Hong Kong Travel Video 2017

We visited Hong Kong (again) in November last year. It is almost my second home now as we would almost at least visit it once a year to visit my in laws. Many would think I have become a Hong Kong expert given my multiple trips there but I seriously do not think so. There are still so many new things to explore and learn every time we go there and I do not think I will ever get tired of this fabulous country.

For our last visit, I have specially made an video to record the places we have visited. I always think that nothing beats the visual effect of a travel video. It was purposely recorded as a third party view (Charlotte as the lead, Alison and I in cameo appearance 😀) and I hope it brings viewers to an effect like a  real time perspective experience as if as they were travelling with us at the same time.

The travel video will bring you to the all time tourists favorite like the Wong Tai Sing Temple, Hong Kong Ocean Park, Victoria Harbour etc as well as less visited area such as the UNESCO Geo Park, Sai Kung, The Cats Tea Room etc.

Sit back and relax to watch the video. Let me know if you have any question on the places we have visited. I will gladly answer on any enquiry. Give us a Like and Share the video if you love it 😊 

      

Travel Photos Series#12-Kirin Sculpture at Wong Tai Sin Temple, Hong Kong

Kirin Sculpture at Wong Tai Sin Temple

I remembered when I first came to Hong Kong many years back, Wong Tai Sin Temple was the very first destination that I visited. It is the most famous temple here and you are deemed not to have visited Hong Kong if you have not pay it a visit. There were extensive renovation  over the years and I personally felt the place has become overly commercialized to attract tourists. Nevertheless, I still love to visit the temple as it offers many photo capturing opportunities with it's fabulous architectures and beautiful gardens.

This photo was taken on 3 December 2014. I presented it in black and white to reflect the rustic charm of this religious ground.

Related Posts: Hong Kong-Pearl of the Orient, Tai O-The Fishing Village, Hong Kong, Cheung Chau Trip (Part 1), Cheung Chau Trip (Part 2)

Travel Photos Series#7-Nan Lian Garden, Hong Kong

Golden Pagoda at Nan Lian Garden

Took this picture at Nan Lian Garden on 6 December 2012 at Hong Kong . This place holds great memory for Alison as she used to live here till the area was cleared to make way for the garden. You will not miss the Golden Pagoda in the photo if you visit here as it was the star attraction in this beautiful Tang Dynasty-styled garden. Just a stone throw away here lies Chi Lin Nunnery, a serene and scenic site.

Related Posts: Hong Kong-Pearl of the Orient

"Disney Paint The Night" Nighttime Spectacular at Hong Kong Disneyland

We would always visit a Theme Park (Disneyland or Ocean Park or both) during our almost yearly trip back to Hong Kong to visit my In laws. Charlotte chose Disneyland during our last trip back after she found out "Frozen" was part of the theme there. She would get to meet her favourite characters Princess Elsa and Olaf-the funny snowman.

I found out that Hong Kong Disneyland has added a night parade called Disney Paint The Night on top on the noon's parade-Flights Of Fantasy. We enjoyed the performance thoroughly, having able to see the Disney Characters in a very different light (forgive my pun ;-)) I hope the photos I captured told you more on the fun we had on that night. Enjoy!

Little Pixie and Monsters Inc.

Monsters Inc. and Cars

Little Mermaid

Toy Story

Favorite Disney Characters

Travel Photo Series#4-At Lion's Pavilion-The Peak, Hong Kong

View from Lion's Pavilion at The Peak

 This photo was taken 3 December 2014 at The Peak, Hong Kong. I always love to make a trip here to see the splendor of Hong Kong. Instead of paying a fee to see the view from the Peak Tower, this is a free spot to capture the stunning scenery. Best time to be at the Lion's Pavilion is around evening time when the day transits to night.

Related Posts: Hong Kong-Pearl of the Orient, Tai O-The Fishing Village, Hong Kong, Cheung Chau Trip (Part 1), Cheung Chau Trip (Part 2)

Cheung Chau Trip (Part 2)

Cheung Chau Sunset View

urning the corner after the last seafood restaurant, we saw the famous Pak Tai temple which was built in 1783. A set of short steps led up to the temple. Just right in front of the temple was a big soccer pitch. This is where the annual Bun Festival is held. During the celebrations there were street processions, theatrical performance and of course the not to be missed Bun Scrambling competition. Competitors climbed up towers made of buns (14 meters in height) and competed to collect the most number of buns in a determined time.

Pak Tai Temple

We wasted no time to explore the Pak Tai temple. It was not a big temple with a main hall flanked by two side chambers. I have visited many Chinese temples before and  found the Pak Tai temple was not a lot of difference from the rest. But the temple was filled with historic and cultural values and I deemed it was a must to visit to immerse in it's atmosphere.

We tried more street foods after the temples' visit. If you have the chance to be here, remember to try the Giant Curry Fish Balls (my favourite..yummy), Fried Fish Balls and Squid Balls, Fried Mango Roll and Fried Ice Cream. Of course, the list did not end here but I just mentioned on those that we have savoured. 

Yummy Street Foods

Being fans of sunset view, Alison and I would not want the miss the one at Cheung Chau. After taking a rest at the hotel, we set off to the harbour at around 5 pm to capture the beautiful moment. We were just in time at the harbour to see the sun making it's descend into the horizon. The sea, fishing boats and mountains provided a perfect backdrop as the orange glow emitted by the sun embraced the sky. It was always a wonderful feeling to enjoy this magic moment with your loved ones.

Sunset at Cheung Chau

We took our dinner at one of the strongly recommended seafood restaurants-New Baccarat Restaurant (新金湖海鮮酒家). It was located at the end of  Pak She Praya Street, the last restaurant right before the Pak Tai temple. I would say the seafood was the not the best I have tasted. But for a net price below SGD$50 for the dinner set which included a steamed fish, fried mantis prawns, scallops, vegetables and a bowl of soup, it was relatively cheap compared to those one would find in the main land. Thumb up for the values for money for this long standing restaurant.

Seafood Dinner

We woke up early next morning to catch the sunrise and spending family bonding time at the Tung Wan beach. The beach was almost empty apart from some old folks who were having their early morning dip. I have full admiration for them as not many could tolerate the cold temperature, let alone swim in the chilling water.

Family Bonding

We took time to visit the Cheung Chau market. Needless to say, the seafood on sales were fresh and in abundance.

Wet Market

I would like to specially mention this eatery-Hometown Teahouse(故鄉茶寮), which is famous for it's sushi and red bean pastries. It is operated by an Japanese couple. We were lucky that the eatery was just right below our hotel. Perhaps it was still early hours, there was no queue in sight. Although already filled with street foods, I gobbled down three red bean pastries. No prize for guessing how delicious they were.

Hometown Teahouse

We left Cheung Chau in the noon.  If you visit Hong Kong, at least plan for a day trip to this island. Enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere and savour the good foods on offer at good value. Remember to capture the sunset view over the harbour while tasting wines and seafood at one of the restaurants. Just like us, you will not regret to visit Cheung Chau island.

Related Posts: Cheung Chau Trip (Part 1)
 

Cheung Chau Trip (Part 1)

Cheung Chau Fishing Boats

We went for a 2 days trip at Cheung Chau island during our trip back to Hong Kong last November. Alison and I have been talking about this while and finally made the effort to visit the island. Cheung Chau is one of the more popular outlying islands in Hong Kong and is often the first choice retreat for the Hong Kongers. The island is famous for the Bun Festival which usually occurs on early May and attracts thousands of people to the island during the celebration.

Ferry to Cheung Chau

Pier No. 5

It took us only half an hour by First Ferry from Central Pier (Pier no. 5) at Hong Kong Island to reach Cheung Chau. Before reaching Cheung Chau, we were greeted by many fishermen boats docking near the harbour. It reminded me that Cheung Chua was a fishing village where many locals still relied on the fishing trade for survival.

Signage at Cheung Chau

Street Shot 1

Street Shot 2

I was a bit taken aback when a Macdonald outlet was the first sight I set upon when we landed on the island. Certainly not a good introduction when nostalgic atmosphere was supposed to be the main theme of the place. The narrow main street (Praya) at the waterfront was bustling with activities as tourists patronized the souvenirs stalls and eateries lined along the side of the street.

B & B Hotel

Artfully Decorated House

Alison booked the B & B hotel which was situated near the famous Tuan Wan Bench and many great eateries. During the peak season, you have to book months ahead to ensure to get a room here. After settling down, we set out to explore the old streets of Cheung Chau. Right below our hotel, we could see this beautifully decorated house. The owner must have stretched his/her artistic genes for the decors. I could only imagine how the house looked in the interior.

Old Postboxes

Old Street

Old Building

The walk through the old streets was interesting. Alison identified many things where she had seen in her young days. Old postboxes, coloured marble floor tiles, toys, potteries etc-many already could not be found in the main land. They should have brought her back some fond memories.

Famous Fishball Noodle Shop

Lunch

After lunch at a popular fishball restaurant (Cheung Kee 張記魚蛋粉麵), we continued our walk at the waterfront. We headed towards Pai Tai Temple where the annual Bun Festival was held. A glance through all the souvenirs shops had one thing in common. The "Ping An" (Safe) Buns were sold in all forms (cushion, magnets, decors etc) in all of the shops.

Buns, Buns and Buns

Rickshaws

Cheung Chau was well-known for being "car-free". The main mode of transport in the island was mainly bicycles. There were also these three wheel bicycles (or Rickshaw) for rental. I saw a few "daddies" struggling with the contraptions with their families at the back seat which made me forgot about the idea of carrying mine :-).

Seafood Restaurants

Abundance of Seafood

Before reaching Pai Tai Temple, we walked past one row of seafood restaurants. Already filled with street foods and the earlier noodles, I told Alison and Charlotte that we would come back here for our dinner.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Cheung Chau trip :-)

Related Posts: Cheung Chau Trip (Part 2) 

For Your Pinning

2014 Wrap Up (Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!)

Family Photo at Cheung Chau, Hong Kong

Time flies. It's December again and Christmas is around the corner. I made a resolution last year for my Travel Bugs blog. I told myself that I must write and post more in Year 2014 than Year 2013. In 2013, I posted 12 blogs. For this year, I have posted 15 blogs (this blog included). I know it works out to be only 1.25 blogs per month but nevertheless, I have achieved what I intended to do. It is never easy to find time to write amid my busy work and family life but this excuse is last on my list for not writing. For those following my posts, I apologize for the frustration of awaiting my posts. Hopefully, I am able to post more of my travel stories for the coming year. This will be one of my resolutions for Year 2015.

During last year wrap up, I penned down on the destinations that I planned to visit. I listed Japan, Indonesia (Yogyakarta) and Hong Kong. Out of the three, I managed to travel to Tokyo, Japan and Hong Kong. For Yogyakarta (I meant to visit it for the famous Borobudur), I missed it due to the eruption of Mount Kelud in February and other reasons. I shall find time to visit it in 2015.

Family Photo at Kamakura,  Japan

Tokyo is always a place where we want to visit again. I had in mind to include Kyoto and Osaka but finally settled on Tokyo only. The reason was simple. We want to experience Tokyo at a relax pace. Taking a side trip to nearby Kamakura was the highlight of the trip. We finally got to visit the famous Daibutsu at the Kotokuin Temple.The deletable foods in Japan have left their marks on our tongues. We hoped to be back very soon.


During my Company department outing in October , I got to visit Kukup at Malaysia. It reminded me of Tai O, the Fishing Village in Hong Kong. My colleagues and I had a great time at the resort and the sunset on that day was very captivating.

Sunset at Kukup, Malaysia

Finally at end November, we took our (countless) trip back to Hong Kong to visit my In-laws. The "Occupy Central" movement did not deter our plan. My wife planned a 2 day trip to one of it's island-Cheung Chau. It was an enjoyable stay with the good foods, beaches and most importantly, laid back life style. As usual, I would take a "one day break" and go for a "Photography Day". This was the day I would take my time and capture the photos that I want without the complaints from my wife and daughter ;-) I hope to share those photos in the coming blogs.


I do not have any concrete travel plans for 2015. But in the back of my mind, I hope to travel to somewhere further. Europe (and Italy) is in our thoughts but we have not firm up anything yet. I hope to visit Thailand again. My wife suggested Chiang Mai for it's cooler weather. Of course, I will also target Borobudur as mentioned earlier.

Last but not least, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May all your travel wishes come true in Year 2015!

The Fishing Village-Tai O, Hong Kong

Tai O, The Fishing Village

We visited Tai O last year December during my almost annual "pilgrimage" back to Hong Kong to visit my in laws. The Hong Kong Tourism Board has been promoting this attraction furiously in recent years and for the longest time, I harbored thought of checking this place out. It made an ideal side trip when you planned to visit the Great Buddha and Po Lin Monastery at  Lantau Island. It is almost a 15 mins trip from the Great Buddha to Tai O and vice versa  by bus.

Welcome to Tai O

Stlit Houses with Mountains Backdrop

Our original intention was to take the Ngong Ping 360 cable cars from MTR Tung Chung Station to visit the Great Buddha and followed by the trip to Tai O. The snaky and endless queue waiting to board the cable cars made us gave up the plan. Instead we took a bus (number 11) for an almost 1 hour trip to Tai O first. It was a great idea as we got to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lantau's mountains and sea as we headed towards our destination. Along the way, there was also this grateful local old lady who struck up a conversation with me (after I squeezed out a seat for her with my daughter sitting on my lap). She learned I was from Singapore and heaped praise on the country. I managed to converse with her in my pathetic Cantonese (in a mix of Mandarin and Cantonese) and was quietly relieved when she alighted at a village which was one or two stops away from Tai O.

Quiet spot in the village

Can you spot the Kingfisher?

Strike a pose!

We chose a good time (around 11 am and Friday) to visit Tai O as there were not many tourists around. The fishing village was built by the Tanka people, who make their living off fishing at the South China sea and made their home on stilts by the river bank. The latter have become the icons of Tai O and they are seen in almost all promotional photos linked to the village. The photos looked especially good when the stilt houses and old boats were taken with the river and mountains as the backdrop.

Old man with bicycle

Tai O Market

Starfish for dinner tonight?

The place serves as a good break away from the concrete jungles of Kowloon and Hong Kong island. Although now much commercialized, it still emits a nostalgic atmosphere. We discovered seafood (live and preserved) were in abundant as we explored the old streets of Tai O. In fact, the whole place felt like a big market with various vendors plying their trade. My wife (who has been here before) told me the famous take away native products were the shrimp pastes. They are used to add as flavor for dishes. It seems there are two extreme camps on their liking (or disliking) of the shrimp pastes. The people who love them above anything else or the ones hate them to the core. Sounds like the infamous Durians back in my country (but that's another story.) Anyway, we did not risk buying any on that day.

Salted fish...salted fish and salted fish

Tai O Tricycles

After a sumptuous meal at a local restaurant (a must do), we ventured into the village area. The crowd dwindled as we went deeper. We found few temples, a post office, a fire station and more settlements. There was a sense of peace here compared to the crowded market area.  It was ironical to think the villagers must have hated the tourists for disturbing their peaceful lifestyle but at the same time have to welcome them for the local people to earn their livelihood. One interesting thing we noticed was the transportation used. Almost all the households owned at least a tricycle with a basket at the rear. The local must have used them to transport their groceries and foods during their daily visit at the market.

Ready for River Cruise

Sight at River#1

Sight at River#2

Sight at River#3

Sight at River#4

We took a boat ride from the pier at the trademark draw bridge which brought us round the village on the river and out into the open sea for dolphins watching. Despite straining our eyes to catch a glimpse of the rare pink dolphins, we could not detect any. But we were contended enough to witness the daily life of the sea people, spotting the storks, sea gulls and other birds gliding gracefully above the sea surface while enjoying the sea breeze as the boat picked out speed on the water.

Enjoying the sea breeze

Fisherman mending the Net

Fisherman back from the Sea

Tai O is a great place to see "the other side" of Hong Kong. It was a relaxing outing for my family and a good educational tour for my daughter. For a "city-bred" child, it was indeed an eye-opener for her that other kind of houses exist beside the concrete ones that we have seen in Singapore. I am very sure your family will enjoy the trip just like us once setting foot into the rustic fishing village of Tai O :-).

Related Posts: Hong Kong-Pearl of the Orient

For Your Pinning

Family Photo at Tai O

Fishing Boats at the Harbour

Fishing Boats in line

         

Village view from a distance