Life between trips

Japan, 〒480-1342 Aichi, Nagakute, Ibaragabasama, 乙１５３３−１ We reached Ghibli Park at 9:00 AM , right when the gates opened, and went straight to the Valley of Witches . The queue was already long, and for a moment, I genuinely thought we wouldn’t get a slot for Howl’s Moving Castle . But somehow, we managed to get a 1:30 PM slot — which felt like winning a tiny lottery. With time to spare before our entry, we explored the surrounding areas inside the Valley of Witches. Valley of the Witches — Beautiful, Magical, and a Little Mixed This zone brings together worlds from Howl’s Moving Castle , Kiki’s Delivery Service , and other witch‑themed Ghibli classics. If your ticket includes this area, it’s one of the most immersive parts of the park. The Bakery from Kiki’s Delivery Service One of the most impressive recreations in the entire park. It is an exact replica from the anime — both the inviting front shop and the familiar backyard area where Kiki often appears. The best part is that you c...

Travel  Itinerary from 10 September 2025 to 21  September 2025. Here's a day by day for reference. Click on link for more details on the place of interest or the food. Plan on day 4 changed. Originally also plan to take a cruise around Sai Kung. But the round trip island hopping will take about 2 hours minimum excluding hiking in the area. Hence, i decide to skip this part. Otherwise, the trip is as planned.  Day 1:   DO:  Flight from Singapore to Hong. Arrival at 1.20 pm, Symphony of Lights EAT:   Lunch  at Hung delicacies ,  Dinner  at   Bolton Cafe STAY: Marco Polo Gateway Hotel Day 2:   DO: Tsz Shan Monastery   EAT:   Coffee  at Ometsesando , Br unch  at  One Dim Sum Yi Dian Xin  ,  Dinner  at   Kam Roast Goose,  STAY:  Marco Polo Gateway Hotel Day 3:   DO: Shopping at harbour city and sim city EAT:   Breakfast  at Bakehouse ,  Dinner  at Littl...

  Nestled inside the Sheung Wan Cooked Food Market on Queen’s Road Central, Dong Ji brings a slice of Singapore’s hawker culture to one of Hong Kong’s most beloved food hubs. This market is known for its diverse, affordable, and authentic offerings , housing around 20 stalls that serve everything from Cantonese and Chiu Chau specialties to Southeast Asian delights and even Western fusion. It’s a melting pot of flavors where locals and foodies gather for quality meals at wallet-friendly prices. What We Tried & Loved Here are some standout dishes that truly impressed: Gu Lu Rou (Sweet & Sour Pork) Thick cuts of meat fried to a crisp, coated with just the right amount of tangy-sweet sauce. Every bite is crunchy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. Fried Oyster Egg Generous with oysters and a sprinkle of coriander (without overpowering the taste). The dough is fried to a crunchy crisp, and the side dip—a sourish, lightly garlicky sauce—adds another layer of flavor. Du Du Vege...

 13 Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong I recently stayed at Marco Polo, and my experience turned out to be a mix of unexpected hiccups and pleasant surprises. Arrival Mix-Up The adventure began even before check-in — I accidentally went to the wrong Marco Polo hotel. There are a few with similar names in the area, so it’s definitely something to watch out for if you’re heading there for the first time. A little inconvenient, but at least the staff at both locations were helpful in pointing me in the right direction. Room Size: Smaller Than Expected Walking into the room, the first impression was that it felt smaller than what the online photos suggested. If you’re traveling with multiple people or larger luggage, the space may feel a bit tight. Third Bed Surprise One of the bigger surprises was the third bed. Instead of being set up as part of the room, it turned out to be a mobile bed . And to add to that, it wasn’t prepared at all when we arrived. I had to spend extra time coor...

Hidden in the basement level of Chungking Mansions at 36–44 Nathan Road, Lan Fong Yuen brings the nostalgic charm of its original Central stall to Tsim Sha Tsui . Though tucked away, its vintage storefront—the signature yellow signage and retro café vibe—makes entering feel like stepping back in time. We arrived before opening time , and there was already a queue in place —a clear sign of its popularity. Thankfully, service is fast and efficient , so even with the line, we didn’t wait long. What We Ordered & My Honest Thoughts 🥤 Silk-Stocking Milk Tea (凍絲襪奶茶) This is the star of the show! Smooth, fragrant, and perfectly balanced—easily the best milk tea I’ve had so far. Compared to the one I tried at Waso Café, which had a涩涩 (astringent) taste, Lan Fong Yuen’s version is rich and easy to drink. Highly recommended. 🍜 Scallion Chicken Chop Instant Noodles (蔥油雞扒撈丁) I really enjoyed this dish, especially the scallion oil. It’s made with ginger and sesame oil, giving the noodles a fra...

  Yee Shun Dairy Company is a Hong Kong classic, famous for its silky steamed milk puddings. The branch I visited is tucked into the bustling streets of Causeway Bay. The vibe? Retro and no-frills, with glass-covered menus on tables and stacks of porcelain bowls. Space is tight , and you’ll likely share tables with strangers—part of the authentic Hong Kong café experience. 🥄 What I Tried: Hot Steamed Milk Pudding The star of the show is the hot steamed milk pudding (雙皮奶) . Smooth, creamy, and lightly sweet, it’s comfort in a bowl. Honestly, it’s as good as Australia Dairy Company’s version —rich and velvety without being heavy. If you’re a fan of traditional Hong Kong desserts, this is a must-try. If you’re in Hong Kong and craving a nostalgic dessert, Yee Shun Dairy Company delivers . The steamed milk pudding is worth the hype, and the quick service makes it perfect for a short stop. Just be prepared for tight seating and a bustling atmosphere.

I was a little surprised that the taxi driver didn’t know this Michelin-starred restaurant, even after I mentioned it was famous. He had to pull up Google Maps to find the location—so much for local recognition! Once seated, we ordered the baked lobster in cheese cream sauce . The lobster was impressively large and came with noodles for HKD 620 . Freshness was undeniable, but the flavor leaned toward the bland side, which seems to be a theme here. Next came a tomato potato fish soup broth —wholesome and slightly creamy, reminding me of Melben’s crab noodle soup back in Singapore. However, it carried a faint fishy aftertaste. The bamboo clam stir-fry with ginger and scallion was interesting. Instead of steaming, they removed the meat and stir-fried it dry with aromatics. Personally, I prefer the Singapore style—steamed, with a slurp-worthy sauce. The standout dish for me? Salt and pepper tofu . It was perfection—soft inside, with a paper-thin crust seasoned delicately with salt and pep...

Australia Dairy Company 47號 Parkes St, Jordan, Hong Kong Every time I visit Hong Kong, Australia Dairy Company is on my list—and every time, the queue reminds me why it’s such a test of patience. The line upon arrival? Horrendous. Again. It snakes around the block, filled with eager diners waiting for their turn at this iconic cha chaan teng. This time, we decided to skip the wait and go for takeaway —a lifesaver move if you’re short on time. Our picks: Steamed milk pudding (a classic) Toast with ham and egg Toast with cheese and egg Plus, coffee and a bottle of milk to complete the experience. The Food The steamed milk pudding ? Smooth, sweet, and comforting—just as I remembered. Standing outside the stall to eat might not be glamorous, but it’s definitely the most time-saving option. The takeaway was promptly delivered , a stark contrast to the dine-in queue that felt endless. The toast was decent—simple, satisfying, but nothing extraordinary. My only regret? Missing out on thei...

If you’re looking for a destination in Hong Kong that combines breathtaking scenery, geological wonders, and a sense of escape, the High Island Reservoir East Dam in Sai Kung should be on your list. Tucked away in the Sai Kung East Country Park , this spot is part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark , and it’s nothing short of spectacular. The Journey Want to experience Hong Kong’s stunning geopark without breaking a sweat? Forget the long hikes —taking a taxi is by far the most time-efficient and least effort option. From Sai Kung town, the ride is scenic and stress-free, and when you arrive, you’re greeted by sweeping views of the reservoir and the South China Sea, separated by the massive dam structure. The contrast between the turquoise freshwater and the deep blue ocean is striking. Upon arrival, our taxi driver assured us that getting back wouldn’t be a problem. True enough, when we returned, there was a queue of green taxis wa iting at the drop-off point. No stress, no scram...

Kam’s Roast Goose 226號 Hennessy Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong We decided to try our luck at Kam’s Roast Goose on Hennessy Road, Wan Chai—a name that’s practically legendary in Hong Kong. From afar, the queue looked short, but as we got closer, reality hit: it was already a long line. Tip: Don’t just wait in the queue—head straight to the counter, get your queue number, and indicate your number of pax. We started waiting at 5:40 PM and finally got seated at 6:40 PM —a solid hour. The Vibe Don’t expect luxury—Kam’s is a small, bustling shop with about 30 seats , where the focus is squarely on the food. The atmosphere is lively, tables are close together, and queues are inevitable. It’s authentic Hong Kong dining at its best. What We Ordered & Loved Century Egg (皮蛋) This was my favorite! Century from here is definitely another level. The egg is marinated until the white turns translucent, and the yolk has that soft, creamy texture reminiscent of a ramen egg. Absolutely delicious. Roast G...

Little Bao 近維園, Shop H1, G/F, 9 Kingston Street 大門口面對, Gloucester Rd, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong The Causeway Bay outlet feels like a modern Chinese diner with a playful twist—neon signage, cozy booths, and an open kitchen that immerses you in the action. Today, it operates two locations : Gloucester Road (near Causeway Bay) – A vibrant, spacious venue perfect for casual dining or date nights. Shin Hing Street (Central)   The Evolution The Causeway Bay outlet feels like a modern Chinese diner with a playful twist —neon signage, cozy booths, and an open kitchen that immerses you in the action. It’s a space designed for sharing plates, sipping cocktails, and soaking in the buzz of Hong Kong’s dining scene. What We Ordered & Loved Signature Fried Chicken (Half Chicken) Crispy golden skin, tender juicy meat—even the chicken breast was flavorful. We chose the Szechuan pepper seasoning , which added a subtle kick and aromatic spice. Pork Belly Bao The bao that made Little Bao famous: ...

Bakehouse 14 Tai Wong St E, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Bakehouse is one of Hong Kong’s most talked-about bakeries, and after visiting, I can see why. Founded by Swiss pastry chef Grégoire Michaud, it’s all about artisanal sourdough breads, buttery pastries, and that cult-favorite sourdough egg tart everyone raves about. Wan Chai is one of the few outlets in Hong Kong that offers in-house dining , and we were lucky— no queue for us , and we were promptly ushered in. The cozy, rustic vibe makes it a great spot for a relaxed breakfast. The Famous Sourdough Egg Tart Bakehouse is known for its Portuguese-style egg tart made with sourdough crust . The custard is sweet and soft, while the crust is crisp and flaky—a delightful twist on the classic Hong Kong egg tart. It’s so good that we couldn’t resist buying it again whenever we spotted a Bakehouse outlet—whether in Causeway Bay or Tsim Sha Tsui. That’s how addictive these tarts are! What We Ordered Salmon & Crab Royale A luxurious plate feat...