Holiday travel tips and experiences

Ngong Ping 360 Shaolin Kung Fu 2011

2011-11-30T16:18:00.001+08:00

We were fortunate to be able to catch the Shaolin Kung Fu masters when we visited Ngong Ping 360 on HongKong Lantau Island.

Here is the performance by the Shaolin Kung Fu masters...

Part 1:-

The Rani Hotel & Spa

2011-11-29T23:18:00.001+08:00

The Rani Hotel and Spa

The Rani is a private, modern sanctuary situated just minutes away from the vibrant beach and shopping heart of South Kuta, a cozy Bali Kuta resort that we stayed in.

Address:-
Jl. Kartika Plaza , Kuta, Bali 80361 - Indonesia,
P.O.BOX 1034 Tuban
Phone : 62 361 752732
Fax : 62 361 752212
E-mail : therani@dps.centrin.net.id

The stylish lobby with the koi pond in the foreground, just at the entrance.

The koi pond with the lobby area

Happy Koi

A very comfortable Bali resort hotel, The Rani Hotel and Spa exudes an elegant hospitality with their Balinese ambience.

The Rani Hotel and Spa

Stylish bathroom

Bathroom amenitiees

Modern interior design

A special relaxation area

The spacious bedroom

Seats in the balcony overlooking the landscaped pool area

To rejuvenate and relax, try the traditional kneading-style massage with essential oils extracted from plants, flowers, fruits that have various specialized effects on the body and mind through both the skin and inhalation.

Other services include the Aroma massage and spa, Balinese massage and aromatherapy, Facial and Body treatment as well as body scrub, body mask and foot reflexology.

Choice of spa packages available

Lobby area

As seen from the second floor

Seating area near the lift lobby on the various floors

Four stories set within tropical landscaping as seen in the picture below, surrounding the swimming pool.

Swimming pool as seen from the balcony of our room

Swimming pool

The hotel Kenanga Cafe and Bar is where you can have your breakfast before setting off for the day.
Though it is open for lunch and dinner, it is normally quite empty as there as so many other food establishments within walking distance.

Kenanga Cafe and Bar

Buffet breakfast

Seating area

Omelette

Porridge

Breakfast variety

Egg station

Eggs...

The hotel also has free wifi, though for an hour only and upon patronising the Kenanga Cafe and Bar, out of breakfast hours.

Free Wifi ad

The Hotel Rani and Spa is a wonderful Bali Kuta resort to stay in due to its very strategic location and is good for both leisure or business.

Below are some establishments which are within walking distance from The Hotel Rani and Spa.

Spa

Tattoo and internet

South Kuta area

Mini Mart

Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel

Chinese Kitchen and Bar

Familiar fast food outlets

If you have a strong heart, you can try this...

Bali Slingshot

Not for the faint-hearted

Discovery Mall

Having snacks in Starbucks

The beach by night...

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Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport

2011-11-24T16:35:00.001+08:00

Ngurah Rai Internationa Airport

Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport is also known as Denpasar International Airport. Located in Tuban in Southern Bali, Ngurah Rai Airport is Indonesia's third-busiest international airport, after Jakarta and Surabaya.

Ngurah Rai International Airport - Arrival Hall

Welcome to Bali

Balinese display

Holiday Travel Tips:
You can find lots of brochures at Ngurah Rai Airport to plan your Bali vacation.

Brochures to plan your Bali vacation

Greeted by this traditional Balinese umbrella...

A traditional 3-tier Balinese umbrella

Interesting water dispenser

Water to quench your thirst

The taxi service counter is available just outside the Arrival Hall and passengers are advised to use the Airport Taxi Service, as prices are fixed.

Queue for the taxi service

Ngurah Rai International Airport - Departure Hall

Huge wall mural

Holiday Travel Tips:-
Do keep aside sufficient Rupiah to pay for your Passenger Service Charge before departing Bali

Counters to pay the Passenger Service Charge

Passenger Service Charge cost per person

Passenger Service Charge receipt

After checking in and whilst waiting for our flight departure, we had some time to spare and went to The Coffee Bean to have some snacks as well as access the internet. However, the internet speed was really slow and it was not fruitful at all...

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

Cheesecakes...

Cozy corner

Last minute shopping can be done at Ngurah Rai Airport...

World Time

Below are some of the Balinese architectural designs and decorations at the departure hall of Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport

That was our short experience of Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport and we could see how busy it was...

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KLM Business Class

2011-11-24T13:41:00.001+08:00

To Bali on KLM Business Class

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Our Bali vacation was a result of our Europe Vacation Package in December last year. As we were given a complimentary ticket to Bali via KLM Royal Dutch Airlines to be used by March latest, this resulted in our trip today.

At Singapore Changi International Airport KLM counter, we were told that we needed to do the check-in ourselves at the nearby self service kiosks.

Self service check-in at Singapore Changi Airport

We noticed that quite a number of passengers had trouble with the self service check-in and worst of all, there were no staff around to assist.

Fortunately for us, we managed to clear the check-in for our group of four with no major hiccups. The only setback was that one person in our group was seated away from the others.

Approaching the staff at the KLM counter where we had to check-in our luggage to change our seats so that we could be together, we were told to check with the staff at the boarding gate.

When we were at the boarding area, we once again approached the KLM airlines staff and waited for them to make the necessary changes. To our surprise and delight, our group of four were all upgraded to the KLM Business Class.

WOW! That made our day! :D

KLM Business Class section

Enjoying the unexpected upgrade

Nice and spacious

Nice little amenity bag for every business class passenger

The journey was smooth on the whole and we enjoyed the time in our business class seats though we had problems locating the point for attaching the earpiece.

Our menu:-

The Menu

A napkin was placed on the table before the appetiser and dessert were served on a tray with warm bread rolls. Later, the main course was served. We enjoyed our meal and if we had known that we were going to be upgraded, we would not have eaten anything before boarding the flight.

As for the meal, here is the appetiser and dessert served together...

Spicy Smoked Lamb and Chocolate Mocha Cake

Main course:-

Roasted Garoupa Fillet

The food somehow tasted better here in the business class section. :P

Roasted Chicken Forestiere

Towards the end of the journey, the flight stewardess came around with a tray of porcelain Dutch souvenir and we could select the design we liked.

Dutch souvenir given to all KLM Business Class passengers

Overall, though it was a short journey from Singapore to Bali, we enjoyed the sleeper seat with the 150 degree incline at the KLM Business Class. It was definitely a great start to our Bali vacation.

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Udders Ice Cream Singapore

2011-11-22T22:00:00.000+08:00

Udders Ice Cream

Udders Ice Cream

An odd name but according to the Udders Ice Cream website, the name was specially selected to show that the ice cream is so very fresh, as in coming straight from the udder to the customer - US... :D

With a good variety of ice cream flavours including liquer ice cream as well as unusual flavours such as the famous durian ice cream and even a special Mao Shan Wang Durian ice cream, Udders Ice Cream is a true delight.

Serving counter where you can try out some samples if not sure what to order

We ordered the peanut butter ice cream which was a sinful surprise as well as the chocolate kit kat which was awesomely rich and yummy tasting.

Peanut butter and Chocolate kit kat ice cream

The smell of the waffles filled the air and it smelled real good! We definitely have to try this the next time we are there... :D

Wall decor

Simple seating and you can write on the black board with coloured markers provided

Prices depends on the type of ice-cream which goes by classic, premium and connoisseur.

Udders Ice Cream

Steps leading to the upper area where you can enjoy the ice cream as well

Currently there are 5 Udders Ice Cream outlets in Singapore at the following locations:-

Open till 1am on Fri, Sat & eve of PH at Upper East Coast Road

Address: 87 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455223
Tel / Fax: 64488732
Milking hours: Sunday to Thursday: 12 noon to 11pm
Friday, Saturday and eve of PH: 12 noon to 1am!

Address: #01-11, MyVillage Mall, 1 Maju Ave, Singapore 556679
Tel/Fax: 66345839
Milking hours: Sunday to Thursday: 12 noon to 11pm
Friday, Saturday and eve of PH: 12 noon to 12 midnight

Address: 155 Thomson Road, Singapore 307608
Tel/Fax: 62546629
Milking hours: Sunday to Thursday: 12 noon to 11pm
Friday, Saturday and eve of PH: 12 noon to 12 midnight

Address: 17 Lorong Kilat, #01-08 Kilat Court, Singapore 598139
Telephone: 64661055 Fax: 64665707
Milking hours: Sunday to Thursday: 12 noon to 11pm
Friday, Saturday and eve of PH: 12 noon to 12 midnight

Address: 1 Bukit Batok Central Link, #02-10 West Mall, Singapore 658713
Tel/Fax: 68622192
Milking hours: 11am to 10.30pm daily Bookmark & Share

Ice Cream Singapore - Ice Cream Frenzy

2011-11-21T20:58:00.000+08:00

Ice Cream Frenzy

Ice Cream Frenzy

Address of Ice Cream Frenzy

A recently opened ice cream outlet in Singapore, Ice Cream Frenzy in the West has a really cozy ambience and spick and span. Love the cute decor.

Operating hours

Ice Cream Frenzy's tagline... one scoop is never enough!

We had an extremely pleasant experience having our 'healthy' ice cream and the staff were friendly allowing us to sample the various ice cream flavours when they saw that we had a difficult time making our choice of ice cream.

You can also rent the premise for your private functions

Health benefits of home-made ice cream

Ice cream as part of a healthy diet...

Intrinsic dairy values of ice cream

The ice cream is not as sweet as some others that we have tried, and if this is a healthier choice, we would definitely go for this as it had a great taste, plus an affordable price.

Our Singapore ice cream order - coffee and milo

Decor

Floats, waffles, brownies, milkshakes, etc are also available... all at reasonable prices

Tempting picture...

Daily specials...

Beautiful wall decor

Cute teddy...

Nicely decorated

Beautiful

Lovely greens

Love this little corner... Very bright and cheery

What we liked about Ice Cream Frenzy is that you can get a free scoop of ice cream on your birthday with any purchase. Just like a little birthday present... :D

Free ice cream scoop on your birthday

And a chance to get 'free scoop' of ice cream according to the number of stamps...

Exterior of Ice Cream Frenzy

Different ice cream flavours available

Family of dogs guarding the entrance... :D

And what impressed most was this little room...

Nice plants and decoration

More plants and interesting decor

Small artwork

None other than the restroom......

In fact, this is the first outlet that I can say I am totally impressed with the restroom. Never have I seen a food outlet with such a nicely decorated restroom which looks more like the restroom in a country home.

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Hong Kong Tourism 25 - 28 Aug 2011

2011-11-10T06:48:00.000+08:00

Hong Kong tourism is booming and during our recent visit to Hong Kong from 25th to 28th August 2011, we found Hong Kong to be an exciting place for shopping, dining as well as sightseeing.

The short 4 days 3 nights trip was too short for us even though we left on the 0115 hrs flight, thereby giving us effectively a full day there on our very first day in Hong Kong.

Arriving there before 0600hrs, we were brought to our hotel Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees in Kowloon. As it was so early in the morning and before the check in time, there was no more standard rooms available. We were offered an upgrade to the deluxe room at HKD250++ (USD32) which we accepted so that we could have a short nap before starting on our Hong Kong sightseeing.

Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees hotel

Visited The 9^th Natural Products Expo Asia 2011 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Great for those who are interested in increasing health consciousness and with heightened attention to product safety to fuel the growth of natural and organic products.

Natural Products Expo Asia 2011

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Check out some of the must-see Hong Kong tourist attractions and sightseeing spots to visit...

Avenue of the Stars

Repulse Bay Hong Kong

Visit the islands as well for a different experience.

If you are the more adventurous type, you can go trekking from one village in Lamma to the next and end the day with a seafood dinner.

Lamma Island

Lamma seafood

Lantau island is where you can visit Disneyland or visit Ngong Ping 360 Village as well as various other attractions including the Tai O Fishing Village.

Ngong Ping 360

Tai O Fishing Village

Overall, if you intend to explore Hong Kong to the fullest, three days is simply not enough. We did not even have much time for shopping which Hong Kong is well-known for.

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Hong Kong Egg Tarts

2011-11-10T06:14:00.001+08:00

Hong Kong Egg Tarts - King Bakery

King Bakery

G/F., Shop 22, Jubilant Garden, 33 Ma Tau Kok Road, To Kwa Wan

Just a short distance away from our hotel in Kowloon, Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees, King Bakery has different varieties of the Hong Kong egg tarts.

Yummy Hong Kong egg tarts

Holiday travel tips:-
These Hong Kong egg tarts make a tasty breakfast as well

Supreme Crispy egg tart

King Bakery produces the normal shortcrust pastry as well as the fluffy pastry for the egg tarts. Plus a variety including durian egg tarts.

Cookies crisp fresh milk egg tart

Portuguese style egg tart

After buying a few egg tarts to try out, we were tempted to buy some to bring home but did not want to have to be carrying it by hand all over, thus we aborted the idea.

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Hong Kong Dining - Breakfast Dim Sum Food

2011-11-10T05:39:00.000+08:00

On our last day in Hong Kong, instead of going far from our hotel in Kowloon, we decided to explore the area around Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees hotel on foot.

Walking past various shops, we managed to find an outlet serving breakfast dim sum food which looked quite packed.

Menu posted on the wall

Operating hours: - 0600 hrs - 1300 hrs

Good range of dim sum breakfast food

Freshly made dim sum breakfast food

Kitchen preparation in the open

All tables taken up by the breakfast crowd

Porridge with pork blood

Chinese crullers

Rice noodle roll

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Hong Kong Dining - 'Piggy' Dessert House

2011-11-10T05:08:00.000+08:00

With no English name to this Hong Kong Dining spot, I have decided to call it Piggy Dessert House Hong Kong.

Piggy Dessert House

Just a short walk away from our hotel in Kowloon, Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees, we were there after 2200 hrs and it was pretty crowded with the young crowd and we had to wait for seats.

Best seller dessert

Green tea shaved ice

Green tea dessert

Check out the crowd

Interesting variety of desserts can be found in the menu.

Serving only desserts, Piggy dessert house has 2 branches in Kowloon.

G/F, 27 Pine Street Tai Kok Tsui Kowloon
Tel: 2333 1993
Opening hours: 1500 hrs - 0130 hrs

G/F, 31 Pai Toi Street To Kwa Wan Kowloon
Tel: 2331 3994
Opening hours: 1400 hrs - 0030 hrs

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Hong Kong Tourist Attractions

2011-11-10T04:38:00.000+08:00

Here are some Hong Kong Tourist Attractions which we had the pleasure to visit on our short visit to Hong Kong. These interesting places for Hong Kong sightseeing made our trip a memorable one, not to forgotten in the near future.

According to DiscoverHongKong.com, Hong Kong Victoria Peak, Victoria Harbour and the Giant Buddha on Lantau Island Hong Kong are among the most awe-inspiring sights, not to be missed! :)

The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) located in Wan Chai North, Hong Kong, is one of two major convention and exhibition venues in Hong Kong. Built along the Victoria harbour, it is linked by covered walkways to nearby hotels and commercial buildings.

Hong Kong Convention And Exhibition Centre as seen from Victoria Harbour

Hong Kong Convention And Exhibition Centre

The Golden Bauhinia Square, one of the Hong Kong tourist attractions, is just outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This is where the handover of Hong Kong ceremonies were held in July 1997. The sculpture, a gilded flower bauhinia, 6 metres high, is deemed an important symbol for the Hong Kong people after reunification and the square, a tourist attraction, is lit up by fireworks on the second day of Chinese New Year and National Day of the People's Republic of China.

Golden Bauhinia

At the Golden Bauhinia Square

The Star Ferry is a passenger ferry service operator in Hong Kong where its principal routes carry passengers across Victoria Harbour, between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. With 70,000 passengers a day, or 26 million a year, the Star Ferry is an inexpensive mode to cross the harbour.

The Star Ferry has been rated first in the "Top 10 Most Exciting Ferry Rides" poll by the Society of American Travel Writers in February 2009. Thus a ride on the Star Ferry would be highly recommended if you have never been on one before.

A colourful Star Ferry at the Terminal

On board the Star Ferry

Leaving the Star Ferry Terminal in Kowloon

Passing by another Star Ferry

Hong Kong Victoria Peak at 552 m (1,811 ft) is the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island, though not in Hong Kong. Fondly known as The Peak to the locals, Victoria Peak is a highly popular tourist attraction which offers fabulous views over Central, Victoria Harbour as well as the surrounding islands.

View from Victoria Peak mid level Stubbs Road Lookout

The view from Victoria Peak mid level Stubbs Road Lookout is narrower than from the Peak, but you can see the buildings clearly.

For those who would like to visit the upper levels of Victoria Peak, the Peak Tramway, a funicular railway in Hong Kong, provides the most direct route and offers wonderful views of the harbour and skyscrapers of Hong Kong.

Victoria Peak Tram, courtesy of Wiki

Repulse Bay Hong Kong is a beautiful beach located in the south of Hong Kong Island. Known as the Shallow Water Bay, Repulse Bay has a long and broad sandy beach.

Repulse Bay Hong Kong

Another popular Hong Kong tourist attraction is the Aberdeen Fishing Village Hong Kong. Here we went on an optional sampan ride to take a closer look at the floating village as well as the boat people.

Jumbo floating restaurant - another top tourist attraction in Aberdeen

Here's a visit to the Hong Kong jewelry shop. This shop is known for its unique fortune fan diamond pendants.

Fortune fan diamond pendant

Lucky Chinese Zodiac diamond pendant

Hong Kong Jewelry shop

Located at the busy junction of Leighton Road, Morrison Hill Road and Wong Nai Chung Road, this giant golden dragon guards the entrance to Causeway Bay. The presence of the golden dragon brings prosperity and fortune.

Golden Dragon Sculpture

Hong Kong Lamma Island, the third largest island, is a great place to visit and experience some laid back village life, great beaches, hiking as well as delicious seafood.

Welcome to Lamma Island

No trip to Hong Kong is complete without a visit to Lantau Island, the second largest island, where Hong Kong Disneyland is located. Or even if you are not the Disneyland going type, the bronze Giant Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping Village and Tai O village is enough reason for you to make a trip to Lantau Island.

Giant Buddha

Po Lin Monastery

Tai O Fishing Village

We even had a chance to view the Tsing Ma Bridge whist we were in Sham Tseng enjoying their specialty roast goose.

The Tsing Ma Bridge, lighted up at night

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HongKong Lantau Island - Tai O Fishing Village Hong Kong

2011-11-10T04:25:00.002+08:00

Tai O Hong Kong

If you are in Lantau Island HongKong, do visit the Tai O Fishing Village for a rare sight of a stilt-house community. Most famous for its wooden stilt houses along the waterfront, this traditional fishing village is a mosaic of surprises with its tiny shops, shrines, local market and fishing junks.

Catch bus number 11 from Tung Chung and it takes approximately an hour to reach Tai O which is the last stop. Here, you will feel as if you have wandered back in time.

Bus 11 from Tung Chung brings you to Tai O

View the beautiful sunset from Tai o Promenade.

Tai O Promenade

Check out the sunset images taken from the Tai O Promenade

Sunset

Sun looking like a UFO

Sunset view from the Promenade

Sunset

Catch also these muddy wrestler fiddler crabs in the mangrove swamp by the Promenade.

A fiddler crab - check its claws

Closer look at the fiddler crabs

Scuttling into its home

Fiddler crabs, also known as mud wrestlers

Mangrove swamp

Swampy area

You can take a dolphin tour for just HKD20 per adult. If you are lucky, you will see the dolphin, though we did not manage to see any. We felt that it was worth the price as we managed to get a great view of the village on stilts.

Dolphin tour signage

Fishing trawler

View of fishing trawler from another angle

The ripples in the water is where the fishing net is

The buoy marks the end of the fishing net from the trawler

Surrounded by uneven terrain

Old Man Rock

View of the fishing village

Close up of the house on stilts

Closer look at the fishing community

Most homes are built on stilts along the scenic waterfront, giving the village the nickname “Venice of the East”.

View of the fishing village

View of people crossing the bridge from our dolphin boat tour

Silhouette of a bridge

A bird perched on the oar of this motor boat

Canoes

Nice scenery

Sun Kei Bridge

Another view of Tai O Hong Kong

Back on land, Welcome to Tai O

Leading to the main street of Tai O

Tai O Market where you can buy its popular dried seafood.

Dried seafood on sale

Try this purple passion tea specialty of Tai O, a good thirst quencher

Nice and cold drink - purple passion tea

We stopped by one of the shops to have dinner.

Live seafood kept in these containers

Window display of the restaurant

Name of the restaurant that we had dinner at

As we were not too hungry, we only ordered two dishes.

Vegetable with prawn and pork

Fish cake, dumpling and jellyfish which we enjoyed

Built during the Ming dynasty, 1488 - 1505 A.D., Kwan Tai Temple honours Kwan Tai, the God of War and Righteousness.

Kwan Tai Temple

Another bridge

Yet another bridge

If you have some time, do explore the fishing village and meander along the narrow walkways. Find yourself in another era of time gone by.

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Uniquely Singapore - Chinese and Japanese Gardens Singapore Part 2

2011-11-10T02:54:00.000+08:00

Uniquely Singapore

Chinese Garden

Formerly known as the Jurong Gardens and located at No. 1 Chinese Garden Road, the Chinese Garden was built in 1975, Designed by Prof. Yuen-chen Yu, a Taiwanese architect, the Chinese Garden’s concept is based on Chinese gardening art. The main characteristic is the integration of splendid architectural features with the natural environment. The Chinese Garden is modelled along the northern Chinese imperial style of architecture and landscaping.

Opening hours for the Chinese Garden

Holiday Travel Tips:-
There is no entrance fee to either the Chinese or Japanese Gardens Singapore though there may be charges to some of the attractions within.

Chinese name for the Bridge of Double Beauty

Bridge of Double Beauty joining the Japanese Garden with the Chinese Garden

The Stone Boat is a famous traditional feature of Chinese architecture. Based on the Peking style, its

unique design and splendid architectural beauty is a fine art which has long been praised by people throughout the world.

Stone Boat

Be amazed at the spectacular exhibit of different turtles and tortoises at the Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum!

Opened from 1000 hrs - 1900 hrs daily, there is an admission charge of SGD5.00 per adult and SGD3.00 per child/senior citizen to the museum.

Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum

One of the four pavilions at the Chinese Garden pictured below. The design is based on the style of Northern Chinese Pavilions, and decorated to blend harmoniously with the Garden.

A pavilion, linked with plants, rocks and a footpath to create a poetical scene

The 7-storey pagoda can be seen from the Japanese Garden as it is situated on a small hill in the Chinese Garden. Its typical pagoda design follows the style of Ling Ku Temple Pagoda at Nanking.

7-storey pagoda

7-storey pagoda standing tall above the trees

7-storey pagoda from afar

Twin pagodas

Fishes swimming all in one direction, following the leader

Map of the Chinese Garden Singapore

Garden of Abundance

The most noticeable feature of the Garden of Abundance are the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals sculpture. Here you will also see a sundial as well as stone bridges.

Horse

Goat

Snake

Dragon

Tiger

Rat

Pig

Dog

Rooster

Monkey

3-Step Bridge

Bridge of Romance

Sundial

A bench held by one of the zodiac animals

The statue of Confucius, the well known philosopher, can also be found here in the Chinese Gardens as well as the Confucius Terrace.

Confucius

Lin Zexu

Zheng He

Wen TianXiang

Yue Fei

Hua MuLan

Guan Yu

Qu Yuan

The 5,800 square metres Bonsai Garden comes complete with Suzhou-style buildings and landscape. With a collection of more than 2,000 bonsais imported from China and other parts of the world, the Suzhou-style Bonsai Garden is the largest of its kind out of China. Admission charges apply.

Bonsai lion guarding the entrance

With its partner

Holiday Travel Tips:-
If you wish to explore all the areas in the Chinese and Japanese Gardens Singapore, do give yourself at least two to three hours for a slow and leisurely walk with photo stops along the way.

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Uniquely Singapore - Chinese and Japanese Gardens Singapore Part 1

2011-11-09T17:08:00.001+08:00

Uniquely Singapore

Seiwaen - Japanese Gardens Singapore

Japanese Gardens Singapore

Clean air...

Operating hours

Entrance of Japanese Gardens Singapore

The Japanese Garden in Singapore is located in Jurong East, thus commonly known as the Jurong Gardens. Built on an artificial island in the Jurong Lake area, the Japanese Garden is connected to the adjacent Chinese Garden by the Bridge of Double Beauty.

Holiday Travel Tips:-
If you would like a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of the city, visit the Chinese and Japanese Gardens Singapore. Here you will find a lovely oasis of greenery, nature and architecture.

Part of the beautiful gardens

Gateway

Stone Garden

Stone Sculpture

Japanese Gardens

Nice and serene

Peaceful

Great and scenic view

Japanese bamboo

Japanese pine trees

Rock garden

If you are fortunate, you will be able to catch sight of the squirrels. Here, we saw a squirrel hanging upside down from the tree with just its hind legs and using its front legs to hold the banana, it started to peel off the banana skin before eating the banana. Interesting...

Squirrel

Part of the lake

Sunset view

The cattle egret can be found returning in the evenings to their nesting area on the other side of the lake.

Cattle egret returning for the night

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HongKong Lantau Island - Ngong Ping 360 Village

2011-11-09T11:34:00.001+08:00

Ngong Ping 360 Village

A Hong Kong tourism project on Lantau Island, Ngong Ping 360 Village is one of the top Hong Kong tourist attractions. As the gateway to Lantau, this is one of the must see attractions in Hong Kong.

Either take a bus or go on a stunning 5.7 km cable car ride to Ngong Ping Village where you will be treated to the spectacular scenery of North Lantau. Ngong Ping 360 sits within the boundaries of the Lantau North Country Park surrounded by nature.

Ngong Ping Village occupies 15,000 square metres and you can see a variety of key attractions as well as various dining experiences.

Ngong Ping Piazza - the piazza has four components, namely New Pai Lau, Bodhi Path, Di Tan and Chinese landscaped garden. Its design complements the traditional Buddhist architectural style of Ngong Ping and integrates with the local religious ambience. Lined on both sides of Bodhi Path are statues of the "Twelve Divine Generals' regarded as protectors in Buddhism.

Ngong Ping Piazza leading to the Bodhi Path in the background

Pai Lau

One of the 12 divine generals

Description of the divine general

Some of the key attractions include Walking with Buddha, Monkey's Tale Theatre, International Cable Car Gallery, Ngong Ping Nature Centre and Bodhi Wishing Shrine in Ngong Ping 360 Village.

If you wish to walk further, more key attractions such as the Tian Tan Buddha or Giant Buddha Statue, Po Lin Monastery and Wisdom Path are all within walking distance.

Giant Buddha Hong Kong

Wisdom Path

Po Lin Monastery

Bodhi Wishing Shrine - make your wish come true at the Bodhi Wishing Shrine under the Bodhi Tree. The Bodhi Tree, known as the Bo Tree, is the "Tree of Awakening". This is the tree under which Siddhartha meditated, eventually attaining Enlightenment and becoming Buddha.

Bodhi Wishing Shrine

Monkey's Tale Theatre - Enjoy an animated Jataka fable that is perfect for the entire family. This educational tale is sure to bring joy, laughter and a powerful lesson on the value of sharing.

Monkey's Tale Theatre

Walking with Buddha - Immerse in the 7 scenes of the multi-media audio-visual showcase on the life of Gautama Siddhartha, the man who became Buddha. Follow the story of Siddhartha's path to enlightenment through this enriching experience.

Walking with Buddha

Walk around Ngong Ping Village and be enthralled by the traditional Chinese architectural designs which are a feature of the village.

Traditional Chinese architectural designs

A drum at Ngong Ping 360

International Cable Car Gallery - To broaden visitors' understanding of cable cars, several cabins sourced from overseas countries are displayed in the first-ever "International Cable Car Gallery" China, Switzerland, Italy, Brazil, Austria, France, Austria, Italy, Germany etc...

Cable car from Italy

Every year as part of the Hong Kong Summer Spectacular, Ngong Ping 360 features Shaolin Kung Fu Showcase on Lantau Island. Here visitors get to experience impressive acrobatic moves by Shaolin masters and are treated to a live traditional Chinese martial arts experience. Visitors can participate in the Shaolin Qixingquan Training after the performance and also have their pictures taken together with the Shaolin masters at the photo-taking session.

Shaolin Kungfu performance

Photo-taking session with the Shaolin masters

An interactive Shaolin booth

Holiday Travel Tips:-
In fact, if you were to really explore all of HongKong Lantau Island, it will take you more than a day as there are so many hiking routes that you can enjoy.

Some of the hikes you can go on

Lantau Peak - 2nd highest peak in Hong Kong

Ideal place to view the sunrise at Lantau Peak

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HongKong Lantau Island - Ngong Ping 360 Village - Po Lin Vegetarian Restaurant

2011-11-06T16:59:00.000+08:00

Po Lin Vegetarian Restaurant

Po Lin Monastery Vegetarian Restaurant

Po Lin Vegetarian Restaurant, to the left of the main Po Lin Monastery building, is a hundred percent vegetarian Chinese restaurant at Po Lin Monastery on HongKong Lantau Island. Set meal per person costs HKD60 (USD7.75) for a standard meal and HKD100 (USD12.90) for a deluxe meal.

Prices for the vegetarian restaurant

$60 per person for this set vegetarian meal

Po Lin Monastery meal receipt

Meal time at the Po Lin vegetarian restaurant starts from 1130 hrs all the way till 1630 hrs. So it is not necessary to rush during lunch time.

Meal times

As the famous Po Lin monastery has a reputation for inexpensive but substantial vegetarian food, there is a good crowd enjoying the food.

Good crowd enjoying the vegetarian meal

Lopsided artwork...

Po Lin Vegetarian Restaurant

Though the vegetarian restaurant does not serve meat, the vegetarian food consists of some convincing mock meat dishes.

Lovely carrot butterfy

Dishes for 2 persons set vegetarian meal

Soup of the day

Words of wisdom

After our meal at the Po Lin Vegetarian Restaurant, on our way to the Po Lin Monastery, we passed the Deli Vegetarian Cafe.

Deli Vegetarian Cafe

Here, we tried the soya beancurd dessert which we thought was even better than Ah Por soya beancurd dessert on Lamma Island. Somehow we thought that the beancurd was even smoother and with a nice ginger taste.

Soya Beancurd dessert

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HongKong Lantau Island - Ngong Ping 360 Village - Lantau Tea Garden

2011-11-06T16:11:00.001+08:00

HongKong Lantau Island Tea Garden Restaurant

Tea Garden Restaurant

Whilst on HongKong Lantau island, after having lunch at the Po Lin Monastery vegetarian restaurant and snapping lots of pictures at The Wisdom Path, we stopped by at the only tea garden in the territory.

The tea garden is just a five minute walk from the Wisdom Path and we had passed it earlier, making note that we would definitely want to try out the soya beancurd dessert.

Tea plantation

On the way to the Tea Garden Restaurant from Po Lin Monastery, we passed by the tea plantation.

Information about the tea plantation

The path with the scent of tea

And a patch of sunflowers with lots of not-so-scary scarecrows.

A beautiful scarecrow

More scarecrows

With a not-so-scary scarecrow couple

Sweet scarecrow

LOL... Who's scarier?

Tea Garden Restaurant

Lantau Tea Garden used to be Hong Kong's only tea-producing estate once upon a time. Just a short distance away from the Giant Buddha, the tea garden sells tea leaves as well as snacks and dessert that you can enjoy amongst the sunflowers if you sit outside.

Bright and Cheery sunflowers

Huge gold ingot

Instrument to make music

The soya beancurd dessert at the Tea Garden Restaurant Lantau is really good! A must try.

Soya beancurd dessert - smooth and tasty

Making music

Here is a short video of HongKong Lantau island Tea Garden Restaurant. Enjoy...

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HongKong Lantau Island - Ngong Ping 360 Village - Po Lin Monastery

2011-11-05T22:14:00.000+08:00

Po Lin Monastery, also known as Precious Lotus Monastery is a Buddhist monastery on Lantau Isand, Hong Kong. Built in 1906 by three Buddhist monks, Po Lin Monastery was originaly known as "The Big Hut" (大茅蓬 Tai Mao Pung). It was renamed to its present name in 1924.

Here is the new Pai Lau in traditional Northern architectural style that is constructed about 150 metres away at the entrance to piazza near Ngong Ping 360 Village.

The Pai Lau

Outside the Po Lin monastery

Flowers to brighten the area

Donations for The Ten-Thousand Buddha Palace

Artist impression of The Ten-Thousand Buddha Palace

Po Lin Monastery interior

Po Lin Hall

Exterior

Po Lin Monastery interior

The main temple houses three bronze statues of the Buddha – representing his past, present and future lives – as well as many Buddhist scriptures.

Three bronze statues of Buddha

Po Lin Monastery main temple

Po Lin Monastery

Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the giant Buddha, Hong Kong, statue completed in 1993, is an extension of the monastery and is located close by.

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HongKong Lantau Island - Ngong Ping 360 Village - The Wisdom Path

2011-10-24T21:57:00.000+08:00

The Wisdom Path Lantau

The Wisdom Path in Lantau is just a five minute walk away from the Tea Garden which is accessed via Ngong Ping 360 Village. Though not one of the main Hong Kong tourist attractions, the Wisdom Path Lantau is an interesting place to visit.

We enjoyed the tranquility of Lantau island HongKong and the little exercise in walking to the Wisdom Path from Ngong Ping 360 village.

Directions to the Wisdom Path viewing platform

Wisdom Path can be found at the foot of Lantau Peak, the second highest mountain in Hong Kong. This is a large scale outdoor wood inscription, a monumental work of calligraphy transformed into a huge outdoor display.

Check out the height of the timber columns

Located at the foot of Lantau Peak

The Wisdom Path Lantau's 38 timber columns measure 8 - 10 metres long and 1 metre wide and are arranged to correspond to the topography of the landscape as well as in a figure of 8 to symbolise infinity.

Set amidst beautiful scenery

Tranquil environment to read the sutra

Located close to where the Giant Buddha Hong Kong is, the 38 timber columns are carved with the 260 word Prajna-paramita Heart Sutra, a Buddhist classic, and was previously known as the Heart Sutra Inscription.

One of the inscriptions

More places to explore

Another monastery nearby

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HongKong Lantau Island - Ngong Ping 360 Village - Giant Buddha Hong Kong

2011-10-24T21:06:00.002+08:00

Giant Buddha Hong Kong

Giant Buddha against spectacular mountain scenery

If you are in Hong Kong, you should make an effort to visit the Giant Buddha on Lantau Island, one of the top Hong Kong tourist attractions. The Giant Buddha is a majestic figure of Buddha seated serenely atop Ngong Ping plateau amidst the spectacular mountain scenery of Lantau Island.

268 steps to reach the platform where Buddha is seated

This extraordinary statue is also known as Tian Tan Buddha because its base is modeled on the Altar of Heaven or Earthly Mount of Tian Tan. One of the five large Buddha statues in China, the Giant Buddha Hong Kong is 34 metres (112 ft) tall and was the world's tallest outdoor bronze seated Buddha prior to 2007, with a reputation of being able to be seen as far away as Macau on a clear day.

Serene and dignified Tian Tan Buddha

Giant Buddha sitting on a lotus throne

The Tian Tan Buddha took 12 years to complete and was unveiled in December 1993 amidst deeply religious ceremonies.

With the right hand raised, delivering blessing to all

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HongKong Lantau Island - Ngong Ping 360 Village - Shaolin Kung Fu

2011-10-19T01:44:00.000+08:00

Ngong Ping Village

Arriving at Ngong Ping 360 on HongKong Lantau Island by crystal cabin cable car, we were greeted by a beautiful view of the Chinese themed Ngong Ping Village. Here you can visit many Hong Kong tourist attractions plus a wide range of Hong Kong eateries as well.

Welcome to Ngong Ping Village

Shaolin Kung Fu weapons

Having fun!

Just a short walk from the cable car station, we saw a stage for the Ngong Ping Shaolin Kung Fu Showcase 2011.

Stage for Ngong Ping 360's annual Shaolin Kung Fu Extravaganza

During the summer months from 1st July - 31st August, 2011, the annual Shaolin Kung Fu Extravanganza is back and we were very fortunate to be able to see this act which is famous for the overhead kicks, Praying Mantis Fists, Eagle's Claw, etc...

Agile & Daring

This Shaolin Kung Fu Extravaganza is not to be missed especially if you are a martial arts fan!

Working with weapons

Timing & precision

The 2011 showcase by the Shaolin masters includes a dramatic front flip, followed by a series of lightning-fast kung fu moves, including close combat using swords and spears, qixingquan (seven stars fist), as well as ‘staggered piling’, a manoeuvre demonstrating the power of their fists and legs.

Flexibility

The Split

Head Stand

Animal stance

Monkey martial arts style

Eagle kung fu

Watch as Shaolin Kung Fu masters perform their amazing routines, then join them in workshops to unleash your Kung Fu potential.

Part of the daily Meditation

Daily Meditation

Get to see 'live' some of the daring and dynamic kung fu artistry that has mesmerised moviegoers (like me) around the world for decades.

Arm power

One legged stance

One arm pushups

Visitors from around the world will receive a true taste of traditional Chinese martial arts that are becoming ever more popular.

Grand finale pose

In addition, visitors can participate in a free interactive kung fu workshop held daily in Ngong Ping Village to practise qixingquan and learn to appreciate the power and essence of traditional Chinese martial arts.

Photo-taking session with the Shaolin Masters.

Memorable shot with Shaolin Masters

The Ngong Ping Shaolin Kung Fu Extravaganza was indeed the highlight or our Hong Kong trip. An event that we were glad to not have missed!

On our way back to the Ngong Ping cable car station after our tour of Ngong Ping Village, we were treated to a further display of martial arts stance, seen below, as they were shooting for some advertisement.

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HongKong Lantau Island - Tung Chung - Ngong Ping Cable Car

2011-10-18T15:11:00.000+08:00

Our plan for our last full day in Hong Kong was to visit Hong Kong Lantau Island to get a feel of Hong Kong's largest island and to enjoy some great Hong Kong sightseeing.

Kowloon Station

First stop:- Kowloon Station

Kowloon to Tung Chung

Here we purchased a ticket on the Tung Chung line all the way to Tung Chung station on Lantau Island.

Buying the ticket to Tung Chung

At the ticket machine

Tung Chung line is the same line that brings you to Disneyland Hong Kong as well

Enjoying the scenic view along the journey

Arriving at Tung Chung Station

As this was our first time to Lantau Island, we were not sure how to find our way. What we did was look out for signboards along the way and here are some of them.

Signboard to Ngong Ping 360

We headed for Ngong Ping 360

And followed the Ngong Ping 360 signs

Here's another Ngong Ping 360 sign

Walked across the square

to the Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal

And up the escalator

Here we could take the cable car to Ngong Ping, a themed village set on a 1.5 hectare site on Lantau Island HongKong.

To the ticketing office and cable car platform entry

Prices for standard cable car

Journey of Enlightenment Package with standard cable car

We decided to take the crystal cabin round trip ticket which cost us HKD338 (USD43.50) for the two of us.

Prices for crystal cabin cable car

Or would you prefer the guided tour package?

Or just the standard cable car + entry to 2 themed attractions?

Shaolin Extravaganza

Cable car ticket

Wristband for the crystal cabin

Shaolin KungFu Extravaganza

Buy cable car tickets to enjoy free exciting show

The crystal cabin cable car is equipped with a glass bottom which gives you an extraordinarily uncluttered scenery.

Crystal Cable car

Shaolin Legends

Holiday travel tips:-
Being a Saturday, there was a pretty long queue for the cable car as can be seen in the picture below. So if you would like to 'cut' the queue and are not too budget conscious, do opt for the crystal cabin cable car as we realized that we did not have to wait as long as for the standard cabin cable car.

Long queue for the cable car

Part of the 5.7km ride where we get to enjoy breathtaking scenery

Holiday travel tips:-
Do bring along a camera with a good zoom if you love to take pictures. From Tower 2B, you will be treated to a breathtaking view of Tung Chung Bay. Also, you can get a spectacular view of Hong Kong International Airport from Tower 3. Not forgetting the magnificent view of the Giant Buddha as you approach closer to Ngong Ping 360.

Tung Chung Bay

Hong Kong International Airport

Giant Buddha

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Hong Kong Skyscrapers

2011-10-17T15:17:00.001+08:00

Hong Kong Skyscrapers

ICC - Tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong

The International Commerce Centre (Chinese: 環球貿易廣場) (abbr. ICC Tower) is a 108 storey or 118 floor building. At 484 m (1,588 ft), this skyscraper in Hong Kong the tallest building in Hong Kong currently as well as holds the title of the world's fourth tallest building by height and world's second tallest building by floors.

Completed in 2010, the ICC Tower is in West Kowloon.

ICC - International Commerce Centre

IFC - 2nd tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong

The International Finance Centre (abbr. IFC, branded as "ifc") is a prominent landmard on Hong Kong Island and is currently the second tallest building in Hong Kong after ICC.

IFC - International Finance Centre

Jardine House (Chinese: 怡和大廈), formerly known as Connaught Centre (康樂大廈), is an office tower skyscaper in Hong Kong. Located at Connaught Place, Central on Hong Kong Island, Jardine House was the tallest building upon its completion in 1972.

Jardine House

Here are some of Hong Kong's famous skycrapers at night. They look beautiful, all lit up.

BOC Tower - fourth tallest skycraper in Hong Kong

The Bank of China Tower (abbreviated BOC Tower) is one of the most recognisable Hong Kong skyscrapers especially at night. One glance at the picture below and you can see it immediately with its vertical and diagonal lights.

At 315.0 m (1,033.5 ft) high with two masts reaching 330.6 m (1,084.6 ft) high, the BOC Tower was the tallest building in Hong Kong and Asia from 1989 to 1992, and it was the first building outside the United States to break the 305 m (1,000 ft) mark. It is now the fourth tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong

View of Hong Kong skyscrapers at night

Bank of America building - another colourful building at night

For more night scenery, check out Hong Kong Night Scene.

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Hong Kong Night Scene

2011-10-17T15:14:00.000+08:00

Here are some night views of Hong Kong...

Chinese junk

Hong Kong night scene - from Victoria Harbour Hong Kong side

Some of Hong Kong's skyscrapers

Another angle

A different angle featuring the Bank of America

HarbourCity

Hong Kong night scene - from Victoria Harbour Kowloon side

Hong Kong Convention Centre in the foreground

Hong Kong night scene - from Sham Tseng

Tsing Ma Bridge

Another view of the Tsing Ma Bridge

Hong Kong night scene - Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower

The Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower (Chinese: 尖沙咀鐘樓)is a landmark in Hong Kong and is the only remnant of the original site of the former Kowloon Station. The Clock Tower located near Victoria Harbour at the foot of Salisbury Road peaks at 44 metres and is built of red bricks and granite.

Tsim Sha Tsui clock tower

Hong Kong Night Scene - Avenue of Stars Hong Kong

Martial Artist Bruce Lee at the Avenue of Stars

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Avenue of Stars Hong Kong

2011-10-17T13:56:00.000+08:00

Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong

The Avenue of Stars (Chinese: 星光大道) is modelled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame where various Hong Kong celebrities are honoured. Located along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, the Avenue of the Stars is spread over a 440 metre promenade.

One of the Hong Kong tourist attractions, locals and tourists alike come here looking for their idols such as a 2.5 metre bronze statue of Bruce Lee, or hand prints and signatures of celebrities such as Jackie Chan, Patrick Tze Yin, Shek Kin, etc... set in cement.

Shek Kin

Jackie Chan

Patrick Tze Yin

Do look out for the replica of the 2008 Beijing Olympics Torch which is on permanent display here.

Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch

Avenue of Stars against the night view

Statue of famous movie star Bruce Lee

Filming

Directing

Avenue of the Stars Kiosk

Avenue of Stars, supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board

Film industry

Sir Run Run Shaw

Avenue of Stars Hong Kong

The Avenue of Stars at night

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