Hong Kong 2015| Ngong Ping 360

 

Day 3, Jan. 12, 2015, Ngong Ping 360, Lantau Island
From TST MTR Station, embark at Lai King, transfer train going to Tung Chung, embark in Tung Chung

gloomy weather

It's cable car journey again!  This time, a more nerve wrecking ride since we will cross the ocean and mountains at high altitude.  We were both first timers here so I'm excited as well as a little bit nervous.

Ngong Ping 360 is one of the famous attractions in HK located in Lantau Island.  This is home to the Po Lin Monastery and Tian Tian Buddha (biggest Buddha in HK). 

 

cable cars

But on the day of this trip, heaven is so not on our side.  It's raining cats and dogs which keeps the temperature low.  This is the coldest weather that I have experienced in HK.

 

It took us around 45 mins. to reach Tung Chung from TST, passing by Sunny Bay (where Disneyland is). In this station, lies City Gate Outlets where you can shop for discounted items.  I love it here since there are Cath Kidston and Coach outlet stores.

 

 

It is very near the airport already.  I have noticed that most of the passengers in MTR that time are carrying baggage.  I later found out that it's a half way option before going to the airport since you can shop first in the outlet stores.  There's a bus here that goes directly to the airport.

 

feeling cold already

the bus going to the airport

the outlets from the cable car station

We walked for a few meters, passed by the post office before reaching the cable car station. 

 

Hong Kong 2015| Peak Tram and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

I've been in HK for a few times and it's only this time that I was able to visit one of the oldest famous tourist spots.  HK is really a place of interests.  I always lack time when visiting this vibrant and busy place.


with my favorite fashionista - Audrey Hepburn

Thus, even if we already dead tired from Ocean Park visit, I persisted in going here before getting back to our guest house.  I bought the discounted tickets from our landlady which includes the Peak Tram ride.

From OP, Admiralty MTR station, embark at Central Station.  Then, it's a very looooong walk.  It's like hiking actually.

I don't know what's with that day but it seems that all roads lead to the Victoria's Peak.  The queue is really long.  It's not so good for already beaten people like us. 

The Peak Tram is the oldest mode of transportation here in HK. This is the only transportation in going up Victoria Peak to reach the wax museum.

There is a gallery at the entrance of the station.  So while walking in the line, you will have a brief education of its history.  Apparently, this tram has started operating in 1888.  During WWII, it became a shelter for Japanese soldiers.

 



enormous machine parts

old tools

Finally, it's our turn for the Peak Tram.  You'll be tilted by almost 27 degrees slope in going up to the peak.  It's another experience for us so we have enjoyed this ride.

look at the huge crowd awaiting for the tram

Hong Kong 2015 Itinerary



the very entertaining dolphins



HK is a place you can't get tired of.  It's a small country but offers a lot of activities and sight seeing plus shopping of course!  Shopping alone can keep your days occupied.  Yes! I don't get tired of it.

Almost a year before our departure date, I scored affordable plane tickets going to Macau and exiting Hong Kong.  Why this route again?  Well, hubby has not yet seen both places so when I saw the promo, it's a sign for me to take him though he doesn't want, too (pero excited naman).

Mla to Macau = Php 4,136.00 total (couple)

Hong Kong to Mla = Php 5,000 total (couple)
Additional Baggage = Php 1,400 (yep, I had underestimated the power of retail therapy)

There is a fuel surcharge at that time so the tickets still cost a bit higher compared to promo fares nowadays.  If you think you will need extra baggage, just arrange this online as it is cheaper compared to paying the additional baggage fees during check-in at the airport.

We rode a ferry from Macau to Hong Kong.  The ticketing area is now improved. All ticketing offices are now in one area unlike before.  Getting tickets and checking-in is a breeze. 

 Ferry Fare = HKD 160 each = Php 880.00 each

We arrived in HK by night time.  I had an advanced booking in HK Tai San Guest House in Burlington Arcade.  This place is strategically located in TST.  Aside from its location and affordable price, what I like here is that the land lady (Ate Yolly) is a Filipina and Pampangueno.  She's been here for almost 20 years already so she knows the ins and outs of HK very well.  Since we're both Kapampangans, we had small chit chats about our lives.



I highly recommend this guest house for the following reasons:

1. Room with hot and cold shower, with towels and toiletries

2. Every room is equipped with a desk top computer with free Wi-Fi connection

3. You can cook meals - usage of stove and rice cooker is free (including rice)

4. You can use the washing machine for free

5. You can get discounted tickets for the theme parks

6. You can exchange your dollars of peso at high exchange rates

7. Ate Yolly is very helpful in teaching anyone on how to go to the tourist spots - the most convenient and cheaper routes

8. Most importantly, the guest house is so clean and well maintained.  All the guests are required to take off their shoes at the lobby and should wear the provided slippers while inside.

the view from our window - TST park

our allowance for this trip in HKD

the discounted tickets

Room Accomodation (3 days) = HKD 1,650.00 = Php 9,900.00 (couple)

MTWM + Peak Tram + Sky Terrace = HKD 260.00 = Php 1,430.00 (each)

Ocean Park = HKD 300.00 = Php 1,650.00

Ngong Ping 360 = HKD 220.00 = Php 1,210.00

Macau Again| Coloane Village

This is the highlight of my second visit here in Macau.  I'm always fascinated with preserved culture and places.  I think every country should preserve their culture and historical places.  This is a way of reminding its people on how they were used to be and how they have become.

the tiny chapel of St. Francis Xavier 

looks like Galaxy hotel but this is part of mainland China

As opposed to the vibrant Taipa district in which Macau is most known for - the Las Vegas of the Orient, this tiny village is a living testament of Macau's dual Portuguese and Cantonese heritage.  It's a tiny village with so few locals.  Urban development is so slow that life is still laid back and the air still fresh.

the first sight in this tiny village.. a tiny park

the market

 

the laid back and retirement life



I just want to sit here all day

It used to be a fishing village and port of trade with the neighboring islands of the coast of Guangdong province.  Now, the port is not as busy as it used to but the sea is still clean and fishing is still part of this village.

Macau Again| Belon Restaurant

Belon is Banyan Tree Macau's signature restaurant.  From its website:  it offers a la carte,  degustation and dedicated dessert menus (in which J is in charge).  It also specializes in USDA Prime New York Loin and seafood. 

We went here to pick-up J and see where she works.  It was already closed so we have the luxury of time to check it out but was not able to dine (I don't think I can afford to dine hehehe).  She has prepared a dessert plate for us though.

specially prepared for us by our dearest Chef J

From the façade, you can already see how sophisticated it is.

Macau Again| Red Market District

Since I have featured some parts of Macau already, this time, I would like to feature the most recommended place to visit in any travel - the market.   

Chinese BBQ style

 

If you are reading travel articles and blogs, the market is always recommended if you want to blend with the locals and have the most delectable and freshest meals.  You can only find the freshest produce in the market.

fruits galore

I love cherries and they are affordable here

SG Day 4: River Cruise

another river cruise boat

This tour is almost free with our combined tour package tickets.  Thus, even if we are dead tired already, we pursue it since it's the last day for some of our companions.

After the tour in Gardens by the Bay, we rode again the MTR and we embarked at Clarke Quay Station.  We walked for quite long and even made a mistake on the location of the dock.  But we kept on and finally found it.  After presenting the tickets, we boarded the old designed boat together with some tourists.  The boat can accommodate approximately 50 passengers.

SG Day 4: Gardens by the Bay

Day 4, August 28, 2014

It took me quite some time to construct this post.  It's so difficult to put all the amazing engineering works inside this gigantic garden in one article alone.  I'm so lost for words and thoughts on how to describe how marvelous it is.  I'm afraid that I may not be able to give it justice.  So pardon me if this is a long article with lots and lots of photos.  Thus, I sought help from Wikipedia for the technical part.

the magnificent super tree groves

At last, on our last "gala" day, Bes J was able to join us.  The cast is now complete.  It's a riot this time!

We rode bus 80A and embarked in Bugis station for some souvenir shopping. So, being Filipinos, it's natural for us to buy "pasalubongs" for friends and families back home.  Bloggers are right in saying that it's the place for "souvenir shopping" as the prices are really inexpensive; i.e., 5 ref. magnets for S$10.00; 10 key chains for S$10.00. There are lot of items to choose from. You can even haggle for a bargain price.

From Bugis Station, we embarked at Bay Front station. The MRT system here is so efficient and organized.  If we could only have this kind of transportation "sigh".

the very systematic MRT route

a very clean and organized subway

very spacious and clean train



a seat intended only for the elderly, PWD and pregnant women

From there, we walked for a few steps with Marina Bay Sands as our background.  I realized that this is the best spot to have a closer look of this hotel.  We would have wanted to check its interiors but we don't have enough time for our scheduled activities on this day. Actually, anywhere inside, you will always have a view of this gigantic hotel plus the Sky Flyer and super tree groves.

After the photo ops, instead of walking around, we boarded the shuttle going to the main office. You will just have to pay $2 for this shuttle in going to the information center where you can avail of the audio tour for $8. Mga tamad kaming maglakad kaya dapat magbayad ng nakasakay.

A little trivia: constructing this garden is a part of the effort of the SG government in making SG "a City in a Garden' project.  Also in an effort to raise the quality of life of Singaporeans, they are enhancing the greenery and flora in the city.  Its overall concept was derived from the orchid flower.

a sculpture depicting the earth

the vehicle for the audio tour