Hong Kong, Beyond the Movie’s Set

Growing up in the 90’s, Sure I knew Hong Kong through Movies. The era of Jackie Chan, Chow Yun Fat and Leslie Cheung put Hong Kong in the Golden Age of Asian Movie. Drunken Master was beyond famous at that time in my country. Hong Kong become my fantasy, as the glam and the action collide as the back ground of “Chungking Express” and “Once a thief”. Decade later “fast&Furious 6”, “Die another day” and “Black Hat” sets in Hong Kong.  Those movies makes Hong Kong dangerous and exciting at the same time.

Night Time in Hong Kong

And finally I got chance to be in Hong Kong for the 1st time. Hong Kong is so special that I plan to celebrate my Birthday in this city. Few Days before my birthday I set foot on Hong Kong International Airport. It is autumn afternoon when we finally arrived on my Hotel. My first impression is beyond those movie’s set. Futuristic skyscrapers, east meet west culture, glitzy shops, and the stylish looking people around, make this metropolis like no other place on Earth.

Futuristic skyscraper

I stayed in Harbour Grand Kowloon Hotel. Very special Hotel that it is part of the ‘Hacker” movie set, if you turn out watch the movie. It is an old fancy Hotel with spectacular view across the harbour towards Hong Kong Central makes it worth to stay. The big deal is that there is a regular, free shuttle bus from the hotel and back to Tsim Sha Tsui, The hotel is also served by the bus connecting with the airport train (free if you have a train ticket) and is great for the return to the airport as it’s one of the last stops before Kowloon station. So don’t worry about the location.

Hotel Room

Hotel Room

Hotel Room

Breakfast

Overlooking to Harbour

Harbour Deck

As morning arise, I start to explore the former British Crown Colony, prime for an urban adventure. Eating, shopping, clubbing and sight seeing, those are my plans. I f you asking what would you do in Hong Kong , Here few highlights of my trip.

Street overlooking to the Hillside

Day one, I went to Victoria Peak. Victoria Peak is a mountain in the western half of Hong Kong Island and also known as famous vantage point for Looking down at the city. If a single image could encapsulate Hong Kong, it would be the panorama from here. On the height of 552 meters  It is the best spot to have a bird’s-eye view of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island, and Kowloon. You can reach the peak via the Peak Tram, the 120-year-old funicular railway that departs from its terminus on Garden Road (nearest MTR: Central). After enjoy the panoramic view I decided to take a coffee break here.

Aerial view to the city

Me at the Peak

Tramp that brought us to the top deck

Enjoying the coffee

Day Two, I visited Wong Tai Sin Temple. Wong Tai Sin Temple, a Taoist temple established in 1921, is one of the most famous temples in Hong Kong. It is also renowned among overseas Chinese in Southern Asia, Europe, and America. Wong Tai Sin Temple is named after Wong Chuping. When Wong Chuping was 15, he began to follow Taoism. Forty years later, he achieved enlightenment and became immortal. People called him Wong Tai Sin from then on. It is said that he punishes evils, heals the wounded, and rescues the dying.

Outside the Temple

Inside the Temple

Pavilion side of the temple

Chinese Garden

When sun is down I went to see the famous symphony of lights. A Symphony of Lights is a famous laser lights and music show in Hong Kong. It is presented by the Hong Kong Tourism Commission through organizing 44 skyscrapers and landmarks that lie on the sides of the Victoria Harbour. Through interactive lighting and music show, it shows the vibrancy and glamorous night view of the city. The show start at 20.00 local time, and end after 13 minutes. So make sure you coming on time.

Before the light show

Light Show

Avenue of stars

Avenue of stars

Avenue of stars

Day three, Its my birthday, and decided to go to Macao on one day tour. I will write about Macao another time. After strolling around there, turn out I got surprised from my friend set with Harbour Grand Kowloon Hotel. Special cake and wine deliver to my room.

Birthday on my Room

Day Four was exiting. I went to Ngong Ping 360. The Ngong Ping 360 is an aerial tramway on Lantau Island. You should be here one day, because there a lot of attraction here such as Budha’s multimedia story, The Bodhi Tree, known as the “Tree of Awakening”, 5D shows, Po Lin Monastery,  The 34m tall Big Budha, 38 giant wood columns as wisdom Path. To be here you should ride a cable car for about 25 minutes.

Cable Car Hub

Queuing for cable car

Cable car experience

Ngong Ping Village

Ngong Ping Village

In front of monastery

Giant Budha on Top

In front of monastery

To end the day, I cant escape of my sweet treat at Sky Zone Deck and Lounge at Rosedale Hotel. From the 30th floor, Hongkong’s skyline at night was the view to remember.

Little sweet treat

Roof top Bar at Rosdale Hotel

Day five is my end of journey in this city. After all Hong Kong really great experience. Hong Kong is a must go-to destination. Beyond the movie, This city offer you many things, from shopping to sight seeing or even enjoying the night life. It’s extremely easy to get around Hong Kong (and nearly everything is in both Chinese and English) not mentioning the food was really good.  So make sure Hong Kong on your travel list… xo

The Iconic view of Hong Kong