Hong Kong: Interesting facts you did not know about it.
26 November 2017
Hong Kong is one of the most famous Asian island cities. Here are some of the most fascinating facts you didn’t know about this island.
Fascinating Facts About Hong Kong
When you mention the name Hong Kong, what comes into your mind? To many people, Hong Kong is just another island the British annexed from the Chinese when they defeated them in the 19th century and handed it back in 1997. But as https://dissertify.com would like to put it, there is too much to this special Chinese island. In this short post, we shall share some of the most fascinating facts about Hong Kong. Read on to discover more.
A Funny Name
The meaning of the name of the city itself opens our fact file with fun. The Chinese name Hong Kong means a fragrant harbor.
The Home of Skyscrapers
When it comes to skyscrapers, no other city in the world beats this island city. This Chinese port has more skyscrapers than any other city in the world. The only city that comes close to it is New York, whose number of skyscrapers is just half of what Hong Kong has.
More Rolls Royce Vehicles
Have you ever heard of any famous car made in Hong Kong? Definitely, not. Even though it does not have any popular brand it is known for, Hong Kong boasts of being the city with the most number of the prestigious Rolls Royce vehicles in the world.
It Has the World’s Longest Covered Escalator
Still in the list of the world’s best, this city has the world’s longest covered escalator that measures a half a mile.
An Enterprising Island
If you are an enterprising person, then Hong Kong is one of those places that will kindle your enterprising spirit. The residents of this city are so enterprising that in 2016, the island ranked number four in the world list of billionaires with 64 of its occupants holding more than one $ billion in the form of wealth.
Don’t Expect to See Any Floor Named Fourth
From wealth, we come to superstitions. If you are planning to visit this island, then you should also brace yourself to meet funny taboos. One of them is the deliberate exclusion of the fourth floor on its skyscrapers! The reason is that the word four in its Chinese dialect sounds like death, and hence, they don’t want to include it in their buildings. But funny enough, they celebrate the 8th floor because the word eight means wealth, something that resonates positively with the inhabitants’ enterprising spirit.
The World’s Longest Bridge
In terms of leading infrastructure, the island has them in plenty. That is why it is home to the world’s longest bridge with a functioning motorway and railroad that measures 1,377 m.
A Place for Big Appetite
Lastly, if you are a food lover, Hong Kong has it in plenty. Its inhabitants don’t just work hard, but they also eat big! This little island has one of the highest numbers of eating joints per person. If you want good food while visiting Hong Kong, you will get it in plenty.
Fascinating Facts About Hong Kong
When you mention the name Hong Kong, what comes into your mind? To many people, Hong Kong is just another island the British annexed from the Chinese when they defeated them in the 19th century and handed it back in 1997. But as https://dissertify.com would like to put it, there is too much to this special Chinese island. In this short post, we shall share some of the most fascinating facts about Hong Kong. Read on to discover more.
A Funny Name
The meaning of the name of the city itself opens our fact file with fun. The Chinese name Hong Kong means a fragrant harbor.
The Home of Skyscrapers
When it comes to skyscrapers, no other city in the world beats this island city. This Chinese port has more skyscrapers than any other city in the world. The only city that comes close to it is New York, whose number of skyscrapers is just half of what Hong Kong has.
More Rolls Royce Vehicles
Have you ever heard of any famous car made in Hong Kong? Definitely, not. Even though it does not have any popular brand it is known for, Hong Kong boasts of being the city with the most number of the prestigious Rolls Royce vehicles in the world.
It Has the World’s Longest Covered Escalator
Still in the list of the world’s best, this city has the world’s longest covered escalator that measures a half a mile.
An Enterprising Island
If you are an enterprising person, then Hong Kong is one of those places that will kindle your enterprising spirit. The residents of this city are so enterprising that in 2016, the island ranked number four in the world list of billionaires with 64 of its occupants holding more than one $ billion in the form of wealth.
Don’t Expect to See Any Floor Named Fourth
From wealth, we come to superstitions. If you are planning to visit this island, then you should also brace yourself to meet funny taboos. One of them is the deliberate exclusion of the fourth floor on its skyscrapers! The reason is that the word four in its Chinese dialect sounds like death, and hence, they don’t want to include it in their buildings. But funny enough, they celebrate the 8th floor because the word eight means wealth, something that resonates positively with the inhabitants’ enterprising spirit.
The World’s Longest Bridge
In terms of leading infrastructure, the island has them in plenty. That is why it is home to the world’s longest bridge with a functioning motorway and railroad that measures 1,377 m.
A Place for Big Appetite
Lastly, if you are a food lover, Hong Kong has it in plenty. Its inhabitants don’t just work hard, but they also eat big! This little island has one of the highest numbers of eating joints per person. If you want good food while visiting Hong Kong, you will get it in plenty.
Labels: Hong Kong
posted by GingGoy @ 11:01 PM,
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Cheap Flights for a Trip to Hong Kong
14 July 2014
The exotic lure of Asian vacation destinations makes them a big draw for many people and there are some fantastic places to visit. Cheap flights to Hong Kong are low-priced and are backed up by world-class service. This makes it an affordable Asian destination and the following are a few tips for getting flights at a budget price.
Use Comparison Sites
A good place to start when trying to find cheap airfares to Hong Kong is to use flight comparison websites. They can search through the deals offered by hundreds of airlines and are an easy way to get an idea of typical prices. Use a few to see what they deals are like and identify the cheapest airlines for your route.
Airline’s Website
If you see cheap fares for a particular airline on a comparison site, it can also be worth checking the airline’s website. They may offer the flight at a cheaper cost and this is worth checking.
Consider Budget Airlines
A number of budget airlines have Hong Kong as a destination these days and it can be worth checking any that serve the route you are traveling. Budget carriers might not be included in the details provided by comparison websites, so it is worth checking these separately as they may offer unbeatable prices.
Book Early
The best prices for many flights tend to disappear early, so check the costs as soon as you know your dates of travel. If you get in early there may be promotional prices on offer that you can take advantage of to get a cheaper fare.
Day of Travel
When searching for flights try to be flexible on the actual day of travel. Prices can vary across the week, with midweek flights generally more affordable than weekend travel. Checking costs on a few different days around your time of travel might save you some money.
A trip to Hong Kong need not be expensive and with a little planning and forethought it should be possible to find flights at a cheap price. The tips above are some ideas that can help with this. Take them on board to save some money on travel so you have more to spend on the many attractions Hong Kong offers once you arrive.
Use Comparison Sites
A good place to start when trying to find cheap airfares to Hong Kong is to use flight comparison websites. They can search through the deals offered by hundreds of airlines and are an easy way to get an idea of typical prices. Use a few to see what they deals are like and identify the cheapest airlines for your route.
Airline’s Website
If you see cheap fares for a particular airline on a comparison site, it can also be worth checking the airline’s website. They may offer the flight at a cheaper cost and this is worth checking.
Consider Budget Airlines
A number of budget airlines have Hong Kong as a destination these days and it can be worth checking any that serve the route you are traveling. Budget carriers might not be included in the details provided by comparison websites, so it is worth checking these separately as they may offer unbeatable prices.
Book Early
The best prices for many flights tend to disappear early, so check the costs as soon as you know your dates of travel. If you get in early there may be promotional prices on offer that you can take advantage of to get a cheaper fare.
Day of Travel
When searching for flights try to be flexible on the actual day of travel. Prices can vary across the week, with midweek flights generally more affordable than weekend travel. Checking costs on a few different days around your time of travel might save you some money.
A trip to Hong Kong need not be expensive and with a little planning and forethought it should be possible to find flights at a cheap price. The tips above are some ideas that can help with this. Take them on board to save some money on travel so you have more to spend on the many attractions Hong Kong offers once you arrive.
Labels: Advertorials, Hong Kong
posted by GingGoy @ 8:44 PM,
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Hong Kong Airport Rude Staff and Swine Flu Paranoia
07 June 2009
Tutubi just came back from an overseas trip down under via Hong Kong and encountered paranoid people wearing face masks as if the mask can really help them against the novelty swine flu/Influenza A(H1N1) virus (according to WHO, face masks can't prevent infection against the virus but helps an infected person from spreading it)
At HKIA, it's mostly Chinese people wearing masks and no single Caucasian, probably because of the stigma of Hong Kong people who experienced the deadlier SARS and avian flu (H5N1) virus a few years back.
Even flight attendants of Cathay Pacific wore face masks!
On his fourth time in HKIA, Tutubi again encountered rude people at the security checking from arrival to transfer area (E2 exit). The airport staff yelled at Tutubi and others to queue at an X-ray machine with no people but the line was blocked by a family with children. He was held on his elbow by the staff manning the queue at the security x-ray, something Tutubi didn't like but didn't protest just to avoid an incident in a foreign country that may put him at a disadvantage.
On exiting the security after putting his laptop back in his backpack, he looked back at his companion still on queue at the X-ray but the attendant shooed him away like a child and shouted "Go! Go!" without a trace of proper courtesy.
Such rudeness he encountered again, Hong Kong is a nice place to visit but it would have been better if HK people knew proper respect and etiquette.
Note:
Swine Flu now known as Influenza A(H1N1) is cureable; the people who died from it already had pre-existing medical problems and would have died even with seasonal flu. HK and the Philippines hyped about the virus that's why people are reacting in an overkill kind of way.
Lastly, Tutubi's holed up in his own room at home for self-quarantine but doing his work with pay. :P
At HKIA, it's mostly Chinese people wearing masks and no single Caucasian, probably because of the stigma of Hong Kong people who experienced the deadlier SARS and avian flu (H5N1) virus a few years back.
Even flight attendants of Cathay Pacific wore face masks!
On his fourth time in HKIA, Tutubi again encountered rude people at the security checking from arrival to transfer area (E2 exit). The airport staff yelled at Tutubi and others to queue at an X-ray machine with no people but the line was blocked by a family with children. He was held on his elbow by the staff manning the queue at the security x-ray, something Tutubi didn't like but didn't protest just to avoid an incident in a foreign country that may put him at a disadvantage.
On exiting the security after putting his laptop back in his backpack, he looked back at his companion still on queue at the X-ray but the attendant shooed him away like a child and shouted "Go! Go!" without a trace of proper courtesy.
Such rudeness he encountered again, Hong Kong is a nice place to visit but it would have been better if HK people knew proper respect and etiquette.
Note:
Swine Flu now known as Influenza A(H1N1) is cureable; the people who died from it already had pre-existing medical problems and would have died even with seasonal flu. HK and the Philippines hyped about the virus that's why people are reacting in an overkill kind of way.
Lastly, Tutubi's holed up in his own room at home for self-quarantine but doing his work with pay. :P
Labels: Hong Kong, Travel Warnings
posted by GingGoy @ 9:29 PM,
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Hong Kong Shopping Guide and Tips
04 October 2007
Not in his usual itinerary, Tutubi visited various shopping malls and markets looking for souvenirs and other uniquely Hong Kong stuff.
Herewith are the shopping guide, information and tips he accumulated:
Lusting for these international brands for cheap prices and discounts:
Adidas, Bally, Bauhaus, The Body Shop, Calvin Klein, City Chain, Columbia Sportswear Company, Esprit, Evita Peroni, Folli Follie, Giordano, Joy and Peace, Kingkow, Design Accesories, K-Swiss, Lafuma, La Compagnie Des Petits, Last Call, Laura Ashley, Lens Crafters, Le Saunda, Levi's, Lids, MaBelle, MiRabell, Moiselle, New Balance, Nike, Optical 88, Polo Ralph Lauren, Quicksilver, Rabeanco, Rockport, Samsonite, Seven 7, Timberland, Time + Style, Viviene Tam and other factory outlets and stores.
Citygate Outlets, located on Lantau Island, is the first and only outlet mall in Hong Kong, featuring international brand names offering huge discounts from 30% to 70% all year round for cheap, best-value-for-every-dollar-spent bargains. It serves also as the gateway to various attractions in Tung Chung, including Hong Kong Disneyland, Ngong Ping 360 and AsiaWorld-Expo. (wonder if there're similar outlet stores in Bangkok, Thailand, Singapore, and KL)
Address: 20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung, Lantau
Enquiry hotline: 2109 2933
How to go to Citygate Outlets:
MTR Tung Chung Station Exit C, next to Ngong Ping 360. It can also be reached by a short taxi or bus ride from the Chek Lap Kok Airport (great while waiting for a connecting flight at HKIA)
For those looking for cameras, lenses, tripods, filters, batteries, and other photography equipment, there are many camera shops in Hong Kong offering about a little cheaper than those stores on Hidalgo (in Quiapo, Manila).
In Mong Kok (Kowloon), there's the Ladies' Market on Fa Yuen and Tung Choi Streets (near St. Edward and Mong Kok MTR stations) selling ladies shoes, cosmetics, clothes and accessories with prices comparable to Manila's 168 Mall e.g. a pair of ladies shoes costs around HK$60. Haggling is hard here plus the vendors don't seem to like inquiries, particularly frugal Filipinos in perpetual search for the cheapest prices.
Flower Market road also in Mong Kok (and near Newton Kowloon) is the Flower Market and near the Yuen Po Bird garden
For people in search of items made of "imperial gem," the Jade market at at the intersection of Kansu Street and Battery Street, west of Nathan Road. To go there: Yau Ma Tei MTR exit C, walk along Nathan Road until you reach Kansu. (Read more about jade here)
If you're a vacationing Filipino or OFW hankering for things from home, try Worldwide Plaza on Des Voeux Road in Central.
As a general observation, Hong Kong shopkeepers are rude. They welcome other people with condescending look similar to what Tutubi ranted about during his Singapore travel. The shopkeepers will stop short of shooing you away if they sense you're not going to buy their stuff after they quoted you touristy prices (a tourist trap haven again. This is not the same in Thailand, Philippines, and Malaysia)
Related Posts:
Backpacking Hong Kong
Hong Kong City Tour
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
Hong Kong Disneyland
Jose Rizal in Hong Kong
Hong Kong in Philippine History
OFWs in Hong Kong
Duk Ling: A Free Tour of Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour Cruise
A Symphony of Lights
Ngong Ping 360, Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Wisdom Path
Herewith are the shopping guide, information and tips he accumulated:
Lusting for these international brands for cheap prices and discounts:
Adidas, Bally, Bauhaus, The Body Shop, Calvin Klein, City Chain, Columbia Sportswear Company, Esprit, Evita Peroni, Folli Follie, Giordano, Joy and Peace, Kingkow, Design Accesories, K-Swiss, Lafuma, La Compagnie Des Petits, Last Call, Laura Ashley, Lens Crafters, Le Saunda, Levi's, Lids, MaBelle, MiRabell, Moiselle, New Balance, Nike, Optical 88, Polo Ralph Lauren, Quicksilver, Rabeanco, Rockport, Samsonite, Seven 7, Timberland, Time + Style, Viviene Tam and other factory outlets and stores.Citygate Outlets, located on Lantau Island, is the first and only outlet mall in Hong Kong, featuring international brand names offering huge discounts from 30% to 70% all year round for cheap, best-value-for-every-dollar-spent bargains. It serves also as the gateway to various attractions in Tung Chung, including Hong Kong Disneyland, Ngong Ping 360 and AsiaWorld-Expo. (wonder if there're similar outlet stores in Bangkok, Thailand, Singapore, and KL)
Address: 20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung, Lantau
Enquiry hotline: 2109 2933
How to go to Citygate Outlets:
MTR Tung Chung Station Exit C, next to Ngong Ping 360. It can also be reached by a short taxi or bus ride from the Chek Lap Kok Airport (great while waiting for a connecting flight at HKIA)
For those looking for cameras, lenses, tripods, filters, batteries, and other photography equipment, there are many camera shops in Hong Kong offering about a little cheaper than those stores on Hidalgo (in Quiapo, Manila).
In Mong Kok (Kowloon), there's the Ladies' Market on Fa Yuen and Tung Choi Streets (near St. Edward and Mong Kok MTR stations) selling ladies shoes, cosmetics, clothes and accessories with prices comparable to Manila's 168 Mall e.g. a pair of ladies shoes costs around HK$60. Haggling is hard here plus the vendors don't seem to like inquiries, particularly frugal Filipinos in perpetual search for the cheapest prices.
Flower Market road also in Mong Kok (and near Newton Kowloon) is the Flower Market and near the Yuen Po Bird gardenFor people in search of items made of "imperial gem," the Jade market at at the intersection of Kansu Street and Battery Street, west of Nathan Road. To go there: Yau Ma Tei MTR exit C, walk along Nathan Road until you reach Kansu. (Read more about jade here)
If you're a vacationing Filipino or OFW hankering for things from home, try Worldwide Plaza on Des Voeux Road in Central.
As a general observation, Hong Kong shopkeepers are rude. They welcome other people with condescending look similar to what Tutubi ranted about during his Singapore travel. The shopkeepers will stop short of shooing you away if they sense you're not going to buy their stuff after they quoted you touristy prices (a tourist trap haven again. This is not the same in Thailand, Philippines, and Malaysia)
Related Posts:
Backpacking Hong Kong
Hong Kong City Tour
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
Hong Kong Disneyland
Jose Rizal in Hong Kong
Hong Kong in Philippine History
OFWs in Hong Kong
Duk Ling: A Free Tour of Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour Cruise
A Symphony of Lights
Ngong Ping 360, Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Wisdom Path
Labels: Hong Kong
posted by GingGoy @ 9:15 PM,
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Hong Kong Tour: Ngong Ping 360, Giant Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Wisdom Path, Cable Car
26 September 2007
Lantau Island hosts not only the Hong Kong International Airport, the carefully Feng Shui-planned Disneyland, and Citygate Outlets but also the tourism village of Ngong Ping, featuring the Tian Tan Buddha, popularly known as Giant Buddha, the Po Lin Monastery, The Wisdom Path, Tung Chung Fort and Lantau Peak.Tutubi hopped into a gondola of Ngong Ping Skyrail, an almost 4 mile long cable car, formerly called the Tung Chung cablecar that ferried the flightless Tutubi from Tung Chung to the village of Ngong Ping on the plateau.
View of Tung Chung Bay
Ngong Ping Village consists of coffee shops (touristy Starbucks included), restaurants, and souvenir shops.
According to the official site:
"Ngong Ping Village is set on a 1.5 hectare site on Lantau Island, adjacent to Ngong Ping Skyrail's Ngong Ping Terminal and the Tian Tan Buddha Statue.
This amazing cultural themed village has been architecturally designed and landscaped to reflect the cultural and spiritual integrity of the Ngong Ping area. It boasts several major attractions - Walking with Buddha, Monkey's Tale Theatre and the Ngong Ping Tea House - as well as a diverse array of retail, dining and entertainment experiences.
Walking with Buddha is an immersive, multimedia attraction allowing guests to follow the life of Siddhartha Gautama - the man who became Buddha - and his path to enlightenment. Here you will discover the origins of Buddhism and track its expansion across the globe. You will also be enlightened as to the essence of Buddha's teachings through a variety of themed scenes and activities."
the clearly visible footpath: the trail that leads to Ngong Ping with waterfalls for nature lovers to explore
the Tan Tian Buddha, known as Big Buddha, is the world's largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha statue, surrounded by a ring of Bodhisatvas offering various gifts
Bodhisatvas offering various gifts to Lord Buddha
A giant arch welcomes all visitors to Po Lin Monastery (寶蓮禪寺, Literally "Precious Lotus Zen Temple) founded in 1906 with various images of Buddha and scripts on display.
It is here at Po Lin where the Buddha Bathing Festival is celebrated annually by bathing ritual performed even by visitors during Buddha's birthday in May.
Nearby Po Lin is a trail that leads to the Wisdom Path, where the Mahayana Buddhism's Heart Sutra is inscribed on wooden poles.
The poles are arranged seemingly in a figure of eight or Mobius strip to signify infinity.
One of the wooden poles of the Wisdom Path. Unfortunately, Tutubi can't read Chinese; can only recognize a few Kanji characters though
the path goes uphill up to Lantau Peak, the second highest peak in Hong Kong, great for mountaineers and trekkers, and the ancient Tung Chung Fort.
Tutubi didn't trek all the way up to the Peak due to an imminent rain threatening to fall.
Ngong Ping Skyrail is slower than the Genting Skyway cablecar in Malaysia, and not recommended for the faint-hearted.
Note: The cable system is currently suspended indefinitely due to a recent incident where an empty gondola fell.
How to get to Ngong Ping:
Commute via MTR: take the Tsuen Wan line and alight at Tung Chung, the end of the railway in Lantau then get your tickets for the Ngong Ping Skyrail.
for those with acrophobia, you may take a 45 minute bus ride New Lantau Bus NLB no 23
Alternatively, you may board a ferry at Central to Mui Wo (Sivermine Bay) and take the #2 bus to take you there.
Access to Ngong Ping village is free (no entrance fee). For other pricing and packages, click here for the official prices.
posted by GingGoy @ 9:38 PM,
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Hong Kong A Symphony of Lights and Sound Show
24 September 2007
Dubbed the world's "Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" by Guinness World Records, A Symphony of Lights is a spectacular light and laser show synchronized with music blasting from speakers strategically located on the waterfront. Participating buildings from both sides of Victoria Harbour provide the moving lights for a dazzling, mesmerizing visual delight illuminating the harbour followed by rising colours turning the already picturesque harbour into kaleidoscopic spectacle.
('nough said, Tutubi is starting to sound like a copywriter)
Tutubi, who waited at Tsim Sha Shui harbourfront near Statue Square, wasn't able to capture the true essence of the symphony due to a mistake when he setup his camera on a tripod aimed at the wrong side of Central and Wan Chai districts of Hong Kong Island. He also had to pack up his camera earlier due to an imminent drizzle. The sky was cloudy still with the mountain and lights of houses that looks like flickering stars on Hong Kong Island and Victoria's Peak obscured by fog.
For sure, Tutubi will be back to capture the captivating symphony in the future for a postcard-perfect photo of the famous skyline.
A Symphony of Lights Information:
Schedule Showtime: 8pm nightly
Tips:
Bring tripod, best vantage point is at the harbourfront between Statue Square (where Bruce Lee's statue and those of Hong Kong's cinematic heroes are) and Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui of you want to view the Hong Kong Island show. Be at the vantage point at least an hour earlier to avoid "boxing out" for the best position for picture taking or an unobstructed view. Aim for a good spot between the IFC and Bank of China Tower for perfect photos. You may also book a night cruise via Star Ferry Harbour Tour.
('nough said, Tutubi is starting to sound like a copywriter)
Tutubi, who waited at Tsim Sha Shui harbourfront near Statue Square, wasn't able to capture the true essence of the symphony due to a mistake when he setup his camera on a tripod aimed at the wrong side of Central and Wan Chai districts of Hong Kong Island. He also had to pack up his camera earlier due to an imminent drizzle. The sky was cloudy still with the mountain and lights of houses that looks like flickering stars on Hong Kong Island and Victoria's Peak obscured by fog.
For sure, Tutubi will be back to capture the captivating symphony in the future for a postcard-perfect photo of the famous skyline.
A Symphony of Lights Information:
Schedule Showtime: 8pm nightly
Tips:
Bring tripod, best vantage point is at the harbourfront between Statue Square (where Bruce Lee's statue and those of Hong Kong's cinematic heroes are) and Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui of you want to view the Hong Kong Island show. Be at the vantage point at least an hour earlier to avoid "boxing out" for the best position for picture taking or an unobstructed view. Aim for a good spot between the IFC and Bank of China Tower for perfect photos. You may also book a night cruise via Star Ferry Harbour Tour.
Labels: Hong Kong
posted by GingGoy @ 9:33 PM,
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Victoria Harbour Cruise Tour: 1 of 1000 Places To See Before You Die
21 September 2007
After all the Philippine historical tours, Disneyland, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and free Hong Kong city tour, one of the most recognizable images of Hong Kong can be experienced through Star Ferry's Harbour Tour.
the last authentic Chinese junk still sailing in Victoria Harbour: the Duk Ling moored at the Central Pier
Central pier and International Finance Center, the tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong towering over the magnificent skyline
the spaceage-looking Hong Kong Cultural Center and the Clock Tower in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, both landmarks of the modern city.
The Clock Tower is what's only left of the Kowloon station of the Kowloon-Canton railway in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Nearby are Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Space Museum, and the Avenue of Stars
The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. Behind is the World Plaza, Hong Kong's second tallest skyscraper
the magnificent skyline of Central, Hong Kong Island. The edifice, with unique climbing lines resembling growing bamboo shoots symbolizing livelihood and prosperity, is the Bank of China Tower: the 3rd highest building there.
Crossing the Victoria Harbour is one of the 50 places of a lifetime according to National Geographic and also one of the 1000 places to see before you die.
Tutubi has only been to seven of the 1000 places...993 places more to visit! :)
Star Ferry's Harbour Tour Ticket Prices:
Round Trip Ticket costs HK$45 during the day, HK$95 at night and HK$135 during A Symphony of Lights multimedia show featuring the buildings on the harbour front in a spectacular light sequence.
You may get your tickets at the following outlets:
Central Star Ferry Pier, Wan Chai Star Ferry Pier, Hung Hom Star Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier
UPDATED: July 2013
the last authentic Chinese junk still sailing in Victoria Harbour: the Duk Ling moored at the Central Pier
Central pier and International Finance Center, the tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong towering over the magnificent skyline
the spaceage-looking Hong Kong Cultural Center and the Clock Tower in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, both landmarks of the modern city.
The Clock Tower is what's only left of the Kowloon station of the Kowloon-Canton railway in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Nearby are Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Space Museum, and the Avenue of Stars
The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. Behind is the World Plaza, Hong Kong's second tallest skyscraper
the magnificent skyline of Central, Hong Kong Island. The edifice, with unique climbing lines resembling growing bamboo shoots symbolizing livelihood and prosperity, is the Bank of China Tower: the 3rd highest building there.
Crossing the Victoria Harbour is one of the 50 places of a lifetime according to National Geographic and also one of the 1000 places to see before you die.
Tutubi has only been to seven of the 1000 places...993 places more to visit! :)
Star Ferry's Harbour Tour Ticket Prices:
Round Trip Ticket costs HK$45 during the day, HK$95 at night and HK$135 during A Symphony of Lights multimedia show featuring the buildings on the harbour front in a spectacular light sequence.
You may get your tickets at the following outlets:
Central Star Ferry Pier, Wan Chai Star Ferry Pier, Hung Hom Star Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier
UPDATED: July 2013
posted by GingGoy @ 9:47 PM,
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A Not-So-Ugly Duk Ling: Free Ride Chinese Junk in Hong Kong Victoria Harbour
19 September 2007
The Duk Ling, a genuine Chinese junk still operating in Victoria Harbour like the vessels that used to cross the harbour 150 years ago.
Looking for a cheap Hong Kong tour? The best and cheapest tour of Hong Kong is absolutely free. You can board the Duk Ling and sail into Hong Kong's scenic harbour for a 360 degree view of the city's picturesque skyline.
Duk Ling Chinese junk near the iconic Star Ferry
Tutubi wasn't able to get a free ride, again, due to memory gap. Only got to take pictures of the not-so-ugly Duk Ling at Central Pier before the Victoria Harbour Cruise (Click on the link to view pictures of the harbour tour)
Two piers to choose from:
Pier 1: Kowloon Public pier, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
(accessible from Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Exit E)
every Thursday 2pm and 4pm and Saturday 10am and 12nn
Pier 2 Queen's Pier Central, Hong Kong
(accessible from Central MTR Exit K)
Cost: FREE! nothing's cheaper than a free tour :)
Register in advance through HKTB: +852 2508 1234
Looking for a cheap Hong Kong tour? The best and cheapest tour of Hong Kong is absolutely free. You can board the Duk Ling and sail into Hong Kong's scenic harbour for a 360 degree view of the city's picturesque skyline.
Duk Ling Chinese junk near the iconic Star Ferry
Tutubi wasn't able to get a free ride, again, due to memory gap. Only got to take pictures of the not-so-ugly Duk Ling at Central Pier before the Victoria Harbour Cruise (Click on the link to view pictures of the harbour tour)
Two piers to choose from:
Pier 1: Kowloon Public pier, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
(accessible from Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Exit E)
every Thursday 2pm and 4pm and Saturday 10am and 12nn
Pier 2 Queen's Pier Central, Hong Kong
(accessible from Central MTR Exit K)
Cost: FREE! nothing's cheaper than a free tour :)
Register in advance through HKTB: +852 2508 1234
Labels: Hong Kong
posted by GingGoy @ 10:44 PM,
,
Encounters with OFW in Hong Kong
18 September 2007
Before retracing Jose Rizal's steps in Hong Kong and visiting the site where Marcela Agoncillo made the first Philippine flag, Tutubi met his affable guide for the day at the posh Mandarin Oriental hotel in Central.
Near the hotel, is the granite neo-classical former Supreme Court building of Hong Kong. This old edifice used to house the Supreme Court before the colony was turned over to China in 1997.
Beside the building is Statue Square where a bronze statue or Sir Thomas Jackson Bart (bart stands for baronet), former general manager of Hong Kong Shanghai Bank, stands regally watching over the square.
Incidentally, the square is a favorite meeting place of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong, mostly domestic helpers sacrificing for their family back in the Philippines. It was here where some Filipinos approached Tutubi and offered him various Filipino food including halo-halo, but didn't order one.
After visiting the Rizal markers and Morrison Hill Road, went to the nearby Worldwide Plaza, Tutubi came face to face with Filipinos hawking various stuffs from cellphone loads, DVDs, callcards and what he's hankering for after 4 days of eating Chinese food: Pinoy food prepared by Filipinos!
It's in this little stall where they serve tasty embutido that ms Escoda, loved and even asked for the recipe.
Near Worldwide Plaza on Des Voeux Road are Little Quiapo and Jollibee Hong Kong and other pinoy restaurants serving Filipino fastfood.
Tutubi wondered how would Jose Rizal react if he sees his countrymen living in exile, not because of oppression but of poverty, more than a hundred years after his death.
Coming up: One of National Geographic's 50 places of a lifetime and also one of the 1000 Places to see before you die...
Near the hotel, is the granite neo-classical former Supreme Court building of Hong Kong. This old edifice used to house the Supreme Court before the colony was turned over to China in 1997.
Beside the building is Statue Square where a bronze statue or Sir Thomas Jackson Bart (bart stands for baronet), former general manager of Hong Kong Shanghai Bank, stands regally watching over the square.
Incidentally, the square is a favorite meeting place of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong, mostly domestic helpers sacrificing for their family back in the Philippines. It was here where some Filipinos approached Tutubi and offered him various Filipino food including halo-halo, but didn't order one.
After visiting the Rizal markers and Morrison Hill Road, went to the nearby Worldwide Plaza, Tutubi came face to face with Filipinos hawking various stuffs from cellphone loads, DVDs, callcards and what he's hankering for after 4 days of eating Chinese food: Pinoy food prepared by Filipinos!
It's in this little stall where they serve tasty embutido that ms Escoda, loved and even asked for the recipe.
Near Worldwide Plaza on Des Voeux Road are Little Quiapo and Jollibee Hong Kong and other pinoy restaurants serving Filipino fastfood.
Tutubi wondered how would Jose Rizal react if he sees his countrymen living in exile, not because of oppression but of poverty, more than a hundred years after his death.
Coming up: One of National Geographic's 50 places of a lifetime and also one of the 1000 Places to see before you die...
posted by GingGoy @ 8:24 PM,
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Hong Kong: Agoncillo, Emilio Aguinaldo, Josephine Bracken, Jose Maria Basa
12 September 2007
Tutubi, in his Hong Kong journey, also visited other places in the former British colony that once hosted people who played pivotal roles in Philippine history.
Before going to the two markers commemorating Jose Rizal in Hong Kong, Tutubi, ably guided by the affable Isabel Escoda, visited a playground on Morrison Hill, near Queen Elizabeth Stadium on Queens Road East in Wan Chai, and found this marker:
"In May 1898, In this vicinity, the first Philippine national flag was sewn by hand by Dona Marcela Agoncillo, wife of Felipe Agoncillo, the first Filipino diplomat, assisted by her daughter Lorenza and Mrs. Delfina Herbosa Natividad, niece of the Philippine National hero Dr. Jose Rizal. This flag, which became the rallying symbol of unity for the Filipino people during the Philippine revolution, was officially unfurled during the proclamation of Philippine independence on June 12, 1898 in Kawit Cavite.
This marker is installed to commemorate the historical role of Hong Kong in the Filipino people's struggle for independence.
The Antiquities Authority"
view of the marker with a perspective of the place with the entrance to Morrison Hill Road playground
The marker is seen by people and children playing at the playground, maybe even Filipinos working there
After the brief visit and photo-op of the place, decided to board a bus plus a short walk and came face-to-face with the past and the present Victoria Prison, where overstaying foreigners in Hong Kong, including Filipinos are languishing. Nearby are the classical Central Magistracy building and Central Police station (Hollywood road); the three are already declared monuments and heritage sites of Hong Kong.
Victoria Prison on Arbuthnot Road, Central, Hong Kong with the typical barbed wire fence and high wall feature of prisons
Also on Arbuthnot road once stood the residence of Jose Maria Basa, an exile of 1872 (after the three priests Father Gomez, Father Burgos and Father Zamora were summarily tried and sentenced to death by the garrote for the Cavite arsenal revolt of January 20, 1872, an event that was inculcated in the young Rizal's mind. Rizal later dedicated his second novel El Filibusterismo to the three martyred priests).
Jose Maria Basa hosted Rizal during Rizal's first visit to Hong Kong in 1888, and was responsible for sending copies of the banned Noli Me Tangere to the Philippines. He later acted as disbursement officer for the nationalist movement for procuring arms to be smuggled to the Philippines.
Further up Arbuthnot road, is the Hong Kong Botanical Garden, where the photo below, one of the most famous snapshotss of Philippine history, was reportedly taken with members of the Comite Central Filipino (aka Hong Kong Junta), led by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.
Aguinaldo and his men were granted amnesty and exiled in Hong Kong by the Spanish after signing the pact of Biak-na Bato (in a house, not in cave like the guides in Biak-na-bato are telling their visitors) in exchange for eight hundred thousand pesos. (Four hundred thousand pesos was paid, the rest of the money didn't come, and Aguinaldo and his minions squandered and quarreled over the money and part of it they bought arms to be taken to the Philippines)
Another significant contribution of Hong Kong to Philippine history was the Hong Kong -born British (and said to be Chinese) woman named Josephine Bracken, who accompanied his stepfather in Dapitan, where Jose Rizal was exiled.
As you should know, Josephine Bracken was smitten by the sweet speaking doctor in Jose Rizal, and became the hero's last girlfriend.
One of the quests made by scholars, including Ambeth Ocampo and Isabel Escoda, and history buffs is to find the exact location of poor Josephine Bracken's tomb.
Sadly, tomb raiders and researchers, still, weren't able to locate it.
Before going to the two markers commemorating Jose Rizal in Hong Kong, Tutubi, ably guided by the affable Isabel Escoda, visited a playground on Morrison Hill, near Queen Elizabeth Stadium on Queens Road East in Wan Chai, and found this marker:
"In May 1898, In this vicinity, the first Philippine national flag was sewn by hand by Dona Marcela Agoncillo, wife of Felipe Agoncillo, the first Filipino diplomat, assisted by her daughter Lorenza and Mrs. Delfina Herbosa Natividad, niece of the Philippine National hero Dr. Jose Rizal. This flag, which became the rallying symbol of unity for the Filipino people during the Philippine revolution, was officially unfurled during the proclamation of Philippine independence on June 12, 1898 in Kawit Cavite.
This marker is installed to commemorate the historical role of Hong Kong in the Filipino people's struggle for independence.
The Antiquities Authority"
view of the marker with a perspective of the place with the entrance to Morrison Hill Road playground
The marker is seen by people and children playing at the playground, maybe even Filipinos working thereAfter the brief visit and photo-op of the place, decided to board a bus plus a short walk and came face-to-face with the past and the present Victoria Prison, where overstaying foreigners in Hong Kong, including Filipinos are languishing. Nearby are the classical Central Magistracy building and Central Police station (Hollywood road); the three are already declared monuments and heritage sites of Hong Kong.
Victoria Prison on Arbuthnot Road, Central, Hong Kong with the typical barbed wire fence and high wall feature of prisonsAlso on Arbuthnot road once stood the residence of Jose Maria Basa, an exile of 1872 (after the three priests Father Gomez, Father Burgos and Father Zamora were summarily tried and sentenced to death by the garrote for the Cavite arsenal revolt of January 20, 1872, an event that was inculcated in the young Rizal's mind. Rizal later dedicated his second novel El Filibusterismo to the three martyred priests).
Jose Maria Basa hosted Rizal during Rizal's first visit to Hong Kong in 1888, and was responsible for sending copies of the banned Noli Me Tangere to the Philippines. He later acted as disbursement officer for the nationalist movement for procuring arms to be smuggled to the Philippines.
Further up Arbuthnot road, is the Hong Kong Botanical Garden, where the photo below, one of the most famous snapshotss of Philippine history, was reportedly taken with members of the Comite Central Filipino (aka Hong Kong Junta), led by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.
Aguinaldo and his men were granted amnesty and exiled in Hong Kong by the Spanish after signing the pact of Biak-na Bato (in a house, not in cave like the guides in Biak-na-bato are telling their visitors) in exchange for eight hundred thousand pesos. (Four hundred thousand pesos was paid, the rest of the money didn't come, and Aguinaldo and his minions squandered and quarreled over the money and part of it they bought arms to be taken to the Philippines)
Another significant contribution of Hong Kong to Philippine history was the Hong Kong -born British (and said to be Chinese) woman named Josephine Bracken, who accompanied his stepfather in Dapitan, where Jose Rizal was exiled.
As you should know, Josephine Bracken was smitten by the sweet speaking doctor in Jose Rizal, and became the hero's last girlfriend.
One of the quests made by scholars, including Ambeth Ocampo and Isabel Escoda, and history buffs is to find the exact location of poor Josephine Bracken's tomb.
Sadly, tomb raiders and researchers, still, weren't able to locate it.
Labels: Emilio Aguinaldo, Hong Kong, National Heroes, Philippine History, Philippine Revolution
posted by GingGoy @ 8:08 PM,
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Jose Rizal Hong Kong Historical Walking Tour
07 September 2007
Unknown to many Filipinos, Jose Rizal left Europe in 1891, with newly-published El Filibusterismo (published in Ghent, Belgium with the financial aid of Valentin Ventura. In the same note, Maximo Viola financed the publication of Rizal's first novel Noli me Tangere in Berlin) and his annotation of Dr. Antonio de Morga's "Sucesos delas Islas Filipinas," to live and practice medicine (opthalmology) in Hong Kong until 1892.
Rizal requested his family, persecuted and driven out of their home in Calamba by the Spanish friars aided by the guardia civil, to join him in Hong Kong.
Rizal's business card (right)on display at Rizal Shrine, Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila
these pictures of places where Rizal lived and held clinic officially marked by The Antiquities Authority of Hong Kong
Marker of Rizal's residence on Rednaxela Terrace (Rednaxela is Alexander spelled backwards attributed to a Chinese street sign painter who couldn't read English)
Written on the marker: "Dr. Jose P. Rizal (1861-1896) National hero of the Philippines Lived in this area with his family from December 1891 to June 1892."
Looking down on the granite steps where Rizal used to pass on his way to his clinic unaided by the escalators. (Try also to look for Health Cafe and Deli at 10 Shelley St. downstairs for healthy, organic treats)
the view of the present place upwards with the Central Mid-level escalators, the longest outdoor covered escalator in the world, in view plus the nearby Orange Tree Restaurant
the granite steps near Lyndhurst Terrace and marker #13 of the Sun Yat-Sen Historical Trail. The old buildings are gone but these are almost the same granite steps hurdled by Rizal more than a hundred years ago.
It is noteworthy that when Rizal was living in Hong Kong, Sun Yat-sen (孫逸仙), instrumental in the eventual overthrow of the Qing Dynasty and acknowledged as the father of modern China, was studying medicine at the nearby Hong Kong College of Medicine for Chinese.
Rizal and Sun Yat-sen might have crossed paths in Hong Kong!
Going down from Rednaxela Terrace, passing through Shelley street, and Hollywood Road going to D'Aguilar Street, you'll see the marker (above) on Century Square, where Rizal's clinic used to stand.
marker states:
"Dr. Jose P. Rizal (1861-1896)
Philippine physician, poet, author and patriot practised medicine in 1891-92 in a clinic which once stood on this site"
A view of D'Aguilar environs. Modern Hong Kong does it's usual business in a hurried pace.
With thousands of Filipinos living and working in Hong Kong, it's a shame if they just pass by the marker oblivious of the man who once practiced medicine there.
Tutubi would love to thank ms. Isabel Escoda, a Hong Kong-based writer and Inquirer contributor, for guiding him in Hong Kong to these historical markers.
How to go to there:
The Mid-level escalators that pass through Rednaxela terrace can be reached via MTR at Central station Exit C. The marker on Rednaxela is near Orange Tree Restaurant whose location map on their website will guide you there. The former clinic location is near Lan Kwai Fong.
Rizal requested his family, persecuted and driven out of their home in Calamba by the Spanish friars aided by the guardia civil, to join him in Hong Kong.
Rizal's business card (right)on display at Rizal Shrine, Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manilathese pictures of places where Rizal lived and held clinic officially marked by The Antiquities Authority of Hong Kong
Marker of Rizal's residence on Rednaxela Terrace (Rednaxela is Alexander spelled backwards attributed to a Chinese street sign painter who couldn't read English)
Written on the marker: "Dr. Jose P. Rizal (1861-1896) National hero of the Philippines Lived in this area with his family from December 1891 to June 1892."
Looking down on the granite steps where Rizal used to pass on his way to his clinic unaided by the escalators. (Try also to look for Health Cafe and Deli at 10 Shelley St. downstairs for healthy, organic treats)
the view of the present place upwards with the Central Mid-level escalators, the longest outdoor covered escalator in the world, in view plus the nearby Orange Tree Restaurant
the granite steps near Lyndhurst Terrace and marker #13 of the Sun Yat-Sen Historical Trail. The old buildings are gone but these are almost the same granite steps hurdled by Rizal more than a hundred years ago.It is noteworthy that when Rizal was living in Hong Kong, Sun Yat-sen (孫逸仙), instrumental in the eventual overthrow of the Qing Dynasty and acknowledged as the father of modern China, was studying medicine at the nearby Hong Kong College of Medicine for Chinese.
Rizal and Sun Yat-sen might have crossed paths in Hong Kong!
Going down from Rednaxela Terrace, passing through Shelley street, and Hollywood Road going to D'Aguilar Street, you'll see the marker (above) on Century Square, where Rizal's clinic used to stand.
marker states:
"Dr. Jose P. Rizal (1861-1896)
Philippine physician, poet, author and patriot practised medicine in 1891-92 in a clinic which once stood on this site"
A view of D'Aguilar environs. Modern Hong Kong does it's usual business in a hurried pace.
With thousands of Filipinos living and working in Hong Kong, it's a shame if they just pass by the marker oblivious of the man who once practiced medicine there.
Tutubi would love to thank ms. Isabel Escoda, a Hong Kong-based writer and Inquirer contributor, for guiding him in Hong Kong to these historical markers.
How to go to there:
The Mid-level escalators that pass through Rednaxela terrace can be reached via MTR at Central station Exit C. The marker on Rednaxela is near Orange Tree Restaurant whose location map on their website will guide you there. The former clinic location is near Lan Kwai Fong.
Labels: Hong Kong, Jose Rizal
posted by GingGoy @ 11:43 PM,
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Enchanting Hong Kong Disneyland (Entrance Fee/Operating Hours)
03 September 2007
Hong Kong Disneyland (香港迪士尼樂園), the smallest Disney-themed park, opened in 2005 and divided into four main attractions: Main Street, U.S.A. with it's US-style streets and buildings, Tomorrowland and futuristic rides and shows, Pirateland with Captain Jack Sparrow, and Fantasyland.
Tutubi will share pictures and tips here since many information can be gathered from Hong Kong Disneyland's official site.
Mainstreet, U.S.A.
The brass band, welcoming every visitor, not surprisingly, were all Filipinos :)Tomorrowland
The entrance to Tomorrowland with its futuristic rides and shows
Buzz Lightyear from Toy StoryPirateland
Mickey Mouse in pirate costume where visitors can pose with for pictures
a recommended ride at Pirateland that passes through a manmade river and jungle
Treasure Island with Tarzan's tree house made from synthetic materials
Chinese-looking Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Carribean. The Golden Mickeys
Elaborate costumes of the Little Mermaid part of the Golden Mickeys musical
a scene from Mulan
Lilo and Stitch. (There is a a nice futuristic encounter with these two in Tomorrowland)
Beauty and the Beast behind a translucent curtain
close up of beautiful indeed, Beauty (Tutubi was seated at the front row unobstructed. Pictures taken using 50mm lens, no flash allowed)
The Jungle Book (Rudyard Kipling) with Mowgli suspended in mid-air. (aperture set to 1.8 allowed to track such fast movement. canon's cheap yet sharp 50mm did the job :)
The Toy Story talking about friendshipFestival of the Lion King
Simba (the Lion King), Timon (the meerkat), and Pumbaa (the warty Warthog)
Many of the performers were, again, Filipinos, part of the Philippine Diaspora, some were reportedly from Ballet Philippines, Repertory Philippines and other theater group. (Tutubi loves musicals, that's why he gave emphasis on these, not the other usual rides)
Shortly before closing time at 8pm, Snow White's magical castle will be lit up by a spectacular fireworks display synchronized with various Disney music
The whole resort can be explored in a day, but be ready for the crowds especially on weekends.
How to get to Hong Kong Disneyland from the Airport:
Fastest is to take the MTR Tsuen Wan Line (it's easy to take the trains there but sometimes you need to transfer to other lines), transfer to the dedicated Disneyland Resort line at Sunny Bay Station. The train themselves sport the Disney theme.
Hong Kong Disneyland Entrance Fee/Admission rates: HK$450.00 HK$320.00 (children age 3-11), HK$100 (senior citizen)
UPDATED: July 2013
Tips on visiting Disneyland:
1. Do not book with your travel agency for their tours that costs HK$500/person against HK$295 + MTR (HK$19 one way from Prince Edward MTR Station) for DIYers. Save on money and time as well since you don't have to wait for other people.
2. Park opens at 10am. a spectacular fireworks display at 8pm. A full day is required to be able to avail of all rides and shows.
3. At the entrance, secure a copy of the park map and schedules. Note the show times of various performances like Golden Mickeys (particularly the English version), Festival of the Lion King et alii. Be at the gate early if you want front row seats (like Tutubi) to take pictures without heads obstructing your view or present in the frame of your picture.
4. Bring your tripod to take photos of the spectacular fireworks at 8pm. Look for a position that's above the rest of the people in front of Show White's Castle (that gets filled with people, Tutubi made this mistake once, don't tell him he didn't warn you.)
5. Bring sunblock, towels and bottled water. Bottled water inside the park costs HK$10 and up. There are guards stationed at the entrance to check baggages. Don't know if food is not allowed to be brought inside though.
6. There are stores inside that offers transfer of your pictures to a CD, to save on memory card space, for a fee, of course!
7. Various restaurants mostly American food and some Chinese available e.g. hotdog sandwiches at HK$20 each.
8. There's Disneyland Hotel and Hollywood Hotel nearby for those who can afford it. The downside though is that it's far from the main tourist areas of Hong Kong but you can find cheap hotels in Hong Kong and use the different means of transportation the city offers to find your way to Disneyland.
Related posts about Hong Kong:
Backpacking Hong Kong
Hong Kong Shopping Guide and Tips
Hong Kong City Tour
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
Jose Rizal in Hong Kong
Hong Kong in Philippine History
OFWs in Hong Kong
Duk Ling: A Free Tour of Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour Cruise
A Symphony of Lights
Ngong Ping 360, Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Wisdom Path
UPDATED: August 2013
Labels: Hong Kong
posted by GingGoy @ 9:56 PM,
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