Thursday, September 13, 2012

HKG: Toy Library at Central Library

Have you heard of a Toy Library? I sure haven't but was surprised to have stumbled to a HKG article below that proves that HKG is (and has always been) a kid-friendly city.

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The Toy Library at Central Library
From Little Steps Asia dated Sept 12, 2012


While your kids' bookshelves are filled with old reading favorites, there is nothing better than a fresh crop of kid reads to keep their lit love growing.  Little bookworms of all ages have long loved Hong Kong's Central Library!
Located in Causeway Bay, the Central Library is a fabulous multi-story building complete with a childrens' library containing over 260,000 items for lending.  The littlies love exploring the picture book corner. activity room, exhibition area, workstations, and reading room.  
On the seoond floor, you will find Hong Kong's only toy library for kids' aged 8 and below.  There are four areas for play including a Baby Play Corner, Pretend and Imaginative Play Corner, Creative Play Corner and Activities and Games Play Corner.  Each 45-minute session offers kids' the opportunity to explore the catalog of rentable toys.  Rent, play, rent, play ....repeat.

Why Little Steps loves it:
An indoor educational gem in Causeway Bay.

Who it's perfect for:
The Central Library is open to kids and adults of all ages. The Childrens' Library is for kids 12 and under. The Toy library is fantastic for kids 8 and under.

What else:
Baby joining? You will find a babycare room on the 2nd floor...which includes a nursing and changing facility. Score!

Where to find it:
Central Library 
2/F The Central Library, 66 Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Toy Library
2/F The Central Library, 66 Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Reserve Your Session:  +852 2921 0378
Open daily 10am - 9pm and Wednesdays 1pm - 9pm.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

HKG & Macau Hotel Recommendations

A friend recently asked me for some hotel recommendations for HKG and Macau so I've listed the below for those who might be interested also.
For room bookings and deals, I normally just email the hotels directly to get deals and promos. Let me know if there are any ones that you (the readers) would want to recommend also. :)

HKG Hotels:
1.) Metro Park Hotel (Tin Hau, HK Island)
http://www.metroparkhotelcausewaybay.com/index.php

2.) City Garden Hotel (North Point area, Fortress Hill MTR station, HK Island)
http://www.sino-hotels.com/City_Garden_Hotel/en/default.aspx
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294217-d305364-Reviews-City_Garden_Hotel_Hong_Kong-Hong_Kong.html

3.) Regal Hotel (Causeway Bay, HK Island)
http://www.regalhotel.com/Regal-Hotels-International/Main/Hotel-Home.aspx

4.) Novotel Citygate (Tung Chung MTR line, Lantau?) -- outlet stores and near Disney.
http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-6239-novotel-hong-kong-citygate/index.shtml

5.) Lan Kwai Fung Hotel (Central, HK Island) -- I read this up and might be a good option for you also.
http://www.lankwaifonghotel.com.hk/contact.asp
Reviews: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g294217-d582208-r7665105-Hotel_LKF_By_Rhombus-Hong_Kong.html

6.) Cosmopolitan Hotel (Wan Chai, HK Island) -- also a recommendation by travelers
http://www.cosmopolitanhotel.com.hk/hong-kong-hotel-rooms.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294217-d483282-Reviews-Cosmopolitan_Hotel_Hong_Kong-Hong_Kong.html

Macau Hotels:
1.) Holiday Inn (Rua De Pequim, Macau)
http://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/us/en/macau/qmpch/hoteldetail

2.) Holiday Inn (Macau Cotai Central, Macau) --> where my mom recently stayed in
http://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/us/en/macao-sar/mfmma/hoteldetail

3.) Galaxy Macau -- where I recently stayed in twice
http://www.galaxymacau.com/en/promotions/hotel?utm_source=google-ph&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GH&gclid=CPmngq-mwLECFaMaQgodShwABg

Warning: I'm not an expert on Macau so can only recommend the ones that me or my family have gone to.
You might want to consult also TripAdvisor for Macau hotels on a budget to get more choices.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

HKG: Disneyland HKG & Taxi / Limo Rental Contact Numbers

A few friends were asking recently on some recommendations regarding what hotels/motels that would be near Disneyland HKG. On this, you want to try Novotel Citygate HK.  It's near the airport and is a subway or two from Disneyland Monorail/Train to Disney. It's also located at Citygate Outlet Mall that might be of interest for the whole family since there's something for everyone in this mall.

Also, the below are some recommendations on taxi/limo services for booking one's own pick-up from either the airport and back or if you have a big group.


1.) Contact Tony at 6341-8555. He's native english speaker with a VAN! A friend, Angela , referred me to him for you. He can maybe give u a good deal.

2.) http://www.hongkonglimoservice.com/index.htm

3.) http://www.elephant-van.com/index_main.html

4.) https://sites.google.com/site/vanhirehk/

5.) http://hongkong.angloinfo.com/af/469/hong-kong-car-hire-and-vehicle-rental.html

Thursday, July 12, 2012

HK Staycations - Family Oriented



Hiking, boating, eating, go-carting, sunning...nice life.  Stick around with the family for a lovely weekend in Hong Kong.  The best part?  No airports.  Little Steps has you covered with easy peasy family-friendly staycation itineraries.  Just go!


OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Cruise to Espace Elastique to take advantage of Tai O’s historic fishing village in a stylish cozy way.  For the sporty types, take a sampan from Cheung Chau to Island Club You will find a lovely beach, water sports, rock-climbing, veggie farm, bbq pits and tent rentals!  The Mui Wo Inn in Lantau is a fab budget-friendly option right on the beach, with a retro 60’s vibe going on.  Go on now...

Espace Elastique, 57 Kat Hing Street, Tai O, Lantau, Hong Kong,info@espaceelastique.com.hk
Island Club, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, +852 9350 8664 (Shirley Chan)
Mui Wo Inn, Tung Wan Tau Rd, Silvermine Bay Beach, Lantau, Hong Kong, +852 2984 7225


JUNKS & BOATS

Fancy waking up to the sound of gentle waves and birds?  Saffron Cruises will set you up with their various options from luxury motor cruisers and sailing yachts to junks with camp beds, taking you to remote North Sai Kung or the Soko Islands for their pristine calm waters.  Consider going for a few nights and island hopping! If you would rather junk by day and camp by night, check out day junk options.

PALM BEACH LANTAU
Surfing, paddle boarding, kite boarding, body boarding, kayak surfing, skin boarding and windsurfing are the main attractions at this Lantau beachside sun-spot.  Oh – and the teepees! Ranging from 12-26 feet and accommodating 4-20 people, it makes for an exciting night under the stars with the family.
Palm Beach, Cheung Sha, Lantau Island, +852 2980 4822

HISTORY AND STYLE AT TAI O HERITAGE HOTEL

Tai O Heritage Hotel is the perfect chilled out getaway.  The converted 100-year-old police station in sleepy Tai O is now a chi chi boutique hotel, a retreat for burned-out city slickers seeking fresh air. This nine suite gem features a gorgeous alfresco restaurant, greenhouse-style roof, restored gardens and bunkers turned into wine cellars.
Tai O Heritage Hotel, Tai O, Lantau, +852 9546 1514
Catch a ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo, then take a taxi or bus number 1 to Tai O

CHEUNG CHAU CHARM
A pirate’s cave and bed & breakfast?  Cheung Chau Bed & Breakfast is a great place to take the family for a night or two, with free breakfast and cozy rooms. Take a 20 minute walk along the shore to the West Bay, and then walk another 10 minutes to Cheung Po Tsai Cave, the former hang-out of a local pirate.  Head to Tung Wan Beach for some R&R, and then go to San Hing Praya Street for a seafood feast.  Yum!
Cheung Chau Bed & Breakfast, +852 2986 9900

DISNEYLAND HOLIDAY

Micky and Minnie welcome you with open arms for an overnight stay just around the corner! Dine and dress up with the characters, go on the rides, see the fireworks and more!  Hong Kong’s Disneyland Resort is the perfect spot for kids and adults that never want to grow up. Rooms are spacious and come with everything you need.  Be sure to enjoy some playtime at Inspiration Lake too. 
Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Lantau Island, + 852 3510 6000

THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL
The ultra-chic Landmark Mandarin Oriental combines style, technology and comfort with a fabulous location in Central. A staycation here is all about glamorous wining, dining and shopping, followed by a decadent treatment at the award-winning spa. Amber has retained its 2 Michelin stars for 2012 and MO Bar remains the talk of the town as ever. The worst part? Checking out!
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, +852 2132 0188,

STANLEY ORIENTAL HOTEL

Super luxe short- and long-stay residences with stunning views in Stanley – the Stanley Oriental Hotel has heaps of style in an awesome location.  You’ll have to super-size your staycation as the minimum stay is 1-week. Opt for a 1-bedroom, 1,200 sq ft suite with a private balcony overlooking Stanley Bay and kick back and relax with evening sundowners.
Stanley Oriental Hotel, 2/F, 90B, Stanley Main Street, Stanley, +852 2899 1688

MACAU
Take the ferry to our sister SAR, Macau, for your fill of delicious Portuguese fare and culture, dynamite adventures and entertaining shows! Between Ice World at the Venetian, go-carting on Coloane Island and hanging with the Giant Pandas, the family is in for some fun! Looking for some new digs this time around? Check out the Holiday Inn Macau and Conrad Macau Cotai Central!

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

PRADA Space Outlet Store in Hong Kong by Butterboom.com

Another relevant Ap Lei Chau area that would surely be useful.
Thank you so much for being a great resourse ButterBoom.com! Here's the link to the below information.

Here’s a store Prada does not want you to find.

This one and only official outlet store for Prada in Hong Kong is rather strangely located in a mainly residential area in Ap Lei Chau Estate. Nevertheless, it is more easily accessible than Horizon plaza as it features directly on main bus routes. After some refurbishment, it re-opened 2 months ago and has so much more to offer. The store sells a wide range of mainly the last two seasons’ fashion, shoes, sunglasses and accessories from Prada, Prada Sport, Miu Miu and also Church & Car Shoes.
You’ll need to spend some time on the shoe and bag section as they have some excellent bargains from time to time. Further markdowns were available while we were there and we snapped up a pair of off-season strapped heels for just $665.

Where?
2/F Marina Square (East Wing), South Horizons, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong. Tel: 2814 9576
Opening Hours?
  • 10:00-1800 Tue-Sat
  • 12:00-1800 Sunday & Public Holidays
  • Closed Mondays
How to get there?
  • City Bus 590 Central (Exchange Square) to Ap Lei Chau Bus Terminal
  • City Bus 590A Admiralty Bus Station to Ap Lei Chau Bus Terminal
  • City Bus 592 Causeway Bay to Ap Lei Chau Bus Terminal

-  By King Chan

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FYI:
Do some research before you go so you would be equipped to get the bargain that you seek. My mother-in-law went a few times and showed her friends. There were some good deal. A lot of the seasonal items make it but the popular and basic styles don't make it to the outlet. Enjoy!

Guide to Outlet Shopping in Ap Lei Chau: Part 2 by ButterBoom.com

Here's part two of the great find regarding outlet shopping in Ap Lei Chau. The original post is located here King, so thankful for your research!

Part 2 of our guide to outlet shopping in Ap Lei Chau.

Here’s part 2 of the outlet shopping guide in Ap Lei Chau. We’ve introduced 5 shops last week and here’s the next 5 shops to visit at Horizon Plaza.
We suggest that you make a note of the stores you plan on visiting before you get on the lift and mark down the floors they are on. There are no store directory on all the floors so unless you have an excellent memory and can memorize all the floors you want to visit, this will save you a trip back down to the ground level to see the directory.
6) MAX MARA WAREHOUSE
This warehouse has probably one of the best display of all the outlets in the entire Horizon Plaza. Here, you don’t really feel like you are in an outlet shopping but in the actual store. The great thing is you pay alot less here. Expect about 30-50% off last season’s clothes. A wide variety of lovely evening dresses, jackets, contemporary tops and shoes that won’t go out of fashion can be found here at attractive discounts.
Where: 2707-11, 27F, Horizon Plaza. Tel: 2553 7036

7) POLO RALPH LAUREN
The Polo Ralph Lauren is the latest addition to Horizon Plaza, opened less than 2 months ago. It houses lots of classic and contemporary American country style apparels. The outlet is bright and cosy. We found a simple yet elegant day dress for only HK$199 on special. Other accessories like berets and hats can be found going for as low as HK$70.
Where: 2201 & 20, 22/F, Horizon Plaza. Tel: 2552 5627

8) ALDO
If you love Aldo, you’re gonna love the Aldo Outlet! This spacious outlet has an eye catchy display. The Aldo outlet shop opened less than a month ago. You can find almost all types of shoes here from sandals, boots, heels and bags. Prices can be as low HK$299 for a pair of heels but are generally only 20-50% off retail store prices.
Where: 1901, 19/F, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong. Tel: 2580 9090

9) FAIRTON LABELS FASHION WAREHOUSE
Another multi brands warehouse. At Fairton, they carry a mix of designer labels like Jean Paul Gaultier, Lancel, more contemporary labels Rossetti Fratelli, Kookai, GF Ferre and others more affordable brands. If your visit falls during their sale and stock take period, you will be able to some really good quality Kookai tops from $68, an absolute bargain.
Where: 1910, 19/F, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong. Tel: 2873 2230

10) BLUEBELL FASHION WAREHOUSE
This multi brand distributor carries Paul Smith, Jimmy Choo, Moschino, Anya Hindmarch, Blumarine and also homeware brand like Alessi. Others labels like Moschino, Blumarine blouses and skirts can also be found here. Expect to find past season Jimmy Choo’s shoes and bags at a lot less.
Where: 1902-5, 19/F, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong Tel: 2580 1722

Where?
  • Location: Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong. Tel: 2554 9089
  • Opening Hours: 10:00-1900 daily. Some shops have different operating hours or close one day a week. Joyce Boutique is closed on Mondays.
How to get there?
We recommend taking the taxi but if you want to take the bus, here’s how to -
  • From Central: City Bus 90 Central (Exchange Square) to Ap Lei Chau Estate
  • From Causeway Bay: City Bus 92 Causeway Bay to Ap Lei Chau Estate
  • From Airport: City Bus A10 Airport 9Ground Trans. Ctr) to Ap Lei Chau Estate
  • From Central Ferry: NWFB 91 Central (Ferry Piers) to Ap Lei Chau Estate
How to get back?
  • From Ap Lei Chau: Take Horizon Plaza shuttle bus at Ap Lei Chau Estate Bus Terminal
  • Frequency:  Mon- Friday: Every 15 minutes: 07:45-19:35
  • Sat & Sunday:  Every 20 minutes:  09:00-19:30
-  By King Chan

HKG Guide to Outlet Shopping in Ap Lei Chau: Part 1 by ButterBoom.com

Here's a great find that I want to ensure for future reference. The original post is located here.
King, if you read or pass this by - you so rock!!!


Part 1 of the Butterboom.com outlet shopping guide in Ap Lei Chau.

Let’s face it, Hong Kong is the fashion capital of Asia – besides the top-end designer boutiques that line Peking Street, Central district and Lee Gardens in Causeway Bay, there are plenty of high-end shopping centers and malls in Hong Kong to satisfy just about anyone.
However, any shopaholic worth their salt have seeked out outlet malls for bargains. Although we’re not the biggest fans of rummaging through piles of clothes, there’s definitely some great deals to be had for those who are prepared to put in that extra effort.  We sent our shopping expert King Chan over to Ap Lei Chau Estate to get the scoop…
The 28th floors of retail outlets at Horizon Plaza in Ap Lei Chau Estate which was converted from an industrial factory warehouse is an outlet shoppers’ dream come true. Originally the building housed home and furniture stores but of late top-end designer labels have set up their outlet shops here in droves.
Our top 10 shops worth a visit are:

1) LANE CRAWFORD WAREHOUSE
The “Harrods” of Hong Kong, Lane Crawford is one of the must-visit stores at Horizon Plaza. Find top-end designer brands like YSL, Lanvin, Christian Louboutin, Valextra and Emilio Pucci We found a pair of Stella McCartney and Marni high heels shoes for less than HK$1,000 a pair.
Hot tip: Check out the bargain corner for their bags.
Where: Located on 25/F, Horizon Plaza.  Tel: 2118 3403

2) JOYCE WAREHOUSE
Joyce is well known for its fashion-forward style. They tend to favour high-end, expensive big name designers like Alexander McQueen, Dries van Noten, Givenchy, Balmain, Hugo Boss, Etro, Balenciage Rick Owens and Jil Sander. Lesser known designers like Alexis Mabille, Viktor & Rolf can also be found here.
Where: Located on 2102, 21/F, Horizon Plaza. Tel: 2814 8313

3) I.T OUTLET
I.T is great for contemporary fashion. They bring in young, edgy designers and also streetwear labels from Japan. Expect to find brands like Comme des Garcons, Maison Martin Margiela and Merci Beaucoup.  This outlet is a lot more organized than the others. Labels can be clearly seen and clothing easily found. Off-season apparels are discounted at up to 80% off.
Where: Located at 502-4, 5/F, Horizon Plaza. Tel: 2553 8356

4) ARMANI OUTLET
A real bargain outlet!! You can usually find a pair of chic and stylish Armani shoes from last season at 60% off. Other finds include bags, hats, belts, jackets, suits and even evening dresses are discounted. You can also find EA7, Armani Sportswear line on the rack at a substantial discount.
Where: 2203-5, 22/F, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong.Tel: 2552 9880

5) MARNI
We love Marni for its innovative & quirky style. They are known for using top quality materials and high production quality that ensures garments are well made and tailored. This small outlet offers a good discounted range of Marni’s pret-a-porter pieces like geometry prints multicolored tops, over coats, shoes as well as fun and colorful accessories.
Where: 2713, 27/F, Horizon Plaza. Tel: 2553 5263
Where?
  • Location: Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong. Tel: 2554 9089
  • Opening Hours: 10:00-1900 daily. Some shops have different operating hours or close one day a week. Joyce Boutique is closed on Mondays.
How to get there?
We recommend taking the taxi but if you want to take the bus, here’s how to -
  • From Central: City Bus 90 Central (Exchange Square) to Ap Lei Chau Estate
  • From Causeway Bay: City Bus 92 Causeway Bay to Ap Lei Chau Estate
  • From Airport: City Bus A10 Airport 9Ground Trans. Ctr) to Ap Lei Chau Estate
  • From Central Ferry: NWFB 91 Central (Ferry Piers) to Ap Lei Chau Estate
How to get back?
  • From Ap Lei Chau: Take Horizon Plaza shuttle bus at Ap Lei Chau Estate Bus Terminal
  • Frequency:  Mon- Friday: Every 15 minutes: 07:45-19:35
  • Sat & Sunday:Every 20 minutes:  09:00-19:30
-  By King Chan

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Top Free Wi-Fi Hotspots in HKG (via HK Magazine)


Café O 
This café-cum-restaurant in the heart of Sheung Wan has a refreshing and comfortable atmosphere with a chic modern touch. The Wi-Fi is free and unlimited, and the surroundings make it the perfect place to get a quiet bit of work done. Café O also guarantees fresh food cooked from scratch and has a little something for everyone. Try the signature dishes, eggplant and rocket pizza as well as the salami pizza as well as the freshly made smoothies to keep your mind energized.
284-286 Queen's Rd. Central, Sheung Wan, 2851-0890, www.cafeo.hk

Holly Brown 
Settle down and relax while surfing the web on the comfy seats with Holly Brown’s famous waffle dish gelato and a cup of fragrant coffee. There are almost always available seats at this joint but the wi-fi is turned off between noon and 2pm to keep freeloaders away during busy lunch times.
 G/F, 22 Stanley St., Central, 2869-9008, www.hollybrowncoffee.com

At 1968 
Enjoy delicious Indonesian cuisine from beef rendang to nasi goreng while surrounded by other diners wielding laptops.
5F, L Place, 139 Queen’s Rd., Central, 2577-9981, www.ir1968.com 

Java Java Coffee & Tea Lounge 
Situated on a quiet stretch of Hollywood Road, Java Java lounge serves fine coffees, teas, pastries, home made cakes and other scrumptious delights. Java Java’s loungey atmosphere and plush seating is a great place to relax for hours. Open until 11pm during the week and 12am on Fridays and Saturdays.
188 Hollywood Rd., Sheung Wan, 2549-7739, www.javajavalounge.com 

Oolaa 
Oolaa is a popular dining and drinks destination with an ideal comfy café corner for web browsing and freelancers. Try the freshly baked pastries and have a cup of ground Illy coffee.
G/F, Bridges Street, Centre Stage, Soho, 2803-2083 

Caffé Habitu 
This chic Italian cafe offers handcrafted coffee by some of the most talented baristas in town.
77-79 Gloucester Rd., Wan Chai, 2111-2977, www.caffeehabitu.com 

Initial Café 
This vintage chic café is a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of Tsim Sha Tsui, also doubling as a clothes store. This is a great place for people watching and serves authentic Italian style coffees. Lounge with your laptop whilst listening to the Parisian music.
48 Cameron Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2311-4223 

The One and New Town Plaza Malls 
Both The One Mall in Tsim Sha Tsui and New Town Plaza in Sha Tin have Wi-Fi throughout the entire shopping centers.
The One, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, www.the-one.hk
New Town Plaza, Sha Tin Centre Street, Sha Tin, N.T., www.newtownplaza.com.hk