7D6N Hong Kong & Macau Itinerary (2012) Version 2.0

Here is the compilation for all the posts relating to my trip to Hong Kong & Macau in year 2012 for 7 days and 6 nights. And below of the post, there are even few travel guides given based on my own experience, especially for those who are going Hong Kong & Macau for the very first time.

Day 1 (17th September 2012) & Day 2 (18th September 2012)
Arrived Hong Kong & Stanley Market on Second Day

How To Get To Stanley Market: From MTR Central Station Exit B, head to Exchange Square bus terminal and take bus 6, 6A, 6X or 260.

Central Post Office & Victoria Peak

How To Get To Victoria Peak: There are several ways to reach this place - 

• If you like to walk just like me, from MTR Central Station and head to exit J2. Turn right, through Chater Garden, cross Queen's Road Central and make way up to Garden Road. Pass the Bank of China Tower and Citibank Plaza on the left and St John's Cathedral on the right before arriving at the terminus, which is on the left hand side. The walk to the tram station will takes roughly around 15 to 20 minutes; or
• Take bus 15C from the lay-by outside the Star Ferry pier in Central; or
• Bus 15 from Exchange Square bus terminus (near MTR Hong Kong Station, Exit D); or
• Minibus 1 from MTR Hong Kong Station public transport interchange; or
• From Central's Admiralty Station Exit B, Lippo Centre Bus Terminus and take bus 12S

Star Ferry, Clock Tower & Symphony of Lights

1. (Left) Clock Tower 
2. (Top right) Star Ferry
3. (Bottom right) Symphony of Lights: Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade along Avenue of Stars to Hong Kong Cultural Centre: MTR Tsim Sha Tsui East Station, Exit J. Follow the signs and walk for around five minutes. 

Day 3 (19th September 2012)
Taking Turbojet From Hong Kong to Macau

Day 4 (20th September 2012)
Big Buddha, Ngo Ping Village & Citygate Outlets 

How to Get To Big Buddha: Tung Chung MTR Exit B and head to Ngong Ping 360 Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal is located just a short stroll away. Alternatively, if you happen to be unlucky like me, take Bus No. 23 and it will stop directly there. As for Citygate Outlet, you will see it once get out from Exit B as well.

Day 5 (21st September 2012)
Golden Bauhinia Square, Avenue of Stars & Ladies Market (Mongkok)

1. (Left) Golden Bauhinia Square & Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre: MTR Wan Chai Station, Exit A5. Walk across the footbridge, then turn right and head through the lobby of Central Plaza. Continue across the connecting overhead walkway, then descend to the ground level. Walk towards the waterfront ahead and the statue and monument will be on your left. The entire walk takes approximately 15 minutes. 
2. (Top right) Avenue of Stars:  Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Exit E, walk towards harbour and go through subway (pedestrian tunnel) to the waterfront; or East Tsim Sha Tsui KCR Exit J and walk through subway. 
3. (Bottom right) Ladies Market: MTR Mong Kok Station, Exit E2. Walk along Nelson Street for two blocks. Ladies Market is tucked between Boundary Street and Dundas Street on Tung Choi Street.

Day 6 & 7 (22nd & 23rd September 2012)
Hong Kong Disneyland

How To Get To Hong Kong Disneyland: Take the Tung Chung Line to Sunny Bay and then transfer to Disneyland Resort Line.

Disney's Hollywood Hotel

We booked a package which include 2-day pass for 2 adults and 1 night stay in Disney's Hollywood Hotel under a special package rate that applies for Hong Kong citizen only.

Extra Features

• Hong Kong & Macau 2012 (Sneak Peek)
• My Travel Loots Version 2.0 

Besides above, there are more things that eventually you can do and see:
Hong Kong

• Ocean Park - Hong Kong's homegrown theme park, which besides being an amusement park but it also consists of oceanarium and marine mammal park.
• Museums such as Hong Kong Museum of History, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre.
• Countryside such as Lamma Island, Cheung Chau or Tai O if you want to avoid from the hectic environment and get more closer to nature.   
• Travelling on a tram is ideal for looking at different sides of Hong Kong. Not only it is cheap to ride but it also allows you to see completely different lifestyles in different districts in a short time.

Macau

• Macau Tower for bungee jump perhaps
• Fisherman's Wharf  
• Museum of Taipa and Coloane History and Taipa Houses Museum

Hong Kong & Macau Travel Guide (based on my own personal experience)

1. Both Hong Kong and Macau are separate and independent immigration system from mainland of China, hence it is visa-free for Malaysia to enter up to 90 days for Hong Kong and 30 days for Macau. [Most common questions: How about Shenzhen and Zhuhai? Both are part of China, hence visa is required]
2. The best time to visit Hong Kong and Macau would be between October to December cause it has the least rainfall, less chance of a typhoon (almost non-existent after October), less humid and more sunshine. Last few years during my maiden visit to Hong Kong, it was during Chinese New Year period and there were quite number of celebratory events such as lion dances, fireworks, and parades. Many shops and restaurants close on the first three days, so it may not be an ideal time to visit. Plus, it was overcrowded especially visit from the people of Mainland China. Imagine the queue for cable cars in Ocean Park took almost two hours. Another tip given by Boyfie was try to avoid visit Hong Kong and Macau during China so-called "Golden Week” which falls from 1st-7th October annually cause this is the time where more and more China people visit there.
3. If you are looking for accommodation around Hong Kong, I would highly recommended to stay along Nathan Road between Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok especially for those who is looking for super-budget guesthouse. Well, of course expect nothing else except for tiny small room. As for Macau, as far as I know there is no backpackers or even hostels around Macau and it being claimed to be backpacker unfriendly. So if your budget is tight, it is better to stay in Hong Kong and plan a day trip to Macau perhaps. 
4. Hong Kong's spoken official language is Cantonese but I found out there's no problem of speaking English with the local. Macau's spoken official languages are Cantonese and Portuguese. If you know how to speak Cantonese, it will be a great advantage for you. Although most of the signboards and streets within Hong Kong are available in English, but they are seldom used among local people including those who can speak fluent English. Take for example, the local people refer Stanley Street as "Chek Chue" and it will be helpless if you are try to mention the word of Stanley when asking for direction from the local. Therefore it is advisable before you go to anywhere, ask the hotel staff to write down the street names using Chinese characters, and try to learn how to pronounce where you are going in Cantonese, if possible.
5. So far visit Hong Kong for forth times and I can say it is pretty convenient to travel around if you have Octopus Card which not only can be used for all types of public transport (except most of the red-top minibuses and taxis), Octopus is also accepted for payment in almost all convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurant chains like McDonald's many vending machines. Basic Octopus cards cost $150, with $100 face value plus $50 refundable deposit. A $9 service charge applies if the card is returned in less than three months for the refundable deposit. As for Macau, I did share a little bit of tips how to travel around by utilise the free shuttle buses provided by hotels and casinos - click HERE. 

And that's wrap up my Hong Kong & Macau Version 2.0 travelogue. As for the next travelogue, I am seriously cracking my head out thinking where and which should I continue cause I have tons of travelogue in queue to be published online. And for your information, this is again another scheduled post of mine cause I am currently away for another travel mission. Don't know when I able to complete my never-ending 2012 and 2013 travelogue.

Read more »

My Travel Loots from Hong & Macau (2012) Version 2.0

#1: My travel loots from Hong Kong & Macau version 2.0 (Click here for version 1.0)

#2: Mickey Mouse T-shirt from Disneyland, two Teddy Bear tops from Giordano (Citygate Outlet) and the Macau T-shirt bought from Senado Square.

#3: Coach handbag from Citygate Outlet (not for myself but birthday gift for my Queen); Stamp printed handbag from Ladies Market and blue tote bag for my sister & myself.

#4: Except for the I ♥ HK which I bought from Stanley Market, the rest I bought from Ladies Market. Some selling between HK$80-HK$100 for 5 pieces.

#5: All the Hong Kong keychains and fridge magnets bought from Stanley Market whereas for Macau, bought nearby Senado Square and also The Venetian.

#6: Unhealthy snacks as always. The Meiji Chcolate Fran Sticks, I bought more than 10 boxes.

#7: Impossible for me to leave Hong Kong Disneyland with empty-handed

#8: Bought these little Disney characters photo frame holders as well (It's so cute I'm gonna die)

#9: Camera straps. Left one from Mongkok and right one from Hong Kong Disneyland.

#10: Absolutely not mine but it's Boyfie's shopping loots. Bought from Giordano Outlet, G200 and Uniqlo. For Giordano T-shirt, you can grab as low as HK$199 for 4 pieces. 

Note: Another scheduled post of mine cause I'm currently away for my very first trip for the brand new year 2014. 

Read more »

Hong Kong & Macau Day 3: Impromptu Trip To Macau

Date of Visit: 19th September 2012

Trip to Macau can be claimed to be an impromptu trip for both Boyfie and I. We planned to go Macau either on the fourth or fifth day of our trip in Hong Kong, but out of sudden on the second night, I received message from a very good friend of mine that she and her husband were in Macau. Hence, we had to change our plan to go Macau on the third day without any advance preparation especially for the ferry ticket. But since both of us went there before, guess there won't be any issue for that.

Before crossing Macau, don't forget to bring along your passport cause Macau is designated under Special Administrative Regions operating which they have their own immigration controls, currencies and autonomous governments. I have few friends who eventually forgot to bring their passports along and at the end, either trip to Macau had to be cancelled or even being postponed. 

Where To Catch The Ferry

MTR Sheung Wan Station, Exit D and then head up to the 3rd floor. 

#1: Everytime come out from a particular station, make sure check for the right exit. 

Going to Macau is so convenient that you can go for just a day trip. For many years, the most usual way to across Macau from Hong Kong is by taking ferry. Ferries from Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan operate 24 hours a day at frequencies of every 15-30 minutes by day and hourly at night. With so many sailings in a day, there really is little need to book ahead from Hong Kong, and ferries are rarely full. Generally tickets can be bought for the next sailing, up to thirty minutes before departure.

Note
However, be aware that late evening and night sailings from Macau to Hong Kong can get full, and it’s advised to book your return on arrival in Macau, if you plan on a late return.

In Macau, they dock at the Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal. The cheapest one way ticket from Hong Kong is HK$142 and the trip takes roughly an hour, depending on the sea condition and boat used. Fares on weekends tend to be slightly expensive compare on weekdays. Ferries are operated by TurboJet. Another frequent ferry service is operated by Cotai Jet but it dock at the Taipa Ferry Terminal, which very close and quick access to The Venetian.

#2: We purchased the TurboJet tickets cause it dock at the terminal which closer to the most attractions in Macau.

#3: At Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal, there are more option for free shuttle bus if compare Taipa Ferry Terminal.

Right after we met my friend and her husband at Senado Square, both of them brought us up and down just to search for a local restaurant that claim to be very popular and famous with its Portuguese cuisines but unfortunately, it was kinda early and hasn't opened yet. Same goes for the rest of those famous eateries as well.

 

#4: My very close friend, Purplefish and her husband were asking the local for the restaurant's location.

#5: Many signs and establishments make use of Chinese and Portuguese names with English becoming commonplace.

#6: A storeful of alley that filled with numerous of foods stalls and souvenir shops on left and right

#7: We decided to take photos first at Ruins of St. Paul's before more and more tourist groups are approaching, especially during the noon time.

After that, we tried our luck once again to search for one of the two most popular and famous Portuguese egg tarts which situated close to Senado Square and Ruins of St. Paul's  but turned out, it closed on every Wednesday.

#8: Finally I found you, the famous Margaret's Cafe e Nate for its Portuguese egg tart but looks like there's no fate. Is this means that I need to go Macau for the third time? 

It's kinda hard to locate Margaret's Cafe e Nate especially if you are searching for the very firs time cause it located in some hidden alley behind a building. Thank goodness my friend and her husband knew about this place cause they went Macau before this.

#9: We gave up and we settled our brunch at a small little cafe shop located besides Margaret's Cafe e Nate. My order - pork chop bun. #nonhalal

Once we done with our brunch, we bid goodbye to each other cause both of friends interested of taking cable car in Guia Hill whereas Boyfie and I not really into that as we might taking cable car too on the following day in Hong Kong. Again, we went back to Senado Square for more phototaking before move on to our next journey.

#10: Opposite of Senado Square, the Leal Senado Building is beautifully manicured with numerous of colourful flowers decoration.

#11: Even historical European styled buildings within Senado Square are brighten up with multi-colour of lantern in conjuction of Mid-Autumn Festival.

#12: Besides phototaking, one of the main reasons to go back Senado Square was to buy stamps from the General Post Office which enclosed within the square. Boyfie commented that I really love to go post office.

One of the biggest mistake that done by both of us was taking taxi from ferry terminal to Senado Square when we could have other better alternative. One of the cost-saving way to travel around Macau is simply by hopping on and off the complimentary shuttle buses operated by all major casinos and hotels, only in the case where you have plenty of time to kill and you generally have to be at least 18 years old.

Here are tips on how to get these few spots using the complimentary shuttle buses: 

• To get to Senado Square and Ruins of St Paul's, take the shuttle buses provided by Wynn or Lisboa and those buses will drop you off just a few blocks from those attractions. 
• To get to Fisherman's Wharf, take the Landmark's free shuttle buses.
• For Golden Lotus Square, take Sands Macau Hotel's shuttle buses.
• To the Border Gates, Taipa Ferry Terminal and Macau International Airport, take these big boys shuttle buses; Venetian, Wynn, City of Dreams, Galaxy and etc.
  Fisherman’s Wharf
  Fisherman’s Wharfand Golden Lotus Square, take The Sands' shuttle buses.

#13: For some casinos, you might need to get a ticket in order to leave the casino by their shuttle bus, for example Lisboa Casino.

How both of us get to The Venetian from Senado Square eventually?

Walked few minutes from Senado Square to Lisboa Casino-> took Lisboa Casino's shuttle bus -> Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal -> took The Venetian's shuttle bus.

#14: Well, hello The Venetian for the second time! Don't ask me why I choose to back here instead of other casinos but I seriously fall in love with the Venetian over and over again.

#15: San Luca canal. Since I experienced the real one in Venice, hence I never bother for this one.

#16: Everywhere I go, for sure I will ended up with McDonald's again but this one is totally not available in Malaysia. Shogun burger - a teriyaki pork patty with lettuce served on a sesame seed bun. #nonhalal

#17: The Venetian's shuttle bus and once again, do take note which ferry terminal that you are going to cause Macau has two different ferry terminal.

#18: Ramen dinner at Sheung Wan station before officially wrap up our third night in Hong Kong.

Fun Fact About Macau

Do you know that it is very silly to buy mineral water in Macau when you can get for free in almost of the casinos. I even enjoyed myself drinking fruit juices and soya bean drinks for free in The Venetian casino. Another cost-saving tip.

[Credit To: Wikitravel, GoHongKong.About.com]

Read more »

Hong Kong & Macau 2012 (Sneak Peek)

For those who follow me in Twitter or Instagram, you might know that I went to Hong Kong & Macau with my boyfie for a week. Well, I went Hong Kong & Macau exactly 2 years ago (click here) and now once again, here I am at this vibrant and bustle little big city.

This is my 4th trip to Hong Kong and wondering why I choose to go back there again?

It's all because Hong Kong is distributing HK$6,000 to all the Hong Kong Citizen and my boyfie is partly of Hongkie. So, he decided to tag me along and sponsored this trip as the treat of my birthday gift for this year.

During this trip we had save a lot especially in terms of accommodation. We stayed at boyfie's relative place which located just less than half an hour from the city. It was indeed a small room but we're eternally grateful for all the kind hospitality given by boyfie's relatives.

And also during our stayed with boyfie's relatives, almost every morning we're brought to have dim sum, the delicacies that you shouldn't miss out when visiting Hong Kong.

Since I went Hong Kong for 4th times and boyfie has been went Hong Kong like don't know how many times, some of the places we skipped like Ocean Park but for some I did repeated again. Some I went exactly for the first time - which I totally missed out from my previous trips.

Went Stanley New Street for the first time but I felt like being fooled to come what a long way and bought things that in slightly higher price. Therefore, this place is totally not recommended.

Took Peak Tram to visit The Peak for 3rd time. Went here just to kill some time by sat down in some random restaurant and having high tea. And also at the same time, to write 20 postcards which I bought from Stanley Market.

Finally, got to experience Star Ferry for the fist time after listened to boyfie's story of his experience of taking this ferry ride to across from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon. Only cost HK$2.50 for almost 10 minutes ride.

Macau for 2nd time to meet up with my BFF who was coincidentally in Hong Kong & Macau too for 10 days with her boyfriend.

 

There's so many varieties and assorted of snow skin mooncake in Hong Kong.

The Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery in Lautau Island was actually inside my itinerary last 2 years but I cancelled this cause my friends were so tired and exhausted. Plus, at that period, the weather was freaking hot.

We even did a lil bit shopping at CityGate Outlets which was being told by my friends that the stuffs especially the high end are super duper cheap.

Walked like more than 20 minutes from MTR station just to take photo with Golden Bauhinia Square at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Strolled along Avenue of Stars, Tsim Tsa Tsui for second time and the first time I went was at night time.

Ladies' Street, Mongkok is the place that I went over and over again. Never get bored of here and this place is highly recommended than Stanley Street. So, whoever wanna visit Hong Kong, stay nearby Mongkok.

Last but not least, Disneyland Hong Kong one more time again! The first time I went it was rain heavily but this time around the weather was so fine and the sky is so blue.

My dream to stay in Disney's Hollywood Hotel finally came true.

Ok! That's all for my Hong Kong Style. I should do the Oppa Hong Kong style but I was too shy. 

Whether will I go back Hong Kong again for the 5th time? Well, I have this love and hate relationship towards Hong Kong but probably I will, just not within this nearer period.

Read more »