Friday, March 23, 2018

Hong Kong - To Do 22March2018 (Dragon's Back, Wong Tai Sin Temple, Flower Street, Bird Street)

Hong Kong - To Stay
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Hong Kong - To Do
Dragon's Back
Getting there:
- Take the MTR Line to Shau Kei Wan Station.

 - Exit and take the Number 9 Bus (about 6.80HKD) to Lan Nai Wan (Google Lan Nai Wan. This is the stop that is the shortest route up to the Dragon's Back Ridge. Click here for Map view. )
- Taking to the end of the number 9 line would bring you to Big Wave Bay which is the start/end of the trail. The more scenic route is nearest to Lan Nai Wan. The route from Big Wave Bay is mostly sheltered and a gentle slope.
To Return:
- From Big Wave Bay, one can take the mini bus for 10HKD direct to Shau Kei Wan (We took this option) or  Number 9.
- If you return via Lan Nai Wan drop off point (This was where we originally dropped off), and take Number 9 bus back to Shau Kei Wan Station.

How Long Should you cater?
The full dragon's back Hike starting from Lan Nai Wan and ending and Big Wave Bay takes approximately 4hours + with photo taking and lots of stopping.

However, for the main dragon's back and great views, via Lan Nai Wan, a left and right circuit can be covered in approximately 2-2.5hrs total with a return back to Lan Nai Wan Drop off point.
ABBATips:
 

- Bring water with you! It does get hot.
- You really don't need dedicated gear. Sport shoes, loafer and even in jeans, the whole hike/walk can be done. We saw many tourist and locals dressed casually.

- There are some portions that maybe a little bit slippery due to the loose sand, but you won't be on your hands and knees to move around. Just watch your steps and hike safely.
- Routes are relatively clearly marked and it is an easy route for all ages.
- No public toilets along the route!

Getting to the Dragon's Back Via Lan Nai Wan Drop Off Point
Getting to the Peak from Lan Nai Wan is easy with gentle slopes and clearly carved up steps. It probably takes about 20mins with loads of photo opportunities (The best are right on top). As you go up the track there's an immediate fork, head towards the left and keep walking along the marked tracked looking out for dragon's back signage.
Cater about 1.5-2hrs. The dragons back walk/easy hike to the right and left offer the best views of Shek O Village and Big Wave Bay.
 Finding your route is part of the fun.
For those looking for the best shots and views from the Dragon's back this would be about the most photographic stretch at the peak.

However those looking for the full Dragon's Back experience, the remaining 2hrs of walking brings you through a gently sloped path all the way to Big Wave Bay. It's definitely not as photographic as seen by the lack of photos, but the entire experience and a workout/hike leads you to a picturesque bay.

There are light eats and toilets available at Big Wave Bay! (Alternatively you can go down to Lan Nai Wan point to take number 9 bus to the Big Wave Bay)

To Return if you come back via Big Wave Bay as we did: (Repeat of information from top)
- From Big Wave Bay, one can take the mini bus for 10HKD direct to Shau Kei Wan (We took this option) or  Number 9.
- If you return via Lan Nai Wan drop off point (This was where we originally dropped off), and take Number 9 bus back to Shau Kei Wan Station. 

Wong Tai Sin Temple
(Wong Tai Sin Station)
Wong Tai Sin Temple is a well known shrine and major tourist attraction in Hong Kong. It is dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, or the Great Immortal Wong.
There really isn’t much to it. Maybe some nice shots of the temple itself and a picture with your zodiac animal. Other than that, it is a place of worship and the ‘garden’ behind lacked luster. 

Wong Tai Sin Temple Chuk Un, 九龍黃大仙竹園村二號

Flower Market Road
(Prince Edward Station)
For those blessed with a green thumb or into aesthetics decorations, the flower street have got loads of bargain buys. This is especially so for artificial/dried plants. Time to channel that green thumb.
Flower Market


Bird Market Road
(Prince Edwards Station)

Its pretty interesting to have a look at the feed they have for sale for the Birds. Really so-so, but nothing one should go out of your way to look.
You might also be interested in gold fish street which also has exotic reptiles on display (Worth to check out!).

Bird Market Road

Hong Kong - To Eat (18March2018 Hop Yik Tai Cheung Fun 合益泰小食 , Kam Wah Bakery)

Hong Kong - To Stay
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Hop Yik Tai Cheung Fun
(recommended by others for very traditional street eats in HKG)

Located just beside Apilu street for most of your electronics needs and wholesale toy shopping.
Ordered on:
18March2018
Chee cheon fun (rice flour rolls) with added xiu mai (mince meat dumplings) and recommended steamed bao with a side order of cold soya bean.
*The rice flour rolls were a little interesting. Slightly denser texture than usual stuffed rice rolls but softer than Korean rice cakes. Its smooth and interestingly served in a peanut soy sauce that works. The usual condiments of sesame seeds and sweet sauce are available table side with chili of course. The xiu mai and steamed meat dumplings were meant to make it a more filling meal. Xiu mai is as per Hong Kong good standards.*
35HKD or so. Got distracted. Fed1
Value 4.5/5
Ambience 3/5
Food 3.5/5
Service 3/5
A real local joint that’s got people happily ordering take away and standing by the road side to enjoy their breakfast.
The sudden queue seen above was seen at 9:50am on a Sunday. Air-conditioned seating is available on the inside.

An interesting take on chee cheong fun that's a lighter breakfast as opposed to noodles with beef/luncheon meat and eggs at the popular/famous Wai Kee Ka-Fei Ban Mian located around the corner. For other eats in the Shum Shui Po area, click here for more details.
Click here for ABBA location of Hop Yik Tai Cheung Fun 合益泰小食, Sham Shui Po, Kweilin St, 121號號

Kam Wah Bakery
Kam Wah was recommended by others primarily for their po lo bao.
(Pineapple crusted buns)
Ordered on:
23March2018
Po Lo Bao
*Nice crispy exterior in a warm bun. The cold butter slice pairs nicely. I couldn’t say its the best had, but way better than that had in the popular Honolulu cafe.*
French toast with honey
*So sinful but sooooo goood. Way better than other places that I’ve had it. Crispy sweet exterior with a cheese centre I think. The honey/syrup drizzle just took it over the top. A well executed classic Hong Kong dessert. Simple put, Asian style French Toast on steroids.*
Cheese pork cutlet noodles
*This was interestingly good. A comforting combination. A light cheese with curry, served with a fried pork cutlet, over par boiled instant noodles. Homely, good and a light heat. Great comfort food and one of the recommended items to order on the postage. Click here for other famous cheesy noodles at Sun Kee.*
Total 120HKD+ Fed 3

Value 4/5
Ambience 3/5
Food 3.5/5
Service 3/5
Besides their milk tea, Hong Kong is also very much known for their iced lemon tea.
Kam Wah is a great stop over tea break point whilst exploring the area’s fish/bird and flower markets.