HongKong Trip - Part 1 The Peak, Madam Tussauds Museum, Macau

Recently after getting passport for my younger kid, I thought of planning vacation out of country. Since my daughter is crazy fan of Princess and Mickey, we decided to go to HongKong Disneyland. One of other reason for selecting HongKong, its perfect blend of Natural Beauty, City Life, Night life and famous for street markets.

I was looking for flight tickets from Bangalore. Since direct flights of expensive, i thought of hopping through Singapore and to try in AirBus-A380 from SGP to HK.  Since i was travelling with Kids(.5yrs & 1.5yrs), i dropped the plan as it would be very tired. But I got good offer package from Cathy Pacific(Air Tickets + Hotel + One attraction). So started planning with package of 3N/4D  and ended with 5N/6D. Cathy Pacific is very flexible, that they postponed the tickets without any extra charges. This package had option of hotels across the HongKong, I was looking for one in Kowloon Side and near to MTR (Metro Rail Station). So i shortlisted couple of option, then based feedback in TripAdvisor, i chose "The CityView" in Yau Ma Tei.

Initially my plan is to cover "The Peak", Avenue of Stars, Madame Tussauds Museum, Ocean Park and Disneyland in 4Days. Then i decided to extend couple of days to cover Macau and Ngongping as per my friends suggestions.

Day -1 : Arrival to HK, The Peak, Madame Tussauds Museum.
Day -2 : One day trip to Macau
Day -3: Ocean Park, Avenue of Stars
Day -4: NgongPing, Gaint Buddha
Day -5: Disneyland
Day -6: Disneyland & Dep to Bangalore

Day -1:
Since it was first abroad trip to my kids, they were very much excited. As our flight was scheduled to depart at 2:40 am, my kids were tired .Our flight landed in HK airport as scheduled time around 11:00 am. I would suggest you to get Window seat, as its really good to see while landing. HK International Airport is on man made Island and the runway is surrounded both sides by sea. you can feel like landing on sea.

On arrival before going to immigration, we collected few Tourist City Maps(one normal Map, which tells about various tourist destinations and how to reach there and another map will give some kind of 3D view all buildings and tourist destinations.The second Map is not available outside immigration so don't miss to pickup it). Since we landed on weekend, we waited in long queue for immigration. HongKong is SAR(Special administrative Region) of China . Except from tourist from few countries(who needs HK visa), all others including Indians will get Visa on arrival to stay for 2 weeks(no visa charges). After immigration and collecting check in baggage, we proceed towards arrival hall. we can see many counters for all transport, tourist infos and also forex. Regarding Forex, they charge more conversion fee.we went straight to Airport Express counter to collect our Airport Express tickets and Octopus card. Airport Express train is fastest way to connect to HK Airport and HK city. It charges 90HKD to Kowloon and 100HKD to HongKong. Another advantage is that Airport Express offers free shuttle service from Airport Express Stations to certain Hotels which is very convenient.Other than that there City buses, Shuttles(Vigor), Taxi available. People going to Shenzhen(Mainland China) and Macau can directly go to Ferry Terminal near airport.

Towards Airport Express station

Since i had some Asia miles, i redeemed the same to get Airport Express tickets to Kowloon and also collected Octopus Card. This is very useful card which can be used in all public transport in HongKong(MTR, City bus, Ferry, Tram, in super market stores(Circle-K and 7-Eleven) and also in many food joints).We can add value to this card and also we can return the same to get refund the balance money.It took exactly 20 minutes to reach Kowloon and from there we took Airport Express Shuttle "K5" which dropped us in our Hotel "The City View". This was another reason for choosing this hotel.we got our room at 23rd Floor. It was nice view from there.This hotel is right next to A2 exit of Yau Ma Tei MTR, Near to KFC and can find 7-Eleven and Circle -K stores adjacent to it.

View from our room in "The City View"

The Peak & Madam Tussauds  Museum:

Peak Tram Station

After relaxing for sometime, We took MTR to reach "The Peak Tram" terminus. Since it had rained, climate was very humid. As it was weekend, there was huge queue over there. we collected 2-in-1Combo ticket(Peak Tram two way + Madam Tussauds) which is cheaper than getting separate ticket for Peak Tram and Madame Tussauds. Since it was raining and weather is not clear, we didn't get 3-in-1 combo which includes SkyTerrace also.It was so crowded that we wait there for Half an hour.

The Peak Tram was one of oldest mode of transport to "The Peak". It goes at inclination of 45 degree.

45 degree view from Tram

Try to get Window seat on Right Side to get better view. Peak Tram reaches much faster than city bus which goes from Exchange Square Bus Terminus. Madam Tussauds is located in the same building where Peak Tram terminus is there. There are lots of restaurants and shops.Since rain stopped, we took ticket for Sky Terrace and went to highest viewing point in HK. we can get stunning view of Victoria Harbour, Skylines of HongKong Island and Kowloon side view. we took some pics and proceed towards Madam Tussauds Museum.

View from Sky Terrace in The Peak 

Princess Diana in Madame Tussauds 

Madam Tussauds wax museum has wax figures of Hollywood actors(Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie,Nicole Kidman, Johnny Depp) , Asian actors(Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Big-B), famous leaders(Obama, Clinton, Sadaam, Hitler, Gandhiji), Royal Family Members(Princess Diana), SportStars(David Beckham) and Pop Stars(MJ, Madonna, Lady Gaga). It feels good to take the pic with famous personalities.Its very interesting to   see the people clicking the Pics in different poses. We had great time and enjoyed pics with all personalities. This is really worth to visit.

 After that we had our Snack in Burger King. Once we came out , it was dark and could see another view of HongKong(Night view of lighted Sky scrapers). We came out of Peak Tower and went to Lion's Pavilion(Free View point). It was Spectacular view of whole HongKong Sky crappers and it was really magnificent one. This is must see one. The view from Lion's pavilion is almost same as view from SkyTerrace(Its not worth to spend 30HKD for Sky Terrace entry).

Night View of HongKong from Lions Pavilion, The Peak

 Then we return to Central MTR by taking The Peak Tram.

How to Reach:
The Peak can be reached by taking City Bus15  from Exchange Square Bus Terminus(right next to HongKong MTR Exit D). You can reach the peak by taking "The Peak Tram". You can reach Peak Tram Terminus by taking Exit J3 from Central MTR and walk down the Garden Road. Reaching Peak by Tram is much faster and suggested way.

Suggestion:
- Try to reach Peak in evening around 5:00 PM. so that you can enjoy Day view and also Night view.
- Try to get Combo Tickets, this will be cheaper.

Ladies Night Market:
We took train to Mongkok and reached the Ladies Market.This is place to get dress for kids, Ladies, some toys, Handbags, Belts, Souvenir, Bags, T-shirts and jeans.(These are not Branded items).This is like famous Janpath in New Delhi. This market is open until 10:30 pm and its fully crowded. we need to do good bargaining to strike the deal. Be Careful while bargaining, Some shopkeepers are very aggressive. if you are not interested in buying any item, don't bargain. we can see many shops selling kinky stuffs like underwear with elephant face with trunk(Be Ready to answer your kids questions;-)). You can also get HongKong Souvenirs like TShirts and magnets.

How to Reach:
Take train to Mong Kok MTR Station Exit E2, then walk along Nelson Street.


Suggestion:
- Test for your bargaining skill but be careful.


Day -2: Macau:

Macau is another SAR of China. Macau is known as Vegas of Asia and famous for its night life. Macau is also famous for its Historic heritage and Grand prix. Macau was colony of Portuguese. This is around 60kms from HongKong by Sea(approximately 1hour travel). There are ferries operating from HongKong Island(CotaiJet and TurboJet), Kowloon(First Ferry) and from HKIA. Since we stayed in Kowloon, we decided to go via New World First Ferry. This Ferry terminal is near Tsim-sha-tsui MTR and Harbour City Mall.

We reached ferry terminal around 8:15 am. Since it was Sunday, we could not get tickets at 9:00 am Ferry.we got tickets at 9:30 am Ferry and also we booked return tickets at 8:30 pm from Macau in advance(suggested as it will be very crowded). Please check for promotional Offers. we got offer of buy 3 tickets and Get 1 free(1 ticket 259HKD, Tickets needed for Infants also). we need to undergo immigration as we are going out of HongKong.Since we were travelling in high speed ferry for first time, It was very different and also uncomfortable(like riding on the Speed Breakers on Road).we reached Macau at around 10:30 am. Once long queue for Immigration coz it was weekend. In Macau local currency is Pataca(1 Pataca = 1HKD). Even HKD is acceptable everywhere, Local buses don't accept the same. In the Macau Ferry Terminal, there are automatic currency converter machines which can convert HKD to Pataca. Dont forget to collect Tourist Map for Macau tourism stall.if you are interested in going for one day guided tour, you can find may travel agent who offers one day tour in Cab(roughly around 180HKD per person).Since Macau is very small place, I would suggest you to go for self exploring tour.

A-Ma Templ

 Our Initial plan was to go to Macau Tower(Take 32 from Ferry Terminal).Since weather was gloomy and not clear, it doesn't make sense to go there. so we skipped it we took bus no 10A to A-Ma Temple(also Bus no 5 and 10). Since all display in buses are in Portuguese, its very difficult to understand the current location of bus on GPS display. Its better to check the place with co-passengers. This goes through Wynn (on left side), Grand Lisboa(on right Side), Senado Square(on right side). Then we reach A-Ma temple(on right side). This is one of ancient and famous temple of goddess of Fishermen.This temple is very beautiful  and can see people worshipping with big incense sticks.This is one of must see place.

Senado Square

Then we took the same bus on opposite direction towards Senado square. This was once center of city when Macau was Portuguese colony. This place is paved by Striped Mosaic kind of Portuguese pavement. This place is enclosed with buildings of Portuguese architecture.This places surrounded by lots of shopping places and also many place to eat. This places was decorated for chinese newyear and was looking awesome.we walked towards St Dominic's church.

Egg Tart

 Then we walked towards St Paul Ruin's.The whole of streets on both sides full of eating places, shops selling Chinese kites, BBQ & Steaks and Bakery.One of must try is Portuguese Egg Tart and Koi Kei Bakery's Almond cakes and Peanut biscuits. Portuguese Egg tart has puffy base with mix creamy sweet egg. its yummy to have it and its really good snack. Another must try is Almond Cakes(like biscuit) and Peanut Biscuits(like Chikki or Kadalai mittai) from Koi Kei Bakery. this is one of oldest bakery and should try the same. Then we walked towards St Paul Ruins. This was one of oldest church but it was destroyed in 18th century. After clicking some pics,  we took same bus from Senado square towards square of  Lisboa/Wynn.

Ruins of St. Paul

Grans Lisboa

Dragon of Fortune in Wynn

From here starts modern macau . From this square, we can see grand Lisboa, Wynn and MGM casino. Every Casino offers different kid of entertainments from Kids to Adults and also from Free to tickets around 500HKD.We went to Wynn Casino, we saw Musical fountain show over there. You can check out giant chandelier in "Tree of Prosperity" and also "Dragon of Fortune". These will happen for every half an hour.Please check out Jelly fish aqua inside the Casino. Kids and Pets are not allowed in casino. Another good thing about the casino is that they also provide free shuttles to Ferry terminals. so we took Wynn  free shuttle to ferry terminal and then took City of Dreams free shuttle to go to another casino City of Dreams in Cotai Strip.

Mermaid Show, City of Dreams

Cotai Strip is reclaimed area between Taipa and coloane Island. This is connected through 4.5Km long friendship bridge across the south china sea. It was full traffic jam on the bridge, so we had small power nap while travelling there in Shuttle. City Of Dreams is second largest Casino resort in Macau. It has two major hotels inside(Grand Hyatt & Hard Rock hotel). First attraction in City of Dreams is Vqaurium(Mermaid Show - Free one). This is really fascinating to someone dressed like mermaid and performing. we can feel as if real mermaid swimming along other fishes. Then we checked out "Dragon Treasure show"(popularly known as Bubble Show, Ticket 30HKD). This is 360 degree 3D multimedia show depicting story of dragon kings. check out the video belowThis projects everything as very lively.This is also must watch one.Another show which no one should miss is "House of Dancing Water"(ticket 100HKD). This is expensive but worth to watch it. Since we didn't have booking and its Sunday, we could not get tickets. There is also kids play area known as Kidscity.We had great food in Food Court(it also have McDonalds inside). Right across City of Dreams on the other side of road is "The Venetian", Biggest Casino in Macau. This is sister casino of "The Venetian Resort" in Vegas.

Grand Canal Shoppes

Inside Venetian

"The Venetian" resort is largest casino in Macau. Its interiors are like Italian Gothic Architecture.It looks like palace from inside.The whole of ceiling is decorated with paintings in french style.we went to towards "The Grand Canal shoppes". This is one of best place to shop if you are really looking for Branded stuffs. The whole buildings  in this place are in Gothic style and it also have small Venice style Grand Canal with Gondola ride. It makes us feel as if we are in Venice. The whole of ceiling looks like bright blue sky.This is one of best place to took pictures.

Fun Ice World

Then we went to "Fun Ice World"(ticket 100HKD). This is Indoor ice exhibition where world famous structures are carved in Ice. This place is kept at -15'C. they also provided Jackets for kids and Adults.Its good to see Statue of Liberty, Taj Mahal, Eiffel tower. There is Ice Slide and Carousel made for Kids. There is another special show in "The Venetian" known as "Zaia" show(ticket 500HKD). This is kind of acrobatic and Dance performance which is worth to watch. we return back to Ferry terminal and left to HongKong. we were very tired as we had walkathon from the morning in Macau.

Venice in Macau

 How to Reach:
In Macau, best way to travel  is to take Free shuttle to casino from Ferry Terminals. The public Bus service is available, you can refer to Macau Tourist map for the route number. It costs 10HKD for above trip per person in City Bus.


Suggestion:
- Plan Macau one day trip in weekdays(coz in weekends waiting time in immigration is too long)
- Except local buses, HKD is accepted everywhere.
- Other attractions Macau Tower, MJ Gallery in Ponte 16




General Suggestions:

 Forex - I would suggest you to get HKD from local Forex available in your place. They will provide good exchange rates.
Travel - Go for Octopus Card, its very convenient and very cost effective

Tour De Grenoble

Whenever i sit to update my blog, something pops up in between. I thought of updating my trip to France by end of May. As i was in transition state (Transit in Job and shifting new place), it was really very difficult for me to get some time to spare for blogging.

This trip is always special because its my first trip to Europe. Grenoble is small Town near the Lyon in south east of France. Much closer to Swiss and Germany. It lies in the valley covered by Alps on three sides and lies in between two rivers (R.Drac and R.Isere). Its with full of scenic beauty, Even in the summer its surrounded by snow capped peaks.

This trip was really break for me from Delhi's Summer. As expected, Europe is so beautiful. The whole way to Grenoble from Lyon is rich in the scenic beauty. While comparing to the US, Roads are small , we can see many small cars and hatchbacks (mostly Renault, Volvo, Bmw, Volks, & Audi ).

Its so small city with buildings depicting the typical french architecture. City is connected well by the Tramways which goes through the streets. Its really difficult without knowing french. Its very difficult the french way of pronunciation (like shopping known as "Grant Place" which is pronounced as "GoPlaa"). Everything from TV program to Newspaper is in french, so its difficult to time pass. There are all kind of foods available and variety of restaurants.French people are very friendly and fun loving people. They also care very much about the physique. Its very common that people come to office in bicycles. Every road has separate lanes for Bicycles. French Girls are very pretty ;-) . Since France is famous for its wines, people love to eat and drink. French desserts are awesome. PDA (public display affection) is very common. French people are very hospitality in nature and also very helping in nature.

Comparing to US, France is much better, very friendly , very beautiful. But France is much costlier, everything except the alcohol is very costly. Even the French perfumes are much costlier.

click here for pic

Leh Ladakh Trip

Few years back, i got chance to watch a documentry on Ladakh and was fascinated by its beauty of Brown barren mountains , Topped with creamy White layer of snow and clear Blue sky. I read that its very different and can't see these type of beauty in anywhere in world. So i decided to plan a trip to Leh. After browsing the internet, I got my package booked through Overland Escape. I would really appreciate Mr Tundup in arranging best accomodation, best food, good driver to guide us and also meeting with each and every guest.

Initially most of my friends were telling the Leh is very isolated place and very different place. So i was suggested to be careful also. My flight to leh was at 5:20 am from delhi. I was expecting some ATR kind of small aircraft, but it was Airbus , almost filled. Lots of forigners travelled with us. It was really nice to see the snow capped mountains from the Flight. Then we landed in the Leh Airport known as Kushok Bakula Rimpoche airport , It was highest commercial airport in the world(at about 3000 metres altitude). It very tiny airport, covered by mountains on all sides and very secured. I could see the bright sunshine in the morning 6:30 am.

After reaching the hotel, We were asked to take rest the whole day that we need to get acclimatised to the high alititude. Less oxygen content in the high alititude can cause Mountain Sickness and i was suggested to take Diamox tablets. But i didnt feel anything rather than feeling sleepy as i woke at 4 am in the morning. From our hotel, we could see the view of Leh Palace and temple in the mountain top. our hotel manager was telling that i am his first guest to carry my 6 months baby to Leh. anyway i got know from some forums that baby's can easily adjust to climatic conditions. so it was not a problem.

After lunch, we got introduced with our cab driver and guide who greeted with "Juley" in ladakhi langauge meaning "Hello". I like the way he speaks hindi always telling "Bilkul" and "HaanJanab"(like Haanji). we went to Shanti Stupa, it was stupa in top of a hill where we could see the whole Leh town. Then we went to Leh palace, which is a minituare of Potala palace in Lhasa, Tibet. But it was not well maintained and some renovation were going on. we also went Monastery in Sankar. we went to market in Leh, we could find lots of tibetean items. Leh is famous for Turquoise stones. we can see lots of unpolished Turquoise stones there. We went to Ladakhi hotel to have Momos, Tupka and Gudgud chai (like Soup). There people drink only pressurised bolied water. since the water is rich in minerals they need boil it in pressure.


Next day, we planned to visit the Monasteries trip. we started towards the Hemis monastery. we went in the Leh-Manali highway, Manali is aroun 430 kms from Leh. The Road seems to be very flat and like in plains. we can see the barren grounds on both sides of road. This was like natural play ground. we were going along the Indus river. Then we reach the Hemis monastry, it was one of oldest monasteries. we could see the mountains with slate rocks over there. Then we visited the Thiksey monastery, it was bigger than Hemis and in the top of a cliff. From there we can see breathtaking view of valley along indus. As i was intrested to see the Bactrian Camel, Camel with two humps and lives in Gobi desert in mongolia. I had read that few of them are found in the Ladakh also. so we went to a farm near by, where we saw the Bactrian camels and its calves, its been breeded here, its with long furs. Then we visited the Stok Palace museum. i could ladakh royal families dresses, weapons and few antiques. we gotta chance to see the preserved Snow leopard and Aibex.

Next day, we started in the morning for Khardung La, It was highest motorable road around 18000 feet (6000 meters app) above the sea level. Though it was around 35 kms from Leh, it took around 2 hours to reach there. Since the road was very narrow and uphill, its really difficult to drive in that road. Also it was covered with thick fog and drizzling was there. This is the road to Nubra Valley (valley of flowers) which is near the PAK border. we could see lots of army vehicles going towards Nubra valley. we can see snow covered peaks over there and beatiful scenic views. we received snow fall over there. we were taking some pics over there, but army guys advised us to go down as we were having baby. but Disha was always kool and enjoying the weather. All the roads were maintained by BRO (Border Road Organisation), Thumbs Up to them as their service is incredible. Then we went to see the Pather sahib gurudwara in Leh-Srinagar highway. Then we went to see the confluence of two rivers Indus and Zanskar, it was amazing to see the different colours of water getting mixed up. Next we stopped at Magnetic Hill, it was place on the road, where we stopped the our car in neutral, it was pulled uphill. it was really gr8 to see it. I feel like it should be like "Bermuda triangle" ;-) . even locals said the fully loaded army truck could be also pulled. but no reason to explain the same.

Next day morning, we started early morning to Pangong lake, it was 160 km from leh via chang La. it was really hectic journey, but its worth to travel, to see it. we travelled uphill until changla and down hill towards Tangste. we could see the yaks grazing on the lushy grass lands. we could see nice view of the snow peaks. then we reached the Tangste, from there Pangong lake is around 35 km. we can see the roads going in between two mountains. we can see the ladakhi wetlands where its marsh lands with grass and mud. we can see lots of horses, ponnies and cows grazing there. then after we minutes of travelling, we could see the sand dunes and very fine sand grey in colour (like the beach sand). we can also see the layers of it. I think dats the way its called as Cold desert. Then we reached the Pangong lake, its 120 km long. 40 km inside india and 80 kms in china. It was like ocean, bluish in color, so big. Its a salt water lake, where there is no aquatic life. water is so crystal clear that we could see the bottom. we can see the stones in the lake which is having minerals deposited. It was place that we should not miss to see it. It was very cold and windy with bright sunshine. then we had our lunch in resort in tangste and started to leh. we reached changla and had a break over there. It was very cold and i felt head ache after going out. Its coz oxygen is very less in that alititude, so we started down hill to reach the leh.

then next day, i left to delhi.

Few things i wished to convey:

- Leh is magnificent place which is makes us to feel like that we were in europe, with lots of naturalistic beauty and very clean. It excellant place for Trekking, Mountain climbing, Rafting, Kayaking, Biking and Cycling across mountains.

- My salute to Army people, who were working in high altitude where normally we can't spend even few minutes there. I heard that winter will be very bitterly chill in leh where temperature go below -20'C.

- I would really appreciate Border road Organisation, for providing excellant roads.

- Many thanks to Mr Tundup and Mr Phunchok (our diver).

"From Kashmir to Kaniyakumari, our Bharath is Ek"

click here for pic

Nainital - Bhimtal Lake

Best click

One of the best pic, Royal Bengal Tiger in Ranthambhore National Park.

Air travel from Delhi - Full of Surprises

Last week, I had travel to Bangalore by air. Since i don't believe in the CAT III trained domestic airlines and also weather (coz Fog could cover the runway any time in morning and in evening), I booked tickets in the early evening flight. As usual i reached the airport one and half an hour before the departure. I got astonished to see the queue for X-Ray screening, its so long and zigzag(AirDeccan, GoAir, Jagson, SpiceJet and IndiGo).I feel like that i could not check-in before one hour of departure time. At last managed to reached the Check in counter which is about to close. Another surprise was the two long queue until Airport entrance from the waiting lounge. At last managed to reach the waiting lounge 15 minutes before the departure.There was another surprise that my flights got delayed another 30 minutes.

Even though our government had increased the airport tax (Including Congestion Tax), there is no sufficient security check counters, X-Ray Screening terminals and waiting lounges. we could see the temporary waiting lounges made in the parking area opposite to the Departure terminal, which will be used by passengers during delay if flights in winters.

- How come these delays happens only with domestic flights in India every India? we don't often hear delay of flights in busiest airports like Frankfurt, Paris , Amsterdam (with some exception like it happened few days back in Heathrow & Boston)

- Don't Government should think about developing Infrastructures before granting license for new Airlines ? (Heard lots of airlines going to have debut very soon in this year)

so guys, plan yourself to reach airport earlier anticipating the crowd. Its really full of surprises.