Monday, April 29, 2013

Hong Kong Trip 2012 - Dinner @ Central & Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal @ Sheung Wan

This post signifies the last post of my short one day trip in Hong Kong. It was really an enjoyable day travelling a new country on my own again without the hassle of being in a group. =P After getting down from the Peak, I then went back to the Central MTR station to meet my secondary friend who came to Hong Kong University for an Engineering degree.

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Hectic life of Hong Kong citizens. For some people they don't even have the luxury to sit down and slowly enjoy their meal. =/

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While waiting for her to arrive, I then decided to figure out how to get to the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal by following the sign boards on the streets. After walking for a good 2-3km I still could not find the correct terminal. It was only during a later time (after checking Google maps) that the port is actually just next to the Sheung Wan (上環) MTR station =_= After all that walking I also realised Hong Kong actually walk a lot! The elevated pathways all over the island is just so convenient for people to get around. Since the weather is very cooling hence people don't really get all sweaty and is still able to look good if they walk to work.

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Since time was rather limited as my ride was scheduled at 9.30pm, we just went to a nearby Hong Kong fast food cafe for dinner (which was coincidentally the same restaurant branch that I went for lunch). Still did not get to try those 'popular' food in Hong Kong for this trip. But nevertheless I still dare to say Malaysian food is still so much more better (and cheaper). 

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Pork Chop rice. $43

At about 9pm we then rushed all the way to the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal ($4 for MTR) and then parted ways. It's been a pleasant one day trip without much incidents. I may be back soon but definitely not in the foreseeable future. Hong Kong is just not my thing =P


Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Hong Kong Trip 2012 - Sunset & Night view @ The Peak

I was really lucky as the sun pretty much started to set when I was atop the observatory floor. It's probably due to the fact that winter is arriving soon hence the sun sets at an earlier time (~6.15pm).

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Having said that the sunset moment was really really short and lasted like seconds before the whole sky turned into pitch black and then gets lit up by the sea of lights by the buildings situated on the island. Nevertheless it will still a very nice sight to behold. It was rather tricky taking pictures as all the tourists were basically crowding around the railing. I had to hold my camera in one hand and the freezing weather was not helping in stabilising my hand. 

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Apart from enjoying the night scenery, tourists can also leave their love wishes at this nicely built loved shape deco.

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After that frantic picture taking I then took some time to visit the Peak's surroundings. As usual, there are many high end brands setting up shop here as well as well classy dining restaurants.

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And after another 30 minute queue, it's almost time to say good bye to The Peak and my journey at Hong Kong.

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Next: Dinner @ Central & Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal @ Sheung Wan
Previous: Journey UP the Peak

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Hong Kong Trip 2012 - Journey UP the Peak

I mentioned in my earlier posts that I regretted lazing around McCafe before deciding to head over to the Peak, and this is why:

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I got a real shock when I saw the amazingly long queue. I have completely forgotten to take into account that this place is one of the most popular tourist attraction of Hong Kong (besides Disney Land) and there is bound to have a huge crowd. I was contemplating whether to wait for the tram as I have to meet my friend by 7.30pm and it was already 5.00pm. There are other options up the Peak, namely by taxi and bus but I've decided to wait anyway since I am already here. 

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My tickets for the Peak tram costed HK$65 which does not include the wax museum tour. I didn't have the budget for it nor did I have the time so I skipped it. As time went on, the queue behind me just got more and more longer. @_@

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Impossibly long crowd

And after a good one hour wait, my ride has finally arrived!

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This ride up the slope reminds me of how Penang Hill used to be many many years ago before the new tram system was built. Seeing the whole Hong Kong bit by bit as the tram slowly climbed up the hill was really fascinating.

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After a good 15 minutes I've finally reached the station atop of the Peak! Not wanting to waste my time, I immediately raced up the many floors to reach the observation deck as soon as possible before the sun set. I really didn't expect that I had to climb so many flights of stairs to reach the top. Quite a good exercise.

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So many floors to climb

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On a side note, the weather on the highest peak at Hong Kong was really really cooling! I think it was have been about 15 degrees Celcius as I can feel my hands feeling numb when I tried to take some pictures. I must be the only one in polo-T, fully enjoying the coldness while everybody else was wearing jackets to keep themselves warm. xD The only place this cold back in Malaysia was probably Genting Highlands hence I really appreciated every moment of the cold.

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Houses of extremely rich people

As the skies begin to darken, I await for the golden moment.....

Friday, March 29, 2013

Hong Kong Trip 2012 - Journey to The Peak, Central

At around 4.30pm I've decided I have rested enough and then proceeded back to the MTR station and headed for Central station, at Hong Kong island to visit the final place I had in mine - The Peak! For Prince Edward it was a relatively straight forward journey to Central station which cost HKD11.50.

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Central is probably the equivalent of the surrounding area nearby KLCC. As one of the longest MTR station in Hong Kong, many top business companies have their buildings built surrounding this station. There are many exits from this station and the distance from one end to another end of the station is relatively long. It's no wonder I hardly see any obese people in Hong Kong. So much walking to do!

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And finally, I found a decent public toilet that is clean! It was located in the park right outside the exit of the MTR. On another note the park itself is really quite a nice place to hang out, especially in this cool pre-winter weather. Great avenue for those working in the highly stressed environments of Hong Kong.

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From the MTR station to the Peak tram station, its a good 10-15 minute uphill climb. Signboards are, as usual, placed strategically along the roads for the convenience of tourist.

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Due to time constraints I didn't get to try the trams :(
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The Main entrance
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