Rowing my boat on the river to the west,
Gathering wild flowers on the way,
If dear passengers wish to hop in,
Do present a flower as the fare.
路西河
永不停水流
仿佛是一道路的河
虽然往往向西去
却一路上
让你和我
都充满着
‘西’望。
After much talk about and postponement, finally we visited the BakoNational Park. Although Lucyriver enthusiasm had waned, Lucyriver was still anticipating the trip.
We set off early in the morning. It was a sunny morning, with the sun shining high and bright. We arrived at the jetty of Kampung Bako around eight and according to our boatman, many had already taken off early morning.
We registered our names and paid the park entrance ticket. It was RM 50 for the six of us.
The boat fee is charged according to the number of people and the destination made. Guide can be hired if required especially if going trekking.
It was about half an hour journey boat to the park’s headquarter excluding the time spent in stopping to take pictures of the rocks along the way. We were cruising along the shore tearing the calm waves crying in bubbles.
Our boatmen pointed to the rocks and told us how they resemble some animals like frog, monkey, snake, etc.
The Toad.
The Cobra
The boatman let us ventured a small tiny beach for a while. Forgot the name, could be Teluk Pandan. According to him, there were tourists who like to skinny dipping there. There was also a trail leading from the kampung which may take a good two hours trekking.
Another huge stone standing on the beach.
Stairs up to a treehouse.
We went further up to Pulau Lakei to see the island before turning back to the headquarter. There were a few chalets built just ashore the beach. Our boatman said, it was perfect for BBQ at night and since the chalets were not furnished yet, anyone could use it for free for sleeping at night. There would be people watching the place at night. Of course, they got to prepare their own sleeping bed as it is an empty shell. We also saw a boat getting ready to go out sea fishing. Behind the chalets, there was a ladder leading up to, well, a graveyard.
There were fishermen getting ready to go out to sea fishing.
The boat terminal of the headquarter was just a small, simple jetty. There were the mangrove dotting along the left as you near it. There was another docking place a few metres away at the beach where it was nearer to the headquarter and the chalets. We have seen people docking there carrying lots of things and food but one has to brave the water, as well as at the terminal if the tide is low.
We had to walk quite a way to reach the registration counter. After answering the nature’s call, everyone was ready to make some exploration. Small one, due to we had some elders in the group. So, Lucyriver had guessed, definitely no tough trekking especially going up, so walking it was.
We only managed to take the Lintang trails half way. There were several trails marked with different colours, duration and length. It was hot but fortunately, we have the trees as our canopies.
We were half way at the Ulu Assam trail to see the view when we came to the part needing to climb up. As a result we turned back. As Lucyriver mentioned just now, we have elders with us. Hahahaha. So sayang, what a pity but surely will find the chance to come again to trek.
There were not many animals that we encountered at the park mainly due to the timing were not right and we had not explored far, plus the elders were ‘bising-bising.’‘ Hantu’ also dare not approach. As read, the chances of seeing the animals would be higher before the sun comes up and also when it is closer to dusk and night. We did not see the infamous proboscis monkey. But then, Lucyriver guess another type of monkey can make up for it, the ‘kera’ and also the wild boars which were roaming around. They could be the pets of the park.
The beach near the headquarter.
We left the park at eleven. This is really a sight-seeing trip. Sigh, really missed a good lots of things.
Note: We did not eat at the canteen as it was pretty expensive. Haiya, we are typical Malaysians mah. Actually we bought our own buns and sat eating next to the wild boars.
After words: The chalets could have been maintained in a better way as some were already covered with weeds and old drying leaves. They could look appealing in such a beautiful green environment if taken a good care of. The receptionist at the registration headquarter would look pretty if she smiles.
We could have taken beautiful pictures if the bridge at the Pulau Lakei has not been broken for almost ten years and repair is not seen at all.
OSE and Lucyriver wake up early to catch the MAS flight to Hong Kong via Kuala Lumpur. Meet up with the Sh*t at KLIA. Once arrive, we buy Octopus cards HKD 150 with added value HKD 100. Note: All price stated is for one/per person. Then, we buy return bus tickets from airport to Jordan (A21/22) HKD 55. It takes less than an hour to reach Jordan where our Golden Wave Hotel is. What we like most is Jordan MRT exit A is just opposite the road from where we stay.
We meet Mr. Chung, the hotel operator, who has our room readied by the time we arrive. We pay for the room in full with additional HKD 100 as deposit. Our triple room is HKD 450 on weekdays and HKD 480 on weekend. Bottles of water are provided everyday. The room may be small but comfortable with bath utilities provided.
As soon as we put down our things, we take MRT to Mongkok to buy tickets. It takes us a while to find the elevator to get to Ding Ding Travel Agent. The name is not displayed on the board. We just know it is at the 14th floor. Indeed it is a very tiny agency situated in a corner. Heck, as long as the tickets are cheaper, who cares lar. The ticket price on its website is in RMB. Here’s the list of tickets that we have bought in HKD.
Disneyland
306
Meal Coupon
67
OceanPark
199
Meal Coupon
67
Madame Tussaud+Tram+Peak
155
As for the meal coupons, it makes no big difference if you buy the meals directly at the spot. One, the price is the same, two, it doesn’t restrict you to stick to certain eateries only.
Once we got the tickets, we make our way to the Peak Tram. We have two options, to take bus from the ferry pier or to walk. As we can’t find the bus stop, we finally decide to walk. It is actually very near as we walk uphill along the Garden Road by following the sign pointing to the peak tram. We see people queuing to buy tickets. We go in directly to board the tram. We sit on the right side as the harbour view is on the right when the tram goes up.
Sh*t plans to take night view pictures so we go to Madame Tussaud first. At the entrance greeting us are Pierce Brosnan and Michelle Yeoh. We don’t manage to get Jackie Chan as a photographer is there to take your picture with Jackie Chan for a certain payment, of course.
The wax celebrities are located in a few floors. Lucyriver am not sure how many floors but the elevator reaches until the 4th floor. There is also a SCREAM, which Lucyriver think is pretty dreary. We walk in locomotive in the path as a few bloody ghosts appear to scare us.
After taking pictures with all the celebrities, we go up to the Sky Terrace. It is still not dusk. We book our spot. Sh*t sets up his tripod. The air is getting cooler. It would be nice to have a jacket now. The lights of the buildings at the Victoria harbour are lighting up gradually. We stay until 8.30 to see if we are able to catch some of the symphony lights but other than a few beams of white spot lights, there is nothing else.
We made our way down queuing for the tram. It seems like people are getting more and more as night sets in. Instead of walking back, we take a bus ride to the Central MRT Station.
Believe it or not, our first meal in Hong Kong is Mc Donald’s.
A few things learnt on the first day in Hong Kong.
When taking the escalator especially at the MRT station, stick to the right as the left is for over taking or those who walk fast fast one.
Tarzan tree house
Tuesday, 31st May 2011
Breakfast is dim sum. Due to excitement, Lucyriver order more than enough. Plus, it is not up to expectation.
We take MRT to Disneyland. The weather is real hot, and coincidentally or what, Lucyriver have the mickey umbrella, hahaha. Finally, Lucyriver is stepping on the home of Mickey, Minnie and friends.
We obtain the map guide and start clockwise from the USA main street. First thing, photo with the rats, ooopppsss, Lucyriver mean, the ‘mouses’ or is it the mice, Mickey and Minnie. It is a long queue with intervals of Mickey and Minnie leaving for touch up. Three minutes, three minutes, that’s what they say each time but it’s longer than that. Seeing Mickey and Minnie coming back each time after touch up, waving and with that wide smile plastering on their faces make Lucyriver (sweating under the hot sun) want to ‘hoot’ them.
*hoot=punch
After the photos, we take the raft to Tarzan’s treehouse. From the treehouse, we rush to the Festival of the Lion King. It is an awesome performance, real awesome, the best among others. It shouldn’t be missed at all.
The jungle river cruise is conducted in several languages, Mandarin, Cantonese and English. There are elephants that sprout water as we pass by. All the animals are fakes. But the fire is real, can really feel the heat.
The Golden Mickeys is worth watching as well, if not the coolness inside the theatre will make it up. Lucyriver would personally advise to ride the small small world twice if got extra time, each time on different side. One, can see both sides, they are different, not enough time to turn the head left and right in one ride. Two, more and better photos. 70 % of the photos taken by Lucyriver are blurred.
After lunch, we watch the parade. It is real exciting. Any spot is fine as long as you are in the front line and not facing the sun.
Lucyriver really do not see it coming as we go to the SpaceMountain ride. We may have to ‘tapao’ OSE home if he had gone for the ride. It only dawns on Lucyriver once it makes the sharp turn and deep plunge. It scares the hell out of Lucyriver. Never ever Lucyriver will ride a roller-coaster again. This is the first and also the last time. Roller coaster is a nightmare. *ta pao=pack
We almost leave out the Mickey PhilharMagic3D if Sh*t has not checked the map guide. It is fun. A little bit wet though.
As it closes to late afternoon, we ride the train that goes around the park and listen to the story of Winnie the Pooh. Hunny, anyone?
After a few strolls in the souvenir shops, we plump ourselves down on the bench waiting for the illumination of the Sleeping Beauty castle by Tinkerbell and the fireworks.
Avenue of Stars - lookng to the Hong Kong Island
Wednesday, 1st June 2011
As soon as we enter the park, we take the cable car to go up to the summit. Our first show is the Ocean Theatre where we see the performance of the acrobatic dolphins and the graceful sea lions.
OceanPark has brought a few memories from watching the Hong Kong drama where they feature family outing to the park or known as ‘hoi yong gong yun’.
After that, we ride the OceanParkTower to experience the 360 degrees view of the park. Then, we make our way to the Pacific Pier to see the sea lions and seals. It is pretty fascinating to see the submarines gliding past us in the tank.
Before we go down to the waterfront again, we visit the Sea Jelly Spectacular to see the illuminated jelly fish in various sizes.
As we are too late for the bird show, we go over to the Whisker Theatre to see the sea lion drama.
After a late lunch and going out of the café, we catch the Sky Fair celebrations consists of acrobatic performance. We do not wait until it ends as we rush over to the bird theatre once more and again, we miss the show. Not to fret, we stroll over to the PandaVillage to see the national treasure of China.
An old lame joke, what does a panda wish the most in his life?
Answer: To have a colour photo taken.
The pandas are very cute, mostly lazing around eating bamboo leaves.
The grand aquarium might not live up to its name, nevertheless, there are still a lot of fishes to see all around; left, right, up and down.
We do manage to catch the last show of the birds before we leave.
We stop at Tsim Sha Tsui MRT station to walk to the Avenue of Stars and wait there until eight to see the Symphony of Lights. Not that spectacular as we hope it would be so we walk away before it ends.
The Venetian
Thursday, 2nd June 2011
Lucyriver main purpose to Macau is to the St. Paul’s Ruins. It is just at the end of the Senado Square as we walk upwards. The weather is hot like hell and a lot of people there as well taking pictures of the ruins.
The Venetian is so mesmerizing, not to be left out in the itinerary. It emulates the feel of being in Venice with the building structures and the gondolas in the canals. If only the sky looks realer. Nevertheless, it is a breathtaking place.
We also drop by the City of Dreams before returning to Hong Kong. OSE is very excited about the mermaids, hahaha.
There are actually many things or places in Macau that we do not do or go to due to not well-planned itinerary and the hot weather plays a part too in mucking up the enthusiasm.
Friday, 3rd June 2011
We take early train to go to Shenzhen. It is ten in the morning when we arrive there. We take Metro to go to the Windows of the World. The weather is truly hot and burning. As we stroll in the park, we have to stop and rest for several times as it is really exhausting. Somehow, it also dampers our mood to appreciate the structures and therefore, we miss out a few such as the Niagara Fall, really cannot find it or it is not there. Frankly, the WOW is a bit let down as Lucyriver feel that it is not offering much except the stagnant structures which need proper care, plus most service inside there require payment. Sigh.
The weather is also the cause that we dump Splendid China.
We also take quite a long time in finding a taxi which knows the hotel that we are going to stay a night. Moreover, the hotel is undergoing some kind of renovation, thus the whole atmosphere is somehow baffling. Nevertheless, the taxi drivers are gracious.
We go to Dongmen Pedestrian Street in the late afternoon. There are really a lot of shops that seems like never-ending. But most of them are selling the same things; clothes, shoes, bag and service of manicure and pedicure.
Lucyriver still like Hong Kong better compared to Shenzhen for one obvious reason, the transportation system.
Saturday, 4th June 2011
Just as we leave early for Shenzhen, we also leave early to leave it. After breakfast and a quick stroll at the Lo Wu Commercial City, we take the train back to Hong Kong. We stop at Shatin to see Snoopy. It is just located in a shopping mall, outside the balcony. The characters are so cute. Lucyriver just love them all. It’s been quite a while the last time they appear in newspaper.
We check back in to our hotel and rest a while. After a late lunch, we proceed to the Mid-level Escalators. It is fun going up but headache when going down. Going down also requires energy and strength. Then, we look for the tram or ‘ding ding’ to ride. Halfway, we sneak into a shopping mall.
At night, we walk around the Langham Place and Ladies’ Market but return empty-handed.
Flowers in Ngong Ping
Sunday, 5th June 2011
As the Ngong Ping cable car is closed for maintenance, we take bus to go up to see the Big Buddha. Weekday is cheaper HKD 17 and weekend is HKD 27 one way. Bus is frequent and very convenient.
It is a must to walk up the stairs to greet the Big Buddha. If just at the foot of the stairs, he might not hear what we want to say to him, hehehe.
We stop at the City Gate Outlet to shop for a while before proceeding to Fa Yuen Streetfor Sh*t to look for his clothes.
Wantan Noodles
Hui Lau Shan Mangoes
Monday, 6th June 2011
Our plan to take the star ferry to Wan Chai to see the bauhinia is scrapped due to everyone sleeps late and so lazy want to do anything anymore. We take one last dim sum brunch before we make our way to the airport.
After Words
Although we were going on our own, Lucyriver really did not do much research and planning and only panicked when the time is near. Lucyriver even bought a guidebook on Hong Kong and Macau and read through it several times but then forgot after a while. Luckily, Sh*t did a lot of research and printed papers of map and information. He is useful after all. Sh*t bought the air tickets and Lucyriver booked the hotel. Sh*t took most of the photos and Lucyriver planned the itinerary with the help and comments by Sh*t. OSE just followed. We also came back in one piece. OSE did not get lost, though stuck at the MRT exit twice and then blamed it on none related things, hahaha. Lucyriver also lost temper a few times, well, blame it on the weather and the painful toes.
Frankly, just get the map guide and brochures at the airport when arrive in Hong Kong or Macau, it is already enough to help to get to most of the must visit places. Still, a pre-reading would be real helpful in determining what to do and what to expect.
All the while in Hong Kong, the people that we met were all right. None of the rude as said or perhaps we were lucky and did not meet one. However, the local were rushing most of the times and in hurry when taking train or elevator.
The Toad.
The beach near the headquarter.
