Hong Kong & Macau Trip - Street Photography

Wow .. almost one month has passed from my last trip to Hong Kong and Macau. Back here, I'm back to reality, busy with my office work, especially so much work to do for the preparation of company annual report.

Hai~~  How I wish my trip will never end, can keep holidaying non-stop but still got paid in my bank account!! In the dream lah!?

"Where can I find this type of dream job ah!!?"

"Lols.."

Hong Kong is a beautiful metropolitan city, travelling around the city is not a problem. It is easy to travel around using the MTR, just get an Octopus card, upload money, you can used it in MTR and buses. The route map for both buses and MTR are clearly stated. You can download the android apps to your mobile phone and check route anytime you like. The Octopus card is very useful, can be used in public transport, some eateries, and almost all convenient store are accepting payment via the Octopus Card.

Before I went to Hong Kong and Macua, I planned my trip itinerary. I  have placed them in my earlier blog post, it is not to show off. I linked my blog post to those websites that I want to keep for reference. I can access them anytime I want during my travelling. Off course, first, I need to have internet connection. BTW, just for your info, I got a SIM Card with internet data unlimited for 7 days for HK$288, not sure whether this deal good or not ... but it gave me great convenient.

I always believe if you don't plan you trip, you plan to fail. After returning home, I review back, some itineraries are not practical. I underestimated the times. It was quite wet during this season and encountered a few raining days. Nevertheless, overall, I managed to achieve 80% of my plan. I am happy with it.

Hong Kong has many nice spots for street shooting. The famous street are the Temple Street and Ladies Market. I stayed around Tsun Wan, a place at New Territories, it is situated in residential areas whereby you can find localized street and market, oh!! perfect place for photo shooting.

I slow down the camera shutter speed and to allow object of focus be still and people that walk pass in motion stage. I love the effect of my photo.

I have captured many photos .... but too bad, is too limited place to place all here in my blog. Just picked up a few photo to share with you, hope you like it too ... :)

Hong Kong / Macau, My Travel Plan #2

What's next!! As tomorrow is the departure time, I guess I have to do a simplified itinerary for the rest of my trip !!


Day 3

The day to go Macau, I found out there are two ferry operators, i.e, TurboJet and Cotai Water Jet. My hotel is located at the Macau Peninsula, it is better to take the TurboJet whereby it will take me to the boat terminal nearest to my hotel, the Macau Marine Ferry Terminal (Outer Habour Ferry Terminal).

I booked in advance because of the long weekend holiday in Hong Kong, the Esther holidays. The cost of traveling from HK to Macua is HK$172 for adult HK$161 for child, and the return ticket charge HK$161 for adult and HK$146 for child. Total cost is HK$1,639.00. This is a turbo jet speed and it will take approximately 60 minutes to arrive Macau.

I will be checking into the Presidente Hotel, the hotel is located at the main road of Avenida da Amizade which surrounded by many casino. I'm not very sure how far the hotel to those popular tourist destinations but I guess the "road came from our mouths" ... as long as you dare to ask, you will find your way. I found some useful website that give good introduction about the attraction in Macau.

After check in the hotel, I am planning to visit the Senado Square at the afternoon, the famous historical center of Macau whereby you will see many olden days architecture and historical buildings. The famous Ruins of St Paul is at nearby.

Toward the evening,  I am planning to visit the Macau Tower which is the tenth tallest tower in the world, for sure will check out the famous observation deck with panoramic views and also the famous thrilling walk, the Skywalk X which allow you to walk around the outer rim at a height of 233 meters above ground.... wow ... can't imagine. Dinner will be there as there are many restaurants on top of the tower.

Day 4

On the next day ... 

I will travel to the far down of Macau, the Coloane. This place is well know for the "real Macau" because you will see the olden type of buildings without any "touch up", the olden days street living can be seen there which is popular destination for street photographer. The new Panda Pavilion also located there, maybe I will pay the Panda a visit and say "Hi".

At the afternoon, I will be visiting the Cotai Strip, where many of Macau's recent hotel and casino developments have taken place; including the Venetian, Sands Cotai Central, City of Dreams and Galaxy among others which are presently in development. 

Toward the evening, is the highlight of the trip - The house of dancing waters, I bought the show ticket months ago, it is one of the event that we won't miss despite of the high entrance fees. In Tripadvisor, It has the following narrative :

"The World’s Largest Water Extravaganza City of Dreams and Franco Dragone Entertainment Group proudly present the world’s largest water extravaganza – The House of Dancing Water. This breathtaking show is staged in the purpose-built Dancing Water Theater which features approximately 2,000 seats and is designed by world renowned Sandi Pei of Pei Partnership.A Must-see Experience The House of Dancing Water is housed in a purpose-built theater designed with many breakthroughs including a stage pool that holds a record-breaking 3.7 million gallons of water, equivalent to 5 Olympic-sized swimming pools. This state-of-the-art theater provides the setting for an epic love story and spectacular journey through time, showcasing dazzling costumes, special effects and record breaking acts never seen before in a theater.The show is a must-see experience you’ll want to relive over and over again. Be sure to catch it, only at City of Dreams, Macau." Source : Tripadvisor

Day 5

Time to return Hong Kong, we have a bit of time to do some last minutes shopping, the departure time is 1 pm at the afternoon. Back in Hong Kong, we have another 2 more days .... In day 5, no special planning ... maybe is time to dip into the hotel pool to enjoy...

Day 6
Wow .. Disney Land Hong Kong, here we come ....... 


Day 7,
Bye bye Hong Kong .... Departure to airport and home sweet home ...


Day 8
Back to reality and Back to Work ... why lah, someone please stop the time ...

 
Hahaha .. is very late, I need to catch the plane tomorrow ...... Bye ...



The End.















 

Hong Kong, My Travel Plan #1

Wow, I'm so excited ... another two more days, I will be in Hong Kong ...

To do a DIY trip in Hong Kong is not easy but I am trying my very best to plan for a fun holiday for my family.

Day 1

Arrival to Aiport

I will be arriving Hong Kong International Airport at 12.45 pm. First thing to do is to find the hotel. Based on my research, the airport limo is the most expensive transportation it charges HK$480 per trip and I need two limousines as one couldn't take all of us in one car. 

Second option is travel by Airport Bus Shuttle but it costs HK$120 per person, that means HK$600, not so worth it but it is very convenient. 

Final option is to take the Airport Express Train to Tsing Yi Station and by Taxi to the Hotel, which only cost me (HK$60 x 5 person)+(HK$30 x 2 taxi)= HK$360.00. Most likely, I will go for third option to save cost.


(Later I found out taking their public transport is the cheapest and most convenient way)

Check in Hotel

I booked Panda Hotel from booking.com. Although this hotel is out of city center and situated near Tsuen Wan, but it is a well developed place. I read a few good reviews about this hotel at Tripadvisor. The room view from the internet looks nice and descent. The room cost is reasonable as compare to other city hotels, it cost me HK$310 per room per night. 

From the hotel, walking to the nearest MTR station will take approximately 500 meter (8 minutes) walk to the Tai Wo Hau Station. 

After check in, plan to have lunch at nearby shopping center, the Panda Plaza. then we will take MTR from Tai Wo Hau station to the Central station, but before that, never forget to buy the octopus card at the station. The card allowed us to make payment at any MTRs, Buses, 7-Eleven, and even some eateries. It is very convenient. A card cost HK$150 with HK$50 as deposit and balance as credit. Any unused credit can be refunded.

The Peak

source : www.citytraveltips.com

After reaching MTR Central station, will take taxi to the Peak, one of the most popular tourist attraction in Hong Kong. Getting to the Peak need to take Peak Tram to go up, it is one of the world's oldest railways that rises to 396 meters (about 1,300 feet) above sea level and the journey is about 45 degree ascending up, this place offering a stunning 360 degree panoramic view across the Hong Kong. On top, the Sky Terrace 428 standing at 428 meters above sea level is a famous scenic spot. In addition, The Sky Gallery at the terrace, showcases the works of the city's talented artists.

Plenty of shopping centers and eateries around, I guess is a good place to have our first tea break there and to relax ourselves while overseeing the magnificent view of Hong Kong. 

Wow .....

Staying til night is very tempting for me, I know the panoramic view from the Peak is one of the most beautiful night scenes in the world that seeing all the night in the Victoria Harbor and the Kowloon Peninsula.

But ....

Symphony of Light
 

source : www.discoverhongkong.com

I think is better choice to go down to the Victoria Harbour to see the Symphony of Light show. At night, there will be a multimedia show that involves more than 40 buildings on both side of the harbour. Colorful light, laser beams and search lights will be displayed and synchronized with music ... what an awesome narrative by the website. 

After think about it, better come down early to view the light show instead of staying up in the Peak. I am excited and can't wait to capture the beautiful light show. I bet it is going to be an unforgettable night for my family.

Day Two

Big Bus Tour

After breakfast, first thing to go is to check out the Big Bus Tour information center located at the following places:

• Unit KP-38, 1st Floor, Kowloon Star Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel : (852) 3102 9021

• Shop i2, 1st Floor, Centra Ferry Pier 7, Central. Tel : (852) 2167 8995

The internet booking of Big Bus Tour is cheaper, it is 15% off as their normal rates. It cost USD42 for adult and USD30 for child, that means it will cost me USD198 (approx . RM623.70)

 

 

This is a hop-on and hop-off sightseeing topless double deckles bus. It has three routes that most tourist won't miss. I decided to pick on the day tour, I will first travel with the red route, the city tour route that travel around a few famous shopping districts in the city, just sightseeing but not coming down.. Subsequently, will exchange to the green route which covers the outskirt areas (southern) of Hong Kong Island. The place of attraction are as follows:

• The Repulse Bay
• Stanley Beach / Market
• Ocean Park
• Aberdeen

I'm planning to stay short time in Repulse Bay and Stanley Market because I did not see much good review on these tow places. My focus is on the ocean park which someone claim is one of the best theme park in the world and the off course the famous Aberdeen Harbour, place for the fishing boat.

source : http://www.jumbo.com.hk/chi/main.php

At Aberdeen, you can try the sampan ride that bringing you around by the boat people to view the fishing village. I think the cost is about HK$50 (someone even pay HK$60) per adult and HK$25 for child, i think I need to negotiate for a better price. Over there, there is a famous floating restaurant called the Jumbo Kingdom, apparently  if cost nothing if you take the sampan to the restaurant. However, I heard that this place the food cost is pricey, mostly tourist will dine there. but again, after think about it .... a thought came into my mind .... "Ah yah! Don't order so much lah! Just enough to wet the mouth loh, after all come all the way, don't be stingy-lah" (sorry for the Manglish style of writing. ka! ka! ka! ka!)

Toward the end, if time is allowed, I will take the blue route that cover the areas in Kawloon Peninsular where the famous shopping areas are located, like Mong Kok (Laday Market), Jordan and Tsin Sha Tsui.

Time for shopping ... but can't buy anything because the next day, we will be going to Macau !!!

  

Day 3

After breakfast, relax at the hotel for a while, then check out from the hotel. Then, we will take MTR to Sheung Wan station where the Ferry Jeti to Macau is located. The Turbo Jet will take you approximately 60-75 minutes to reach the destination. One way fare is estimated at HK$124.00 per person, with 5 person, my damage is HK$620.00 .. Walaueh ..

Everything in Hong Kong need money!!


What's is next, yet to find out!?

. ... to be continue ..

 

 

 

HOng KOng here I come

I smell the air of Hong Kong in my dream?

Time moves fast, almost 3 months since I booked the flight to Hong Kong for a family vacation, and now the departure date is just around the corner.

In fact, I am not ready to travel, a lot of office work in the beginning year . But wifey is eager for holiday, we decided to move our year end travelling plan to March ... also hope to catch some nice spring weather.

I have been to Hong Kong many years ago, more than 10 years already. I believe it has changed a lot. Planing a DIY trip is not easy especially with kids around. Age also catching up and can't walk too long distance .. 

Worst!! Not a single clue of what to do there... Oh !!?~

It's about a week time left for me to do research some research, thank to many bloggers who are kind enough to share their experiences in Hong Kong ... 

Look like is time to ask Mr Google. 

Hahaha ...

So far, I only find one food blog which are useful ... let me check it out, maybe I plan a "Makan" (Eating) trip in Hong Kong ...  - Hong Kong Travel Blog

I did Google search ... the images of Hong Kong are so awesome .... can't wait to see ...

Hong Kong, here I come !!

Bangkok Here and There

I had arranged a family vacation to Bangkok few years back but unfortunately, Bangkok encountered the most serious flood disaster, I have no choice but to cancel the trip and change to another place .... 

Since then, the desire to go Bangkok was subsided ...

.... until few days ago, an opportunity given to me to Bangkok to attend the VIV Asia 2013 -  International Trade Fair for Animal Production, Animal Feed and Bio Tech for livestock.

It was a working trip, limited time for me to move around Bangkok for photo shooting ... I took a bit of spare time to capture some photos while I was walking on the street.

Bangkok, a big metropolitan city and larger than Kuala Lumpur, my first impression was not so good because the city looked unorganized. Traffic jam everywhere, worst than KL.  I notice the electrical cables were build on top of the road instead of underground, they looked very unorganized and kind of dangerous. Population here is large with high density and a stressful city.

Travelling by car in Bangkok requires patience. My KL friend who is now working in Bangkok told me, she acquired much patience after driving in Bangkok, KL traffic jam becoming nothing for her ... hahaha...

More cars now in Bangkok, the Du-Du cars are becoming lesser in demand because more taxis are on the road, and it becomes more dangerous by travelling with Du-Du car. However, for short distance travelling is till a good transport due to lower fair, but you need a brave heart as the driver will zi-zap on the road.

People in Bangkok are superb polite and courteous. It's indeed a best place for a good street photography.  

  

The only regret is that I have too little time to do a proper street shooting ... maybe one day, it will be good if someone can get my photography buddies to come for a photowalk in Bangkok, but again ... I think is too hard to get visa for such a place ... kakaka!!

Food is awesome here ... Thai food is famous of its hot and spicy favor. Tong Yum Goong is the dish you won't miss. It tastes very refreshing if you can stand for the sourness and spiciness.

This Thai dessert is what I like most ... beside mango, can put durian ... emmm .. yummy.

Thank to a supplier ... I have tried some expensive dish too ...

Okay, enough to make you feel hungry ... go and grab something to eat :)

If you asked me what place is good to stay in Bangkok, I would suggest to stay at hotels nearby Bangkok Skytrain especially near BTS Asok Station, it is an inter-exchange station that access two train routes. Many hotels are surrounding this area. The famous shopping center Terminal 21 is just next to the station. 

As I have extended stay, I moved out from my 4 star hotel (due to over booked) and found a decent boutique hotel nearby.

This place is called Grottino Residence and Restaurant. It is opened by "ah moh" or "Gwailo", and certain standard is maintained. An Italy restaurant located below and you need to enter the hotel through the restaurant. It cost 1850 - 2100 BHT per night, which I think is reasonable. The room is clean, bed is big for "ah moh" size, even the tower has two tower length, awesome place and the rates are consider reasonable for a comfort and convenient stay.

Ah~ ... time moves very fast in Bangkok ... 

Time to leave ....

Photowalk in Petaling Street

Wow ... time flies ... especially when you are having fun ... Lols..

15 days of Chinese New Year had passed away with a blink of eyes. Everything is getting back to normal, namely, back to work, traffic jam is return in Kuala Lumpur, people faces look much more tension. 

Many people are busy catching up with their unending works. 

Me, with no exception, started busy again.

Last Saturday, I managed to break from my normal routine and follow my friends for a photowalk in KL. We picked Petaling Street, a nice place for street shooting (actually we all don't know where to go, literally, we have visited most parts of KL).

The street was empty in an early morning. Majority people went for early breakfast. 

Many restaurants, food outlets and hawkers are at the surrounding areas of Petaling Street ... variety of choices for breakfast are available, be it porridge  chu chong fan, laksa, wantan mee, nasi lemak, halal or non-halal... all kind of street food are waiting for you .... 

There is a flea market every Sunday, you may find all sort of second hand goods or old stuffs. I saw many electric gadgets are selling there, look like a place to dispose stolen items, hence, we have to be careful not to capture photo of these people, they might not like it. The flea market is situated at the back lane of Petaling Street.

Photowalk are fun and adventurous. Fun in the way when you managed to capture a nice photo ... 

But, sometime, unfortunately, we may meet up with unfriendly people, then will get scolded loh. Never mind lah, photographers have thick skin. LOLs.

However, the most entertaining part of photowalk is our own "syok sendiri" (self entertaining) act such as this :

hahahaha ...  

The End.

Foodtography in CNY

Chinese New Year had arrived ....

We Chinese celebrate this auspicious day in the first day of lunar calendar which is fall on the 10th February 2013. The celebration will last for 15 days. As Malaysian, we have gazetted public holidays of 2 days, since the 1st day of Chinese New Year is fallen on Sunday, we are getting continuous 3-day holidays.

The eve of CNY is very important to Chinese, traditionally, it is a must for all family members or relatives to return home for a family reunion. No matter how far you stayed or worked ... this is the time that everyone will pack and goes back to their home town and celebrate these auspicious days with their loved ones and family.

My earlier blog did mentioned as Chinese loves eating and treat eating is an important thing in life, "人以吃为天" ... Therefore, it has becoming a culture that all families will have "Big Do" (heavy cooking), especially the older folks would be busy in preparing food for the a family reunion dinner.

For me, it is not so "Big Do" but rather "Big Eat" ... Ha! ha! ha!

On the eve of CNY, I have to go two sides of families ... (hear some evil laughing sound) kekekek !! I know what you're thinking, you devil ...  kekeke ... I know you are thinking that I have two wifes .....

Lols ...Ha! ha! ha!

I have lunch with my wife family then followed with my father family reunion dinner. Next day, I have 2 breakfasts and one lunch appointment waiting for me ....

Don't believe ... let me show you the photo ...

My wife's family luncheon started at about noon ... It was a full course Chinese lunch and off course, traditionally, we must started with "Loh Sang", or it calls "Yee Sang" or "Prosperity Toss", this dish consists of mixed shredded vegetables, variety of sauces and condiments. Everyone wanted to "Loh" (toss) Sang in order to get some "Ong" (prosperity). It becomes a culture in CNY.  

Raw salmon is added, it represents "Sang" (or life/living) ... when we started tossing, people will say good words or prosperity quotations, believing that the prosperity, good luck, good health and having abundance life will become true.

Well, for me, I do it as a way of a culture as Chinese, my prosperity, health and abundance blessing are coming from the above, the Lord Jesus Christ ... and not from the YeeShang. LOls ... :)

But I do love to eat Yee Shang ... they really taste yummy...

Emmmm ... yummy

 

To be honest, the food in the restaurant is "so so"  .. I will not mention the restaurant name, the full course is quite costly and my brother in law was generously paid for the whole lunch.

After lunch, with the gap of 5 hours ... here go another round of food .... 

*************

Continue "makan" again

Traditionally, we don't go out for eating, most restaurants or cafes are closed during CNY. We have pot-bless style that every family will contribute a dish 

This year, the food is awesome ... plenty ..... I think I will put on a few kilogram ... 

This year, I contributed my "La-sau" cheese bake potato with cauliflower, and I used beef and bacon to add favor ... for sure a popular dish for the night ... kekekeke, if you don't believe, check this out ...

Da! Da! .... Chang! Chang !!!

he! he! he! ... how's about that ? it looked yummy, right?

This dish is awesome and it was made by my nephew, a young man ... good presenting, look like next generations are coming out to cook CNY dishes, the older generations can seat back and enjoy the food liao .. hahaha

 Again, we have "Yee Sang" ...

Well, roast pork is a popular dish for a auspicious occasion like this.

Burp !!

After all the good food .... time for desert. 

But, I am not showing you because ice cream with fruits and cookies are too sinful to show ... LOLs...

**********

On the first day of CNY, I will be getting at least 2 breakfasts and 1 lunch. First destination is my wife's aunt house for breakfast.

    

Then ... I have to visit my father side for breakfast and lunch ... 

Wow ... I have "Lian Kaw" as breakfast ... this is a special desert that only can be eaten during Chinese new year. It symbolizes moving up, if you are working, you will get promotion, if you are study, you will get good result.  

Lian Kaw is made from glutinous flour and sugar. it tastes sweet. It can be steamed or oil fried, after steamed, just add some coconut floss .... yummy!!

Wow !! ... look at the food ... there are awesome. They can make you feel like in food heaven .... 

Don't believe, check it out ...

 
Wow ... I think I have enough .... I better to show you one photo to see all ... hahaha

  ...... not enough ?

 

Hahaha ....



Wonder what to eat tomorrow !!??

The CNY still not over yet ... expecting more food and more eating ...

Ha! Ha! Ha!

Emmm.... may be some western food for a change .. LOls.


The end.