Post Hong Kong Trip: Pt 3

Again, I know i've been slow to update. *sigh* Just been too busy at work lately. And that kind of life for me right now is going to continue till...well, who knows till when. My life and time seem forever occupied that i never know now exactly when i will not be.

Anyway, I think i still owe a bit of write-up on my thoughts about my last HK trip. It's now exactly a month since that trip, and here are some of my rather random thoughts and observations of my mere four days of stay in this fragrant harbour city. Also my last entry on HK.

• Depending on your objective, intention, interest and the money you're willing to spend, HK can be a very exciting and fun place to visit. If your intention and interest is to do some (very) serious shopping, as what this cosmopolitan city is known to be famous for, HK has it all. It's one of THE places in the world where you can get everything you can possibly imagine, need and want. Original or fake. And, despite the fact that HK is a high-cost country to live in, it still offers places and things for all types of budget. And still, if you're there just to explore and experience all what HK is all about (like what i did), HK has many attractions, sights and places that will intrigue and enthral your senses, making it hard to leave HK at the end of your trip.


• Many major currencies are of higher value than the HK dollar, but don't be too excited too soon. Unless you're a frugal traveler strong in the mind, thrifty with every single dollar and cents you spend--and your main intention is NOT to shop or to party--it is most likely that your moolah won't stretch that well and far in HK. Of course, if money do grow on trees for you, it's a whole different story altogether. But what i'm trying to say is, if you're not strong in the mind and disciplined enough to control yourself money wise, you're bound to get tempted by the many things you see, touch, smell and taste and go impulsive on your spendings as you meander about the city. Such is what HK could get you into as a visitor - to splurge.


• Just in relation to the previous point, everything in HK is expensive! Just basically everything! I don't need to elaborate further, but just for example, a small (you know, the size you get in the plane?) glass of orange juice cost me HKD40.00?! *coughs* *sneeze* *kentuts* That costs approx. 19 Malaysian Ringgits or five US dollar! Ridiculous or what? But i guess if you're living in HK, you will somehow eventually get used to that kind of pricings and soon you'll think it's all normal to pay for that kind of price.


• Hotel rooms in HK are, generally, small. I think I could understand why. Firstly, like i said, everything in HK is expensive. Land and space in HK are the country's highly-prized commodities. It's like this: the more space you eat up (in this case, horizontally), the more you pay.
  
• One thing i like about Hong Kong is, despite reflecting herself as a bustling, hectic city, the transportation system is so organized and efficient and varied that you don't see real traffic dramas on the roads. I have never, in my four days of stay there, witnessed any line of wheels stuck on a standhill for more than 3 minutes. Nothing like the time-consuming traffic jam in Kuala Lumpur. Wheels seem to flow smoothly in HK. I think because most people also take on the subway (MTR) to get to their destinations.
  
• Peoples of Hong Kong - too short a time to really observe how they are. But all i can say is HK is a melting pot of nationalities: Filipinos, Indians, Nepalese, Africans, etc.

The walk uphill to Lan Kwai Fong/Soho at Hong Kong Island.

Inside the infamous Star Ferry, departing the harbour at Tsim Tsa Tsui and heading to Hong Kong island

The most domineering sights in Hong Kong - tall buildings, etc.

The 'Ladies Market', located at the heart of Mongkok district in Kowloon, truly reminds me of Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur. To get here, take the MTR (train - this is the most convenient) to Mongkok Station on the red line and get off. Exit through D3, do a U-turn and walk a few steps back to Argyle Street. Turn right and right again as you approach Tung Choi Street and you'll come to this market.

A section somewhere in Kowloon.

One of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia, the Hong Kong International Airport in Lantau Island. It's got to be my favorite so far. My second is Changi Airport in Singapore.

Post Hong Kong Trip: Pt 2

It's now exactly two weeks since I made that trip to Hong Kong. And I know i owe a long write-up.

But looking at how currently busy i am at work, I might have to do delay writing about my trip until I am finally able to savor some purely 'me' time, that is, a quiet (and lazy) day on my own without any distraction or commitment. I am most inspired to express my thoughts freely and passionately when I am left totally undisturbed and uninterrupted in my own world. And that is certainly not now.

Nonetheless, here are some pictures from my trip. Hope i'll be able to post up more when i could finally do a proper write-up. Meanwhile, enjoy these few pictures for now.

The renowned skyline of Hong Kong Island as seen from Kowloon.
Me doing the touristy thingy on the 'Avenue of Stars' at Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront in Kowloon.

View of Hong Kong Island skyline from my hotel room.Stayed at one of our sister hotel properties in Kowloon.

This is what i wake up to every morning in HK: A view of the expansive skyline of Hong Kong Island from my hotel room.

Symphony of Lights on the skyline of Hong Kong Island (seen from the Avenue of Stars on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront in Kowloon). A total of 44 buildings on both sides of the Victoria Harbour (Kowloon and HK Island) take part every evening at 8 to display synchronized multimedia lights and laser for about 15 minutes accompanied with music that blasts out from audio system built in at selected viewing points. Altho' not THAT impressive, it is interesting enough just to be able to see how a city like HK could spend so much money and effort to make this a spectacular sight and experience for those visiting HK for the first time. If you're in Kowloon, view it from the Avenue of Stars on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. And if you happen to be staying in HK Island, the best vantage point for seeing the show of lights from the buildings on Kowloon side would be outside the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai. Free of charge. Go there a few minutes before it strikes 8pm to find a good spot or angle (mine definitely was not the best spot) for your photos, otherwise, you'll be drowned in the crowd struggling to capture the moment.

Ticket counter where you purchase tickets for the tour up Victoria Peak or as known locally, The Peak. You can see in the far left corner a real-life size wax figure of Jackie Chan, just a prelude to the more waxes you will see at Madame Tussauds once you reach The Peak. Ticket costs HKD48.00 for adult and it includes the Tram ride as well as access into the sky terraces located at The Peak Tower.

Upclose of a waxed Jackie Chan.

This is what you get on the top deck of the Peak Tower: A stunning panoramic view of HK Island skyline, Kowloon and Victoria Harbour.

The viewing deck, located on the top of The Peak Tower. It's a lovely view from atop here. The air reminds me of spring time in California, just slightly chilly and dry.

Yes, a happy me on the viewing deck.

The Peak Tower. The viewing deck is right at the top.

Times Square of Hong Kong in HK Island. I don't remember which particular area this was, but you can see a mixture of old and new buildings here.

Hong Kong Island is dominated by steep, hilly terrain, which makes it the home of some rather unusual methods of transport up and down the slopes. And one of the attractions or things that you must not miss doing when you're in HK island is to get on the mid-level escalator. I read somewhere that it's the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world. It is 800m long and it leads 135m uphill. When i say it's the longest, it doesn't mean that the escalator is built in one long stretch. The system actually consists of twenty escalators and three moving sidewalks. Excellent bars, restaurants and shops line its route on both sides.

Doing one of the series of mid-level escalators, heading up to Lan Kwai Fong/Soho (HK Island)

Get off the mid-level escalators and get into these narrow streets that lead up to Lan Kwai Fong.

Okay, hear this: Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) is THE hangout place in Hong Kong. It has this international flavor and atmosphere to it that you will always remember about even after you've returned to your home country. If you fancy going for fine dining, and bars and clubs are your cup-of-tea, then you will LOVE LKF. Everything is excellent here, the food, the wines and the likes, the people, oh you will love hanging out at this place. I LOVED IT and i kept returning here everyday during my stay. This place is perfect for after-work drinks, intimate dinners and serious partying. Lan Kwai Fong is the trendiest nightlife area in HK and the crowd is predominantly expatriates from all walks of life. This group of people start crowding LKF mostly after work, and on weekends, you'll see them spill out on the sloping streets mingling and enjoying their beers or wines and just having a great time. There's another neighborhood that's called SOHO, also on HK island. It's the cousin of Lan Kwai Fong, with similar atmosphere and charms but more relaxed yet funky. Excellent dining place where you'll enjoy international fare from the US, Nepal, Mexico, Malaysia, Italy, Portugal, India, Japan, Vietnam, etc. If eating good food in an intimate atmosphere is what you love and don't mind spending a bit more for/on a good thing, this is the place for you!! To get here, you can take on the Central-Mid-Level escalator. Just go to Central in HK Island and find the mid-level escalator, it will lead you to LKF and Soho. Sorry, i'm bad at giving detailed directions. Haha.

Midday at Lan Kwai Fong, not much life but restaurants do get crowded for lunch. Didn't get to take pictures of LKF by night because I was having too much fun i forgot about capturing all the hype in photos. Maybe next time.

Tram running its services around the city. (Hong Kong Island)
Of course, i got on one of them trams to see the city. The fare varies from one stop to another. You can use your Octopus card (cash preloaded card) to pay for your fare.

At one point, close to Causeway Bay, i got kind of lost so ended up where the tram stops last. But HK's transportation system is so efficient that i managed to find my way back to where i started.

More pictures and write-up soon.

Post Hong Kong Trip: Pt 1

Stunning panaromic view of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon from The Peak.

This is going to be a quick one for now but okay, hear this. I HAD A GREATTTTTT TIME IN HONG KONG!!! Hear that? I enjoyed every bit of my time there.

In fact, I had a blast in this city of tall buildings and luxurious lifestyle that when i was there i kept wishing I had applied more days off just so i could explore and experience more. As a first-timer to this city, I have come to realize that, despite of how HK portrays herself as a well-developed, modern, crowded, hectic city, she can actually be (well, depends on how your initial experience upon arrival form your very first impression - mine was great, positive and lasting) quite a lovely and fun place to visit, to be honest. I guess a spark did establish between HK and I after all. Thanks to M and the word endeavor.

Well, I'll write more about my trip in the next few days or so or as soon as i get settled in the familiar again. So much to share!

That said, I don't feel like i'm ready to get back to the old familiar yet. I am still in the mood where I want to discover, explore and feel more and for this, i still want to be in Hong Kong! Seriously.

Unbelievable i'm saying that. I know the tone was different before. But when you travel and then suddenly meet up with someone (in my case, someone whom i already knew from ages ago) who is a great company full of positive vibes, the whole mindset thingy about a place or thing changes and everything else just automatically adjusts on its own and you end up having a great time. That's what happened to me in Hong Kong.
More later. And more pictures too.

I am, as i type this, sitting in front of a computer in the business center of one of our associate hotels in Brunei having an overnight stay because i couldn't get a same-day connecting flight to KK from Hong Kong.

I will try to write and share about my trip soon.

Hong Kong: Things to do/Packing list

• Room reservation- Done
• Air Tickets - Paid
• Passport
• Money (ooh, of course! Change some to BND and HKD)
• Octopus card for MTR - To get from Mr H.
• Camera/Extra battery/battery charger/Cable/SDHC memory card/Lens hood
• Traveling charger for my mobile phone
• Check with Celcom that my mobile phone has international roaming enabled.
• Journal/notebook
• Trekking shoes
• Socks (1)
• Quarter pants (2)
• Facial cleanser/scrub
• Toothpaste/toothbrush
• Face moisturizer
• Sun lotion
• Tank tops (2)
• Blouse (1)
• Cardigan (1)
• Short pants (1)
• Cute flower dress (1)
• Lingerie (Santuts and baju dalams - a-must!)
• Mouthwash
• Make-up (ooohh also a must!)
• Hair clip
• VS Body splash and BBW Body lotion
• Flipflops (Selipar Jipun)
• Pashmina long scarf
• Sunnies

Hope I have not left out anything.

Hong Kong: I'm going ahead with it

Okay, so I finally made up my mind to fly to Hong Kong next week. And despite how much i detest being surrounded by extreme modernization during my travel, I shall (like i said earlier) endeavor (love using this word) to establish a spark with HK and bring back pictures to add to my travel album.

Bought my ticket that cost me RM940 including tax and will be flying via Brunei on Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA). RBA was the cheapest fare option among the airlines that fly to HK and it was the only airline that i could get that flies on 7th. All others were either flying earlier or after and I couldn't afford to be flexible with the dates this time.

So, there.

Tomorrow is a public holiday in Malaysia. It's Laborers' Day. My colleagues and I plan to do a day trip (joyride) to the Tip of Borneo. Will post up pictures when i return.

Have a great weekend all.

Travel reluctance

I am to fly to Hong Kong on the 7th of May, that's nine days from today and guess what? My tickets have not been purchased, it's only been booked. My travel agent is now chasing after me to get it confirmed. I don't know. The idea of HK doesn't seem to draw all the excitement in me. In fact, I feel pretty reluctant to make that trip next week. This is the first time ever for me to feel unsure about making a trip to a particular destination my heart does not seem to be fascinated about. It's all a terrible feeling to be finding myself questioning the 'should i or should i not'. That is what is constantly circling my mind this moment.

And with the latest epidemic (Swine Flu) currently traveling the globe, i'm all the more reluctant to get on a plane this moment because that's where you're most vulnerable to virus infection and transmission.

Why in the first place did i agree to be there. I've got no idea. I was made convinced that I and my expenses once in HK will be taken care of. That was just it. Who wouldn't want to take advantage of that offer.

I have a strong feeling that this is not going to work. A chemistry has not established and HK and I look like a total mismatch. I don't know. My heart just feels that way.

Anyway. I'm also known to be capable of changing my mind at the last minute, which is also terrible. So, we'll see in the next few days before the weekend what have i finally decided on.

Hong Kong

pic courtesy of wikipedia.org

I will be traveling to Hong Kong the first week of May. Staying for four days. Kowloon as my base. Although i'm not one who is fond of traveling into a city with mega buildings and skyscrappers boasting and lining its bay and coasts and occupying almost every inch of land space there is in the country, I shall endeavor to establish a spark with this city and explore the best i can with the limited time i have.

Since i can't seem to read or find anything about Hong Kong that fascinate me, the thought of getting myself lost (literally) somewhere in this city appeals to me right now and sounds something like I would love to do. Exploring into foreign and unfamiliar territoritories and trying out food, attempting conversations with the locals and dealing with their ways of life, all without prior knowledge or research - that's adventure to me. Unlike India, Hong Kong, I imagine, would be an easy city to navigate into. So, i guess heavy duty of research isn't that all necessary.

As of right now, I do not yet know what exactly i want to really see and experience in Hong Kong. I've heard of the Venetian hotel in Macau where you could look out above to ceilings that look like real Venice sky in the summer. Nothing spectacular really, just something to marvel at when you think there isn't any other things to marvel at. The Peak i heard is a must if you want to have a stunning perspective of the city. I'd definitely do this. And Madame Tussauds, the wax museum of real life figures of known personalities and local celebrities, i'd definitely pay a visit. Perhaps, i'll just stop the readings about this fragrant harbour city and do impulse explorations once i get there.

Other source:
Hong Kong - wikitravel

Hong Kong - Lonely Planet