Octopus Card

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

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.

Star Ferry towards The Hong Kong Observation Wheel

14 November 201915 November 2019travelingpersecond

Dark clouds and fog which never thinned in that morning made the air wasn’t quickly warm. Be fidgety of coming rain which could flush Hong Kong any time and of course could cancel my crazy plans on second day.

The last shot at Garden of Stars before leaving it.

Walk through along Salisbury Road which is full of skyscraper building projects.

Continuing to saw compass needle direction in right hand and a map in left hand, I continued to find Star Ferry Pier which I knew iw was in left side of my steps.

There are so many double deckers in Hong Kong. In Jakarta at that time there were only 10 units.

Yess, I saw a orange clock tower. That is Hong Kong Clock Tower which is a marker for existence of Star Ferry Pier. I immediately turned left away from busy Salisbury Road.

It was cool…. look like some clock towers in Europe.

Star Ferry Pier gate was visible in front.

Let’s go to that building! Wow, beautiful scenery awaits behind him.

That green-white ship is Star Ferry which is referred to in this article.

You just needed to tap your Octopus Card for entering waiting room in Star Ferry Pier. Ferry fare is USD 0,4 and it would take me to Central Ferry Pier on other side with a distance about 1 km and within 12 minutes.

No need to long waiting, a ferry came and entered me into it.

“Star Cruises” cruise ship….When do you board into a cruise ship?

12 minutes later, I arrived at Central Ferry Pier on Hong Kong Island.

The Hong Kong Observation Wheel is a destination outside of my itinerary. The shape is interesting, like Singapore Flyer or London Eye (Ups….hahaha) which makes me reluctant to miss it.

Meanwhile, AIA Vitality Park below it was very crowded by Hong Kong residents on that Friday. Maybe, because they were getting ready to welcome a coming weekend. Young families with their “young children were very happy in playing in a park which was turned into a game and some drinks and food stalls around it.

Oh, beauty of Hong Kong.

Garden of Stars atau Avenue of Stars?….Ah Sama Aja, Asal Ada Bruce Lee.

20 October 2019travelingpersecond

Pagi-pagi sekitar jam 8, aku mulai menuruni lantai Chungking Mansions Building yang menjadi tempat menginapku selama 3 hari di Hong Kong. Hong Kong memang gila, aku tak bisa melihat matahari pagi karena begitu rapatnya jajaran para pencakar langit itu. Jalanan juga penuh dengan warga yang lalu lalang dengan aktivitasnya masing-masing…..Puadettt bangeeettttt. Ingat dulu Hong Kong kena virus SARS?….Pantes lah, padat dan ga kena matahari. (Yeeee sok tahu lo Don, emang itu penyebabnya….Ngawur ih).

Nathan Road menjadi nama jalan yang paling kukenal karena selalu kulalui setiap pagi, siang dan malam selama di Hong Kong. Pagi itu….ya, Nathan Road lagi….Aku berbelok kekiri menuju Salisbury Road. Sambil melihat di pertokoan pinggir jalan, Aku berharap segera menemukan minimart untuk mencari sarapan murah. Gile emang….Transportasi Hong Kong boleh murah, tapi makan dan hotelnya gelo ratenya.

Pertigaan Nathan Road dan Salisbury Road.

Kemudian tiba tepat dipertigaan Middle Road dan Salisbury Road, aku menemukan 7-Eleven minimart. Yes, pagi itu aku memakan sekerat Ham & Egg Sandwiches dengan harga Rp. 19.000. Cukup dipanaskan di microwave, aku bisa dengan cepat menikmatinya. Hanya saja aneh, si kasir tak mau menerima lembaran 100 dolarku, Katanya itu uang lama….Waduh, ya mana guwe tahu kan nukernya di bilangan Blok M Jakarta. Lega, beberapa lembar 100 Dolar lamaku itu masih laku untuk top up Octopus Card di stasiun MTR.

Berdiri di ujung jalan sambil menikmati sandwichesku yang masih berasap, Kunyahanku diinterupsi dengan kehadiran seorang pengembara Jepang yang sedikit susah berbahasa Inggris dan dengan gadgetnya menunjukkan gambar bangunan berwarna orange dengan jam dinding di atasnya. Oh itu kan Hong Kong Clock Tower, Aku langsung faham….Cerdas kan guwe, siapa dulu donk….Donny!.

Aku: “Do you want go there?”.

Dia: “Yes….Yes…”, Ngangguk-ngangguk dan senyum.

Aku: “Do you have a map?”.

Dia: “What…What…”, Kayaknya ga faham.

Aku: “Wait….Just wait”….Kutaruh santapanku di bangku trotoar, kuturunkan tas dari punggungku, lalu kurogoh selembar peta yang merupakan teman setia perjalananku. Aku tahu itu adalah jam yang terletak di Star Ferry Pier, Mungkin dia mau menyeberang ke Hong Kong Island. Yes, kutemukan titiknya dan kutaruh kompas di atas mapku…..Okay, I know

Aku: “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”…..Guwe jelasin sambil menunjukkan jari kesana kemari karena dia tak faham English kayaknya

Dia: “Okay…okay, thank you very much”.

Aku: “Arigatou Gozaimasu…..”. sambil membungkukkan badan

Dia: “Oh…Oh, yea “, Dia tersenyum lebar dan ikut membungkukkan badan. Sepertinya dia merasa tersanjung.

Selesai meyantap sandwiches, Aku segera melanjutkan perjalanan ku menyusuri Salisbury Road.….arah yang berlawanan dengan si Jepang tadi. Dalam 5 menit, Aku tiba di pelataran sebuah tunnel yang akan mengarahkanku ke Garden of Stars. Free….tak perlu mengeluarkan uang memasuki destinasi ini. Memasuki Garden of Stars Time Tunnel, Aku disuguhi cerita-cerita perjalanan kota Hong Kong dari zaman dahulu hingga sekarang. Wah, cerita bergambar yang dipajang di sepanjang dinding terowongan itu membuatku terpana akan pesatnya perkembangan Hong Kong….Keren.

Keluar dari terowongan maka tibalah Aku di luasnya Garden of Stars. Wahhhh….itu patung-patung terkenal itu. Patung itu sedang dipindahkan dari tempat asalnya yaitu Avenue of Stars di pinggiran Victoria Harbour karena proyek renovasi.

Sebetulnya geli juga sih, foto-foto bersama patung-patung itu….Hahaha. Jauh-jauh cuma foto sama patung….Wkwkwk.

Nih dia beberapa jepretan di Garden of Stars:

Sculpture Mc Dull….si tokoh babi kartun.

Selain patung, Aku juga menemukan Star Handprint Plaques. Mencoba menyentuh handprint milik Michelle Yeoh….Ya Allah, imut banget sih tangannya….Keciiiilll mungilll bangett.

Di ujung taman baru terlihat patung-patung yang menggambarkan kegiatan perfilman di Hong Kong.

Garden of Stars sendiri menyuguhkan pemandangan Victoria Harbour yang sangat mempesona. Tak mau meninggalkan pesona itu, kuputuskan untuk menikmati secangkir kopi dan duduk menghadap Victoria Harbour untuk menikmati indahnya Hong Kong di pagi itu.

Keren kan perjalananku……..

Ferry dari Hong Kong Ke Macau.

18 October 201920 October 2019travelingpersecond

Petualanganku selama 48 jam di Hong Kong harus berakhir.

Pagi sekali, Aku sudah mengepak barang-barangku. Setelah mengisi botol minumku di water dispenser milik hotel, Aku harus berjuang sekuat tenaga untuk membangunkan sang resepsionis yang mendengkur di balik tirai ruangan. Jangan kaubayangkan mewahnya reception desk ya….Karena reception hotel hanya berupa ruangan bersekat kecil dengan lubang interaksi tamu dan empunya hotel seukuran 1 meter persegi.

Dan dengkuran itu pun tertelan ketika dia terbangun karena gangguan bel dariku. Entahlah dia bergumam marah atau mungkin hanya terkejut karena selorohan bahasa Chinanya yang tak kumengerti. Sambil terus bergumam, dia berusaha mencari amplop berisi uang di laci meja untuk mengembalikan uang deposit kamar kepadaku. Lumayan kan 100 Dolar Hong Kong.

Keluar Chungking Mansions dalam kondisi jalanan yang masih cukup gelap, Aku berjalan cukup cepat untuk sesegera mungkin memasuki stasiun bawah tanah Tsim Sha Tsui yang terletak 100 meter dari pintu keluar Chungking Mansions.

Dengan MRT Tsuen Wan Line, Aku menuju Central Station lalu berlanjut dengan MRT Island Line dan berhenti di Sheung Wan Station yang terintegrasi dengan Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal.

Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal adalah pelabuhan ferry reguler dengan rute Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal yang berada di Hong Kong dan Outer Harbor Ferry Terminal yang berada di Macau.

Dalam 16 menit dan tariff Rp. 10.500, Aku tiba di Sheung Wan Station. Aku segera menuju ke konter tiket untuk mencairkan deposit Octopus Cardku sebesar 50 Dolar Hong Kong yang tersimpan didalamnya. Tugas Si Octopus untuk menemaniku sudah selesai seiring keberadaanku yang berada tepat di gerbang ferry untuk meninggalkan Hong Kong.

Setelah membeli tiket Ferry menuju Macao dengan harga Rp. 288.000, Aku segera menghampiri money changer untuk menukar Hong Kong Dollar menjadi Macau Dollar.

Tak menungg lama, tepat pukul 08:00, Aku mulai boarding ke kapal cepat berwarna merah itu. Dan sekejap kemudian kapal merangsek menuju Macau.

Berlayar di tengah gerimis ringan dan terus berayun membelah ombak membuatku kagum mengamati perairan Laut China Selatan. Tak ada compliment makanan apapun dalam pelayaran singkat selama 55 menit ini. Aku hanya terus menghadap jendela untuk melihat pemandangan menakjubkan di luar kapal.

Tiang-tiang raksasa penyangga Macau-Taipa Bridge itu menjadi pertanda bahwa kapal segera merapat ke Outer Harbor Ferry Terminal. Macau memang memiliki jalan diatas laut yang sangat terkenal itu. Dan Aku bisa menikmati keindahannya dari sisi lain. Walaupun pada akhirnya, Aku akan melewati jalanan itu nanti ketika menuju ke hotel sekaligus casino ternama di Macau yaitu Venetian.

Barlabuh di Outer Harbor Ferry Terminal, Macau.

Yuk….cari tiket ferrymu di 12Go di link berikut: https://12go.asia/?z=3283832

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….

Terdampar di Wan Chai District, Tersangkut di Lockhart Road.

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Meninggalkan Bank of China Tower dalam kondisi sedikit gerimis, Aku harus berlari kecil menuju ke ‘Murray Road’ Tram Stop. Aku bersiap naik trasportasi legendaris di Hong Kong yaitu Ding Ding Tram. Tram yang dulu sering muncul di film-film layar lebar Hong Kong.

Suasana sibuk Queensway Road yang padat akan kendaraan pribadi dan sebagian bahu jalan yang diambil untuk parkir kendaraan berat pengaspal jalan tak mengurangi rasa antusiasku menunggu tram ini.

5 menit menunggu, tram warna biru pun tiba. Aku melompat ke dalam tram dari pintu belakang dan langsung menuju deck atas tram sehingga bisa menikmati suasana jalanan dengan lebih leluasa.

Tujuanku adalah Victoria Park. Kamu tahu kan Victoria Park? Itu lho taman terbesar di Hong Kong Island yang menjadi tempat berkumpulnya para TKI di Hong Kong.

Aku tiba dalam 35 menit. Setelah men-swipe Octopus Card di fare machine yang terletak di dekat sopir maka Aku segera turun dari pintu depan. Tarif tram murah kok, hanya Rp. 4.500.

Turun di ‘Victoria Park’ Tram Stop yang terletak di Causeway Road.

Victoria Park sudah sangat dekat di depan.

Tapi tak lama setelah turun dari tram, hujan kembali turun dengan deras. Dengan cepat Aku berlari mencari tempat berteduh di depan pertokoan di tepi Causeway Road.

Sepertinya Aku harus membatalkan bermain di Victoria Park. Hujan besar, taman juga pasti sepi. Aku harus mencari alternatif lain untuk memanfaatkan waktu supaya tak terbuang percuma di tengah hujan deras.

Aku berusaha mencari tanda yang bisa mengarahkanku ke Stasiun MTR terdekat. Di stasiun bawah tanah pasti lebih hangat dan kering.

Yes, Aku melihat logo MTR yang kemudian mengarahkanku ke entrance gate Tin Hau MTR Station. Aku memutuskan menuju area retail terkenal Hong Kong yaitu area Causeway Bay dan tentu akan berhenti di Causeway Bay Station. Tarif sekitar Rp. 8.000 dengan waktu tempuh 6 menit.

Jam menunjukkan pukul 15:30 ketika tiba di Causeway Bay. Kuputuskan mencari kedai makan sembari menunggu hujan reda. Memilah-milah kedai menghindari pork hingga akhirnya hinggap di sebuah kedai kecil di bilangan Jaffe Road.

Nasi plus ayam-tahu-toge seharga Rp. 48.000.

Kalau ini kedai *fast food* terkenal di area Causeway Bay, yaitu Ying Heong Yuen.

Selanjutnya,

Aku menuju SOGO Mall….Ngapain Don?….Ngemall lah, kek orang susah aja. Keliling lebih dari setengah jam di dalam mall hanya untuk melihat barang-barang mahal. Yah seperti mall-mall di Jakarta lah.

Keluar dari mall, Aku lama berhenti di salah satu sisi perempatan besar untuk mengamati aktifitas warga Hong Kong yang super ramai.

Perempatan sibuk di Hennessy Road dekat Stasiun MTR Causeway Bay.

—-***—-

Dari area Causeway Bay, Aku kemudian berpindah ke pusat Wan Chai District menggunakan tram. Naik dari ‘Paterson Street’ Tram Stop dan turun di ‘Swatow Street’ Tram Station. Hanya butuh waktu 15 menit dan tarif sebesar Rp. 4.500.

Turun di ‘Swatow Street’ Tram Station, Aku segera menyadari keberadaan stadion sepak bola….Kok ramai amat. Ada pertandingan kali yee?.

Ternyata nama stadionnya Southorn Playground dan terletak di Luard Road.

Aku mendekat dan memberanikan diri bertanya kepada security di gerbang stadion….dan ternyata boleh masuk….geratisssssss pulak.

Buru-buru masuk dan ambil tempat duduk di tribun. Oalah ternyata itu adalah stadion yang digunakan untuk bermain sepak bola bagi masyarakat setempat. Tapi lumayan rame juga. Ikut merasakan aktivitas warga dan tak terasa seperti turis. Aku ikut teriak-teriak ga jelas, asal rame aje….Hahaha….Gelo.

Southorn Playground yang diapit Luard Road dan Johnston Road.

Hanya menonton setengah babak karena Aku ingin melihat nightlifenya Wan Chai.

Kamu tahu Distrik Wan Chai kan?

Yang jelas Wan Chai adalah pusat kehidupan malan di seantero Hong Kong. Selain dikenal sebagai area para backpacker menginap, ada beberapa area di Wan Chai yang terkenal sebagai red district alias tempat prostitusi. Jadi selain penginapan murah, Kamu akan mudah menemukan bar and club disini.

Aku mencoba menelurusi bar and club tersebut di sepanjang Lockhart Road. Dan benar adanya, wanita-wanita seksi berpakaian minim berlalu lalang keluar masuk bar and club. Beberapa diantaranya sudah nggelendotin para bule berduit….Mau donk Aa digelendotin, Neng!.

Ah, daripada mupeng….Akhirnya Aku menuju ke pengkolan di pertengahan Lockhart Road dan singgah kedai food street yang menjual beragam sate sea food yang dibakar ditempat. Cukup dengan Rp. 10.000, Kamu sudah bisa mendapatkan gorengan yang enak disantap di tengah dinginnya udara malam Hong Kong.

Ini dia kedainya….Ada Snack yang terletak di bilangan O’brien Road.

Baru juga mengunyah, wanita-wanita seksi itu datang dan jajan di tempat yang sama….Alamak, tegang….Mengalah saja, akhirnya Aku kabur dari situ.

Khawatir akan ketinggalan pertunjukan penting maka Kuputuskan untuk menuju Victoria Harbour. Aku harus sampai disana sebelum jam 20:00. Karena itu adalah waktu reguler dimulainya Symphony of Light. Menggunakan MTR dari Wan Chai Station menuju Central Station. Tarif sekitar Rp. 8.000 dengan waktu tempuh 8 menit.

Wah itu band keren amat lagunya…..kek ngerti aja lo bahasa mandarin Don.

Para pengamen keren di koridor penghubung Central MTR Station dan Central Ferry Pier.

Aku berlari untuk melihatnya menyanyi beberapa lagu dan setelahnya Aku menuju ke dermaga untuk menyeberang menuju Victoria Harbour. Dengan Rp. 4.500, Aku tiba di Victoria Harbour dalam 12 menit.

Mengambil posisi duduk yang nyaman, maka Aku menunggu Symphony of Lights dimulai.

Star Ferry menuju The Hong Kong Observation Wheel

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Awan gelap dan kabut yang tak kunjung menipis di pagi itu membuat udara juga tak lekas pula menghangat. Was-was terhadap datangnya hujan yang bisa kapan saja mengguyur Hong Kong dan tentu bisa mengancam rencana gilaku di hari kedua.

Jepretan terakhir di Garden of Stars sebelum meninggalkannya.

Menyusuri Salisbury Road yang penuh dengan proyek pembangunan gedung bertingkat.

Terus melihat arah jarum kompas di tangan kanan dan map di tangan kiri, Aku terus melangkah untuk menemukan Star Ferry Pier yang Kutahu letaknya berada di sisi kiri arah jalanku.

Di Hong Kong banyak banget *double decker* kek gitu. Di Jakarta kala itu baru ada 10 biji.

Yess, Aku melihat menara jam warna orange. Itu adalah Hong Kong Clock Tower yang merupakan penanda bagi keberadaan Star Ferry Pier. Aku segera berbelok kekiri menjauhi sibuknya Salisbury Road.

Keren yo, Hong Kong Clock Tower itu….macam di Eropa.

Gerbang Star Ferry Pier sudah terlihat di depan.

Masuk yuk ke bangunan itu !. Wah pemandangan indah menanti di belakangnya.

Kapal hijau-putih itulah Star Ferry yang dimaksud dalam tulisan ini.

Hanya perlu men-tap Octopus Card yang kumiliki untuk memasuki raung tunggu Star Ferry Pier. Tarif ferry seharga Rp. 4.500 akan mengantarkanku menuju Central Ferry Pier di sisi seberang dengan jarak 1 km dan dalam waktu tempuh 12 menit.

Tak perlu menunggu lama, ferry pun datang dan masuklah Aku ke dalamnya.

Kapal pesiar Star Cruises….Kapan ya naik kapal pesiar?

12 menit kemudian, sampailah Aku di Central Ferry Pier di Hong Kong Island.

The Hong Kong Observation Wheel adalah destinasi di luar itineraryku. Bentuknya yang menarik mirip Singapore Flyer atau London Eye (Halah…maksain) membuatku enggan melewatkan wahanan ini.

Sementara AIA Vitality Park di bawahnya sangat ramai dikunjungi warga Hong Kong pada Jum’at itu. Mungkin karena mereka bersiap menyambut datangnya weekend. Keluarga muda bersama anak-anaknya yang masih kecil terlihat asyik bermain di taman yang di sulap menjadi wahana permainan dan beberapa beverages and food stall di sekitarnya.

Oh indahnya Hong Kong.