Hong Kong Macao Travelogue March 2016 -TRAVEL TIPS plus Day 1


I am just back from my short and sweet 5 days 4 nights Hong Kong trip with my parents a couple of weeks ago. This is the first time I am travelling solo with my parents and without the kiddos. Hubby has kindly offered to take care of the kiddos while I get my "leave" from my full time "job". 

Planning the trip without the kids means I can leave out the amusement park (Ocean Park, Disneyland), nap time arrangement, and we can basically eat anything we wanted (spicy etc). 

Prior to the trip, I have lots of useful trip from my cousin who is residing in Hong Kong. Sharing some of his great ideas.

1. Transport from the airport. If you stay somewhere in Mongkok area, it is probably a good idea to take public bus rather than airport express. First of all, you get great savings (Bus HKD$33 versus airport express which cost around HKD$90-100 depending on where you are going). Second, you get drop off directly on Nathan Road whereby you can walk to your hotel (of course again this depends on the location of your hotel but lots of hotel is around that area) whereas which the MTR, you have to transfer station. And lastly, you get a great view on the bus which passing Lantau Island. Plus did I mention that the bus has free WIFI! Yes, you get to surf and get connected, inform your loved ones that you have landed safely and on your way to hotel for FREE!

2. For SIM Card, he bought this (Vave Sim Card) for me and it is so much cheaper than the tourist one with better data plan. You get 7GB of 4G data and after that unlimited 3G data. (The tourist one has a cap of 1.5GB data) and the price he got it from local store is cheaper than what is seen online. You can get them at the phone shop near the Exit C2 of Sham Shui Po MTR Station. Activation is super easy, just put them in your phone and use the data (Surf net etc) and you get activation immediately. No fuss!

3. For ladies who likes to walk around Ladies Street, there is this street which sells more or less the same stuff but at a cheaper price. Also, all the item has a price tag on it so there is no need to bargain or ask how much is it compared to Ladies Street. 

How to go: MTR Mongkok station. Exit B3, walk up the escalator to the overhead bridge. Exit to Fa Yuen Street. You can see the streets while walking on the overhead bridge. 

4. Lastly, my cousin highly recommend Cheng Chao Island to us and we had great fun during our half day trip there. More details in my travelogue. 

So the day has come and everyone is excited for the trip. It is my mum and dad's maiden trip to Hong Kong and for me, it is my 3rd time visiting Hong Kong but my last trip is more than 5 years ago so lots of things are pretty new to me as well. 

Day 1

Mummy at Cactus Garden
Mum and dad couple shot
Our flight departs at 9.30am Singapore time and we had reached the airport earlier. After checking in, we walk around the duty free shops before settling down for our breakfast. I had curry chicken noodle, mum had some toasts while dad had mee siam. After that, we explored the cactus garden which I had always wanted to see but always no time at the airport. 

Flight boarded on time and we are on our way. 

We are off to Hong Kong. 
Flight time is 3.5 hours (30 minutes shorter than what is printed on our air ticket). We reached at about 1.30pm local time (no time difference with Singapore).

Do note that now Hong Kong no longer stamp in the visitor passport, rather the visitor is given a piece of paper that state the name, passport number and the validity of stay so do not be alarmed if there is no stamp on your passport. (http://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/useful_information/non-stamping-immigration-clearance.html)

We cleared custom in no time but the luggage took forever to come and at last , we collected all our stuff and we are famished. There are a couple of restaurants at arrival of Terminal 2 and we got our lunch fixed at Crystal Jade. The  menu slightly differ from what we have in Singapore but I must say the quality of the food is comparable. 

While waiting for the food, I got us the Octopus Card from the customer service area at the Airport Train Express Area. It is HKD$150 for the Octopus Card with a HKD$100 credit inside. Do note that you will only get HKD$41 back from your deposit if you return the card within 3 months of purchase.

After lunch, we walk to the airport ground transportation bus station to take our bus A21. (Just ask around for the bus station and someone will point it out for you). The bus takes us directly to our hotel and we get to see nice scenery on the way. The bus also have a screen which indicates the next stop so that as a visitor, we don't missed the stop which is a great feature. Plus the free wifi, i would say it is almost perfect :)

I found this website which details most hotel which is on this bus route with some other useful ideas. Check it out : http://www.hongkong.net/transportation/to-from-airport/bus/a21

The bus journey took about 45 minutes or so and we checked in to our hotel at 4 plus that evening. We stayed in Casa Hotel during our trip and the location is superb. Rooms are small (normal according to HK standard) but it was ok. We got a room which face the busy Nathan Street and it is bustling for the whole day even at night. Location of hotel is great, facing the Nathan Street and if u take the MTR it is just 2 mins walk from Exit C. Lots of food downstairs and Temple Street is just 2 streets behind us. I had no complains with the hotel. They even offer us thick duvet as the weather is pretty chilly when we are there. 

After showering and freshen up, we walk the busy streets to Fa Yuen Street as highly recommended by my cousin. 

Busy Streets of Mongkok area

Happy and cold mummy...
Along the way, there are lots of people, lots of shop. Totally like what we see in HK TV Drama...


Walk over an overhead bridge and when you see lots of stalls on this Fa Yuen Street, you know that you have reached. Lots of little shops for you to shop till you drop. 

After exploring Fa Yuen Street, just walk over to the adjacent road and you will reach Goldfish Street which lots of little cute animal and lots of fish shop. 
Pretty fishes


Coral
We are meeting cousin for dinner so while waiting and roaming the streets, we sat down for some quick snack. You can't say you have come to HK after you try the curry fish ball, so I bought that and a sausage and we sit down to chill.

Happy duo with their food.

We also walk pass Ladies Street and there is really no price tag for the items plus lots of counterfeit items. Not much people was shopping while we are there. Maybe not late enough yet...

The ladies with the ladies street. 
Our leg finally gave up and it is time for some rest. Tried to find a place to chill but most shops have limited seating area and I can't seem to locate any fast food joint. Finally saw Starbucks and since there is not a lot of people in the shop, we sat down, ordered coffee and rest our legs while waiting for cousin to finish work. 

Coffee time
We met up with cousin at 8pm as per agreed previously and he brought us through the back lane from Mongkok Station to Olympian City. He already made dinner reservations at Modern China Restaurant. Apparently this place is rather popular and you need to make reservation 1-2 weeks beforehand, otherwise be prepared to be in the long Q waiting for seats. He also make reservation for a special dish of Eight Treasures Duck.



Eight treasures duck braised until soft with lots of things inside
Besides the duck, we had a fish, special fried rice and egg white with crab meat and scallop. It was a good meal with great conversations and bonding time.


After the meal, everyone is really full and we even have to takeaway some food that we can't finish. We went for a walk to enjoy Hong Kong nightlife and to burn away the calories from the meal. We somehow manage to walk back to Nathan Street from the Olympian City and took a bus to the ferry terminal. The night view is really pretty plus it was foggy so it is dreamy feel. 


Mum is really freezing as the wind is rather strong... plus the weather is very chilly. 

Happy dad taking photos


From the pier, we stroll to Tsim Tsa Shui area and lots of pretty flowers along the way and mum could never resist pretty flowers :) 

Cousin show us the China Ferry Terminal that would take us to Macao tomorrow. By then, we are pretty exhausted so we took a bus back to the hotel and rest for the night.

Day 2- Macao Day Trip: http://blessedlittletravelers.blogspot.sg/2016/03/hong-kong-macao-travelogue-march-2016.html

Comments

Post a Comment

You may also like:

Kidzoona indoor playground at Jusco Bukit Indah, Johor, Malaysia.

Image
We recently brought the kids to Kizoona at Jusco Bukit Indah. I find it very worth it in terms of the price and the facilities are also pretty good.  The place is not big but there is enough things for the kids to spend a few hours there... Includes bouncing castle, some individual shops (flower shop, cafe, supermarket for kids to play around), a big pool of ball, some cars, and a huge rolling ball-like thing where kids can go in and rotate. Fully air conditioned and there is only one entrance to go in and out. Parents can stay inside to accompany your kids at no additional charge. Just remember to bring your own socks otherwise have to purchase before going in. Toilet is not in the playground so there only cons is have to bring the kids out to toilet. Tickets are for a whole day so unlimited entry throughout the day.  Kids can play, go our for lunch and then come back and play again.  If there is two of you looking after the kids , can take t...
Read more

Great for family/ friends bonding- KUKUP 2 day 1 night TRIP

Image
Situated in Pontian District, Johor, Malaysia- KUKUP Fishing Village is a wonderful place for family/friends bonding.  The chalets are build on the sea and there is not much attractions around the area so basically most activities are done in or around the chalet which is great for bonding. There is no place to park the car in front of the chalet as all of the chalets are build on water, so do park your car (if you are driving) at the designated car park before the jetty. We parked at JJ Carpark (RM7 for 24 hours) and the staff send us to the jetty area using his van. We can then walk or take a boat to the chalet.  We decided to walk....and we manage to enjoyed a cooling and refreshing coconut pudding on the way... Refreshing coconut pudding Very nice and refreshing thought is a bit pricey RM9 There is also some stalls selling dried seafood- anchovies, etc. Bicycles are available for rental ... The chalet we stayed in... There...
Read more

Travel tips to Perth in Winter

Image
My first travel post will be sharing our family winter trip in Perth.  HOW LONG TO GO: Our trip is 2 weeks long as part of it is hubby's business trip, a trip of 5-7 days will be sufficient. For those planning for a trip this June School Holiday , Perth is actually quite a nice place to go. In contrary to normal believe that weather is bad in Australia in winter, we actually find it quite cooling and not too windy or rainy as long as you avoid Busselton and Margaret River area. Focus your trip to Perth up to Rockingham and anywhere to the north of Perth will have cooling and sunny weather most of the time. Check out the Perth weather forecast   here. It ranges between 8 to 18 degree Celsius throughout and it is quite cooling and nice! FLIGHTS For direct flight from Singapore, one can choose between Singapore Airline, Emirates, Qantas, Scoot and Jetstar. We took Singapore Airline as it is hubby's business trip. For those who wants to travel in comfor...
Read more

Rest 'N' Relax @ Desaru Tunamaya Resort & Spa (3 days 2 nights)

Image
This year for the year end school holiday, after much consideration and pretty last minute, we decided to go for a rest and relax trip at Desaru. We got some credits in our Agoda account so after using up the credits, we pay about RM 100 per night for Desaru Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort (as the Lotus Desaru and Pulai Desire are both fully booked) http://www.desarutunamayaresort.com Packing is only done the night before the trip after we finalise and booked.  The essentials for beach holiday ---  * Swimsuits * Sunblock  * Slippers * Toys for playing sand * Casual T-shirt and Shorts We also brought along the kids scooter which they had fun playing :) After lunch at Mount Austin, we drove to Desaru and reach about 2pm. Lunch at Japanese Ramen Restaurant! We have reached and greeted warmly by the staff. Check in was smooth and there is much less crowd here compared to Lotus Desaru. Lobby area Indoor play area just be...
Read more

Taiwan Travelogue September 2015 (Day 2)

Image
Sun rise pretty early and it was already bright when I woke up at 6 plus in the morning. Obviously I slept back as it was just too early to wake up. Jaclyn woke up at about 7 plus and came by to give me a hug, she said she had a good sleep and I am glad. Justin still snoozing away and Jaclyn played on her own quietly. She was hungry already but it is not breakfast time yet so she had some biscuit and strawberry yogurt drink that we bought a day earlier.  Breakfast was served sharp at 8.30am as requested. It is placed in a cupboard at the entrance and when the light is switch on, we went down and collect our breakfast.  Lights up means breakfast is served! Time to fill the empty stomach!!! Breakfast for the day! This is my favourite in the set- spring onion pancake After breakfast, we showered and went out about 10am. Its time to "Buzz Off", I am all set to go! Why so gloomy Jaclyn.... Note:  We planned to go farm and a walking trai...
Read more

Tulipmania 2015...Fairy tales unfold at Garden by The Bay, Singapore

Image
The last time we visited Flower Dome @ Garden by The Bay is about 2 years plus ago, when I am still pregnant with Justin... Time flies, boy boy is now 28 months old, big boy already. From now till 10 May 2015, Garden by The Bay will be displaying tulips with fairy tales theme.  Fairy tales unfold at Tulipmania Entrance tickets can be purchased on-site or you could skip the Q by purchasing the tickets  online . This time round, we only purchase the tickets for Flower Dome as we had visited the Cloud Forest before. After payment is made, an email with barcode will be send to ur email and we just need to present the email at the entrance and upon scanning the bar code, we enter the Flower Dome, very fuss-free and no need for ticket collection :) Some video and photo display before entering the main Flower Dome display area There is a booth just at the entrance to the Flower Dome which gives out free paper crown for all the princess and prince out there. ...
Read more

Winter in PERTH once again- June 2015- Midnight flight and DAY 1 (where lots of things went wrong)

Image
This year, we re-visited Perth as the kids plus the parents were reminiscing their time in Perth through all the photos taken last year. The kids wanted to feed the kangaroo, see koala bears, see bear and feed some goats! Mummy and daddy missed the tiramisu from Ciao Italia as well!!!! And so hubby and me kept a lookout for cheap flights to Perth..  We waited and waited and finally Jetstar is having  ONE-FOR-ONE  promotion! It is a really great deal and we manage to book the deal during June School Holidays!!! Got the deal at $250 per person including tax, luggage allowances (25kg to and 50kg fro) and 3 sets of meals on our way back! Timing is a little odd though but I guess it makes up with the cheap flights. We will be reaching Perth close to midnight and coming back early morning so will be kinda wasting 2 nights of hotel stay in Perth but after working out the additional hotel charges, it is still cheaper than the other flights so we decided to go with this! ...
Read more

Winter in MELBOURNE 2016-Day 1

Image
After 7 hours, we arrived..... We survived the flight There is an express lane for family with kids so we cleared custom in no time... this is one of the benefit of bringing young children and many countries do provide a special lane for kids which is good.... Loving our new toy! Let me help with the suitcase After collecting our checked in luggage bag, we queue up for Optus Sim Card for about 30 mins.. It is a very popular prepaid telco company as they provide the best deal. $2 for 500MB each day with unlimited call/text to local number. Optus $2 for 500MB per day : https://smb.optus.com.au/opfiles/Shop/All/cis/Cis%20Documents/1391513_CIS_Optus_Two_Dollar_Day_4G.pdf After that, we called Apec Car Rental company and a van came by to bring us to their office. Lots of tourist renting with them and a couple of Apec van came around at the same time. We settle the paperwork and we got our car at 10am local time (There is 2 hours time difference with Singapore). Playin...
Read more

Winter in Perth 2014 (Day 13 and 14-FINAL)

Image
Day 13 Today we will be driving 50 mins to the south of Perth to Rockingham. This is where we will be going on a  Dolphin Sighting Tour (Three Islands Wildlife Cruise).   Our initial plan is to go to Penguin Island but alas, it is closed from early June after the Western Australia Public Holiday to 14th September for the winter mating season. So we have to settle for the Three Island Wildlife Cruise which we gets to see dolphins, seals and some birds. More information on Penguin Island Tour; Visitor Info- Opening Times, Directions and Cruise Prices Three Islands Wildlife Cruise (Available 3rd June to 14 September) We reached at about 11.30am, so we booked for the 12.15pm cruise. Grab a quick bite nearby and some photo time while waiting for the boat to arrive. On board the cruise....everyone is excited for our first encounter with the dolphins! Great weather today! Waiting patiently! Still no dolphins.. started to play..Notice t...
Read more

Kuala Lumpur and Genting Getaway April 2014 (Part 2)

Image
Day 4 We will be checking out from Sunway Hotel today and then head to Genting for second part of our hols. It was raining after breakfast so no pool time today for the kids. Ended up playing in the bathtub while daddy mummy packing up our stuff before checking out today. yakult  breakfast time one more yakult for today Mummy is excited to see drive through starbucks... :)  First ever starbucks drive through experience ordering.... Meet up with hubby's colleague for lunch at the "wen dong jiang" restaurant.  listening to daddy's lecture yummy fish and ginger chicken mee noon Reached Genting, checked in and we got a room with a view... :) what is left from outdoor park watching fantastica promo roadshow on stage The complimentary outdoor theme park whole day pass is only applicable on the day we reached... so  we quickly start playing.... deer ride brave qin sits alone in train ride Kids sleep quit...
Read more