Stanley and Repulse Bay

Hong Kong Island -- Repulse Bay and Stanley

August 17, 2016

With rain pattering on the windows all night long, we knew it will be a rainy and wet day for us on our first full day in Hong Kong. After waking up at around 2AM due to jet lag, I was tossing and turning until 6AM when we finally decided to get up. For breakfast, we had the chicken pies we bought the night before with coffee made using the in-room machine. It was great being inside, enjoying our hot coffee on this wet morning with a partial view of Hong Kong harbor in the distance. 

Before the trip, I had planned on taking a bus from the hotel to Stanley, then to Aberdeen or the peak all using public transportation. Fortunately, JC and CeC were in Hong Kong and they came to pick us up for a tour of the island for the day. 

To start off, we went to the restaurant (King's Cuisine--6/F, Windsor House, 311 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay) in Causeway Bay that JoC recommended for lunch. We were told that if we put in our orders before 11:45, we would get the 20% off. Too bad, we were told by the waitress that the machine did not accept our orders for the discount when she input all the items. I think what we ordered were not on their discount list. Oh well, we had a good lunch anyway. 

They did have a special that included two-whole squabs with a huge bowl of rice noodle for HKD $108. The squabs were delicious! These are the specialties we look forward to because their dim sum was just so so, nothing special comparing to what we can get in Los Angeles, for a lot less.

What I liked about this restaurant was that it was quite spacious, with adequate spacing between tables which is quite unusual for Hong Kong. Service was minimal, we had to wave down waiters/waitresses who were not as attentive as we wished. I guess that's quite normal for any Chinese restaurant.

After lunch, we walked around the mall a little bit before getting into the car as JC took us for a tour of Hong Kong island. From Causeway Bay, we took the Wong Nai Chung Gap Flyover through the Aberdeen Tunnel and made our way from north of the island to the southern part. It was fascinating seeing the changes that took place through the years in the different areas of Hong Kong since I left in 1971.

Passing by tall buildings in Ap Lei Chau which used to be a tiny fishing village. It used to be accessible only by getting on the small sampans from Aberdeen to this island. Now, it is a well-developed residential area with a bridge built for easy access. We also drove by Aberdeen where our parents used to bring us on Chinese New Years Day when we were little. We had a church there that held New Year's service every year and we would collect a lot of red pocket money from church members attending service there.

Repulse Bay

I remember when we were little, Repulse Bay represented the upper elite class. It's an area where the rich and famous lived. It's still one of the most expensive areas for real estates in Hong Kong. Locals would come here and be part of this 'classy lifestyle' while enjoying a day at this public beach. On this rainy day though, the beach was mostly taken over by tour groups from mainland China.

This picture is to show that particular building in the background where a huge opening in the middle of the building was designed for the purpose of Feng-shui. 

A wall of beer bottles outside a restaurant along the beach.

As we tried to get away from the crowds, we walked to the left side of the beach...

and found this colorful temple.

I think this is Ma Tzu (Tin Hau), the sea goddess.

With many sculptures and statues displayed in the park.

Sea Dragon King

It started to rain pretty heavy, so we went inside the mall (the Pulse) by the beach and eventually got back to the car after walking around checking out the stores. Then we continued with the drive to Stanley, a popular tourist destination.

Stanley

Stanley is a favorite stop for many western tourists coming to Hong Kong, not sure why.  It is certainly serene and relaxing being near the water but it seemed to be getting quite busy. It is still interesting to spend a couple of hours here if time is not limited.

Lovers' Terrace at the mall--Stanley Plaza. There is a McDonald's, a Starbucks and clean restrooms here also.

Looking at Murray House from Lovers' Terrace.

Across from Stanley Plaza is the Murray House, a historical building which was relocated here from Central.

As we walked down Stanley Main Street, we found this waterfront restaurant, the Boathouse, for an afternoon tea.

We were taken to the balcony of the restaurant with a great view of the bay and the promenade.

Thanks to CeC and JC for a wonderful day!

Ice Cream

Cappuccino 

A huge platter of seafood.

The Boathouse (the yellow building) is an iconic building in Stanley. Rumor has it that this building maybe torn down to make ways for a 10-story hotel.

Yep, we were up there in the balcony a little while ago.

Then we walked down to Stanley Market where most tourists get their shares of souvenirs from. It was very busy still even in rainy condition. Now I know why tourists from China do not come here. Most merchandise selling here are made in China. I am sure they can get these much much cheaper in China than in Hong Kong.

Walking along the promenade enjoying the beautiful view as we went back to the parking structure at the plaza.

We skipped going inside the Murray House.

That's Stanley Main Street.

Mongkok

After Stanley, we drove around the south and west side of Hong Kong island, passing through Pok Fu Lum and Sai Wan, and crossed the harbor using the Western Harbor Crossing Tunnel to Kowloon. We were to meet CeC's family for dinner but we planned on checking out Mongkok Lady's Market before dinner. It just happened that as we got off the parking structure in Mongkok, ChC dropped his camera and shattered the filter. We had to find a repair shop and see if we can make a quick repair. JC took us to one of the camera shops there and they directed us to the Nikon office right at Langham Place Shopping Mall nearby. We were fortunate that we got there before they close for the day and we were told to go back the next day for pick up. While waiting for them to check out the camera, I couldn't help but went over for a picture of the surrounding buildings in Mongkok through their big window. 

Pak Loh Chiu Chou Restaurant--Element

What a relief that was knowing that the camera is OK and ready to be picked up tomorrow morning. Now, we just need to sit back and relax and enjoy a special Chiu Chou dinner hosted by CeC's family!

This restaurant is on top of the Kowloon Station of the Airport Express--Elements. It's a huge mall with a variety of stores and restaurants. Here are some of the food we had that evening. Everything was delicious!

Signature Chiu Chou goose in special sauce.

Add sugar and vinegar over the pan-fried noodle and you have one delicious plate of sweet and sour noodle. Excellent!

After dinner, JC and CeC dropped us back at the Grand Hyatt. What a fun day that was! Tomorrow they will pick us up again for a day around Kowloon and New Territories.