Hong Kong 2010 (Day 1)

From Hotel Ibis

Our first family trip to Hong Kong! Thanks to K's recent promotion and the perks that come with it (finally!) K's invited to attend his friend's wedding and i took the chance to visit a dear friend of mine and for Shanen - Disneyland.

Based on travel reviews, it's relatively easy to get around as everywhere is well-connected to the local MTR stations and bus services. So we did it the tourists way but without further research. Upon arrival at HK International Airport (赤乐角机场)， we eagerly queued and bought the express train ticket (conveniently located right outside the immigration checkpoint - so we/tourists won't miss it) at HKD160 for 2 (equiv to S$32) to Central before hopping on the MTR (another HKD20) to our hotel, Ibis at Northpoint (北角)。 BIG MISTAKE - we knew that Hong Kong is crowded, that was such an understatement. It's OVERLY CROWDED. Just imagine you taking the MRT during rush hours, well it's basically rush hour all day/night in HK.

Later, as we found out from our friends, Jason and Vikki, there are discount taxis (打折德士) that offer discounted fares but calls have to be made half hour in advance. Well, personal choice really. If you are travelling solo without the kids, it makes more sense to take the earlier option.

After meandering our way through the stations and crowds, we finally got to our hotel...

The only thing that's uplifting was the view from the hotel...when the weather permits that is. Most of the time it's blocked by the haze. The other comforting thing was the food choices available around the hotel. PLENTY of cheap and mouth-watering treats (even the roadside stalls). Do try:

• Breakfast at Lok Tin Tea Restaurant (乐天茶餐厅) or 有你有我茶餐厅 a few steps away from the hotel which is opened 24hrs.
• Snack on the braised beef intestines/squids/fishballs (鱼蛋) at 十三座牛杂 next to the hotel across the street- you will find the locals queuing and eating right infront of the stalls with metal plates.
• Lunch at Yung Kee restaurant that sells excellent roast meat/goose rice and herbal soups at reasonable prices (to me it's cheap!)
• Dessert from the famous Tsui Lau Shan (许留山) - Thumbs up for Mango with pomelo dessert drink and mango/orange mochi with coconut flakes (sorry too late to get the pics as K merrily consumed it on his way back to the hotel).

Day 2 to Disneyland...tomorrow!