Bun Tower Thrills & Island Chills: Family Fun in Cheung Chau!

  

Must Visit!

Cheung Chau, located in the New Territories—the largest region of Hong Kong—offers a refreshing contrast to the bustling city. With its lush parks, ancient villages, and serene monasteries, it’s a treasure trove for nature and history enthusiasts. With family & Friends we recently attended the vibrant Bun Festival on its second day, and it was an unforgettable experience, especially for our child.

This three-day festival, which coincides with Buddha’s Birthday, transforms the island into a vegetarian paradise. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by an array of delicious vegetarian food options, including colorful fruit buns that our little one couldn’t get enough of. The atmosphere was alive with lion dances, dragon dances, drums and street games, making it a feast for the senses.

Transport to Cheung Chau was a breeze; we took the ferry from Central Pier 5, (Sun Ferry Timetable)  but there’s also a route from Mui Wo. From Central, it took us 60 mins in slow ferry however there is option of fast ferry which takes just 35 mins to reach the island. We noticed some small boats that seemed to offer rides, but we didn’t have the language skills to inquire about them—definitely something to consider if you’re planning to use them (They are called - Sampans)

The highlight of our visit was - Bun Festival!  watching the Bun Tower, where locals scramble to grab as many buns as possible. It was thrilling to see the excitement and a great way to explain the festival's significance to our child. You could either walk or cycle around the island. We chose to walk, as it was quite crowded for festival. We loved visiting the historic Pak Tai Temple, built in 1783. This temple is a focal point during the festival, where people come to seek blessings from Pak Tai, the sea divinity believed to protect the islanders. More about historic pak tai temple

After indulging in delicious buns and receiving blessings, we headed to nearby Tung Wan Beach for a stunning sunset view and some much-needed tranquility. It was a day filled with gratitude, amazement, and unforgettable memories.

As an Indian family, we found the Bun Festival to be a unique cultural experience, filled with warmth and hospitality. While we focused on the festival, we also noticed enticing attractions like the Mini Great Wall, the Reclining Rock, and Cheung Po Tsai Cave, all accessible by bike. If you plan to hike, be sure to bring cycle locks for safety.

Cheung Chau has so much to offer. I highly recommend visiting Cheung Chau at least once to soak in the festive vibe and create lasting memories! If you have a favorite thing to do on the island, let us know in the comments below. And feel free to share this post with anyone planning a visit!

Bun festival attending gang!

One near the beach! Love for pastels!

Its double the fun with bunch of friends!

Tung wan beach view! Not the best one but who cares!

Wind energy explained! :)

Love Lock Wall! Must pit stop for photo!

Funtastic company!

Beautiful scenic ferry ride from Central to Chueng chau

Family bikes can be hired just outside ferry pier.

Traditional vegetarian Buns!

Just outside ferry pier - Beautiful Fishing village coastal line!

cute little bun tower!

One during the ceremony

Bun Towers everywhere - SMall and Big!

Their concept of offering Deity is so similar to Indian culture as well!

Pak Tai Temple. Blessings Taken!

Very unique incense sticks in Hong Kong!

Historic stone wall! Love this architecture!

Waiting for Lion Dance to Begin.

One from Lion Dance!

Giant Incense sticks outside Pak Tam Temple

One with Bun Tower in background!

Unique - Elephant as part of Lion Dance

"Berry Bliss: Discover the Serene & Silent Strawberry Paradise in Hong Kong!" (3 Mins Read)

Family Day Out!

A Fun-Filled Day at Phoenix Strawberry Farm in Hong Kong

If you’re looking for a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, look no further than the Phoenix Strawberry Farm in Ta Kwu Ling, Hong Kong. Nestled at 1130 Ping Che Rd, this charming farm offers a unique experience for families and nature lovers alike. With its vast fields of strawberries, cherry tomatoes, corn, lettuce, and cabbage, it’s a perfect spot for a day of fun and relaxation.

Getting There

While the farm is a bit of a drive from the city, it’s well worth the trip. The serene surroundings and fresh air make it a refreshing getaway. The farm is open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM, and you can reach them at 6219 4955 or via email at phoenixvegfarm@gmail.com for any inquiries.

Activities for Kids

One of the highlights of Phoenix Strawberry Farm is the variety of activities available for children. Here are some of the fun things your little ones can enjoy:

• Strawberry Picking: The main attraction! Kids can roam the expansive fields and pick their own strawberries. There’s nothing quite like plucking fresh berries right from the plant and enjoying them on the spot.

• Inflatable water Pond: The farm features a small artificial pond equipped with artificial sea animals, fishing nets and colorful balls. Kids can have a blast trying to catch the floating balls, making it a fun and engaging activity.

• Play Area: There’s a small play area where children can run around and let off some steam. Slides, swings and some green lawns!

• Petting Zoo: Kids will love the chance to feed adorable goats and see playful piggies. Interacting with the animals is always a hit and adds to the farm experience.

Kiaan was amazed to see such huge corn on tree :)

These boys love plucking strawberries! 3rd year in a row!

Small little play area for kids!

Kiaan spent good 1 hour just here!

A huge Piggy!

Few Goats! You can feed them!

Blackberries and Raspberries

 Food Options

While the farm doesn’t offer Jain or vegetarian food, they do have some hot dogs available for sale. They also have fresh sugar cane juice. Its something, i haven't tried locally ever and it was absolute delight.

With the abundance of fresh strawberries and other produce, who really wants to eat anything else? You can pick your strawberries, wash them, and enjoy them right there in the beautiful surroundings. It’s a simple pleasure that makes the visit even more special. 

You are allowed to bring and eat your own food here and the care taker of farm is nice and kind guy to allow you to eat own food. 

 

Fresh produce from farm! Pic courtesy : FB phoenix page

Very amazingly yummy cherry tomatoes, we had for our lunch there as salad!

Rich grwoth of strawberries

Farm Fresh!

No one can take away experiences from you, invest in it!

It was sunny day! and this fresh sugarcane juice came in very handy...:) All smiles for fresh farm sugarcane!

A glimpse from small rose garden!

Why Visit?

Phoenix Strawberry Farm is not just about picking fruit or veggies; it’s about creating memories. The spacious lawns, filled with vibrant crops, provide a picturesque backdrop for family photos and a chance to connect with nature. Plus, the farm is less crowded than many other attractions, allowing for a more relaxed experience.

Conclusion

A visit to Phoenix Strawberry Farm is a fantastic way to spend a day with family. With its array of activities for kids, beautiful scenery, and the joy of picking your own fresh produce, it’s an experience that everyone will cherish. So pack your bags, grab your family, and head out to this hidden gem in Hong Kong for a day of fun and fresh air!

Important information on co-ordinates:

To reach this place from main road, there is bit of rough road (5 mins walk) which is not too smooth for wheel chair or strollers so plan accordingly.

• Address in English: 1130 Ping Che Rd, Ta Kwu Ling, Hong Kong
• Chinese: 新界打鼓嶺蓮麻坑路1117號 (you can show this adress to taxi driver)

Contact Information:

• Phone: 6219 4955
• Email: phoenixvegfarm@gmail.com

Getting There:

1. By Car:

   • If you’re driving, you can use GPS navigation to find the farm easily. The farm has parking facilities available for visitors. The drive from central Hong Kong typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

2. By Public Transport:

   • From MTR:
     • Take the MTR to Fanling Station (East Rail Line).
     • From Fanling Station, you can catch a minibus (No. 52K) that goes directly to the farm. The journey takes about 20 minutes. (This is last bus stop so easy to navigate)
       
   • From Sheung Shui Station:
     • Alternatively, you can take a bus (No. 79K) from Sheung Shui Station, which will also take you to the vicinity of the farm.

3. Taxi:

   • Taxis are readily available and can take you directly to the farm. Just provide the driver with the address in Chinese or mention name of strawberry farm

Tips for Your Visit:

• Check the Weather: Since the farm is an outdoor attraction, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before you go.
• Bring Cash: While some places may accept electronic payments, it’s always good to have cash on hand for entry fees or purchases.
• Plan Your Visit: The farm is open from 7 AM to 7 PM, so plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your day. Its best to call them on day of visit and check. Strawberry season lasts until April end!

Enjoy your trip to Phoenix Strawberry Farm, where you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the delightful experience of strawberry picking!

"Adventure with Ease, Live with Energy" - 50 is new 30 and how ? (3 Mins Read)

"Take care of your body, it's the only place you have to live in. A healthy body will take you to places you've never dreamed of."

First 25 years we dedicate to knowledge building and next 25 to career, by the time you have money to spend at 50! Your body has almost started degrading. How to not let that happen?

Lets go for Triathlon, I asked a friend. He replied, but it tests your endurance and physical strength to great extent... are you sure u can do it? Lets go for Marathon? It needs great physical strength too. Fine lets go to Norway and see Bergen from top of mountain? It takes 5 hours hike... can you do it? Lets go for snorkeling with sharks in Cebu, you need fit breathing for snorkel, can you do it? Lets go adventure - bungee jump , sky dive in New Zealand... Do you have fit mind and fit body for it? This question makes me wonder how important is health if you want to explore World and adventures that it offers...

Want to plan Hiking, camping, reach mountains and see sunrises or sunsets, adore the beauty from top of World or beneath the sea, explore the offbeat places, para glide, rock climb, sea surf, snorkel, sail, ski, and what not till you are alive! Only and only possible with very very healthy body, mind and bank balance :) Not just at age of 30-40 but until you live forever!    

Why do I want to live longer, happily and with utmost fitness? So that I can travel my heart out. Having taken control of my finances and helping literate others about importance of financial planning #MehtaInvestment, I can say my bank balance would be thriving when I will be 50! But what about energy, and fitness to do what I love to do!

Thanks to Hong Kong, which has excellent public transport connectivity and lot of harbors and horizon walks one can easily walk past 10k. But is walking daily 10k, enough? Does that make you any fitter? 

With that in mind, Joined Pooja's Fitness class for strength building and I go for HIIT every week. Starting from humble 2 kgs to reaching 12.5kgs with Goblets, chest push ups, pull-ups, planks, mountain climbing and what not... she helped me become stronger both in body and mind! Weight training though often neglected by women, it is indeed so much important and need of an hour to keep oneself fitter. It helps achieve stronger muscles and joints so that menopause, arthritis , calcium deposits, per menopause, osteoporosis, etc  are all either avoided or just a cake walk... There are many well known and renowned articles that are published in this regards. Few links are here:

Article 1 of Strenth Training by UH Hospitals

Article 2 : By propel physiotherapy 

However, I am just trying to relate importance of weight training, exercising and fitness  with my goal of traveling which helps maintain healthy muscles and joints, improve cardio respiratory function, helps with mental health and cognition, and mainly keeps us feeling younger - longer! Now, how it helps in achieving better travel experiences - 

1. Physical stamina: Travel often involves lots of walking, carrying luggage, and sometimes even hiking or other physical activities. Having good physical fitness and stamina can make it easier to navigate new destinations and fully enjoy all the activities and sights they have to offer.

2. Immune system: A healthy body with a strong immune system is better equipped to fight off potential illnesses and infections that can be picked up while traveling. This can help prevent disruptions to your travels and ensure you stay feeling well throughout your trip.

3. Mental well-being: Physical health is closely linked to mental health, and feeling strong and energized physically can have a positive impact on your mood and overall well-being while traveling. It can help you stay mentally sharp, engaged, and able to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

4. Dietary habits: Maintaining a healthy diet can provide your body with the nutrients and energy it needs to keep up with the demands of travel. Eating well-balanced meals can help prevent fatigue, boost your energy levels, and support your overall health while on the road.

5. Recovery time: Traveling can sometimes be exhausting, with long flights, time zone changes, and busy schedules. Having a healthy body can help you recover more quickly from these physical stresses, allowing you to make the most of your time in a new destination.

Overall, prioritizing your health and well-being can help you get the most out of your travel experiences, allowing you to fully enjoy all the exciting adventures and discoveries that come with exploring new places.

So a big shout out to wight training for healthy body and  stronger mind that is needed when you seek adventure happily until you breathe in World!

P.s. Pooja Laungani is an ACSM and Reebok certified sports and fitness trainer. She is certified in TRX, BOKWA, Zumba, Zin Trainer, Bollyfit cardio classes and outdoor boot camps. She is also CES trainer, making her first Indian Cancer exercise specialist in Asia. Pooja is passionate fitness aficionado whose motto is to spread awareness about health and fitness. 

Some of my travel expeditions... Just trailers...which I wish to do more until I Live!

Pooja takes fitness classes all over Hong Kong and online and I am just thankful to have found her as she makes me become stronger and my travel more adventurous. 

Some of the adventures which kept me going and inspired me to become more fitter for more of it!

 

Hiking with Toddler in Stroller - Only in Hong Kong! (5 Mins Read)

"Let your journeys be tough, but your determination be tougher to challenge your existence!" -Rids

Raising a generation who loves Outdoors!

 

To begin with, we were super skeptical about considering hiking with 3 year old! But Thanks to adventure seeker in us, and off course some googling we decided to take a plunge, with stroller though! It was absolutely delightful, doable, well paved, there were patches of uphill, downhill and towards the end lot of rocks to explore (which we skipped ) but super manageable.On beautiful day like this Saturday when sun was bit kind and no drop of rain yet pleasant  climate of 20 degrees, going for a hike was best decision. And taking our kiddo along was most amazing decision as he absolutely loved it!

Where did we go ? 

Cape D'Aguilar is the southern part of the Shek O Peninsula on Hong Kong Island. The cape is named after British Major-General George Charles D'Aguilar who served as Lieutant Governor of Hong Kong (1843-1848).  

 

Beautiful view just 20 mins into starting trail!

View from Lighthouse

Beautiful rock formations at marine reserve with most clear water.

Geological Diversity explained at Cape D'Aguilar

Details of marine environemnt

Just 1 hour later, you see this sign, Take right or downhill to reach marine reserve and left uphill is towards light house (Just 1000 mts walk and back)

Finally Little one got the playground. He had many questions like why there is straight rock here and vertical rock there and why there is no beach but rock near water here and on and on!

Little one walked quite a bit with us!

Hong Kong - People know only 30% of it! 70% of Hong Kong is full of nature, unexplored - Come and see for yourself :)

One of the oldest Lighthouse preserved in Hong Kong. Has history of WWII attached with it!

Mesmersing roots of trees

Some beauty within beauty :) Kiaan wondered which construction vehicle would have come to place rocks upon rocks here ;)

Cape D'Aguillar Hike. This Hike is one stop before Shek O beach from Bus No 9. One gets beautiful coastal view of South China Sea within 500 mts of walk. Totally available and relatively empty , secluded path along coastal line which leads to 20 Hectare big marine reserve. One of the oldest lighthouse of Hong Kong, An infamous, unexplored natural cave which had thunderous sound of waves hitting coast, Crab cave, Ms Willy (Whale Fish bones on display), clear water and many many geological rocks to be surprised about is what this little pain of pushing stroller is totally worth it!

Thunder Cave

Beautiful Gap and thunderous waves were worth all the efforts!

Pretty Stuff!

Source: unknown - Crab cave - which is too beautiful but we didn't go here as it was bit of rock climbing and it was high tide the day we went so rocks were little slippery.

I was not quite aware that there are so many marine reserve centres in HK

Source: unknown. Since it was high tide and too windy this beauty was not there but generally people do get to see Ms Willy - The Whale's bones just near marine reserve building

 How did we go? 

Public transport: You take Blue Island line train (MTR) to Shau Kei Wan station. Take exit A3 (It has lift and elevators). Walk straight from exit A3 and right in front you will see Bus No. 9. (Please ensure the bus mentions cape D Aguillar or you can check with Bus driver). The buses are big and spacious, so stroller can be accommodated easily here!

Your Bus No 9 will drop you here at Windy Gap. Take Left and walk straight on Cape D'Aguilar Road.

Taxis / Pvt Vehicle: Sometimes the bus would take you straight to the Shek O Beach. The ubers and taxis and private vehicle can take you till this last point (marine reserve) provided they have special license to access that route. 

How much time it took ? How difficult is it?  

From Windy Gap, where Bus NO 9, will drop you, it is 3.5 Kms walk until Marine reserve and Miss willy , the whale fish bones so approximately 1 hour walk. It is mostly plateaued walk, however these is little rough patch in between here and there but manageable. The last bit of 500 mts is downhill and then to reach some of the famous site there like crab cave, one need to be little adventurous in climbing the wet rocks, but we skipped that part obviously. 

We did see some of the cars till end of road. And many village houses on way was surprise!

Little one, went wow, wow, wow! so i am sure anybody would love it!

Good sleep and fit mind and body! Is all one needs for happy healthy life!

 

Overall, people rate it 3/10 Hike in terms of difficulty as there is not too much steep mountains to climb but yes few patches of uphill downhill. so with Baby on board, doable but with minute challenge.  With lots of breaks in between, it took us approximately 4 hours to and fro from bus stop cape d aguillar road. WIth straight walk of going and coming back might take less than 2 hours.

 What is food scene there? 

One needs to be well planned and stock your food and baby food before hand, as you will not find a thing in between. However in little detour, half way through road, there is small village house who makes few ready to eat noodles and has few drinks and water but apart from that nothing at all. S you might want to pick things near MTR or come prepared beforehand.

 

Hok Tsui village, shun kee store

P.s. We always pack our theplas and sandwiches with cheese and avacodos, some nuts and fruits as rescue plan to keep kiddo full and happy :p

Healthy food with good views!

 Toilet facilities?

Well, there is one average clean public toilet with tissues just 500 mts walk away from bus stop and later near this small restaurant stop another 1 kms ahead. But apart from that, there is no toilet facility near Marine reserve.  

Mobile toilet within 1 kms of walk on cape D Aguillar road

 

Some videos since photos don't do enough justice to it!

 

 

 

P.S. When you go downhill towards marine reserve on you left you will see few steps going down... there is no sign post there, but that is where the road towards this beautiful most Thunder cave goes to... Dont miss it. The sound of those waves hitting caves was deep engraved in memory :)

Well, with painful legs but delightful souls and with lot of walk, encountering satellite stations, radio stations and prolific nature, one reaches the oldest lighthouse in Hong Kong and some of the best cave - Thunder cave and Crab cave at the end. Definitely must must go and have a look at most hidden secret, easily accessible in Hong Kong island. Be delighted that rest of 70% of Hong Kong has to offer - Nature at its best! 

 

Happy and Safe Hiking :)