hong kong travel Archives - 2bearbear Singapore Travel Blog: Travel | Stay

Hong Kong Trip Day 3 : Ocean Park and New Year’s Eve Countdown!

Day 3 of our Hong Kong trip was very much memorable. It was New Year’s Eve Countdown at Victoria Harbour! Kate also made an arrangement for us to visit Ocean Park in the morning so that we could fully utilise the entire day.

We checked into New China Yan Yan Guest House at Chung King Mansion and found out that rooms in Hong Kong can be really small…

Our encounter with small hostel rooms in Hong Kong

Small room at New China Yan Yan Guest House

Normally, you would hear stories about how small hostel (not hotel) rooms in Hong Kong can get? Sometimes even as small as 8 square metres! But when we actually saw it, we were not that surprised (guess managing expectations help) and we were actually quite happy that it had an attached toilet with shower point as well as a TV.

Since the room was just a place for the night, we immediately left for our next destination, Ocean Park Hong Kong!

Ocean Park Hong Kong is still worth a visit

You may be wondering that Ocean Park having opened more than 40 years ago, how good can it be right? We must say that it is still worth a visit! This is because, there is so much things to do and see for everyone in the family. From the youngest to the oldest.

For the young ones, there are dedicated play areas…

Whiskers Harbour - Kids Amusement Park — Whiskers Harbour – Kids Amusement Park

Rides for the adventurous ones…

Hair Raiser Roller Coaster Ocean Park Hong Kong

Animals and shows for the older ones to enjoy!

Acrobatics and Juggling acts at the Waterfront Plaza

Panda standing up and reaching for the shoots

Bald Eagle showing the span of its wings

Unforgettable New Year’s Eve Countdown at Victoria Harbour Hong Kong

Book Here with Klook: Popular Activities in Hong Kong

There are a few reasons why countdown at Victoria Harbour was really memorable for us…

1. The Cold. For one, we did not expect the weather to be so cold! We were relatively early that evening, having finished our dinner around 8 or 9pm. So we headed to a Hong Kong Cafe nearby to while the time away, have some food to keep us warm for the countdown. The good thing was that when we eventually reached the harbour, it was so crowded that we were kept warm! Check out the crowd!

Crowd waiting for fireworks and countdown Victoria Harbour Hong Kong

2. How to get a good spot. In order to get a good spot to watch the fireworks at Victoria Harbour, you should actually be there at about 8 or 9pm. We were able to still walk around these good viewing spots at about 9pm. So we thought we were able to get back to the same spot at the bridge at about 11pm. Little did we know that the bridge area was cordoned off due to the limit on the number of people allowed there! So if you really want a great spot, you should be ready with warm clothes, heat packs, tidbits and great company while waiting for the fireworks to start!

3. First Countdown with Kate in Hong Kong. Barring Melaka, this was the first time that Kate and I enjoyed a New Year’s Eve countdown overseas. Thanks for planning this wonderful trip! 🙂

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

Book Here with Klook: Popular Activities in Hong Kong

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Hong Kong right here!

Related Posts

You have just finished a post on our 9 day trip to Hong Kong, Macau and Shen Zhen. Read on to find out more about our adventures during this trip!

Hong Kong Trip : Day 1
Hong Kong Trip Day 2 : The Attractions of Tsuen Wan
Hong Kong Trip Day 3 : Ocean Park and New Year’s Eve Countdown
Hong Kong Trip Day 4 – Side Trip to Macau
Hong Kong Trip Day 5 – Continuing Our Travels in Macao
Hong Kong Trip Day 6 – Rounding up Macao and Returning to HK
Day 7 Hong Kong Trip : Side Trip to Shen Zhen & Debunking Recommendations
Day 8 Hong Kong Trip : What we did in Central 中環 Hong Kong
Day 9 Hong Kong Trip : A Surprise Find at Lian Xiang Ju Dim Sum Restaurant

Hotels and Hostels We Stayed in Hong Kong

New Year’s Eve Countdown at Victoria Harbour Hong Kong
Ibis Hotel Hong Kong Central & Sheung Wan : For the Best Views of Victoria Harbour
L Hotel Nina Convention Centre Hong Kong : Great views over Tsuen Wan
Jordan Comfort Inn Review @ New Lucky House Hong Kong
New China Yan Yan Guest House at Chung King Mansion

Food and Dining in Hong Kong

3 Reasons Why You MUST Try Dim Sum in Hong Kong and Macao
The Minimalist Guide to Eating at Tim Ho Wan Hong Kong
A Classy Treat at Lei Garden International Finance Center Hong Kong
Mak Mun Kee 麦文记 Noodles Shop : Best Wanton and Beef Noodles in Hong Kong
Great Desserts at Australian Dairy Company Hong Kong! ( 澳洲牛奶公司)
Lan Fong Yuen Hong Kong : For a taste of traditional milk tea since 1952
Secret to Enjoying Hong Kong Cafes…
What a typical Hong Kong Cafe is like
Debunking Recommendations of DiscoverHongKong.com : What NOT to eat in Hong Kong

Attractions in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Central Mid Level Escalator : Longest Escalator Walkway System in the World
Avenue of Stars 星光大道 : Hong Kong’s Hollywood Walk of Fame
Ocean Park Hong Kong : Still worth a visit?
Temple Street 庙街 Hong Kong : First glimpse at Hong Kong’s Night Market
Where to shop in Hong Kong? Citygate Outlets Tung Chung!
Elements Shopping Mall at Kowloon Hong Kong
Only make a side trip from Hong Kong to Shen Zhen if…
21 Amazing Travel Experiences in Hong Kong

Hotels We Stayed in Macau

Hotel Royal Macau : Luxury at a Central Location
Regency Hotel Macau : A 5 Stars Hotel?

Attractions in Macau

Guia Fortress and Lighthouse Macao : An Elusive Fortress Found
Macao Maritime Museum : Great Price Good Exhibits
Historic Centre of Macao : Ruins of Saint Paul’s, Mount Fortress & More
Cotai Strip Macau : Games, Shows, Food and Entertainment
Taipa Village Macau : Houses Museum, Pork Buns, Portuguese Egg Tarts
Top 5 MUST DO Things in Macao : You have not been to Macao unless you have…

View of Tsuen Wan Harbour from L Hotel Nina Convention Centre Hong Kong

Updated on August 19, 2023December 2, 2013Asia Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong Travel Day 2 Travel

Hong Kong Trip Day 2 : The Attractions of Tsuen Wan!

Our 2nd day of travel in Hong Kong started with breakfast at a typical Hong Kong Cafe. Here, we enjoyed toast, bo luo bun, spaghetti soup as well as the Hong Kong national beverage – milk tea!

Book Here with Klook: Popular Activities in Hong Kong

The rest of the morning was spent exploring the HUGE Elements Shopping Mall. The mall is themed after the 5 elements and divided into 5 sections according to the elements…

We checked out Mak Mun Kee Noodles Shop for lunch and had its famous wanton noodles and beef noodles. The noodles itself was a little yeasty but the texture was awesome. Q, springy noodles. Coupled with well-braised beef and generous servings of wanton – yummilicious!

Beef brisket Noodles at Mak Mun Kee Noodles Shop HKD38

Wanton Noodles at Mak Mun Kee Noodles Shop HKD38

Thereafter, we took the MTR to Tsuen Wan station. Within walking distance from the MTR was L’hotel Nina Et Convention (a 5 star hotel) where we checked in for the night…

King Sized Bed in Harbour View Room Tsuen Wan

The view overlooking Tsuen Wan harbour was simply breath-taking! Makes you just want to sit back, relax, enjoy the views and let out a soft “Ah…”
Within walking distance of L’Hotel Nina Convention, we were able to have access to Citygate Shopping Mall and the night market near the Tsuen Wan MTR. Great street foods were in store for us…

We rounded off the night with a walk in the Tsuen Wan park and enjoyed night views of the harbour both from the park as well as our room…

As the day drew to a close, we were reminded to be thankful for what we have and for having each other. Many other thoughts came to mind as we reflected while reveling in this beautiful view of Tsuen Wan. Be thankful for the people around you yah?

Book Here with Klook: Popular Activities in Hong Kong

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Hong Kong right here!

Stay tuned for our 3rd day in Hong Kong!

Related Posts

You have just finished a post on our 9 day trip to Hong Kong, Macau and Shen Zhen. Read on to find out more about our adventures during this trip!

Hotels and Hostels We Stayed in Hong Kong

Food and Dining in Hong Kong

Attractions in Hong Kong

Hotels We Stayed in Macau

Hotel Royal Macau : Luxury at a Central Location
Regency Hotel Macau : A 5 Stars Hotel?

Attractions in Macau

Endless shopping choices at Citygate Outlet Tung Chung!

Updated on August 19, 2023December 1, 2013Asia China Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong Trip Day 1 Travel Travel Itineraries

Hong Kong Trip : Day 1!

Thanks to Kate, we finally embarked on our trip to Hong Kong! Yeah, she is the planner of all our trips and our in-house photographer. While, I just carry the bags. When you consider the amount of things Kate buys, then you will know that things are actually…well…quite balanced :p

Book Here with Klook: Popular Activities in Hong Kong

The flight from Singapore to Hong Kong takes slightly under 4 hours. After we alighted, we headed straight for our first stop – Citygate Outlet at Tung Chung!

You can easily reach Citygate Outlet at Tung Chung by taking E21 from the bus station at the airport. The deals here were actually not too bad. Our intention was not to buy any branded stuff but to only look out for good deals. However, as it turns out, the branded stuff had relatively good deals as well. Kate bought several wallets. To my dismay… :p

Wanton mee and porridge from this stall at Food Republic Citygate Outlets

It was here that Ive tried my first Hong Kong wanton mee. The taste was quite forgettable though. Luckily for us, more good food lies ahead.

Took E21 (hkd14)after getting octopus card 150hkd with 100hkd value 50hkd deposit reached citygate and ate dumpling noodles many dumplings 42hkd w vegtable

After all the shopping, we took the same bus towards Jordan where our first night of stay in Hong Kong was – Jordan Comfort Inn at New Lucky House!

Kate actually spent alot of time on Klook to sieve through the various hostels that we can afford to stay in. We wanted a central location which meant that nice fancy hotels were out. Nice fancy hotels in the city cost a bomb!

Since most of the time in HK will be spent buying stuff and eating (买东西，吃东西）, we decided that a central location solely for sleeping would be the main consideration. Oh, attached bathrooms as well.

So after scouring through the hotels (hostels, I meant), Kate decided on Jordan Comfort Inn for our first night because of its accessibility to the shopping areas at Temple Street and close proximity to the Jordan MTR. And if you really want, you can also walk to the Avenue of Stars at Victoria Harbour.

The catch about hostels in Hong Kong is that the rooms are REALLY EXPENSIVE and you’ll get a REALLY SMALL room. We paid $112 a night for a 8sqm room! Check this out…

Small bed beside the entrance to the room

Book Here with Klook: Popular Activities in Hong Kong

The plus point is that although the room is small, it has a comfy bed, a TV and an attached bathroom. There’s also a shared water dispenser as well. Not too bad for a small room. As the chinese saying goes, 麻雀虽小，五脏俱全 (direct translation for “Although the sparrow is small, it has 5 complete organs”) Well…meaning that although the room is small, it has all the basic necessities!

After checking in, we decided to start wondering along the streets in Jordan. The cool thing about a free and easy vacation is that we can have the holiday just the way we want it. No need to be hurried around from point to point and buy stuff from specific souvenir shops. Having said that, packaged tour has its merits as well especially to places where most locals dont speak the same language as you do. Ah…we digressed.

So we took the opportunity to visit the shopping areas at Temple Street, had a wonderful dinner of roasted meats at a local joint and even stumbled upon the famous dessert place – Australian Dairy Company!

Entrance to Temple Street 庙街 Jordan, Hong Kong

Steamed Almond Egg Pudding (杏汁炖蛋) at Australian Dairy Company Hong Kong

We were feeling STUFFED after all the food that we ate (did you see the mountain of rice?!), we decided to go for a stroll at Victoria Harbour. Kate did not want to do the harbour visit on our first night initially but after much pestering from me, Kate relented! YaY!

Typical Red Hong Kong sail boats at Victoria Harbour

Initially, we wanted to catch the Symphony of Lights that goes on daily at 8pm. Unexpectedly, it started to drizzle which quickly turned into a downpour just as the clock struck 8! Bearing through the wind, the rain and the cold, we managed to catch this video for our readers – you!

Not that we were able to catch much in the cold winds, (more like blair witch?) but still the sights and sounds were captured to give us an idea of how the Symphony of Lights was.

After the rain subsided, we started to make our way back to Jordan Comfort Inn and called it a night…

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

Book Here with Klook: Popular Activities in Hong Kong

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Hong Kong right here!

Stay tuned for our 2nd day in Hong Kong!

Related Posts

You have just finished a post on our 9 day trip to Hong Kong, Macau and Shen Zhen. Read on to find out more about our adventures during this trip!

Hotels and Hostels We Stayed in Hong Kong

Food and Dining in Hong Kong

Attractions in Hong Kong

Hotels We Stayed in Macau

Hotel Royal Macau : Luxury at a Central Location
Regency Hotel Macau : A 5 Stars Hotel?

Attractions in Macau

Jordan Comfort Inn New Lucky House Hong Kong

Updated on August 19, 2023November 2, 2013Asia Hong Kong Jordan Comfort Inn

Jordan Comfort Inn Review | New Lucky House Hong Kong

Our very first hostel stay in Hong Kong was at the Jordan Comfort Inn. It was the peak period at the end of the year so it was quite difficult to find a cheap and good hotel. In fact, many hotels were fully booked. The next best thing was to look at hostels.

Book Here with Klook: Popular Activities in Hong Kong

We were actually quite surprised how expensive hostels in Hong Kong can be. The hostel stay cost $112 SGD for a night. Plus it was small. How small? Approximately 8sqm, take a look…

It was also quite difficult to locate Jordan Comfort Inn. As it turns out, there are many hostels in buildings such as the New Lucky House.

In buildings such as this, there are many many hostels. They are sub-divided into rooms and rented as hostels. Most of these rooms have no views at all. They are mostly rooms with no windows. The only view you get is outside the hostel. This was the view outside Jordan Comfort Inn…

Well, the good thing is that our room had air conditioning, an attached bathroom and even a wall mounted TV. There’s also complimentary water available for top up.

But the best part of Jordan Comfort Inn is its location. Temple Street and other famous eateries are within walking distance. We also took a walk to Victoria Harbour that evening. Guess, we’re paying for the location and not the room per se. That really should be the way right? Since you are in Hong Kong, you should be spending most of your time out of your room, shopping and eating!

How to get to Jordan Comfort Inn Hong Kong

Map of Jordan Comfort Inn Hong Kong

Jordan Comfort Inn is located at New Lucky Building, a short walk from the Jordan MTR. To reach here, we took the E21 from the airport and alighted nearby. The ride itself was about an hour from the airport to Prince Edward. Just ask the friendly bus uncles and they will let you know exactly where to stop.

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

Book Here with Klook: Popular Activities in Hong Kong

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Hong Kong right here!

The room may not be that cheap but the small room does come with an attached bathroom and TV. Hence, for an excellent location, we will recommend no-frills stay at the Jordan Comfort Inn!

Related Posts

You have just finished a post on our 9 day trip to Hong Kong, Macau and Shen Zhen. Read on to find out more about our adventures during this trip!