Trip Young & Dangerous (HK, Macau & Shenzhen) : Last Day - Avenue All Star

It was our last day in Hong Kong. So sad as finally we almost reaching the end of our trip. Nevertheless, since our flight back was at 8.50pm, we still got some time to explore area nearby. As planned, we spared this remaining time to visit the Victoria Harbour waterfront or to be exact The Avenue of Stars.


i) Avenue All Star, TST.

The Avenue of Stars is a 400-metre long bridge section of waterside promenade along the northern side of Victoria Harbour. It modelled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to honour celebrities of the Hong Kong film Industry and located along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.


Getting there

MTR - East TST MTR Station, Exit J, near Inter Continental Hotel is about 3 minutes walk from the avenue. TST MTR Station, which is linked by pedestrian subway to East TST MTR Station and has common exits is also within walking distance.

STAR FERRY – TST Star Ferry Pier is about 10 minutes walk from the avenue by following the promenade past the clock tower and along the harbourside in front of Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Museum of Art.

BUS – Star Ferry Bus Terminus is located at Star Ferry Pier and is the terminus for KMB services 1, 1A, 2, 5, 5A, 5C, 6, 6A, 7, 8 and 9. Routes A21, 8A, 13X, 26, 28, 35A, 41A, 81C, 87D, 98D, 110, 203, 208, 215X, 219X and 224X all stop on Salisbury Road, outside New World Centre, about 5 minutes walk from the Avenue


From our hostel, we went out around 9am and walked straight to the Harbour. Entering from Salisbury Garden, a 4.5-metre-tall replica of the statuette given to winners at the Hong Kong Film Awards greets visitors.

Replica of the Hong Kong Film Awards statuette.

Lots of fascinating shows available here at the Avenue of Stars.


The promenade commands a stunning panoramic view across Victoria Harbour. At night it is a popular viewing place for the Symphony of Lights display which takes place nightly at 8pm.

Hong Kong iconic junk boat.

Among the iconic buildings U can see onthis photo are The Bank of China, The Peak, Jardine House, Two IFC and Central Plaza.

Background - Hong Kong Island.

Nor and me.

Wan Chai Pier. HKCEC building where we visited on our first day here.

Intercontinental Hotel located nearby the promenade.


The Avenue is based on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and celebrates stars of the Hong Kong film industry.
Along the 440-metre promenade, the story of Hong Kong's one hundred years of cinematic history is told through inscriptions printed on nine red pillars.

History of HK Film Industry.

The avenue has panoramic views across the harbour to Hong Kong Island and makes for a pleasant stroll at any time of day.

Either locals or tourists, all enjoying the stroll along the Avenue area.

There are benches provided along the Avenue for you to sit and just enjoy the view.

The Avenue also is a perfect place for exhibition or promote any campaign where during our visit, the United Buddy Bear were displayed here to promote living together in peace and harmony.

Took photo with the bears.


Continued our walk, set into the promenade are plaques honouring the celebrities. Some plaques contain hand prints and autographs of the stars set in cement and autograph, but most of the plaques only contain celebrities names as they are now deceased.

The number of plaques has grown from 73, when the avenue first opened, to a current total of 101. Some of the stars more familiar to audiences outside Hong Kong include Michelle Yeoh, Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, Jet Li, Chow Yun-fat and Maggie Cheung.

Bruce Lee, comedian actor Raymond Chow, and mom's favourite Bridgete Lin Ching Hsia

Chow Yuen Fatt, the handsome Aaron Kwok and Malaysian born actress, Michelle Yeoh. Comparing my hand size with them. Aduh gedabaknya tangan saya!!

A Listers, Jet Lee and Jackie Chan, the talented actress Maggie Cheung, my ex Andy Lau and the late Anita Mui and Leslie Cheung.

Barisan artis yg meminati ku : Nicholas Tse (actor become Chef just to impress me) , Stephen Chow (sorry, U gila sgt... I x bole handle), Leon Lai (1 of my heavenly king and of course king of my heart), balance2 ni semua spart parts jer...Simon Yam, Louis Koo and Tony Leung.

The statue of Bruce Lee with his signature martial art pose.

Sitting on the director's chair. Ok, ready to take.. action... cut!!

You cannot claim to be Canto-pop fans if you didn't know who was Anita Mui. She was one of Hong Kong's icon expecially in the late 80's and early 90's.

Last view of HK island. Till we meet again in my next visit... perhaps??

Active construction happening around the Avenue All Star.

So we spent about 2 hours here then started to walk back to the next destination.

Read on next post.


Trip to HK, Macau and Shenzhen Fast Link Here
Preparation
Day 0 – Departure to Hong Kong and First Night at Chungking Mansion
Day 1 – Star Ferry Ride from Kowloon to HK Island
Day 1 – HKCEC and Golden Bauhinia Square
Day 1 – Repulse Bay and Stanley Village
Day 1 – Lunch at Islamic Muslim Centre, Ammar Mosque and Tram Ride
Day 1 – The Mid Level Escalator
Day 1 – The Peak Tram and Night at Victoria Peak (Sky Terrace 428)
Day 1 – End of Day 1

MACAU Day Trip
Day 2 – Journey to Macau by TurboJET Ferry
Day 2 – The Venetian, Macao
Day 2 – City Of Dreams and Hard Rock Hotel
Day 2 – The Galaxy Macau
Day 2 – Grand Lisboa and Senado Square
Day 2 – The Ruins of St. Paul’s
Day 2 – Macau back to Hong Kong

Shenzhen Day Trip
Day 3 – Starting Journey to Shenzhen, China from Hong Kong
Day 3 – Window of The World
Day 3 – Shopping at Shenzhen and back to Hong Kong

Hong Kong Trip Continues
Day 4 – Ngong Ping 360, Lantau Island
Day 4 – Aberdeen Floating Village and Jumbo Kingdom
Day 5 – Disneyland Part 1
Day 5 – Disneyland Part 2
Day 5 – Disneyland Part 3
Day 5 – Shopping at Ladies Market, Mongkok
Last Day – HK Museums, 1881 Heritage and Back to Malaysia
Total Expenses

Trip Young & Dangerous (HK, Macau & Shenzhen) : Day 5 - Shopping Time, Ladies Market

ii) Ladies Market, Mongkok

After spending almost one full day at Disneyland, we didn't call it a day quite yet. As it was our last day, we want to finish all our HK dollars with shopping!!

There are few shopping street in Hong Kong where you can shop and among the famous one is Ladies Market. Since it is located at Kowloon area, near with our place of stay, so we went there.

How to get there
Address : Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon.

i) MTR - Mong Kok Station, Exit E2. Walk along Nelson Street for two blocks.
ii) Bus - No 1, 1A, 2, 6 or 9 from TST Star Ferry pier and get off at Nelson Street station.

Opening Hours:
Pretty much noon till about midnight.


When we reached here, it was almost 9pm and yeah, even it was weekday but still crowded with loads of small stalls and people!! It was so happening but be prepared to wander around this 1 km stretch in a crowded aisles and to haggle, but it all fun after all.


What to buy here??

More like, what not to buy! From Mark Jacobs to Mulberry, everything is available here, you name it. And bear in mind that fakes and copies are illegal, but they are in all their glory. During my visit here, the MCM leather bag was in trend, so obviously we went gaga over the various design of the bags!!

You’ll find so many irresistible things here that you’ll want to get your hand on, from latest handbags, to cool watches, from cute clothes for kids to trendy skirts and dresses for adults. There are tee shirts, wallets and coin purses, cute footwear, denims, lingerie that’s racy and sexy, sunglasses, junk jewellery like charm bracelets and neck pieces, to cut is short all here for you to lust over. Cute gadgets and related accessories like Power banks, Flash Drives, Phone Covers, iPhone/iPad accessories, Smart Watches, amazing Toys are also available at exciting prices. Souvenirs such as fridge magnets, keychains, ceramic plates, snow globes, hand fans are of course mandatory items here. And oh, Pashmina and silk too!

But remember, you need to be prepared for some haggling. I’m pretty bad at it, but still with the language barrier we faced, we were able to get some great deals. I bought few T-Shirts, fridge magnets and keychains as souvenirs for family and friends.


While shopping, it is always good to check the quality, for example, check the lining of the bags and the zippers, etc. Try and get a good bargain, and when in doubt – take a walk to the next stall, and then the next, before you decide to buy an item.

At nearly midnight, most of the shops were about to close. After got all we wanted, we called it a day and walked back to MTR station to get to our hostel. Overall this place is great. It is overwhelming at first, it was buzzing with energy, it is colourful, it is exciting and it is touristy – the exact mix of things I like. Ha-ha. I mean, isn’t all this what street-shopping is all about anyway? Right. One thing we should be gratefull living in Asia and that's what make us unique. Our night market!!


Trip to HK, Macau and Shenzhen Fast Link Here
Preparation
Day 0 – Departure to Hong Kong and First Night at Chungking Mansion
Day 1 – Star Ferry Ride from Kowloon to HK Island
Day 1 – HKCEC and Golden Bauhinia Square
Day 1 – Repulse Bay and Stanley Village
Day 1 – Lunch at Islamic Muslim Centre, Ammar Mosque and Tram Ride
Day 1 – The Mid Level Escalator
Day 1 – The Peak Tram and Night at Victoria Peak (Sky Terrace 428)
Day 1 – End of Day 1

MACAU Day Trip
Day 2 – Journey to Macau by TurboJET Ferry
Day 2 – The Venetian, Macao
Day 2 – City Of Dreams and Hard Rock Hotel
Day 2 – The Galaxy Macau
Day 2 – Grand Lisboa and Senado Square
Day 2 – The Ruins of St. Paul’s
Day 2 – Macau back to Hong Kong

Shenzhen Day Trip
Day 3 – Starting Journey to Shenzhen, China from Hong Kong
Day 3 – Window of The World
Day 3 – Shopping at Shenzhen and back to Hong Kong

Hong Kong Trip Continues
Day 4 – Ngong Ping 360, Lantau Island
Day 4 – Aberdeen Floating Village and Jumbo Kingdom
Day 5 – Disneyland Part 1
Day 5 – Disneyland Part 2
Day 5 – Disneyland Part 3
Last Day – Avenue of Star
Last Day – HK Museums, 1881 Heritage and Back to Malaysia
Total Expenses

Trip Young & Dangerous (HK, Macau & Shenzhen) : Day 5 - Disneyland Part III

Moving on to another favourite on mine, GRIZZLY GULCH!

Grizzly Gulch is Hong Kong Disneyland’s version of Frontierland which mirror’s the 19th century Wild West. It is small and the only ride is Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, which is a roller coaster similar in style to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland. It differs by featuring a few backwards portions and a cool launch. The rest of Grizzly Gulch is quick to walk through.

Cowboy Town.

Wandering around the town.

Behind the bars!!

Mugshots


We went to try this Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars and it was so fun!!

Purposely took this photo of pretty lady while on the queue to board the mine cars!

Look at the railway...

Few loops going up and down a bit.


Ok after few rides involving quite an adrenaline rush, it’s time to fuel up and EAT!

We have done our study on the Halal Restaurant here so we didn't pack our lunch for this trip. We directed went to the Tahitian Terrace, where they provide Asian cuisine and also HALAL.

After 4 days not having a proper meal, it was such a bless feeling to have one.

The staffs wearing a costume that match with the African concept.

Awesome. Finally got to taste Nasi Lemak in Hong Kong!! Craving satisfied!!

Halal certified menu.


Once filled up, we continued our walk and back to the Fantasyland. Fantasyland is at the heart of the Disney fairy tale magical moment experience. It features the most prominent Disney trademark, Sleeping Beauty's Castle and many of the classic fairy tale characters from everyone's childhood find their "homes" here.

Among the attractions in The Fantasyland are :
Sleeping Beauty Castle
Cinderella's Carousel
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Mad Hatter Tea Cups
Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
It's a Small World
The Golden Mickeys Show This show has been replaced by the Mickey and the Wondrous Book Show
Mickey's PhilharMagic

Musician band perfoming.


All roads lead to the Sleeping Beauty Castle which located in the centre of the park. It is a replica of the original Disneyland Anaheim's own castle with the blue tower roofs and light pink walls.

Looking for a Prince Charming.

The archway entrance to The Fantasyland.

One of the souvenir shop inside Disneyland.

Posing inside the Castle area.


This is one of the classics, after all, what theme park wouldn't have a merry-go-round. You find the Carousel as soon as you go through the Castle.

The Cinderella Carousel is just gorgeous.

There are stationery horses as well as the ones that move up and down, and different sizes to accommodate all ages.

Can you see our reflection on the glass at top of the Carousel?

Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Also could be enjoyed by visitors of all ages!

Gave it a chance for little ones to enjoy the Flying Elephant ride, I just took photo with replica of Dumbo instead.


Another show we watched here. This time a 4D movie animation, the extra dimension is for the added effects coming at you in all directions, and I'm not saying any more, you just have to watch it.

Just see the line, and you will get the first impression that the show is totally worth it!

The show was about to start. No cameras are allowed during the show.


After the show, still in the Fantasyland, we went to another souvenir shop, Merlin's Treasurer.

Honestly all the items are so interesting despite the expansive price. But for once, considering U might not have a chance to visit another Disneyland, and of course this Disney's souvenirs are exclusive which U cannot purchase it anywhere outside Disney, so I bought few fridge magnets which cost around HKD10/item.

Stroller station.


Next we reached the Fantasy Gardens where you can meet your favourite Disney Characters here and take photo together. You can either use their professional photographer or give them your camera and they can help you to take photo with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Winnie the Pooh and many more.

The Disney's character is stationed at one station each so we had to hop from one gazebo to another to take photo with them.


After photoshoot, we went to It's a Small World. It is a water-based dark ride ,inside a building where you will be taken to wander around the small world of children. The ride features over 300 audio-animatronic dolls in traditional costumes from cultures around the world, frolicking in a spirit of international unity and singing the attraction's title song, which has a theme of global peace. It was so exciting. 

Entrance.

Waiting time displayed here. Each tour will take around 15 minutes.

Finally, boarded into the train for the tour.

After the tour of Small World finished, we went out from the building and reached back at Main Street.
It was getting dark, chiller and merrier!!

Souvenir shopping is fun here! However the price tag wasn’t.

Last section we went here, turn right after leaving Main Street USA and you’ll land in Tomorrowland.

Rides and attractions:
Autopia (currently closed)
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Hyperspace Mountain (Space Mountain, really)
Iron Man Experience (Opening in January 2017)
Orbitron
Star Wars Command Post
Autopia

Entrance to the Tomorrowland.

Infront of the Starliner Diner, one of the restaurant in Disney HK.

Beneath a rocket.

Lamp post with orbit design.

One of the ride we tried.


This is a very popular ride and one of our favourites. You get to help Buzz defeat the evil Zurg, armed with Laser Astro Blasters which you use to shoot at the targets as you go through the ride.

Along the way, you meet some of Buzz's old friends from Star Command and the Little Green Men, the aliens of course. It was very entertaining!

Next ride also was so much fun!! At Autopia you get to steer, accelerate and brake your own electric car and cruise in the highways of tomorrow.

There are rumors that this Autopia will be retired which is a shame. Lucky we had a chance to ride it!

The Space Mountain is one of the most popular rides at all Disney parks and here at Hong Kong Disneyland is no exception. Before the arrival of Toy Story Land, it was the one of the few rides where most older kids spent their time and the only roller coaster-like ride. It is a fast, thrilling ride, in the dark, with sudden turns, drops and bends. However, it was not our luck to try it as it was closed during our visit there. Other's attractions like Ironman Experience and Star Wars Command Post are also not opened yet that time.


So now, it was the highlight of our Disneyland visit. It is a must to stay until nightfall for this event!
Disneyland looks totally different during the night, and of course that very one reason people stay until night in Disneyland Hong Kong: The Parade & Fireworks!

One of the best highlights at Hong Kong Disneyland is the "Disney Paint the Night" Nighttime Spectacular. You should get there about 15 minutes in advance to secure a good viewing spot along Main Street USA.

The atmosphere started to change. People started to gather around the Main Street USA. The Disney park also looking enchantingly wonderfull with lights.

My excited face. Looking forward for the parade.

This Mickey-Shaped iron steel is so beautifull especially with the lights on.


At about 7.30pm, The Disney Marching Band and all the favourite Disney Characters make an appearance, with Mickey and friends in the leading float...

One-eyed Monster Inc character, Mike Wazowski. The panels on the float show scenes from the movie, the "doors", other fellow monsters as well as Boo..

Fellow friend, Donald Duck.

And Minnie Mouse at the back.

The Grand Finale is Mickey in his sorcerer's hat and red and gold robe, very much atuned to Chinese detail...Atop yet another stunning bright incredible float.


It’s not just about the floats though; there is also music, the Disneyland Band, dancing, acrobatics and various performers coming together to put up a continuously entertaining parade.

The show took about 20-30minutes before the fireworks were lit into the sky above Sleeping Beauty Castle, where breathtaking light and colour sparkle to classic Disney music. The street-to-sky extravaganza, featuring breathtaking fireworks and an all-new animated light projection show on Sleeping Beauty Castle, promises to warm your heart and fascinate your senses like never before!

We really had a wonderfull day at Disneyland, and I felt so lucky that day because one of my wishlist had come true. This place is really magical.. It brushed off all the negatively feelings and what I had in mind was just happy. Definitely one of the place you need to visit while in HK!! Once the firework show finished, we went out from the Disneyland to our final place of the day. It was our last night in Hong Kong, and what is the best activity to do here rather than shopping right!!


So end of my DISNEY experience, to be continued next.


Trip to HK, Macau and Shenzhen Fast Link Here
Preparation
Day 0 – Departure to Hong Kong and First Night at Chungking Mansion
Day 1 – Star Ferry Ride from Kowloon to HK Island
Day 1 – HKCEC and Golden Bauhinia Square
Day 1 – Repulse Bay and Stanley Village
Day 1 – Lunch at Islamic Muslim Centre, Ammar Mosque and Tram Ride
Day 1 – The Mid Level Escalator
Day 1 – The Peak Tram and Night at Victoria Peak (Sky Terrace 428)
Day 1 – End of Day 1

MACAU Day Trip
Day 2 – Journey to Macau by TurboJET Ferry
Day 2 – The Venetian, Macao
Day 2 – City Of Dreams and Hard Rock Hotel
Day 2 – The Galaxy Macau
Day 2 – Grand Lisboa and Senado Square
Day 2 – The Ruins of St. Paul’s
Day 2 – Macau back to Hong Kong

Shenzhen Day Trip
Day 3 – Starting Journey to Shenzhen, China from Hong Kong
Day 3 – Window of The World
Day 3 – Shopping at Shenzhen and back to Hong Kong

Hong Kong Trip Continues
Day 4 – Ngong Ping 360, Lantau Island
Day 4 – Aberdeen Floating Village and Jumbo Kingdom
Day 5 – Disneyland Part 1
Day 5 – Disneyland Part 2
Day 5 – Shopping at Ladies Market, Mongkok
Last Day – Avenue of Star
Last Day – HK Museums, 1881 Heritage and Back to Malaysia
Total Expenses