Hong Kong - Tai O

To many people, going to Hong Kong means mainly Shopping, Eating, Shopping Eating...

This time I wanted to move away from those 2, and really walk Hong Kong as much as I can in the 2 nights there. Not long but i just want to make do with it as I'm running out of leaves =)

I wanted a trip to recharge, but don't want to spend too much and not travel too far and I wanted to visit somewhere different rather than Taiwan, although I still love Taiwan so much.

Singapore airlines promotion to Hong Kong set my mind on it. Since the last 2 times when I was there, mainly doing shopping and visiting those famous landmark. This time round I wanna try walking into the street and also see the other side of Hong Kong. So I choose Tai - O to be the must go place in this trip and in recent TV shows and blogs I came across gave me the idea to walk the streets in Central. I wanted to visit a new place and so Macau is included.

Right after a fast check in at hotel, I took the MTR to Central. Right out of the station are the branded boutiques... LV, Gucci, etc... As you walk further up slope into the little streets, you can see streets stalls setup in the lane, really a huge contrast from the beautiful shinny boutiques outside.

I remember seeing this sight in HK dramas

Looking at this remind me Christmas is coming.

The sloppy streets

This time round also wanted to see for myself the Symphony of Lights which has is list under the Guinness World Record. In simple words, is laser and light show. The buildings in the "CBD" area of HK will light up and put up a lighting show.

Arena of Stars was recommended to be the best place to watch the show. I got myself a space when i arrive at around 7:30pm. The wait was a little bored. The show starts at 8pm every night. On Saturday they have commendation in English.

The show seems normal, not really fantastic but i would say this city night view is by the the best i've seen.

The next day plan was to visit Tai O. Initially wanted to take the ferry to Lantau Island and talk the bus, but later according to information online, it cost HKD$100+. I realized take the MTR to Tung Chung and change to bus 11 to Tai O is a faster and cheaper (HKD$11.90) way. The  bus terminal is just behind the Citygate Mall at Tung Chung. Citygate is where the Factory outlets of the branded items are located. I did not shop lor..

The bus journey is about an hour. The bus pull over at the carpark and you will see this Pillar that says "Welcome to Tai O"

Tai O is the largest village in Lantau island. Although the industry of fisheries has declined, Tai O still reminans its unique character of a fishing village such as stilt-houses, traditional customs and celebration of special festival which attract numerous visitors from both Hong Kong and oversea. It also has the name of "Venice of the Orient" look at the picture below.

Walking along the streets, the smell of dried preserved seafood fills the whole atmophere. Lucky for me, these smell are still bearable for me, but i believe for some others, this can be very unpleasent.

Other than dried preserved seafood, there are also fresh seafood which you can buy and get them to cook in the restraunts.

Almost every household I walked passed is drying salted fish. Something interesting is that, the head of the fishes are all covered up. Later on I found out that is because the eyes of the fishes attracts flies. By covering them up, the flies will not swamp around the fishes.

As I walked further into the local neighbourhood, this view right infront of my eyes was so "WOW" I can hardly discribe, partially I'm no good with words and partially it is just so nice and peaceful.

There are 2 benches facing this wonderful view. I took the chance to rest while enjoying the wonderful view. Although it is hot but there is nice breeze and it just makes you so relax. Few visitors pass by also being attracted by this view and stopped by for few photo shots.

They actually has a pavilion on the hill, the other end of the island which they claim that pink dolphines can be spoted.

Solo Balcony (Solo, 86 Kat Hing St, G/F, Tai O, Lantau Island, +852 9153 7453) is a nice cafe in the streets, there are seats by the streams. They serve freshing brew coffee with really nice aroma, but i don't fancy coffee. Order a salted lime drink and a cheesecake (wanted tiramisu but not available). Nice place to sit around for some personal time or catch up with friends.

The little cafe is tastfully decorated. The young gentlemen seems to be the owner is rather young and there are some young helpers around too. One of the really few places in Tai O that I see young people.

As i was relaxing on the balcony enjoying my drink and cake, i heard people singing cantonese opera next door, really interesting.. haha..

They have books about the history and people of Tai O which i quicky flip though otherwise I would not be able to finish the whole book. Mainly focusing on the beautiful and interesting photos inside.

I read on another blog that the 100+ years old police station in Tai O had been preserved and will be converted into nice boutique hotel. Should have a chance to visit it next time.

Never get to try the fresh seafood as I'm not that hungry and I won't be able to finish so much alone. Then i tell myself, since i came so far must try some seafood! BBQ cuttlefish =D. This stall at the corner just before you turn into the main street from the carpark when the bus stop is so crowded. Alot of student are buying from them. I also join in the crowd. =)

Tai O is really a place that Hong Kong should preserve and remain its slow and laid back life. Hong Kong like Singapore is too fast pace, once awhile we need such contrasting places to bring some peace.