Where Pandas and Stars Align - Hong Kong's Illuminating Triumph

By Cruising With Honey - 21:24

Where Pandas and Stars align

Day 3 - Discover Hong Kong

Waking up on my third day in Hong Kong, I was hungry to see more, eat more and explore more. Today’s agenda included another lunch and dinner, and I was hoping to squeeze in a harbour cruise. At this rate, I was going to transform into a giant, spongey, juicy dumpling.

I was excited to head back to Tsim Sha Tsui, but this time by taxi. It’s probably a good time to share my experiences with the taxi service in Hong Kong.

• Some taxi drivers speak some English, some don’t speak any

• Most prefer cash but some do take credit card and Octopus card

• The back doors open and close automatically in some taxis

• They are helpful with luggage

• I used the Uber app and selected the Taxi option. I found this was easier and avoided any possible communications problems. I could also track the route and it also meant that I didn’t have to carry around a lot of cash.

• THEY DRIVE FAST (but not over the speed limit)

Okay, so confession time here: I’m not the most relaxed passenger in any situation. I prefer to drive everywhere myself. Throw in a foreign city and a language barrier and it makes me nervous.

However, let me stress, every single taxi was super safe. They know the roads and know how to navigate them. When I expressed a tiny bit of concern to one taxi driver after he took a corner a little too fast for my liking, he chuckled and said that passing your taxi licence in Hong Kong was only second to the hardest in the world, becoming a London cabbie. That made me relax, somewhat. My co-passenger/teen daughter however was as cool as a cucumber, loving the faster pace. Maybe I’m just getting old.

First stop, Cuisine Cuisine

Anyway, after a leisurely hotel breakfast, it was time for lunch at the dim sum restaurant, Cuisine Cuisine at The Mira Hong Kong. The hotel was gorgeous, decked out in Christmas cheer. Upstairs, the restaurant was cool and elegant and we were greeted with such warm hospitality.

Once again, I left it to our hosts to decide on our meal and what proceeded was a three-hour extravaganza of soups, dumplings, seafood and special slow-cooked red bean dessert that was velvety and rich.

Panda-monium and an Avenue of Stars

Lunch did however run over time, so unfortunately I missed the Aqua Luna Harbour cruise. I was so looking forward to cruising around the harbour on the traditional and iconic junk boat. It just means I’m going to have to come back to Hong Kong, and soon.

And so back we were hitting the pavement down Nathan Rd with a slight idea in the direction we were going. I wanted to see the famous Avenue of the Stars, but as we got closer, there was a throng, a mass, a sea of people by the foreshore. They all seemed very excited, snapping pics at something I couldn’t quite see. Inching closer, I suddenly spotted what the excitement was all about.

A PANDA!

Then another, then another, then another eleventy-hundred more.

IT WAS UTTER PANDA-MONIUM.

All along the foreshore were cutie-patootie small panda sculptures in weird and wonderful poses. This installation was part of the Panda Go! Fest HK in Hong Kong. It was very, very cute.

On we continued down the Avenue Of the Stars – a promenade along Victoria Harbour waterfront that honours celebrities of the Hong Kong film industry, stopping to people-watch and of course snap a pic of the famous Bruce Lee statue.

But, I still had my heart set on being on the water so, we raced down to catch the Star Ferry to Central. Cheap and chaotic, the boat took a few minutes and it was nice to sit for a moment and admire this famous harbour.

Now in Central, the mission was to find some of the famous egg tarts that had somehow alluded us. We walked and walked and walked, and I must have taken a wrong turn somewhere as we ended up in Exchange Square, a complex of three massive office towers that house the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. There’s also a massive shopping mall where we found a delightful bakery and munched on macarons instead.

On to Mong Kok

Why does time speed up when you’re having fun? It was after 7pm and we had dinner reservations at the Michelin-starred restaurant, Ming Court at the Cordis Hotel at 7:30pm. Luckily, Central to Mong Kok was only a 15-minute taxi ride, and I enjoyed the array of neon signs that illuminated our path.

Famous for authentic Cantonese cuisine, Ming Court was extravagant. We settled in for another set menu, knowing full well we’d be rolling out of the restaurant.

The standouts for me was the stuffed crab shell - so sweet and creamy – and the highly recommended 8 Treasure Soup. The fried rice was decadently served with fois gras and A5 wagyu beef. Make sure you visit Ming Court the next time you’re in Hong Kong for a truly special experience.

Tomorrow we were headed to Disneyland Hong Kong, so there was not any time for an after-dinner cocktail (mocktail).

Reflecting on the last three days in this wonderous city, I felt intoxicated by its eclectic mix of refined cuisine, bright lights and lush nature.

Everything about Hong Kong was enticing and it just pulsated and exuded with excitement. I had fallen deeply under its spell.

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Hong Kong

A Bronze Buddha on an Island of Natural Delights - Discover Hong Kong

By Cruising With Honey - 20:50

Discover Hong Kong - Day 2 in Hong Kong

Cable cars and a bronze Buddha

Being suspend 414m in the air with nothing but some glass and metal separating me from the earth below did not immediately strike me as something I would ever willingly do.

In fact, it set off a clamour of alarm bells that ricocheted around my brain. Compounding this commotion was my daughter’s anxious voice reminding me quite loudly every 3 mins in the taxi on the way to take the cable car from Tung Chung, “But mum we are both afraid of heights.”

“It’ll be fine,” I heard myself saying out loud in my most fake reassuring ‘mum voice’ – the one mums reserve to instil comfort.

Neither my brain, nor my rapidly beating heart were, not convinced.

As the taxi dropped us off at Tung Chung station, I resolved that this was one of those moments that I had to pull up my big girl pants; if I panicked, she’d panic and we’d both miss out on what was set to be spectacular day in Hong Kong.

The Ngong Ping 360 cable car connects the suburb Tung Chung to Ngong Ping on Lantau Island. The trip takes about 25 minutes and travels at a smooth 6km per hour. Ngong Ping is home to the second largest seated Buddha in the world, the Tian Tan Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery.

Our lovely guide for the day, Luna was waiting for us, and in a little hop, skip and jump, we were in the cable car and heading up, up, up.

IT WAS MAGICAL

There was no time to feel nervous as I was busy trying to drink in the breathtaking 360-degree views. My phobia of heights melted away as I snapped a million pics of the lush Lantau North Country Park (apparently you can hike up, but I’d much prefer the cable car), the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and Hong Kong Airport. Lovely Luna explained to us the history of the cable car – which she gets to ride every day! Now that’s a commute.

The cable car we were in was a standard cabin, but I was promised that our return cabin would be in a Crystal+ cabin. More about that later. During the 5.7km ride, the cable car made its way through several stations. From past experiences in cable cars/gondolas, this is the part that can get bumpy, but this was as smooth as silk. Honestly I almost did not want the trip to end, but the mammoth gleaming Buddha in the distance was beckoning.

Ngong Ping Village, Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery

It stood there, rather sat there, exuding calm - and a challenge. The only thing separating me and the 35m bronze Buddha – known as Tian Tan – were 268 steps.

As my daughter and I climbed the steps, Luna explained that this Buddha was constructed like lego. The monument is made up of 202 bronze pieces that were clicked together on top of the three-level altar.

While I am not a Buddhist, I admired not only the astounding architectural feat but also the cultural and religious significance of Tian Tan. The serenity and peace I felt when I reached the top was palpable and I took a moment to once again recognise my privilege for having experiences around the world, just like this one.

Ngong Ping Village is a lovely place where shops sell cute souvenirs, statues shine and wild cows roam free. Yes, I said cows. I LOVE cows. When you visit, please be mindful that these are wild animals, so admire from a distance.

After a tour of the Po Lin Monastery, which was resplendent with 1000 Buddhas, it was time for a vegetarian lunch. Soup, rice, vegetables, tofu… the meal was simple and simply delicious.

A step back in time

Our next stop was Tai O fishing village, a short bus trip from Nong Ping. Walking through the markets, wonderful aromas filled the air.

There was street food, restaurants, shops selling everything from starfish to coffee. It was my kind of place, a bustling insight into a working fishing village and glimpse back in time.

A scenic river cruise and a visit to the interesting fisherman’s village - where we toured one of the above-water homes – and then back to try even more street food. This time, I sampled sweet treats and had literally the most delicious black sesame mochi I’ve had in my life.

My mind was collecting and processing memories - the day had zoomed by so quickly. Before I knew it we were back in the cable car – this time in the Crystal car which offers 80% field of view and is almost completely transparent. I took some pretty funny and cliched pics.

I would be remiss not to give a huge shoutout to our tour guide Luna who was absolutely spectacular. Knowledgeable, generous, kind and warm. I’d return to Hong Kong just to do a tour again with her. Also, If you’re the kind of traveller who loves to visit the sites but you don't like crowds, Lantau Island is perfect. At no time during the day did I feel rushed, crowded or swarmed with people.

No books, just food

Once again, Hong Kong Tourism Board had made reservations at a well-regarded restaurant for our dinner, The Chinese Library in Tai Kwun, which is located on the top floor of the old Central Police Station.

I don’t think I’ve ever had a better Chinese meal. I’m not sure if I ever will.

Every dish was expertly created ensuring a balance of flavours and textures. The menu included Cantonese, Sichuan and Shanghai dishes The plush surroundings were offset by moody lighting and the service was impeccable. Do yourself a favour and if you only have ONE night in Hong Kong, eat here.

Even though our stomachs were overflowing, our final stop for the day/night was the Cardinal Point Rooftop Bar on the 45th floor of the Landmark building. We were late - dinner has exceeded 3 hours and we sheepishly entered this almost-secret lift to the rooftop where I was warmly greeted and ushered to the terrace.

This was very fancy indeed! I sampled a delicious margarita, and Hope had a passionfruit mocktail. I felt quite underdressed even though I was in a lovely skirt/dress combo, but it seemed to me as if I was surrounded by every Hong Kong fashionista within a 5km radius. It was just so, so… cool! If you ever get the chance to visit, dress up to the nines. The bar offered sweeping views of the bright lights of the city. It was just the perfect place to have a cocktail

Like nowhere else on Earth

Hong Kong is like nowhere I’ve been. It’s busy and enthralling and stylish and has the perfect mix of nature, city, modern amenities and interesting historic sites. I can’t wait to explore more!

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Hong Kong

Welcome to Hong Kong - Cantonese Cuisine and Christmas Lights

By Cruising With Honey - 22:30

HONG KONG - Day 1

Welcome to Hong Kong - Cantonese Cuisine and Christmas Lights

I always find the airport transfer a surreal experience. One moment you’re collecting your bags at the carousel, the next you’re being driven to your hotel, not quite sure if you’re going in the right direction while simultaneously afraid to blink for fear of missing even a millisecond of new and wondrous sites.

Hong Kong is a peninsula made up of 263 islands of which Hong Kong Island is the second largest, and probably the most well-known. The largest is Lantau Island. This made the drive from the airport in Chek Lap Kok in western Hong Kong to the hotel in Kai Tak, on the eastern side of Kowloon Bay in Kowloon, an interesting drive of crossing several bridges. I drank in every moment, ohh-ing and ahh-ing at the number of apartment buildings that rose high into the clear sky and the stark contrast of the lush mountain vistas in the background.

This was going to be an interesting four days, and I couldn’t wait to start exploring.

Kai Tak: Our home in Hong Kong

Located in Kowloon, the neighbourhood of Kai Tak is the perfect location for cruisers to set up base due to its proximity to the sleek cruise terminal.

As we pulled into our home for the next four nights, I was immediately impressed with the modern, elegant building. The Dorsett Kai Tak is a luxurious new hotel offering 373 rooms.

Opened only a few months ago, the interior design is reminiscent of cruise and yacht elegance, a feature that pleased me greatly.

What a relief it was to zoom through check-in, step into the bright, modern room and freshen up. I’m sure all travellers can relate to that supremely revitalising feeling of that first shower after a flying.

A bit more info about Kai Tak

From 1925 until 1998, Kai Tak had an international airport which is now being developed as part of the whole neighbourhood which is currently undergoing a massive revitalisation.

As well as the cruise terminal, Kai Tak is developing a multi-purpose sports complex with stadiums and entertainment arenas and lots of housing options. There’s an MTR station and beautiful semi-enclosed open spaces.

Let’s go explore on the MTR

Whenever I land in a new city, I try to avoid taxis and prefer to try the public transport system. It’s a much more organic way to learn your way around and see things from a local perspective.

My experiences around the world have varied, from good to sketchy. I’d heard so much about the Mass Transit Railway, or as its better known as the MTR, and couldn’t wait to see if it lived up to the hype.

The Dorsett Hotel has a free shuttle that transports guest to Kai Tak MTR station (it is close enough to walk if you want to get your steps up), a sleek area that houses a new residential development, shopping, dog parks and of course the station itself.

Now, here is the most vital tip you need to follow for seamless travel: You need to get an Octopus card. There are lots of options, but get yourself the tourist version.

The Octopus card is a smart card that you can use to pay at 180, 000 places (including public transport) such as shopping, dining, some taxis and more. I even used my Octopus card to buy coffee! It such an easy, efficient system that I wish we had in Australia. Hong Kong is living in the future.

We had dinner reservations at a Catonese restaurant in Ocean Terminal, Harbour City. The closest MTR stop is Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, only a few stops from Kai Tak (about 20 mins travelling time). It was clean, efficient, safe and easy AND cheap. There are English signs and English spoken over the PA making it easy for tourists to navigate.

Tsim Sha Tsui - this was the Hong Kong of I was expecting. We walked along Nathan Rd and Canton Rd, energised by the busy (but not frantic) atmosphere. High-end shopping, snazzy cars, gold shops, food. It was a sensory overload in the best way.

We walked towards Harbour City in amazement, all around us the most fantastic Christmas display. There were throngs of people with wide smiles and joyful demeanors snapping pics of the Christmas extravaganza. While it was tremendously busy, there was no pushing or shoving or rudeness that you might find in other tourist hubs. I decided I liked Hong Kong, I liked it very much.

I could have spent a whole day in Harbour City. Not only does it house the cruise terminal, but over 450 shops, 80 restaurants (I wanted to try them all) an art gallery, three hotels and an observatory deck. It is also has the most incredible harbour views. But, now dinner, there was plenty of time later to admire the view later.

Cantonese fare updated with contemporary flair

I hadn’t eaten since the breakfast on the plane – over 10 hours ago – so to say I was frothing for a delicious Chinese meal was an understatement.

Hong Kong Tourism Board had made reservations for us at Hexa. The eatery was elegant and classy with subdued Asian flair. And, it has the best views of the harbour which was dazzling with all the city lights, bouncing off the water.

My stomach grumbled.

With typical Chinese hospitality and love for feeding people, we were greeted and seated and very soon after our multi-course meal began. Opened in 2017, Hexa is renowned for it’s modern twist on classic dishes.

Don’t expect Beef and Blackbean stirfry here, rather Roasted Iberico Pork with Loquat Honey, double boiled partridge Soup, (my daughter Hope and I simultaneously broke out in song, “On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me, a Partridge in a Clay Pot”) Hokkaido scallops with salmon roe.

.. and the dishes kept coming out – nine courses in total.

Each one more interesting than the next, some not exactly suiting my palate (sea snails are an acquired taste) but a fabulous experience, nonetheless.

One thing I will make note of is that Chinese desserts are very different. You might nor like the super sweet, warm broth-type desserts packed with herbs and fruits, but try it anyway.

I had hoped we’d get to see more of Harbour City, but dinner – actually any Chinese meal – is never a hurried affair and it was after 9pm before we bade our goodbyes to Hexa.

It was such a beautiful evening, it would be a shame to take a taxi home and we needed to burn off some calories. So, we meandered up and down the promenade admiring the Christmas displays again, the stunning illuminated harbour, got a sweet treat and strolled back to the MTR to go home, aka The Dorsett Kai Tak.

I had been in Hong Kong for only 12 hours, and I already felt drunk with happiness.

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