Hong Kong [2]

Many of you might know that there is a Disneyland in Hong Kong. Comparing to the Disneyland in California, the Hong Kong Disneyland is very small. In fact, it is the smallest Disneyland in the world (only 68 acres). From personal experience, the attractions were very limited and there were no thrilling rides like the ones in California’s Adventure in the California Disneyland. I suggest that you skip seeing Mickey Mouse and join me for an eventful day. I’ve planned a day-to-night tour for you to experience Hong Kong’s beauty to its fullest. The tour is suitable for family and people of all ages but I will also include some tips for the night owls. We will be travelling using the MTR and feet so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and have enough of Hong Kong Dollars (HKD).  

For breakfast, we are eating at Lin Heung Tea House, one of the oldest dimsum restaurant in Hong Kong. Located in 160-164 Wellington Street, Central, it was established in 1926. Their specialties include Siu Mai (pork and shrimp dumplings) and Malay Cake (thousand layer cake). 

After some delicious breakfast, walk to Shang Wan Station and take the MTR to Central Station. Next Stop we are going to see Hong Kong from the Peak. Exit the J2 exit at

The View from the Peak

Central Station and walk down Garden Road towards Lower Albert Road. Along the way, you will see famous landmarks such as the Bank of China Tower, Citibank Tower, and St. John’s Cathedral. Then, you will arrive at the Peak Tram Terminus Station. For 80 HKD ( ~11 USD) roundtrip, you will take the 120 years old Peak Tram up to the highest 360° viewing platform in Hong Kong.

You all must be hungry now! Do you want to try Cha Chan Teng with me? Cha Chan Teng is sort of like your neighborhood restaurant that serves western influenced Cantonese style food. It serves things from French toast, club sandwiches, chicken wings, to instant ramen and noodle soup. Hop onto the Train to Tsuen Wan Station on the Tsuen Wan Line and get off at the Prince Edward Station. Exit the B2 exit and walk down to Bute Street. You will see the Kam Wah Café. Their signature dishes are pineapple bun with butter, chicken wings, milk tea, and egg tarts. 

Take the Tsuen Wan Line towards Central and get off at Mong Kok Station. You’ve arrived at one the busiest shopping district in the Hong Kong. Mong Kok is one of my favorite places to go for shopping.

Ladies' Market at night

There are so many malls around. You can find clothes, shoes, and accessories in all price ranges. One of the most famous street in Mong Kok is the Tung Choi Street aka Ladies’ Market. It stretches over 1km (~0.6 miles) with over 100 stalls. It is a great place for you to buy clothes, souvenir, and practice your bargaining skills. There are many great restaurants in Mong Kok and you can find almost any cuisine there. For me, I usually eat street food such as curry fish balls, egg puffs, drink tapioca milk tea in the evening and eat one of the restaurants at Langham Place (mall) right above the Mong Kok Station when I shop.

Lastly, you can sum up the day at the Victoria Harbor to see the amazing city lights and Avenue of Stars. Every night at 8pm, you will see the multimedia show called “A Symphony of Lights”. This show is named the “World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show” by Guinness World Record. You can get there by getting off at the Tsim Sha Tsui East Station exit J.

2012 Beer Fest with my cousins

Finally, tips for the night owls! The club and bar district is located near the Central Station. It is called Lan Kwai Fong aka LKF. Remember that the MTR stop service at around 12 midnight and you will have to take taxi back to your hotel. Also the drinking age is 18. I’ve been to LKF during Beer Fest in July of 2012. It was so packed but I had so fun with my cousins and friends. It was an experience like no other. 

 I hope my guide was helpful. Enjoy your stay at Hong Kong!

Explore the world with me

2013 Summer at Jimbaran Beach, Bali, Indonesia

I remember writing an essay titled “I want to be… when I grow up” when I was in elementary school. My second grade fantasy was to become an air hostess because they looked so beautiful and elegant. Most importantly, air hostesses get to travel the world for free. Whether it’s international or domestic, I’ve always loved traveling. I’ve been to China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Italy, France, Switzerland, Austria and many cities within America. I enjoy spending time in a foreign country and exploring their cultures. I had the privilege to travel to these countries over the past years because I believe that traveling can open my eyes to the world. I am lucky that my parents agree with me too. Indeed, I’ve learned so much from traveling. I am more open-minded to a different culture and custom than my own. I’ve learn that one’s ethnic background and experiences shape one’s characteristics.

Over the past few years, I fell in love with the Travel Channel show called “Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern”.  The host of the show, Andrew Zimmern, travels around the world to eat things that most American would not dare to touch. Some of the “bizarre” foods that he had included bats, worms, all types of fermented fish, and the list go on. His motto is “If it looks good, eat it.” Zimmern inspired me because he was willing to step out of comfort zone to try foods that he would not eat normally. I’ve learn that eating is a “universal language” and it is a great way to learn about other cultures. For example, Indonesians use their hands to eat but Chinese people use chopsticks to eat. After watching this show, I’ve become more adventurous when it comes to eating. When I went to Korea with the mindset of “Eat everything and no regrets,” I sampled some moving octopus tentacles. Surprisingly, it was so bad after all. I don’t want to “judge the book by its cover” anymore because I want to try eating something that I would never eat in America. My stomach has become nearly invincible from traveling. I rarely get sick from unsanitary food now. I can practically eat anything and everything anywhere I want. 

I’ve always shared photos of my trips via social media but I’ve never thought about starting a blog. I never knew that I can start writing my own blog until I was assigned with blog writing in my second year English class at San Francisco State University. Finally, I have a place to share my thoughts and experiences. I plan to share traveling tips, shopping guides, sight-seeing guides, food adventures, and airline reviews.  I have made so many wonderful memories traveling with friends and/or family. I am super excited to share these memories with the world.

As French novelist Marcel Proust once said “the real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” Are you ready to embark on this journey with me?