POSTCARDS FROM BALI

Bali is like no other place because...

Whether you are looking for complete relaxation, exquisite dining, or exciting nightlife, Bali has it all. This place is enriched with Balinese cultural fill with beautiful landscape and tropical smells at every corner. Everywhere you turn there’s a visual coconut tree, green mountains and turquoise sea, while your nose fills with a huge blast of exotic floral. It is a paradise. 

When first get to Bali…

Get spoiled from sun bathing from the pool and the sea, discover the nature that makes us beautiful. Bali often rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia, The very first thing I did when I arrived was drop my jaw and stare at the insane view of the sea. 

Where to stay...

We stayed at the Legian Bali Hotel which is on Legian beach located between Seminyak and Kuta Beach. We choose to stay in Legian area which is about 2-3miles away from the hustle bustle and main touristy spot in Kuta.  It is such a wonderful beachfront resort with beautiful gardens and large pool. Legian is the perfect place to stop to watch the sun fade over the Indian Ocean topped with a bottle of Bali Bintang also known as the Indonesian Beer.

When in Bali, you must...

Take a trip to Ubud to get your souvenirs shopping done. Shopping at the traditional market gave you a local flavor and there are lots of places to eat and shop. Ubud is famous for its arts and crafts and you can get some really beautiful pieces to take home.  Splurge yourself with a beautifully handmade batik!

When in Bali, get local...

Eat crazy looking fruits! You can get all kinds of tropical fruits from Rambutan, mangoesteen, mango, durians, jackfruits and many more! Of course, there are fresh coconuts drinks everywhere!

When in Bali, my safety tips…

Beware of sketchy money exchange area that offers high exchange rates that is too good to be true. They usually exchange in really small bills so it looks like a big fat stacks. I watched them count Rupiah in front of my eyes and it was short about $100 less when I counted. I asked for the USD back and they do not seem very nice about it. The Balinese called them the “magic trick”. 

Lesson learned. 

LOVE IN NEW YORK

New York...New York
I want to wake up, in a city that never sleeps
And find I'm A number one, top of the list
King of the hill, A number one....

These little town blues, are melting away
I'll make a brand new start of it
In old New York
If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere
It's up to you, New York..New York New York!!!

Conquering New York in one visit is impossible. But to at least say you have conquer New York, you have to hit some of the most iconic places such as Times Square, Grand Central, the Empire State Building, Financial District, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and more – and then explore to some of the most amazing shopping and dining spots - SOHO district, Broadway, 5th Avenue, Madison Avenue, Park Avenue and etc. 

The hustle bustle in New York is insane! The clock is always running and the pace is literally ten times faster. Even though I was on vacation, I was constantly on-the-go trying to get from point A to point B. It is impossible to slow down. So make sure you have a pair of comfortable walking shoe during your visit, and walk really fast! You can also catch a yellow cab, ride the subway or walk through hundred of blocks all the way from Chinatown to the Upper East/West Side. Whatever you ended up doing in New York, you are going to love it! 

I personally think the most iconic part about New York are the people who live here. Maybe it's the large melting pot, diverse population of different cultures and traditions packed so tightly together, and also serve as a popular cross junction in the world, you get a place filled with new ideas, creativity and passion in all aspects of life. 
There is no place like New York. 

Here are some of my version of New York City and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. 

Bon Voyage!

Max Brenner, Chocolate by The Bald Man! 
Have you seen the movie Charlie the chocolate factory? Well this place is the sum definition of it all. If you are a chocolat addict, you will love this place. If you are not, you are getting addicted. 
Chocolat!Chocolat! Chocolat!

SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS

Hong Kong Skyline View will take your breath away. In my case, twice! There is really no place like Hong Kong. Voted No.1 Best attraction in Hong Kong is its breathtaking Skyline View. According to CNN saying that Hong Kong makes the picture-perfect two-dimensional skyline both during the day and night. Hong Kong also topped New York City as having the best skyline in the world. 

There are two ways of getting the best view of Hong Kong. 

#1 : Views from ferries crossing Victoria Harbour

You can enjoy the skyline by taking the famous Star Ferryor other ferry ship across the lovely Victoria Harbour. This is one of the most memorable skyline I ever had from a ferry ride,  that was also my last ride before departing Hong Kong. The rainbow reflection from the water makes the night view even more glamorous.  Each way is only $2 USD. Hong Kong is such an happening place enriched with traditional cultures and histories of its people. What we are witnessing today, is the aftermath of the hundred years of battles, millions of handwork, and sacrifices. 

#2 : Views from Victoria Peak

I personally think that the best views of the Hong Kong Island side come from the world famous Victoria Peak with its glamorous views of Hong Kong Island skyscrapers. My friend and I were both trying to catch the sunset at the Peak so we took the MTR to the tram station. Since it is peak season, the tram takes at least 3 hours in line! She instantly changed the game plan and decided to take the double decker bus to catch another express  bus from the Star Ferry Pier to the Peak. I am really glad that we choose to ride the double decker bus, as you get to see the downtown sitting from the top view. 

When we made it to the top of the peak, it was just in time for the sunset. We waited approximately 30min for the sky to get dark and needless to say, the skyline at the Peak was the highlight of my trip.

Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade

Tsim Tsa Tsui

Hong Kong SkylineThe Peak

This is the sunset picture taken at the Peak

The view when it gets dark at night. 

MONGKOK NIGHT MARKET

MONGKOK CRAZINESS 

Shopping Spot :

The Ladies Street at Mongkok in Kowloon District is an extremely vibrant place to shop that is crowded and bustling. This is the place you can get almost anything at super deal price, including all the knocked off. The key to conquer this place totally depends on your bargain skills, so bring out your best bargain skills, calculators if you needed! Do make sure you look at things before you buy. Some sellers can be rude if you walk away after bargaining. It is a fun experience but be prepared to walk away and be dragged back. There will be several booths with the same merchandise and you will want to find the best deal. This is the place for all your souvenirs stop!

Food : 

The street food at Mongkok is great and cheap. Everything looks really delicious so leave a big appetite before you go. While shopping along, you can grab some snacks or fingers food at some small shops, selling famous Chee Cheong Fun, Fried Calamari, Curry Boiled Fish Balls, Chicken Egg Waffle, Bubble tea or some local famous street foods that you never seen before. The line can be quite long so do not ask which one is the best as each has their unique tastes. Street food price range from $2-$5 USD.  However, if you have a sensitive stomach, there are lots of sit in restaurants along the streets as well. You will have plenty of choices over lunch or dinner selling local dishes or even International cuisine. Don't worry, there are food everywhere in Mongkok!

Weather : 

In summer time, I recommend to visit during the evening time when the hot weather starting to cool down. Remember this is a highly crowded place so be prepared to still feel the humidity at night. 

How to get there : 

Ladies Market is such an easy place to find if you take the Mtr. You can take the MTR to the Mong Kok station and take the E2 exit. Approximately walk 1-2 minute and your are in the heart of the Ladies Market. 

Advise: 

While you may indulged in your shopping spree, always be alert and be extra careful of your belongings as pickpockets always operate in crowded places! Make sure you ask and confirm for the price before purchasing or getting onto a taxi!

Fresh pressed Sugar Cane

Mongkok Station - Mongkok station Link

Chicken Egg Waffle

Coconut Soy Milk

Ladies Market - Mongkok Link