Alexis Dreamer | Travel & Lifestyle: May 2013

Hi ! *Wave* to the internet world!

If you've read my previous 1st post I said that I was going to Hong Kong for a week! So now I'm back and I had so much fun there. It was awesome! I love Hong Kong.

Let's get started!

I was sick 2 days before leaving for Hong Kong, that pretty much made me worried that i couldn't make it for the trip but by the grace of God. I was feeling better after medication and so I arrived at Hong Kong around 10am in the morning. I had MacDonald's for breakfast at the airport. Yada yada. (I shan't list down the things i ate) So, mum and I got our bus tickets to our Inn right in the middle of a bustling town Mong Kok in Kowloon area. The bus tickets can be purchased right outside the bus terminal and it cost 33$ HKD for 1 trip. The journey was comfortable and OMG! Their buses had WiFi. I'm sorry I live in a small town in Sabah so buses with WiFi is rare! Scratch that, It's impossible to find. Anyway, the view was incredible especially the journey across the massive bridges connecting one island to the other. Because Hong Kong is made up of several islands if I'm not mistaken. Yeah, we got to Mong Kok basically it's the scene you see in movies. Huge crowd of people rushing across the streets and massive high rise buildings decked with sign boards everywhere. What a sight!

After settling our accommodation we explored the streets. We ate in the local small restaurants and may I say this. Their food is absolutely delicious (Mouthgasm) The portion they serve is by far the largest I've seen so If you have a small appetite I suggest you share with someone. We made our way to Victoria peak. Accessible by taking the peak tram from the Lower Peak Tram Terminus on Garden road, Central. It's a nice place, with cafes and gelato bars. On top of the sky deck is the beautiful sight of Hong Kong and the sky scrappers. If you're lucky the sky will be clear and view would be stunning.

By night, the streets are lit up with colorful neon lights. Mum and I walked to the Ladies Market which wasn't very far from where we stayed. The ladies market (Lui Yan Gai) is basically a long stretch of stalls that sell basically everything you want. There's imitations of every single Branded goods there. From Marc Jacobs, Coach to Gucci etc. They have shoes, clothes, bags, gadgets etc. A little note to those who wanna check that place out. The prices that they charge are ridiculously high so don't be fooled. Get out there and haggle a price that is reasonable. If they say no just walk off and try some other stalls. I assure you they would run after you and ask for a final price. It may be intimidating at first but at the end of the day you get what you want at a reasonable price. Happy days! The stalls and shops around Mong Kok opens till late at night and streets are usually filled with people! The atmosphere is great and the street food is to die for.

The next day we took a ferry to Macau from the Hong Kong Macau ferry terminal. The ticket costs about 160 HKD one way for the (Cotaijet ferry) Links below for those interested. The ferry is very comfortable and massive. Try travelling when the weather is good because it was raining heavily when we left and the ferry was rocking from side to side. Those who get sea sick easily should think twice before stepping into the ferry when there's strong wind and rain. Anyway, the trip took about 45 minutes. (Note: Bring along your passport when travelling to Macau) After customs we got into a free shuttle bus that took us directly to the main lobby of The Venetian Hotel. It's as if you've stepped into Venice quite literally. The architecture and paintings in the building are spectacular. I was prepared to enter the casino when I found out that only those who are above 21 can enter. WHAT A BUMMER! Another 2 more years to 21!

They had luxury brands and restaurant/ cafes around as well as the canal with gondolas that you could sit on and be serenade to.

Downside of the trip was that it was raining so we couldn't catch the outdoor performance and moving around wasn't easy. However, mum and I brought rain coats so we walked across to the Hard rock hotel. It was amazing, the interior architecture was incredible and modern. I noticed that the place smelled good too! They had floor to ceiling mirrors and crystal chandeliers. The walls were decorated with art works. There was the hard rock cafe as well as merchandise shops.

Finally the rain stopped and we hopped into a cab to Senado Square which was where the ruins of St Paul was. There was some traffic jam so the trip cost about 75HKD. As usual the place was crowded. By this time you'd get used to the crowd everywhere. As you make your way towards St Paul you would have to go through streets surrounded by buildings that had Portuguese influence. There's an alley with rows and rows of food shops that you can visit and sample their products as well as buy some locally made delicacies. The ground is paved with cobbled stone and gives a rustic old feel to the whole atmosphere. Slowly making your way up the street and you will be greeted by the sight of St Paul cathedral.

The weather was perfect after the rain, a blessing in disguise. The day sang itself to evening and we had to take a cab back to the ferry terminal back to Hong Kong. A suggestion would be to stay a few days in Macau because there's just too many things to do and see that can;t be done in a day. For example, the Macau tower, City of dreams, Macau Fisherman's Wharf etc.

(Plan your trip before getting there to ensure that you use up your time wisely)

Besides that, mum and I visited Ma Wan Park. The park is easily accessed by taking a bus from central Hong Kong station or a ferry from Exit E1 central pier 2. There're many attractions at the park especially the "Life size" version of the Noah's ark. It's a park that focuses on the environment and educates people about the nature and energy usage. It offers picturesque view of the massive Hong Kong bridge as well as the opposite islands and blue sea. A great place to take a walk through their several gardens and art pieces.

We made our way to Tsim Sha Tsui pier at around 5pm to make sure we get a good view for the symphony of lights a nightly multimedia show that involves more than 40 buildings around the pier. Best spot to view the show is between the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront and Hong Kong cultural center. Don't expect much out of the show, it's basically just laser beams shooting out of the buildings, however it is still a picturesque scene where the major high rise buildings lit up and the lights are reflected off from the sea water below.

For those who love shopping and want to get luxury brand items at a much cheaper price should check out the Tung Chung outlet store. It's easy to get to, just hop onto the MTR and it'll take you directly to the place. Just make sure you get on the correct line.

The last 2 days in Hong Kong we went for some sight seeing. We took bus no. 6 from the Exchange Square bus terminus at the International Finance Centre (IFC) mall to a place called Stanley Bay. By the name you would probably know it has something to do with the beach/ sea/ sand. That's exactly what it is! The bus ride take about 55 minutes but you'd be entertained by the spectacular view of the ocean and cliffs. Stanley bay is a beautiful bay with cafes around where you can enjoy the sea breeze and a cup of ice drinks or beers. The place is bustling with activities. It is also known as the playground for the water sports enthusiast.

Note: Purchase your Octopus card from any MTR station so that it is easy for you to travel around. The card is used on buses as well and it cost 150HKD. To top up just go to any nearby Seven Eleven stores.

MTR stations is the easiest way to travel as they have many stations across the city. The routes are very straight forward!