HK 2016: Day 3 & 4

For our third day in the country, the family explored Ngong Ping in Lantau Island.



Ngong Ping

We took the MTR from Tsuen Wan Station to Lai King. We also interchanged trains to get to Tung Chung. The aerial tramway, Ngong Ping 360, was only a short-walk away from Tung Chung Terminal.



When we got to the NP360, the long queue for ticket purchasing welcomed us. Good thing we already booked our round trip tickets online the night before. We paid 220 HKD per person for the crystal cabin.

It's safe to say that buying tickets beforehand, rather than on the actual day of the tour, was the best thing to do. Not only did we get discounts, we also got to properly read the different packages they offer in the comfort of our hotel room. In addition, we moved one queue closer to get to Ngong Ping. Because the actual queue to get to ride the cabins starts after you purchased your ticket. So save the waiting time for this part, rather than in ticket purchasing.



Despite the long lines, the view was simply priceless. The 25-minute cabin ride of elation was sublime. We got to admire the magnificent creation of skies, mountains, waters, and lands, all at once—in a panoramic view. It was such a thrilling experience.




The crystal cabin is a bit more expensive than the standard cabin. This is because of the crystal cabin's glass floor. It gives you a better full view down below. But both cabins circulate on the same cable, so you get to enjoy the view either way.



After the superb cabin ride, Ngong Ping continued to overwhelm us with its beauty.




We bought adorable hats for 120 HKD each before we started touring the village. We just couldn't handle the heat of the sun without protection any longer. It was silly of us not to bring hats in the first place, anyway.



We cooled down a bit at a coffee shop. Iced Latte for me, all the way.

We also dropped by a souvenir shop to claim a free photo (from the hats we bought). But we ended up buying two more copies for 220 HKD. It came with a card to access the soft copies, too.

We started walking, and the charm of the village kept surprising us. The place was such an endless feast for the eyes.



 As expected, the climb to get to the Tian Tan Buddha was exhausting. And with the intense heat, the struggle only worsened.



 But the magnificent view kept us going.



When we got to the top, all the pain went numb. The wind rushed through my hair. The view was priceless. To be able to observe the beauty of the Big Buddha up close gave me such a rewarding feeling.



Everything just looked glorious.




Across the Big Buddha was the equally popular Po Lin Monastery. This Buddhist complex houses several old and new temples.



Despite the number of tourists frequenting the monastery, its impressive structure was well-maintained. The intricate details seen in all corners of every temple would just put you in awe.



Latest addition to the monastery, The Great Hall of the Ten Thousand Buddhas, made me even more fascinated. The golden interior of the temple was completely mind-blowing. Taking photos of the inside of the temple, however, was restricted. There were still some unbelievably disrespectful tourists, though. Sigh, disappointing humans.



Before we left, we also lighted some incense—priced at 20 HKD and up—and paused for a short prayer.




Our last stop: a small store for some ice creams, and fried dim sums. One stick for 20 HKD. Absolutely scrumptious.




On our fourth and last day, we decided to just explore Tsuen Wan.



Tsuen Wan

Tsuen Wan is one of the 18 districts of Hong Kong, and is located in the New Territories. There are many shopping centers close by. Beautiful parks and historical temples can also be found in town.

We checked out before noon, and left our luggage at the hotel. We then had lunch at a nearby restaurant before we started walking in the busy streets of the province.



We bought some pastries, and Rice Noodle Roll for dessert. Yum!



We visited some parks, too. Even tried blending in with the locals as we roam around town for the last time (but were obviously taking photos).




When our shuttle service finally arrived at the hotel, we got to the airport in no time. Again, there was no traffic. The travel seemed faster than the first time. Also, because I was too busy enjoying the view of the island. Four days passed by too fast.



Hoping to go back and see more of Hong Kong, someday. Already dreaming of you.

(c)

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HK 2016: Day 2

We were up early on our second day for the scheduled city tour. Four families were aboard the tour bus, including us. Our tour guide, Roger, spoke fluent English with a pretty good accent. He instantly made everything a lot less difficult to understand.



Avenue of Stars

Our first stop was the Avenue of Stars at Tsim Sha Tsui. Renovations were still on going, so we only got to see a few star hand prints, and some sculptures. It's not that much of an "avenue," though. I wish I could see it again when renovations are completed.



The view of  the Harbour was lovely, though. I bet it would look even more beautiful at night.

Aberdeen Fishing Village

Our next stop was the Aberdeen Fishing Village. It was where the famous floating restaurant in the district, Jumbo Kingdom, was located. Aside from the seafood market and the said restaurant, the village was filled with old and new fishing and house boats, and modern yachts that further complemented the village.





We paid 60 HKD per person for a 25 to 30-minute sampan ride. Truly, the Aberdeen Harbour had such a marvelous view. Nevertheless, I thought the boat ride was expensive, and a bit unnecessary. If you were on a tight budget, it would be fine not to opt for a sampan ride. But definitely do so if you would want to have a closer look of the floating village.



TSL Jewellery Factory

Third part of the tour was the TSL Jewellery Factory. This was my least favorite stop because it was such an obvious move to get you to spend. Their glorious jewelries were too irresistible. Too bad taking photos was not allowed. If it wasn't, I would have had exposed to the world every god damn gold and diamond they have on display.

We also dropped by at some kind of an underground souvenir store. We had to use the parking elevator—that looked absolutely suspicious—to get to the shop. But the place looked nice. It was, however, impossible to shop there peacefully. People would follow you around to repeat and explain what was already on their cardboard display. I still ended up buying a couple of things, though. And we stayed there far longer than necessary. Positive end result: Adored the charming palettes of the nearby buildings.



Disneyland Resort

Finally, the only actual part of the tour we looked forward to.




The place was filled with people because it was the holiday due to the Moon Cake Festival. Naturally, it was more crowded compared to any other ordinary weekday.



But nothing could ruin my excitement. I was so thrilled to be at Disneyland, I did not know where to go first. It was like every child's dream—basically, every adult person in the planet. Anyone who would say otherwise could easily be dubbed as a liar.



It was so vast; one day would not be enough to explore it. Just the Main Street would take so much of your time because every corner demanded to be admired for a long moment.




We were not able to tour the whole place, but we enjoyed Tomorrowland too much.




Due to the crowd, we were only able to squeeze in two rides for the whole time we were at Disneyland. And we opted the ones that our little traveler would most likely appreciate.




As for the food, it was no secret that prices of everything at the theme park were painfully expensive. But with the blazing heat of the sun, it was inevitable not to spend, especially on water and other cold appetizers. A bottled water was priced at 28 HKD. It was upped, more or less, thrice its value outside Disneyland. Yet, we spent so much on water than on food. The humid air would simply make you buy anything that would satisfy your thirst, rather than your stomach.



We had a light merienda in the afternoon at the Market House Bakery. Prices of our food ranged from 40-45 HKD.



For dinner, we had a heavy meal at Clopin's Festival of Foods. Each of our meal costs 100-115 HKD. Expensive, but quite delightful. Serving was too much for me, though. My sister and I could probably share it, and would not be able to finish it, still.



Disneyland was wonderful. It was even prettier at dusk. The lights made everything looked even more magical. The parade of villains and the firework display (although, I barely saw it) that concluded the night made me too wistful. There was definitely something about Disneyland that made everyone feel like a kid at heart.



(c)

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