12 January 2013, 7am
Finally checked out from my "posh hotel". Decided to take the train from the Wan Chai Station just so I can look for Tai Cheong Bakery. Unfortunately, was a bit lost and ran out of time. Decided to hop on to the nearest MTR entrance.
Arrived at Tung Chung with plenty of time to spare. Hung out at Citygate to shelter from the cold weather out in the open. Went back to the cable car entrance only to discover a line has formed! It does pay to being kiasu. Bought the tickets from two sellers claiming to be from the tour agency. Was glad to discover that it was not a scam. Otherwise HKD120 down the drain (Original price: HKD135 if not mistaken).
The journey took around 25 minutes, taking us from mountain to mountain. Saw some hikers and boy, they were loud! The fog was thick. As we approached the destination, the fog thickened. Could hardly see the Big Buddha.
Ngong Ping Village was not what I imagined it to be. It was not real! I thought I had step into the HK-style Disneyland. Photo-taking was easy as there were not many tourists around. Went for breakfast at a little cha chaan teng, selling mountain water tau fu fa. Ordered the sesame soup, crunchy skin sausage and curry fishballs. Yummy! Especially the sesame soup.
Climbed the 260 steps to get a closer look of the Big Buddha. A grandma commented that there were only 250+ steps. Err...OK....I thought that's still a lot of steps to climb. Anyway, nothing great bout the view from top. It's actually harder to get a nice picture of the Big Buddha.
Went up the wisdom path. It was a long way (15 minutes walk) ahead through a mini wood. The first sign of civilisation we spotted was a rundown cha chaan teng, selling expensive teas. I think HKD25 per person. Passed a small plot of tea garden, entrance to the phoenix peak before spotting that the wisdom path is to our right. A bit funny as the path consisted of old tree trunks carved with religious words. No doubt an amazing feat.
Did some souvenir shopping, had a short break in an over-priced Japanese restaurant before ending our trip with another bowl of sesame soup and the crunchy skin sausage. Totally loved the food there.
Went back to get my luggage from the hotel. Realised that there's a cemetery and Sikh Temple next to it. Good thing I found out too late. Did some shopping along the way and found a good bargain. Yes, more winter clothing. Cheap ones. Was totally exhausted carrying my luggages through steps.
Checked in to Ah Shan Hostel. Was horrified by the size of my room. Just enough for a single bed, small table and then there was the ensuite bathroom. Lady tried to switch on aircon. Took her numerous tries. Very interesting technology but seriously I don't need aircon. It's too cold.
Aborted plans to dine at Yung Kee after learning of the long queues on weekend. Tried Sham Tseng Chan Kee Roast Goose instead. So-so only. Went to Yung Kee to take away the cured meats and preserved eggs. Spent more than HKD500 and paid in cash. The takeaway counter does not allow credit card unless for purchases more than HKD1,000. I wonder why. Cashier was really unfriendly but the packing waiter was nice.
Went to sleep at 11ish, having done my research for the next day.
Finally checked out from my "posh hotel". Decided to take the train from the Wan Chai Station just so I can look for Tai Cheong Bakery. Unfortunately, was a bit lost and ran out of time. Decided to hop on to the nearest MTR entrance.
Arrived at Tung Chung with plenty of time to spare. Hung out at Citygate to shelter from the cold weather out in the open. Went back to the cable car entrance only to discover a line has formed! It does pay to being kiasu. Bought the tickets from two sellers claiming to be from the tour agency. Was glad to discover that it was not a scam. Otherwise HKD120 down the drain (Original price: HKD135 if not mistaken).
The journey took around 25 minutes, taking us from mountain to mountain. Saw some hikers and boy, they were loud! The fog was thick. As we approached the destination, the fog thickened. Could hardly see the Big Buddha.
Ngong Ping Village was not what I imagined it to be. It was not real! I thought I had step into the HK-style Disneyland. Photo-taking was easy as there were not many tourists around. Went for breakfast at a little cha chaan teng, selling mountain water tau fu fa. Ordered the sesame soup, crunchy skin sausage and curry fishballs. Yummy! Especially the sesame soup.
Climbed the 260 steps to get a closer look of the Big Buddha. A grandma commented that there were only 250+ steps. Err...OK....I thought that's still a lot of steps to climb. Anyway, nothing great bout the view from top. It's actually harder to get a nice picture of the Big Buddha.
Went up the wisdom path. It was a long way (15 minutes walk) ahead through a mini wood. The first sign of civilisation we spotted was a rundown cha chaan teng, selling expensive teas. I think HKD25 per person. Passed a small plot of tea garden, entrance to the phoenix peak before spotting that the wisdom path is to our right. A bit funny as the path consisted of old tree trunks carved with religious words. No doubt an amazing feat.
Did some souvenir shopping, had a short break in an over-priced Japanese restaurant before ending our trip with another bowl of sesame soup and the crunchy skin sausage. Totally loved the food there.
Went back to get my luggage from the hotel. Realised that there's a cemetery and Sikh Temple next to it. Good thing I found out too late. Did some shopping along the way and found a good bargain. Yes, more winter clothing. Cheap ones. Was totally exhausted carrying my luggages through steps.
Checked in to Ah Shan Hostel. Was horrified by the size of my room. Just enough for a single bed, small table and then there was the ensuite bathroom. Lady tried to switch on aircon. Took her numerous tries. Very interesting technology but seriously I don't need aircon. It's too cold.
Aborted plans to dine at Yung Kee after learning of the long queues on weekend. Tried Sham Tseng Chan Kee Roast Goose instead. So-so only. Went to Yung Kee to take away the cured meats and preserved eggs. Spent more than HKD500 and paid in cash. The takeaway counter does not allow credit card unless for purchases more than HKD1,000. I wonder why. Cashier was really unfriendly but the packing waiter was nice.
Went to sleep at 11ish, having done my research for the next day.
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