A Day in Macau

We woke up late again on our third day in Hongkong. For brunch, we headed on to Jollibee, a popular Filipino fast food chain that built a branch in Hongkong. It's very easy to find, we just took the MTR to Central Station and went out on Exit B. A few steps ahead and we're finally in Jollibee!The staff were also Filipino and so we ordered from the menu in our own language.

We then went went back to Central Station and rode the MTR towards the Sheung Wan Station. We looked for exit D and followed the signs toward the Hong Kong- Macau Ferry Terminal. There were many transport companies to chose from but we had Turbojet because we got discount vouchers for this company from the airport. Economy class for one person during weekdays from Hong Kong to Macau was 159 HKD and back to Hong Kong for 148 HKD. There is a corresponding price during weekends and holidays. The terminal was really big and we had to hurry to pass immigration and to the waiting area so that we can catch our trip.

Ferries from Hong Kong to Macau depart every 30 minutes. Turbojet was big and spacious. The trip lasted for around 55 minutes. After taking this photo, I then slept and when I woke up, we arrived in Macau.

Obligatory photo with Turbojet at the back. After this, we had to clear immigration and start our Macau adventure!

I've read of a lot of Filipinos who would offer guided tours to Macau. We didn't have a clear itinerary and we only had a slight idea how to get from point A to B. Thankfully, a Filipino guide talked to us and offered us a guided tour. We were doubtful at first, but rather than risking being lost and spending a lot, we allowed him to tour us. Sorry I forgot his contact details, I would have wanted to specially mention him here because he was kind.

First, he took us to famous hotels with amazing interiors.

Some hotels were near each other so we only had to walk for a few meters. This is the facade of Venetian Hotel.

It is equally amazing inside.

Being the largest casino in the world, we were able to get a glimpse of the casino area. I was terrified when a big man came to me right after I took one photo. Photos were not allowed and he asked me to erase it. Also, he asked me of my passport. I really thought I was going to jail. He just looked for my birthday and realizing that I am not a minor, he just smiled and walked away. Such is the risk of having a baby face. :P

We proceeded to the famous Shoppes in the Venetian Hotel. The roof was painted to look as authentic as the skies outside. A lot of brands were lined up at the sides.

It really felt as if we were outside but no, we're just in a very big hotel together with a huge crowd.

We saw a family having a gondola ride. 

Just a few steps again was Galaxy Hotel, another hotel on the Cotai Strip.

Hotels in Macau would usually have a mini show at a specific time. When we went to Galaxy Hotel, we were just in time for the Fortune Diamond. This show was in the lobby where a fountain turns into a giant roulette wheel before a giant diamond rises out of the top. It is a metaphor for wishing casino goers some luck.

Some views inside this grand hotel.

Next we had to ride a free bus towards the Grand Emperor Hotel. We were just in time again to witness the changing of the guards. 

The hotel is situated in the heart of down town Macau. From there we only walked a few meters and arrived at Senado Square. 

Senado Square has been Macau's urban centre for centuries. It is a part of the UNESCO Historic Centre of Macau World Heritage Site. The majority of the buildings here are European styled and are protected monuments.

Our next stop was to see the Ruins of St Paul. While we were walking on the streets leading to the famous site, there were a lot of stores selling food and souvenirs. Some food stalls gave out free tastes. By the time we arrived, our stomachs were full. 

Finally arrived to the majestic ruins. This is one of the main attractions of Macau.Originally built in the 17th  century, it was destroyed by fire in 1835 and what remains today is this facade.

The view from the top of the stairs. There were a lot of tourists and it's impossible to take a photo without any photo bombers.

Next, we visited Grand Lisboa Macau. My mother was amazed again with its grand interior.

A shining and shimmering chandelier beside a grand staircase. Just wow.

Our last stop was at the famous Wynn Hotel. We only waited for a few minutes before this dragon show started.

The ceiling is carved with representations of the 12 zodiac signs. It opens to reveal a big dragon with a lotus flower. I think, this is another metaphor for luck.

After this, we boarded a free bus back to the ferry terminal and arrived in Hong Kong past midnight.

Though most of what we visited in Macau were hotels, I am still glad to have been there. I wish to come back soon and visit the wharf and Macau Tower. Maybe in the near future. Thank you for reading and 'til next blog! :)

Hong Kong Day 2: The Peak and Disneyland

We woke up late on our second day in Hong Kong. Though a little behind of our schedule, we were not worried about it. We went straight to The Peak. This place is also called Victoria Peak and is the highest mountain as well as one of the major tourist attractions of Hong Kong Island. 

To get there, we rode the MTR to Central station and walked a few meters to The Peak Tram Lower Terminus. All three of us were first timers in Hong Kong. We almost got lost but there were signs along the road to lead us. It was quite a cloudy and windy day when we started our journey towards the Lower Terminus. 

Arriving at the Terminus, we then decided to buy combo tickets which included The Peak Tram return journey, entrance for The Sky Terrace 428 and entrance for Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. I felt dizzy while riding the Peak Tram uphill but my sister was so happy. However, I still agree that it is one way to truly experience Hong Kong's natural wonders as well as enjoy the spectacular perspective of the city below. 

After disembarking from the tram, we had to pass by stalls of souvenirs. Tourists would never forget to bring home something to remind them of the trip. We headed straight away to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum where we met wax figures of famous people. See my sister peaking through William Shakespeare's work.

My mother berating Hitler for his devious ways.

Like a boss on the throne.

Scared from Jackie Chan's flying kicks!

Look there! Was that a bird? Or a plane? 

Posing with a lot of wax figures made us hungry. After having lunch at KFC, we headed towards Sky Terrace 428. It is the highest 360 degree viewing terrace in town and is standing 428 meters above sea level. I think it is more stunning to visit at night but then we had other plans. Nevertheless, we enjoyed walking around the place. A prerecorded tape and headset is given for everyone to borrow and hear about Hong Kong's architecture, cuisine, culture and history while taking in the sights.

We would have wanted to stay long and explore more of The Peak but we had planned Disneyland for the day too. From the Central Station, we rode the MTR to Sunny Bay and transferred to the pink line towards Disneyland Resort. Seeing the train for Disneyland made us excited. The windows were shaped as Mickey Mouse's head. 

Weee! My first visit to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort!

Gorgeous plants and a huge castle.

There were a lot of people and a lot of things to do. The rides had long queues. A decent photo cannot be achieved because of the huge, happy and excited crowd.

When it was almost time for the parade, the streets were closed off and all were asked to stand at the sides. I had to fight through to stand at the front and get some good views. The feeling of seeing story book and fairy tale characters was so exhilirating. Disneyland is my happy place.

Disneyland staff would volunteer to take your photos on your phone and their own camera. You can decide to visit their counters to have the photos printed. A nice marketing and revenue strategy.

Aside from the rides, there are also booths were Disney Characters are. The long line and long wait was worth it. We met the lovely Minnie Mouse. The characters were given time to rest. When it was time for Minnie to rest, Mickey fetched her from her booth. So sweet!

And Pluto!

Toy Story Land is where me and my sister had the ride of our lives. 

We tried RC Racer which is a U shaped Coaster. We were both excited as first timers. The queue was about 45 minutes and while waiting we can hear the shouts of those who are currently on the ride. When it was our turn, it whipped us back and forth. An extremely thrilling and dizzying ride it was! When the coaster would go down and lunge forward, I cannot see my feet. Now that I'm writing about it, it still makes me feel cold and thrilled. We were seated at the farthest back and so we learned a lesson, sit at the middle from  hereon. :P

There were a lot of rides and activities to choose from. We also tried the Grizzly Gulch Coaster and Jungle River Cruise. One day is not enough at Disneyland. After all the rides, we had dinner in one of the restaurants and waited for the wonderful fireworks.

A lot of people were ahead of us and were ready to view the fireworks. It wrapped up our magical Disneyland experience.

I really want to come back to Disneyland and experience more. This ends our day 2 in Hong Kong. What a busy day! We arrived at our hotel at around 12mn. Thank you for reading and 'til next blog! :)