Short Getaway National Day Trip to Hong Kong from 9 Aug to 13 Aug 2023

This is a last-minute trip slot in for the month of August to get away during National Day, which I used to do. Why Hong Kong? Well, it has been a long while since I last visited. So this would be a good reason for me to make this a short staycay trip. 😀

Most people love to visit Hong Kong for food and shopping. Interestingly (for me), Hong Kong has never been a place in my mind when it comes to travelling. The key reason being, things are expensive in Hong Kong, and especially accommodation where the hotel room size is small too.

I feel fortunate and blessed to be able to go past the departure gate yet again where the travelling excitement builds.

Enjoying breakfast at SilverKris Lounge prior to boarding.

Always looking forward to their sumptuous food spread.

Freshening up before boarding.

Time for boarding. Bye Singapore and here I come Hong Kong.

All set for now. Happy Birthday Singapore and cheers to good health!

**Selection of Sliced Fresh Fruits & Bread Roll**

Springy egg noodles tossed in Kok Kee special secret recipe sauce, with pork char siew and handmade pork dumplings (wonton). Authentic Singapore wonton noodles acclaimed by various local food critics and mainstream news and media outlets as One of the Best Wonton Noodles in Singapore.

Safe arrival to Hong Kong International Airport.

After baggage claim and exiting the immigration hall, head over to the airport express ticket counter (centrally located between Arrival Hall A & B) to buy the one-way promotional Airport Express ticket (2 pax for HKD170 vs using Octopus card which will cost HKD110 per pax) and also to top up my Octopus Card at the same time. Do note that only cash is accepted over at the ticket counter.

It takes approximately 42 mins from the airport to the hotel where I will be staying.

This will be my humble abode for the next 4 nights.

The hotel is conveniently located right across exit B2 of HKU MTR Station.

I love the spacious room size and the harbour view.

Isn’t this view amazing? I’m glad that I can wake up to this stunning view for the next 4 mornings. Yay!

Did my usual ritual recce around the hotel after check-in for familiarisation.

A typical street right outside of the hotel.

Spotted Come Buy Tea and the shopfront look “atas” similar to our Chicha San Chen.

Ordered one of their signature drink, Grapefruit Oolong Tea + Aloe Vera. Wow, this is certainly refreshing.

Checking out at Yata Supermarket (Japanese Supermarket) inside Hong Kong Plaza thereafter.

My loot from Yata Supermarket. 😀

Followed by their local Park & Shop supermarket.

Taking a quick snack break at McDonald’s.

In Hong Kong McDonald’s, you can find the cheapest ever Filet-O-Fish at HKD13 (approximately SGD$2.20) and at the same time trying out their limited edition Salted & Pepper Crispy Thigh.

Head off to Avenue of Stars next.

Enjoying a leisure walk at Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and taking in the evening views of the Victoria Harbour.

Mesmerising night views of the Hong Kong Island skyline.

The Hong Kong Film Awards statue is a 6-metre (20 ft) bronze sculpture depicting the Hong Kong Film Award statuette presented to recipients, installed along Hong Kong’s Avenue of Stars, in Tsim Sha Tsui’s waterfront in Kowloon.

You may also get to soak into The Symphony of Lights show that is staged every night at 8pm.

The Clock Tower is a landmark in Hong Kong. It is located on the southern shore of Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. It is the only remnant of the original site of the former Kowloon station on the Kowloon–Canton Railway.

One of beautiful landmarks in Tsim Sha Tsui area is 1881 Heritage. It is called 1881 as the site was constructed that year. Located opposite to Hong Kong Museum of Art, and just a few steps from the Star Ferry Pier, the former Police Marine Headquarter is now a cultural and shopping landmark.

Proceeded to Mak’s Noodle at Parkes Street (Exit C2 of Jordan MTR Station) for dinner after an evening of fun.

The noodles are springyly good without a doubt.

This is followed by dessert at Australia Dairy Company, which is just 2 shops away from Mak’s Noodle.

Chanced upon Azuki Bakery that sells various types of mochi.

Look at the selections! Spoilt for choice (at least for me). There is no prize in guessing what’s next. 😉

A huge slice of mango wrapped in mochi.

This brings me to the end of Day 1.

Day 2 morning, went for breakfast at Mui Kee Congee at Fa Yuen Street.

From Mongkok MTR Station, take exit B3 and go straight along Mongkok Road until you see the municipal building on your right.

At the wet market, take the elevator up to level 3 and you will see Mui Kee Congee prominently.

You will be spoilt for choice with the wide range of menu options offered.

Their century egg yolk is so jelly-like. So different from our century egg.

**Pork Innards Congee with add-on Pork Liver & Pork Heart**

The congee is smoothly flavoured coupled with the added wok hei.

Simply loved this beautiful shot of a busy street in Mongkok.

Thereafter, I continued with my schedule visit to the Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery, which is a short walk from Exit B of MTR Sha Tin Station.

Unfortunately, I was greeted with a heavy downpour that I had to make a slight change of plan.

Thankfully, there is a large shopping mall, New Town Plaza, right next to Exit A of MTR Sha Tin Station where I can spend some time shopping while waiting for the rain to stop.

Immediately after the rain had stopped, I continued with my scheduled visit.

After leaving Exit B, follow the street till you see HomeSquare (the mall with IKEA), and turn left in front of the mall. Take the left onto Pai Tau Street, and turn right onto Sheung Wo Che Road.

You will see ICAC Building and continue walking ahead.

Then you will come to a dead end, fret not, continue with the foot path as this is the entrance to the Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery.

Walk for about 100m and you will reach the starting point.

The climb is definitely a good exercise with all the steep slopes. 😱

You will be amply rewarded once you reach the top.

There are various deity statutes where you can admire and worship at the same time.

As the weather took another turn, I had to take shelter midway at HomeSquare.

This is a mall where one can shop for all home furnishing items similar to our IMM.

Hence, I have decided to take a late lunch at Dondonya on Level 5 of HomeSquare.

After lunch, went in search of the Monster Building in Hong Kong.

Yik Cheong Building also known as Monster Building for its conglomeration of five incredibly dense and stacked residential complexes, Yik Cheong Building and Montane Mansion are possibly the most well-known locations in Quarry Bay and definitely one of the most instagrammable spots in Hong Kong.

It is also a famous location for photography and is often used as an inspiration for several filming locations too.

Now, many tourists from around the world came over here to photograph the incredibly dense apartment block and post the images to social media.

Caught hold of Gentle Bakery at Yik Cheong Building selling traditional pastries.

Look at the wide range of pastries offered. 😋

Oh my, heavenly is all I can say. ☺️

Next up, having a nice dessert break at Meet Fresh.

**Taro Balls with Jelly Noodles & Black Pearls**

**Winter Melon Tea with Winter Melon Jelly**

Ending the night with dinner at Tai-O Café Kitchen.

Day 3 morning, went for breakfast at a traditional old school dim sum restaurant, Lin Heung Kui (莲香居) at Sheung Wan.

You will get to enjoy classic dim sum at Lin Heung Kui where items are served in bamboo baskets in trolleys.

Upon reaching the tea house, you are supposed to find your own seats and get seated. Alternatively, you may seek help from the staff to help you locate seats.

After you are seated down, you may then choose your dim sum from the trolleys that they go around.

This is definitely a great experience and something unique for those who have not come across.

After a hearty breakfast, decided to do some sightseeing in Central.

Finally, I get to see the actual place as I get to see it only when watching Hong Kong drama. ☺️

The Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal is the final appellate court of Hong Kong.

It was established on 1 July 1997, upon the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, replacing the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as the highest judicial institution under Hong Kong law.

Lady Justice is based on the Greek goddess Themis − honoured as clear-sighted − and the Roman goddess Justicia − honoured as representing the virtue of justice. She is blindfolded because justice is unbiased and should not be based on a person’s appearance or other outside influences.

***Bank of China Tower & Cheung Kong Centre***

These 2 buildings are one of the most recognisable landmarks in Hong Kong and are typically seen in Hong Kong drama, too.

After which, make my way over to Central Pier to board the Star Ferry from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui.

The Star Ferry (green and white ferries) is a passenger ferry service operator and tourist attraction in Hong Kong. It provides a scenic yet inexpensive mode of harbour crossing to carry passengers across Victoria Harbour between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

It is a recommended must-do activity while in Hong Kong.

So here I am travelling to Tsim Sha Tsui.

It’s time to board the ferry, and it takes about 8 mins to cross the harbour.

Pit stop coffee break at Flash Coffee at Tsim Sha Tsui ferry terminal.

Refreshingly good on a hot afternoon. Didn’t know that espresso and tonic make a good concoction. 👍

Day view of the Clock Tower.

Spending time at the Avenue of Stars at the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade on a bright sunny afternoon.

***Commemorative Sculpture of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch***

Enjoying breathtaking day views of the Hong Kong Island skyline.

You may also find the handprints of famous Hong Kong celebrities along Victoria Harbour waterfront too.

I found my favourite actor’s (Jackie Chan) handprint. So make sure you come and look for your favourite celebrity handprint the next time you are in Hong Kong.

Other than celebrities handprints, there are also 4 bronze statues that you can look for at the same time.

A popular local animated piglet character.

After a fun afternoon at the Avenue of Stars, I went indoors to K11 Musea to cool myself off.

K11 Musea is an ornately designed shopping centre with artwork, high-end stores, eateries, a cinema & live events.

Went over to Kam Wah Café for an afternoon treat. They are known for their pineapple polo buns and egg tarts.

***Instant Noodles with Luncheon Meat & Egg***

After a satisfying tea break, stroll past Tung Choi Street and was surprised to see the street filled with shops selling all kinds of pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, fishes, etc.

Pet lovers will bound to love this street for sure.

Heading back to Central again after Tsim Sha Tsui.

This is followed by more retail therapy at IFC Mall.

IFC at Central Waterfront is a world-class business and leisure destination in Hong Kong.

Dinner at Tsim Chai Kee, a traditional Cantonese noodle place popular in Hong Kong amongst both locals and tourists. It is also a Michelin Bib Gourmand recommended place for many years serving value for money ping pong sized wonton noodle.

What a great meal to end a great day.

Day 4 morning, headed over to 一點心 (One Dim Sum) for breakfast.

One Dim Sum is relatively easy to find. Take the MTR to Prince Edward station. From Exit A, take a right turn and walk along Playing Field Road towards Tung Choi Street. Turn left at Tung Choi Street, and you’ll see the store immediately at the corner.

This is another Michelin Bib Gourmand eatery highly recommended for the quality and affordable dim sum place.

Over here, you will order from the menu, and the items will be served to you upon order placing.

The items served are huge in portion coupled with the flavourful quality. 👍👍👍

It is recommended to come right after their opening hours or at odd hours in order to avoid the long queue, which can set you back easily by an hour. 😱

More sightseeing at Admiralty after a hearty breakfast.

With its distinctive and unique design, the Lippo Centre is one of the landmarks of Hong Kong.

The High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is a part of the legal system of Hong Kong. It consists of the Court of Appeal and the Court of First Instance.

Another check off list (been there, done that) from those Hong Kong drama that I often see. ☺️

Pacific Place is a complex of office towers and hotels and a shopping centre situated at 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong.

The four-level shopping centre is home to over 160 shops and boutiques and one major department store.

Enjoying a nice lunch today at Nadaman Island Shangri-La. Loved the classy ambience.

**Menu for Lunch Kaiseki & Chef’s Recommendation Hana Set Lunch**

Sweet corn pudding with dashi sauce and water shield, boiled Egyptian spinach & marinated pike eel.

Thinly sliced giant octopus Sashimi salad served with plum dressing.

Cold simmered summer vegetables; water eggplant, cucumber, mini tomato, ginger and water shield.

Simmered winter melon with dried scallop soup.

Grilled Ayu sweet fish served in bamboo, served with Japanese bayberry and ginger.

Rice with summer vegetables; edaname bean, taro, carrot, lotus root and sweet corn.

Dessert of the day.

View taken from the Pacific Place link bridge with all kinds of transport; cars, buses & trams.

Another beautiful view with The High Court and Bank of China Tower as the backdrop.

Moving on next to Choi Hung Estate in search of an instagrammable rainbow-coloured homes.

How to go to Choi Hung Estate?

Take the Kwun Tong line of the MTR and get off at Choi Hung Station and use Exit C4.

Once you get out of the underground, you will see a sign on your left with a small map of the area saying Choi Hung Estate. Immediately turn left and walk through a covered walkway to the back of the building.

You will come across a 2-storey car park in front of you. Go inside the car park and take the stairs to the top of the car park. You are right!

The basketball courts are on the roof of the car park and NOT on the street level!

When you arrive, you will be greeted alongside other tourists trying to capture a beautiful shot for their social media.

***Isn’t it mesmerising and insta worthy?***

While en route to my dinner place, I caught hold of this interesting bridge staircase depicting the years and venue for the respective Olympic Games being held. Can you spot the missing year and the venue?

Passing by Victoria Park next. This is a public park (named after Queen Victoria) in Causeway Bay.

People are seen to enjoy their soccer and basketball in a carefree manner and definitely a great way to pass leisure time.

Tonight’s dinner will be at Sister Wah Beef Brisket, another Michelin Bib Gourmand recommendation.

Sister Wah Beef Brisket can be reached easily via Tin Hau MTR using Exit A2. As expected, long queues are inevitable. 🤣

Beef lovers, this is the place for you!

***Dan Dan Noodle with Beef Brisket, Tendon & Tripe***

The beef broth is really flavourful and deliciously good. Beef brisket is tenderly soft. Another awesome and satisfying meal to end another awesome day. 😋

Day 5, day of homecoming. Sadly, the weather this morning wasn’t to my favour, resulting in me having to stay indoors until checkout.