Hong Kong Tourism

Garden of Stars or Avenue of Stars?….Just the same, as Long as There’s Bruce Lee.

26 November 2019travelingpersecond

Early morning around 8 o’clock, I began to descend Chungking Mansions Building where I stayed for 3 days in Hong Kong. Hong Kong was crazy, I couldn’t see the morning sun because it was so tightly with skyscrapers. Streets were also full of people who passing by with their respective activities…..Very tight.

Nathan Road became a road name which I was most familiar with because I always passed it every morning, afternoon and night while in Hong Kong. That morning….Yes, Nathan Road again…. I turned left toward Salisbury Road. While looking at roadside shops, I hope to find a minimart soon to buy a cheap breakfast. Crazy indeed….Hong Kong transportation can be cheap, but food and hotel are expensive.

T-junction of Nathan Road and Salisbury Road.

Then arrived at T-junction of Middle Road and Salisbury Road, I found 7-Eleven minimart. Yes, that morning I ate a slice of Ham & Egg Sandwiches at a price of USD 1,40. Simply heated in a microwave, I could quickly enjoy it. It was just strange, cashier didn’t want to accept my HKD 100 paper money, she said it was old money….What?

Standing at the end of road while enjoying my smoky sandwiches, my chewing was interrupted by presence of a Japanese wanderer who was a little difficult to speak English and with his gadget showing a picture of an orange building with a wall clock on it. Oh that’s Hong Kong Clock Tower, I immediately understood…..I was clever right, Hahaha.

Me: “Do you want go there?”.

He: “Yes….Yes…”, Nodding and smiling.

Me: “Do you have a map?”.

He: “What…What…”, He didn’t understand.

Me: “Wait….Just wait”….I put my food on a sidewalk bench, I lowered my bag from my back, then I took a map which is a loyal tool for my trip. I knew that clock tower is located near Star Ferry Pier, maybe he wanted to cross towards Hong Kong Island. Yes, I found its location in map and then I put my compass on it….Okay, I knew

Me: “Hi Buddy, you just go through that road…You must across that road towards left side….Just walking straight for about 1 km. You will find it in the left side….Okay”…..I explained while pointing my fingers here and there because he didn’t understand English.

He: “Okay…okay, thank you very much”.

Me: “Arigatou Gozaimasu…..”. while bowing

He: “Oh…Oh, yea “, He smiled broadly and leaned forward. It seems like he is honored.

Finished in eating sandwiches, I immediately continued my journey along Salisbury Road….Opposite direction to a Japanese who ask to me earlier. Within 5 minutes, I arrived at a tunnel court with would direct me to Garden of Stars. Free…. no needed to spend money to entering this destination. Entering Garden of Stars Time Tunnel, I was treated to Hong Kong city stories from ancient era until now. Wow, the picture stories displayed along tunnel wall leave me stunned by the rapid development of Hong Kong….Cool.

Out of tunnel then I arrived in the vast Garden of Stars. Wahhhh…. those famous statues. The statue was being moved from its original place namely Avenue of Stars on a side of Victoria Harbor due to a renovation project.

Actually amused too, photos with that statues…. Hahaha. My far away journey just to took a photo with statues in Hong Kong….Wow.

Here were some Garden of Stars captures:

Mc Dull sculpture….the pig cartoon figure.

Besides statues, I also found Star Handprint Plaques. Trying to touch Michelle Yeoh’s handprint …. Oh God, how cute is her hand ….I really like it.

At the end of park, I could find statues which depicting film activities in Hong Kong.

Garden of Stars itself offers a breathtaking view of Victoria Harbor. Didn’t want to leave its charm, I decided to enjoy a cup of coffee and sit facing Victoria Harbor to enjoy the beauty of Hong Kong on that morning.

How cool was my trip.…

Ferry from Hong Kong to Macao

24 November 2019travelingpersecond

My 48 hours adventure in Hong Kong must end.

Early morning, I packed my things. After filling my drinking bottle in hotel’s water dispenser, I had to fight with fully effort to wake the receptionist up who was snoring behind room curtain. Don’t you imagine how luxury of its reception desk….Because a hotel reception is only a small room with a hole interaction between guests and hotel receptionist with 1 square meter in size.

And his snoring was swallowed when he woke up because of the bell disturbance from me. I didn’t know if he was angrily muttering or maybe he was just shocked because of his Chinese idiom which I didn’t understand. While muttering, he tried to find an envelope filled with money in desk drawer to returning a room deposit money to me. Not bad, 100 Hong Kong Dollars.

Exiting Chungking Mansions in a still dark street, I walked fast enough to immediately enter Tsim Sha Tsui underground station which is located 100 meters from Chungking Mansions exit.

With Tsuen Wan Line MTR, I headed for Central Station then continued with Island Line MTR and stopped at Sheung Wan Station which is integrated with Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal.

Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal is a regular ferry port with route from Hong Kong-Macao Ferry Terminal in Hong Kong to Outer Harbor Ferry Terminal in Macao.

Within 16 minutes and a fare about USD 0.75, I arrived at Sheung Wan Station. I immediately headed to ticket counter to withdraw my Octopus Card deposit for about USD 6.50 stored in it. “The Octopus” duty to accompany me was completed because I was at ferry gate to leave Hong Kong.

After buying a ferry ticket to Macao, the price was about USD 21.30, I immediately approached a money changer to exchange Hong Kong Dollar for Macao Dollar.

Not a long waiting, on exactly 08:00 hours, I began boarding to red speed boat. And a moment later, TurboJet ferry sailed towards Macao.

Sailing in middle of a light drizzle and continuing to swing across waves made me amazed watching waters of South China Sea. There wasn’t compliment of any food in this short cruise for 55 minutes. I just kept facing window to see amazing view outside ferry.

Giant pillars which supporting Macau-Taipa Bridge are a sign that ferry is moving closer to Outer Harbor Ferry Terminal. Macao has a very famous road upper the sea. And I could enjoy its beauty from other side. Even though in the end, I would pass that street later when I went to a famous Macao hotel and casino, The Venetian.

Anchoring at Outer Harbor Ferry Terminal, Macao.

Let’s find your ferry tickets on 12Go at the following link: https://12go.asia/?z=3283832

Tian Tan Buddha….Religious Fascination in Ngong Ping

21 November 2019travelingpersecond

Journey to Tian Tan Buddha

Me: “Is it a bus to Tung Chung Station, Sir”

Driver: “Yes, Sir….It will go there”.

A short conversation in double decker S56 front door at bus shelter, Hong Kong International Airport. With that double-decker bus, I headed to Tung Chung Tempory Bus Terminus which is 250 meters northwest of Tung Chung MTR Station.

Sitting on bus lower deck, I continued to look out the window to find a direction sign to Citygate Outlets as the closest building to Tung Chung Station which was most easily seen because of its towering height.

30 minutes passed, I finally saw top of that shopping center. Made my heart a little calm because of I wasn’t lost. Bus slowly approached at Tung Chung Temporary Bus Terminus. Instantly, I could see bus no. 23 bus which was aiming to Ngong Ping. Didn’t rush to catch it, because I had to look for breakfast at Citygate Outlets.

Shopping center which is combined with offices and hotels.

In and out of several minimarkets in mall ground floor, I never found halal food. Returning to front plaza while sitting and observing around, until finally finding McDonald’s logo at end of mall. I entered in that fast food restaurant. A warm omlet burger and a cup of hot tea for USD 1,9 made me better prepared to explore Big Buddha.

Hong Kong MTR (Mass Transit Railway) logo.

A step later, I was getting ready at Tung Chung Temporary Bus Terminus and then queueing at Bus no.23 platform. Starting by swiping Octopus Card on automatic fare machine near driver, I finally began my journey to Tian Tan Buddha.

Bus no.23 interior which goes to Ngong Ping.

How about views during my trip using bus no. 23. Let’s took a peek!

35 minutes later.…

Me: “Hello, is it yours?“, I shouted to tour group while holding someone’s Immigration Clearance Arrangement which had fallen under bus seat.

One of them: “Oh, it isn’t” she said after reading and confirming that it wasn’t her name and her group mate.

Me: “Oh, Ok“. I handed that sheet over to bus driver, maybe someone would look for it later.

That incident had closed my journey story heading Tian Tan Buddha.

Tian Tan Buddha and surrounding destinations

The first part which I went through was Ngong Ping Piazza. What were in Ngong Ping Piazza?, here it is:

Entering Ngong Ping Piazza front gate amazed me about this destination. Spacious, majestic and sacred.

Ngong Ping Piazza main gate or often called New Pau Lau.

After passing through gate, next part which you will pass is 122 meters Bodhi Path with 12 statues on left and right sides which are known as “The Twelve Divine Generals”.

“The Twelve Divine Generals” are in form of 12 statues of Gods Generals as guardians of Tian Tan Buddha. These 12 Gods Generals also symbolize 12 Chinese zodiacs. The twelve were armed with certain weapons.

The General Indra, represents the time between 9-11 AM. Representing snake symbol in Chinese zodiac. Armed with a stick.

The General Makura, represents time between 5-7am. Representing rabbit symbol in Chinese zodiac. Armed with an ax.

After passing Bodhi Path, you will find another section called The Four Lotus Ponds (Di Tan). This part is usually used for religious ceremonies held by Po Lin Monastery.

In Tan is centre of Ngong Ping Piazza. Often dubbed as “The Alter of Earth”.

If you are lucky, you will be greeted by a cow which is free to roam around Ngong Ping Piazza.

OK, Ngong Piazza was finished……

Next part which I would going to was Tian Tan Buddha.

Tian Tan Buddha is one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world. Facing north and need to climb 268 stairs to be exactly reach it. From above you will also see 360-degree views of Lantau Island.

Come on …. Are you strong to climb or maybe don’t climbing up there?

360-degree view of Lantau Island awaits you if you success to climb those stairs.

Free if you are visiting outside from Tian Tan Buddha statue. But you have to pay if you want to go to bottom of Buddha statue.

Around of Tian Tan Buddha, you will find six Bodhisattva statues which look like they give different offerings for Tian Tan Buddha.

Here it is one of six Bodhisattvas statues.

Then how about form of Tian Tan Buddha. This is it:

Dashing standing with 34 meters in height.

Stepped down the stairs of Tian Tan Buddha then I immediately rushed to Wisdom Path.

What is Wisdom Path?

Yups … is a path that cuts through forest with views on either side in the form of inscriptions containing writings from Heart Sutra teachings and poured in large pieces of wooden boards. The Heart Sutra itself is highly respected among Confucius, Buddhists and Taoists. These 38 wooden planks are arranged so that forming number 8 pattern as a symbol of infinity.

This Wisdom Path is only 15-minute walking from Tian Tan Buddha..

Wisdom Path was finished…..Then, what else?

Yup….Let’s visited Ngong Ping Village.

Is this a really village, Donny?

Noooooo…..This is just a souvenir sales place. Hahaha. So surely, I won’t visit it for long time….

The last….There is another destination in Ngong Ping. Namely Po Lin Monastery. Sorry, guys, I couldn’t visit…. Swear, I was very tired. I hadn’t slept all night, because there wasn’t comfortable sleeping area at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila. Hopefully I can go to Hong Kong again and visit this monastery where monks gather and religious gatherings on an international scale held.

Bye Ngong Ping….Welcome Disneyland…..

Ladies Market….First Day Closing

19 November 2019travelingpersecond

My adventure in Hong Kong Disneyland ended….It was time to move to another destination.

I gave USD 19,5 to female staff at Hong Kong Taiwan Hotel reception desk. Washing my body at 32nd hour since my last shower in Manila was first thing I did after opening room door.

Indian halal fried rice stall on 1st floor saved me from hunger after a half day exploring Tian Tan Buddha and Hong Kong Disneyland on Lantau Island.

Little fast walking to Tsim Sha Tsui Station and fastly leaving Chungking Mansions Building which is my hostel location. Using Tsuen Wan Line MTR and switching to MTR Kwun Tong Line at Mong Kok station, I finally arrived at Lok Fu Station.

16-minutes train ride which reduced my Octopus Card balance about by USD 1,1. It was getting darker when I came out of Lok Fu Station at gate B. Damn, I was trapped in the darkness when going to Kowloon Walled City Park.

Didn’t want to linger for set direction, I asked an office employee’s woman who was rushing up Kowloon Green Minibus (Kowloon GMB) which is a reliable transportation in Kowloon City District.

Me: “Excuse me, mam!. Sorry for disturbing you. Can me know, which way towards Kowloon Walled City Park?”.

She: “Just walk straight through that street, You can find it in 1 km or you can use this GMB to go there”.

Me: “Oh, thank you mam. I prefer to walk towards there”. (not my way to take a bus for that distance)

Walking through in Junction Road, I was getting a little suspicious because road looked quiet and a little dark. But I never intended to cancel my search. After walking for 15 minutes, I arrived at Kowloon Walled City Park. True to my guess, the park was very quiet and dark disguised. The existence of several garden lights didn’t necessarily make it so bright because of park wide.

I just looked park from front yard. It was impossible to enter deeper areas, making me immediately leave this park.

I returned to Lok Fu Station by walk. I intended to go to Ladies Market as closing trip on my first day in Hong Kong.

Do you know Ladies Market, right?

Sorry, this isn’t a market for selling women….Hahaha

Ladies Market is a 1 km street market which majority of stalls sell women’s goods and trinkets such as watches, cosmetics, souvenirs, clothes and some even sell underwear.

Taking Kwun Tong Line MTR. I headed to Mong Kok Station which is the closest stop to Ladies Market. Only 9 minutes and USD 0,75.

Exit from gate E2 in Mong Kok Station and continued along Nelson Street.

Actually, what are you doing, Donny?….Lack of initiative….Hahaha.

In second crossroad, I turned right. Finally I was greeted with Tung Choi Street situation which was very crowded. Full of billboards on each side of road.

“Wow, this is Ladies Market, amazing….very busy market” I thought. Hmmh, I might go back too little bit late at night if I lost control.

“Let’s buy….100 Dollars get 3“, I faintly heard my country’s language. Intrigued made me to looking for voice owner to really meet her. Oh, the seller is a Hong Kong citizen who seems to be fluent in Indonesian language.

“Let’s buy souvenirs for bringing to Indonesia, sir“, She said. I broadly smiled. Somehow, She persuaded me, until USD 13 could come out of my wallet and then she packed 6 pieces of t-shirts titled “I Love HK” …. Ups, every where, women are champion in selling…..But, I still champion in bargaining….Hahaha.

Then, I spent more time to enjoy street food and also enjoyed a can of soft drink on a sidewalk bench. Eyes which are actually tired are invincible by drowsiness due to Ladies Market crowd. But, then time urged me to immediately went to hostel and I closed that night with an immeasurable impression about Hong Kong.

For 7 minutes, Tsuen Wan Line MTR took me to Tsim Sha Tsui Station where my hostel was. The cost was only USD 0,75..

Good night HK, see you tommorow.

….Zzzzzzz….

Stranded in Wan Chai District, Stuck in Lockhart Road.

17 November 2019travelingpersecond

Leaving Bank of China Tower in a slightly drizzling condition, I had to little bit run towards ‘Murray Road’ Tram Stop. I was getting ready to ride legendary transportation in Hong Kong i.e Ding Ding Tram. Trams which often appear in Hong Kong movies.

Queensway Road situation which very busy because many private cars and a half-part of road was taken to parking many “asphalt finisher vehicles” didn’t reduce my enthusiasm to waiting for this tram.

5 minutes waiting, a blue tram arrived. I jumped into tram from back door and went straight to tram’s upper deck so I could freely enjoy street situation.

My destination was Victoria Park. Do you know Victoria Park, right? It is the biggest park on Hong Kong Island which is a usual gathering point for Indonesian migrant workers in Hong Kong.

I arrived in 35 minutes. After tapping my Octopus Card at fare machine located near driver, I immediately got off from front door. Tram rate is very cheap, only USD 0,30.

Got off at ‘Victoria Park’ Tram Stop located on Causeway Road.

Victoria Park was very close in front.

But on shortly time after got off from tram, it heavily rained again. I quickly ran to find shelter in front of shops in Causeway Road.

Looked like I had to cancel my visitation plan at Victoria Park. It was very heavy raining, I thought the park was definitely quiet too. I had to find other alternatives to using my time so that it wasn’t wasted in heavy rain.

I tried to find a direction sign which could direct me to the nearest MTR station. At underground station was definitely warmer and drier.

Yes, I saw a MTR logo which then directed me to Tin Hau MTR Station entrance gate. I decided to go to Hong Kong’s famous retail area i.e Causeway Bay area and would certainly stop at Causeway Bay Station. Rates around USD 0,6 with 6 minutes travel time.

A clock showed 15:30 hours when I arrived at Causeway Bay. I decided to look for a diner while waiting for rain to stop. Sifting through many food stalls to avoid pork until I finally chose in a small stall in Jaffe Road.

Rice plus tofu-toge and chicken for USD 3,5.

That is a famous fast food stall in Causeway Bay area i.e Ying Heong Yuen.

Furthermore,

I headed to SOGO Mall….What were you doing, Donny?….Just for sightseeing. Walking around more than 30 minutes in a mall just to see expensive items. Well, This mall was similar with many malls in Jakarta.

Out from mall, I stopped for a long time at one side of a large crossroad to observe Hong Kong residents activities who were super crowded.

Busy crossroad on Hennessy Road near Causeway Bay MTR Station.

—-***—-

From Causeway Bay area then I moved to centre of Wan Chai District using tram. Going up from ‘Paterson Street’ Tram Stop and got off at ‘Swatow Street’ Tram Station. It only took 15 minutes and fare for about USD 0,30.

Got off at ‘Swatow Street’ Tram Station, I immediately realized whereabouts of a football stadium….Quite busy. Was there a football match?.

The stadium name is Southorn Playground and is located on Luard Road.

I approached and ventured to ask to security staff at stadium gate….and finally, I could enter into it….Free ticket also.

Hurry in and took a seat at benchs. It was a stadium which used to play soccer for local residents. But it was quite crowded too. Joining with local people activities and I didn’t feel like a tourist. I was also unclearly screaming during match….Hahaha….Crazy.

Southorn Playground flanked by Luard Road and Johnston Road.

Only watched a half time because I wanted to see Wan Chai nightlife.

Do You know Wan Chai District, right?

Wan Chai is centre of nightlife throughout Hong Kong. Besides being known as an area for backpackers to staying, there are several areas in Wan Chai which are known as red districts. So besides offering cheap accommodations, you will easily find bars and clubs here.

I tried to explore bars and clubs along Lockhart Road. And it is true, sexy women in minimal clothing passing by in and out of bars and clubs. Some of them brought by foreigners for money.

Ah, I worried to couldn’t control myself….Finally I headed to a junction in middle of Lockhart Road and stopped by in a street food stall which sold a variety of sea food satay which was grilled on the spot. Enough with USD 0,75, you could get delicious grilled food in Hong Kong’s cold night air.

Here it is the stall….”Ada Snack” is located at O’brien Road.

Started to eat a satay, several sexy women came and ate foods in same stall….Waow, nervous….Finally, I prefered to left away from there.

Fearing that I would miss an important performance, I decided to head for Victoria Harbor. I had to get there before 20:00 hours. Because it is the regular time for Symphony of Light to start. Took MTR from Wan Chai Station to Central Station. Fare is about USD 0,60 with 8 minutes travel time.

Wow, that band sang a cool song….But I didn’t understand Chinese language.

Cool buskers in a corridor which connecting Central MTR Station and Central Ferry Pier.

I ran to see them sang some songs and after that I headed to pier to cross to Victoria Harbor. Paying about USD 0,30, I arrived at Victoria Harbor in 12 minutes.

Taking a comfortable sitting position, then I waited for Symphony of Lights to began.