1 FOOTMARK AT HONG KONG'S OCEAN PARK

While you enjoyed the new culture and new environment, sometimes you no longer feel that days had been passed. I couldn’t believe that the last moment has just arrived. It was our last and the fourth day of our Hong Kong tour. Therefore it was ended with a visit in Ocean Park.

Before we left Manila, I was given the chance to choose either Disneyland or Ocean Park. So I chose Disneyland since we already have our own version of Ocean Park. I need to choose between the two for a reason that we were beneath of shoestring. Apparently the wheel had changed.

HOW TO GET THERE:

They say, early bird catches the worm so we left the guesthouse around 8 in the morning. We rode an MTR from Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) to Admiralty then took exit B to get to City Bus Route 629 few meters away from MTR hub. Fare was HK$10 and it took us approximately one hour travel. Although Ocean Park is not too far from Admiralty but we were stuck underneath Monday morning madness.

OPENING HOURS AND PRICES:

As early birds, we arrived in Ocean Park around 9:30am before the gate opens. Although countless people were waiting but still manageable. Ocean Park opening hours are 10am – 7pm Monday to Saturday and 930am – 7pm during Sunday and Holidays. Admission price is HK$280 for adults and HK$140 for child ages 3-11. Admission fee includes all the facilities except for skill games and coin-operated games. And since we have Ate Yolly (a Filipino caretaker) in the house,  she gave us “again” a discounted price. Our tix price is HK$255 each.

Ocean Square greeted us with out of these world sea creatures. They look so differently, an offspring of an octopus father and a butterfly mother. It is a combination of land and water animals, truly an imaginative piece of art.

And the bill rang, turnstiles were rolling in deep, people stomps their feet – a sign that the gate has just opened. I grabbed the theme map and schedules of the shows then quickly swipe my ticket. Ocean Park is divided into two major parks, the Waterfront and the Summit. The Waterfront is majority for the kids, minor rides and Lowland Gardens while the Summit is where the deathifying rides and marine world.

Walking forward from the main entrance is the Aqua City Lagoon where a wide-ranging Dancing Fountains in the middle that truly spectacular during the night with colourful lightings and the groove of music. On the sides is the UFO like Grand Aquarium, Giant Panda Habitat, and Amazing Asian Animals.

But what we excited the most is too see the Giant Pandas. Male Panda named An An and female called Jia Jia. They’re big as mine and cute as mine. It was feeding time so lucky us to see how greedy they are. They were just seating over the bermuda while showing their big bellies and busy chewing the bamboo leaves. We spent couple of minutes watching their activities. 

  

Their place is cold compared to other animal attractions, maybe Pandas lives in freezing ambience. While watching, I roamed around and saw this Red Panda. The first word came out from my mouth was Musang. It appears to be but Musang (“Civet” in English) is completely different from Red Panda. 

After spending couple of minutes watching these huggable Pandas, we decided to visit the Summit. We no longer spent our time at the waterfront since our second preference is to experience the deathtifying and thrilling rides. There are two ways to get to the summit from Lowland (Waterfront) either Cable Car or Ocean Express Tram. We took the Cable car to see some of the panoramic views of the bays and the surrounding islands as part of South China Sea. Aside from that it is also an opportunity to see how wide the Ocean Park is. Another 360° view from the top of the mountain.

The Cable Car is 1.5 kilometre from Waterfront to Summit and it takes 15 minutes ride. Each cabin has a room of 6 people. However the queue wasn’t too heavy so we acquired the cabin just the two of us back and forth. No awkward feeling, I can do whatever I want unlike our Ngong Ping experience.

And who would be able to refuse this kinda landscape. You have all the panoramic background –  the bay, the yacht, the island, and the calm sea water. 

As the cable car approaching to the summit terminus, a yellow-red chuckled ride becomes visible. It’s a Hair Raiser that will truly knock your intestines out. I admit I love intense rides just like our own Space Shuttle but this is one is very dreadful. I dunno how many rounds we had but it’s a great experience. Ocean Park adventure is not complete without riding this Hair Raiser. I must say!

To take our dizziness off courtesy of scatter-brained ride, we visited the rainforest. I saw the different rainforest species. There different type of birds tweeting their shoutouts, biggest spider ever, yellow and red foot tortoise, green iguana and many more species. Showing on the photos are the Green Tree Python that normally be found in Asian countries and the smallest Monkey – the “Pygmy Marmoset”. I haven’t seen our Philippine Tarsier yet so I don’t know which is the smallest. But in category of smallest monkey in the world, it remains a toss-up between the Philippine Tarsier or Pygmy Marmoset.

Pygmy Marmoset, as small as Yakult bottle.

Green Tree Pythin, I like the way he rolled his body. Perfect!

As the time arrived for the next show, we then hurriedly going to Ocean Theatre. Please don’t forget to get your maps on the entrance. We entered the theatre and a lot of people were excited for the Dolphin and Sea Lion show. We were drained under the direct sun light and couple of minutes later; we were wowed by the Dolphins. It seems like a live theatre act with the talented Dolphins.

Sea Lions as well never left behind. They welcome guests with their aerobics bodies while clapping their hands. Look at this one, I don't think I can do this.

After the show, we filled our hunger. We supposed to eat at McDonalds but unfortunately another long queue was served so we better consumed our Pringles, Chocolates and a bottle of water. Good thing we brought them. Now if you’re asking me if it’s allowed to bring foods and drinks. I really don’t know. All I know they never check our bags.

Next was heading to another ride. We visited the second longest outdoor escalator in the world. It stretched over 225m, from Marine World down to Adventure Land. Then another brain-wracking ride courtesy of Raging River, Space Wheel, The Dragon and more. 

The second longest outdoor escalator in the world.

Once again, I feel like lightheaded and fainted. So we proceed to a cold place of the Sea Jelly. Featuring the different sizes and species of sea jellies. Also comes in different colours courtesy of lighting effect from a clear-see-through jelly fish.  

Afterwards we decided to leave the Summit to visit the Grand Aquarium. At the same time I feel like super hungry. After touching down the Waterfront from another cable car ride we went straight to the state-of-the-art aquatic attractions. There were queues but not very long so I still have the patience.

At this point, camera flash is strictly prohibited.

There are plenty of aquariums inside with fishes classified according to their sizes. When you are inside, it seems like you belong to the sea world. The Aquarium will quickly bring you to the depth of the ocean and witness the living species in the darkness of seas. I think the biggest species I have ever seen in the world’s largest acrylic dome is the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray that glides above your head. 

We seated in front of this largest aquarium, took some rest from our tremendous rides experience. Then going back home, I was very hungry that time.

Ocean Park is the best theme park housing all the attractions, from small species to the biggest ones. Ocean Park is not just for the kids and the oldies but also for the adults where extreme rides situated on the top of the mountain.

The reason why we changed our minds to choose Ocean Park than the Disneyland because of the rides. Although Disney is Enchanting and Magical but Ocean Park offers the best attractions and rides wise. However there’s still a reason why going back to Hong Kong.

Of course.

The Magical World of DISNEYLAND! 

3 HONG KONG: NIGHT WALK IN MONGKOK

The second day of our Hong Kong tour is simply a side trip to Macau. Initially, Lantau Island and Macau would be for second and third respectively. But we lost our itinerary. So we got no choice but to create one on the spot. Although no problem since we already sorted the entire plan among the places to visit. Only differs is prior to the schedule day.

I am no longer wasting my space about what happened in Macau, but I’ll surely back to this gambling city for more exploration and appreciation. But for now I will share the best prize the night after our horrific side trip.

Hong Kong is merely twenty-four-seven city, and market doors are open extensively whether night or day. And captivating the night is more than siesta. Night market is just for the people who love fiesta foods and in thirst for cheaper tees and gadgets. The prize I’m talking about is night food trips and Mong Kok is the best host for the cravings. This place sketched with array of food stalls, small shops, and markets.

Mong Kok is the best place for your desire. Every street is characterized depending on what you want or what ya need. It has “Ladie’s Street” obviously for our beloved ladies, you got “Sai Yeung Choi Street” for electronic products and if you want something to bumper your sleeping lazy nuts then red-light district is best for you, just look for “Portland Street”.

And right across the streets and nearby blocks are popular shopping plaza. Just beware on your breath and prepare your legs to roam around this dense area and it will surely crack your prowess.

So how to get there?! It is just seven minutes ride from Tsim Sha Tsui to Mong Kok, and you gonna pass three stations only on the same red line. And by the way please click this MTR JPlanner if you got hard time transferring station to another stations. This will surely help you. That website will give you all the information – your journey time and fare info. For navigation simply click [1] Clear Result to start anew [2] Enter your Starting Point and Destination on space provided then the system itself will load the data for your travel information.

It was his birthday so regardless of what happened earlier that day; we still tried to shelter his special day and eliminate the unnecessary. First, we had dinner at Café de Coral [I think we have this one in Quezon City] although not an aristocratic resto but better compared to our daily McDonalds and KFC meals. Café de Coral offers variety of Chinese delicacies with seafood and Angus beef as favourable flavour. And while waiting for our order I took a photo fromt their food menu and the exterior until an order taker woman yelling pointing at me. I didn't know its prohibited, I just turned my camera off and say sorry.. Anyway i don't understand what she said but I got it.

The Birthday Boy!

Cafe de Coral food menu..i deleted all the photos except this one.

Afterwards we conquered the place and look for gadgets, perfumes, branded clothes, etc and I know we’re not buying just for pleasure and of course price comparison. I know it’s a failure when you convert things but for first timers, please carry your patience. 

I can compare Mong Kok to Baclaran, or Plaza Miranda or I guess Divisoria, imagine plenty of people going to nowhere directions. The area is diverged in hard techno music from every corner of the street, and each block is jumbled with entertainment. There were people singing, there were bands in heavy metals that will split your ears in high decibels, there were like Taguro that will let people punch his blacktop abdomen and pay after fist shred into pieces. And look at this man, showcasing his unique Pinoy Got Talent like talent; I think it would be better if he’s riding a monocycle. What ya think? 

  

Dont sick with Ms. Sasa, she is everywhere.

We just kept on strolling around the area going end to end then change direction then back to wherever we started. Until I saw this sign, haha! Berde ba talaga ang ilog?

We spent our night in Mong Kok and tasted most of their authentic street food. My favourite is “Eggette” also known as egg waffle, egg puff, gai daan jai or bubble waffle, this is obviously made of eggs and additional ingredients like milk, flour and sugar. Eggette is popular in Macau and Hong Kong and it looks like round pancakes or waffles. For HK$10 per piece and it has I think 24 egg puffs is enough already to fill your appetite. Then the counterpart of “pambara” is “panulak” so we seek out for something that will satisfy our thirst. Gong Cha would be the perfect match for HK$12 only. 

Amoy pagkain na ba kayo..lets do the rubabadabango. Haha.

A quick shot with my Gong Cha!

Overall our second day wasn’t totally roofed with hatred and failure sentiments. What happened in Macau has been swap over with food trips. At least I’m glad that we’re back in Hong Kong and spent our day in a combination of negative and positive settings. 

5 NGONG PING 360 AT LANTAU ISLAND IN HONG KONG

I woke up the next morning with full of positivity. What happened yesterday is just a history, an unforgettable story. I admit that I throw out words of hatred if I would step my feet back to Macau. I got full of hesitation. But I didn’t realize the lessons behind it. Getting lost is simply joy. Getting lost is the initial test of being travel junkie.

Third day of our tour is to visit Lantau Island. A colleague gave us an idea to pay visit Hong Kong’s largest island. Lantau Island is located at the mouth of the Pearl River, the island has been developed in recent years with the construction of Tung Chung New Town and the completion of several major infrastructure project including Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Disneyland and Ngong Ping 360.

And speaking about Ngong Ping, a 360° panoramic view of Hong Kong’s mountain plateau via sky rail line. This is a must see attraction and should not be missed when visiting Hong Kong. Lantau Island offered not just the longest cable car ride but also a popular tourist destination – Tan Tian Buddha.

o   How to get to Tung Chung via MTR: Starting from Tsim Sha Tsui Station to Central Station [red line] then interchange to Hong Kong Station to Tung Chung Station [orange line].

o   Reminders: If you have plan to visit Ngong Ping, be sure to wake up early – travel time from Tsim Sha Tsui to Tung Chung will take approximately 45 minutes, and expect for a long queue. Or I advise be there before the opening hours, [Weekdays: 10-6pm, Weekends: 9-630pm], because when I say long queue, expect 1 to 2 hours of waiting that will take your patience away. Don’t forget to bring your passport! If I’m not mistaken we have discounted price for cable ride.

o   For additional information how to get there, please refer to this website. 

As soon as we get off the train I was looking for something to eat. I never expect for a long ride all the way from Tsim Sha Tsui to Tung Chung. I looked over my watch and it took us approximately 45 minutes ride. Good thing CityGateOutlets is just around the corner that houses array of food and outlet stalls. Speaking of which, this mall will surely strike your pockets. I’ll tell you later!

CityGateOutlets.don't forget to visit this place if you want to visit HK or else you miss half of your life. :)

On the back of City Gate Outlet is the starting line to cable car. No more surprise, no more complain, and just bring your best patience if you want to experience Ngong Ping.

o   Cabins and Prices:

§  There are only two types of cabin – Standard and Crystal cabin. Crystal cabin is more expensive because it is equipped with a glass bottom. A see through bird’s eye view on the bottom of your skyline trail. Expect eight people per cabin.

·         Standard Cabin Roundtrip: Adult = $125, Children = $62, Senior = $98.

·         Standard Cabin Single Trip: Adult = $86, Children = $44, Seniors = $70

·         Crystal Cabin Roundtrip: Adult = $188, Children = $125, Seniors = $161

·         Crystal Cabin Single Trip: Adult = $130, Children =   $88, Seniors = $114

   *** Children ages 3-11, Seniors 65+

§  Private Cabin – whether standard and crystal cabin, the difference is you can ride the cable car by your family only or your loved one plus free entry to themed attractions – Walking with Buddha and Monkey Tale Theatre.

·         Standard Cabin: $2,700/cabin

·         Crystal Cabin: $3,200/cabin

Who else excited..first time!

After more than an hour of waiting standing from a long queue, we finally met the woman behind the glass bars. Tickets scanned but passports were presented for a reason of discounted price exclusively for foreign visitors.

Each cabin contains eight passengers, whether you like it or not but you pushed to join other visitors which make you feel awkward. Our cabin composed of different nationalities, there were Chinese and Americans. 

My clothes are hanging on top of the mountain.

HK Internatinal Airport can be seen from cable car.

As the gondola lift started to move my eyes were again mesmerized by the city’s charm. I feel the fulfilment and when we reached the zenith, Hong Kong is not just a city of skyscrapers. The country is surrounded by soaring mountain ranges and bluish inlets. Hong Kong is not just one big urban city but diverge in rich community. 

The ride was smoothly slow to captivate the momentum on the top of the mountains; there were hikers downhill and birds on the skies. Until I saw a Giant Buddha so I know we are close already. You have all the time to cage the scenery, cable ride runs thirty minutes starting from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping. The potential downside of Cable car is their frequent maintenance schedule, so please don’t forget to check their website or else you will take by land and never complete your story in travelling via sky line.

Here we are..if you think we are close. Nah..count another fifteen mins before you land.

When we get off the cable car, I can’t help myself taking pictures on every side of the village. My cam memory is almost full and the battery is about to die. But then again my addiction prevails. We walk around the village with different Chinese architectures standing elsewhere. Ngong Ping Village is manmade theme park so don’t expect of much Chinese accent. The place is in high altitude so the temperature is getting colder.

As we walk going to the middle of the village I took some photos and we were welcome by twelve divine generals representing Chinese birth year. We smacked a pose similar to our chosen generals.

o   The Names of the Twelve Heavenly Generals are: Kumbhira for Rat, Vajra for Ox, Mihira for Tiger, Andira for Rabbit, Anila for Dragon, Sandilya for Snake, Indra for Horse, Pajra for Sheep, Mahoraga for Monkey, Sindura for Rooster, Catura for Dog and Vikarala for Boar.

Strike a pose with our favourite Heavenly Guardians.

Finally the Tian Tan Giant Buddha. It is the largest outdoor bronze statue in the world and before you can take photo closer to Buddha you need to take 268 steps. And even if I have this huge body built, seen from the ground I surely reach the top without any sign of weary. But I regret with my words, in the middle of my challenge I’m so dead drain and my entire body is drenched to sweats.

Up on the top, you can see another panoramic view enveloping Lantau Island. The air is freezing but my body temperature was too high from unexpected physical test. Well as I remember the first noble truth of Buddhism is life suffering.

Tian Tan Buddha is surrounded by six guardians. 

Great Buddha..Tian Tan Buddha

The Six Guardians.

After our prayers, we need to step down to roam around the village. Po Lin Monastery is located on the discreet side next to Giant Buddha stairs. Inside Monastery I thought taking pictures is prohibited but I saw visitors took theirs so I took mine. Po Lin Monastery is the best place for soul searching or you want peace of mind. You can feel the silence and respect. I noticed that there were fresh fruits in front of three statues of Buddha.

By the way entering Po Lin Monastery is free but you can offer donations. There coin box in the middle of entrance gates.

After our tour we drift around the area to look for foods where stalls are on the left side of the village. There are dogs rambling around the village but they’re not risky. In fact after I placed my palm towards his neck, his tails wiggled sign of our mutual friendship.

And the sun was about to rest so we quickly went back to cable car station to avoid long queue. Unfortunately it was too late. The estimated time of waiting from where we stand was one hour so no choice but again to wait.

The place is getting dark and the atmosphere is freezing. So please don’t forget to bring your jackets, hand gloves, or anything that can keep you warm. Even white people were complaining for cold winds passing thru their slender skins. It was already 6pm before we boarded the cable car so my fingers were inflexible, I can’t even move my body, I feel like smoke were coming out from my mouth the moment I speak. 

We arrived in Tung Chung in freezing mode. So I took my jacket off to absorb all the heat provided by the city lights and vehicles. Then visit City Gate Outlet. This mall houses all branded shops. Signature polo shirts that I love to buy here in the Philippines is much cheaper in City Gate. So we bought four Giordano Polo shirts for HK$110/each [P605.00]. I also checked my favourite Nike and Adidas shoes for price comparison only since I don’t have money already, enough for our remaining tour. Shoes ranging (in peso) from 2,000 to 4,000 compared to 7,000 here in Manila. Then after mouth watering prices, we check out chocolates for pasalubong.