The Manila Times

The enduring magic of Hong Kong

- BY IZA IGLESIAS

Hong Kong consistent­ly ranks as one of the most popular destinatio­ns for Filipinos traveling abroad. Its appeal lies not just in its proximity — a mere two-hour plane ride from the Philippine­s — but also in its diverse array of attraction­s. From shopping to outdoor adventures, sampling local cuisine to vibrant nightlife and thrilling theme parks, there’s something for everyone.

cor those exploring beyond the mhilippine­s for the first time, Hong Kong offers an excellent introducJ tion to different cultures and experience­s. Among the must-not-miss activities when visiting Hong Kong is, of course, Disneyland. It entertains both kids and adults with its thrilling rides, and visiJ tors have the opportunit­y to meet beloved Disney characters like Mickey and friends, the iconic Disney princesses, and more.

While it has gained fame for its classic rides such as “It’s a Small World,” Star Wars’ Hyperspace Mountain, Jungle River Cruise, and Toy Story Land, among other enchanting areas of the magical kingdom, Disneyland continues to offer new attracJ tions and activities to keep people coming back and excited every time.

Battle with Marvel heroes

For Marvel fans, Hong Kong Disneyland recently launched the “Marvel Season of Super Heroes,” where guests can have up-close encounters with their favorite Marvel Super Heroes in Tomorrowla­nd and perhaps even receive some pointers from the top S.H.I.E.L.D. agents.

There’s also an all-new daytime show dubbed “Find Your Super Power: Battle for Stark Expo!” Here, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Star-Lord, Thor, and Captain Marvel, and other heroes engage in combat against Hydra forces as attempt steal the Arc Reactor.

As night falls, witness the Marvel Super Heroes as they take on Hydra’s drones in the skies with the spectacula­r new nighttime drone show, “Find Your Super Power: Battle in the Sky,” showcasing extraorJ dinary aerial maneuvers never seen before.

Ongoing until June 10, these shows guarantee to leave viewers feeling both braver and in awe.

Guests then can head to the Iron Man Experience where they can take flight in the Iron Wing above the skies of Hong Kong. For those seeking more daring adventures, boarding the combat vehicle, the Dagger, and joining Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! is a must.

Of course, what’s an experience like without taking home some heroic merchandis­e? Suit up in brand-new and unique Marvel-themed gear, includJ ing apparel, tote bags, accessorie­s, interactiv­e toys, and more available at Expo Shop and Pavilion Gifts. Here, guests can also take pictures with life-size statJ ues of Iron Man, Captain America, and Ant-Man.

Stay fueled with a series of new Marvel-themed treats all around the resort, including Iron Man Burger Combo at Starliner Diner. Starting mid-May, guests can enjoy brand-new Coca-Cola No Sugar in limited pack designs featuring Marvel Super Heroes with the burger combo or purchase at outdoor vendJ ing cart around the park. Do not miss the Avengers’ Sipper with Super Soda, featuring interchang­eable Iron Man, Captain America, and Spider-Man icons, Quantum Hot Dog, the Hulked-out Super Power Churro, and the new Spider Man Popcorn Bucket, among many other treats.

Fans who are extending their heroic adventures by staying at the resort hotels, take the challenge to try the enhanced Marvel-themed menu featuring the Marvel Heroes Mini Burger Skewers and the mightiest Ragnarok Medley at The Archivist at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel.

Other park offerings

If soaking up all the Marvel-themed excitement in person isn’t enough, visitors can take their Hong Kong Disneyland adventure to the next level by diving into the World of Frozen.

Launched in November 2023, this enchanting wonderland is the first and largest Frozen-themed attraction, immersing guests in a magical ScandiJ navian wonderland.

Don’t miss out on must-try attraction­s like The Frozen Ever After boat ride, Oaken’s family-friendly carnival coaster, and the interactiv­e Playhouse in the Woods for a truly enchanting experience.

Meanwhile, the Disney character Duffy has soared in popularity like never before. Duffy the Disney Bear is Mickey Mouse’s cherished teddy bear, affectiona­tely known as “the bear of happiJ ness and luck.” In celebratio­n of this, Hong Kong Disneyland designated March 15 to June 10 as Duffy and Friends Play Days.

During this event, Duffy and Friends take center stage for their annual fan festival, featuring “The Joy of Sharing” Show in front of the Castle of Magical Dreams. The venue transforms into a vibrant lawn, creating the perfect setting for an adorable picnic. Duffy, ShellieMay, Gelatoni, StellaLou, CookieAnn, ‘Olu Mel, and LinaBell don their new spring outfits as they share delightful candies and even sweeter moJ ments, accompanie­d by a charming musical score.

Visitors can then immerse themselves in the even-sweeter “Duffy and Friends Play House” experience, where they can indulge in fantasy and engage in interactiv­e games while enjoying new thematic decoration­s.

On the other hand, for those who enjoy interJ national cuisines, Explorer’s Club Restaurant at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort introduces upgraded “Explorer’s Semi-Buffet” featuring a selection of internatio­nal cuisines savored by beloved Disney Character, Lord Henry Mystic.

From appetizers, salads, main courses to desJ serts, every dish reflects cultural influences across the globe, including Russian eggplant Caviar, Egyptian salad, Moroccan Lemon Cake, and more. Guests can also embark on a flavorful discovery in the restaurant’s five themed rooms, all while delving into the stories of Lord Henry Mystic behind the brand-new menu.

Discoverin­g all these wonders of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is made simpler with Klook. With the app, travelers can choose from a variety of package options, enjoy premier access, and snag discounted meal vouchers.

‘Under Parallel Skies’ day tour

Apart from the Hong Kong Disneyland and other attraction­s and experience­s Klook offers to their users, the go-to app for travel and leisure has also unveiled the new “Under Parallel Skies” day tour.

“Under Parallel Skies” is a culturally diverse romantic drama film starring Philippine­s’ very own Janella Salvador and Thailand’s Win Metawin directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo.

In the film, Thai Bachelor Parin (Metawin) heads to Hong Kong to find his missing mother. There he meets a Filipino hotel employee, Iris (Salvador), and together they find romance, joy, heartbreak, and healing as their story unfolds against a mix of well-loved, and lesser-known but nonetheles­s aweinspiri­ng destinatio­ns in Hong Kong.

“The idea is to work with the government, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, to be able to develop tours featuring the filming locations and other off the beat experience­s here in Hong Kong. So we’re going a step further, going beyond what people normally do here in Hong Kong,” said Michelle Ho, general manager of Klook Philippine­s and Thailand.

Here’s what can be expected in the tour inspired by Iris and Parin’s story:

Lantau Island day tour. The adventure starts with a cable car ride that connects Tung Chung and Ngong Ping on Lantau Island which is the gateway to culturally-rich Hong Kong attraction­s such as Ngong Ping Village, Po Lin Monastery, and Big Buddha.

Take the thrill up a notch by boarding the cable cars that feature 360-degree views of the South China Sea, the mountainou­s terrains of Lantau Island, and the Ngong Ping Plateau.

Inspired by the touching events in the movie, this tour also explores the quaint Tai O Village, a peaceJ ful floating village, which will then be followed by an exciting session of dolphin-watching.

City-guided tour. This tour begins with a stroll through the streets of Little Thailand, a beautiful community painted in Thai culture, cuisine, and remembranc­es. Next stop is the Tin Hau Temple, located in the bustling Yau Ma Tei and a Declared Monument where fishermen flock to worship the Goddess of the Sea. Moving to the Bird Market is like being greeted by a colorful parade of exotic feathers, bound to catch your eye.

A celebratio­n of some of Hong Kong’s most celebrated names, the Avenue of Stars is next on the tour. This avenue has some of the best views of the breathtaki­ng Victoria Harbour. What’s excitJ ing about this tour is the voyage on the Star Ferry which crosses the stunning Victoria Harbour with views of the city’s majestic skyscraper­s. Concluding this tour is the unassuming­ly symbolic Causeway Bay Sogo Crossing where the many roads of Hong Kong quickly intersect and transition, all amidst the bustling culture of Hong Kong.

After a full day of touring, come home to the perJ fect accommodat­ion for rest and relaxation. Discover a scenic mix of luxury and lush landscapes that reJ side in the nature-surrounded community of SheraJ ton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel. Fully equipped with the best amenities and nearby to many eateries and the MTR, it’s a well-rounded hotel to follow up that perfect tour.

Indeed, whether it’s exploring new cultures, embarking on daring escapades, or simply savoring the flavors of internatio­nal cuisines, there are endless possibilit­ies when booking with Klook.

 ?? ?? Immerse in the beautiful scenery of Victoria Harbor at Avenue of Stars just like ‘Under Parallel Skies’ stars Janella Salvador and Win Metawin.
Immerse in the beautiful scenery of Victoria Harbor at Avenue of Stars just like ‘Under Parallel Skies’ stars Janella Salvador and Win Metawin.
 ?? ?? The Marvel Superhero combo featuring the limited CocaCola No sugar limited pack designs.
The Marvel Superhero combo featuring the limited CocaCola No sugar limited pack designs.
 ?? ?? Marvel-themed menu at The Archivist at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel.
Marvel-themed menu at The Archivist at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel.
 ?? ?? Hong Kong Disneyland’s all-new daytime show ‘Find Your Super Power: Battle for Stark Expo!’
Hong Kong Disneyland’s all-new daytime show ‘Find Your Super Power: Battle for Stark Expo!’
 ?? ?? Lantau Island Day Trip includes a boat trip at Tai O village.
Lantau Island Day Trip includes a boat trip at Tai O village.
 ?? ?? Marvel superheroe­s rally in Tomorrowla­nd for the nighttime drone show.
Marvel superheroe­s rally in Tomorrowla­nd for the nighttime drone show.
 ?? ?? Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Philippines