:: jotting the lines ::

Nobody will deny Hong Kong is a sophisticated and diversified city full with neon lights, high rise apartments and skyscrapers. You will meet with the city of contrasts as you step into Hong Kong Kowloon district and Hong Kong Island. Both sides, oh yes, you have to know Hongkie likes to use ‘side’ to describe almost everywhere they go. Be it Kowloon side, Repulse Bay side, Seaside and etc, it’s quite normal to hear it in Hong Kong. You will see a vast difference in cultures, heritage buildings between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon District if you observe good enough.

I am fortunate enough to pull two nights stay at my friend’s place in Aberdeen, Hong Kong Island. I bought my friend’s mother a bottle of Black Label and some local delights for courteous custom. Usually Hongkies will rather treat you meals than allowing you to stay over.

Got fish maw inside…nice…but I don’t like fish maw.

It taste a bit salty with the siu yok (roast pork)

(Morning Yum Cha, spent around HKD120?? Not sure leh. There were more dishes than the displayed pictures)

After Yum Cha, I took a bus ride to Causeway Bay to meet up with another friend of mine.

There you’ll see ants of people walking down the street. Hmm, road crossing tip for Malaysian travelers. Please wait for pedestrian green light for road crossing; you don’t want to be street troublemaker and fine contribution to the government. Their traffic police are always looking for law breaker diligently.

It didn’t take us long on a MTR ride from Causeway Bay to Central. It is only two stops away after Wan Chai and Admiralty to arrive at Central station. Central is the CBD (Central Business District), the financial heart of Hong Kong. The high rise building, tower of steel and glass are symbolic of her success, bringing out energy and dynamism of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Shanghai Bank

International Finance Center 2, right at the top roof looks like eagle paw.

We wanted to head to The Peak to catch a glimpse of sunset. As winter is approaching during Nov – Jan, the sun sets around 17:30-17:40. At first I thought I had given enough time to climb up to The Peak by Peak Tram but not until I saw a 50 meters long queue in front of The Peak Tram Station. Lucky I have a classic Hongkie friend who knows how to turn and twist, I mean the brain. A lot of people thought they have to queue up all the way even for Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, nope you don’t need to.

HKD$33 - Return Peak tram ride.
HKD$120 - Madame Tussauds Hong Kong admission ticket and return tram ride.

How to get to The Peak.

a) Take MTR ride, out at Central MTR Exit A, take footbridge to Exchange Square bus terminus and then bus 15 to The Peak.
b) Come out of MTR Exit K, walk towards the harbour and the Star Ferry Pier. Take bus 15C (it’s an open-top bus) to the Lower Peak Tram Station on Garden Road. Take the Peak Tram and get off at the Upper Peak Tram Station.
I took Option B this time.

The tram pulled by steel cables, the tram climbs 373 metres (approximately 1,200 feet). It is so steep that the buildings you pass look like they’re leaning at a 45 degree angle! Indeed spectacular of the surrounding city skyline, the world-famous Victoria Harbour and Kowloon, towering skyscrapers and peaceful green hillsides!

Remember to make your way up to The Peak first before you enter Madame Tussauds since you may be spending a lot of time taking pictures with David Beckham. Nah, you’re not gay. I wonder why they didn’t make Angelina Jolie to accompany Brad Pitt.

Hey, not to forget to buy a burger in BK. It will cost you around HKD30+ for a decent meal, no service and government tax. Money spent all worth for the beautiful night view. If you’re not on budget, there are plenty of fine dining restaurants for you to pick.

Any one who is TVB drama fan will not be unfamiliar with this scene. But I couldn’t catch any camera crew taking shots here.

Next stop, Lan Kuai Fong. Since I don’t have much traveling experience, I can only compare it with our Bangsar Telawi Street. The buildings built during British Colony days remind me of Little Collin Street in Melbourne. There are nothing much to do in Lan Kwai Fong if you don’t drink or girl scouting. You will soon find yourself falling in love with Hong Kong gleaming night as you stay up late around Central & Western district.

Tip: Hong Kong service level is up to par. I suppose this trace back to post SARS time where the Hongkies had to change their snobbish attitudes to offer warm service hospitality in order to cope with economical survival. If you’re a Chinese and your Cantonese isn’t fluent just remember this tip. It’d be really nice of you to show your gratitudes when offered with help and services.

You say “NG GOI” (晤该) when people offer you services, i.e. the waitress hand you a glass of water or you thank someone who gives you direction.

You say “DOH JEH” （多谢）when you thank someone for giving you a gift. You can also hear people saying “DOH JEH SAI” （多谢晒） when the cashier gives you back your change.

They both sound the same, but they are entirely different meaning. So be smart. Otherwise for non-Chinese speaking people, just say a “Thank you” will do.

Disclaimer: This is my personal travel journal. You may use it for reading pleasure or side reference. The information is subject to change without any prior written notification. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions.

Refer Discover Hong Kong for more information.