Down Under 01 - Sydney

On the rarest occasion, I’d celebrated my birthday in Singapore this year all due to a friends wedding. So, I had to delay my trip a few days later. 

I never had the intention of going Australia and it wouldn’t really be my choice of destination. Since Hakimbo planned a trip to Melbourne with Izad for his birthday, I thought of crashing their trip. However, I decided to go ahead to Sydney first since I have a few more days to spare.

Since Sydney was my solo trip, I had to plan the entire itinerary. I flew in by Emirates/Qantas so I could return back to Singapore in the same flight as Hakimbo and Izad. Hotel was an excruciating decision where rates, location and convenience were a factor. I booked Park Regis City Centre, which is located within the CBD, so it was convenient to get around. 

Day 1

I decided to venture the city first instead of going to Bondi beach as initially planned. I didn’t managed to get the Opal Card for my transportation usage. So I walked the entire CBD to check the Sydney Opera House and walked along the Rock to underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I wanted to climb the bridge but the climb would have cost me AUD 280. It would have been an experience but the price was just to steep. So being underneath was just satisfying.

From there I walked to the Sydney Eye Tower which was about 1 train stop away. It’s located at Westfield Shopping Centre and the cover cost was about AUD 26. I managed to plan my route for the next few days from up on the tower. However, I was super groggy from my overnight flight and I had yet to freshen up. By then it was almost time to  check into the hotel and that pretty much summed up the day. Went out for dinner and returned back to the hotel by 6pm. Knocked out since I was up the whole of the day before.

Day 2

Got up early to catch the scheduled intercity train to Katoomba, to check out the Blue Mountains. By then, I had gotten my Opal card and it was a breeze getting around . The train ride was about 2 hours long and there would be a connecting bus awaiting to transit to Scenic World. 

I missed the bus because I had to change due to the wet weather. The bus operates at 30mins interval and walking to Scenic World is the same duration. It took me slightly more than an hour because I managed to have breakfast first. The walk to Scenic World was thru residential and then by some campsite. After the rain subsided, the whole neighborhood seems so eerie like those from from Silent Hill due to the fog. 

After that eerie trail as a lonesome traveller, I've reached Scenic World. Admission was AUD 38 which covers unlimited rides of their 2 cable car and the tram. The fog made the whole place last scenic. My horizontal cable car ride went through the fog and unable to view the vast Blue Mountain, waterfalls and the 3 Sisters. The highlight however was the world steepest tram ride which I took quite a bit. I was also literally dampened during the trail because it was raining. Thank God for my overpriced umbrella and forest canopy to keep me slightly dry. 

Made my way back to the town center by bus and on time to connect the intercity train back to Sydney. I managed to find a way to cross the Sydney Harbor and made my way to Milsons Point. Beats paying the AUD 280 and the view is about similar. 

Australian day ends early but I managed to stay out till 8pm that day. Yah, such achievement.

Day 3

The day started bright and early and I made my way to Bondi Junction. I decided to walk around Bondi Westfield for a meal before heading to Bondi Beach. Waited for bus service 333 but took a chance by taking 380 which also landed me at Bondi Beach.

The bus journey was disheartening however as it started to rain, heavily. I've disembarked opposite the beach at the row of shops and waited for the rain to stop. I had Churros and coffee, exactly the same scenario waiting for the rain to stop at Scenic World. Once the rain stopped, I rushed out to the beach.

Due to coming winter, the beach was empty besides tourist and surfers. My intent of Bondi was actually the trail from Bondi to Bronte. The walk along the cliff was magnificent. Every passerby were so friendly and welcoming. While enjoying the sound of waves crashing underneath, a police helicopter was hovering by and it turned and hovered closely to where I was standing. I was holding my camera and point at it, smiled and waved. I think they thought I was suicidal, standing by the cliff. HAHAHA...

The trail was relaxing and I ended it at the Bronte Bath. I should have brought my swimming gear because swimming there would be awesome especially in the current weather. The water was just right next to the crashing waves and the temperature was just suitably warm.

I returned back to the city and made my way to Darling Harbor. There wasn't much there beside Madam Tussuads, Sealife and Wild Life. I just walked around the harbor and ended at Starbucks for a familiar comfort. I also got to book an appointment with a Thai masseuse for the rejuvenated self before venturing onto the next city.

It has been raining in Sydney most of the time I’m there which was sucky. I didn’t managed me to do something or time was mostly delayed waiting for the rain to pass. I did all those in my itinerary just did not fully enjoy it due to the weather. If given the chance, I would do come to Sydney again and re-do some like Scenic World. 

Sydney Album

Staying Young As We Grow Older

A week from now, I will be celebrating my birthday. By numerical age, I am considered old within my peers but I can still fool others by my outlook and well being. Products are not the only thing that can mask your age but something I came to realise when I set up this whole blog, The Journey Beyond Quarter Century.

I stopped counting my age by 25 (quarter century) and looked into the journey that I ventured on. I don't really celebrate my birthday by parties and gatherings. I don't expect my family and friends to pour me with gifts like how I've spoilt them. Of course I will be grateful for the gifts but it has been a fact that giving me a present would be head-bursting ordeal as I've satisfied myself with all the material needs/want like those in SINs.

I prefer to stay away on my own that very day and count my blessings instead of my age. That is why I am always away that very day. I found satisfaction by immersing myself into new experiences and surroundings. That has always been the best present I've gotten either by myself or others.

My First Solo Trip - Hong Kong and Macau
Experience Business Class Flight (Pure Orgasm)

Another adventure to South Korea - Busan, Jeju and Seoul
A very rewarding trip as I got to try and converse in Korean

A crashed birthday getaway by Hakimbo that I was grateful of.
I've gotten to experience more than just bumming around

Back to Hong Kong with Diane for Disneyland.
Broke my stubbornness of not going to theme parks and actually had fun

Well, it does not mean that you have to be on a trip on your birthday. Just find something new to do that you can enjoy. Remember that materialism is a temporary happiness. That smile will turn to a frown once it's broken or lost. The memory of experience will be everlasting which will continuously bring back a smile when you look back. Invest once and the reward will be recurring.

So, the actual secret of staying young is being HAPPY and GRATEFUL. Count your blessing and experience, and not by the materials you hope people will get for you. Life is temporary, we don't get to bring them all when we passed on. That wrinkle that appears when we smile is more beautiful that the wrinkle from stress.

So remember, I like my moment of introversion on my birthday. I'll be grateful of your present of staying away from me. I'll still be grateful of gifts and blessing too. Gastronomical experience are most welcome also. HAHAHAHA...

Island Getaway

It is becoming a yearly affair for the group of friends that went to Bangkok back in 2014. In 2015, we had a simpler getaway to Tioman Island, off the Malaysian eastern sea. I've been there twice and the last was in 2010. Tioman is really meant for a stress free holiday.

With the help of the same travel agent Hakimbo used, we got a superior chalet at Paya Beach Resort, inclusive of return coach to Tanjong Gemuk, return ferry to and fro the island, 5 meals and snorkelling activity all for just $250 per head.

Before 'it' began

For some, the 3 hours bus ride was gruesome until we experience 2 to 3 hours of ferry ride in a bad weather condition. The ferry had to go slow to cut through the rough waves. The start of the ride was merry until the first wave. It really felt like a roller coaster ride (like I know since I rarely ride one). I plugged in my earphones tight, grabbed my bag close to my chest and closed my eyes to sleep. I could faintly hear the screams and puking noises all around. I refused to open my eyes and ears as the ferry was still rocking furiously against the waves.

From a normal 2 hours ferry, it took us almost additional 30mins to 1 hour to reach the first jetty. Ours was the second. All that nausea passed as I stepped on steady land.

I had the privilege to stay in different rooms during my stay in the resort. I had a bigger room at the newer wing where the swimming pool is just in front of the room. Since there wasn't any activity on the first day, everyone dived into the pool after our stomach had been fed. I however had to complete my assignment due on the day I returned. So I stayed in the room like a confined student on a holiday. Once done, of course I dived into the salty pool.

Even with dinner, we still grabbed food at the warong. I have to admit, it's a must to get food there. The local delight and the infamous burger Ramli are must try. Not to forget the ever refreshing NesLo (Nescafe and Milo concoction). We stuffed at either warong till our stomach cried to stop.

So what do you do for a beach holiday, head to the beach of course. A little familiarisation with the snorkelling equipment by our dear Hakimbo at the beach till sunset. The boys minus the mummies, kiddies and me, crossed over to the nearby island. I was left out because I was in the water when they were looking for me. Hence I ended playing sand play with the kids and mummies. The sunset was mesmerising that we had multiple photo shots. I didn't bother with my camera because I didn't waterproof them. At least our main guide had prepare all the necessaries.

The silly things we do

Day 2 is activity day which was mostly snorkelling the first half of the day. The boat picked us up from the jetty and brought us to Renggis Island. I was amazed by Rayyan who was only 6 year old jumped into the open sea (with a life vest of course). Too bad, he's not used to the snorkelling gear to see the underwater beauty.

After 45mins at Reneges Island, we boarded the boat and headed to Marine Reservation center for another snorkelling. Usually we would be able to drop into the water from the jetty but the low tide didn't consent. We had to walk to the mainland and swim out to the sea. It's basically the same kind of activity but at least the mummies and kiddies were able to get into the water from the low tide. After a long and hot day, we headed back to the resort.

Kids nowadays are so sheltered from parents who prevent them from getting sick or hurt. On our way back to the resort, it started to rain. We were out on the boat from and had no shelter. Since we were all yet, we embraced the rain together with the kids. That's when the parents realised that something does not really harm the child.

Once back to the resort, it was practically dozing off, eating and swimming in the pool. We were also hoping that the ride back would be smoother, praying that it won't rain.

Again, the family had an ease of holiday. Everyone had fun and had our bellies filled happily. We did discuss our 2016 plans and it will definitely be a bang, in experience and our pockets. I can't wait for it that both Hakimbo and myself will scout the place first. HAHAHAHAHA....

Seoul-Ful New Year

After a great trip at Jeju-Do, we made our way back to Seoul city. I've recommended to return to Seoul Backpackers after a hospitable stay previously but it was quite different now under a new management. It's not that I had any hiccup, it's just a totally different atmosphere altogether now. The consolation is that it's within walking distance to many great places (besides the hill to climb with luggages during checking in).

My main intention in Seoul were mostly shopping but with someone with me, I had to put in some touristy itinerary.  I have summarised the tourist itinerary that we did since I've covered it mostly in my 2012 1/2/3 trip. However I will cover those that were not in the 2012 list.

Day 1:
Bukchon Hanok Village
Insadong
Cheonggyecheon stream
Myeongdong

Day 2:
Ski trip to Jisan Forest Resort
Government Ginseng Centre
Myeongdong
Bosingak for New Year Countdown

Day 3:
Sejong Square
Gyeongbokgung
Apgujeong Rodeo Street (Gangnam)
Itaewon
Hongdae
Dongdaemun
The first 3 days were mainly tourist locations and I was disheartened that Sopi was not keen in what the places had to offer. Since it was winter, majority of the places were gloomy and dull especially Cheonggyecheon which I loved. It was so grey this time round.

However, day 2 have been splendid. We were awoken to snowfall which lasted for about 3 hours but we were mostly aboard a bus en-route for our ski trip to Jisan Forest Resort which I booked through DMZtours.

Ok, I have to admit that skiing was not easy as it seems. I only managed to get the hang of it after 5 hours which was also the end of the session. Sopi didn't quite got it and I've sprained my wrist breaking his fall. I would still love to try skiing again and the next time would be a proper all-out skiing session which would probably cost a bomb.

As part of the tour package, we were brought to a Ginseng Centre like the other DMZ tour so I ended up at the back of the group.

We wanted to check out the New Year Celebration in Seoul and were hoping for some firework. Even with all the research, we didn't managed to find a location that boast fireworks. The main NY celebration was ringing of the bell to usher in the new year at Bosingak. It was a new experience to me since I do not go to concerts and gigs. I believe it was the same kind of crowd control. After counting down in Korean and the bells rung, people started dispersing like there's nothing more. True, there wasn't anything more.

I noticed that my travel mate was not satisfied with the itinerary and I admitted that I was not satisfied as well. I've decided that we went separate ways to conquer our own agendas. I've brought him to key areas of Seoul which he noted for a revisit and went ahead on day 7. So what did I do on my own solo day?

I woke up early in the morning to catch the first train to hike up Bukhansan since we've got defeated at Hallasan. Bukhansan is on the northern part of Seoul and I've picked the Dobongsan Trail. There are a few tracks and peaks that I got misdirected but I still ended at the targeted destination. The trail started with a snowy terrain and the destination at 739.5m above sea level was extremely cold and rocky.

Climbing may have been torturous but climbing down was worst. Due to the snowy slippery tracks, I slipped a couple of times. I didn't had that problem going up. I could have used the spikes that I've brought but the layer of ice was very thin and I would have damaged the spikes and also make my steps unbearable. It took me about 3 hours to complete ascending and descending Bukhansan that I had to rush for my remaining itineraries.

I made a quick stop to Yeongsan to check the Gunpla shop and lunch. I knew I shouldn't expect much for toy collection in Seoul but I did remember seeing great stuffs back in 2012.

I've actually been saving the best for later, especially after hiking Bukhansan. It's time for a Jjimjilbang visit. It almost similar to Japanese onsen but there are more things that you can do there. However, do note that it'll be a culture shock to most, bare skin throughout the bathing area. I remembered what the Ski instructor advised, "You are in a different country, so no one actually knows you to talk about you." True that, and that is the reason I chose the visit on a Solo day. I don't want to be stuck thinking of my friend stark naked. That changes the whole dynamic of a Singaporean society.

Anyway, I've decided to go to Siloam Sauna for the experience. It's located near the Seoul Station and it is quite easy to navigate. You make payment of around $10 to the front counter and proceed to the respective changing area. Lock up your shoe in a locker and exchange the key for a key to a locker for your other belonging. STRIP DOWN BARE and proceed for the bathing area.

From this point on, it may get NSFW.

Wash yourself thoroughly before stepping in the sauna. There are many tubs with different temperatures to try. After soaking for 20 minutes, I proceeded to go for a scrub by the employees in speedos. For a fee of around $15, they will scrub your ENTIRE body of dirt and you'll end up feeling sparkling clean. My attendant asked whether I want to add massage for what he said "10-10 thousand won". I didn't know the value he was referring to and just agreed to it.

That was the best bath of my life. After the scrub, he requested me to rinse again to rid the dirt that he managed to scrub. Upon returning, he started massaging using liquid soap to ease the strides throughout the whole body, nothing was spared. Then he did some cracking which felt so good. Facing up, I was ensuring that the little bugger was down and he was. Don't want to get any wrong vibes after that splendid feeling. He then place a mask over my face and and continued massaging on the front, dabbling minimally on the little guy. From top to bottom, he moved last to the hair by shampooing and rubbing my head. 

After a good hour or so I believed, he tapped me and said that it was over. I felt so refreshed that I didn't felt that I had a torturous morning. After the whole bath, I didn't had time to check the jjimjilbang as I have places I need to go and of course packing up. I knew I shouldn't be shocked at the price of the bath but that was also the most expensive bath of my life. The attendant actually meant 10 of 10 thousand won, hence it's about $120 for a bath.

Still smirking at the most expensive bath, I made my way to Hongdae and lastly Myeongdong to get al the items that I've mentally keeping track. I had the best time shopping and managed to control with spare expense.

Check out Satisfaction of Irrelevant Needs for more details of my list.

Also check out Facebook for more photo.

Overall, I didn't expect that I would still enjoy Korea, let alone Jeju again. Shopping is still great and the jjimjilbang is an eye-opener, not on the things I see but on the amount I paid. I foresee I will come again to conquer Hallasan. Till then... 

South Korea - Jeju

I can't believed that I've headed back to South Korea for the year end. I've been wanting to go back Korea for no apparent reason and I finally got the chance when my friend, Sopi wanted to tag along for a winter trip. So again, I've became a travel guide.

We were hoping for snow and I want some activities such as skiing/snowboarding and hiking. Hence, we concluded South Korea would be the destination. We got a cheap flight by Malaysia Airlines and will be staying at Seoul Backpackers again. Since we have 8 days, Sopi requested for another city. After much research, flight to Jeju with Air Busan was cheap and finalised Jeju as our go-to city.

As I mentioned way back on my 2012 Jeju Blog, getting around in Jeju is most convenient by car or taxi rental. Since I have someone this time, it was logical to rent a car instead. I managed to book a Hyundai Avante via KT Kumho at about $175 for 3 days inclusive of insurance and navigation. The cars are generally in good condition and fuel efficient. I received the car full and only need to return as such which I top-up only half tank at about $50. That's a half tank for a complete 3 days with hundreds of kilometres mileage.

The car rental also includes a complimentary GPS unit. The best way to input the destination is by keying in the telephone number of the establishment of the destination. Keying in the destination by name might lead somewhere else because of similar names.

The advantage of renting a car was that I can stop anywhere I wish. My last taxi ride brought me to amazing roads and views which were great for a photo stop. I managed to it this time, stopping at an empty road for photo shoots and windmill photos. I could even stop by the roadside to fool around with snow. Many of the Hallasan drives went through snowy bending roads which were fun.

Another great experience of renting the car was basically driving on the left side. That was totally a different yet familiar experience.

Accommodations in Jeju is relatively cheap. I got a good deal with Jeju Four Seasons at about $240 for 3 nights. It's located in Jeju-si so food are convenient however most attractions are quite far off. With the car however, anywhere is possible. The hotel also consist of parking for rental cars.

With the convenience of travelling by car, I did more attractions. The first attraction was Jeju Loveland which was nearby the hotel. Once we checked in and washed up after a whole day of travelling, we headed to Jeju Loveland during dusk. Somehow, it would be better to be visited during the day but there wasn't anything exciting. It was mostly erotic statues.

Day 2 was more attractions. We started early in the morning for sunrise at Seongsang Ilchubong. I still enjoyed this place especially the climb and beauty. Since it's a cloudy forecast, the sunrise was covered. Sopi was quite disappointed until I brought him down to the Women Divers Cove. Again, I was super excited because I decided to venture further in the cove. I got to take amazing photos of myself and the surrounding beauty.

Once we're satisfied and after breakfast, we headed to Jeju Kimnyong Mazeland. We took an estimated 22 minutes to complete. The Mazeland is also home to many cats which Sopi was excited about. While resting, one of the many cats jumped on my lap and snuggled in my coat. Carpet would so be jealous but she's snobby anyways.

Just a short drive up the same road is Manjanggul Lava Tube. I've a lot of hiking up activities that we could use a hike down. Apparently, there wasn't much in this attraction. Just set yourself to walk for 2KM to the end for some rock formations.

While driving to the next destination at Seogwipo, we drove along Hallasan until we've drove upon snowy roads. Sopi really wanted to stop but there wasn't any clearing for stopping until we reached a long row of parked cars. We did the same and noticed that it was one of the many Hallasan trails. Since we managed to parked, we were like kids playing in the snow. I got to throw many snowball this time, unlike the time I tried with the dirty snow in Beijing.

We continued our drive to Seogwipo for the waterfalls. I've only brought Sopi to Jeongbang and Cheonjeyeon since I've been to Cheonjiyeon. Among the 3 waterfalls, I preferred Jeongbang the best as the waterfall streamed into the sea and its the fullest stream that I've seen of the 3.

Since it was very close to sunset, we set to our destination to Songaksan at the west of Jeju. Again the forecast was cloudy and we didn't really managed to view a perfect sunset. After a quick bite since I've became to tired from all the long driving and climbing, we returned back to the hotel.

Day 3 was set solely for a hike up Hallasan. I've planned to track along Gwaneumsa trail which is 9KM long and one of the only 2 trails that leads to the peak. However, we came in slightly unprepared. Once we reached the 3.2KM marked, Sopi was struck with fear as he was unable to climb a snow covered stairs. Even with some persuasion, he decided to give up. We could climb up if we had spiked shoes. At that point I was very disappointed that we can't continue on but to back tracked. I mentally told myself that I'm with someone and safety of each other is most important. I had to keep telling myself that so that I would forgive the situation.

Luckily there are alternate routes and one of them even allows us to drive up. Once we were out of Gwaneumsa Trail, we've bought the spike attachments and drove to Yeongsil Trail. However, the road to Yeongsil entrance was heavily covered in snow that we had to park 3KM away and make our way by foot. Again, Sopi had another anxiety attack. He had a hard time breathing after we passed roughly 1KM away. Judging by the cloud movement, we were high above sea level. He decided to return to the car and wait for me to complete the trail.

I continued on, with spiked shoes for easier movement and reached the trail entrance. By then, I only had 3minutes before they refuse entry at 12pm. I would continue on but knowing I'm not travelling alone, I decided to return back to my travelling companion. At least I got up 1.28KM above sea-level point of Hallasan.

We drove down to World Cup Stadium for lunch and grocery shopping and drove back to the hotel.

After 2 failed attempts up Hallasan, I had this urge to return back to Jeju to complete what I failed (similar to Mt Inari of Kyoto). Somehow I see myself returning back to South Korea again just to conquer Hallasan. I don't really care of the other attractions.

Honestly, I didn't expected not to get bored of Jeju since this was my second trip there. I experienced new things and a failed challenge will urge me to return. Till then, enjoy the Jeju gallery and coming up, the Seoul portion of the trip.

Pushing the limits

Being busy is an understatement and I'm still planning for more. My best friend will soon be my organiser/calendar. Working as a planning supervisor is still the norm but it's the after-office hours activities that will be monitored and planned.

Coming to two years, my after-work activities have been going to school for my degree, assignments and occasional meet-ups. There are impromptu activities which were still manageable and not listed in the calendar. Even with all this, I still find it unfulfilling and could have done more productive activities.

So what fulfilling activities that I'm referring to? For starter, a personal enrichment activity. I need to cater back my workout regime to a norm without being stated in the calendar. A good 30mins to an hour of exercise, 3 times weekly is all I need to achieve. 

Another personal enrichment would be attaining more knowledge especially on religion. With my recent religious read, I'm building back the interest on my own religion that I've been neglecting. I'm going back to the bare basic to understanding my religion with the Muslim Convert Association of Singapore (MCAS). Why MCAS? It's the best place where the classes are in English and maybe I could find my better half there. It's a hopeful wish but attaining the knowledge is the priority.

Even with additional learning schedule, I still finding it lacking. I've always been wanting to earn based on freelancing but I wasn't able to centralise my talent. Since I've been studying non-stop, I will need to share what I've learnt. Hence I was thinking of providing tuition to 1-2 students in need for either Primary up to 'O' Level subjects. This would be the plan for 2015 so I am preparing myself with the current school syllabus and getting pointers from my tuition-experienced friends and relative. I will experiment on my little nephew first to prep him for his Primary 3 syllabus and gauge on my capabilities from there.

Reading back, think that is a lot to handle. I know my friends will say that I'm crazy yet supportive nonetheless. The plans are slowly in place and executing are in order, I am determined to proceed.

Magical Birthday



Second time, Yeah!

There seems to be a lot of second time for this birthday trip. Firstly, this is my second birthday trip to Hong Kong, second time I became a guide in 2014, second trip with a lady and second time I returned to Singapore via Airbus A380.

 

It was easier to plan this trip as my companion told me she will just follow me for the attractions and she will do the research for food. I had to give up on that as:
1) I admit I'm a fussy eater but I can eat almost anything (non-pork)
2) I tend to have improper meals when I'm overseas as I preload myself sustainable to last long for the day. Hence I tend to have 2 full meals a day when I'm overseas. Unless I find some snacks I'm salivating to try.

It was a 4 day trip and I've planned going to one of Hong Kong's 3 islands per day. Since our hotel is at Kowloon (Evergreen Hotel - second stay), we set out to start our exploration from Mongkok down to Tsim Sha Tsui (she never failed to laugh whenever I say Tsim Sha Tsui). I brought her to the Ladies Market and Temple Street market which was disappointing as compared to Taiwan's night market which she loves. I also managed to check out some toys and not surprising to exit with some bags. We walked towards TST from Mongkok and ended at the Avenue of Stars to catch the Symphony of Lights before we return to the hotel and knock out.

The second is actually my birthday. I wasn't expecting something special and there wasn't any. Fyuh! Well, it's the day I got treated like a kid again, in Disneyland. Initial planned for a quick trip up Ngong Ping but she was relunctant in waking up early so we forgo it but not Citygate for possible shopping. I left empty handed except for her, she managed to grab some stuffs. We then made our way to Disneyland around noon and it started to rain. Luckily we had each brought an umbrella so it was an ease getting around.

Ok, I was never a fan of theme parks and never will. It's not about the thrilling rides (which I told everyone I'm not into roller coaster) but more towards the queue. We visited Disneyland on Saturday which is partially our fault but that's my birthday. There were tons of tourist from mainland China and quite a handful of Indian national. We managed to take quite a number of rides with an average queue of 30 mins. The most exciting ride I took was the runaway cart which is a roller coaster ride without the loop. We spent a good halfday in Disneyland and ended with a bang by the fireworks. We returned to Kowloon where I went for a mandatory massage while she return to the hotel to freshen up.

The third day was spent visiting Hong Kong island. I've never took the ferry to Hong Kong before so we took the opportunity. Before boarding, we did a quick round along Canton Road. 

She never was into ferry rides but she still followed as how I followed her for her Disney rides. We ventured into IFC and moved up to Soho and made our way to the Peak tram station. The queue was horrendous and we decide to go the following morning instead. Hence we made our way to Causeway Bay. I never took the tram as well so I hopped into one and proceeded to Causeway Bay. Along the way, I did thought of visiting the Halal Dim Sum at a mosque canteen as initial planned but it was quite late and she had her share of dim sum. So we forgo and continued towards Causeway Bay for dinner instead.

As we failed to go up Peak the day before, we went on our last morning in Hong Kong. The only intention up at Victory Peak was to dine-in at Bubba Gump restaurant. She wasn't too keen on the view as she's acrophobic. After our quick lunch, we've returned to Tsim Sha Tsui to do our final shopping and kill time at Agnes B cafe. We made our way to the airport earlier than expected to continue shopping at the Disneyland Store.

I actually had a great time especially in Disneyland which my friends were worried about. They were worried as this was the third time being in Hong Kong and that I did not post any update in Facebook or Instagram like my other trips. The main reason was my iPhone camera had a glitch that wouldn't operate the camera function properly. Since I can't use the phone camera, I did not attain the local mobile data as I'm unable to take and post pictures from my phone. I ain't willing to be one of those that uses their iPad to snap photo. How horrendous is that?! I did managed to take photos with my Canon camera instead but there isn't much as I've been to HK a few times.

Check out the album for Hong Kong from Facebook.