Hong Kong trip - Day 1

On this very 1st day to Hong Kong, my FIL was very excited, we started our journey by taking Yoyo bus to LCCT on 7.30am, reaching LCCT around 12pm.

After a speedy check-in with a kiosk while I don't know why so many people still waiting in the long long queue, we just drop off our luggage at a specific counter. And off we went to KFC for lunch. Not long after lunch, it's time for boarding, we then went into the air craft which flies us all the way to Hong Kong.

LCCT - AirAsia - The air craft to carry us to Hong Kong - Depart 1.50pm

Arrived at HKIA by 5.45pm

Waiting for transit to claim our baggage

Done claiming our luggage, we went to the customer service dept in the airport, bought Airport Express tickets and Octopus cards. Octopus card is a must in Hong Kong, it can be used to pay for MTR, and buy things, even McDonald's accept Octopus card for payment! With Airport Express, we reached Kowloon Station for free shuttle bus to ferry us to the Royal Plaza Hotel.

Heading for Airport Express to ferry us to our hotel

Our accommodation in Hong Kong - Royal Plaza Hotel

Reaching hotel around 7.30pm, all of us took a simple dinner at the connected shopping mall next to the hotel, and went straight to The Peak (not even taking bath - can you smell something?).

The Peak Tram

Since it was late by the time we reach The Peak, we had not much time left to visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museam. We could snap some photos outside the was museum though.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museam

We didn't took nice photos at The Peak, those who familiar with DSLR will know why. We forgot to bring the tripod. If one need to shoot nice photo with a DSLR camera, one have to fix the camera on a tripod to avoid "shaking effect".

View from The Peak

The only nice photo took with the elbow and wrist steadied on the pole and brick fence *sigh*

Next, we walked from The Peak Tram station to Lan Kwai Fong - a place filled with pubs.

Lan Kwai Fong

Then, we walked on the Mid-Level escalator towards SOHO.

On the Mid-Level escalator

SOHO

That finished our trip on the 1st day of arriving Hong Kong. Quite a lot of places covered huh?

Hong Kong weather

It's going to be cool in Hong Kong during the days we are there! Yay!

3 days to go...... Hong Kong

My FIL, MIL, hubby and me are going to Hong Kong this Friday.

After such a long time planning, gathering info on Hong Kong, finally we are going to Hong Kong.

All of us are exciting about the trip especially my FIL, he always saying that he had jot down everything he want to bring along, asking me for a few times for departure/arrival time, asking whether we had plan well with the itinerary, etc. LOL.

By the way, hubby and I will go separate way with my FIL and MIL on one of the days during our trip in Hong Kong. Hubby and I are going to Disneyland while my FIL and MIL are going to Macau. I'll find a Macau tour for them when we reached Hong Kong, this would be safer for them!

Still counting down.... 3, 2, 1......

4 pax in a HK hotel's superior room?

I have been searching throughout the Internet and going to Matta Fair for more information on Hong Kong. Yes, another DIY tour!!!

My in-laws, hubby and I are going on a free-n-easy tour on our own to Hong Kong since I manage to get cheap air ticket of RM360 per pax including seat allocation and 15kg luggage checked-in.

We are going to share our room in Hong Kong. I have book a room with 2 double bed in Mongkok, Hong Kong. I'm not worry about the bed size since I've check it out on Tripadvisor, the beds are larger than most Hong Kong hotel's single bed.

What I worry most is the fact that all the hotels only accommodate 2 person in a room, will only allow 1 more child to be in for most case. However 4 of us are going to stay in a room! I doubt the management will kept quite about it. Hubby and I planned to check-in with just 2 of us, follow by my in-laws sneaking in later.

What do you think? Have you stayed in Royal Plaza Hotel, Hong Kong? What would you say about it?

* $$ is the main reason we share a room but it is also due to my MIL fear of haunted hotel room!

Muzium Sultan Abu Bakar, Pekan

We pass by the Muzium Sultan Abu Bakar when my uncle brought us to Pekan for dinner. Since it was located near the shop where we were going to have our dinner, my cousin, hubby and I walked our way to the museum's main entrance. The time was ticking 6pm when we were there, hence the museum was closed, we were only able to take pictures from outside.

According to the facts I found through internet:

The Sultan Abu Bakar Museum is the state museum of Pahang. Located in the royal town of Pekan, it is only natural that the Royal Galleries merit a thorough inspection as they display a vast range of state regalia and other artifacts that speak of the colorful heritage of the sultanate.

The museum building was built in 1929 to replace the original wooden bungalow built in 1888. Used as the residence of the British Resident for several years, the building underwent several renovations and restorations. During the 2nd World War, it was used as the headquarters of the Japanese Army in Pahang. After the war it was converted into the official palace of the late Sultan Abu Bakar and was renamed Istana Kota Beram. In 1975, the Pahang State Museum Board turned the building into what it is today.

Cherating Beach, Pahang

While we were in Kuantan, hubby's cousin went Cherating Beach for holiday.

So my cousin, hubby and I went Cherating Beach for a visit. Cherating Beach is just half an hour away from Kuantan with the new East Coast Highway.

Cherating is a famous beach town in Pahang, Malaysia. Cherating, located about 47 km north of Kuantan, is famed as the location of Asia’s first Club Mediterranee (Club Med). There are a number of fun activities to do in Cherating including batik painting, where you can paint and design your own print on t-shirts, sarongs and scarves.

Cherating also houses a cultural village and a turtle sanctuary. At the turtle sanctuary, you can learn about the lifecycle of turtles for free. The turtles lay their eggs between July and August, so if you're lucky, you might witness the turtles lay their eggs! Another tourist attraction is cruising up the Cherating River to watch glowing fireflies. Fishing is also an activity enjoyed by many.

Ten Best things to do in Toronto that cost absolutely nothing

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the provincial capital of Ontario. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. Toronto is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings.

1. The Beaches

The Beaches area is fun for walking along the board walk, cycling and sunbathing near the waters of Lake Ontario. The nearby commercial area is home to interesting shops for window shopping as well as cafes and restaurants.

2. Allan Gardens - Allan Gardens Conservatory, Toronto, Ontario

The lovely Victorian style greenhouses of this conservatory house a unique botanical garden, free to the public. The conservatory provides a warm and beautiful reprieve from the winter cold or a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city at any time of year.

3. Harbourfront Centre - Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, Ontario

During the summer in Toronto, the Harbourfront area is alive with activity. Stroll around the area and experience live music, myriad festivals and educational camps, many of which have free admission. The walk along the waterfront is peaceful and relaxing if you would prefer to escape the commotion and enjoy the view of Lake Ontario.

4. Chinatown - Chinatown, Toronto, Ontario

The colors, sounds and movement of this vibrant area of town make it excellent for window shopping and exploring, or meeting new people.

5. Kensington Market - Kensington Market and Spadina Avenue, Toronto, Ontario

With its colorful corner fruit stands, many thrift stores and pubs, Kensington Market is a meeting place for some of Toronto’s most interesting people. Each month the neighborhood blocks off the narrow streets for a Sunday afternoon festival celebrating the diversity of the area with drums, dances and music.

6. Riverdale Farm - Riverdale Farm, Toronto, Ontario

Located in the midst of Toronto’s Cabbagetown in the downtown area, this 7.5 acre farm has wooded paths, flowered vegetable gardens and a number of animals, including cows, horses, donkey, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and rabbits, which you can view for free in the barns or outdoor paddocks.

7. Don Valley

The ten kilometers of biking trails along the Don Valley are great for experts and beginners alike. The stretch of ravine between the Don Valley Brickworks up to Thornhill Park boasts some challenging trails, with exciting descents and climbs as well as some North Shore elements built in.

8. Wednesday nights at the Art Gallery of Ontario - Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, Ontario

Housing over 36,000 works of art in its collection, the AGO is an excellent gallery worth visiting. You can do so for free every Wednesday evening between six and nine o’clock pm, when the museum drops its admission fee for the night.

9. St. Lawrence Market and Market Gallery - St Lawrence Market, Toronto, Ontario

Now a bustling marketplace filled with vendors of delectable foods, the Victorian building that hosts the St. Lawrence Market was once home to Toronto’s City Hall. It is a great place to wander and visit, or just sit and watch people interact. The gallery on the second floor, in what once was the council chamber. Now that space hosts periodically changing exhibits of paintings, artifacts and furnishings that display the history and culture of the area. Admission to the market and the gallery are free.

10. Toronto Islands - Toronto Island Park, Toronto, Ontario

The trails, picnic areas and beaches of the Toronto Islands make them an ideal place to spend an afternoon. You may want to investigate the mysterious and perhaps macabre history of the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, or enjoy the sun on the clothing-optional beach on the west side of Hanlan’s Point. There are a number of baseball diamonds, volleyball courts and wading pools to enjoy as well.