Three looooooong, gruelling hours of waiting time to get a seat at Tim Ho Wan Plaza Singapura in Singapore is really an ordeal. Hence, in our recent trip to Hong Kong, a Tim Ho Wan food adventure is at the top of our must do list. Because we have kids to tag along, as much as I wanted to visit the 1-Michelin starred branch in Sham Shui Po (the original Mongkok branch is already closed), we ended up in the more convenient IFC Mall branch. Not to my surprise, a queue is still visible. Just about 2 hours less than the queue in Singapore. Again, worried that the kids may not be able to endure an hour long of waiting time, I just decided to order for a take out. 

 

This is the view that greeted us when we checked into our room at Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel in Hong Kong. Who wouldn't be mesmerized by it? 

Victoria harbour is really lovely. I wouldn't mind coming back to this place again and again. 

Hotel lobby. I don't know why it's so fragrant inside. The moment you enter the door, you'll be enrobed with a sweet scent. 

 

 



It's our second time to stay at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. And just like the previous visit, it was another great stay.

 

 

I couldn't tell you enough how much I like Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. The hotel ambiance coupled with good service from the staff makes for a really enjoyable vacation. Although the buffet at the Enchanted Garden seemed to be less exciting than before, there are still other choices of restaurants that are worth trying like Walts Cafe. The wagyu burger and the grilled sandwiches are nice.

 

Every little girl dreams of becoming a Princess someday. My daughter was so blessed, hers was granted on her 7th birthday. We recently celebrated her birthday at Hong Kong Disneyland and the experience was truly more than magical. Even I, was overwhelmed and elated with this unforgettable event in my daughter's life. Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel was a wonderful host to such a memorable occasion. We couldn't have chosen any other place.

In our room, we were greeted with this birthday cake towel complete with a birthday card signed by no less than Mickey Mouse himself. What a lovely welcome indeed!

Upon our arrival at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, we went straight to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for the Little Princess make over. Sofie opted to become like Princess Aurora of Sleeping Beauty since she's her favourite Disney Princess character. I reserved the Castle Package which includes everything that's needed - from the gown, make-up, hair styling, accessories and the works. All that's included, was ours to bring home. They were all nice souvenirs to keep. 

The staffs (aka the Fairy Godmothers-in training) were very accommodating and efficient in their task. It didn't take too long for our little girl to have the look she wanted.

 

The magical moments captured by the lenses were compiled into an exclusive Disneyland album. We had the option to choose which photos we want to be included. It's definitely, another memento worth keeping. 

One of the highlights of the birthday celebration was the meet and greet with the Disney Princess Characters at the theme park. Sofie's smile shows how delightful she was to mingle with them sans the long queue. She got an express pass to meet all the sweet, lovely ladies.   

 

 

At the Enchanted Garden restaurant, we had the birthday dinner with the much loved Disney mascots. It was another wish came true when Minnie Mouse delivered the birthday cake and lead the singing of the Happy Birthday Song. On the other hand, Mickey Mouse made sure that he also had a birthday surprise for the celebrant. He gracefully ushered the little Princess to a magical dance which we really adored. There was also a goodie bag that was filled with Disneyland keepsake and gifts. All in all, I am absolutely grateful that everything turned out so well as planned. Thank you Disneyland for all the wonderful memories! It was undoubtedly a celebration worth remembering; a family treasure that  will last a life time. 

Hongkong is indeed a shopping paradise. It will definitely top the list of the shopping meccas in asia. I can easily claim it as my favorite go to place when it comes to shopping. It literally has everything. From the simplest and most sublime to the most classy and luxurious of all things, name it and they have it. In terms of trends and innovations in fashion, they were never too late. What's even amazing is that, anywhere you go in the island there's always something to look forward to that's related to shopping. Since our hotel is located in Kowloon area, the likes of Nathan Road, Mongkok and Canton Road were our shopping haven during our visit. But I'm sure there are so much more than these famous ones. If you have the luxury of time, it'll be worth exploring the different parts of the territory.

Ladies Market in Mongkok.. Lots of bric a bracs being sold here. Just don't forget to haggle big time when you intend to buy. 

The popular Milan Station (that sells mostly second hand designer leather goods) didn't escape my wandering eyes and neither was I able to resist to have a peek of what's inside. Unfortunately, I found the price still quite expensive. You'd rather buy brand new ones. Although there are a few new ones (unused) being sold, the designs are quite limited. 

This is Canton Road where designer labels such as Gucci, Prada, Coach, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Marc Jacobs and what have you are located. Prices in Hongkong are relatively cheaper compared in Singapore. I checked the Mulberry store in Harbour City and the price of Mulberry Bayswater is almost SGD200 cheaper. They give 10% discount to tourists. 

We also visited the City Gate Outlets in Tung Chung. The selection of international brands housed inside the mall is extensive enough. That's where I found real good deals on Coach items. The discount ranges from 30% - 50%. In other brands, the choices are a bit limited. 

All in all, the shopping mileage in Hongkong is limitless. So make sure to allot a significant amount of time for your shopping needs.