Fisherman's Wharf + Grand Prix Museum + Wine Museum

     We woke up very early to get the first trip to Macau. We left at around 5:30am and took a taxi to the  ferry terminal. (Good thing the driver can understand English! We were in a hurry!) We then headed straight to the New World First Ferry (NWFF) ticket booth but it was still closed. Early birds! Haha! :)

 Got our tickets! Yay! ^_^

 NWFF ticket to Macau

     While waiting for our boarding time, what else is there to do but to take pictures! =D

Brrrrr.... :/

     At exactly 7am, we were called to board the ferry. It was so cold -- felt like 8 degrees! The 1 hour ferry ride was ok, sans the alon moments but even motion sickness won't dampen our moods for an eventful day ahead!

Welcome to Macau :)

     We were greeted by Ate Lyn and Ate Jo, our kababayans, who would show us the must-see places in Macau! Time to ready our cameras!

Ate Lyn and Ate Jo
Lyn Montero - 0921 361 2766

     First stop: walking distance from the terminal -- the Oceanus. We registered (using our passports) and they gave each of us cards with free $50hkd to gamble (our first casino experience. yay!). We then chose our slot machine and played away. We won about $100hkd (balik taya lang! Haha!). We would have won more if we knew how the game works from the start. Too bad cameras are not allowed inside casinos. :/

Ngong Ping 360

     We took the MTR to Tung Chung Station, Exit B and walked a few minutes to reach the cable car terminal going to Ngong Ping Village.

 Welcome to Ngong Ping 360 ^_^

      Before entering, we felt proud after seeing the step with the Pinoy greeting :)

Maligayang pagdating :)

Getting a feel of the cabin :)

     We wanted to try their Crystal Cabin but it would be pointless since it was too foggy and we could hardly see anything! We availed of the Journey of Enlightenment Package for $176hkd. This includes a round trip Ngong Ping Cable Car journey and entry to Ngong Ping Village's Walking with Buddha and Monkey's Tale Theatre attractions.

Tickets, passes, maps

     Our second cable car ride! This is more exciting since the ride was longer and we were up higher! Too bad we couldn't see anything most of the way because of the thick fog.

     Ngong Ping Cable Car is a 5.7km bi-cable ropeway and the first of its kind in Hong Kong. Its journey begins from Tung Chung, crossing Tung Chung Bay to reach the angle station on Airport Island and turning about 60 degrees in the air towards North Lantau. We would have enjoyed the 25-minute ride more if the skies were clear.

Disney in the Stars

     When we saw the Sleeping Beauty Castle, we knew that there will be a fireworks display at night! It gave us something to look forward to that evening!

 

 Castle of Sleeping Beauty

     Since we weren't able to watch the Pyromusical competition in Manila, we were really excited to witness the pyrotechnics display here in Hong Kong Disneyland!

     We went to Main Street, USA early to get a good spot to watch the show. Good thing because we got to see the Sleeping Beauty Castle transform into Tinker Bell's Pixie Dusted Castle! (it seems as if Tinker Bell is showering the castle with fairy dust as it lights up!)

Tinker Bell's Pixie Dusted Castle

     By 8 pm, the wait is over as Disney in the Stars makes the night sky come alive! Amazing fireworks explode to sounds of music from our favorite Disney films. We were in awe as we watched the sky light up with bright pyrotechnics, perfectly timed with the booming music! :)

Disneyland Hong Kong

     Our most awaited trip to Disneyland finally comes true! =) We allotted the whole day for this! So excited to experience this one-of-a kind adventure!

 Disneyland Train ^_^

     Expect the unexpected! Even the Disney train got us shrieking like kids! The seats were plush, as well as the Disney character displays! It was Mickey all around -- from the shape of the windows to the handrails! The magic is near! =) 

Hello Mickey c:

 Disney train's handrail

     After a few minutes, we finally arrived at our destination! Mickey, get ready for us! =D

At the Disney train stop

     Seeing the welcome sign got us all excited! We're pumped up for the day ahead!

Entrance to Hong Kong Disneyland

     At the entrance, with  songs from various Disney movies playing, you can already feel the magic in the air! Can't wait to see what Disneyland has to offer! :D

Peak Tram + Madame Tussauds + Sky Terrace

     After our Ocean Park trip, the next stop in our Hong Kong itinerary is the Peak Tram, Madame Tussauds and the Sky Terrace. From MTR Admiralty Station, we went down at Central Station and followed the road signs going to the Peak Tram.

Entrance to the Peak Tram

 Photo op at the entrance:)

     The original price for the Peak Tram (two-way) is 16hkd, Sky Terrace is 25hkd and Madame Tussauds is 160hkd, total of 221hkd. But since Madame Tussauds offers a combo package, we opted to avail it which costs 200hkd. We saved 21hkd, yey! pampasalubong din yun! :)

Our tickets for the Peak Tram and Sky Terrace (one with the arrow)

and Madame Tussauds

     The Peak Tramway  is a funicular railway in Hong Kong which carries both tourists and residents to the upper levels of Hong Kong Island. Running from Central District to Victoria Peak via the Mid-Levels, it provides the most direct route and offers good views over the harbour and skyscrapers of Hong Kong. (Wikipedia)

 While waiting for the Tram ^_^

The Peak Tram

     Getting there is an unforgettable trip. There's nothing in the world like the Peak Tram. The tram, pulled by steel cables, climbs about 1,200 feet) It's so steep that the buildings we passed look like they're leaning at a 45°angle! We surely loved this trip. ;)

Ocean Park Hongkong

     After securing our baggage in our guesthouse and exchanging our money, we are ready to start our Hong Kong trip. From our guesthouse, we took the MTR at Tsim Sha Tsui Station and went down at Admiralty Station (cost us 7.9hkd from our Octopus Cards). We then boarded City bus 629 going to Ocean Park (OC = 10.60hkd).

 Arrived at Ocean Park around 12 noon ^_^

     The bus took about 20 minutes before we reached Ocean Park (OP). Entrance to the park costs 250hkd each, but we bought ours for 220hkd at our guesthouse (we badly need to budget our money.. hehe!).

Ocean Park Tickets :)

Opening Hours of Ocean Park

     Since it was Wednesday when we went to OP, we still have until 7:30pm to enjoy the whole place. That's seven and a half hours for us! Not bad.. :) Let the cam whoring begin.. :D

 Welcome to Ocean Park

Essential part of the trip = Maps and Guides :)

     Ocean Park is divided into 2 different parts, The Lowland and The Summit. And since we still have 7 hours left, we decided to divide that time to enjoy both.

Hongkong Trip Highlights

     We bought our tickets for our Hongkong Trip last January 5, 2011 via Cebu Pacific's 50% off promo. And since then, we have been planning the itineraries and budget for our whole trip. We would like to thank Pinoyexchange Forum especially Mr. Commoner for helping us and answering our questions regarding our trip.

      We went to Terminal 3  of Ninoy Aquino International Airport at around 3am last March 16, 2011 for our Hongkong trip. We checked-in our baggage, paid the Travel Tax  and the Terminal Fee worth 1620php and 750php, respectively. We then walked to Gate 110 and waited until our Boarding Time (0540H). 

     

     After 2 hours of being in the air, we finally arrived in Hong Kong at around 7am, got our baggage and paid for our Octopus Cards (OC) for 250hkd each. We then rode the A21 bus (OC = 33hkd) to Nathan Road, the 13th bus stop.. so freakin cold! The temperature that day was 12-16 deg. Celsius! We then exchanged our US dollars to HK dollars at Wing Hoi Money Changer located inside Mirador Mansion.

     We then checked-in at Golden Crown Guesthouse, paid 1500hkd for our 3-day stay and left our baggage inside our room before starting our Hong Kong adventure. This is it! Woohoo! Hong Kong, here we come! :)

Day 1 (March 16, 2011)

Ocean Park

Directions: Ride the MTR at Tsim Sha Tsui Station -> Admiralty (exit B) -> CityBus 629 -> Ocean Park (OC = 7.9hkd)

Operating hours: 10:00am - 6:00pm

Entrance Fee: 250hkd (bought ours for 220hkd)

     We were so happy the weather was nice! Perfect for our first stop!

Ocean Park Hong Kong :)

Welcome to Ocean Park ^_^

Wacky Pose!

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park

First adventure of the year!
Island Cove at Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite! :)

     Last January 4, 2011, we went to Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park in Kawit, Cavite. We took a bus ride from Baclaran and reached Island Cove after 45 minutes.

"Island Cove has been known to be the pioneer in the tourism industry with respect to the introduction of a multitude of attractions that lure both local and foreign visitors. The existing facilities available to its guests are the Oceania Water Park, the Animal Island, the Island Songs KTV, the Adventure Activity Zone, the Fishing Village, and the Island Spa. Island Cove’s other well-loved trademarks include the outdoor giant chess set, the play ground, and Concert Park, just to name a few." - http://www.islandcovephil.com/

     We grabbed their Adventure Package which included a 200php food voucher, 1hour bike ride, entrance to Oceania Water Park, Animal Island, 30-minute ride on their horse-drawn carriage and free shirts.

 Just like in the Harry Potter movie ^_^

First activity: Giant Chess = Photo ops Hahaha! :D

     We took more time taking pics than playing. It was great since we had the board to ourselves.
 

Then off we went to the Animal Island...

"Take a tour of the Animal Island, a working farm, where one can discover a multitude of flora and fauna. The Animal Island is the largest animal sanctuary in Cavite. It is home to different species of reptiles, mammals, and birds. Have a chance to feed crocodiles, monkeys, and come face to face with ostriches, Bengal tigers, deer, bearcats, and rabbits. Take a leisurely stroll along pathways lined with colorful flowers inside the Butterfly Farm. Regular visitors get to see how the animals are bred and grown from birth to adulthood. Visit the nursery where a variety of greenery are grown and sold. Learn how to sow and reap your favorite plant. Take them home and start a nursery of your own."

 To the Animal Island!

We just love standees.. :)

     Too bad they were renovating the place. We would've wanted to see more.. Nevertheless, we loved the Bengal tigers and the petting area :) 

Myth of the Human Body Exhibit

Agenda: Renew our licenses and see the Myth of the Human Body Exhibit at Taguig City.

     We met at around 11am at PRC, had our pictures taken, paid 450php then got our claim stubs. The whole process took us about an hour to finish. Not bad! Hehe! :)


     Grabbed a bite before going to the exhibit. We took an FX to MRT Quezon Avenue, MRT to Guadalupe Station and then a jeep to Bayani Road which costs 13php. Whew!

 Neobabylon Building at Bayani Road

Explore your Body with the gods and goddesses ^_^

     Tickets to the exhibit cost 350/head. Cameras are not allowed inside the hall (Bad for trigger happy persons like us!) Taking of pictures are only allowed in the entrance and after the tour itself.