‘The best things in Life are the people you love, the places you’ve seen, and the memories you have made along the way’
My #TravelTuesday post is on a trip we took Hong Kong (China) with family. Truly grateful for these trips and grateful to my family for the memories we are creating.
Hong Kong is made up of four parts: Hong Kong Island (HKI), Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands. We were based in HKI, the centre of their economy.
Hong Kong (HK) is renowned for its deep natural harbour, skyline with a very high skyscrapers which is impressive during the day and at night it will blow your mind when all the skyscrapers are lit. Adding to this beauty is the Symphony of Lights, a multimedia orchestrated light show involving more than 40 buildings on both sides of the harbour. It’s truly spectacular.
What we did?
Having travelled to Hong Kong (HK)before, we skipped all the top things to do, our focus was purely a half year recharge. When you travel with little people, you find yourself at all child friendly places, for adults its a great excuse to unleash your inner child.
Our 1st stop was Ocean Park Hong Kong, located on the southern side of Hong Kong Island is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park.
The park is separated by a large mountain into two areas, The Summit (Headland) and The Waterfront (Lowland). These areas can be reached by a 1.5 kilometers (0.93 mi) cable car system, or the Ocean Express funicular railway.
There’s so many experiences at the park, so it’s imperative to plan your day well. We went on a few rides, watched a dolphin show, visited the panda, went to the Adventures of Australia and visited Old Hong Kong.
My highlight rides were:-
- The Abyss – this ride is not for the faint hearted, the rides takes you up to the top of its tower (20 stories) and then it plunges straight to the ground, its beyond INSANE.
- Hair Raiser – is a roller coaster ride on steroids, its fast, its wild, its Hong Kong’s first and only floorless roller coaster. A must do for the thrill seeker.
- The Dragon – The largest roller coaster featuring two giant loops on a 842-metre-long track.
Ocean Park really has the best rides and views, really was an amazing experience.
Our next stop was Hong Kong Disney Land, whats there not to like about Disney Land. Awesome experience, awesome rides and attractions. It truly is a place where families and friends of all ages can have fun together.
Where we ate?
What I like about HK is that it has become the ‘culinary capital of Asia’ and offers thousands of restaurants from your local Cantonese to your International Cuisine, one is really spoilt for choice.
Having experienced the food culture before, we really were not particular as to where ate.
- A French burger workshop, with a selection of burgers you can order off their regular menu or DIY your burger by choosing your cheese, toppings, sauce and meat or vegetables for a personalised taste.
- I had the Le Lucien (portobello mushroom burger). The veggie burger was ok, I have definitely had better. The meat eaters tried the Le Philibert, Le Big Ferdinand and the Le Bartholome. The Le Bartholome burger was NOT a hit, she ended up making a chip roll, The rolls were FRESH.
Address:
IFC Mall, 1 Harbour view Street, Central, Hong Kong,
tel: +852 6650 0580
- Zuma features modern Japanese cuisine, it’s one of those places that’s on my Top 5 memorable culinary experience. I really was looking forward to having brunch and I must say, from a food perspective, I was not let down.
- The brunch menu allows one to eat from the buffet, order a main and dessert. The buffet food was beyond substantial. The sushi was fresh, the vegetables were cooked to perfection and the dessert was just the cherrie on top.
- Our overall dining experience was great, the service for drinks was not so great. At some stage we waited over 20m to get served Iced Tea.
Address:
Landmark, Level 5 & 6, 15 Queen’s Road, Central Hong Kong
tel: +852 3657 6388, info@zumarestaurant.com.hk
‘Life is a journey, full of pictures, places, stories and good tasting recipe’
- The concept of Greyhound is Thai food with a creative and modern twist in a trendy and casual dining experience. The menu has a wide selection, I opted for the Phad Thai with Mushroom. It was well cooked.
- Love the quirkiness and relaxed atmosphere.
Address:
IFC Mall, Shop 1082, Podium Level 1, Central
tel: +852 2383 1133, ifc@greyhoundcafe.com.hk
Where we stayed
Whether you are travelling to Hong Kong (HK) on business or pleasure, HK has accommodation for everyone, from your youth hostels, to hotels, to chic boutique hotel.
We stayed in the heart of the Central District, on Hong Kong Island at the Four Seasons Hotel located next to Victoria Harbor and connected to the IFC shopping mall. The hotel is a constant buzz with business people, tourists visiting and locals with weddings and private events.
Service & Amenities
- Two outdoor pool, a whirlpool, outdoor plunge pool, Vitality lounge & Spa, 24hour fitness centre, Executive Club, Children’s welcome programme & babysitting service, 24hour business centre, 24hour in room dining,
Accommodation
- Our room had stunning views of the Victoria Harbour, Kowloon and the Peak.
- All guestrooms are decorated with a fusion of Western and Chinese elements and are equipped with a 42-inch flat-screen TV, a DVD player, an iPod dock, WiFi and some rooms include a Nespresso machine.
- The bathrooms have walk-in showers, bath and equipped with all bathroom essentials – dental kit, shaving kit, nail care, comb and the standard body cream, shampoos & conditioners one finds at a hotel.
Dining
The hotel has 4 restaurant, with two restaurants that have received Michelin stars and 2 bars.
We had breakfast in the Blue Bar, lunch at the Pool Terrace and dinner in the Lounge. We are simple travellers and prefer the more simple restaurants to eat it at.
- Offers French cuisine and the French wine and was awarded Michelin two-stars
- Authentic Cantonese restaurant, the world’s first Chinese restaurant to be awarded the coveted Michelin three-star rating.
- “Offers a menu of Western and Asian favourites, afternoon tea and pastries, and premium snack items in the evening, all accompanied by piano music during the day and a jazz trio at night.”
- Has spectacular views of the harbour, simple pool side dining with healthy smoothies and frozen cocktails.
For the shopping lovers, HK is considered the commercial centre of Asia whether you’re a mall or a market person, there’s plenty to choose from. The best places to find global brands and luxury stores are in malls, such as the IFC and the Landmark in Central, Times Square in Causeway Bay, Pacific Place in Admiralty, and Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui.
What I like about travelling to Hong Kong is the visa-free access for passport holders. It really does make it as an attractive destination to visit. The best time to visit HK is from October to January which from an South African school holiday perspective is ideal.
HK was another Splendid Experience!
TS!
SPLENDID EXPERIENCES 