Lantau Island

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….

10 Hong Kong’s Tourist Attractions in 48 Hours

3 November 2019travelingpersecond

Hong Kong is special administrative region of People’s Republic of China which was first region in East Asia I visited. I visited it in 2016.

How is my feeling at that time?…. Unspeakable, first time I go out of Southeast Asia and be special achievement at that time.

Why is that? … Flying to Hong Kong as soon as possible since becoming a traveler in 2011 is an easy matter. But that isn’t the essence, I am a combing traveler who visit one by one of region in a sequence and detail (so, you know my other strange habits now….crazy, don’t imitate!….Hahaha). So, here is it:

Before completing Southeast Asia exploration, I will make sure that I willn’t travel to East Asia.

Before completing East Asia exploration then I willn’t go to South Asia.

Similarly….Before completing South Asia exploration, I won’t step on Middle East region.

Already….enough, because I am on mission for completing Middle East exploration…. Do not ask me to write about Europe!….I don’t have experience yet about Europe exploration….Hahaha.

—-****—-

Back about Hong Kong. Oh yes, my last post about Hong Kong on this blog is at following link:

https://travelingpersecond.com/2018/03/11/big-buddha-tian-tan-buddha-and-disneyland-hong-kong/

Well, In this article I will tell you what I visited while in Hong Kong. All unique incidents, I will tell you its details one by one after this article yes.…

Here are ten main destinations where I visited:

Hong Kong International Airport.

First day on 7:13 hours

Do you know?. Last August 2019, Hong Kong International Airport was totally paralyzed because it was occupied by pro-democracy masses who rejected The Hong Kong Extradition Bill.

When I watched TV, I remembered when I landed at this airport on January 4, 2016. My memory was still strong, at that time without bathing for 24 hours, I boarded Cebu Pacific flight number 5J 108 from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila.

Look at my face…. Can you believe that I don’t take a bath for 24 hours?

Do you trust me more? that small backpack was the only backpack which I brought in traveling to Manila-Hong Kong-Macao-Shenzhen for 10 days. Look like playing to near cities, right?….Hahaha.

2. Tian Tan Buddha

First day on 10:13 hours

From airport, I didn’t directly go to hotel….It wasn’t luxury traveling. I moved towards Lantau Island (you need to know that Hong Kong consists of 3 main islands namely Lantau, Kowloon and Hong Kong).

Using S56 double-decker bus to Tung Chung Station and continue with bus no 23 to Tian Tan Buddha.`

If you go to Hong Kong, you must come here. Because this is the largest bronze statue in the world with a height of 34 meters and tangible as Sitting Buddha. It was built 26 years ago as a center for Buddhism activities in Hong Kong.

Not taking a shower for 24 hours….Still handsome….Hahaha, I am very confident.

3. Hong Kong Disneyland

First day on 13:37 hours

Don’t rush to move from Lantau Island, within 33 km range and 35 minutes travel time, you can visit Hong Kong Disneyland.

Likewise me, I left Tian Tan Buddha for Tung Chung Station again then took Tung Chung Line MTR (Mass Transit Railway) and changed to MTR Disneyland Resort Line at Sunny Bay Station to reached this destination.

Opened in 2005, Hong Kong Disneyland is the largest theme park in Hong Kong. Just prepare USD 74 to enter into it.

4. Kowloon Walled City Park

First day on 18:37 hours

Leaving Hong Kong Disneyland, I completed check-in process at Hong Kong Taiwan Hotel which located in 3rd floor Chungking Mansions Building. Hotel which costs USD 19,5 per night, is located on Nathan Road 36-44.

Finally found a halal food stall owned by Indian descent residents of on 1st floor. After a very late lunch, I headed for Kowloon Walled City Park which was built in a former of densely populated residential area with crime that was hard to eradicate by Hong Kong police.

Departed from Tsim Sha Tsui Station towards Lok Fu Station. From this station, you only need to walk about 1 km to Kowloon Walled City Park along Junction Road with 15 minutes travel time.

5. Ladies Market

Fisrt day on 20:15 hours

From Lok Fu Station, I headed to Mong Kok Station for USD 0,7.

Ladies Market, located on Tung Choi Street, is a famous souvenir market in Hong Kong. You who are good at bargaining for goods must shop here. Me?….No, I was just sightseeing.

Ladies Market operating hours: 11:00 – 23:30.

6. Avenue of the Stars

Second day on 09:45 hours

Avenue of the stars is a 400-meter-long bridge plaza on north side of Victoria Harbor, made to resemble Hollywood’s “Walk of Fame,” built to celebrate the success of Hong Kong Film Industry. Decorated by statues of famous Hong Kong artists and film directors, their handprints and several sculptures which depicting filmmaking activities in Hong Kong.

When I arrived in Hong Kong, Avenue of Stars was undergoing renovation so that all statues were transported and exhibited in a park called Garden of Stars at Salisbury Road.

Since renovation have been completed at this time, all statues and handprints have been moved back to edge of Victoria Harbor. And of course, its location had better appearance.

Just need to walk from hotel where I stayed to go to Garden of Stars.

7. The Hong Kong Observation Wheel dan AIA Vitality Park.

Second day on 11:20 hours

Located in front of Central Ferry Pier on Hong Kong Island. This 60 meter high ferris wheel has 42 gondolas as a medium of Hong Kong observation from a height. Just need to spend USD 3 to ride it

While AIA Vitality Park is directly below it. This park is commonly used for sports, concerts and festivals. When I was there, there was a festival to celebrating Christmas and New Year 2018 in this park.

8. Bank of China Tower

Second day on 12:45 hours.

Bank of China Tower is a famous landmark on Hong Kong Island. Because of its popularity, it was often made as souvenirs which were sold throughout Hong Kong.

BOC Tower is located on Garden Road and it’s headquarters Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited. With a height of 367 meters, making it as fourth tallest building in Hong Kong.

On 43rd floor, It has an observation deck which was originally opened for tourists so that they can see whole city from above. But unfortunately, when I arrived there, this facility was closed to public. Upss….I wasn’t lucky.

Then what did I do in the tower for 2 hours?….Read my post after this! ….Hahaha

That’s the tower….has typical triangular frame.

9. Wan Chai District

Second day on 17:30 hours

Upss….this is prostitution area….Oh, What are you doing, Donny!…. Hahaha.

Eittt, don’t get me wrong….Wan Chai is a backpacker area on Hong Kong Island. I am a good man….I wasn’t staying here (my hotel is in Kowloon Island)….I was just sightseeing here….Hohoho.

Yes….I initially mean to go to Victoria Park which is a gathering place for Indonesian migrant workers….Maybe, my face look like a migrant worker, so maybe they will give free food for my dinner….Hahaha.

I was too far from that park when I got off Ding Ding Tram….Because it was heavily raining and I couldn’t find the way to that park, then I stopped by for a moment at center of Wan Chai District where food prices were cheap….I was very hungry.

It was true….there were many pubs with super sexy women….I was very nervous….Hahaha.

Situation at Henessy Road, Wan Chai District

10. Symphony of Lights

Second day on 19:55 hours

Symponhy of Lights is a show of light and sound which emitted from 42 skyscraper buildings at Victoria Harbor. Leaving Wan Chai District, I stopped by here before returning to hotel. It was my last night in Hong Kong because on next day I would sail to Macao.

Then….Who has ever been a backpacker to Hong Kong?….Hahaha.

Ladies Market….Si Penutup Hari Pertama.

5 October 2019travelingpersecond

Petualangan di Hong Kong Disneyland pun berakhir….Saatnya melanjutkan ke destinasi lain.

Kuserahkan Rp. 264.000 kepada staff perempuan penjaga reception desk Hong Kong Taiwan Hotel. Membasuh tubuh pada jam ke-32 sejak mandi terakhir di Manila adalah hal pertama yang Kulakukan setelah membuka pintu kamar….Daki seberapa tebal?….Beuh, tak perlu ditanya juga sudah bisa diduga….Pufftttt.

Kedai nasi goreng halal ala India di lantai 1 menyelamatkanku dari kelaparan setelah setengah hari penuh menjelajah Tian Tan Buddha dan Hong Kong Disneyland di Lantau Island.

Berjalan sedikit cepat menuju Tsim Sha Tsui Station dan perlahan meninggalkan Chungking Mansions Building yang menjadi lokasi hostelku. Menggunakan MTR Tsuen Wan Line dan berpindah ke MTR Kwun Tong Line di stasiun Mong Kok akhirnya Aku tiba di Lok Fu Station.

Perjalanan kereta selama 16 menit yang mengurangi saldo Octopus Card ku sebesar Rp. 15.000. Hari pun semakin gelap ketika Aku keluar dari Lok Fu Station di gate B. Sial, Aku terjebak malam menuju Kowloon Walled City Park.

Tak mau berlama-lama menetapkan arah, Aku bertanya kepada seorang ibu karyawan kantoran yang sedang bergegas menaiki Kowloon Green Minibus (Kowloon GMB) yang merupakan transportasi andalan di Distrik Kowloon City.

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

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

Aku: “Oh, thank you mam. I prefer to walk towards there”. (bukan kamusku naik bus untuk jarak segitu)

Menyusuri Junction Road, Aku mulai sedikit curiga karena jalanan terlihat sepi dan sedikit gelap. Tapi Aku tak pernah berniat membatalkan pencarianku. Setelah berjalan selama 15 menit tibalah Aku di Kowloon Walled City Park. Benar dugaanku, taman sangat sepi dan tersamar gelap. Keberadaan beberapa lampu taman tak lantas membuatnya terang saking luasnya taman tersebut.

Aku hanya memandangi taman itu dari pelataran depan saja. Tak memungkinkan untuk masuk ke area yang lebih dalam, membuatku segera meninggalkan taman ini.

Aku kembali menuju Lok Fu Station dengan berjalan kaki. Aku berniat menuju ke Ladies Market sebagai penutup trip hari pertamaku di Hong Kong.

Kamu tahu kan Ladies Market?

Maap ini bukan pasar jualan perempuan ya……

Ladies Market merupakan street market sepanjang 1 km yang mayoritas kiosnya menjual barang dan pernak-pernik wanita seperti jam tangan, kosmetik, souvenir, baju bahkan ada juga yang jualan celana dalam.

Naik MTR Kwun Tong Line. Aku menuju Mong Kok Station yang merupakan pemberhentian terdekat dengan Ladies Market. Hanya 9 menit dan Rp. 10.000 kok.

Keluar dari Gate E2 Mong Kok Station dan dilanjutkan dengan menyusuri Nelson Street.

Sebenarnya Kamu itu ngapain sih, Don….Kurang kerjaan.

Diperempatan kedua berbelok ke kanan. Akhirnya Aku disambut dengan wajah Tung Choi Street yang sangat ramai. Penuh dengan billboard di setiap sisi jalan.

“Wah, ini ya Ladies Market, gileee….rame bangeeettttt”, batinku. Waduh, bisa-bisa kebablasan hingga larut malam kalau lepas kendali.

“Ayoo, dibeli….100 Dolar dapat 3”, sayup-sayup kudengar bahasa negeriku. Penasaran berat yang membuatku mencari si empunya suara hingga bener-bener ketemu batang hidungnya. Oalah, si penjual adalah seorang ibu warga negara Hong Kong yang sepertinya memang fasih berbahasa Indonesia.

“Ayo beli buat oleh-oleh ke Indonesia, pak”, sahutnya. Aku pun tersenyum lebar. Entah bagaimana Dia membujukku, hingga 100 dolar bisa keluar dari dompetku untuk kemudian dikemasnya 6 pieces t-shirt bertajuk “I Love HK”….Hadeuuh, emak-emak dimanapun tetap juara dah…..Jago nawar ya guweh….Hahaha.

Kemudian, sisa waktu lebih kugunakan untuk menikmati jajanan pinggir jalan dan menikmati sekaleng softdrink di sebuah bangku trotoar. Mata yang sebetulnya lelah tak terkalahkan oleh kantuk karena keramaian Ladies Market. Hanya saja, waktu yang kemudian mendesakku untuk segera menuju hostel dan menutup malam itu dengan kesan tak terkira tentang Hong Kong.

Selama 7 menit, MTR Tsuen Wan Line pun mengantarkanku hingga Tsim Sha Tsui Station dimana hostelku berada. Ongkosnya Cuma Rp. 10.000, ya….

Selamat malam HK, see you tommorow.

….Zzzzzzz….

10 Destinasi Wisata Hong Kong dalam 48 Jam

17 September 201921 September 2019travelingpersecond

Hong Kong merupakan daerah admistrasi khusus Republik Rakyat China yang menjadi wilayah pertama di Asia Timur yang Kukunjungi. Aku mengunjunginya pada tahun 2016.

Perasaanku waktu itu?….Tak terkatakan, pertama kali keluar Asia Tenggara adalah pencapaian prestisius kala itu.

Kenapa begitu?….Terbang ke Hong Kong sesegera mungkin sejak menjadi traveler pada 2011 adalah perkara mudah. Tapi bukan itu esensinya, Aku ini kan traveler penyisir yang mendatangi satu persatu kawasan dengan urut dan detail (tuh kan, Kamu jadi tahu kebiasaan anehku yang lain….orang gelo guwe mah, jangan ditiru!….Hahaha). Jadi begini….

Sebelum menuntaskan eksplorasi Asia Tenggara maka Kupastikan Aku tak akan menuju Asia Timur.

Sebelum menuntaskan eksplorasi Asia Timur maka Aku tak akan pergi ke Asia Selatan.

Sama….Sebelum tuntas Asia Selatan, Aku tak akan menginjak Timur Tengah.

Udah ye….segini dulu, karena Aku baru akan menuntaskan Timur Tengah….Jangan suruh nulis about Eropa!….Guwe belum punya bahan….Hahaha.

—-****—-

Yuk kembali ke Hong Kong. Oh ya, tulisan terakhirku tentang Hong Kong di blog ini ada di link berikut:

https://travelingpersecond.com/2018/02/19/bigbuddha-dan-disneyland-hong-kong/

Nah, kali ini Aku akan menceritakan apa saja yang Kukunjungi selama di Hong Kong. Sedangkan kejadian-kejadian unik akan Kuceritakan detail satu-persatu setelah artikel ini ya….

Inilah sepuluh destinasi utama yang Kukunjungi:

Hong Kong International Airport.

Hari pertama pukul 07:13

Tahu kan, Agustus lalu Hong Kong International Airport lumpuh total karena di duduki massa pro-demokrasi yang menolak RUU Ektradisi Hong Kong.

Ketika lihat TV, Aku jadi teringat kala mendarat di bandara ini pada 4 Januari 2016. Ingatanku masih kuat, waktu itu tanpa mandi selama 24 jam, Aku menaiki Cebu Pacific bernomor penerbangan 5J 108 dari Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila.

Lihat tampangku…Percaya kan ga mandi selama 24 jam?.

Lebih percaya lagi ga? tas seuprit itu adalah satu-satunya backpack yang kubawa klayapan ke Manila-Hong Kong-Macao-Shenzen selama 10 hari. Kayak main ke Depok aja kan?….Hahaha.

2. Tian Tan Buddha

Hari pertama pukul 10:13

Dari airport, Aku tak lantas menuju hostel….emang piknik-ers?. Aku bergerak menuju Lantau Island (Yang perlu Kamu tahu bahwa Hong Kong terdiri dari 3 pulau utama yaitu Lantau, Kowloon dan Hong Kong).

Naik double decker bus S56 menuju Tung Chung Station dan dilanjutkan dengan bus no 23 menuju Tian Tan Buddha. `

Kalau ke Hong Kong, Kamu wajib kesini ya. Karena ini adalah patung perunggu terbesar di dunia dengan tinggi 34 meter dan berwujud Buddha duduk. Dibangun 26 tahun silam sebagai pusat kegiatan Buddhisme di Hong Kong.

Gak mandi….tetep aja guanteng….Njiir, pede beud.

3. Hong Kong Disneyland

Hari pertama pukul 13:37

Jangan buru-buru berpindah dari Lantau Island, dalam jarak 33 km dan waktu tempuh 35 menit, Kamu bisa mengunjungi Hong Kong Disneyland.

Demikian pula diriku, meninggalkan Tian Tan Buddha menuju Tung Chung Station kembali kemudian naik MTR (Mass Transit Railway) Tung Chung Line dan berganti dengan MTR Disneyland Resort Line di Sunny Bay Station untuk mencapai tujuan.

Dibuka pada tahun 2005, Hong Kong Disneyland adalah theme park terbesar di Hong Kong. Siapkan saja Rp. 1.000.000 untuk masuk kedalamnya.

4. Kowloon Walled City Park

Hari Pertama jam 18:37

Sepulang dari Hong Kong Disneyland, Aku menyelesaikan proses check-in di Hong Kong Taiwan Hotel yang terletak di Chungking Mansions Building lantai 3. Hotel seharga Rp 264.000 per malam itu terletak di Nathan Road 36-44.

Akhirnya menemukan kedai makanan halal milik warga Hong Kong keturunan India di lantai 1. Selepas lunch yang sangat terlambat itu, Aku menuju Kowloon Walled City Park yang dibangun di daerah bekas pemukiman padat penduduk dengan kriminalitas yang susah diberantas oleh kepolisian Hong Kong.

Bertolak Tsim Sha Tsui Station menuju Lok Fu Station. Dari stasiun ini, hanya perlu berjalan kaki sejauh 1 km menuju Kowloon Walled City Park menyusuri Junction Road dengan waktu tempuh 15 menit.

5. Ladies Market

Hari Pertama jam 20:15.

Dari Lok Fu Station, Aku menuju Mong Kok Station dengan tarif Rp. 9.000

Ladies Market yang terletak di Tung Choi Street merupakan tempat berbelanja souvenir terkenal di Hong Kong. Kamu yang jago menawar barang bolehlah berbelanja ke sini. Aku?….kagaklah, cuma lihat-lihat aja.

Jam operasioal Ladies Market: 11:00 – 23:30.

6. Avenue of the Stars

Hari kedua jam 09:45

Avenue of the stars adalah plaza jembatan sepanjang 400 meter di sisi utara Victoria Harbour yang dibuat mirip “Walk of Fame” nya Hollywood, dibangun untuk merayakan suksesnya Industri Perfilman Hong Kong. Dihiasi oleh patung para artis dan direktur film terkenal Hong Kong, cetakan telapak tangan (handprints) mereka serta patung-patung yang menggambarkan aktivitas pembuatan film di Hong Kong.

Saat Aku tiba di Hong Kong, Avenue of the Stars sedang mengalami renovasi sehingga semua patung diangkut dan dipamerkan di sebuah taman yang diberi nama Garden of Stars di bilangan Salisbury Road.

Karena renovasi sudah selesai saat ini, maka semua patung dan handprints sudah dipindahkan kembali ke tepian Victoria Harbour dan tentu penampakan lokasinya sudah lebih baik lagi.

Cukup berjalan kaki untuk dari hotel tempatku menginap untuk menuju Garden of Stars.

7. The Hong Kong Observation Wheel dan AIA Vitality Park.

Hari kedua pukul 11:20

Terletak di depan Central Ferry Pier di Hong Kong Island. Ferris wheel setinggi 60 meter ini memiliki 42 gondola sebagai media observasi Hong Kong dari ketinggian. Cukup merogoh kocek Rp 40.000 untuk menaikinya.

Sedangkan AIA Vitality Park berada tepat di bawahnya. Taman ini biasa digunakan untuk olah raga, konser dan festival. Saat Aku kesana memang sedang ada festival untuk menyambut Natal dan Tahun Baru 2018 di taman ini.

8. Bank of China Tower

Hari kedua pukul 12:45.

Bank of China Tower adalah landmark terkenal di Hong Kong Island. Saking terkenalnya sering dicetak sebagai souvenir yang dijual di seantero Hong Kong.

BOC Tower ini terletak Garden Road dan merupakan kantor pusat Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited. Dengan tinggi 367 meter menjadikannya sebagai bangunan tertinggi keempat di Hong Kong.

Di lantai 43 memiliki observation deck yang awalnya dibuka untuk turis sehingga bisa melihat seisi kota dari atas. Tetapi sayangnya, saat Aku tiba disana fasilitas ini sudah ditutup untuk umum. Beuh….nasib guwe kagak mujur emang.

Trus apa yang kulakukan di tower itu selama 2 jam an?….Baca tulisan setelah ini ya!….hahaha

Itu tuh towernya….khas berkerangka segitiga.

9. Wan Chai District

Hari kedua pukul 17:30

Hadeuh…..ini mah daerah prostitusi…..dasar keparat kamu, Donny!….Hahaha.

Eittt, jangan salah ya….Wan Chai adalah salah satu backpacker area di Hong Kong Island. Guwe baik kan…. ga nginep dimari (hotelku kan di Kowloon Island)….atut….hohoho.

Ya gimana lagi….maksud hati menuju Victoria Park yang menjadi tempat berkumpulnya para TKI….Tampang guwe kan mirip TKI tuh….siapa tahu ada yang mau kasih makanan gratis buat jatah dinner guwe…..#ngarep

Gue kebablasan pas naik Ding Ding Tram….karena keburu hujan lebat dan gak mungkin nyari ntuh taman, maka mampir lah sebentar di pusat Wan Chai District yang harga makanannya murah-murah….Aku keburu dilanda kelaparan.

Bener ternyata….banyak pub-pub dengan wanita-wanita super sexy yang di gandeng para bule….lah guwe, gandengan ama sape?….hahaha.

Suasana di Henessy Road, Wan Chai District

10. Symphony of Lights

Hari kedua pukul 19:55

Symponhy of Lights adalah pertunjukan cahaya dan suara yang dipancarkan dari 42 gedung pencakar langit di seberang Victoria Harbour. Sepulang dari Wan Chai District, Aku sempatkan mampir disini sebelum balik ke hotel. Saat itu adalah malam terakhirku di Hong Kong karena keesokan harinya Aku akan berlayar ke Macao.

Hayo….Siapa yang sudah pernah backpacker ke Hong Kong….Ngacung!.