Prelude-Visit to Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

Finally, I am going to Angkor Wat! It has been one of the blanks waiting to be ticked off in my travel dream list but making a trip there is not as easy as I would like. After marriage and having a kid, travelling is always a "family thing". My travel plans would always need to include itineraries for my wife and daughter. So far so good for all the family trips that we had. The likes of Bangkok, Bali, Hong Kong, South Korea, Macau, Malaysia etc have "everything for everybody". But Cambodia is always a challenging place. Shopping centres are scared and theme parks are non-existent. This is practically telling the ladies there are actually nothing for them except sight-seeing. The killer would always be the extreme hot and humid weather. The latest temperature I checked at Siem Reap is at 37 degree Celsius! The protests would be loud and clear.....

In the end, it was not as difficult as I thought. The trade off is that my wife and daughter will not follow me to Siem Reap. Both ladies have graciously allowed me to visit Angkor Wat with my two other friends. Thank you dears and see you in June, Angkor Wat :-)!

Three times to Macau

Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral

I visited Macau 3 times. The first time was in my twenties and in the company of a group of hot-bloodied all male friends. Before we went there, we already have the imprinted impression that Macau was a place linked with vices. The sights we experienced there simply reinforced our beliefs. Macau was just a place of casinos, saunas and nightclubs. Macau's famous landmark-The Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral was well, a piece of old wall to most of us. Nothing special about it. As we left the country, we concluded Macau was not worth the effort to visit again.

Street shot at Senado Square

Statues at Senado Square

The second visit was in my thirties. My then girlfriend (now my dearly wife) put Macau in her itinerary when I visited her in Hong Kong. How could I say no then? We visited Macau again. The jet ride to Macau for that trip was horrendous. The ride took more than the normal time due to some engine issue. Both of us got seasick and vomited. Luckily, my good friend Kenny was around to clear our mess. Guess where was our first stop when we touched down at Macau. You guessed it! We took a cab to the Ruins of St Paul's Cathedral again.

Macau's Taxi and Famous Almond Cakes' Ad

Macau's Street Sign

Surprisingly, I found that "the piece of old wall" looked somehow attractive to me this time. I began to pay attention to the details. It never occur to me till then why the Macau people are so proud of this UNESCO World Heritage site. I would dig into it's history. The once grand Cathedral was built by the Jesuits in 1582. It has experienced three big fire and eventually only the facade was left intact. The Portuguese-influenced architecture has stood against calls for it's demolition and became a famous Macau's icon today. I found the planned 1 day trip was terribly short to appreciate Macau's heritage. As I boarded the evening jet headed back to Hong Kong, I promised myself that the next trip to Macau would surely be a longer one.    

Dancing Fountain at Wynn

The Galaxy Hotel

I visited Macau again in my forties. It was a family trip consisted of my father-in-law, brother-in-law, my wife, my daughter and myself. Instead of the past usual 1 day trip, I have planned for a 3 days trip. Many famous new Casinos have sprung up in Macau. The Venetian Casino, The Galaxy, The Wynn, The Sand Macau, Lisboa Casino and the list goes on. These casinos have not only done their part in boosting up Macau's economic growth but also contributed in decorating the illustrious night scenes. As we explored the streets in the night, we could see that each casino has their own unique Leon display to distinguish itself from others. All of them are competing with each other with their sexy light dance to attract potential customers. Although this might not be it's primary objectives, my wife and I actually found the colourful illumination actually added a romantic feel to the atmosphere. For those going to Macau, I strongly recommend you spend at least a night walking the streets and admire it's nightly beauty.

The Venetian

Architecture at The Venetian

Of course, I have not forgotten my favorite Macau's haunt. We actually did not pick a good date to visit the Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral. It was a public holiday (20 December) to celebrate the return of control over Macau from Portuguese to China. Senado Square was crowded with tourists and there was a performance at the Macau's famous landmark. We could only watch the Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral at a distance. But we never give up and came back the next day early morning to greet my old friend. There was not much people around and we felt that we owned the whole place by ourselves. It was a special feeling as I saw my daughter running happily up and down the steps at the Cathedral. The Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral has witnessed the different stages of my life. It has also taught me that one would learn to look at things at a different perspective during the different stages of your life. From just "a piece of old wall" to now my friend of old, many things have evolved and changed. Macau have changed a lot since my first visit and so do I. I have raised my status from a bachelor to a husband and now a father. But I know the charm of the Cathedral will stay forever.

The Fisherman's Wharf

Scene at A-Ma Temple

We took advantage of our longer stay to visit the centuries old A-Ma Temple, Macau new theme park-Fisherman's Wharf and Venetian Casino. As I left Macau, I concluded-"Till we meet again, my dear old friend!"

Details of the Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral

Family Photo at the Steps of the Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral

       

We Love Bali!

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

I have skeptical feeling when I planned the family trip to Bali. Although those were many years ago, the 2002 and 2005 terrorists' attack on the island are something many people still talk and worry about. But all these fear dissipated when we visited the island. The captivating scenery, friendly people, unique temples and good food have made us forgot Bali's sorrow past. We never regret that we have visited the "The Land of the Gods".

Pura Luhur Uluwatu

Guardian Statue

Pura Tanah Lot

I have earlier engaged a local Balinese driver through the net to bring us around the island. It was definitely a great decision as we conveniently got to places that I planned (and unplanned) for. He doubled up as a guide and informed us on the potential risks and scams to look out for. Do send me an email if you are visiting Bali and want his contact.

Sunset at Tanah Lot

Egg Painting

Pura Taman Ayun

I am a fan of temples and have churned a list of them in the "must visit" column. The Balinese call their temples as "Pura". As a first time visitor, I was eager to visit all the principal puras. My initial list consisted of Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Pura Taman Ayun, Pura Tanah Lot, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan and Besakih Temple Complex. The last item was eventually replaced by Pura Tirta Empul due to the warning by my driver. He warned me that the local villagers at Besakih are notorious for extorting money from tourists and advised me to change my destination. The driver's warning confirmed the bad reviews that I have read up in the net. Known as the "Mother Temple of Bali", it was about 2000 years old and built on the slope of the volcanic Mount Agung. It offers stunning view and great cultural values. But the local villagers bad attitudes have turned off many potential visitors. Me included. I will surely visit the place in the future if the situation improves.

Candi Bentar (Split Gate)

Rice Terraces

Mount Batur

Many people have actually thought Bali as just a great beach resort. I readily beg to differ. Our journey in the island have brought us new horizon of thoughts. The island is called the "Land of the Gods" for good reasons. Almost all household we passed by have a private shrine. Each of them is defined by a split gate (candi bentar) flanked by two ferocious (sometimes humorous) guardian statues. The wall details are intricately designed by fine and beautiful artworks. There are supposedly to be well over 200 000 temples in Bali!  We were behold by the majestic Mount Agung and still active Volcano Mount Batur as we drove past beautiful rice terraces and bountiful fruits and coffee plantations. My wife and daughter were always fascinated by the life-like stone and wooden carvings of godly beings and Buddhas that line the roads and populate the front yards of the houses. The cultural performance of the Kecak, Barong and Legong dance have never fail to amaze us (although my wife was a bit disturbed by the "cak" chant during the Kecak performance :-p)

Kecak Dance

Barong Dance

Bountiful Fruits On Sale

My main focus would always be the Puras. Always accompanied by different tiers of the unique Meru, each Pura has a different setting and story to narrate. Uluwatu stands proudly on a clifftop, overlooking and guarding the awesome Indian Ocean. Situated at the shoreline, Tanah Lot seems to conjure a magical boundary to prevent the aggressive demonic waves from invading the land. Taman Ayun emitting an aura of majestic presence, reminding people of their royal past. Ulun Danu Bratan poses beautifully at Lake Bratan, just like the Goddess Ida Batara Dewi Ulun Danu that it is devoted to. Many people from all round the globe come to Tirta Empul just to bath in it's holy water. It is believed the holy water helps to cleanse them from all sickness and bad fortune.

Bali Door Painting

Bali is indeed a worthy place for relaxation and more importantly, cultural learning. But commercial development and expansion have taken it's toll on it's natural beauty. Many rice terraces and fruits plantation have made way for new hotels and resorts.  I really hope these will not reach a level of no return.

We will surely be back. We love Bali :-)!

Sunset at Kuta Beach

Colourful Kites

Family Photo at Pura Trita Empul

 

Hong Kong-Pearl of the Orient

Victoria Harbor Night Scene

I anticipated this coming. My wife came up to me the other day and asked: "Dear, I read your blogs- Travel Bugs. They are very good but one thing is amiss. Where is the one on Hong Kong?" I could not blame her as she hailed from dear Hong Kong! I have been there close to 10 times already (maybe more!) and surely there was something to write on the "Pearl of the Orient".

Giant Stingrays at Ocean Park

Firework display at Hong Kong Disneyland

Of course there are many things about Hong Kong. In fact, it is just too many. Perhaps that's the reason I did not know where to start from. Hong Kong faces stiff competition on their tourism sector from around the region and have taken steps to draw back the crowd. These are good news for those planning to visit Hong Kong. They have expanded and still expanding their main 2 theme parks-Disneyland and Ocean Park. We visited the new Toy Story Land and Grizzly Gulch at Disneyland last December and noticed another theme land-Mystic Point was still "construction in progress". Not to be outdone, Ocean Park has re-located and renovated their Great Aquarium. They have also added Thrill Mountain and Polar Adventure in their premises.

Wong Tai Sin Temple

Hong Kong famous religious ground-Wong Tai Sin Temple has also recently completed their HK$100 million construction of the Tai Sui Yuen Chen Hall and other renovations which surely give locals and tourists more reasons to visit the temple.

The Great Buddha

Tai O Fishing Village

Hong Kong Tourism Board has also developed new destinations to boost interests for the visitors.  The Fishing Village-Tai O is one good example. It is situated very near the Great Buddha at Lantau island and makes an ideal side trip after touring the must visit Po Lin Monastery (for info, it was undergoing renovation when we went there last December). Personally, I feel that Tai O is a great getaway for city dwellers like us. It was a great eye opener for my little girl. Photographers will treat this place as a great haven for photo taking. If lucky enough, one may sight wild pink dolphins on the offered boat trips there. Too bad we were not too lucky on our recent visit there :S Better luck next time!

Not many people would know that there was actually a plan to set up a Casino at Lantau Island at 2006 to rival then Singapore plans to set up two Casinos-Marina Bay Sand and Sentosa Resort World. It was shot down by the Legislative Council citing gambling problems. My In law (a Hong Kong Citizen himself) shared with me that Lantau Island was actually considered a religious ground by many Hong Kong people (which resided the Great Buddha and Po Lin Monastery)and the government feared it might incur the wrath of the citizens if the feng shui of the ground was disturbed.

The Peak Tower

The iconic "Ding Ding" Tram

Chi Lin Monastery

To help will be tourists to Hong Kong, below is my top 10 must see or do list (click on links to visit official web sites for more information).

1. Victoria Harbour (with the iconic Star Ferry Ride)
2. The Peak (with the Tram Ride)
3. Hong Kong Disneyland
4. Po Lin Monastery (with it's Great Buddha)
5. Wong Tai Sin Temple
6. Ocean Park
7. Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden
8. Tai O Fishing Village
9. Ngong Ping 360
10. Tram (Ding Ding) Ride 

Hope they are helpful. I am very sure I will come up another blog related to Hong Kong. Enjoy your stay!

The iconic Star Ferries

Family Photo at Tai O Village

The Singapore Zoo

Zebra

I hold fond memories of the Singapore Zoo and lost count of the number of times I have been there. The happiest moments in my childhood days were always been paying the Zoo a visit.  My daughter has inherited my animals watching genes whereas my wife has slowly but surely picking up the interest due to my undying influence :-).

 Warthog

 Greater Flamingos

Chimpanzee

Proboscis Monkey

The Singapore Zoo has been rated one of the best in the World (and the best Rainforest Zoo) and not many people would want to debate that. The premise holds many exotic animals like the Organ-utans, Komodo Dragons, White Tigers, Proboscis Monkeys, Pygmy Hippos and the list goes on and on. The open concept where most animals are left to roam freely (within well-hidden barricades) instead of being caged up in tight spaces have won praises from many visitors.

All the Animals' shows like the "Splash Safari Show" and the "Rainforest Fights Back Show" are to educate people on the importance of protecting the environment and animals. My family has not get tired of the shows although we have watched them a number of time.

Lioness

White Tiger

Manatee

My daughter's favourite place in the Zoo must have been the Rainforest Kidzworld. Beside getting close proximity with the farm animals, she could choose to have some watery fun at the Wet Play Area. She would also not forget about the Pony Ride, Wild Animal Carousel Ride and the Horse Carriage Ride.

Pony Ride

Horse Carriage Ride

Orang-utan

Many animals right activists will still criticize the concept of the Zoo as it still ultimately deprives the animals of their freedom in the wild. But without the Zoo, many city dwellers like us would not be able to witness so many wondrous and majestic creatures in this earth.

It also imparts to us on how selfish human has become and how our existence has threatened and even caused the extinction of many species in this World. The Zoo experience has actually taught us to spare thoughts for the other animals and also on how we can contribute to protect them.

Pygmy Hippo

Naked Mole Rat

Leopard

I am very sure you will enjoy the same fun and fruitful experience like my family if you ever pay the Singapore Zoo a visit. Do also pay a visit to the nearby Night Safari and the River Safari (opening in December 2012) where the Giant Pandas-Jia Jia and Kai Kai are housed. Our last week visit to the Singapore Zoo is surely not our last. We will be back :-)

Flying Fox

Komodo Dragon

Lemur

Mouse Deer

For those interested, this is the official site of the Singapore Zoo.

Scenic view of Seletar Reservoir from the Zoo

Family Photo