Shenzhen: My first trip to China

Our tour in Hong Kong ended and we decided to take an overnigth trip to Shenzhen, China since its just a 45 minute away by train. Before leaving Hong Kong, we exchange HKD to Yuan or RMB(Chinese money) and we were warned that everything in China are imitations.

..at the train..

When we arrived at Lo Wu Station, our tour guide Cherry is waiting for us. Before going to our hotel, she bring us to Shenzhen Imperial Culture Museum. It is a shop selling Jade, Gold, White Gold and jewelries same as the one we bought in Hong Kong but the price is cheaper. We don't buy because we already bought in Hong Kong. Some of our co-tourist bought jewelries and Jades. When they search the internet about the shop, they found out that all were FAKE. So don't ever buy jewelries there.

Entrance at Imperial Culture Museum

We also go to Windows of the World, a theme park replica of the world wonders, historical places and famous sites of the world. But we decided not to go inside the park as Muder wants to take a rest and visit the shopping malls. We just only enjoy taking pictures outside the park.

When to go to our hotel (forgot the name ^^), we realize that most people in Shenzhen don't understand english so we communicate through google translate. Glad they have a PC at the lobby.

When we go to their shopping mall, we're surprise its just like Greenhills and Divisoria. Means of communication there is through calculator. When they know that you're a tourist they raise their price so high and when you decide to leave they will call you back and show a very cheap price ^^. What's worst here are those people smoking inside the mall and the public restroom for ladies where you to squat on the floor because toilet bowl are on the floor. 

Before leaving Shenzhen my muder buy some fruits and foods for "pasalubong" its so cheap there. And based on my experience in China I can say it will take some time go back there or maybe not on my list anymore.

Date: February 15-16,2012  

..Hong Kong: The Magical Land of Disneyland..

This is my most awaited tour in Hong Kong, the Disneyland tour. I was excited to see Mickey Mouse, Disney Princesses and other Disney characters, even my Muder is so excited ^__^. Hong Kong Disneyland is located in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island. The park has five themed areas, Main Street U.S.A, Toy Story Land, Fantasy Land, Adventureland, and Tomorrowland. 

Main Street, U.S.A
It serve as the main entrance of the park and its building is identical to that of Anaheim, California. There are restaurants and souvenir shop located and also there is a railroad station where you can hop, relax and see the different views of themed areas. Also on the Main Street you can watch and be amaze of the Flights of Fantasy Parade featuring the Disney Characters. Too bad I got my video cam empty bat :( but I charged it to experience next time I'll make sure its full ^^.

Railroad Station

Main Street

Adventureland
It is the home to the "Festival of the Lion King" show. It features the Tarzan Island, Jungle River Cruise and Liki Tikis. The cruise is an adventure in classic river where surprise awaits us this mysterious jungle and epic battle at fire ant water. We also see different animals like hippos, elephants, cobras and orangutan. I only have one picture here because I put my camera to bag when we are advise that we may get wet during the cruise.

Jungle Cruise

Toy Story Land
It feature the characters from Toy Story Movie. We don't stay long there because attractions like Slinky Dog Spin, RC Racer and Toy Soldier Parachute Drop are extreme for my Muder.hehehe She doesn't want to it.

Fantasy Land  
This is my favorite area, it features the Sleeping Beauty Castle feel the magic of your dream. There is also The Many Adventure of Winnie the Pooh where we ride at Pooh's hunny pot and plunge in the middle of blustery day. Mickey's Philhar Magic is a 3D journey animated film where we really feel the air, water and the hilarious adventure of Donald Duck. I can say my Muder relly enjoy the show ^^. Then there is the Fantasy Garden where you'll fall in line just to meet the Disney character and have some photo with them. Don't miss to see the It's a Small World, where we set sail into the imaginative journey and scenes of different cultures through the costumed doll.

Sleeping Beauty Castle

Pooh's Hunny Pot

Fantasy Garden

It's a Small World

Different Culture

Tommorowland
This is a unique area in the park and its attractions are Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster, Stitch Encounter, Orbitron and Autopia. Among those Autopia is the only attraction my Muder try, it is a ride that give kids of all ages and drive into futuristic street and crazy corner.

Autopia Car

Lastly during nighttime don't leave the park without seeing the Disney in the Stars,
firework performance are coordinated with orchested classic Disney music.

Waiting for Disney in the Stars

 

Due to our very limited time we were not able to visit all the attraction at the park but I really enjoy our stay and celebrate Valentine's Day at the park. It is really magical on Disneyland. Before leaving the park I promised to return and spend my whole day at the park ^__^


Date: February 14,2012  

..Hong Kong: JC Jewellery City, Victoria Peak, Aberdeen..

After our tour to Avenue of Stars, we headed right to our next destination is company that creates beautiful, authentic and one of a kind jewelry, JCL Jewellery City. This company is said to be owned by Jackie Chan. From the minute we enter the store, we received a first class treatment from the store manager. He explain the authenticity of the products, from how it is made to its uniqueness and quality. They showed us their different products, and no wonder my mother don't left the store without bringing one for her ^__^

..Muder picking a jewelry ^^,

..Other products of JCL..

 

Next stop is Victoria Peak, a mountain in Hong Kong and known as Mount Austin or The Peak. From there you can see a bird's eye view of Victoria Harbour, Kowloon and other nearby areas in Hong Kong. There are other attractions like the Peak Tram, a train which will bring you to Peak Tower were shops are located. We just stop there for a few minutes to took some pictures and headed to our next destination.

Victoria Peak

A view from top

Next on our tour is a 30-minute Aberdeen Boat Ride. It is famous for the floating village and floating restaurant. However we didn't stop to eat in the floating restaurant because we plan to eat at Disneyland ^__^

JUMBO floating restaurant

Aberdeen boat ride

Date: February 14,2012  

..Hong Kong: Avenue of Stars..

On our second day at Hong Kong we decided to take a walk at the street of Tsuen Wan before going to our first destination. The streets there are very clean, people are discipline they always fall in line when waiting for public transportation. Since its valentine's day, you'll see shop selling flowers.

Streets of Tsuen Wan

Store selling flowers

Our destination is Avenue of Stars, its modelled on Hollywood Walk of Fame and is located at Victoria Harbour, Tsim Sha Tsui, HongKong. Its created to pay tribute to outstanding professionals of Hong Kong's film industry.

We had a chance to see the commemorative plaques, celebrity handprints, movie memorabilia, the life-size statue of Bruce Lee, and the bronze statue of popular pig cartoon character, McDull ^__^

Handprint of Jet Li

Handprint of Jet Li

Handprint of Jackie Chan

Handprint of Chow Yun Fat

In front of Jackie Chan's Memorabilia Store

My Travel Buddy portraying Bruce Lee ^_^

McDull statue, I Love Pigs ^__^

Avenue of Stars is a free attraction that can be visited any time of the day or night. It's especially lovely in the evening when it's illuminated with tons of twinkling lights.

Victoria Harbour

The promenade at Tsim Sha Tsui also provides a stunning view of the harbor and is an especially good place from which to watch the nighttime Symphony of Lights, a must-see for visitors to Hong Kong.

Date: February 14,2012 

..Hong Kong: A Trip to Ocean Park..

Now its time to go out of country as a birthday present to my self and our destination is Hong Kong. I am excited of this trip because first its my first time to travel with my Muder and second its my first attempt to go out of country. 

We arrived at Hong Kong International Airport by around 10AM in the morning. After checking out we look for our guide that will bring us to our hotel. We made our reservation to PANDA Hotel, it is one of the largest hotel in Hong Kong located at Tsuen Wah Street, Tsuen Wan, HK. It also serves as the landmark at the heart of Tsuen Wan and just 30 minutes or less away from the HK International Airport (Chek Lap Kok). As the name of our hotel says, you'll see Panda everywhere ^__^.

Two panda welcomes you upon arriving at the Hotel

Hotel Elevator at Panda Hotel

After checking in and took some rest in our hotel, we started our tour right away. Our first destination is Ocean Park Hong Kong. It is an oceanarium, manire mammal park, animal theme park and amusement park located in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in Southern District of Hong Kong. General Admission fee is HK $280 which entitle you to enjoy the park for one whole day.

Upon arriving at the Ocean Park, we explore the park, look some snack and took some picture. We also saw group of Filipino performing in the park for the tourist.

Filipino Performer

The first attraction that we try is the Cable Car, it is a great way to travel between the waterfront and the summit. This attraction is located between the two sides of mountain, and provides a view of the entire park and the sea. My muder is a bit scared to try it but I'm glad I convinced her and able to see a beautiful view. The ride is approximately 10 minute or less.

When we reach the summit area, we go the The Rainforest. It has two attraction The Rapids and The Expedition Trail. The Rapid is a river ride however it undergoes maintenance when we were there. So we just go to the Expedition Trail,it is a hands on journey through the habitat of the rarest animal in the world.

Then there is the Ocean Theater,featuring the spectacular "Sea Dreams" show. This is a story about a dream how human and animals can live harmoniously, with mutual love and respect.

After the show we decided to go back to the Waterfront, this time we try the Ocean Express, its a train that travels a tunnel between the Summit and the Waterfront. Its approximately 5 minute or less ride and offers a vivid experience that simulates a journey through the ocean's depth.

Outside the Ocean Express

There is a Whiskers Harbour's Balloons Up Up and Away, it is a hot-air balloon themed that let's you fly and float in the azure sky.  

In the Aqua City, the Grand Aquarium is located. This bring us quickly to the depth of the ocean floor. Then we found what they consider the world's largest aquarium dome. There are lots of ocean creature that we saw inside.

But don't leave the park without seeing the Symbio. It is a spectacular dancing fountain show at the Aqua City lagoon. The water fountain turns into a stage for the Symbio show. This is a show between a two dragon clash, the Fire Dragon and the Water Dragon.

You can watch Symbio in this link. Enjoy ^__^

Park Hours:
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Summit Close at 6:00PM

Date: February 13,2012