Happy New Year 2019 from Macao!

#1: New Year countdown at The Venetian of Macao

Happy New Year Everyone! So how’s your new year eve celebration like? As for mine, if you are following me on Instagram or read my previous post, you would probably know that I was in oversea to initiate my virgin NYE celebration abroad. I went Macau for one short and brief trip but it was indeed a joyful and fruitful one. I had never ever plan to do countdown or even welcome the brand new year in foreign country cause for the past few years, I prefer to celebrate Christmas in overseas like Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, China, Hong Kong but this time around I wanna experience something new.

Thanks to AirAsia for relaunching back the route to Macau directly from Kota Kinabalu. I used to book this flight 8 years ago but it was suspended before I could ever experience it. Most of the times, I visited Macao by taking ferry from Hong Kong. It’s my first time to arrive in Macao International Airport (MFM). Although MFM is smaller and fairly simple than Hong Kong International Airport, but I prefer MFM than the latter one as it is less crowded and not so packed. You will never imagine how panicked I was few years back when the immigration clearance took almost an hour and I almost missed my flight from Hong Kong. Phewww...

#2: Direct flight from Kota Kinabalu to Macao with AirAsia

I know it’s just beginning of the year but I’m looking forward for my next and second countdown celebration in overseas. Have you ever did countdown in other country before? Come and share your experience with me.

#3: Dazzling and awesome fireworks display at The Parisian of Macao


#4: The very first photo of myself for the brand new year. Counting every blessings, be joyful and make the most of everyday.

P/S - Travelling a lot making my brain smaller - thank you for the compliment 😉

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2015 Christmas in Hong Kong & Macau (Sneak Peek)

Last year when both mommy and I were in Shanghai for Christmas, my mom watched a TV programme and she said she loves to go Macau someday. So I decided to give her another surprised, a Christmas trip to Hong Kong & Macau. 

The trip was relatively short - we went for 4 days and 3 nights only. We stayed 2 nights in Macau and a night in Hong Kong as my mom been to Hong Kong twice. It was indeed rush and quick trip but I want to fully utilise the two days of public holidays and the weekend. 

Here are the recap of our 4 days and 3 nights trip in Hong Kong & Macau:

#1: Once we landed in HKIA, we took Turbojet to Macau directly (HK$254 per trip) 

This is my maiden experience of taking ferry from HKIA directly to Macau cause previously, we departed from Sheung Wan Station. It's obviously hassle-free as passengers do not need to get through any Hong Kong immigration procedures or reclaim any baggage. Just show the baggage tag to the counter and they will do the rest for you. Remember to claim your baggage when arrive in Macau Ferry Terminal. 

Effective 28 December 2015, this is the revised sailing schedule:

11.00 am, 1.15 pm, 5,00 pm and 9.15 pm

#2: In Macau, we stayed in Sintra Hotel with its excellent location and impeccable services. 

Why we love Sintra Hotel?
1) Great location with a walking distance to major tourist attractions such as Senado Square (5 minutes away), Ruins of St Pauls (less than 10 minutes), not far from Casino Lisboa and Grand Lisboa
2) The famous Margaret's Cafe e Nata with Portuguese egg tarts is just one block away
3) Free shuttle service to and from Macau Maritime Terminal is provided
4) Shuttle service to City of Dreams and Shuttle City is just located in front of the hotel


#3: I brought my mom to watch The House of Dancing Water. Although it was pricey, but my mom enjoyed it so much. One of the spectacular shows much watch when one in Macau. 

Showing Time for The House of Dancing Water: 5pm and 8pm daily
Ticket Price: Starts from MOP580 (approx. to RM320)

#4: MGM Macau Grand Praca 

A trip to Macau is incomplete without a visit to any casinos. Both mommy and I went quite number of casinos such as The Venetian, City of Dreams, Wynn, MGM Macau and etc.


#5: Ruins of St Paul's for the third time. We woke up as early as 6am and yet, we still can't beat those Mainland China tourists. 

#6: Christmas set up in Senado Square was exceptionally impressive and amazing. 

After spending 2 lovely nights in Macau, we proceeded back to Hong Kong by taking Turbojet again (HK$166 per trip). We bought the 9.30 am trip but they allowed us to board early. 

#7: Jenny Bakery in Sheung Wan branch 

The first thing we did once we got back to Hong Kong was queuing for the famous home-grown butter cookies, Jenny Bakery. The butter cookies that cause visitors from various countries queued up more than an hour just for these. These butter cookies are even made themselves so exclusive that each person is limited to two cans only. Verdict? Famous cookies are much more better than these. Sorry, Jenny Bakery. 

#8: Le Prabelle - The hotel we stayed in Hong Kong 

#9: Mongkok for the fifth time and I still can't get enough of it

#10: On our final day, we went for Ngong Ping 360 and Tian Tan Buddha. 

We glad that we made a smart move by booking online a day earlier cause by the time we reach, we shocked with the super long queue. Imagine queue to purchase the ticket, and then another queue again for the cable car. It's insane!

Remember to book your ticket for Ngong Ping 360 in advance - Online Booking Ticket

Before leaving Hong Kong permanently, we did quick shopping at Citygate Outlets. We were so surprised to see few international brands such as Coach, Michael Kors and Kate Spade required customers to line up and wait before could officially went in for browsing their items. From Citygate Outlets or to be specific Tung Chung Station (Exit B), we took S1 bus directly to bus which cost HK$3.50 and the journey took less than 15 minutes.

#11: Despite all the crazy crowd, celebrated Christmas in Macau is really amazing and lovely. Wish to be back again. 

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7D6N Hong Kong & Macau Itinerary (2012) Version 2.0

Here is the compilation for all the posts relating to my trip to Hong Kong & Macau in year 2012 for 7 days and 6 nights. And below of the post, there are even few travel guides given based on my own experience, especially for those who are going Hong Kong & Macau for the very first time.

Day 1 (17th September 2012) & Day 2 (18th September 2012)
Arrived Hong Kong & Stanley Market on Second Day

How To Get To Stanley Market: From MTR Central Station Exit B, head to Exchange Square bus terminal and take bus 6, 6A, 6X or 260.

Central Post Office & Victoria Peak

How To Get To Victoria Peak: There are several ways to reach this place - 

• If you like to walk just like me, from MTR Central Station and head to exit J2. Turn right, through Chater Garden, cross Queen's Road Central and make way up to Garden Road. Pass the Bank of China Tower and Citibank Plaza on the left and St John's Cathedral on the right before arriving at the terminus, which is on the left hand side. The walk to the tram station will takes roughly around 15 to 20 minutes; or
• Take bus 15C from the lay-by outside the Star Ferry pier in Central; or
• Bus 15 from Exchange Square bus terminus (near MTR Hong Kong Station, Exit D); or
• Minibus 1 from MTR Hong Kong Station public transport interchange; or
• From Central's Admiralty Station Exit B, Lippo Centre Bus Terminus and take bus 12S

Star Ferry, Clock Tower & Symphony of Lights

1. (Left) Clock Tower 
2. (Top right) Star Ferry
3. (Bottom right) Symphony of Lights: Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade along Avenue of Stars to Hong Kong Cultural Centre: MTR Tsim Sha Tsui East Station, Exit J. Follow the signs and walk for around five minutes. 

Day 3 (19th September 2012)
Taking Turbojet From Hong Kong to Macau

Day 4 (20th September 2012)
Big Buddha, Ngo Ping Village & Citygate Outlets 

How to Get To Big Buddha: Tung Chung MTR Exit B and head to Ngong Ping 360 Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal is located just a short stroll away. Alternatively, if you happen to be unlucky like me, take Bus No. 23 and it will stop directly there. As for Citygate Outlet, you will see it once get out from Exit B as well.

Day 5 (21st September 2012)
Golden Bauhinia Square, Avenue of Stars & Ladies Market (Mongkok)

1. (Left) Golden Bauhinia Square & Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre: MTR Wan Chai Station, Exit A5. Walk across the footbridge, then turn right and head through the lobby of Central Plaza. Continue across the connecting overhead walkway, then descend to the ground level. Walk towards the waterfront ahead and the statue and monument will be on your left. The entire walk takes approximately 15 minutes. 
2. (Top right) Avenue of Stars:  Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Exit E, walk towards harbour and go through subway (pedestrian tunnel) to the waterfront; or East Tsim Sha Tsui KCR Exit J and walk through subway. 
3. (Bottom right) Ladies Market: MTR Mong Kok Station, Exit E2. Walk along Nelson Street for two blocks. Ladies Market is tucked between Boundary Street and Dundas Street on Tung Choi Street.

Day 6 & 7 (22nd & 23rd September 2012)
Hong Kong Disneyland

How To Get To Hong Kong Disneyland: Take the Tung Chung Line to Sunny Bay and then transfer to Disneyland Resort Line.

Disney's Hollywood Hotel

We booked a package which include 2-day pass for 2 adults and 1 night stay in Disney's Hollywood Hotel under a special package rate that applies for Hong Kong citizen only.

Extra Features

• Hong Kong & Macau 2012 (Sneak Peek)
• My Travel Loots Version 2.0 

Besides above, there are more things that eventually you can do and see:
Hong Kong

• Ocean Park - Hong Kong's homegrown theme park, which besides being an amusement park but it also consists of oceanarium and marine mammal park.
• Museums such as Hong Kong Museum of History, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre.
• Countryside such as Lamma Island, Cheung Chau or Tai O if you want to avoid from the hectic environment and get more closer to nature.   
• Travelling on a tram is ideal for looking at different sides of Hong Kong. Not only it is cheap to ride but it also allows you to see completely different lifestyles in different districts in a short time.

Macau

• Macau Tower for bungee jump perhaps
• Fisherman's Wharf  
• Museum of Taipa and Coloane History and Taipa Houses Museum

Hong Kong & Macau Travel Guide (based on my own personal experience)

1. Both Hong Kong and Macau are separate and independent immigration system from mainland of China, hence it is visa-free for Malaysia to enter up to 90 days for Hong Kong and 30 days for Macau. [Most common questions: How about Shenzhen and Zhuhai? Both are part of China, hence visa is required]
2. The best time to visit Hong Kong and Macau would be between October to December cause it has the least rainfall, less chance of a typhoon (almost non-existent after October), less humid and more sunshine. Last few years during my maiden visit to Hong Kong, it was during Chinese New Year period and there were quite number of celebratory events such as lion dances, fireworks, and parades. Many shops and restaurants close on the first three days, so it may not be an ideal time to visit. Plus, it was overcrowded especially visit from the people of Mainland China. Imagine the queue for cable cars in Ocean Park took almost two hours. Another tip given by Boyfie was try to avoid visit Hong Kong and Macau during China so-called "Golden Week” which falls from 1st-7th October annually cause this is the time where more and more China people visit there.
3. If you are looking for accommodation around Hong Kong, I would highly recommended to stay along Nathan Road between Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok especially for those who is looking for super-budget guesthouse. Well, of course expect nothing else except for tiny small room. As for Macau, as far as I know there is no backpackers or even hostels around Macau and it being claimed to be backpacker unfriendly. So if your budget is tight, it is better to stay in Hong Kong and plan a day trip to Macau perhaps. 
4. Hong Kong's spoken official language is Cantonese but I found out there's no problem of speaking English with the local. Macau's spoken official languages are Cantonese and Portuguese. If you know how to speak Cantonese, it will be a great advantage for you. Although most of the signboards and streets within Hong Kong are available in English, but they are seldom used among local people including those who can speak fluent English. Take for example, the local people refer Stanley Street as "Chek Chue" and it will be helpless if you are try to mention the word of Stanley when asking for direction from the local. Therefore it is advisable before you go to anywhere, ask the hotel staff to write down the street names using Chinese characters, and try to learn how to pronounce where you are going in Cantonese, if possible.
5. So far visit Hong Kong for forth times and I can say it is pretty convenient to travel around if you have Octopus Card which not only can be used for all types of public transport (except most of the red-top minibuses and taxis), Octopus is also accepted for payment in almost all convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurant chains like McDonald's many vending machines. Basic Octopus cards cost $150, with $100 face value plus $50 refundable deposit. A $9 service charge applies if the card is returned in less than three months for the refundable deposit. As for Macau, I did share a little bit of tips how to travel around by utilise the free shuttle buses provided by hotels and casinos - click HERE. 

And that's wrap up my Hong Kong & Macau Version 2.0 travelogue. As for the next travelogue, I am seriously cracking my head out thinking where and which should I continue cause I have tons of travelogue in queue to be published online. And for your information, this is again another scheduled post of mine cause I am currently away for another travel mission. Don't know when I able to complete my never-ending 2012 and 2013 travelogue.

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My Travel Loots from Hong & Macau (2012) Version 2.0

#1: My travel loots from Hong Kong & Macau version 2.0 (Click here for version 1.0)

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Hong Kong & Macau Day 3: Impromptu Trip To Macau

Date of Visit: 19th September 2012

Trip to Macau can be claimed to be an impromptu trip for both Boyfie and I. We planned to go Macau either on the fourth or fifth day of our trip in Hong Kong, but out of sudden on the second night, I received message from a very good friend of mine that she and her husband were in Macau. Hence, we had to change our plan to go Macau on the third day without any advance preparation especially for the ferry ticket. But since both of us went there before, guess there won't be any issue for that.

Before crossing Macau, don't forget to bring along your passport cause Macau is designated under Special Administrative Regions operating which they have their own immigration controls, currencies and autonomous governments. I have few friends who eventually forgot to bring their passports along and at the end, either trip to Macau had to be cancelled or even being postponed. 

Where To Catch The Ferry

MTR Sheung Wan Station, Exit D and then head up to the 3rd floor. 

#1: Everytime come out from a particular station, make sure check for the right exit. 

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Hong Kong & Macau 2012 (Sneak Peek)

For those who follow me in Twitter or Instagram, you might know that I went to Hong Kong & Macau with my boyfie for a week. Well, I went Hong Kong & Macau exactly 2 years ago (click here) and now once again, here I am at this vibrant and bustle little big city.

This is my 4th trip to Hong Kong and wondering why I choose to go back there again?

It's all because Hong Kong is distributing HK$6,000 to all the Hong Kong Citizen and my boyfie is partly of Hongkie. So, he decided to tag me along and sponsored this trip as the treat of my birthday gift for this year.

During this trip we had save a lot especially in terms of accommodation. We stayed at boyfie's relative place which located just less than half an hour from the city. It was indeed a small room but we're eternally grateful for all the kind hospitality given by boyfie's relatives.

And also during our stayed with boyfie's relatives, almost every morning we're brought to have dim sum, the delicacies that you shouldn't miss out when visiting Hong Kong.

Since I went Hong Kong for 4th times and boyfie has been went Hong Kong like don't know how many times, some of the places we skipped like Ocean Park but for some I did repeated again. Some I went exactly for the first time - which I totally missed out from my previous trips.

Went Stanley New Street for the first time but I felt like being fooled to come what a long way and bought things that in slightly higher price. Therefore, this place is totally not recommended.

Took Peak Tram to visit The Peak for 3rd time. Went here just to kill some time by sat down in some random restaurant and having high tea. And also at the same time, to write 20 postcards which I bought from Stanley Market.

Finally, got to experience Star Ferry for the fist time after listened to boyfie's story of his experience of taking this ferry ride to across from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon. Only cost HK$2.50 for almost 10 minutes ride.

Macau for 2nd time to meet up with my BFF who was coincidentally in Hong Kong & Macau too for 10 days with her boyfriend.

 

There's so many varieties and assorted of snow skin mooncake in Hong Kong.

The Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery in Lautau Island was actually inside my itinerary last 2 years but I cancelled this cause my friends were so tired and exhausted. Plus, at that period, the weather was freaking hot.

We even did a lil bit shopping at CityGate Outlets which was being told by my friends that the stuffs especially the high end are super duper cheap.

Walked like more than 20 minutes from MTR station just to take photo with Golden Bauhinia Square at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Strolled along Avenue of Stars, Tsim Tsa Tsui for second time and the first time I went was at night time.

Ladies' Street, Mongkok is the place that I went over and over again. Never get bored of here and this place is highly recommended than Stanley Street. So, whoever wanna visit Hong Kong, stay nearby Mongkok.

Last but not least, Disneyland Hong Kong one more time again! The first time I went it was rain heavily but this time around the weather was so fine and the sky is so blue.

My dream to stay in Disney's Hollywood Hotel finally came true.

Ok! That's all for my Hong Kong Style. I should do the Oppa Hong Kong style but I was too shy. 

Whether will I go back Hong Kong again for the 5th time? Well, I have this love and hate relationship towards Hong Kong but probably I will, just not within this nearer period.

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6 Out Of 8 East Asia - DONE!

Small Note: Actually, I'm not really having 11 days of holidays but the real actual amount of holidays I had was 20 days. 11 days were officially one but the other 9 days sendiri holidays punya. This means I am skipping my class for almost 2 weeks.
As you know, I had just came back from holidays in South Korea and thank God, this trip can be consider to be one of the best and remarkable holidays I ever had. The main reason was because I am the organiser for this South Korea trip and it took me more than 3 months for the planning process. Although not completely 100% according to the plan, but I'm satisfied with the end results.

Surprisingly for me was within 1 year, I managed to travel 6 out of 8 countries and territories of East Asia.

DT's Travel Journal Around East Asia

• Besides Hong Kong which I'd been for 3 times, all is my first time trip ever.
• Been to China twice but different district and cities.

• Out of 6, Taiwan is the only one that it was not backpacking trip but we followed organised tour guide.

• Out of 6, Japan is the only one that I didn't boarding with Air Asia.

Somehow, I would love to visit the above countries again even though including Hong Kong. So many places that I didn't manage to cover and it makes me feel a bit regret. For eg: Nara and Kobe in Japan; Busan in South Korea; Shanghai in China and more. [I would blog what I'd miss and loves to cover if I go these countries again in my future post]

So, did you manage to guess which are the TWO countries of East Asia that I haven't left my footprints on?

The answer are: North Korea & Mongolia [Photo credit to Wikipedia]

For these 2 countries, it has not yet listed in my current travelling list unless I receive a sudden invitation again just like my previous Japan trip.


So, now I'd done travel around East Asia and guess which part will be my next target???

Before I end this short post, I have a lil surprised for my readers but please do make sure check out on my next post.

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7 Days of Sweet Summer Getaway to Hong Kong & Macau Itinerary (2010)

Finally, after 2 months plus, I had finally managed to finish posting my blog regarding Hong Kong and Macau trip.

Here is my Hong Kong & Macau itinerary [click on the blue colour fonts]:

Day 1 (15 September 2010)
- Reached Hong Kong International Airport
- Dinner at Kingswood Ginza Shopping Plaza

Day 2 (16 September 2010)
[Part 1] - Take speed boat from Hong Kong to Macau, Visiting The Sands
[Part 2] - Visiting The Venetian Macau Resort Hotel, Dinner at Cozinha Pinocchio, Taipa Village

Day 3 (17 September 2010)
[Part 1] - Macau City Tour; Senado Square, Ruins of St Paul
[Part 2] - Avenue of Stars, Tsim Sha Tshui

Day 4 (18 September 2010)
- Ocean Park

Day 5 (19 September 2010)
- Victoria Peak and Madame Tussauds

Day 6 (20 September 2010)
- Hong Kong Disneyland

Day 7 (21 September 2010)
- Breakfast and Lunch at Kingswood Ginza Shopping Plaza
- Goodbye Hong Kong

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It's My Haul from Hong Kong & Macau (2010)

This is one and only photo I have because I accidentally deleted the rest of the photos. Sigh! Not many things I bought from my Hong Kong & Macau trip because I went Hong Kong twice before this. Let's see what things had I bought back from Hong Kong & Macau.

Hong Kong

1. Pink colour handbag from Ladies Street (HKD200)
2. Beige colour handbag from H&M. I quite love the quality of H&M products, which I ever bought before from Nice, Paris and United Kingdom (HKD199)
3. Dark blue colour purse from Esprit (HKD199)
4. A set of fridge magnet from Ocean Park (HKD20)
5. T-shirt, cookies, fridge magnet, keychains from Disneyland Hong Kong (HKD1,085)

Macau

1. The famous almond cookies (HKD180)
2. Pouch from Naraya (HKD136)
3. Fridge magnet (HKD10)

Did you notice that I even brought back the 2 small cups of Haagen Danz? Haagen Danz is my favourite dessert. Ever bought in Malaysia but it cost RM11 for small cup whereas in Hong Kong, it cost roughly around RM8. That's so cheap, man! The total damages that I spend for my travel haul was HKD1,884.90 (Approximately RM770).

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