To Hong Kong...in search for Toys!

Singapore Changi Airport


Cathay airplane preparing for boarding to Hong Kong.
The weather was good after a little showers in the morning.
Glad the sun was out and I was so looking forward to visiting Hong Kong.
One of the reasons I chose to visit Hong Kong was to see their toys stores and hopefully get some toys I've been eyeing on.
I've heard from my friends that Hong Kong is a great place to buy toys and with wide selections and prices.


Hong Kong Airport - Arrival


On my 1st day of arrival, it was very misty but the weather is very cooling and pleasant.






Location : Sai Yeung Choi Street (西洋菜街)
MTR Station : MongKong (about 2 mins walk)

Finally, I've reached this place - Sai Yeung Choi Street.
I've been reading so much on the internet about this place, shops full of toys...etc, I was so excited to be there.
As my hotel was near this place, I stroll there.
The first building I visited was CTMA centre (兆萬廣場).
The CTMA centre has many toys stores selling a hugh variety of toys for collections.
It's something similar like the China Sqaure we have in Singapore.







I've only brought a Star Wars Darth Vader Jumbo Chubby in CTMA Centre.
Had imagine I would find lots of Star Wars but I didn't.
But I did have a good time looking at all the other toys.


Godfather guarding!



This pair has left me standing by the window drooling...
Lifesize figure of R2D2 and C3PO! Wow...
Didn't ask for the price because I know it' not going to be in my budget.
Imagine the shipping cost too!


Wow...what a display!
Don't you think this is awesome?


I also visited the Animate and Sino Centre (信和中心).
For Animate (2nd storey), the entrance seemed a little difficult to find.
See the purpish signage on the bottom right hand side?
That's the entrance! Althought it looks something like entering someone's housing apartment!
Sino centre also has many toy shops but mostly on Japanese anime/collectibles.
No star wars was spotted when I was there.
So I would still prefer CTMA.




A book vending machine inside one of the MTR station.
Can't remember which MTR station I saw this.
It's the first time I see something like this.
This author is also very famous and I do like some of her books.


Location : Bute Street 弼街
MTR Station : Mong Kok

Another place near the famous - Goldfish market, is the Bute Street.
At Bute Street, just outside the MTR exit, there's also a toy shop.
Note the green signboard?
That shop also has many different types of toys.
I've brought some tin toys robots from the shop.
Boss is quite polite, but didn't have a namecard so I don't know the name or address of this shop.


Location : Tai Yuen Street (灣仔太源街)
MTR Station : Wan Chai

Tai Yuen Street is also known as Toys Street in Hong Kong.
If you look down the streets at first, you probably only see shops selling clothings, towels, fruits...etc.
But inside, it's a must to visit for toy lovers, walk further in and you'll find many toy stores.
Their prices are also very competitive and very much cheaper as compare to department stores.


Most toys stores hangs swimming bubble floats outside their stores.
If you just stand outside, you'll would have missed the goodies that inside...
Because outside mostly are those balloons, party poppers, ribbons for party...etc.
Walk deeper into the stores, you find all sorts of COOL toy collectibles.
Star Wars, Bleach, One Piece, Thomas and Friends, Ultraman, Hot Wheels, Gundam ...etc.
No wonder it's called the "Toy Streets!"
I brought some die-cast cars and Tin Toy robots.


The shopkeepers here are also very polite and friendly.
Highly recommend "Tai Yuen Street" to buy toys.
Most toys stores at night are jammed pack with people, inside and outside of the shops.
So it might take a little longer time to find something you're looking for.


These are the tin toys robots I've brought from Hong Kong.
I've not post these indiduval robots on my main blog - http://www.astrogalaxy.blogspot.com/ yet.
I'll create a link here later when it's done.

Madame Tussauds in Hong Kong

I visited Madame Tussauds in Hong Kong in late March 2009.
It was located in "The Peak".
I'm not going to introduce about this attraction because I'm in fact still rather annoyed by my experience there.
I would prefer the Madame Tussauds in London, which I visited many years back, it was wonderful.
Back to the Madame Tussauds in Hong Kong, the first thing that got me irritated was... I was standing at the entrance, in front view of the cashier, wanting to buy the Madame Tussauds book, the staff just continue talking to the other staff instead of asking if I needed any assistance. So I said flatly "Excuse me, I would like to get this book!" Then she finally stop chatting and got me the book.
Next was even worse and imagine, I haven't even actually step inside this place, it started to make my blood boils!
President Obama wax figure was outside, guarded by 1 photographer and 1 ticket staff.
They were there to help you take pictures with Obama and would afterwhich passed a photo ticket to you, so you can see if you'll like to buy a picture from them later on at the exit.
I didn't want to buy a photo later and wanted to use my own camera but the staff said I couldn't.
So ok nevermind, I then walked 3 meters away wanting to just photograph Obama only. The staff actually came over and stopped me from photographing.
This time, I'm really boiling!
Photograph from so far also not allowed, then when we are purchasing the admission ticket, the staff should let us know that Obama pictures is only allowed to be taken if you get a photo-ticket and BUY the photo at exit!!
I was with my friend and since we're out in a tour trying to enjoy ourself, I let the matter rest.
Didn't want to spolit my mood.
I just shot a GLARE over and stare at the rude staff and entered the attraction without much anticipation or excitment.
It wasn't crowded inside and I was able to take pictures of the wax figures there at ease.
Only some more popular ones, I would have to wait my turn.
Snap, Snap Snap... I took lots of photographs.
Then I came the a place called - Scream.
Upon entering, me and my friend was asked to stand inside a place like a horror, jail cell to have our pictures taken and get a photo ticket.
I declined to go into the cell to have my picture taken and was thus not allowed to enter - Scream!
See, all this was not known to us when getting our admission ticket.
I asked the staff why and he explained that he have to have something like a head count, how many photo = how many people enter scream!
But at least, he was polite and tried to explain unlike the rude girl outside.
If that's their company policy, I wouldn't want to make things difficult for him.
We just left without entering "SCREAM".
All this pretty much sums up my bad experience at the Madame Tussauds in Hong Kong.
They do have many great wax figures there to see that's worth the ticket price but the service level there would need a lot more hard work to make it a enjoyable place to visit.
It's my first and I would like to say should also my last time visiting this place.
So, I'll stop here for now and hope you all will like the photos I've taken.

Bruce Lee


Jackie Chan


Johnny Depp


Jay Chou


Angelina Jolie


Brad Pitt


Leo Ku


Aaron Kwok


Bae Yong Joon


Lesile Cheung


Princess Diana


Bill Clinton


George Bush


Saddam Hussein


Lee Kwan Yew


Shigeru Yoshida


Mahatma Gandhi


Adolf Hitler


Luciano Pavarotti


William Shakespeare


Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart


Pablo Picasso


Mao ZeDong


Jiang Zemin


Pierce Brosnan


Lin ChiLing


Andy Lau


David Beckham


Tiger Woods


Muhammad Ali


Jon Bon Jovi


Louis Koo


Tina Turner


Beatles


Michael Jackson


Teresa Teng


Charlene Choi


Miriam Yeung


Elvis Presley

The Peak and Tram

The Peak Tram (山頂纜車)
Operating : 7am - 12 midnight daily
Frequency of Tram : Every 10 - 15 minutes
Sky Terrace : 10am - 11pm (Mon - Fri), 8am - 11pm (Sat, Sun & PH)
Tickets for Peak Tram (Return/Single) : Adult HK$33/HK$22, Child (age 3-11) & Senior Citzen (age above 65) HK$15/HK$8
Tickets for Peak Tram & Sky Terrace (Return/Single) : Adult HK$48/HK$37, Child (age 3-11) & Senior Citzen (age above 65) HK$23/HK$16

History of the Peak Tram
1881 - Planning of the tram system by Scotsman Alexander Findlay Smith.

1882 - Proposal was granted and the Hong Kong High Level Tramways Company was born.

May 1888 - Official opening by the Governor, Sir William Des Voeux.
It was a wooden tram's haulage system that was powered using coal fired steam boilers.
Seating capacity of 30 passengers and the carriage was indivded into three classes.
Having First class with the centre compartment.
Tickets at that time cost 30 cents, 20 cents and 10 cents (First class, Second class and thrid class).

1926 - The steam power system was replaced by an electrically powered haulage gear system. Seating capacity had increased to 52 passengers.

1959 - All metal tramcar were used and seating capacity incresed to 62 passengers.

1989 to Present - A fully enclosed, lightweight, all aluminum tramcar was used and seating capacity increased to 72 passenger. It cost a HK$60 million for upgrading using the microprocessor-control technology and new tramcars.
The seating capacity has now increased to 120 passengers.
Official opening on 20 September 1989 by Governor Sir David Wilson.

Tram Capacity - Maximum 120 passengers (95 seats, 25 standing)
Steepest part of the route is the crossover tracks on May road, which is 27 degrees to the horizontal.
At the Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus, a Peak Tram Historical Gallery was opened in September 2007 and exhibited more than 200 memorabilla items.
The Gallery is free admission for Peak Tram passengers.



Peak Tram technical stuffs
Length of Track - 1,365 metres
Track Gradient - 4 degrees to 27 degrees
Lower Terminus - 28 meters above sea level
Upper Terminus - 396 metres above sea level
Speed - Maximum 6 metres per second

I brought a return ticket for the tram ride.
It's a interesting experience and enjoyed the ride.
Would highly recommend if you are visiting Hong kong to try this.


The Peak (太平山)
Mountain - Altitude of 552m


The view from the sky terrace at the Peak.
I was there in the evening, late March 2009.
It was very very misty and the air was very cold.
But I like it...would prefer to be cold than hot.
Sky Terrace is the highest viewing platform that offers a 360 degree view of Hong Kong.
I was up there for almost an hour and really enjoyed the scenery and cool air.
The Madame Tussaud's wax museum is also located at the Peak Tower,along with many other souvenir shops and restuarants.

Central Mid Levels Escalators

Central Mid Levels Escalators (中環至半山自動扶梯)
It is the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world.
Building Cost : HK$240 million
Official Opening : 15 October 1994
Type : 20 escalators
Size : 800 meters, climbs a total of 135 meters
Travel time : Approx. 20 minutes (one-way)
Operating time : 6.00am to Midnight.
Daily estimated Traffic : 55,000 people

Getting there : Take MTR to CENTRAL station - take exit C or D2.
Once out of the MTR station, you'll see road signs leading you to the escalators.


It links Des Western District in Central to Conduit Road in Mid Levels.


The escalators only runs one way each time.
The escalator runs UPHILL from 6.00am - 10.00am.
Runs DOWNHILL from 10.30am to midnight.


Hong Kong Central Police Station
This is a beautiful building structure which I saw while travelling the central mid level escalators.

Central Police Station consists of 7 blocks :
Stable Block - Built in 1925
Headquarters Block - Built in 1919
Block A, B, C and D - Built in 1910
Barrack Block - Built in 1864
The Central Police Station is a declared monument of Hong Kong.


Central Mid Levels escalators signboard!


Here, you can see different parts of the covered escalators.
Besides the escalators, there are many shops and resturants.


It's also the film location for :
Chung King Express (重慶森林) - Directed by Wong Kar Wai
Batman Dark Knight - Directed by Christopher Nolan

The first time I got to know about this Central Mid Level escalators was watching the "Chung King Express". It is one of my favourite Hong Kong movies.
I like the way Faye Wong portray the character in this movie and you'll see Faye Wong travelling on this escalators.


Central Mid Levels Escalator can lead you to the following streets:
Des Voeux Road Central (德輔道中)
Queen's Road Central (皇后大道中)
Stanley Street (士丹利街)
Wellington Street (威靈頓街)
Gage Street (結志街)
Lyndhurst Terrace (擺花街)
Hollywood Road (荷里活道)
Staunton Street (士丹頓街)
Elgin Street (伊利近街)
Caine Road (堅道)
Mosque Street (摩羅廟街)
Mosque Junction (摩羅廟交加街)
Robinson Road (羅便臣道)
Conduit Road (干德道)




I was there in the afternoon, it was the uphill route, as I've planned.
It's easier to go up by escalators and then climb down the stairs.
But in the end, I've decided not to climb down...heehee!
It was a nice experience to travel on the escalators.
A good way to see Hong Kong.
The shops, the houses, the people... it's a charming place.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
双溪布洛湿地保护区
Singapore first protected wetland.
In 1986 : A group of birdwatchers from Malayan Nature Society from Singapore branch wrote a proposal to the government for it's conservation.
1989 : Area of 87 hectares of wetland
(Designated as a nature park)
2002 : Area of 130 hectares of Sungei Buloh
(Officially gazetted as nature reserve and renamed as "Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve)
2003 : Sungei Buloh became Singapore's first ASEAN Heritage Park.



I was at Sungei Buloh on the 30th January 2009.
The weather was good and I had a very enjoyable walk that day.
Upon arrival, I took the free map at the visitor counter and there are 3 different routes.
Route 1 which is approxmately 3km is about 1-2 hours walk.
Route 2 : Approximately 5km, 2-3 hours walk.
Route 3 : Approximately 7km, 4.5 hours walk.
I knew I would take much longer time as I was taking photographs, so I selected Route 1.
The next time, if I'm there early, I would like to try out the route 2 or 3.
I've been to Sungei Buloh a few times and I never forget the first time I was there, many years ago.
I brought my rabbit along for a stroll, not knowing that no pets are allowed, we both were not able to be admitted! LOL!

A unique letterbox outside the visitor centre.


Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Visitor Centre
Location : 301, Neo Tiew Crescent Singapore 718925
Opening Hours : 7.30am - 7.00pm (Mon - Sat)
7.00am - 7.00pm (Sunday and Public Holidays)
Admission : Free Entry except on Saturday, Sundays, PH and School Holidays (8.30am - 6pm).
S$1.00 per adult / S$0.50 per child or senior citizen
(Remember to get a free map here!)


A metal pledge on a big stone reads :
Sungei Buloh Nature Park
Officially opened by
Mr. Goh Chok Tong
Prime Minister
on
6 December 1993




This is the biggest Kingfisher I've seen so far.
He was perching on the fence just outside the vistor centre.
Some vistors got very excited and you see huge cameras started to setup to capture this cute bird.
There was a couple and the lady asked "Is that real? It's not moving..."
I turned over and told her "It's is a real bird, I saw it move a little earlier!"
They both seemed happy!
Then the guy said he used to live in kampong area when he was a kid but have never seen a kingfisher so big!


Walkway in the park


Signboard : Care for nature - No catching of birds and No Fishing!
Looking at this sign, I can't help thinking of Elmo! (My pet cockatiel)
Reminds me of Elmo having his wings trimmed at the pet shop.
The guy at the pet shop grab him so tight and it looks just like this picture!




The first squirrel I saw.
Snap, snap, snap... the squirrel must have find me a nuisance.






Can you spot the bird?


Razor/Pencil Fish
There are lots of fishes like this in the water.






A Bird Observation Hide








This squirrel is very cute.
He was so busy eating, he didn't know I was slowly getting nearer and nearer to him.
When I was only just 3 feet away, he decided to discard his lunch and ran off!


A simple screen for viewing.


Monitor Lizard
I used to see a few of them but my this trip, I only spotted this one.
This one is not very big.
Actually seem tame and friendly.
I took a few photographs and left quietly.
Then, I remembered my previous trip, I saw a very big one.
I was scared and luckily the Monitor Lizard also seemed scared by my present and ran off fast...


I wonder what is these wooden poles for?


Snails crawling up the tree


Mangrove


Flora Mangrove
Name : Rhizophora apiculata
Family : Rhizophoraceae
Common Name : Bakau Minyak

Description : A medium sized tree reaching 30 meters
tal with smooth to slightly cracked grey bark. The thick
leaf has a sharp pointed tip. The leaf stalk and stipule
(leaflike appendage to a leaf) are often tinged red in
colour. The cream coloured flower comes in paris and
without stalks. The brown fruit looks like an inverted pear
with persistent calyx (modified leaf forming a proctective
layer that would remain without falling off). The green
with purple hypocotyl is measured up to 33 cm long and
cylindrical in shape with a blunt knob at the end.

Uses : The wood is a source of timber, firewood,
charcoal, piles and fishing stakes. The branched stilt
roots are used for anchors weigh down by a stone.
Medicinally, the bark may be used
as an antidysenteric.








Aerie at Sungei Buloh (Route 1)
This aerie can be seen in many different parts in the park.
Height of tower is 18m
Width of deck is 9m
Number of steps to deck is 72 steps.














View from the main hide
















Mudskipper / Goby






It took me about 3 hours plus to complete Route 1 and it was then 5 plus when I left Sungei Buloh. It was a nice visit this time except that I was feeling quite hungry.
The next time, I'll remember to bring something to eat, more water and a pair for binoculars.
Please click here to view the Kranji Dam and parks! It's a place very near to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Kranji Dam and Parks

Location : Singapore, Kranji Way
Kranji Tidal Gate


There are a total of four Kranji Tidal Gate Towers in this Kranji Dam.


Whenever I visit Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
I would definetly stop by this place first for about an hour.
I find this a peaceful and beautiful place.
Not much has changed and I like it the way it is...unspolit.

The towers was there since my very first visit when I was just a child.
I didn't know what it was then and I didn't ask my parents either.
I just kept quiet and imagined it was some aeroplanes control tower or some towers that shoot down enemies...! LOL!
Now that I've become more sensible...heehee, these towers are actually tidal gates.
Kranji dam was built in 1976 to ensure no flooding at the Kranji freshwater reservoir during heavy downpours.
It will released excess water into the Johor Straits.

This is the Kranji Reservoir.
My favourite view!
I like standing there, just relaxing and enjoy the environment and air.
Enough to make it a good day!


Here's the roading leading in and out of the Sungei Buloh wetland reserve through Lim Chu Kang road.


Kranji Way Park
Along the Kranji tidal gates, you notice a park beside.
A nice place for a little stroll and picnics.
Quite often, you can see a ice-cream seller on motorbike outside the park.










A police post in Kranji park!
I'm not sure if it's still an operating one.
Took a peek inside, there was nobody.
Find it nice, have not seen it anywhere else, so I took a picture of it!


In the park, it provides a good views across the straits to Malaysia, JB.


Warning Sign in 4 different language :
Danger
Rapid Water Flow
Keep clear of the channel
when siren is sounded




Kranji Reservoir Fishing Ground 'B'

Ah... a fishing rule sign - it reads :

To maintain cleanliness and the quality of water in this reservoir, you
are reminded to use only fishing rods or lines with artificial baits.

For the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, we advise you :-
- to exercise due care and attention when casting your lines to avoid
casuing injuries to others.
- to help to keep the place clean by throwing all litters in the litter bins.
- not to use fly fishing tackles or fishing rods exceeding 2.7m (9ft).

Children under 12 years of age are to be accompanied at all times by
adults who shall be resonsible for their safety.

Activities that are disallowed are : -
- Using live baits for fishing.
- Using fishing nets, traps, spears or other fishing methods.
- Boating, swimming, bathing, washing or wading in the water.
- Camping, staking out, marking or reservation of places.
- Using of cooking stoves or setting open fire.

We wish to advise that PUB shall not be liable for any damage, loss,
injury or death incurred or sustained by any person in the designated fishing ground.

We wish you a pleasant day at out fishing ground.
Opening Hours : 7.00 am to 7.00 pm


This is fishing ground B.
I've missed the fishing A spot.
Will definetly go over there for my next visit.
I'll will be posting on Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve in the next one or two weeks time!

Happy Lunar New Year

Wishing all a Happy Lunar New Year 2009.
This year is the year of the OX.
I was at Chinatown just now and done up a post on my another blog.
Please click here if you'll like to visit.!