephone and free wifi with a choice of electric fan or aircon, there's a refrigerator and water dispenser posted outside the rooms.

Each guest is provided with bath towel, freebies like shampoo, bath soap and toothbrush kit. Guests are safe because the main door of the hotel has an electronic automatic lock and outsiders cannot easily enter the vicinity. It is equipped with a 24-hour security camera.

Comfort Room 

Freebies

When we arrived at Chungking Mansion, I was worried and anxious because the ground floor was full of vendors and the elevator was packed with people of different nationalities, at first I thought it was not a safe place, I was also concerned with the mansion’s appearance, but the moment we got there and entered the room my apprehension was replaced with contentment. It was worth the money.

The rate is per room. We chose the room with four occupants which has a rate of Php630.00 per night or HK$119. Please be aware that all the rooms have no extra bed.

Chungking Mansion is located at the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui just beside CKE department store, the location is just a walking distance from Victoria Harbour and Avenue of Stars. It is also closer to China Ferry Terminal where Cotai Jet travelling to Macau is located.

From the airport, you can get a ride via A21 bus of City Flier, then disembark at bus stop no.14. From there, you have to turn left and walk just few steps to arrive at Chungking Mansion. There are two elevators serving the building, you may ask for assistance from the security guard on duty if you are not sure what elevator to take.

Here’s how I rate Delta Hotel:

Scale:

                1              -              Very Poor

                2              -              Poor

                3              -              Average

                4              -              Satisfactory

                5              -              Excellent

Cleanliness                -              4

Friendly Staff            -              5

Safety                      -               4

Value of money         -              5

Location                   -               4

AirAsia Airline

Just got home from my first travel abroad! Glad I was able to make it before the expiration of my passport  :-) and because I was living under a scanty budget, I joined friends in the University embarking into the nearest foreign route -- Hongkong. We chose the cheapest round trip promo rates available online at Airasia, there was no direct flight from Davao to Hongkong so we had to go to Clark to catch the Hongkong route.

At first, I had a slight reservation about this airline because aside from being new, its reputation is not yet established due to its very fresh operation in the Philippines, but I did not stress out my brain analyzing what might happen when we're up on air, I just trusted God that He will guide us for this adventure.

So finally, on May 31, 2013, on a sunny Friday afternoon, we left Davao International Airport with Airasia. I was closely observing the movement of the plane hehehe! I kept my senses alive, I did not take a nap like other passengers.

Oh well, it was great, the aircraft did not sway up on air, no rattling above the clouds, or maybe because the weather was fine during our travel so we never experience any abnormalities. We safely landed at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport at the Clark airbase at 4:20.

On the following day, we left Clark for Hongkong at 6:25 in the evening, the sky was so calm and quiet and the clouds rested like lovely cotton balls in the atmosphere while Airasia peacefully navigated the skyline of Luzon. I did not feel any bumpy stuff up there, the travel was peaceful and steady, no unnecessary movement of the aircraft and before I could finish the biscuit I was eating, the crew announced the preparation for landing at Hongkong international airport, wow! That was so fast and relax! Hongkong air travel from Clark took only one hour and forty minutes.  

Airasia's international pilots and even their domestic pilots are really well-trained because the aircraft did not bang when it touches the airport ground, it was a very smooth landing, felt like we just glided. They knew exactly how to maneuver an aircraft, very safe and sound.

I memorized the names of Airasia's pilots so that I can thanked them here for keeping us very safe during the flight. On our way to Hongkong, the pilot was Captain Kintanar and on our way back to Clark, Air asia's pilot was Captain Francisco. The flight attendants were also nice, very accommodating and approachable. They have a very good service too, both on board and at the ground.

It was a very relaxing air travel. I have a full trust with Airasia now, it's a beautiful plane to travel internationally. 

Camiguin Highland Resort

Elegant dining hall of Camiguin Highland Resort

This is one of the most splendid hotels in Camiguin Island squashed between mountains and thick vegetation, the hotel is surrounded with amazing foliage and fauna with a swimming pool near its dining area.  The accommodation is great and the rooms are terrific, dining area is located near the reception hall with a glass door directly overlooking the garden and swimming pool. Camiguin Highland Resort offers a guided day-tour around Camiguin.

Swimming Pool of the resort in front of the dining hall

Perched above the hills of Mambajao municipality where visitors can see the breathtaking gift of nature—mountains, amazing horizon, vegetation and the spectacular countryside of Camiguin province, Camiguin Highland Resort is a fantastic place to spend a relaxing night after a day tour. When I went there in 2010 with my colleagues, we occupied a room directly facing the mountains so the feeling was greet, I was able to relax and enjoy the place, it was a gratifying weekend indeed.

Warm welcome inside the resort's room

What I love about this place is its breathtaking location between hills, mountains and forest, the soothing morning and afternoon air, sweet scent of the wild plants, very tranquil environment and the chirping of the birds are what made this place so amazing and a perfect choice for a relaxing getaway.

It is quite far from the national road and the area is somewhat remote but the hotel staff can assist you in all your needs especially when it comes to transportation. For more information about the resort's facilities, accommodation, how to book, visit the official site of Camiguin Highland Resort

RMPC Beach Resort

RMPC Beach Resort at Sunrise

A perfect holiday getaway!

Located at the picturesque Island Garden City of Samal (Davao province) RMPC Beach resort is one of the most tranquil holiday get away destinations I ever visited. Its idyllic location below hills with cottages almost covered with verdant plants ensures privacy and quietness. Each air-conditioned cottage with a bathroom is good for 5 persons.

Sparkling turquoise water at RMPC Beach

I’d gone there twice and the place has several improvements already. Its ivory sand, sparkling turquoise water and sprawling playground made me yearn to go back there once more. The seaside is more fascinating, you can relax at the sugary sand with out fear of being toasted under the heat of the sun because there are several large trees protecting the area.

Cottages at RMPC

At night, the surrounding is more calm and romantic you will only hear the splashing of the waves and the chirping of the birds because there’s no blasting sound coming from a videoke bar (unlike other resorts). The soft breeze coming from the mountain and the ocean is more gentle and soothing, you may choose to take a rest at the foyer of the cottage or at the seaside.

Its ground has a basketball court, there’s also a special area for volleyball aficionados. RMPC beach guarantees fun and leisure because it has a function hall to cater special celebration.  The spacious area can also cater any games or charades because of its large space. What I love most about this place is its quietness at night, I can sit at the nearest tree and relax while listening to the gentle splashing of the waves without any blasting sounds and enjoy the rest of the night talking with friends.

When I joined my colleagues last year for an overnight stay at this resort, we had a great time together, sitting at the oval bench under the Talisay tree. We brought foods and rice cooker and personally cooked our meals so it was more relaxing and fulfilling.