The day started really early at 730am for our preparations before the flight at 1245pm. A lot of time was required for the last minute packing since baby still need to use them in the morning. With the growing almost 10month old, travel was progressively more difficulty mainly due to food preparations and waning milk intake.
This morning activities were carried out through tired bodies as baby K had woken up at 1am and only gone to sleep at 3am, cranky due to painful ulcers in the mouth (fortunately not HFMD) and subsequently woke up another hour later. This trip was almost disrupted when he broke out into a fever just 2 days ago. Fortunately, his body temperature had been normal for almost 24hrs already. As he napped in the sarong, his parents pressed on to pack. Haze out there, could be at its worst, added on to the dread. Motivation was fueled by the euphoria of anticipation of travel only.
Baby K was napping longer than expected, so I woke him up to bath before its time for us to leave. It was quite a smooth ride to the airport, expectedly so with the city shrouded in haze, like Genting highlands, only that it stank.
We dropped our bags (having done the online check in) quite quickly and went to take some photos with the SG50 orchid and dragon playground exhibit. Fed baby K and ate some light meals before boarding. We ferried baby K around with the free trolley that came with a baby seat available at the info counter – really a gift for parents without stroller.
Trolley with combi baby seat. Love this as we didn’t have a stroller.
The plane took a long while to take off, queuing behind a number of planes, wonder if it was due to the haze. 45mins behind time, the plane took off with baby K in high spirits. Unfortunately he maintained he high spirits past his bedtime, playing so happily in the bassinet, causing him to be cranky. Thankfully for granny’s experienced arms that he finally had some shut eyes.
About 5pm and we landed with baby K only just woken up, which was an amazing feat. I managed to even finished watching Age of Ultron. Getting off the plane, we left a bag behind in the overhead and had to wait for the steward to pick up and send it to me while waiting at the airport walkway because there was no way walking back against the wave of passengers leaving the plane.
Same routine of taking a short train ride to immigrations and it was relatively light human traffic at the immigrations. Before arriving, baby K was aimed at the forehead with a thermal scanner and was confirmed not to have fever, a good sign. Picked up the luggage at the belt and got to the nursing room outside arrivals to warm up the milk for baby K who didn’t drink much throughout the trip. It was a pretty nice nursing room with a Avent milk warmer, something we don’t see in Singapore.
Hong Kong AirportNursing room at the airport.Nice layout with Avent milk warmer.
Since there were 3 of us, we took the cab, as economics of scale gave us more private comfort for a slight few dollars more. The taxi stands was to the left from the express train platform and while we were ushered to the taxi, the driver wasn’t sure of the address of our hotel. Anyhow, we got on, with the luggage protruding at the back with the boot cover strapped with tension cords (as there were 3 of them and there weren’t enough space on the red taxis). Soon we were on the highway with the sunset upon us, tall buildings with a cloudless backdrop welcoming us to equally warm but hazeless (lesser) Hong Kong.
To the taxi stands, separated by destinations.Taxi stand towards the city.
Arrived at the Bauhinia hotel, opposite the ferry terminal in Sheung Wan, 342HK dollars, not too expensive. Our relative was already waiting for us, not knowing the delay that we had earlier and guided us to the hotel since she was there earlier.
Bauhinia Hotel entrance.
Checked in and we were given the room on the 2nd floor. The whole area was in modern deco and so was the room. It was a larger one which gave us plenty of space to move about. With a small coach in the room, our relatives had some space to sit as well. Prepared to go out while they fed baby K with porridge made by them.
Huge king bed in modern deco room.Bathroom.
After baby K was done with dinner, we walked to the street behind (on Des Voeux Rd Central) and found a Yuen Kee restaurant where we had our dinner. Ordered some roasted pork and goose and vegetables and egg and soup. Portion of the pork was huge, too much that we couldn’t finish. Food was ok.
Yuen Kee Restaurant.
Went back to the room where the routine of cleaning up and preparing the baby began while my mom left with my relatives to their home. She would be staying over at their place.
Baby K was especially cranky these few nights and it wasn’t any different here. Cried for hours before going to bed and then waking up again not too long. Wasn’t sure if the ulcers were making him uncomfortable but it wasn’t the same in the day. Giving up all the pillows to my wife as she carried baby K in her arms, we attempted to sleep. Sleepless in Hong Kong tonight.
Total duration 5D4N Singapore is in the same time zone as Hong Kong. Flight time is 4hrs on Cathay Pacific from Singapore to Hong Kong.
Afternoon flight on 24th September at 12pm and arrival in Hong Kong at 5pm. Return flight is on the 28th September at 3:20pm and arrival in Singapore at 7:20pm.
This escape plan was to attend the Bon Jovi Concert since their last concert in Singapore some 20 years ago. I didn’t want to attend the F1 one thinking that it won’t be a official full concert and thankfully so, with the haze that was around during this time. At the same time, with a Hari Raya Haji on Thursday, a 2 days leave would have yielded 5 days of holidaying.
Budget nature: Expensive (for this itinerary) with the a visit to Prada outlet, Macau concert and 2 Michelin starred dining at 102nd floor.
Travelling in Hong Kong and Macau can be affordable if we had taken the cheaper alternatives of staying outskirts, taking free buses, eating cheap food etc. This itinerary wasn’t so basically due to attending a concert in Macau and having expensive dim sum at a 2 Michelin starred restaurant at 102nd floor of Ritz Carlton. For a one time experience, why not.
Complexity: Easy to get around with the MTR and the buses in Macau.
Major places of interests were well connected to the MTR in Hong Kong. Macau was well served with free hotel buses and public transport. Taxis were inexpensive too.
World Cup finals with Germany facing off Argentina on the TV in our room. Didn’t spend all the energy on the game and nodded off every so often until the goal in extra time sealed the fate of the South Americans, leaving the Europeans champions of the world. With that, I also welcomed the sunrise peeking out in the distant clouds. Not fantastic but was too tired anyways.
Table from last night dinner.
The next thing I knew, I jolted out of dreamland having remembered somehow that the alarm had already sounded previously. 850am already and we had to wake up to get to some dim sum. It was our last day in Hong Kong and we had to have Dim Sum, and we already had a target.
Got off to the concierge on the 116th floor and was informed of our airport transfer at 130pm. Had informed that it was possible to be dropped off in Prince Edward station complimentary for a single time and part of the hotel package. When we arrived on the ground floor, we were informed that the car not available as the guest who booked the later time slot was arrived sitting in the car. What a bummer.
Took the MTR and we went northwards instead of going the usual Hong Kong – Central – Prince Edward route. It was just an additional 1 station but less walking.
Upon arrival, there was a slight drizzle and we had to brave through it for 2 small streets until we arrived at One Dim Sum, a one Michelin star restaurant. The opening hours is 11am and we arrived at 1030am, sat outside on the plastic stools provided, first to arrive. It was not too long before the queue began to grow and soon the line of stools were taken up.
Once we got a table when the doors opened, we quickly ordered some the common dim sum that we loved in Singapore, such as glutinous rice, Har Kau and Siu Mai. The turnip cake and the fried spring rolls were our favorites. This was one restaurant that we thought was really worth the wait. The traditional taste of dim sum could be rediscovered here.
One Dim Sum.
The menu.
Yam cake, Spring roll, Siew Mai and Glutinous rice.
Custard bun.
Custard inside.
Char Siew Chee Cheong Fun.
Har Kau.
Left really full at 1145am and we left for Tsim Sha Tsui, our last shopping attack, this time at Harbour City. It looked really far on the map but thankfully the travellators made the walk easier. Did our shopping and left at 1245pm back to hotel, again with a drizzle going on.
Harbour City shopping mall.
Inside Harbour City shopping mall.
Took a quick bath and enjoyed one last view from the highest room in the world before checking out. The limo was already waiting for us and it was an effortless trip to airport. Even at the airport, there were hotel porters there to bring out luggage to the check in counter, service was excellent all the way!
Our limo to the airport.
Mineral water on the armrest.
Hong Kong airport.
More window shopping before a long boarding line into this big aircraft. The tiredness was setting in due to the lack of sleep and the return flight was a combination of sleep and entertainment.
This birthday escape was filled with many food makan sessions taken from various web recommendations. Some suited to our liking, some not but overall, achieved our objective of pigging out, shopping and enjoyed a luxurious stay in the tallest hotel in the world with a excellent view to kill for.
We had tried the biscuits from Jenny’s bakery, the one we spent 2 hours lining up for it. The smell of the cookies was strong, the taste was really heavy flavoured and the texture was crispy. Overall the cookies were very nice. But the hype from the internet, and the long queues and all really drove my expectations sky high. In my opinion, it was definitely not worth my 2 hours, especially travel time. If anyone really wanted to try this, they could buy at a higher price from the shops neighbors. I wouldn’t line up for it again and I wondered why would anyone buy 30+ boxes back home. Different people different poison I guess.
Teddy bear tin.
4 mix cookies. The 8 mix flavours are totally different from the 4 mix. Preference for the 4 mix though!
6am and it’s the start of a brand new eating journey. Packed our bags and got out at 630am for our journey back to Central station. Our breakfast starts at Tsui Wah restaurant. The empty shopping streets had a few overnighters that hadn’t gone home since their night of fun at Lan Gui Fong, probably enjoying the World Cup match of Brazil vs Holland 3rd position playoff.
Tsui Wah Restaurant.
Popular milk tea.
Vermicelli.
Toast that came as a set.
Popular sweetened milk with butter toast.
The restaurant was fairly busy at 7am, ordered some vermicelli and the popular sweetened milk toast. Although it was sweet, the toast volume balanced it out and the sum of it was a crispy sweet bread. Had the milk tea too but in my opinion it was just ok.
At 730am, we proceeded over to Jenny’s bakery to buy biscuits. It was well known all over the web and we had to queue for it ourselves to see it. The shop opens at 10 and by the time we arrived at location, there was already a couple from Taiwan waiting. While waiting we chat with each other to pass time, and soon more and more people started to join. At about 930am there was already a line of at least ten people in front of the shop, even in the slight drizzle. There was even people with luggage waiting to lug the metal boxes of cookies back home. We saw a couple buying cookies from the shop beside, supposedly source from the same shop but marked up. Still everyone waited for the original. We also understood that the one at Tsim Sha Sui was worse, having to start waiting even at 5am. Madness.
945am and the queue had stretched pretty long. The shops owners were only just coming in and at 10am, the shop was opened. There was a notice to inform about the limitation of boxes that each could purchase, 4 boxes per person and so we bought ourselves 3 big ones consisting one 2×4 flavours and 1×8 flavour and 2 small ones with 4 flavours. We helped the ones in front of us to purchase another 3 small ones as they had promised their friends back at Taiwan to get some for them. There was another Taiwan family of 4 that was getting 16 boxes and they had came the previous day too, to purchase another 16. They brought along a luggage bag each time. Simply incredible.
Jenny bakery store, just when it opened in the morning.
Visited the public toilet just opposite the cookie store and proceeded to walk towards the popular egg tart store on 35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Tai Cheong bakery. An easy 15 mins walk although upward sloping. There were few customers who like us were there for the egg tarts. We got ourselves one each and finished it. The egg tart was tasty, now sweetened egg center with a crispy tart. I liked it more if the tart was crispier but it was good enough.
Queue after 10am.
Tai Cheong Bakery.
Egg Tart.
Bought some wife’s biscuits and egg rolls at Kee Wah and brought all these back to our hotel, filling up my haversack, brought solely for this purpose.
Our limo picked is up at 12 noon after we checked out. The start of excellent service began there. Even before this, they called me to confirm my pick up time and driver and even send a memo to the hotel direct to my room just in case I didn’t get the message. The huge Mercedes even had wifi in car and an ipad for use.
Once over at Ritz Carlton, immediately we stepped off the car, there was already a personal assistant to follow us from registration to room. We got into a lift that brought us from the 9th floor to the 103rd floor for check in. But having gotten the deluxe club room, we did our check in at the room itself. Brought to the room on 117th floor, the highest in the hotel and currently in the world, the view of Victoria harbour was simply breathtaking. This backed with the luxurious deco of the room and the complimentary amenities and facilities, made the romantic package pretty worth it. Made a few changes to the arrangements for in room dining (included) and airport transfer the next day, we were left to our room where we soaked in the view for a while before leaving for Mongkok.
Ritz Carlton from the limo.
Highest Hotel room in the world, and an awesome view!
Bathtub and double sinks.
Separate toilet.
An a separate rain shower.
The only thing about the hotel was the indirect accessibility of it from the main shopping areas. We had to take the MTR to Hong Kong and loop back to Kowloon and there is a fair bit of walking at Hong Kong station to Central itself.
We arrived at Mongkok at around 2pm and went into Argyle Center and had our lunch at Cafe de Coral. It was an integrated food center but the place was super crowded. We had to find a seat by stalking people about the finish before lining up to pay first before lining 2 different lines for noodles and rice. The food was not particularly tasty but it had to do for this crowded shopping plaza.
Vermicelli with milk tea.
Char Siew rice with red bean coconut drink.
The center reminded me of Platinum Mall but the weekend crowd was really bad. We only got up to the 3rd floor before we decided to leave for another area, the products on offer not suited to my wife’s liking and also the crowd and tight space was a turn off.
Inside Argyle Center.
On the roads, it was just as crowded as well. This was like holiday weekend Singapore Orchard road crowd and people were just everywhere. Similarly, many domestic helpers could be seen, like in Singapore. MTR were packed just like Singapore. Sometimes I think it was much worse here.
Ladies’ market.
Street stalls that we didn’t venture into.
Super crowded Mongkok street.
We walked around on the main streets but wasn’t seeing much and proceeded over to Langham Place mall. Interesting shop layout but not much interest with the shops offering. It was not long before we left for Tsim Sha Tsui.
Langham place shopping mall.
Once arrived, we walked towards the Avenue of Stars. That was a really long walk, maybe 15mins. And the weather wasn’t helping. Quite tiring for me, not to mentioned for my preggy wife. We ended up sitting on the plastic seats when we arrived, just admiring the Hong Kong island view and the slight breeze from the sea as throngs of people arrived.
One of the statue at the Avenue of Stars.
After that we went back towards the MTR station and got onto the main streets. The street view reminded us of similar shopping streets such as the previous Mongkok or Causeway Bay. Large malls around with various interspersed boutiques located around. Same same but different, maybe. Fatigued, we decided to stop at Xu Liu Shan for mango desert drink before taking the train back to our hotel.
Evening view from our room was great. Took a bath before our 3 course meal was delivered to our room. It was a great feeling, having restaurant made dinner within our room with a fantastic view. The ambience was right as we played the classical music from the iPod on dock in the room but because we were dining ourselves, it was just comfortable. All this come with a price but I think it was worth it for that once a lifetime splurge.
Scallop appetizer.
Lobster bisque.
Spring Chicken as a replacement for seafood.
Tenderloin.
Night view just as fantastic.
The staff was kind enough to deliver a second time our deserts and coffee and also a birthday cake for my wife. They even made a photoshopped photo of us in a room of theirs with handwritten well wishes as a momento. Definitely something different and close to the heart.
Ice-cream desert.
Birthday cake for wifey.
Our next activity was at 116 floor, a spa for two. As part of the package, we each had a 80 min massage by ESPA. There was maternity massage available and I had a lava massage, something about using warm sea shells to rub the tired muscles. It was enjoyable as we relaxed but nothing extraordinary in my opinion. We weren’t brought to a room with a view although it was a suite. There were sauna available in the changing room but we didn’t utilized it. After the massage, we left for our rooms to use the bath tub before turning in for the night. It was a long day after all.
The day started at 4am for our Cathay flight to Hong Kong. As expected the drive to the airport was seamless but upon arrival, there was already a slow moving queue to check in. Had some hot drinks over at Wang’s, one of the few shops opened in the early morning.
The boarding was fast, although it was for a big airplane and soon we were in the air en-route to Hong Kong, dozing off just as quickly.
We were awaken for some omelette breakfast which was pretty filling, and then back to sleep. Before we knew it, we are landing in Hong Kong!
There wasn’t any immigration card on the flight and only got it from the stewardess upon landing. Proceeded to a very crowded immigrations, there were 7 rows of people waiting to get through. We had 15mins of perpetual walking in the lines before clearing immigrations, which was about 5mins, not too bad.
Immediately on the outside of the immigrations, there was a counter selling Airport Express train ticket. A lady at the front of the queue informed that we should get the Kowloon tickets since we were alighting at Jordan. As we proceeded to the belt, our luggage was already in sight and we quickly retrieved it before exiting. The train station was just another 20m away and we boarded the quite empty train that came in in a short 7mins – to Kowloon we went.
Just steps away from Arrival.
Single trip tickets to Kowloon Station.
Not many customers.
Once onboard, we noticed that it would be better to take to Hong Kong station and do a direct transfer to MTR that goes to Jordan. Oh well, already paid for the tickets. 24 mins and many views of super tall dense buildings later, we reached Kowloon.
After alighting the train, we entered a really spacious building where we got a drink from 7-11. Moving on to the 2nd floor, the signs pointed us to a free bus transfer for all airport express customers to major hotels. Checked with the staff and she advised us the bus number and the stop to get us. Boarded an almost empty mini bus and we were on the way to the hotel, city sights along the way. It was here that every advice along the way seemed to make sense. Getting off at Kowloon station is the right advice.
Shuttle bus timing
Waiting area for the bus
Airport Express shuttle bus
Checked in was pretty straight forward at Novotel. Situated along a small street off Nathan Road, it wasn’t easy looking for it. Luckily Google map is working without the data requirement and we easily navigated there from Eaton Hotel, one of the bus stop.
Check in at level 2 was quick and we were given 10th floor. The superior room was expected small, but the view was bad, blocked by the parallel buildings packing the sense streets of Hong Kong. What we saw were roofs filled with rubbish. Never mind, we were here for the shopping and the food anyways. If not for the better price offered from my company’s contract with then, I might have chosen another hotel.
Bedroom modern design
Bathroom with shower
We walked the 5mins walk to Jordan MTR station and bought single trip ticket to Admiralty and changed to the blue line going towards Wan Chai for our first stop – Wing Wah noodle shop. Easily accessible near the main road on the opposite side to the station, but not really recognizable if you don’t read Mandarin.
MTR single trip ticket
Entering the shop, we were called to the end of the shop where there were 2 seats from a table of 4 where the other 2 seats were already taken. Guessed this would be the way to eat around Hong Kong. The menu on the table had both English and Mandarin so it was easy. Ordered the original Wanton and one with Pig knuckles.
The noodles were really springy though the dumplings were just ok. I liked the pig trotters particularly, chewy but not tough, good taste and not fatty. Only problem was there were only two of them.
Menu on the table
Wanton Noodles
Pig knuckles noodles.
Wing Wah noodle shop
Everything was fast moving, ordered ate and paid in 20mins at most.
Left for our next destination, Ho Hung Kee at Hysan Place. Getting off at 1 station away at Causeway Bay, Hysan Place was immediately connected to it. The restaurant was located at the 12th level, but the elevator took years to arrive. We had to travel to basement first before getting to the 10th storey. From there, by elevator to the 12th floor.
Store front of Ho Hung Kee at Hysan Place
Inside Ho Hung Kee restaurant
Michelin Star for 5 consecutive years.
Fish ball congee.
Tangerine peel congee with fish
Wanton noodle.
The restaurant had a modern decor but the sitting arrangements were similar to the previous ones, you share. We ordered congee, I had fish and tangerine peel congee and my wife had fish ball congee, thinking that this 1 star Michelin restaurant was popular for congee till we read it’s history on the paper on the table.
Congee was smooth. The fish ball was made of real fish meat, but tasted of ikan bilis. I liked the tangerine flavoured congee which was kinda different.
We ordered a small bowl of Wanton Mee to share. The noodles here were skinnier. I thought it was not as springy as the one I had just before. The dumpling was better here, though I thought there were more taste of fish.
Left satisfied in terms fullness but not in terms of expectations.
Causeway Bay had many various malls and a lot of people. I thought it was something like Orchard Road, people everywhere, lines everywhere. Spent some time at the huge Forever 21 before heading over to Times Square. Took a short break at the Agnes B cafe, shopped a bit more before going to Sheung Wan station and proceeding to Burd street for more congee, Sang Kee congee.
Inside Hysan Place
Batmobil on display outside Times Square
Hordes of people
Multiple storey of luxury goods stores in Times Square
Having a drink at Agnes B cafe
Sheung Wan was a place without the crowd. Googled map our way there and we were initially mistaken for another of their chain selling noodles. As we moved around the corner, we saw the little shop and entered the cosy little shop. Ordered fish ball congee and minced pork congee. It was really good, the porridge tasted soupy. The balls was tasty and bouncy with a good taste of the fish and pork. It was cheaper than the ones that we had before too. The only pity was that the more popular one with the fish stomach was already sold out. It must have been good.
Sang Kee Congee Specialty
Menu on the wall
Meatball congee
Fish ball congee
Went back to our hotel tired and but feeling great. Surfed the web to find more food and I made one more attack on a popular steam egg pudding at Yee Shun Milk company. Daobao the original for HKD22 and back ate it back at the hotel. The store closes at midnight and it was still fairly busy at that time of the day.
The chilled pudding had taste of sweetened milk but the tofu softness of the end product made the chilly pudding a great desert to end the food trip for today. More research on the food trip tomorrow before going to bed. Some early waking up and queuing was anticipated.
Total duration 3D2N Singapore is in the same time zone as Hong Kong. Flight time is 4hrs direct flight on Cathay Pacific from Singapore to Hong Kong. Morning flight on 12th July and arrival in Hong Kong at 11am on the same day.
This escape plan was to celebrate my wife’s birthday with a short getaway. With the ticket prices for Cathay Pacific quite value for money, about $360 all in, it was good chance to escape for this special occasion
Budget nature: Affordable travel and affordable Michelin star eats. We splurge on the stay though.
Moving around in the MTR is cheap with Octopus card. But the train is just as crowded as in Singapore if you are there during the summer holidays, such as this period. Michelin stars eatery are everywhere and they are affordable. We tried only 2 places this trip and both are not expensive.
We splurged on one night stay in the Highest Hotel in the World (As of 2014) for that special day to celebrate my wife’s birthday. Luxurious yet of impeccable service. Probably worth the experience once in a lifetime.
Complexity: Easy to get around
The main shopping and eating places were easily covered with the MTR, made moving around effortless. There are signs in English, and people seemed conversant in English, shouldn’t be too hard to travel.
