Celebration of Life in Spring - Flower Show 2023

Hong Kong LCSD department does many wonderful things for people of Hong Kong and one of the most beautiful thing of all is their arrangements for Flower Shows conducted every year since 11 years. This year flower show returned to Hong Kong after 3 years and what a comeback!!! 

"Bliss in Bloom" is this years theme with more 400,000 flowers on display in all and Hydrangea being its theme flower with more than 40,000 blooms. 

The Flower show is running from 10th March and will end on 19th March! So those who havent planned yet, plan soon!!! It just cant be missed!

Where is it held: Victoria Park, Causeway Bay from 9.00 AM to 9.00 PM. 

Pro tip: Avoid weekend with kids. It surely is super crowded and there is no hack to avoid that crowd.

How is it? Review time? Well imagine yourself being surrounded by the huge flower displays in the background which are colorful, mesmerizing, full of life and which brings out best smile in you. This is one big, huge Happy place and one must not avoid for anything

How much is the cost: Just pay 14hkd via octopus for adults and 7hkd concessionary fair for students and old age

How much time is needed to see this show: It really depends on you interest on flowers. If you wish to shop and see and understand about flowers in details then you need at least 6 hours for sure. If you just want to head to best displays and click pictures 2 hours is also enough. If you wish to attend the classes, videos shows then you must plan as per the schedule of events held in Centre stage.

Is it good to go with toddlers? Kiaan is fan of flowers and colorfulness that flowers give so he thoroughly enjoyed and was in total awe looking at huge displays... like he saw floral peacock and yellow huge ducks and he started dancing! So imagine!

Hydrangea Flower!

Mind it! This show is not just about taking pictures with floral displays. Its impossible that you wouldn't be lured by it though to keep clicking but there is also so much learn here. Like i never knew, Hydrangea is native to China and Japan. Its also called Happy flower as its like cluster of bright anf beautiful flowers packed in spherical mass, resembling wedding bouquets in hands of bride. These flower clusters are in shades of purple, blue, pink, purple-red, white or green and sometimes combination of shades. 

TIP: If yo have limited time, just enter and start from left and then keep taking turns from right to left so you will get glimpse of almost everything. Stay hydrated and carry lot of food :p

Here is the schedule for shows which you can attend if you like:  Activities and Events Link

Photo dump from our visit:

Green Tips for Flower Show

Travel to and from the venue by public transport. Bring your own water bottle to reduce beverage packaging waste. Use your own environmentally friendly bags instead of plastic bags from operators of the venue. Support e-brochures and e-catalogues to reduce paper waste. Share photos by electronic means or via social platforms to minimise printing. Make good use of on-site recycling facilities. Practise clean recycling by rinsing recyclable containers briskly before putting them in recycling bins. Avoid taking or making excessive purchases of souvenirs.

Green Tips for Flower Show (For Operators of Commercial Stalls)  Minimise the use of disposables. Make good use of recycling facilities. Minimise the use of packaging materials or reuse them after the event. Avoid using foamboards as display materials and use recyclable, reusable or upcyclable green materials instead. Refrain from distributing printed promotional materials and support promotion by electronic means. Avoid handing out plastic bags. Plan use of resources. Make good use of recyclable/reusable materials. Sort recyclables properly and keep them clean. Comply with “A Concise Guide to the Nosie Control Ordinance”. Minimise the adverse impact of external lighting on the environment. Avoid light overspill to minimise nuisance. Share photos by electronic means or via social platforms to minimise printing. Avoid handing out souvenirs.  (Published by LCSD) Major Attractions of the show can be viewed her : Click on the link

Enjoying Spring Blooms - One More time! (1 Min Read)

Picture Courtesy: Isha Patel ; Location Introduction : Archana Tomar

France, Netherlands, Japan are all at door step away from Tung chung this year. Cathay city in Tung chung seems to be blessed with best spring this year. With cherry blossoms surprising everyone enough and seeing huge crowd from across Hong Kong flocking to tung chung. Cotton candy spring blossoms quietly laid around the Kwo Lo Wan road around same time and has finally paved its path for Golden Trumpet blooms.

More than 200 trees of golden trumpet are planted along the Airport golden trumpet trail near kwo lo wan road of HKIA Historical garden. These trees are trumpeting the arrival of springs and blessing us with best view of nature.

It looks miraculous right in middle of nowhere and yet so close to city. Come to check it out before its gone sooner by April.

How to get there:

By public transport: Alight at the Cathay Pacific City bus stop and walk along East Coast Road and Chun Kwan Road in the direction of the Hong Kong International Airport Historical Garden. On foot: Start from Tung Chung and walk along the Airport Trail along Chek Lap Kok South Road towards the airport, turn right at Scenic Road and turn right again at Kwo Lo Wan Road.

Key Takeaway: Right across the road is Ancient Kiln park and HKIA Historical Garden. Its a small family friendly park with jogging path few exercise equipment. So you can walk through the trail and enjoy beautiful sunset visible from this park while children can have fun.

  

Let's go pick some strawberries this spring!

There is nothing like taste of fresh hand picked picked strawberries. Who does not like to be surrounded by nature, natural fruits are like God's way of giving us candies in life. And when life gives you candies, just enjoy it. So close to urban jungle, there lies an oasis of lush green pastures 

There is lot to do in this beautiful farm land named - Kam tin country club located at 230 Shui Mei Estate, Kam Tin, New Territories.  Contact: 2442 0909   Website: www.yl.hk/ktcc 

One can spend whole day picnic in this area. or can plan a visit just for couple of hours depending on the interest. the entry is absolutely free but you have to pay charges for activities inside. Like bumper car costs 60 HKD fir 10 mins and toy car ride costs 50 HKD whereas whole package of 5 activities costs 160 HKD. Its ideal for kids upto age of 7 or  years. Also in one of the lawn there are huge inflated jumping beds for kids. 

Then there is small farm land with farm animals like rabbits, goat, pigs whom you can feed. there is tortoise pond just near entrance which has more than 10 very beautiful elderly tortoises. Also there are big laws for putting up tents for picnics or kite flying, etc. Then small arena for fishing as well. Its perfect day out for family with young kids. 

Lastly there is this beautiful, tempting strawberry farm which boasts strawberry plantations from Japan and Korea. They were beautiful in sight and so so delicious. One get basket to collect strawberries and then you can pay 120$/LB and enjoy fresh strawberries on site. 

For Adults there are barbeque pits as well to make the most out of your picnic.

Small map below for the reference of what activity is where. (Its in Chinese but you can figure out with photos about map)

What is the best way to reach there?

We found MTR to be super connected. On Brown line get down at Kam Shueng road stop and from there take Exit C in front of which you will find Taxi Stand. Take a cab and ask for Kam tin country club, you are there in 10 mins costing 24 HKD only. While returning you can take either minibus 601 (which is generally always full) or book an uber or if your luck is good then you will see someone coming in and you can use same cab to go back to MTR.

Food: there are many kiosks there for eating but vegetarian options are none so carry your food please if you are vegetarians or jains. However we relied on filling our tummy with loads and loads of strawberries! They were so delicious that you just cant stop with few! (P.S. they are 3 times costly, but thats how organic stuff are :p)

Verdict: Take some tents, make a group of kids , don't forget to pack kites and bubble guns, pack some lunch boxes and extra pair of clothes for young kids (yes they need it after starwberry picking in wet muddy places) and you are all set for your best sunday picnic ever! 

We went strawberries over it ;) literally

! I am sure Kiaan must have even dreamt about strawberries, we didnt expect but he enjoyed strawberry picking crazily and he completely forgot about his afternoon nap. He just went on and on in the farms running and adoring the sight of strawberries! 

Apart from strawberry picking, kiaan thoroughly enjoyed all the rides and watching farm animals!

8 days in magical paradise - BALI! (8 Mins Read)

Bali is No 1 destination for holiday planners in the World. But everyone has a different reason and liking for varied choices that Bali has to offer as holiday destination. From Adventure to Yoga, From serenity to  party, from family trip to honeymoon trips to just solo trip and from backpackers to extra luxury holidays,  there is something for everybody alike in Bali! 

Extending its borders from Asia to all the way till Australia, Bali is Indonesian province with 17,500 islands. Being closer to equator, gives it an edge of having stable climate throughout the year. Bali is located on Bali Sea which forms the south-west part of Flores Sea. Its home to many marine species. And hence, one enjoys great surfing, scuba and snorkeling activities around Bali.

Closer Map of Bali. Image courtesy: Google

There is so much to see and do in Bali that even a week is certainly not enough. Bali trip is so far my best memorable trip in South East Asia. I just loved it for its diversity. From scenic volcanoes to lush green rice terraces to pristine beaches and water underneath to mesmerizing coastlines. Bali is Paradise on Earth. Period. 

Planning a trip to Bali?

It really depends on your interest that where would you like to be and for how many days? We went for 8Nights and for us it was perfect plan. So I will share my itinerary here and the logic to build one!

Firstly, one has to decide what is it that they want from this holiday? 

Relaxing, adventure, yoga trip, surfing trip, exploration trip? If you are like us and want bit of everything then go for the itinerary below as we like diverse experiences. 

Once you know what you want from your holidays decide about the accomodation. Most of Bali happens in Southern part where there are most famous beaches located starting from Kuta, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Nusa Duaa and Sanur. Rest of the Bali trip happens in Central part around Ubud which is cultural capital of Bali.

So we came across this interesting place called Mara River Safari Lodge which is located in Gianyar region and we had to visit this place for love of nature and animals! I wouldn't vouch for their Safari park much but the concept of Mara safari lodge is beautiful. Its like Mini Kenya! Its worth an experience. And definitely must visit for families with kids.

So here I begin my itinerary for Bali trip!

Day 1: Gianyar

We landed at Ngurah Rai International Denpasar airport and started our day by visiting the Tegenungan waterfalls which is just one hour drive from airport. Its a beautiful drive and you will be greeted throughout the journey with Hindu Gods and its depictions across the roads of Bali followed by most eye catching landscapes.

P.S. Please change your currency and take SIM card from airport itself. USD is widely used in Bali but its better to have IDR as they charge insanely in USD. Also for Indian passport holders, Bali is Visa free.

One will need an hour at waterfalls (depending on how much adventure you want to do there) post which we proceeded to Mara river Safari Lodge which was half hour drive away. This themed Safari resort gives unique holiday experience with African safari inspired ambiance and accommodation. It is located within grounds of Bali Safari Park, the stay offers exclusive opportunity to observe and be amongst some of the beautiful animals in close range. 

Imagine waking up to view of Zebras and giraffes having their breakfast :) , riding to the dining hall on elephant (p.s. we didn't do this, remember no harming animals!), having brakfast while Lions are roaring just outside your windows. Its like you are jailed around animals to view them :p But its beautiful to see them so close! Its must must GO place in short!

Anyway, apart from stay the package includes free visit to Zoo for one time.  

Click here for finding stay packages at Mara River Safari Lodge - Book Mara River Hotel

Key takeaway:  The Safari is small and if you plan bit smartly one can finish it off in half a day or sooner. For vegetarian food, they had lot of options. So be rest assured about it. Don't forget to reach on time for check in. there is lot to do in less than 24 hours in this wonderful place!

Day 2: Ubud

We spent morning hours surrounded by these beautiful views of animals and swimming with hippo literally! By 11 we checked out and kept bags on luggage counter and proceed to Safari. Its a small safari and should not take more than  half a day to see everything. Its way smaller then one in Singapore. Later proceed to Ubud by Car and check in at most beautiful stay I have ever been to. 

Ubud is spiritual and cultural capital of Bali. However its also known for its lush green sceneries. We had booked Villa Nirvana in Ubud which was in middle of nowhere yet 10 mins walk away to city Centre. we were 2 couples and stayed in Villa Maya which had 2 bedroom villa. It was splendid with bath tub right in mid of nature and private pool all for yourself, this villa was like dream come true for writer inside me! They spoiled us with breakfast on bed. Especially getting served fresh yum Dosa early morning with masala chai just  around your own pool was perfect!

Still if you prefer to be in utmost quietness then this is your place! But if you want to see people around then book something in city Centre. Most of families with kids may prefer to be surrounded by people so please book a hotel near city Centre. there are ample of options there.

Link to Book Villa Nirvana - Click here to book

Key takeaway: Unlike other destinations, in Bali boking hotels directly from their website gave an edge over boking from other sites like Agoda since their website had packages which were more economical to book. 

Please note Bali sleeps early :p We left hotel around 8 pm thinking about shopping and we felt we were in haunted place. All the markets and shops close by 6 pm max. So please follow Early to bed, early to rise rhyme here quite sincerly!

This day we just enjoyed the private pool and relaxed in our villa reading and chit chatting. Then took a troll in market area to figure our next two days itinerary. You will find lot of tour and travel companies in market and generally all are more or less good. You can compare cost and select whichever tour you like. However we were travelling with one more couple and so we opted to hire a car and make our itinerary. 

Jain Food option in Ubud: We tried two Indian restaurant there for Jain food and both were quite good. One Ganesh restaurant was 10 mins walk away from Villa nirvana and other Queens of India was in market area. Both served Jain food. Our villa made yummy Jain breakfast for us every morning. We were surprised to get hot Dosa and Masala tea ready in our private lawn daily morning.

For more Indian restaurant option, click here!

Day 3: Base - Ubud (Tegallalng rice terrace, Bedugul Temple, Coffee terrace, Tanah Lot)

We stretched the day and covered most of the places within a day. So we started early in morning and reached the coffee terrace which was decent but not must see also because we are not coffee fan it didn't make sense. 

Later we visited Tegallalang rice terrace and enjoyed the giant swings and some of the insta favorite picture taking booths!

From there we headed straight to Bedugul temple and Lake Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. This is very very picturesque and beautiful place which holds its place on Indonesian currency. Its serene and wonderful enough not to be missed. 

And lastly we headed to Tanah Lot temple during sunset. It was magnificent and beautiful temple. We enjoyed the Seaside on the rocks while sun was setting. There are Eight sea temples in Bali and Tanah lot is most visited and postcard picture perfect scenic temple. We took the blessings of sea temple and returned to Villa to finally have peaceful dinner and rest for the day. 

Tanah Lot Temple

Tegallalang Rice terrace and coffee terrace

Ullun Batan Temple

How to travel: We hired the car for a day which cost approx. 45 USD per day (for 10 hours) for 4 people. Their best price is 40 USD and sometimes if the driver is good they may extend an hour or so. 

If you want cost effective way to travel then you can book the tour with local travel agents on SIC coach basis. 

Key Takeaway: Be aware of the local scams here and there. Like the cab driver took us to coffee place which wasn't that great but we thought he was getting commission on our entry tickets and if we would have bought the coffee from there. So do your research well. Don't trust blindly. Also near some temples you will find people asking for money and there are few pick pocket cases there so please be very vigilant.

Day 4: Base - Ubud ( Campuhan Ridge walk, Saraswati Temple, Goa Gajah, Ubud Palace)

Today we planned to wake up peacefully and enjoy grand breakfast and have pool time after a hectic day. We were open to go for white water rafting or Mount Batur but that day it was raining and volcanoes were very active so both the activities were not possible and so we decided to just stay put around Ubud and explore local markets and went to some of the famous local temples there like Saraswati temple and Goa Gajah temple followed by Ubud Palace and then heading for a small hike to Campuhagan ridge walk. It was beautiful hike of 2 hours. Lastly we booked for a ferry trip to Nusa Lembongan to head towards the pristine beauty of this heaven on Earth!

Glimpses from our stay at Villa Nirvana, few temples and Campuhan ridge walk

Key takeaways: The fun part about the tropical islands are it can rain anytime but the rains are not so severe and may settle down in couple of hours unless its typhoon or storm. So we got little scared to do white water rafting in rains and cancelled the plan but if you happen to make plans, stick to it. In matter of no time the rains would disappear. However you cant take risk of going till volcanoes when they are active so that one got to be real careful!

Day 5: Base - Nusa Lembongan (Nusa lembongan island tour on bike)

We fancied blue waters and pristine white beaches like many others and so we headed straight to Nusa Lembongan. It was fairly easy to travel. You will be picked by coach early morning from Ubud and head to harbor of Sanur from where the ferry to Nusa Lembongan will start. We started from Ubud at 8 am and reached lembongan by 11 am. 

You will be fairly surprised to arrive at the most pristine beaches. At least this was one of the finest beach I have ever seen after Similan island in Thailand. We checked in at hotel, booked our bikes and left for exploration of island. Nusa Lembongan and Nusa ceningan are two small islands and one can fairly see all the major attractions within 4 hours of bike ride here. Arrive at any hill top restaurant to enjoy the sunset and be done for the day at your resort. We had amazing romantic dinner planned by the beach and the resort helped us at their best to cook and give our Maggi packets and also made Jain fried rice.

We stayed the D Dusa Resort and Spa but that seems to have vanished now however here is the link to book  -  Nusa Lembongan hotels. 

Day full of holding breath and enjoying nature's most pristine sites.  Most stunning sunset to insanely vast sea giving beautiful views to riding across small island and talking with locals to having our 1st ever candle light dinner by the sea on the beach! 

Key takeaway: One has to certainly book beach front resort if you are in nusa Lembongan. It is family friendly location to stay with young kids. But if you do not wish to travel with luggage and kids one can also enjoy one day tour from Bali. There are lot of tour operators who would bring you here for one day trip. In Lembongan there were many beautiful sights to enjoy underwater but back then we were not prepared which i would definitely go back to. So you need good 3 days in lembongan. 

The day you arrive just chill and next day go for snorkeling trip and 3rd day for Nusa Penida island tour. All 3 are must do.  

Day 6 : Base - Nusa Lembongan (Nusa Penida tour, swim in the sea)

We hired the tour operator from Nusa lembongan for a day trip to Nusa Penida. We started with car journey followed by boat journey and again car ride (which was very rough and bit scary) to reach the Kelingking beach point and from there visited the broken beach. These ae most dangerous points to travel with kids as there is no safety standard. But the adventure is worth for the kind of scenic beauty it beholds! 

Key takeaway: We made terrible mistake of wearing chappals thinking we will spend time on the beach but rather we should have worn sports shoes or at least sneakers for this adventure trip. Also for people like me, I have terrible motion sickness. This was journey which I couldn't enjoy despite of being at one of the most beautiful spot of Bali. So consider taking some medicines or travelling empty stomach. 

Also one should pack slippers and beach wear to enjoy amazing waters around these places. Not to forget lot of food for vegetarians!     

Day 7: Base - Nusa Dua (Beach Day, shopping, family time)

We enjoyed Nusa Dua beach upon arrival in late afternoon and had our day off for shopping and chilling by the beach. For Jain Vegetarian Dinner we headed to Queens of India and then tried The Royal kitchen for our lunch next day. The royal kitchen was anytime much more better and cleaner and served nice and good food. Offcourse when in island, go for SPA retreat. there are many many here. Just opt for any good one as per google reviews and head in!

Enjoying the Nusa Lembongan resort for some time in the morning before heading to Nusa Dua.

Click here to book - The Nest Hotel - Nusa Dua

Click here to see more Indian Restaurant in nusa Dua

Key learning: Nusa Dua is a silent beach. Because we wanted to skip whole lot of people during this journey we opted for Nusa Dua. One can rather be near Semniyak or Kuta beach and enjoy the clubs like potato beach club, Finn's beach club, Omnia dayclub, etc. Though all the beaches n south are not far away but please note that traffic around this area is horrible and to travel from one place to another may take some time. 

Day 8: Base - Nusa Dua (Uluwatu temple tour, Jimbaran beach sunset) 

Today was last day of our trip and we hired the car for full day until drop at Bali airport at 7 PM. So after our breakfast we headed to Uluwatu temple which is again on magnificent sea shores. You will be treated with best beauty around this temple. Before we left for our flight we enjoyed the sunset at Jimbaran beach and reminisced our beautiful 8 days spent in this nature's paradise named - BALI!

Key takeaway: we started our journey from Jimbaran for airport 4 hours in advance but the traffic was so horrible on the way that we could reach only 2 hours later. So please have time to reach airport. The best part of the day was we booked car for whole day and could just glance through lot of cultural depictions and also sea shores and beaches just being on wheels. Also since we had some time we could head to nearest Indian restaurant from airport and pick our dinner before we reach airport.

Most important things to note for a trip to Bali: 

1. For couple who can ride bike, its super cheap (Rs 300 per day) here and roads are ok enough if we abide by rules. 

2. Or you can hire car with driver for approx. 20 - 25 USD per day (10 hours)

3. Carry lot of sunscreens, hats and extra beach wears. (You can offcourse buy beach wear locally)

4. Road accidents are not common but can happen so ensure to keep first aid kit.

5. With children, plan to stay at hotels near market area in Ubud.

6. Day trip to Nusa Penida is both way too dangerous and hectic so can avoid with kids.

7. Day trip to Nusa lembongan is must must must GO with families, kids, elders, everyone!

8. Last and most important - Even in your tight itinerary don't forget to go to SPA, chill by the beach, enjoy the sun rises and sun sets and unwind yourself before you end this holidays. 

At the end, “Bali is more than a place. It’s a mood, it’s magical. It’s a tropical state of mind.

So have you booked your trip to Bali, yet?