Welcome to the Second Half of 2015

It's July! Which means that we are already halfway done with the year. Pretty soon, we'll be bidding 2015 goodbye and welcoming 2016.

So, how was your first half of the year? Where did you guys go for holidays? Did you visit any new places or were you exploring and discovering new sights on familiar cities?

As for me, the first half of the year was rather slow, travel-wise. Work and study took most of my times away. However, I still managed to go for 2 vacations. The first was back in January when I went to Boracay, Philippines.

Pristine white beach in Boracay, Philippines

It was supposed to be trip with another travel blogger but she had to bail out due to family commitment. I'm not much of a beach person so the most I can spend are 4 days by the beach doing nothing. However, Boracay is more of a "since I'm here, might as well" for the main highlight for me is the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo. What a colourful and lively festival it is.

Colourful parade of the Ati-Atihan Festival

The second one was my South Korea adventure in April with my friends. I was amazed and fascinated with the country, what with the constant import of Korean cultures in Malaysia, and I came back in love with it. The food, the people, the heritage, everything is just a delight. Plus, we went during spring, which means being surrounded with the lovely sakuras all the times. What a perfect way to spend my birthday.

Sakura trees everywhere

Street foods are aplenty in Seoul

Table full of Korean delights

I'm looking forward to the remaining half of the year, with tentatively 3 more trips to go. I say tentatively because these 3 trips are already all locked up and ready to launch and I'm considering another one during Christmas break. Let's see how it goes on that one.

Taiwan - 7 Shots of Taipei, Taiwan

I'm far from being an OK photographer but still, I like to take photographs and share it with my friends. So, I thought of this 7 shots series where I'll post 7 photos that I think represent the place. I did it for Pulau Ketam and Klang during the #TSBreakAway adventures and I begin the series with 7 pictures of Taipei, a city I recently visited and came to love.

Chinese deity costume

I took this photo inside a Chinese temple somewhere in Wanhua district. I'm a poor dictionary on all things Chinese hence, I can't say for sure whether this is a deity or something along the line. I just find it very creepy, an unexpected adjective in a temple.

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Security guard change process

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is a popular tourist spot in Taipei, mostly for the 10 plus minutes security guard change. The process was precise and detailed, something quite interesting for those who has yet to see anything like this.

Either National Theatre Hall or National Concert Hall

Honestly, I can't be sure which one is this for both the National Theatre Hall and National Concert Hall boost the same architecture style and located on the same ground as Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (one on the left and the other right). These two buildings are especially stunning during night time when all lit up.

Shilin Night Market

A stall in Huaxi Night Market

Night markets are regular past time activities in Taiwan come night time. I had visited 4 of them in my short time in the city and I have to say, not every one of them are the same. Shilin Night Market is hip and happening but cater more towards tourists while Huaxi Night Market has a local vibe to it.

Longshan Temple

One of the oldest temples in Taipei, Longshan Temple constantly has a large crowd of people paying respects to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy the temple dedicated to. While the original architecture was damaged long ago, it still reeks of tradition and heritage.

*TO BE CONTINUED*

Taiwan - Overview

My mind is still muddling in Mandarin even after coming back from Taipei, Taiwan, for 2 days. I missed the mostly cooling weather the moment I landed in Malaysia (and missed the Malaysia's humid hot weather when it was raining and blowing with strong wind in Taipei).

Exploring their night markets is a must in Taiwan

My 6 days in Taipei has been nothing but fun and enjoyable. I made the right choice going during the winter season. Most of the days, it was chilly, just cold enough that a coat would do. Exploring the city in such a temperature makes walking the best method as you won't sweat.

View of Taipei from Taipei 101, the fourth tallest building in the world

What I'm most impressed about Taiwan is its friendly locals. They are very helpful and friendly and willing to share their cultures and histories to those who are willing to listen. I was given an impromptu history class on Monga district (now known as Wanhua district) which was very enlightening.

National Theatre Hall which looks like something from Korea

Another impressive feat is their transportation system. You have to salute them for the efficient railway system, punctual and comfortable even for a long journey ride. Plus, it is a cheap alternative to bus, which I find slightly more pricier especially if you want to go out of the city centre.

The old street of Jinguashi, my favourite place to just walk around and relax

It was definitely a wonderful experience and while I got to reconnect with my Taiwanese friend, I also gained a few new ones too. I believe that is the beauty of travelling. More stories will come out soon, I hope. In the mean times, just enjoy some of the photos.

Bamboo wishing sticks

Sky lanterns are so much beautiful to look at

*TO BE CONTINUED*

Sharing is caring. A word of advice and a piece of information.

Mandarin is the lingua franca of Taiwan. However, English is still widely understandable in city centre. It is advisable to get yourself an EasyCard to travel around as it speeds things up a lot. Each adult EasyCard costs TWD 500 (which is about RM 56.50) with TWD 400 reload and TWD 100 as deposits, refundable. 

Hong Kong (香港) - iVenture Hong Kong Flexi Attractions Pass

I managed to save up a lot for my Hong Kong trip. Our AirAsia tickets were bought during point redemption period, so, we only had to pay airport taxes and fuel surcharges. Expenses on accommodation and transportation were greatly reduced with the promotions we saw through Internet. Even with all the activities we had like Hong Kong Disneyland, Sky100, Peak tram and Lamma Fisherfolk's Village, it was done with low prices thanks to iVenture Card.

360 degree view from Sky100

My friend told me about this great package called iVenture Card, a smart card that offers the best deals to tourist destinations all over the world. With this card, you can have free accesses to some of the famous attractions. Hong Kong is one of the cities where iVenture Card has offers in. You have the flexibility of choosing what you want to do and when you want to do it. Depending on which packages you choose, you will have a wide range of activities and tourist attactions to go to.

Lamma Island is one of the attractions in the list

Hong Kong Flexi Attractions Pass is the one we took. We got to choose 4 attractions out of its selection for us to do throughout our 4 days in Hong Kong. At the price of HK$ 430 (RM 172) for adult and HK$ 310 (RM 124) for child, I do believe it is a good deal. You can click here to see the list of attractions included in the package.

Besides free entrances to your selected attractions, there are also extra offers for you to enjoy. For example, you can have a HK$ 20 discount off your Madame Tussauds entrance fee when you are at The Peak. There are also Disneyland Hong Kong Combo and Ocean Park Hong Kong Combo where you can save HK$ 30 off for the entrance fees of these theme parks. If you plan to go to Macau, you can take the Hong Kong & Macau Flexi Attractions Pass which allows you to choose 7 attractions out of its list in these 2 countries.

HK$ 30 cheaper for Disneyland Hong Kong through iVenture Card

Once you bought it through the website, you can go to the following places to collect your card; Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1, New Mandarin Plaza and Shun Tak Centre in Hong Kong and Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal and Largo da Torre de Macau in Macau. Overall, iVenture Card is a good investment to your travel budget provided the choices are the places you plan to visit.

Besides Hong Kong and Macau, there are iVenture Card for cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland and Tasmania in Australia, Durban in South Africa, and Singapore.

Hong Kong (香港) - Central (中环)

As mentioned earlier, the last day of this Hong Kong trip was dedicated to shopping. We decided to just walk around in Central for the whole day, exploring what the district has to offer.

Chinese New Year decoration in Time Square

My friend's surname is here, as a road name...wonders if they're related?

We split up so that each and everyone of us got to see what we wanted to see. I myself went around for an hour or so either window shopping or shopping before going food hunting instead. I can't really spend the whole day shopping.

Typical Hong Kong scene

Popular snack, red bean steamed pudding or put chai gou (砵仔糕)

I was led to Kampung Boy City Gal's Hong Kong food guide when I was doing researches on famous food joints. Quite a number of them are in the Central district so I ended up visiting 2 of them. Looking at the list, I regretted not making a trip to Starbucks at Duddell Street as I stumbled upon photos of the branch and it is so atmospheric, resembling a cha chan teng.

1. Mak's Noodle Ltd (麥奀云吞面世家)

There was a long line waiting outside when I had found the restaurant. When I finally was seated, sharing table with a couple, I ordered a bowl of wan tan noodle, their specialty. I can understand the popularity of this restaurant for the noodle is indeed very delicious. The noodle itself is chewy while the soup is flavorful. As for the wan tan, it was wrapped with succulent prawns. 

The restaurant constantly crowded with people

Non stop cooking

Worth the HK$ 33, which is about RM 13.20. Definitely the priciest wan tan noodle I had in my life. As for the service, do not expect anything pleasant and it's best to leave the place after you had your noodles. Address is as followed; G/F, 77, Wellington Street, Central.

2. Tai Cheong Bakery (泰昌餅家) 

Another food joint with long queue, this time, it's for egg tarts. Again, I lined up for it and bought myself half a dozen of egg tarts. These egg tarts are best eaten hot, right out from the oven. 

Tai Cheong Bakery

The egg paste is smooth and sweet while the pastry skin soft, a perfect combination. Their egg tarts are priced at HK$ 6 (about RM 2.40) per piece, slightly expensive from other lesser known but equally delicious bakeries. 

Fresh from the oven

I remembered 2 Koreans came over and asked for direction towards this Tai Cheong Bakery. I guess this shop is not to be taken lightly.

Before I met up with them, I continued to explore Central. Most of the roads here are steep, hence, there is the Mid-Levels Escalator to help you out. I find this totally unique, to see a working escalator out in the open and not inside any building.

Mid-Levels Escalator

Hong Kong's streets are always crowded with peoples

When everyone was happy with their shopping outcomes, it was time to board the Airport Express from Hong Kong Station. Overall, a fulfilling winter adventure in Hong Kong.

*THE END*

Hong Kong (香港) - Golden Bauhinia Square (金紫荆广场)

For the last day in Hong Kong, it was decided to be purely on shopping. However, as the rest was still in their deep slumbers by the time I was done, I went for a walk at Golden Bauhinia Square before the eventual shopping spree. 

Getting to the square is easy. A quick MTR ride and a 15 minute of walking and you will be facing the golden statue in no time. There are signs everywhere to lead you to the right direction so you do not have to be afraid of going the wrong way.

Typical Hong Kong scenery

View from the walkway

Even though I woke up very early, it was still not early enough for the daily flag-raising ceremony, evidently so with the the China and Hong Kong flags both wavered at the top of their flag poles. I heard that it was quite a ceremony to witness yourself. Well, I guess I have to try again next time.

Golden Bauhinia Square

This Golden Bauhinia statue was a gift from China to the city island back in 1997 when Hong Kong was returned back to the mainland by the British. This significant landmark has become a major tourist destination especially for the Chinese to mark the 1997 Handover. During my visit, it was crowded with tourists as well as students on field trip.

Large crowds at the city's landmark

While the appeal of the Golden Bauhinia statue can only last for awhile, the ever captivating sight of Victoria Harbour will definitely draw you in. This harbour serves as the backdrop for this sculpture and you can stand and admire it as I did after I was done taking photos of the Golden Bauhinia statue. And right besides the statue is another Hong Kong landmark, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, one of the settings for Jackie Chan's film, New Police Story.

Victoria Harbour

International Commerce Centre, where Sky100 is located at, on the left

*TO BE CONTINUED*

Sharing is caring. A word of advice and a piece of information.

Take the MTR to Wan Chai Station and alight at Exit A5. Signboards are there to lead you all the way. There will be flag-raising ceremony everyday except the first day of the month from 7.50 a.m. to 8.03 a.m. where Hong Kong police officers in ceremonial uniforms will raise the flags while national anthem being played. On the first day of the month from 7.45 a.m. to 8.13 a.m., extravagant flag-raising ceremony will take place with the police officers together with a rifle unit. Police Band will play the national anthem followed by a 10-minute musical performance by the Police Pipe Band. However, the ceremony is subject to the weather conditions. For more information, visit Discover Hong Kong's website.

Hong Kong (香港) - Temple Street Night Market (庙街夜市)

Night markets are popular destinations in almost every corner of Asia, Hong Kong included, and Temple Street Night Market has to be among the famous ones in this city island. After we finished with absorbing the night views from Sky100, we then proceeded to the night market.

Temple Street Night Market

Named after a Tin Hau temple within close proximity, Temple Street Night Market is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. This place also serves as a backdrop to many memorable Hong Kong movies and series I grew up watching.

Just like the Ladies' Market, you can hunt for souvenirs and do your shopping sprees here. From kitschy items such as key chains and  fridge magnets to functional goods like shoes and luggage bags, you can find it all in this night market. The best part about shopping in these street bazaars is that bargaining is a necessity to get the best deal out of it.

Shopping time

However, unlike Ladies' Market, you can find street foods in this night market. Restaurants are plenty along the streets so if you ever go hungry, you can stop by at one of them and have your meals.  We managed to get ourselves locals' favourites like curry fishballs and eggettes or egg waffles (鸡蛋仔) as snacks.

A rather popular restaurant

Curry fishballs

Eggettes/Egg waffles/Egg puffs

Another high point of Temple Street Night Market is the stalls of fortune tellers and opera singers. Asians are generally very superstitious and a strong believer of feng shui (风水). So, do stop by at the fortune tellers stalls and have your future explained for you.

Array of fortune tellers stalls

*TO BE CONTINUED*

Sharing is caring. A word of advice and a piece of information.

To go to Temple Street Night Market, take the MTR to Yau Ma Tei Station, Exit C, and turn to Temple Street at Man Ming Lane. You can also alight at Jordan Station and take Exit A. Turn right into Jordan Road before taking another right turn to Temple Street. Generally, stalls begin to open after the sun goes down until late at night, about 2 or 3 a.m.

Hong Kong (香港) - Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck (天际100)

Hong Kong boasts with one of the most magnificent night views that I have ever seen. That may not be saying much considering the rather limited countries I have been to but I doubt I'll change my opinions even after trotting around the world. You can admire the cityscape almost from every angles available.

International Commerce Centre right in the middle

If there's a list of top 5 best spots to experience Hong Kong's night views, Sky100 would definitely be in it along with The Peak and Star Avenue and it was our destination after Lamma Island. Located at the 100th floor of the Hong Kong's tallest building, International Commerce Centre (ICC), Sky100 is an indoor observation deck that gives off a 360 degree view of city island. Conveniently, Sky100 is just 2 floors below the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong Hotel, which is inside the skyscraper as well, so you can go for a cocktail drink at the world's highest bar after that.

Sky100

Using the high speed elevator to reach the observation deck in just 60 seconds, you will be amazed by the breathtaking views the deck has to offer. You can see all of Hong Kong beautifully lighted up by simply touring the place. There is no area hidden from your view. Telescopes are scattered across the observation deck to give you a better view of the landscape.

Some of the views from Sky100

The reflection of the window gave off a unique picture

The best camwhoring session

There are souvenirs shop for you to do your shopping if you want. Information of Hong Kong and the local's lifestyle are plastered on the wall for a more detailed experience.

Sculptures of Hong Kong's icons

It was definitely a good place to be for a 360 degree view of Hong Kong.

*TO BE CONTINUED*

Sharing is caring. A word of advice and a piece of information.

ICC is located Austin Road West, Kowloon. To reach the building, just to the MTR to Kowloon Station, Exit C. The entrance is located in second floor on Metal Zone, Elements, a shopping complex. Ticket prices are as followed: HK$ 168 (RM 67.20) for adult and HK$ 118 (RM 47.20) for child and senior citizen. For more information, visit their website here.