May

Hong Kong Things to Do and See

Hong Kong is my favourite travel destination.

There are endless activities,gastronomic adventures and artistic/historical spots waiting for you to discover. Its easy when planning a holiday in Hong Kong, there are fun things to do for everyone, no matter you are a single traveler,couple, big family,on a business trip or visiting friends and family.

Families & Couples

I would recommended visiting Ocean Park. They have recently undergone a multi-million dollar renovation, a completely new area named “Aqua City” has been built together featuring a three-story Grand Aquarium.

Transportation

It is super super super easy to get around Hong Kong. You can travel by the extensive MTR (underground subway) and not take the bus or taxi during your entire trip! Its affordable and easy to use! All you have to do is load cash onto the rechargeable “Octopus Card” and you are ready to go! There are self-serve machines and customer service counters at every station.

Night Life

Lan Kwai Fong and Knutsford Terrace are the most famous bar streets in Hong Kong.

Lan Kwai Fong would be perfect for night club hoppers.You will find the coolest bars here.
Knutsford Terrace offers a lot of outdoor siting and is more suitable for drinks,snacks and dinner.

Romantic Spots

As part of the Hong Kong Tourism Board campaign, they have set up a permanent laser show “A Symphony of Lights” which shows nightly on both sides of the renowned Victoria Harbour.

The show starts at 8pm, so its perfect to settle down in a restaurant overlooking the Victoria harbour around 7:30pm. You can enjoy your meal and the show with your significant other.

Dim sum

Dim sum is the creme of the creme in Hong Kong. A staple activity that Hong Kong natives flock to every weekend or even every day!

The best dim sum in Hong Kong, Lung King Heen is a high-end choice. Located in the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel. You will not be disappointed.

For a more local experience:

Try Tim Ho Wan (small hole in the wall opened by Lung King Heen)
Lin Heung Teahouse (Classic style,crowded and noisy)
Luk Yu Teahouse (Colonial Style and notorious bad service).

For a fun experience:

Have dim sum at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel! Your dim sum will come in cute Disney character shapes! Too cute to eat!

Hong Kong Style cafes

Everywhere! Hong Kong Cafes are at every corner! Famous drinks like the cold lemon ice-tea and smooth milk tea are a must try! Prices are dirt cheap too! Try a morning set breakfast and you’ll know what I mean by value!

Fine Dining:

I cannot list all the mouth-watering culinary treats in Hong Kong. But I am happy to recommend the top restaurant review site: www.openrice.com.

With real reviews, photos and restaurant details, this is the go-to site for food in Hong Kong.

Sunday Brunch

For a truly relaxing Sunday brunch, come to The Verandah at Repulse bay. You will enjoy your meal while a soothing breeze touches your skin. This is the best seaside pick
For a modern Japanese experience, try Zuma. Located in Central, the prestigious area in Hong Kong. You will find yourself in a city oasis with modern design and a spacious patio.

Desserts

There are tons of choices for sweets in Hong Kong, but I would recommend Honeymoon Dessert as a perfect choice for the entry level introduction to Cantonese style of desserts.

Honeymoon desserts menu offers all the basic and popular items, so I’m sure you will find something that you like. Once you’re ready for something more exotic, you can explore some local boutique dessert shops.

Nature

Yes! There is fresh air in Hong Kong! You can enjoy nature/sport activities such as hiking, kayaking,jet-skiing,chartering a yacht or strolling in wetland parks!

Surprisingly,you can still be active outside the gym. I say this because there is limited space for development in Hong Kong. And Hong Kong is constantly rated one of the world’s most expensive real estate markets.

The Hong Kong Movie/ Drama scene

If you have heard of Jackie Chan or Bruce lee, then you should know that Hong Kong is famous for action movies.

And the dominant TV station TVB has been producing TV dramas since 1967. A lot of movie mega stars today started as newbies in the TVB actor training program.

Take a stroll at the Avenue of the Stars along the stunning Victoria harbour. Here you will find hand prints and autographs of Hong Kong Movie stars. Try to find your favourite Hong Kong star!

Language

Cantonese (local dialect)
Mandarin (transfer of sovereignty to China in 1997)
English (previous British colony)

Since English is taught in schools at an early age, most young people you encounter should be able to make basic conversation.

Hong Kong is truly a world class city, the best place to enjoy a well-rounded holiday. I look forward to my next opportunity to explore and mingle with Hong Kong natives.

Have you traveled to Hong Kong? Tell me about your travels in the comments below!

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May

Do One Thing Every Day That Scares You

Back in 2008, I was a fresh grad. I took the opportunity to visit China. I went to Shanghai to see the Shanghai World Expo and the beauty of The Bund. Then, I travelled to Beijing for the annual BITE (Beijing International Travel Expo).

I took a 11 hour direct flight from Vancouver,Canada to Shanghai,China aboard China Eastern Airlines. The food was disappointing and the cleanliness of the plane was nothing to brag about. But I was on holiday! To be exact, this was my post-grad trip! I was beaming and didn’t rest my eyes for more than 5 minutes during the flight.

The seat next to me was empty and a friendly stranger politely asked if they could take the seat. I shrugged and said Sure!” The next 2 hours, I found myself exchanging an awesome conversation with this passenger. And later on we shared a game of angry birds on the iPhone.

I’m no social butterfly…far from it. But I guess the most basic tip is to be polite and unobtrusive. I know an international plane ride can get really boring and it could be nice to make a friend.

But in today’s age, many of us would rather follow each other on Twitter,Facebook,Linkedin or Pinterest than start a live conversation. To be honest, I have been leaning towards this conveinent way to socialize online ever since I opened my accounts on these “social networking” websites.

But now I want to come back. It’s been forever since I have been engaged in great conversation. There are 5 more months before my next birthday, I want to make initiating conversation and making new friends my main goal.

Just like this quote. “Do one thing every day that scares you,” by Eleanor Roosevelt.

Wish me luck!

P.S: I started eating onions! This sounds silly and meaningless. But I realized being a picky eater actually limits my choices. Applying it to life, if I do not take an opportunity because I’m scared or don’t like it… I’m actually giving up before even trying!

Now I understand, no wonder sometimes I feel my daily life is so boring. It’s because I’ve never taken the step to come out of my comfort zone and challenge myself.

This is my self reflection and a reminder to “come back” to the “real” social world.

Apr

Having fun at the Hong Kong International Airport

Are you stuck at the airport for a few hours but not enough to go out and explore Hong Kong? Do you want to grab a quick bite before your flight home? Here are some fun facts about the Hong Kong International Airport.

AKA Chek Lap Kok International Airport
Opened in 1998 on Lantau Island
Replaced the original Kai Tak Airport
Check out the Extreme Engineering Series by Discovery Channel - Part 1 here: http://youtu.be/ZwtOV-8RpqU

1. Lose those Bags (Baggage Storage Service)

Before we let go and let loose, first set aside our belongings at the Baggage Storage counter located on Level 3 of terminal 2. Hours of operation are from 05:30 am in the morning to 01:30 at night Monday to Sunday. You may choose from a hourly or daily rate. See full details here: http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/passenger/arrival/t1/baggage/left-baggage.html

2. Let’s go Shopping

Terminal 1 is the brand name shopping section carrying international retailers such as Jimmy Choo, Marc by Marc Jacobs,Tiffany & Co,Valentino & Versace.

You can shop til your heart’s content! But for a true luxury shopping experience, I would suggest you go to Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui where you will witness the LONG lineups and interesting people watching.

An honourable mention is Mannings, one of the top health and beauty chains in Hong Kong. Any last minute toiletries and snacks can be found here.

3. Gather some Hot Magazines (can be found in Terminal 1 & 2)

Relay: All the latest magazines from Taiwan, Japan, overseas and don’t forget the local infamous celebrity gossip magazines.

PageOne: For the creative and crafty peeps, at PageOne you can find design titles and designer gifts.

4. Fill that tummy

Situated in Terminal 1 on Level 7, there is the Fairwood one of the largest fast food chains in Hong Kong. Its an easy and cheap way to feed the whole family and enjoy it too! (Quick Service, Good Food and Value for money) Popular dishes include baked pork chop on rice and a series of curry dishes. (Personal tip: I enjoy the competitor Cafe de Coral much more. Try it and tell me what you think!)

Coffee bean lovers: There’s always a Starbucks somewhere in a big city! But for an alternative, try the Agnes b. Cafe and while you’re at it indulge in some artisan chocolates too!

5. Satisfy the Sweet Tooth

There is Ben & Jerry’s the delicious ice cream chain from the USA. And there is Hui Lau Shan serving a variety of Chinese desserts from Hong Kong. (If you can wait, I would suggest you try “Honeymoon Dessert,” a very delicious dessert chain around Hong Kong. See website here: http://www.honeymoon-dessert.com/en_us/

6. Golf Lovers

You’re in luck! Enjoy a session of your favourite sport at the Sky City Nine Eagles Golf Course. Finish off with some authentic Thai food at the on-site Erawan Restaurant. See some awesome photos here: http://www.nine-eagles.com/eng/erawan/index.html

7. Children / Young at Heart Friendly

Fight the fatigue at i-Sports located at Terminal 2 on Level 6. An interesting place filled with simulators, try some boxing,car racing,soccer and basketball.

8. Easy Souvenirs

Muji To Go – The mini version of the famous No-Name brand from Japan. Great choice for souvenirs!http://www.muji.com.hk/

Aji Ichiban – delicious dried snacks, from dried plums,squid,mangoes to cashews.

How about you?

What are your favourite things to do at the Hong Kong International Airport? Let’s talk about it in the comments.

Apr

Hot Springs Bathing in Taiwan. First time Visitor.

In Taiwan, you get an option to enjoy the hot springs naked or with a bathing suit. Sometimes, it is also required to wear a swimming cap for cleanliness.

First time Visitor Etiquette

Please shower before entering the hot springs
Please be quiet or talk quietly (indoor hot springs)
No drinking or eating while bathing in the hot springs (most resorts have a cafe/restaurant beside the outdoor hot springs for you to sit down and enjoy a refreshing drink or snack)
Please respect women’s only and men’s only naked hot springs.

What to expect

Outdoor hot springs will be HOT. Don’t rush in. Slowly test the water with your foot and proceed to sit down when you are more comfortable. . often, you will see a temperature display which may shock you at first of how HOT it is. But once you’ve immersed yourself and drop down your tense shoulders and closed your eyes…Ahhh you know that you’ve come to the right place.

Be open and explore the different hot spring pools. Each pool has a different healing element. Such as, smoother skin! Help to soothe pain related with rheumatism and nerves. Improve blood circulation.

Take a break. Don’t over do it, it is unlimited but usually 2 times a day is good enough. Grab a drink. Take a walk around the garden. Come back again after dinner.

It might be smelly. Not smelly from other guest’s feet or armpits (never experienced that!) I’m talking about the origin of the hot spring water, in this instance the resort I chose uses a filtration system therefore the smell (natural sulfur) is minimal and you still get the benefits.

You may feel fatigue after bathing in the hot springs. But in a good way, our muscles are relaxed and ready for a good sleep.

Calla Young Garden Yangmingshan Resort :

How to get there:

A beautiful secluded area…to be exact it is in the middle of nowhere! And when I mean “nowhere”..there is no WIFI! So beware if you need to be connected back home or would like to check some emails. Nope. Not Here. However, if you are seeking some quiet time, you will be surrounded by luscious green mountains and crisp mountain air. I would recommend this journey for a weekend getaway.

After researching online and reading Taiwan travel guides, I choose the Calla Young Garden Resort. But FIY, the best and most popular hot springs spots are located in Wulai and Beitou. But I still went for Yangminghsan, because the less favourable location also meant it will be less crowded.

Considering Calla Young Garden Resort in Yangmingshan? http://www.calla.com.tw/

First of all, the mountains are famous for the scenery, fresh air and calla lily gardens. Second of all, the resort offers a full package that includes a delicious breakfast and dinner set.Third of all, at around CAD 130 per room per night you don’t need to break the bank.

Front entrance. Set against beautiful mountain scenery.

Deluxe Mountain View Hot Springs Room.

Sit back and unwind in your private hot springs deep soaking tub.

Tired feet relaxing.

Spacious shower area.

Breakfast set! Delicious!

View from hotel restaurant

Just one fine day in Yangminghsan, but completely satisfied!

Mar

Hong Kong: The Chocolate Afternoon Tea

I haven’t been this eager in a LONG time. I made it a MUST to visit the newly opened Ritz Carlton Hong Kong for The Chocolate Afternoon Tea. Located on the one hundred and third floor of the beautiful ICC skyscraper/mega mall. I found myself sipping “dark” hot chocolate and sinking into the three seater chaise chair. After waiting patiently on the wait-list for 3 consecutive days (you must register everyday at the hotel lobby, guest names are taken down starting at 12pm). I thought I was being silly but oh boy! These little chocolate pieces of art totally made up for it!

Kudos to the staff, we were greeted nicely and professionally. The decor is beautiful, a sense of understated luxury is carefully arranged in this afternoon tea foyer. The view is minimal, unless you reserve the one and only corner table.

Enjoy a delectable chocolate afternoon tea with your sweetie at the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong.

The Signature dark hot chocolate

We are on floor one hundred and three.

On a scale of 1 to 5. ( 1= Awful , 3 = Adequate, 5 = Awesome )

Ambiance : 5

Service: 5

Food: 5

Drink: 5

Decor: 5

Location: 5

Tips:

Hotel guests are given priority to afternoon tea reservations.
Plan at least half a day for tea time, explore the high-end shopping mall “Elements” connected to the hotel while you wait. (There is a movie theater, indoor skating rink and an awesome bookstore “Metrobooks”)
Go extra early to put your name on the waiting list that starts at 12pm in the Ritz Carlton lobby.
No views unless you reserve a corner table
Located inside the ICC building at 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui
Easily arrive by taking the MTR connected to the building

Feb

Zhongshan, China – A developing city with lots to offer

Happy Valentines Day! To celebrate, I debut my first post!

How to get there:

The quickest way to Zhongshan is aboard the Star Ferry from Hong Kong.

China Ferry Terminal on Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Approximately one and a half hour ride.
The ferry ride may be bumpy due to wind and waves.

Where to stay:

Save: We opted to stay at the King Century Zhongshan

Spacious standard rooms with buffet breakfast
Central location ( Karaoke and Starbucks all within walking distance)
Connected to a shopping mall.

Spend:

Sheraton Zhongshan
Just opened its doors in 2010
Beautiful decor and welcoming lobby
Spacious rooms (perks for SPG members)
Best dim sum restaurant in Zhongshan

Local Life:

Our local friend took us on a walking tour of the residential parts of Zhongshan, which I totally recommend..you can see close-up and admire the old buildings and we passed by an elementary school, and many small local shops which was very interesting!

Chinese foot massage/reflexology:

Chinese foot massage at “Bu Bu Gao”..roughly translated to growing taller step by step. Clean and safe! No worries!

Step 1: Your feet are soaked in hot water or special mix like Chinese medicine or peppermint (you get to choose)
Step 2: Meanwhile, you get a full neck,shoulder and back massage.
Step 3: The foot massage begins concentrating on pressure points to relieve stress and tension in the body.
The session lasts 1 hour and ends with a mini massage of the full leg.
Tea,fruit plate (usually watermelon) and TV included

Tip: If you visit often, you can remember your foot massage therapist number and ask for her each time at the reception.

Famous Pigeon Feast:

I would never have come to this place by myself..a Zhongshan local must take you here! You get off the car or taxi and the first thing you see is a huge deserted parking lot and in the far corner you can faintly see some people ushering food running back and forth.

We were led to our table inside a small room with minimal to no decor, no heat,rusty fold up chairs with two small windows which looked like they were not cleaned for 30 years.

First thing I thought of was to head to the bathroom to wash my hands but boy was I wrong…but anyways now the pigeon feast begins! OH MY GOD! The most finger licking good 7 course pigeon dinner slowly reveals itself one by one. First up, the pigeon hot pot! Then dishes of pigeon in soya sauce,pepper-salt,fried rice..all the things imaginable came together!

Local Movie Theater:

After dinner we watched a Chinese movie in Cantonese at the movie theater (aka couples hang-out place)…the movie theater had a very low key entrance..no big signs..just enter an elevator and up to the second floor. It was a small screening room but the seats all had EXTRA leg room much more comfy than in North America.

Must do’s in Zhongshan:

Enjoy Dim Sum at Sheraton Zhongshan
Relax with a foot massage at Bu Bu Gao (Safe, Clean and Affordable)
Try Authentic Pigeon feast dinner in a village setting (Pigeon hotpot,soya-sauce,salt & pepper, pigeon fried rice..you name it!)
Hire a rickshaw just for the experience (they are now all electric-powered)
Visit the Zhongshan park in honour of Sun Yat Sen

Tips:

There is a counter to drop off your luggage before boarding, crew will give you luggage tags.
Cup noodles are available for purchase on board the Star Ferry
Alternative to the Star Ferry is taking the Coach Transfer
ALWAYS have at least 2 packs of Kleenex with you
Be prepared for “traditional” toilets aka peeing in a hole even in big Chinese restaurants
If you take the taxi, make sure you communicate the fare beforehand
Be prepared for bad air quality

Overall, Zhongshan is a mid sized developing city with plenty of Old World Charm..tons of potential. There’s still a lot left for my next trip to discover.

97 days ago Short URL Comments

Asia/China/Travel

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Feb

72 Hours in Zhongshan, mingling with the locals

This is my 2nd time to visit Zhongshan, my last visit was a year ago but I merely stayed 24 hours back then, I’m determined to see the ” true” Zhongshan this time in 72 hours. The quickest way to Zhongshan is aboard the Star Ferry from Hong Kong (China Ferry Terminal on Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui), approximately one and a half hour ride. The ferry ride was bumpy..not the relaxing type but its the quickest way!

We opted to stay at the King Century Zhongshan, you get a spacious room with buffet breakfast, central location, Karaoke and Starbucks (always a retreat, this is how I keep sane within Asian cities…I will dedicate the next post to that) right outside the building and its even attached to a shopping mall. If you can splurge, stay at the Sheraton Zhongshan..just recently completed with a beautiful grand lobby,awesome rooms, the best dim sum restaurant and great service!

Our friends took us on a walking tour of the residential parts of Zhongshan, which I totally recommend..you can see close-up and admire the old buildings and we passed by an elementary school, and many small local shops which was very interesting!

Dinner time. I would never have come to this place by myself..a Zhongshan local must take you here! You get off the car or taxi and the first thing you see is a huge deserted parking lot and in the far corner you can faintly see some people ushering food running back and forth. We were led to our table inside a small room with minimal to no decor, no heat,rusty fold up chairs with two small windows which looked like they were not cleaned for 30 years. First thing I thought of was to head to the bathroom to wash my hands but boy was I wrong…but anyways now the pigeon feast begins! OH MY GOD! The most finger licking good 7 course pigeon dinner slowly reveals itself one by one. First up, the pigeon hot pot! Then dishes of pigeon in soya sauce,pepper-salt,fried rice..all the things imaginable came together!

After dinner we watched a Chinese movie in Cantonese at the movie theater (aka couples hang-out place)…the movie theater had a very low key entrance..no big signs..just enter an elevator and up to the second floor. It was a small screening room but the seats all had EXTRA leg room much more comfy than in North America.

Must do’s in Zhongshan:

Enjoy Dim Sum at Sheraton Zhongshan
Relax with a foot massage at Bu Bu Gao (Safe, Clean and Affordable)
Try Authentic Pigeon feast dinner in a village setting (Pigeon hotpot,soya-sauce,salt & pepper, pigeon fried rice..you name it!)
Hire a rickshaw just for the experience (they are now all electric-powered)
Visit the Zhongshan park in honour of Sun Yat Sen

Tips:

There is a counter to drop off your luggage before boarding, crew will give you luggage tags.
Cup noodles are available for purchase on board the Star Ferry
Alternative to the Star Ferry is taking the Coach Transfer
ALWAYS have at least 2 packs of Kleenex with you
Be prepared for “traditional” toilets aka peeing in a hole even in big Chinese restaurants
If you take the taxi, make sure you communicate the fare beforehand
Be prepared for bad air quality