Richlond - a few suggestions to your questions:

1. HKG . As long as your return to MNL and TPE are is entirely on one ticket with all the dates and flight numbers on it, then you will not be charged the HK airport tax. However, if you hold two tickets, both of which originate from HK to MNL and TPE respectively, you will have to pay for the HK departure tax as this would automatically have been added to the cost of your tickets.

2. You SHOULD be able to transit through Manila without going through customs/immigration. Just tell the check-in agent at HK that you are 'meeting' someone at the MNL airline lounge for a short meeting. and they won't think you're weird.Besides CX in HKG will issue you with your return boarding pass for MNL as they offer this service out of HK.

3.HK's Regal Airport is outside immigration and customs. The only airports I know which have hotels within the terminals are : Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

4. Melbourne hotels under A$100 is going to be a little tough. But try calling the Metro Hotel and Suites at 18 Bank Place. Phone 61-3-9601-4321 & fax 61-3-9601-4300. It is still 'winterish' in Australia and maybe they can offer a 'spring break' special. You may also try the Hotel Ibis. There is a Hotel Tolarno out in St Kilda. I don't have the phone number but it's a newish 'art-deco' style hotel. Last I enquired, their rate was less than A$99.

Hope your 4x 1world plan goes well. I'll be attempting my 8x 1world plan next month !

[This message has been edited by Celestar340 (edited 10-05-1999).]