Back to KK Part 1: Hanging around town

Last November, because I was craving for a holiday so badly but had no money or leave days to take, out of fun I asked Suzane if I can go visit her at KK and even crashed at her house. Luckily, she said okay. Without further ado, I contacted my other former roommate, BB and we booked a pretty cheap flight to KK.

But it was a very short trip, more like a weekend trip. We arrived KK on a Thursday and then went back on a Sunday. Since I had done lots of touristy things in KK during my previous trip, I didn't mind. I wanted to experience KK like a local would do, with lots of food in mind nyehehe.

But first, let us take a selfie on board Air Asia.

Our flight arrived at night. Since our tour guide stays near the airport, we didn't have to wait long for her to pick us up. Off we go for dinner! One thing I realized about food in Sabah is how big the portion is. OMG, it took me like a really long time just to finish one bowl of noodles. Besides the noodles, we also bought a burger to share afterwards. Like I say, it is all about the food hehe.

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The next day is Friday but poor Suzane have to work. She has pretty much exhausted her work leave because of all the holidays she had. So we hanged out at her house before she came to pick us up during her lunch hour and dropped us off at Little Italy, a famous Italian restaurant we managed to googled while at her jibae.

We had salmon pizza

Macau July 2013 (Part III): Jumping off Macau Tower!

Every time I travel overseas, I have a guilty feeling knowing that I will spend a wad of my hard-earned income away. But travelling is one passion that keeps me excited about life. Excited about discovering new things. New culture. New perspectives. So, despite all these criticisms about me spending so much money and work leave on travelling, I will just continue doing what I want to do. If there is anything I learned is the fact that I should live the life that I want to live, not the life that others want me to live. It is my life anyway.

But I will still take to heart the advice and try to keep a better budget and save more money before I start making holiday plans.

On another note, I have finally decided to write the finale of my Macau trip. The highlight of my HK/Macau trip. The highlight of 2013: My first experience with bungy jump from Macau Tower.

Actually it was something I had been thinking about doing. I first got the idea from Running Man (my most favourite show ever) episode 133 where they had to perform missions at Macau Tower, they had to choose between bungy jump, tower climb or skywalk.

pic credited to owner

pic credited to owner

pic credited to owner

Had to insert a little Monday Couple moment there.

Song Ji-hyo made it look so cool and easy. Not long after that, my friends asked me to travel with them to HK and Macau in July. So out of curiosity, I browsed through the website http://www.ajhackett.com/ to learn more about the activities offered on Macau Tower.

I was a little disappointed as I saw how expensive it was. It is a known fact that working as a government pharmacist doesn't give you much money. Do I really want to throw away all those money just for a few minutes of fun?

But the idea never left my head. Up until when we reach Macau Tower. I then think, this is it. It is highly unlikely I will get this opportunity again, to visit Macau Tower. It was also our last day in Macau. So I told my friends I wanted to try the bungy jump. They got a shock but was nevertheless supportive. However, they didn't want to "risk their lives" with me.

So I paid the money, and the lady kindly warned informed me that no refunds are allowed in case I decided not to jump lol. I then proceeded to their observation deck where I kept my belongings inside a locker (including my phone and camera so no pics could be taken T.T). They took my weight, gave me a T-shirt and a set of shoes because I was wearing my Fitflops at that time.

I swear, waiting for my turn was the most excruciating one. AJ Hackett uses a system which is weight-based so each time they need to look for someone of similiar weight before you can jump. Not sure I understood it much but you can google about it more if you want. During the whole waiting time, I was so bored alone but the funny thing is I was not nervous at all, just sleepy and bored.

Macau July 2013: Part II

On a roll now with my travel posts :)

Actually, there isn't much to blog about Macau because I only spend a very short time there. Just 2 days. But this was actually my second time to Macau. I wanted to try to go to places I didn't had the chance to go to the last time I was here.

As mentioned in my previous post, our hotel is located near the tourist attractions so just a short walk away we reached Senado Square.

My travel buddies are well aware of my love for anything architecture, especially in vintage style. Senado Square was like a piece of heaven to me because the buildings were so beautiful. The best part about our hotel being a stone's throw away was the fact I get to admire these places during the day and night.

Macau General Post Office at daytime.

Macau General Post Office at night.

Senado Square fountain at daytime

Senado Square fountain (and throngs of tourists) at nighttime.

Holy House of Mercy at daytime with its white facade.

Holy House of Mercy with its white facade illuminated by glowing lights at nighttime.

Macau July 2013: Part 1

Continuing from my previous post about Hong Kong, despite our short trip to HK, we squeezed in a 2 days 1 night trip to Macau, across the straits from Hong Kong. Actually, when we booked the air tickets via Air Asia, we booked KL => HK and then Macau => KL. Macau Airport has a lower priced airport tax (compared to HK airport) so we figured that it will be more affordable than to book to and fro flights between HK and KL.

How to get from Hong Kong to Macau?

Of course, the best way is by ferry services, which are aplenty and available at almost every hour. You can opt for these few services I managed to scour on the internet:

1. Shun Tak Centre Ferry Terminal (depart from Hong Kong Island)

• MTR Sheung Wan Station Exit D
• TurboJet provides services every 15 mins from 7am - 12am for a journey of approx. 1 hour
• Fare: HK$124
• Arrived at Macau Ferry Terminal 

2. China Ferry Terminal (depart from Kowloon)

• MTR Kowloon and MTR Austin
• First Ferry provides services every 30 mins from 7am - 12 am
• Fare: HK$133 - HK$175 for economy one-way
• Arrived at Macau Ferry Terminal

3.  Cotaijet Services (mostly for those wanting to visit casinos)

• Arrived at Taipa Ferry Terminal where there are complimentary shuttles buses to casinos along Cotai Strip
• Roughly there are ferries every hour from 7am - 12am
• Fare: HK$151 - HK$185 for standard

Reading through blogs online, I realized that the only mode of public transport in Macau is buses which is quite time-consuming as you would have to keep waiting for them. There are actually a few hotels which offered shuttle buses to few attractions in Macau but because July is a peak season, most of the hotels were already booked. So, we decided to book a hotel nearby those tourist attractions to save us time. Finally, we decided on this hotel - Ole Tai Sam Un Hotel.

About 2014

It's 2014 already!

Okay, it may be a little too late to mention this as it is mid-February already. But 2014 started off as an extremely busy time for me, work-related. My work was constantly never-ending and the stress of trying to live up to everyone's (usually superiors) expectations was eating me alive. Yes, January had passed by so quickly. 

Now that I had my obligatory one week CNY break, I feel like a huge load had been taken off me. Granted, I still have to return to my job tomorrow but I feel like it is that time whereby I want to set some goals for 2014.

This year, I feel like going back to my early passions. I am not getting any younger and I feel like with all my stamina and enthusiasm that I still have (becoming lesser and lesser), I want to feel a sense of accomplishment by doing something non-work related successfully.

#1: WRITING

Writing has always been my passion since my early schooling days. I look forward to essay topics given by my English teachers back in those days. I missed the feel of the pen in my hand as I scribble endlessly, my mind racing with millions of thoughts. The sense of satisfaction as I read back my essay, hardly believing I could have produce those writings myself. You see, my mind is always in a disorganized mess, which is why I am such a scatterbrain. Writing keeps my mind at ease and for a moment, there is a flow of thoughts going through me.

I missed writing. I stopped writing since entering university. Having a science-related course does not really correlate to creative writing. Lack of inspiration and constant writer's blocks lead to a complete halt of my writings for good. However, this year I resolve to do more writing. Despite all the grammatical errors, I want to feel the freedom to write again.

#2: READING

Reading was my one greatest hobby growing up. Being an only child, it was hard to find someone you could play with. Books offered me a sense of security. I always felt like I could hide behind my books and despite being ignored by adults, I was in a little world of my own. Just me and books.

Of course, reading has never left me all this while. But the emergence of Internet and smartphones has taken up a huge chunk of my interest, which lead to me deserting my childhood "friends". Nowadays, although I picked up a book and started reading a few pages, I could never ever finish it. I get so frustrated and distracted that in the end I abandoned them again.

This year, I am resolve to make this my first priority. I want to at least finish 2 or 3 books this year. It may seem like a mere number but considering my history of not finishing a single book for the past 4 to 5 years, I would argued that this would be a good number to start.

#3: TRAVELLING

Of course, it is not like I have not done any travelling for the past few years. I am eternally grateful that I can always get my travel buddies to go on short vacations with me for the past few years. Even this year, I have already had plans for 2 countries. Unlike past years, this time around I want to travel with more sense. Sense meaning making more use of my five senses. I want to see more, hear more, feel more. Previously although I visited one place, my mind was always distracted to other things. Consequently although photos provided proof that I was there, it felt like I was not really there. I want to have that feeling whereby, if I were to close my eyes right now I can pictured myself in that exact same place, that goosebumps kind of feeling that I can still remember it so clearly like it was just yesterday.

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My writing still needs much improvement as I have no idea how to write a proper and meaningful ending to this post. I am still struggling to find a writing style I enjoyed and am good at. Should I be a funny writer? Or a serious one? It seems like my mind has still not yet been decided and hopefully by end of this year, I will be less indecisive and be more proactive in accomplishing my resolutions.

Hong Kong July 2013 Itinerary: Third Day (Part 2)

Continuing from my previous post, as mentioned before, it was our last day in Hong Kong so there were lots of things on our itinerary. After doing some window-shopping at Citygate Outlet Mall, we went back to our hotel to freshen up before continuing our night activities.

Our first stop was to get some dinner. We decided to go for wanton noodles as it is well-known at HK. The nearest would be at Central. So back again to Central!

#11: Eating Wanton noodles & prawn dumplings

Hong Kong July 2013 Itinerary: Third Day (Part 1)

It was our last day in Hong Kong. There were still a lot of things on my list that I have not yet done.

Because I wanted to go to visit the Giant Buddha at Lantau Island, Yi Won so kindly agreed to acompany me. Li Ling and Zee Yun have decided to spend their last day at HK by being kids again at Hong Kong Disneyland, also at Lantau Island.

#7: Having HK-style Breakfast at char chan teng

But first, we headed out looking for breakfast. Yi Won mentioned how we have yet to try any polo bun so we hunted for this restaurant 金華冰廳 at Prince Edward. Needless to say, we were so unfamiliar with the place that we got so horribly lost. Finally thanks to a kind soul, we found our famished selves inside the char chan teng. 

Ordering from the menu provided is a challenge for someone like me who is illiterate in Mandarin.

However, a lot of pictures and newspaper/magazine articles are pasted on the walls so just point and voila!

The polo bun deserves 2 thumbs up for being the most delicious and crispy bun ever. I don't even like polo bun but I just could not get enough of it.

French toast is something I like but avoid occasionally because some places just served it real bad. However, this one was nothing short of amazing. It is crispy without being oily and just the right amount of butter and honey.

#8: Taking Cable Car Ride to Lantau Island

After a filling and satisfying lunch, we took the MTR to Tung Chung station Exit B where Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car is located.

I have seen photos of people taking the cable car to Lantau Island, especially the Crystal Cabin cable car that has a glass bottom so you can actually see the view from the bottom. Sounds scary? Apparently that is what Yi Won thinks so we just took the Standard Cabin cable car. For a round-trip ticket, it costs HKD135. Crystal Cabin is HKD213.

Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal.

Crossing the sea can be kinda scary.

Finally we reached Ngong Ping Terminal. The first thing that you see once you exit is, of course Ngong Ping Village. It has a traditional feel to it and has lots of shows available. But our aim here is to visit Giant Buddha so we didn't buy any tickets for any shows.

Along the way, we passed by many souvenir shops.

The walk to Giant Buddha seems far for two city girls like us but the air was a lot fresher here compared to Hong Kong city so I enjoyed the walk.

#9: Visiting Giant Buddha

 

When we saw the stairs leading to Giant Buddha, we actually groaned. But there were lots of elderly and children also walking up the stairs so we cannot lose also right? The higher we went, the cooler we felt. The weather was also quite good, cloudy but no rain.

Giant Buddha

Yes, finally we arrived. I think I was more excited as I have only seen this gigantic landmark in movies and dramas and pictures but never in real life. I am not the religious kind just the curious kind lol.

We spend a few minutes there praying and resting and also enjoying the cool breeze. After that, I wanted to visit Wisdom Path but because it is quite the distance away, Yi Won was a little hesitant as she was tired of walking already.

But fortunately, she gave in. Thanks babes :)

 

#10: Visiting Wisdom Path

 

Although it was a long walk inside the forest trail, I was so excited when I finally see it. It is such an amazing view, just pillars and pillars of Chinese characters. I don't think you can see this anywhere else other than HK.

Suzane asked me if I became smarter after going to "Wisdom Path" LOL.

A jumpshot near the entrance to Po Lin Monastery which we didn't visit because we were exhausted already. Apparently you can also purchase meal tickets for vegetarian meal here.

#OOTD - Leessang Cap: online; Atlas tee: Topshop; Skorts: Zara; Bag: Longchamp; Shoes: Adidas (not shown); Watch: Bangkok

We ate tau foo fah and took some pics at Ngong Ping Village before boarding the cable car back to Tung Chung station.

At last, it was time for some R&R as we decided to shop at Tung Chung Citygate Outlet Mall which is right opposite Tung Chung MTR station. I cannot really remember what brands were there as I didn't shop for anything there. Just not my type of shopping brands but I saw many people buying luggage bags. Yi Won also bought some clothes. Still prefer Bangkok as my shopping destination lol.

Hungry and tired, we just ate lunch at the mall's food court:

Yi Won's cheese chicken chop rice.

I was craving for Korean food so ate this beef rice. It tasted good but was such a huge portion that I found myself struggling to finish it. I don't know why food portions in HK are so big. Huhuhu next time both of us should share one portion instead.

-Day 3 to be continued-

Hong Kong July 2013 Itinerary: Second Day

Day 2 starts with a HK-style breakkie - Dim Sum!

But before that I want to give thumbs-up to this awesome hotel we stayed at HK - Cityview Hotel. Not only were the rooms spacious for Hong Kong style, but it was super near a MTR station. One would think distance doesn't matter but after walking for one whole day, we were never happier that the hotel is so near. Also, great when during rainy season especially in summer.

So, back again to our breakfast. We didn't think HK people would be up so early for dim sum so we arrived quite late and almost all the dim sum finished.

A meh dim sum breakfast. Probably because there were really not much options left.

Lin Heung Tea House - it took us a long time hunting this place down.

There is something about these small green stalls that I find quaint and nostalgic.

Next, we decided to go visit some shopping malls. First up is Times Square at Causeway Bay.

Nothing much to shop here but when we left, we noticed a Monsters Inc. exhibition outside the mall.

Tee-hee. Love how Yi Won colour-coordinated with the character.

Self-potrait tee: Hua Hin, Bangkok; Houndstooth skirt: Bangkok; Wedge shoes: Adidas; Red bag: Longchamp

A chance to show off my #ootd. Lols. Since I just came back from Bangkok then, I brought mostly newly-bought clothes from Bangkok. 

 #3: Eating authentic Hong Kong street food

Yes, how can I miss the opportunity to try Hong Kong's famous street food? We tried a few - siu mai, french fries, some round round waffle-like thingy (sorry!), cheong fun and of course my favourite has to be curry fish balls! Every time I see a stall selling one, I just cannot resist buying it. It is so spicy, unlike those back home in KL.

#5: Mongkok

Visiting Mongkok is also on my list as I didn't get to visit it the last time. 

We walked around Mongkok shopping mostly for cosmetics and beauty care products. There were some clothing shops too. And sports shoes street. 

The unfortunate thing was there were just too many people that made it hard to shop comfortably without being pushed around. Sigh.

#6: Watching Symphony of Lights Show

This was a definite must-have on my list. I was grateful to Li Ling for agreeing to go despite the fact she has watched the 5 minutes show before. 

The Symphony of Lights Show starts at 8pm and can be watched from vantage points at either side of the harbour - Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade along Avenue Of Stars and Golden Bauhinia Square / Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre at Wan Chai. We chose the former.

Nearby is the Tsim Sha Tsui harbour to take the Star Ferry. This was on my to-do list too but we didn't take it because our hotel was nearer to Tsim Sha Tsui.

The famous Clock Tower at Tsim Sha Tsui.

The show started at 8pm but so sad, it started raining so the photos taken were really blurry and cloudy. The lights show were still obvious but not captured well :(

Langham 1881 Heritage Mall. It houses high-end brands but has a pretty architecture. It used to be a former police station.

-End Of Day 2-