april-2012

trip journal
CHINA
HONG KONG
COUNTRY CODE +852
CURRENCY HK$1 = PHP5.50/US$0.13
TOUCHDOWN The Airport Express takes 24
minutes to Central and costs HK$100 (PHP550).
If you take a taxi from the airport, it will cost you
upwards of HK$300 (PHP1,650), depending on
where you alight. www.hongkongairport.com
BY DAY When you’re done with your shopping
in Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui, visit Hong
Kong’s outlying islands. Lamma or Cheung Chau
serve great seafood lunches and offer a break
from the urban jungle.
BY NIGHT Looking to fi nd a night spot that not
everyone knows about? 001 on Graham St. near
99 Sense is a chic, hidden speak-easy bar that
serves the best Earl Grey Martini and grilled cheese
sandwiches in Hong Kong.
SLEEP With interiors designed by Andre Fu, the
117-room Upper House in Admiralty boasts the
largest hotel bedrooms in Hong Kong, with 300ft 2
bathrooms. www.upperhouse.com/en/
Ces Yee
marketing
campaign manager
BEST BRUNCH Oola! Nothing
beats a casual brunch in such a cozy
environment.
BEST BUYS Instead of the main
malls, try the alley shops in Gough St.,
Staunton St. and Sheung Wan.
BEST DINNER Private kitchens
like Magnolia, TBLS or Comilonas serve
mouthwatering dishes better than those
you’ll fi nd at the usual restaurants.
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CHINA
MACAU
COUNTRY CODE +853
CURRENCY MOP1 = PHP5.23/US$0.12
TOUCHDOWN Upon arriving in Macau, board
the Bus AP1 from the airport to the Barrier Gate
(China border). A taxi ride into the city only takes
15 minutes and will cost you around MOP40–50
(PHP209–262).
BY DAY Relish the rich history of Macau’s World
Heritage Sites: the A-Ma Temple, which existed
even before Macau came to be; the Moorish
Barracks, which date back to 1874; and Lilau
Square, Macau’s main source of spring water.
BY NIGHT Dine on excellent Chinese and
Portuguese fare around the island, then order coffee
a la Portuguese, Italian and American style around
Travessa de S. Domingos and Rua Pedro José Lobo
in the city center.
SLEEP Macau has everything, from deluxe hotels
like the Four Seasons and Crown Towers to more
budget-friendly guesthouses. Check your options at
www.macautourism.gov.mo/en/info/guesthouse
Mark Parren
Taylor
photographer
BEST BREAKFAST Spicy
mackerel sandwich and the best coffee in
Macau at Café Honolulu.
BEST DINNER It’s a toss-up
between Wing Lei at Wynn’s or Tim’s
Kitchen at the Lisboa.
BEST SOUVENIRS Some
baccalhau (Portuguese-style dried salt
cod) from the wet markets, or little shops
near Rua de Cinco de Outubro.