Hong Kong Disneyland 香港迪士尼乐园 – Hong Kong, China

        Hong Kong is almost identical with Disneyland. Almost everyone who visits Hong Kong will always put it on the first list of their travel plan. Is Disneyland that attractive? What does it have that people would love going there despite the pricey entrance fee? Mmh... I was trying to figure it out during my second visit to Hong Kong. This time I went with my mom and boyfriend. My mom always heard from her friends that she must visit Disneyland because it is the icon of Hong Kong. My boyfriend who has visited Disneyland several times also said the same thing. However, when we wanted to go there he could not join because he had a church ministry. So, finally only mom and I set off for the park.

        It was Saturday afternoon, and the sun was very sunny. Before we went there, we had expected that the Disneyland would be very crowded as it was summer holiday. Of course, many parents would bring their children to the park. Therefore, if you want to visit the park you’d better avoid weekends and peak seasons unless you want to end up having a time-consuming and tiring holiday. Actually, I dislike visiting too crowded places, but this time I had no choice because I had to accompany my mom since it was her first time at Hong Kong. I recklessly tidied up and then together with my mom rushed to the MTR. It was already 1 pm. and we did not want to waste our time.
 

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Golden Bauhinia Square 金紫荆广场 – Hong Kong, China

        Every time I visited Hong Kong, I always grabbed the free travel guides provided at the immigration entrance. The book mentioned that one of the tourist attractions in Hong Kong is the Golden Bauhinia Square. Since I had not visited the site during my first visit there, I was determined to go there on my second visit. I asked my mom and boyfriend to go there. We asked for directions and took the MTR to Wan Chai station. We then walked across a bridge and kept walking for about 15 minutes until we reached there.

        Located next to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center across the Wan Chai Star Ferry Pier that operates ferries to Tsim Sha Tsui, the Golden Bauhinia Square or also known as the Expo Promenade is an open area that has become a popular tourist destination in Hong Kong. The golden sculpture has a shape of Hong Kong’s very own bauhinia flower or known as the Hong Kong orchid that becomes the national emblem of the HKSAR and can be found all over Hong Kong as well as on the Hong Kong flag and on the back of Hong Kong coins.

 

   

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St. John’s Cathedral 圣约翰座堂 – Hong Kong, China

        Going to church is always a pleasant thing to do for me because I like to be in God’s house and dwell in His presence. His presence is just like a heaven to me. Whenever I have problems, a visit to church will always refresh me. So, if you are facing life difficulties and looking for a place that can take your burdens away, do not go anywhere but church. There you will experience God’s love and help. As I was waiting for the Big Bus to come and pick me up to go to the next destination, my mom and I visited St. John’s Cathedral that beautifully stands just across the Peak Tram station. Built in the style of Victorian Gothic, the cathedral is the oldest Anglican and the first Christian church in Hong Kong city. Dwarfed by the towering skyscrapers including the Bank of China Tower, the HSBC Building, the Legislative Council Building and the Central Government Offices, the church was constructed by the Governor, Sir John Davis on 11 March 1847 and finished in 1849 under the first Bishop of Victoria, Bishop George Smith. It underwent extension in 1873 and during the Japanese era, it was used as a club house for Japanese community that has caused severe damage on the building. It was then fully repaired and declared a historical building in 1996.

 

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Sampan Ride on Aberdeen Harbor – Hong Kong, China

        After visiting the Repulse Bay, we continued our Big Bus Tour to the Aberdeen Harbor. The bus dropped us at the Aberdeen station and then we were soon welcome by a Chinese guy. Then an old lady of 70 years old also approached us and ordered that guy to prepare his sampan. While he was turning on the boat machine, the lady asked us to show our sampan ride ticket. I just found out that she was the owner of the boat. We then boarded the boat and the boat operator warmly welcomed us. He took us around to see the fishing village and the Jumbo restaurant.

 

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Repulse Bay 浅水湾 – Hong Kong, China

        Are you a beach person? I am not, but I love natural views. Visiting a beach in summer is not a good idea for me because I get tanned easily and I hate being tanned. But, thank God, when I visited one of the most famous beaches in Hong Kong, the Repulse Bay, the weather was friendly. The sun was shining softly. Continuing our Big Bus Tour, we stopped at the Repulse Bay. The beach is a beautiful white-sand beach with pristine water and tranquil atmosphere.
        The bus stopped at the bus stop and we needed to take staircases to go down to the beach. It was very beautiful. The beach was not too full with people. There were only a few visitors at that time. Some were lying on the beach enjoying the sun bathing, while others were swimming. The view there is like the beach in Shen Zhen, Xiao Mei Sha, the one I visited once. The beach is a perfect place to enjoy nature in the midst of a big city like Hong Kong.

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Big Bus Tour – Hong Kong, China

        Just like what the name means, the fragrant harbour, Hong Kong indeed is a beautiful city of harbour surrounded by seas and ships. Hong Kong has always been one of the most favorite destinations in Asia and tourists usually travel via Hong Kong before visiting the Mainland China or other countries. It was in the afternoon that I and family decided to take Ferry to cross Central to Tsim Sha Tsui. It was the first time for me traveling by Ferry in Hong Kong for I always thought that taking a Ferry was pricey. Interestingly, on our way to the pier, we found "The Big Bus Tour" office on the second floor of the Central Ferry Pier. Curiously I entered the office and asked a few questions about the Big Bus Tour. The Philippian staff excitedly explained to us the programs they had. After some discussion, we decided to take the tour. There were some packages, but we took the Premium one that cost each person HKD 350. It included a one-day-tour, a free night tour and a free pass to The Peak Tram and Sky Terrace.

     

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Ladies Market 女人街 – Hong Kong, China

        Visiting Hong Kong has always been a fascinating thing for me. I love the city very much. To me, Hong Kong is a never-sleeping small city. I really enjoy walking along the pavements just to see people passing by, bargaining things, making performance and doing other things. The night view there is really unique and I really love it. Most of the stores are open until midnight, which is a rare view in China. Up until midnight, the streets are also filled with crowds of people busy doing their business.

        A visit to Hong Kong is incomplete without shopping for it is one of the reasons Hong Kong is known for. Just like its name, Mong Kok in Cantonese means “busy corner”, the area according to the Guinness Book of Records is the most densely populated place on the planet with over squeezing 130,000 people per km2 and is one of the largest shopping areas in Hong Kong that attracts many visitors and shoppers. So, if you are a shopaholic, it is a place you must not miss. One of the most famous shopping districts in Mong Kok is called the Ladies Market. If you suddenly feel bored in the middle of the night, strolling around the market makes a good visit. While doing some night-shopping, you can also be mesmerized into the hustling of the city's nightlife.

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Nan Lian Garden 南莲园池 – Hong Kong, China

        On the last day of my stay in Hong Kong, Michelle’s aunt took us to visit a remarkable garden in the middle of the Kowloon city, called Nan Lian Garden or “Southern Lotus”. We took MTR, got off at Diamond Hill station and then took Exit C2. The admission to the garden is free and it is open from 7am to 9pm. It is said that the garden is packed with tourists on weekends, so it is better to visit it on weekdays to avoid queuing with others to take pictures. Fortunately, when I went there, there were not many people so I could stroll around the garden without having too much disruption. As I entered the garden, I was amazed at the beautiful Chinese architectural style. And here is where the adventure began!

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Ocean Park 香港海洋公园 – Hong Kong, China

        When I was a little child, my parents took me to visit a marine conservation “Sea World” at Jakarta, Indonesia. At that time, I was amazed to know I was surrounded by many fish starting from the small to the huge ones swimming all over me in a gigantic glass aquarium. I always thought that the one in Jakarta was the most beautiful marine conservation in the world. However, I made up my mind once I visited Ocean Park in Hong Kong last January 2011.

        Aside from the well-known Disneyland, Hong Kong actually has another large theme park called Ocean Park. On the second day of my trip there, Michelle and I preferred visiting Ocean Park to Disneyland for we wanted to have a different taste this time. I quickly rushed to take a shower and wear my pink sweater and boots, ready to set off to the park. It was a cloudy day and the weather was chilling. After we got everything done, we departed from the auntie’s house heading to the MTR station. We took MTR to the Admiralty Station. Then, we crossed the road and found the bus that would take us to the Ocean Park. The bus number is 629. We bought the entrance ticket at the bus locket to avoid any possible long queue. It cost us 250 HK$. I used my Octopus card to pay the bus fee. The bus was a two-storey bus, a typical Hong Kong bus that you hardly find in other places. Michelle and I were very excited to go the upper level, but unfortunately it was already full. So we just stayed downstairs. It only took us approximately half an hour to reach the site.

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Madame Tussaud 杜莎夫人蜡像馆 – Hong Kong, China

       Who is your favorite celebrity? One of my favorite singers is Jay Zhou, a Chinese multi-talented musician who not only sings but also creates his own songs. In fact, a common person like me would hardly meet with him face to face. I myself totally have no problem with this, but there are many people out there who are crazy about their idols that they would do whatever it takes to meet with their stars. Have you ever imagined yourself meeting with many celebrities and famous people in one place? Hong Kong Madame Tussaud can help make your dream come true by connecting you with your favorite celebrities even though they are their wax counterparts. At least you could have some pictures with the image of your favorite star and boast it to your friends that you have met with your real idol instead… haha… that would be deceiving.

        After enjoying the view of Hong Kong skyline at the Sky Terrace, Michelle and I climbed down the elevator to go to the next attraction, which is Madame Tussaud. The place is so famous for its collection of wax replicas of famous celebrities and influential people. Inspired by the original Madame Tussaud in London, the Hong Kong’s branch gives celebrity enthusiasts to hang out with their favorite celebrities (well, actually their wax counterparts). This is the place where you can see the candle sculptures of famous people. You could then have a personal experience with your favorite stars. It is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. If you visit Hong Kong, a visit to this wax museum must be on your top priority list.

  

     

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Victoria Peak 太平山顶 - Hong Kong，China

        If there is ever a competition of city that has the most best-lit skyscrapers in the world, the city of Hong Kong will surely fetch the crown. This Asia city even beats the cosmopolitan New York city. There are 45 buildings over than 200 meters tall in Hong Kong and a number of residential apartments with 60 stories, making the city owns four of the 17 tallest buildings in the world. The combination of all these buildings has created an arguably the world’s most outstanding sample of architectural matrix. What an achievement! Hong Kong is undoubtedly the most vertical city in the world, boasting of having one third of the tallest residential buildings in the world. In Hong Kong, everyday people have to go to at least 14th floor building to do their daily business. 

        Due to the scarcity of the land and the limitation of real estate area, many skyscrapers in Hong Kong are packed into a tiny area. The city indeed boasts two skylines, with the one in Hong Kong island and another on Kowloon across Victoria harbor. However, Hong Kong island’s skyline is still the most impressive one. Its fame has reached international ears and every day visitors from all over the world visit this site. The number is even much higher during holiday. Hong Kong skyline is made up of a series of distinctive sky-reaching towers rather than block-style apartments. The mountainous backdrop even adds to the beauty of the skyline, making the skyline the greatest one on the planet. To get the most amazing view of the skyline, the best time to visit it is in the evening when all the skyscrapers are lit.

       

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Hongkong Park 香港公园 – Hong Kong, China

        On the first day of my visit to Hong Kong, Michelle and I strolled around Tsim Sha Tsui area to continue to the Victoria Peak. While trying to find our way to the Peak, we by chance crossed Hong Park. Located in the middle of the big city, Hong Kong park is one of the most charming and surprising areas in the city. It is a public park featuring a combination of nature and modern architecture. To access the site, take MTR, get off at Admiralty station and take C1 Exit.        

 

A stone stele of Hong Kong park warmly welcomes visitors. When I reached this site, I was curious to have a look what’s inside.

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Avenue of Stars 星光大道 – Hong Kong, China

        Going to the United States must be a dream for most Asian people. The country has been one of the most popular destinations in the world. One of the attractions that becomes the magnet to visitors is its famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, where you could find hundreds of handprints of famous movie stars. Imagine yourself walking on a red carpet, welcomed by the screaming of hundreds of fans shouting your name. O yeah, you must love being in that situation. However, if you don’t have much money yet would like to have somewhat similar experience, you could go to the Asian version of Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hong Kong, called the Avenue of Stars. The site is a free attraction that can be enjoyed by all people of all ages.

        For years, Hong Kong has been acknowledged as the leading country of filmmaking in Asia. Its film industry enjoys over than 100 years of history. In order to celebrate the glory of Hong Kong’s film industry, to pay tribute to Hong Kong’s film professionals, and to promote Hong Kong’s tourism, Hong Kong Tourism Board along with some other branches of Hong Kong government decided to build a promenade in front of the appealing Victoria Harbor, called The Avenue of Stars. The construction of this avenue has even boosted Hong Kong’s position as the “Hollywood of the East” country in Asia.

        On my first visit to Hong Kong, Michelle and I, after visiting the Clock Tower, strolled around the Tsim Sha Tsui area to find the famous promenade. It is quite easy to reach there. You just need to take MTR and get off at Tsim Sha Tsui station and take exit E, or you could take a Ferry. The Avenue of Stars has unique beauty tourists cannot resist. Therefore, it becomes a must visit place for all tourists. The site is open to public visits day and night. However, the best time to visit it is either in the morning or late in the evening. In the evening, the view is even more breathtaking with the illumination of tons of twinkling lights.

        Located at the Tsim Sha Tsui area, the Avenue of Stars is a 440-meter long promenade at the edge of the Victoria Harbor. The structure is modeled after its forerunner, the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the USA. No wonder this site is often referred as the Hollywood of the Orient. The original idea to build this avenue is to commemorate the history and achievements of Hong Kong’s film industry that for years has been very influential to the neighboring Asian countries even worldwide, and to honor movie professionals who have contributed to the success of Hong Kong’s film industry. It does not only honor movie makers, but also producers, directors and other well-deserving members of Hong Kong’s film industry community.

        At the entrance to the avenue, a 4.5 meter-tall bronze statue of a woman triumphantly holding high a movie award is ready to welcome visitors. Located in the middle of the avenue, the statue has become the iconic symbol of the site.

Film awards statue

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The Clock Tower 尖沙咀码头钟楼 – Hong Kong, China

        In the next few weeks, let’s join me explore Hong Kong, one of the most crowded cities in the world that has the world’s best International airport. During my stay in Guangzhou in 2009, I had always wanted to visit Hong Kong. My friends subsequently asked me to join with them to go there. However, due to visa restriction, I had no other choice than staying in Guangzhou. Disappointed? Yes, indeed I was. Once I obtained multiple-entry visa, I planned a series of trips to Hong Kong and Macau. Unfortunately, by the time I had the visa, most of my friends had visited those places and they did not plan to go there in the nearest time. I did not want to travel by myself. I thought I would not be able to make my dream come true. Time went by very quickly and the time for me to go back to my native country was approaching. 

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