Hong Kong – Part 2

2nd Full Day in Hong Kong

Repulse Bay

After going a little too hard on the drink we woke up at around midday feeling slightly hazy on it and tried to figure out from the last pictures on the camera what time we got home.  We still aren’t entirely sure but today was a new day in Hong Kong (even though we’d slept to through most of it).  We decided to take a break from the Skyscrapers and fast pace of the city, Repulse Bay was just the ticket.  We caught the bus from Hong Kong Island Bus Terminal, had a power-nap on the bus (something that we’ve gotten very good at) and, 40 minutes later, we had arrived in Repulse Bay.

Repulse Bay seemed to be a sleepy seaside resort where many wealthy ex-pats seemed to live or congregate.  The crescent shaped beach with white-sands and calm waters was overlooked by several blocks of expensive looking high rise apartments.  Was just the ticket for our hangover.

The incredible Big Buddha

We walked around the markets, took a few pictures and got some food before heading back into the city the same evening.  If I could live in Hong Kong, Repulse Bay would be where I would want to live.

Day 3 – Face to Face with the Big Buddah

One of the more well known landmarks in Hong Kong is the Big Buddah so we decided to head up to see what all the fuss was about.  It’s marketed as the worlds tallest, outdoor seated bronze Buddha.  We caught the bus from Tung Chung Station then caught a cable-car that took us up and over the mountains.  After a steep ascent we could see a small figure in the distance.  As we got closer the small figure seemed to get bigger and bigger.  It wasn’t until we stepped off the cable car that the scale of the Buddha became apparent, it was peacefully looking out over the the surrounding mountains.    To see the Buddah up close we had to climb 268 steps.  It wasn’t easy but the hike to the top was worth it.  The site that the Buddah is based is also a sacred spot for devout Buddhists in Hong Kong and also proved to be a nice break from the fast pace of the city.  Vegetarian meals were also served at the Po Lin Monastery for a reasonable price.

This is what we now call "The mini wall of China"

Tai-O

Once we’d visted the Big Buddah we caught the bus to a small fishing town known as Tai-O.  is town a laid back vibe and all of the locals were busy with their stalls selling live fish, crabs, prawns and a huge quantity of unknown crustations.

After we had a look around the stalls we decided to head up to a “lookout point” where there was a chance that we might see Chinese White Dolphins.  The ascent was no mean feat, due to the rock terrain and hundreds of steps.  It was like a mini great wall of China.  When we reached the top, sweating
slightly, we hoped that we would be able to spot the dolphins from the lookout but all we were rewarded with was some plastic sculptures instead.  The view of the ocean was amazing but we couldn’t help but feel a little deflated at the lack of real White Dolphin sightings.

Hong Kong nightlife round 2

Symphony of Lights

We hit the Harbour in time for the Famous “Symphony of Light”, when many of the skyscrapers along the skyline put on a massive syncronised light show.  The lighting was impressive and we stayed to watch until the show was over before heading back to Lan Kwai Fong for round to of drinks.  After numerous drinks.  We decided to head to a Karaoke Bar at Causeway Bay for what we thought would be a standard Karaoke bar affair.  We were slightly wrong.  After some translation issues with the taxi driver we were finally on our way.

Karaoke

The taxi dropped us off at what looked like a posh hotel and directed us to the door.  From here we were met by a receptionist and we told here that we wanted to do Karaoke.  This is where it got really wierd…the porter took us up in a lift and we navigated down several corridors before been shown into a room full of Karaoke equipment.  Not what we were expecting at all.  We had our own private booth.  After initial embarassment and awkwardness we soon loosened up after a few drinks…and the rest is history.

Last full day in Hong Kong

After another rough night on the alcohol we were feeling more than just a little groggy the next day but we decided to go and make the most of our last full day in Hong Kong.

The day started out with a return trip to Repulse bay (including a power nap on the way).  After picking up a few souvenirs and some post cards we headed back to Hong Kong City to head up to Victoria Peak.

Victoria Peak

View from Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak offers elevated views of the Hong Kong Skyline and was definately worth the visit.  You can opt for the lenghty hike up the mountain to the top or take the tram that tugs its way up the mountain to the top.  We opted for the second option for obvious reasons.  The journey up was a priceless experience mainly because the chinese tourists seem to get great value out of the views that were offered on the way up.  Their oohs and ahhs the whole way to the top in reaction to the view that was unfolding was more entertaining than the view itself.

That sums up the Hong Kong lefg of the trip.  Next stop Bangkok.

You can view all the photos from Hong Kong by clicking here.

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