Kayaking in Hong Kong

Kayaking in Hong Kong? Right. Kayaking here in Hong Kong. You might have planned to come to Hong Kong to do shopping, sightseeing or even a day trip to Macau and win (or lost) some money at the casinos. In terms of water sports, you may think of swimming at the pool of your 5-star hotel. What above kayaking or snorkelling? Perhaps you never consider Hong Kong as a place for this kind of outdoor activities. Fact is, you are wrong.

In Hong Kong, cruising is very popular, but never kayaking. As a local Hong Konger, I had never dreamt of kayaking here. Not until a colleague of mine told me. This colleague came from Australia, no wonder she loves water sports. She had to spend a month or so in Hong Kong for a special project and so she had to look for activities to spend her weekends.

When she told me that she went on a kayaking tour in Sai Kung, I was a bit surprised and started to check out the details with her.

It was a mini tour of less than 10 pax from 9am to 4pm. What was included in the fee was power boat transfer to the kayak base, kayaking, short hike and snorkelling. I forgot to check the price. So you’ll have to make an enquiry from this website: http://www.kayak-and-hike.com/adventure-escape-explore/Home.html

Here are some highlights of the tour:
You don’t need kayaking experience, but have to be able to swim.

· View the unique and stunning volcanic coastline, sea caves and arches and many other geological wonders at Sai Kung.

· Look out for HK’s rare White Bellied Sea Eagle.

· Safety equipment and double kayaks provided, tuition given before the trip.

· Snorkel and short walk to the ridge of Bluff Island to get an arial view.

· Get a real feel of ocean kayaking, if conditions are favourable, paddle into caves and sea arches.

· NO LUNCH or F&B will be provided. But you can have seafood lunch at the nearby fishing village which is quite an experience in Hong Kong; or bring your own packed lunch.

Last but not the least, you only need to find your way to Sai Kung. The easiest is to take MTR to Diamond Hill Station, change to bus 96 or taxi. If you don’t mind spending a little more, simply take a taxi from wherever you are, but the money will depend on the distance and is likely to be over HK$100.

So, next time when you are in Hong Kong, consider an eco tour to Sai Kung.

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Kayaking in Sai Kung

Horse Racing In Hong Kong

If you visit Hong Kong between September and June, please make horse racing a must-go on your agenda. Racing course is the only place where you are licensed to yell as loud as you can without receiving any complaints. Enjoy the fun and excitement here.

Races are usually held on Wednesday nights, Saturday or Sunday afternoon, in either Shatin or Happy Valley racecourse. Visitors with valid passport can enter the Members Stand at a fee of HK$100. You need to be at least 18 years old. Minimum bet is only HK$10. Beginner’s guides are available at the entrance. Test your luck.

Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Day - charm comes alive at Sha Tin this Sunday(17/10)
There are special racing days throughout the year. Tomorrow (October 17) is the annual Ladies Purse Day. Sa Sa Cosmetics has been sponsoring this for the 6th year.

Racegoers will receive an exquisite brooch as a free door gift upon admission (see photo at bottom). Befitting the tradition of this highly popular raceday, fans may enjoy an array of oncourse attractions in this year’s theme of “Charm Comes Alive”.

NOTE: PLEASE DRESS UP FOR THIS EVENT. It’s a great time to show off your taste and style.

Other Highlights Of The Day Will Include
· Guess the winning horse to win fabulous prizes
· Equestrian medallist Jasmine Lai to present The Ladies’ Purse
· Best Hat Award winners take home Sa Sa Gift Coupons
· Fashion show features dazzling beauty
· Join Sa Sa Make-up Workshop for a look to impress
· Star-gazing and make-up demonstrations at Café Corner
· Shetland ponies photo opportunities
· Limited editions themed merchandise on sale
· Hat boutique at Members Stand

Related Website: 2010 Sa Sa Ladies Purse Day

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Horse Racing and Ladies Purse Day 2010

Roger Federer in Hong Kong

Roger Federer ready to "beat the best"

Celebrities travelling to Hong Kong usually attract lots of attention. Today is Roger Nederer's turn.

Before heading to Shanghai for his upcoming matches at the ATP Masters tournament, Roger Federer stopped by Hong Kong to meet the press.

When talking about his rivalry with Rafael Nadal and the world's No. 1 spot, the Swiss star showed great confidence despite slipping to No.3 in the world rankings for the first time in nearly seven years.

"Obviously he (Nadal) is a stronger player today than a few years ago but the same counts for me even though the ranking has slipped maybe a little bit.

"With a few minor adjustments I think I can really beat the best without a problem. Without being arrogant but I know I have the game and I'm playing really well right now," he said.

.....The tennis star also opened up to the media about how well he's adapting to family life, looking after his 15-month old twin daughters.

"The role as a father is a very important one too, not as important as the mum in the beginning but nevertheless I'm the guy that's catching my daughters from doing naughty things or hurting themselves, so it's very interesting. It's a lot of fun. I'm learning a lot everyday." He said.

The tennis star also opened up to the media about how well he's adapting to family life, looking after his 15-month old twin daughters.

"The role as a father is a very important one too, not as important as the mum in the beginning but nevertheless I'm the guy that's catching my daughters from doing naughty things or hurting themselves, so it's very interesting. It's a lot of fun. I'm learning a lot everyday." He said.

Full story @xinhuanet

Photo source: uk.eurosport.yahoo

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Celebrities Visit

Cultural Contrast at Sai Kung

If you want to have a day’s outing in Hong Kong, Sai Kung is quite a good destination.

Apart from the National Geo Park which I recommended previously, there is couple of other locations of interests. The ancient culture Tin Hau Temple and the contemporary culture Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).

The HKUST is one of the most expensive architecture among universities in Hong Kong and it is having quite a high ranking internationally. Go to Diamond Hill MTR Station, you can take bus to Sai Kung Pier. Enjoy a typical Hong Kong style seafood lunch and then continue your journey to the HKUST and the Tin Hau Temple.

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

An ancient clock at the campus

Taking a taxi from Sai Kung Pier to HKUST and Tin Hau Temple is not expensive at all.

View detailed transportation guide and map of the HKUST

The Tin Hau Temple at Sai Kung is the largest among all Tin Hau Temples in Hong Kong and has the longest history. Locals call it 'The Grand Temple 大廟'. All Tin Hau Temples are facing the sea as Tin Hau is the God of Sea, safe guarding the fishermen’s life in ancient times. Here you’ll witness how wonderful the location of the Temple is. Apart from superb seaview, you can sense tranquility and peacefulness here.

Tin Hau Temple at Sai Kung

A very classic Chinese architecture

Excellent Seaview
A superb choice of site for Tin Hau Temple

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Sai Kung Outing

Classic Hong Kong Mahjong Game

Playing Mahjong is a classic leisure game for Cantonese in Hong Kong. Nowadays, even people from the western culture love this game. On any weekend, get together four playmates, and you can start playing the game.

The games are winned at different levels, generally ranging from basic to Level 4. However players have to agree the rules of the game before starting.

Winning rules: Last weekend, we had a beginner in our group, so we allowed Basic. For experienced players, some start at Level 1 or even Level 3. You would need to set the ceiling for some special winnings.

Money rules: You would also need to agree on how much you are going to bet, such as $0.1, $0.5 or $1 per point.

Notes: If you allow Basic and less than $1 per point, that is really for fun. However if you set a minimum of Level 3 and $1 per point, that's marginally gambling. Beyond that is really gambling - I don't recommend that.

Last Sunday, I had a classic Level 8 win which I won 128 points. We played for HK$0.1 per point, so my total win was HK$12.8. However if we played for $1 per point, I would have won HK$128 in that single game.

清一色對對糊, 八番雙辣, 清一色最高典範

8 Fān - Highest Merit! Win-Win

I have worked out an illustrative table to demonstrate the winning amounts according to different levels of winning. The numbers grow in geometric series, so the amount involve will be tremendously huge if we don't set a ceiling. We had a ceiling of Level 8 and also decided to skip Level 6 and 7 (paid at Level 5 only).

It may sound complicate if you are new to the game. Once you get to know the it, you'll fall in love with it.

WARNING: Don't get addicted to it.

Hong Kong Mahjong Winning Table

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Mahjong

Macau Day Trip

Macau is just an hour jetfoil from Hong Kong. There are lots of fun whether you go on a day trip or overnight. I have a recent overnight trip to Macau. Here is a summary.

Go to casinos in Macau is a MUST. We went to the Sands where there were huge and beautiful casinos. We loved only the slot machines. After that, leaving at the coach station exit, we took a 5-minute walk to the Macau Cultural Centre.

There were paid and free shows. Anyway the entrance fee was only MOP5 and we went through all the shows.

Pottery Show at the Macau Cultural Centre

Paintings as well
Enjoy some Portuguese food is also a MUST. There are lots of shops and Portuguese restaurants at the downtown of Taipa Island.

Portuguese Green Vegetable Soup

Baked Mussels

Fried Rice with Portuguese Bacalhau

Take bus No.33 to the downtown of Taipa Island to the Portuguese House Museum. There are announcements and displays on board the bus, so you won't get lost. Very cool and comfortable even on a summer evening. At this little hill, you can also oversee the Macau landmark Venetian at a moderate distance.

Portuguese House Museum

Closed by 5.30pm. We were late, but still managed to take photos outside.

So our Macau trip consisted of casino, Macau food, museums and sightseeing. Why not give it a try? On weekdays, a package inclusive of one night hotel and return jetfoil tickets for two people will be HK$1,100 up. Quite a good deal. You may even win some lucky money at the casinos.

Venetian Macau

View from the Portuguese House Museum

on Taipa Island

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Macau Day Trip

National Geo Park, Sai Kung, Hong Kong

You may not aware that Hong Kong has this type of geography - volcanic rocks - hexagonal pillars at Sai Kung, Man Yee Reservior. The journey is a little long to get there, but it is certainly worth it.

Getting There:
From Diamond Hill MTR Station, change to bus 92 (HK$5.8/person) to Sai Kung Pier Terminus. Change to green taxi to go to Man Yee Reservior East Dam. The taxi ride is around HK$100, averaging HK$20/per person if you have 5 in a group. Make sure to ask the taxi driver to wait and take you back, or ask for a paging number to page a taxi to take you back to Sai Kung bus terminus. Otherwise, it is going to be a 3-hour walk. If you are an eco fan, you can try to walk.

Spend about an hour or an hour and a half for a scenic walk. It's going to be a leisure walk, easy to walk even you have kids with you.

The landscape here is pretty impressive!

Sea Caves

Volcanic Hexagonal Pillars!

Try Rock Climbing
Beware of Rocks Rolling Down!

Seafood Lunch After the Geopark Visit

It is highly recommended to have a seafood lunch at the Sai Kung Pier after your geopark visit. There are plenty of seafood restaurants around the bus terminus and you can pick your favourite live seafood - a unique dining experience in Hong Kong.

View photos of my Sai Kung seafood dinner


Hong Kong Travel Blog - Sai Kung National Geopark and Seafood