Post-GCE 'O' Level Examination Holiday in Hong Kong November 2012 ~ Part 3

A very warm welcome to the third section of my blog report about my recent post-GCE 'O' Level examination vacation in Hong Kong in November 2012. Please direct your attention as I explain on how I spent another day of round on the Airport Express and doing a combined trip on the Airport Express MTR Line and a visit to the Giant Tian Tan Buddha near Tung Chung.

Part 1 ~ Another Day of Three Rounds on the Airport Express (MTR) Line

On Monday (12 November), I woke up at around 8.15 a.m., and had a nice, hot shower to start off the day. At 8.45 a.m., I was all prepared for another Airport Express day, and I headed down to the Club InterContinental Lounge.

As soon as I reached the Club InterContinental Lounge, a lounge attendant came over to escort me to an empty table. I then had a good look through the breakfast a la carte menu. After a few minutes of quick review, I placed my order for scrambled eggs with sausages, streaky bacon, sautéed mushrooms and potatoes, as well as for a mug of hot chocolate, having no mood for buffets.

My hot chocolate was promptly brought out to me five minutes later, whereas my breakfast main course was served to me 15 minutes later. As always, the taste of breakfast was very filling and delicious, as I love having scrambled eggs for my breakfast.

Inside the Club InterContinental Lounge in the morning

The breakfast buffet area in the morning

My usual morning mug of hot chocolate

My main breakfast course: Scrambled eggs with sausages, streaky bacon, sautéed mushrooms and potatoes

After a hearty and filling breakfast at the Club InterContinental Lounge, I decided to make my way to Tsim Sha Tsui Station. With that, I left the lounge and walked to the nearby underground subway passage via East Tsim Sha Tsui Station to access Tsim Sha Tsui Station more easily.

By the time I was in the station concourse of Tsim Sha Tsui Station, it was already 9.35 a.m. on my watch. The station was relatively crowded as this was the early morning rush hour. Nevertheless, I decided to head to the platform to take the Tsuen Wan Line to Central. I was determined to catch my usual 10.20 a.m. Airport Express train bound for AsiaWorld-Expo from Central Hong Kong.

The corniche by the InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong

Outside the main entrance of the InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong

A cloudy morning view of the InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong

The entrance to East Tsim Sha Tsui Station

The station concourse of Tsim Sha Tsui Station

The Tsuen Wan Line station platforms of Tsim Sha Tsui Station in the mid-morning hours

The Tsuen Wan Line route map above the platform screen doors of Tsim Sha Tsui Station

At 9.37 a.m., a Tsuen Wan Line M-Stock train bound for Central arrived at Tsim Sha Tsui Station. I immediately boarded the train for the short five-minute journey to Central Hong Kong. The train then pulled out of Tsim Sha Tsui Station at 9.38 a.m. for its remaining journey towards Central.

The crowded interior of the Tsuen Wan Line M-Stock train bound for Central after leaving Tsim Sha Tsui Station

Part of the MTR system map on the Tsuen Wan Line M-Stock train bound for Central showing the Tsuen Wan Line, West Rail Line, Disneyland Resort Line, Tung Chung Line, Airport Express, and part of the Island Line

Stopping briefly at Admiralty Station

The crowded interior of the Tsuen Wan Line M-Stock train bound for Central while at Admiralty Station

After a short five-minute journey from Tsim Sha Tsui, I finally arrived at Central Station at 9.43 a.m.. Without wasting anymore time, I decided to walk along the passageway between Central and Hong Kong Stations to catch the 10.20 a.m. Airport Express train bound for AsiaWorld-Expo. The walk between Central and Hong Kong Stations took me no more than just five minutes.

The Tsuen Wan Line platforms of Central Station in the mid-morning hours

The direction to the Airport Express trains via Hong Kong Station at Central Station

The Tsuen Wan Line concourse of Central Station

The Chai Wan-bound Island Line platform of Central Station in the mid-morning hours

The passageway between Central and Hong Kong Stations

As soon as I was in the Tung Chung Line concourse of Hong Kong Station, it was already 9.50 a.m., according to my watch. I then went down to take a peek at the Tung Chung Line platforms before heading to a convenience store to purchase a bottle of mineral water. I had half an hour left before my 10.20 a.m. Airport Express train bound for AsiaWorld-Expo.

The Tung Chung Line concourse of Hong Kong Station in the morning

The Tung Chung Line platforms of Hong Kong Station

The ticket gates to the Airport Express trains in the Tung Chung Line concourse of Hong Kong Station

After walking around, I decided to take the elevator up to the Airport Express concourse of Hong Kong Station. At 9.55 a.m., I was in the Airport Express concourse, leaving me with just 25 minutes before my Airport Express train for AsiaWorld-Expo. Here are some shots I took while waiting.

The Airport Express concourse of Hong Kong Station

The Airport Express platform of Hong Kong Station

The 10.10 a.m. Airport Express train bound for Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo awaiting departure from Hong Kong Station

香港MTR 空港快速 E104~K404編成 博覧館行き 香港駅から出発シーン

After 17 minutes of waiting, the 10.20 a.m. Airport Express train bound for AsiaWorld-Expo via Hong Kong International Airport finally arrived at Hong Kong Station at 10.12 a.m.. The train was the very same trainset I took earlier on Saturday. With that, I immediately boarded the train and found my usual seating area in Car No. 1 (E110). I then settled in for the 28-minute journey to AsiaWorld-Expo to start my first Airport Express round of the day.

香港MTR 空港快速 E110~K410編成 博覧館行き 香港駅に入線と乗車 その2

The interior of Car No. 1 (E110) of the 10.20 a.m. Airport Express train bound for AsiaWorld-Expo via Hong Kong International Airport while awaiting departure from Hong Kong Station

The Airport Express router on the train while awaiting departure from Hong Kong Station

The empty passenger baggage rack on the 10.20 a.m. Airport Express train bound for AsiaWorld-Expo via Hong Kong International Airport while awaiting departure from Hong Kong Station

After most of the passengers were on board the train, the Airport Express train finally pulled out of Hong Kong Station at 10.20 a.m., as planned. I then began my first Airport Express MTR Line round of the day. For the first round, I decided to film the entire line, with four videos in each direction. Here are some pictures and videos that will explain the first half of my first Airport Express MTR Line round of the day.

香港MTR 空港快速 E110編成 博覧館行き 香港駅から終点博覧館駅間 (1/4)

Awaiting departure from Kowloon Station

香港MTR 空港快速 E110編成 博覧館行き 香港駅から終点博覧館駅間 (2/4)

The Airport Express router on the train while awaiting departure from Tsing Yi Station

Awaiting departure from Tsing Yi Station

香港MTR 空港快速 E110編成 博覧館行き 香港駅から終点博覧館駅間 (3/4)

The empty passenger baggage rack while at Hong Kong International Airport Station

Awaiting departure from Hong Kong International Airport Station

香港MTR 空港快速 E110編成 博覧館行き 香港駅から終点博覧館駅間 (4/4)

After a 28-minute journey from Central Hong Kong, I finally arrived at the AsiaWorld-Expo terminal station at 10.48 a.m.. Immediately, I made my carriage changeover to Car No. 7 (J410) for the journey back towards Central Hong Kong for my second Airport Express round of the day. I then found a good seating spot near the baggage rack at the rear of the car, and settled for the journey back to Central Hong Kong.

The name plate of AsiaWorld-Expo Station

The sole Airport Express station platform of AsiaWorld-Expo Station

The Airport Express route map above the platform screen doors at AsiaWorld-Expo Station

The interior of the Airport Express Car No. 7 (J410) at AsiaWorld-Expo Station

The Airport Express router on the train while awaiting departure from AsiaWorld-Expo Station

The empty passenger baggage rack while at AsiaWorld-Expo Station

After five minutes of waiting had passed, the Airport Express finally pulled out of AsiaWorld-Expo Station at 10.53 a.m. for its 29-minute return journey to Central Hong Kong. As part of the standard routine, I filmed the entire line between AsiaWorld-Expo and Central Hong Kong. Here are some pictures and videos which will explain the second half of my first Airport Express round of the day.

香港MTR 空港快速 J410編成 香港市内行き 博覧館駅から終点香港駅間 (1/4)

Pieces of travellers' bulky baggage in the baggage racks of the Airport Express train

Awaiting departure from Hong Kong International Airport towards Central Hong Kong

香港MTR 空港快速 J410編成 香港市内行き 博覧館駅から終点香港駅間 (2/4)

The Airport Express advertisement screen indicating that the train is currently at Tsing Yi Station

Awaiting departure from Tsing Yi Station at 11.12 a.m.

香港MTR 空港快速 J410編成 香港市内行き 博覧館駅から終点香港駅間 (3/4)

At Kowloon Station

The Airport Express advertisement screen indicating that the train is currently at Kowloon Station

The passenger baggage rack carrying a load of baggage of travellers while at Kowloon Station

香港MTR 空港快速 J410編成 香港市内行き 博覧館駅から終点香港駅間 (4/4)

After the 29-minute return journey from AsiaWorld-Expo, I finally arrived back at the Hong Kong terminal station at 11.22 a.m., completing my first Airport Express round of the day. This time, I had a different seating plan. Once the passengers alighted, I did my usual carriage changeover to Car No. 2 (F110) to begin my second Airport Express round of the day.

I knew that during my second round, I would be stopping at Hong Kong International Airport for a restroom, shopping and drink break. I then settled into a good seating area in Car No. 2 (F110) and waited for the clock to strike 11.30 a.m. for departure from Hong Kong Station.

The Airport Express platform of Hong Kong Station shortly after I alighted

Waiting to board Car No. 2 (F110) of the 11.30 a.m. Airport Express train

The interior of Car No. 2 (F110) of the 11.30 a.m. Airport Express train bound for Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo

The empty passenger baggage rack on the Airport Express while awaiting departure at 11.30 a.m. from Hong Kong

Awaiting departure from Hong Kong Station at 11.30 a.m.

As soon as the passengers boarded the train, the Airport Express finally pulled out of Hong Kong Station at 11.30 a.m. for another 28-minute to Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo. I then began my second Airport Express round of the day, and headed for a 24-minute journey to Hong Kong International Airport. I shall let these photographs and videos do the explanation of the first half of my second Airport Express round of the day.

The Airport Express router map shortly after pulling out of Hong Kong Station

The carriage view of the Airport Express between Hong Kong and Kowloon Stations

Arriving at Kowloon Station

The carriage view of the Airport Express while at Kowloon Station

香港MTR 空港快速 F110編成 博覧館行き 九龍駅から香港国際空港駅間 (1/2)

The carriage view of the Airport Express at Tsing Yi Station

香港MTR 空港快速 F110編成 博覧館行き 九龍駅から香港国際空港駅間 (2/2)

After 24 minutes of travelling on the Airport Express train from Central Hong Kong, I finally arrived at Hong Kong International Airport at 11.54 a.m.. As I have always remembered, the exit on the left side led to Terminal 1, whereas the exit on the right side led to Terminal 2. I then alighted the train via Terminal 1, and snapped one more picture before going into the terminal building.

Track No. 1 of Hong Kong International Airport Station

As soon as I was out of Hong Kong International Airport Station, I went to the restrooms in near Toys & Games hobby shop. When I stopped by at Toys & Games hobby shop, nothing seemed to be of interest to me that day. So, with that, I headed to a well-known sweet and goodies shop called Okashi Land.

While at Okashi Land, I saw that many priced sweets and goodies were on sale that day. I purchased two boxes of mini cakes and two boxes of chocolate with strawberry sauce in the inside. These were to be presented to the teachers in preparation for the post-GCE 'O' Level Graduation Dinner 2012 on Friday (16 November) evening. I was very certain that my teachers would love these gifts.

On the travelator to the main terminal building

Bypassing the Toys & Games hobby shop

The departures and check-in area in Terminal 1 of Hong Kong International Airport

After purchasing the goodies for my teachers for the post-GCE 'O' Level Graduation Dinner 2012 on Friday (16 November) evening, I decided to head down to Delifrance Café for a hot drink. While at the cafeteria itself, I ordered myself a cup of hot chocolate, which I enjoyed as usual, to warm myself up for the day.

My cup of hot chocolate

The interior of Delifrance Café at Hong Kong International Airport

After I sipped down my cup of hot chocolate, I went to the restroom before heading to Hong Kong International Airport Station Track No. 2 to resume my second Airport Express round of the day. My next train would depart at 12.58 p.m. from Track No. 2.

The main arrivals area of Hong Kong International Airport

The entrance to Track No. 2 of Hong Kong International Airport Station

The 12.38 p.m. Airport Express train about to depart for Central Hong Kong from Track No. 2 of Hong Kong International Airport Station

The 12.49 p.m. Airport Express train about to depart for Central Hong Kong from Track No. 2 of Hong Kong International Airport Station

Track No. 2 of Hong Kong International Airport Station before the 12.58 p.m. Airport Express train bound for Central Hong Kong arrived

After approximately 15 minutes of waiting, the 12.58 p.m. Airport Express train finally arrived at Hong Kong International Airport at 12.55 p.m. on Track No. 2. I shot a video of the train arriving at Track No. 2. I then boarded the train through Car No. 3 (G108) and found a good seating spot close to the rear. I then settled into the 24-minute journey back to Central Hong Kong to complete my second round and at the same time, commence the third and final Airport Express round of the day.

香港MTR 空港快速 K408~E108編成 香港市内行き 香港国際空港駅に入線

The cabin view of the Airport Express train bound for Central Hong Kong while awaiting departure from Hong Kong International Airport Station

Awaiting departure from Hong Kong International Airport Station

At exactly 12.58 p.m., the Airport Express train bound for Central Hong Kong finally pulled out of Hong Kong International Airport for the journey which would take 24 minutes. I was then on my way back to Central Hong Kong to begin my third and final Airport Express round of the day. I shall let these pictures and videos explain the second half of my second Airport Express round of the day.

香港MTR 空港快速 G108編成 香港市内行き 香港国際空港駅から九龍駅間 (1/2)

The cabin view of the Airport Express train bound for Central Hong Kong while at Tsing Yi Station

The Hong Kong-bound Airport Express platform of Tsing Yi Station while awaiting departure at 1.12 p.m. (13 12)

香港MTR 空港快速 G108編成 香港市内行き 香港国際空港駅から九龍駅間 (2/2)

The cabin view of the Airport Express train bound for Central Hong Kong while at Kowloon Station

The view of Kowloon Station from the Airport Express bound for Central Hong Kong

The Airport Express route indicating the sector between Kowloon and Hong Kong that is left

The cabin view of the Airport Express train bound for Central Hong Kong while approaching the Hong Kong terminal station

After a 24-minute journey from Hong Kong International Airport, I finally arrived back at the Hong Kong terminal station at 1.22 p.m. (13 22), completing my second Airport Express round of the day at the same time. Once I alighted the Airport Express train, I did my usual carriage changeover in preparation for departure at 1.30 p.m. (13 30).

I knew that I was to commence my third and final Airport Express round of the day, so I found my usual seating area by the rear baggage rack in Car No. 1 (E108). I then settled into the usual seating area in Car No. 1 (E108) and waited for the clock to strike 1.30 p.m. (13 30) for departure from Hong Kong Station.

The Airport Express platform of Hong Kong Station as I walked to Car No. 1 (E108)

The interior of Car No. 1 (E108) of the 1.30 p.m. (13 30) Airport Express train bound for Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo

The empty passenger baggage rack on the Airport Express while awaiting departure at 1.30 p.m. from Hong Kong

The Airport Express router map shortly before pulling out of Hong Kong Station

Awaiting departure from Hong Kong Station at 1.30 p.m. (13 30)

The MTR system map on the 1.30 p.m. (13 30) Airport Express train bound for AsiaWorld-Expo

After eight minutes of anticipation, the Airport Express train finally pulled out of Hong Kong Station at 1.30 p.m. (13 30) for another 28-minute journey towards AsiaWorld-Expo via Hong Kong International Airport. I then began my third and final Airport Express round of the day. I shall let these pictures and videos explain the first half of my third and final Airport Express round of the day.

香港MTR 空港快速 E108編成 博覧館行き 香港駅から終点博覧館駅間 (1/3)

The empty baggage rack on the Airport Express train shortly before pulling out of Tsing Yi Station

Awaiting departure from Tsing Yi Station at 1.42 p.m. (13 42)

香港MTR 空港快速 E108編成 博覧館行き 香港駅から終点博覧館駅間 (2/3)

Having a brief stopover at Hong Kong International Airport

The empty passenger baggage rack on the Airport Express train bound for AsiaWorld-Expo at the airport

The Airport Express route indicating the sector between Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo that is left

香港MTR 空港快速 E108編成 博覧館行き 香港駅から終点博覧館駅間 (3/3)

After another 28-minute journey from Central Hong Kong on the Airport Express, I finally arrived at the AsiaWorld-Expo terminal station at 1.58 p.m. (13 58). As Car No. 7 (J408) was a bit too far for me and I was getting tired, I did my usual carriage changeover to Car No. 6 (G208) for the journey back to Central Hong Kong.

The name plate of AsiaWorld-Expo Station

The sole station platform of AsiaWorld-Expo Station

The interior of Car No. 6 (G208) of the Airport Express train bound for Central Hong Kong

The empty passenger baggage rack on the Airport Express while awaiting departure from AsiaWorld-Expo

After six minutes of waiting, the Airport Express train finally departed from AsiaWorld-Expo Station at 2.04 p.m. (14 04) for another 28-minute journey to Central Hong Kong. I then resumed my third and final Airport Express round of the day. Here are some pictures and videos which will explain the second half of my third and final Airport Express round of the day.

香港MTR 空港快速 G208編成 香港市内行き 博覧館駅から終点香港駅間 (1/3)

Making a brief stopover at Hong Kong International Airport Station

The Airport Express route indication map while stopping over at the airport

The Airport Express baggage rack while awaiting departure from the airport

香港MTR 空港快速 G208編成 香港市内行き 博覧館駅から終点香港駅間 (2/3)

The Airport Express baggage rack while awaiting departure from the Tsing Yi Station

The Airport Express route indication map while stopping over at Tsing Yi Station

Awaiting departure from Tsing Yi Station at 2.22 p.m. (14 22)

香港MTR 空港快速 G208編成 香港市内行き 博覧館駅から終点香港駅間 (3/3)

After 28 minutes of travelling on the Airport Express from AsiaWorld-Expo, I finally arrived back at the Hong Kong terminal station at 2.32 p.m. (14 32). With that, I had completed all of my three Airport Express rounds of the day and felt very pleased with myself. I started to feel rather hungry as I didn't eat anything at the airport.

Without wasting anymore time, I decided to head back to the InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong. I would head back via the Tsuen Wan Line to Tsim Sha Tsui from Central Station. I then took the elevator down to the Tung Chung Line concourse and walked along the passageway between Hong Kong and Central Stations.

The Airport Express platform of Hong Kong Station shortly after I alighted the Airport Express train

The Airport Express concourse of Hong Kong Station

The Tung Chung Line concourse of Hong Kong Station in the afternoon

The passageway between Hong Kong and Central Stations

The Chai Wan-bound Island Line platform of Central Station in the afternoon

The Tsuen Wan Line concourse of Central Station in the mid-afternoon

As I walked along the passageway to Central Station, I was on the Tsuen Wan Line platform of Central Station at 2.45 p.m.. I then boarded a Tsuen Wan Line M-Train bound for Tsuen Wan that was not very crowded. The train then pulled out of Central Station at 2.49 p.m., just four minutes later, and I was on my way for a short five-minute journey back to Tsim Sha Tsui.

The Tsuen Wan Line platforms of Central Station in the afternoon

Part of the MTR system map in the Tsuen Wan Line M-Train towards Tsuen Wan

The interior of the Tsuen Wan Line M-Stock train bound for Tsuen Wan while awaiting departure from Central Station

The name plate of Central Line in the Tsuen Wan Line platforms

Awaiting departure from Central Station

Finally departing from Central Station

Stopping briefly at Admiralty Station

Pulling out of Admiralty Station

After travelling on the Tsuen Wan Line from Central Hong Kong for five minutes, I finally arrived back at Tsim Sha Tsui Station at 2.54 p.m., 6 minutes before the clock struck three. I then alighted the train and began my walk back to the InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong via East Tsim Sha Tsui Station. I knew the route pretty well, as I had familiarised myself with it two days earlier.

The Tsuen Wan Line station platforms of Tsim Sha Tsui Station

The main station concourse of Tsim Sha Tsui Station

A lineup of shops in the station concourse of East Tsim Sha Tsui Station

The bright afternoon exterior view of the InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong

As soon as I arrived back at the InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong at 3.05 p.m., I took the elevator back up to my tenth floor room (1006). I unpacked all my belongings and charged my camera batteries before lying back on my desk chair to do some of my personal video uploads onto YouTube.

The main hotel lobby in the mid-afternoon

The afternoon view of my hotel room

The beautiful afternoon view of Hong Kong Island from my hotel room

The Bank of China Tower and several skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island in the afternoon

Singapore Airlines Boeing 747-412 Herpa Scale 1:500 (500852) ~ New Generation

Qatar Airways Airbus A340-642 Herpa Scale 1:500 (519083)

As I was feeling rather hungry from my Airport Express journeys, I ordered in-room dining for lunch. I ordered the same spaghetti alla carbonara and potato gratin. My lunch was then brought up to me at 3.35 p.m., just 25 minutes after I placed my orders.

As usual, my spaghetti alla carbonara was absolutely mouthwatering with the creamy cheese and shredded cheese. The potato gratin was a bit too cheesy but mouthwatering. The mini praline sweet treats were nice complements to my meal.

My side order of potato gratin

My usual mouthwatering plate of spaghetti alla carbonara

An overall view of my lunch in the hotel room

After a filling lunch in my hotel room, I did my personal stuff on my laptop computer, and called for the in-room dining clean-up service to clear away my meal table. They came up within 15 minutes and cleared away my table, leaving me to have the time of my life in peace.

My parents and younger brother came back from their shopping spree around downtown Tsim Sha Tsui at around five that evening. We then had a good rest in the hotel room after another busy day of going out.

The beautiful night view of Hong Kong Island from our hotel room

Later that evening, my parents decided to bring us out to a high quality Chinese restaurant located in K11 Shopping Centre located in The Masterpiece in downtown Tsim Sha Tsui. This restaurant was known as Empire City Roasted Duck, which we have heard to serve high quality Beijing Duck in Hong Kong.

At 6.25 p.m., we went down to the hotel lobby. As K11 was located just on the other side of where our hotel was, we decided to walk to the mall. We had to walk through East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station to get to the mall, finally arriving there at 6.45 p.m..

The main lobby of the InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong at night

The view of the tall buildings of Tsim Sha Tsui at night

In one of the basement floors of K11, with Market Place supermarket

As my parents told us to meet at the restaurant, my brother and I went up to find Empire City Roasted Duck. The search for the restaurant was slightly tricky since this would be our first time at the restaurant. With careful and observant searches, we managed to arrive at the restaurant at 7.20 p.m., where our parents were waiting for us.

The main atrium of K11 shopping mall

The famous roasted Beijing ducks hanging to be oil-drained in the hanger in the galley by the entrance to Empire City Roasted Duck

The entrance to Empire City Roasted Duck

As soon as we were all in Empire City Roasted Duck, we took a good look through the food menu. The menu showed its diners about the fame and history about Beijing Roasted Duck, which has been a famous delicacy of China since historical times. I was mesmerised by the famous history of Beijing duck (a.k.a. Peking duck).

The interior of Empire City Roasted Duck shortly after we entered

The cover page of the menu in Empire City Roasted Duck

The page on the food menu showing the signature Beijing Roasted Duck

The classic dishes page in the food menu of Empire City Roasted Duck

The introduction of the rich history of Beijing Roasted Duck on the first page of the menu

A few minutes later, a waitress came to take our food and beverage orders for dinner. We ordered several sumptuous classic dishes, including the signature Beijing Roasted Duck. That night, we had a sumptuous feast of Beijing Roasted Duck and classic dishes. It was indeed another feast at Empire City Roasted Duck.

Our drinks and appetizers on our dining table

The signature Beijing Roasted Duck dish being held by the waitress

A bowl of fragrant fried rice for my younger brother

A plate of broccoli and carrots

A plate of stir fried beef ribs

The first platter of sliced Beijing Roasted Duck

The sliced pancakes for wrapping the duck slices in

An overall view of our dinner at Empire City Roasted Duck

The second platter of sliced Beijing Roasted Duck

The interior of Empire City Roasted Duck while having dinner

After having a sumptuous dinner feast at Empire City Roasted Duck, we were all stuffed. We paid up our bill and looked through some shops in K11, before we headed back to the InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong. By the time we were back in the hotel, it was already 9.20 p.m..

The shopping areas and atrium of K11 Shopping Centre

The ticket gates to the West Rail Line at East Tsim Sha Tsui Station

The station concourse of East Tsim Sha Tsui Station

The exterior view of the InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong at night

As soon as we reached the hotel, we took the elevator back up to our room numbers 1006 and 1008. We were all exhausted after a long day of outings around Hong Kong, and the Airport Express, for me. Before I had a shower, I did some more personal uploads onto YouTube.

My parents' room, Room No. 1008, at night

After I had a hot shower and changed up to settle for the night, I used my computer and set the alarm clock on my mobile phone to 8.30 a.m. the next morning. By about one o' clock late that night, I retired to bed, wanting to give myself a well-earned good night's sleep. It would be another busy day for us the next day.

Part 2 ~ Airport Express (MTR) Line & A Journey to the Po Lin Monastery and the Giant Tian Tan Buddha in Ngong Ping and Tung Chung

On our last day in Hong Kong, which was Tuesday (13 November), I woke up at around 8.30 a.m. after a good night's sleep. This day was considered a public holiday in Singapore and Malaysia, as both countries were celebrating Deepavali.

According to my parents, we were to make a day's trip to the Po Lin Monastery in Ngong Ping to pay our respects to the Giant Tian Tan Buddha. I was also to travel on the Airport Express again on this day, so before going to the Giant Tian Tan Buddha, I decided to do two rounds on the Airport Express first. I decided to catch the usual Airport Express train that left Hong Kong Station at 10.20 a.m. in advance.

After having a shower in the hotel room, I packed up all my daily necessities and went down to the Club InterContinental Lounge for breakfast. By nine o' clock that morning, I was in the Club InterContinental for breakfast.

The mid-morning view of the Club InterContinental Lounge

Soon, a lounge attendant came to my table. I then placed my a la carte breakfast order for scrambled eggs with sausages, potatoes and sautéed mushrooms. I also asked for a nice warm mug of hot chocolate.

My main breakfast meal, along with my hot chocolate, was brought to my dining table 10 minutes later. I then tucked into my breakfast, and enjoyed the taste of the scrambled eggs and the mushrooms in the morning. The sausages and potatoes, as well as the mushrooms were perfect accompaniments to the breakfast.

My main breakfast meal: Scrambled eggs with sautéed mushrooms, sausages, streaky bacon and potatoes

My warm mug of hot chocolate

After a hearty and filling breakfast at the Club InterContinental Hotel Lounge, I packed up all my necessities to leave as it was already 9.20 a.m.. The lounge attendant was surprised that I was in such a hurry, so I explained to her that I had a train to catch.

Without wasting anymore time, I immediately left the lounge and walked over to the nearby underground subway towards Tsim Sha Tsui Station. I was determined to catch the 10.20 a.m. Airport Express train from Central Hong Kong. With that, I entered East Tsim Sha Tsui Station and walked along the passageway between East Tsim Sha Tsui and Tsim Sha Tsui Stations

By the time I was in the main station concourse of Tsim Sha Tsui Station, it was already showing 9.35 a.m. on my watch. I was glad as I still had a sufficient amount of money left in my Octopus Card. As it was still the morning rush hour, I decided to wait for a train that was slightly crowded before commencing my journey to Central Hong Kong.

The lobby of the InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong in the morning

A sunny morning view of the InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong

The entrance to East Tsim Sha Tsui Station

Walking along the passageway between East Tsim Sha Tsui Station and Tsim Sha Tsui Station

The busy station concourse of Tsim Sha Tsui Station during the morning rush hour

The relatively busy Tsuen Wan Line platforms of Tsim Sha Tsui Station

The Tsuen Wan Line direction indicator towards Central Hong Kong

The Tsuen Wan Line route map direction towards Central Hong Kong

More commuters alighting and boarding a train during the morning rush hour at Tsim Sha Tsui Station

The Tsuen Wan Line platforms of Tsim Sha Tsui Station being less crowded

At 9.38 a.m., a Tsuen Wan Line M-Stock train bound for Central arrived on Track No. 2 at Tsim Sha Tsui Station. Seeing that the train was less crowded, I immediately boarded the train for the short 5-minute hop to Central Hong Kong. At 9.39 a.m., the train pulled out of Tsim Sha Tsui Station for its remaining journey towards Central Station.

The MTR system map in the Tsuen Wan Line M-Train bound for Central shortly after I boarded it

Finally leaving Tsim Sha Tsui Station

The interior of the Tsuen Wan Line M-Train bound for Central at Admiralty Station

The MTR system map in the Tsuen Wan Line M-Train bound for Central between Admiralty and Central Stations

The interior of the Tsuen Wan Line M-Train bound for Central between Admiralty and the Central terminal station

After five minutes on the Tsuen Wan Line from Tsim Sha Tsui Station, I finally arrived at the Central terminal station at 9.44 a.m.. Knowing that I had 36 minutes left before my Airport Express train, I walked along the passageway to Hong Kong Station. At the same time, I purchased a bottle of mineral water from a convenience store in the Tung Chung Line concourse before taking the elevator up to the Airport Express platform.

The Tsuen Wan Line station platforms of Central Station during the morning rush hour

The Tsuen Wan Line concourse of Central Station during the morning rush hour

The Chai Wan-bound Island Line platform of Central Station in the morning rush

The signs that lead to Hong Kong Station from Central

The entrance to the passageway between Central and Hong Kong Stations

An advertisement of Canon, a type of high quality camera brand, in the passageway between Central and Hong Kong Stations

The Tung Chung Line concourse of Hong Kong Station

The ticket gates and elevator to the Airport Express concourse and platform in the Tung Chung Line concourse

After I purchased a bottle of mineral water from a convenience store in the Tung Chung Line concourse of Hong Kong Station, I took the elevator up to the Airport Express concourse. As I had approximately 25 minutes before my Airport Express train, I decided to use the restrooms before I went onto the platform to catch my train.

The Airport Express concourse of Hong Kong Station

The Airport Express platform of Hong Kong Station before the 10.10 a.m. Airport Express train arrived

The Airport Express route map above the platform screen doors of Hong Kong Station

The 10.10 a.m. Airport Express train bound for AsiaWorld-Expo at Hong Kong Station

The 10.10 a.m. Airport Express train bound for AsiaWorld-Expo about to depart Hong Kong Station

The Airport Express platform of Hong Kong Station after the 10.10 a.m. Airport Express train departed

After 17 minutes of waiting, the 10.20 a.m. Airport Express train bound for AsiaWorld-Expo finally arrived at Hong Kong Station at 10.12 a.m.. I immediately boarded the train through Car No. 1 (E107) and found my usual seating area by the baggage rack to begin my first Airport Express round of the day. I then settled in for the 28-minute journey to AsiaWorld-Expo. As always, there were not much passengers on board the train when I boarded it.

At exactly 10.20 a.m., the train doors were closed and the Airport Express train bound for AsiaWorld-Expo finally departed Hong Kong Station right on schedule. I then began my first Airport Express round of the day. "Round 1, go!" I thought happily to myself. During the first round, I decided to film the entire Airport Express MTR Line walkthrough. Now, it's time I let these pictures and videos do all the talking.

香港MTR 空港快速 E107~K407編成 博覧館行き 香港駅に入線と乗車

The interior of Car No. 1 (E107) of the 10.20 a.m. Airport Express train bound for Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo

The empty passenger baggage rack on the Airport Express while awaiting departurefrom Hong Kong at 10.20 a.m.

The information route map on the Airport Express while awaiting departure from Hong Kong Station

Awaiting departure from Hong Kong Station at 10.20 a.m.

The MTR system map on the 10.20 a.m. Airport Express train bound for AsiaWorld-Expo

香港MTR 空港快速 E107編成 博覧館行き 香港駅から終点博覧館駅間 (1/3)

The passenger baggage rack of the Airport Express while at Tsing Yi Station

Awaiting departure from Tsing Yi Station at 10.32 a.m.

香港MTR 空港快速 E107編成 博覧館行き 香港駅から終点博覧館駅間 (2/3)

At Hong Kong International Airport Station

香港MTR 空港快速 E107編成 博覧館行き 香港駅から終点博覧館駅間 (3/3)

After a 28-minute journey from Central Hong Kong on the Airport Express, I finally arrived at the AsiaWorld-Expo terminal station at 10.48 a.m.. Immediately, I did my usual carriage changeover to Car No. 4 (H207) for the journey back to Central Hong Kong to complete my first Airport Express round of the day. This was in preparation for the 10.53 a.m. departure from AsiaWorld-Expo.

The station platform of AsiaWorld-Expo Station

The name plate of AsiaWorld-Expo Station

The brochure information holders on the Airport Express

The interior of Car No. 4 (H207) of the Airport Express train bound for Central Hong Kong

The disused Airport Express platform of AsiaWorld-Expo Station

The information route map on the Airport Express train

The empty passenger baggage rack on the Airport Express train bound for Central Hong Kong and AsiaWorld-Expo

At exactly 10.53 a.m., all the train doors were finally closed, and the Airport Express train bound for Central Hong Kong finally pulled out of AsiaWorld-Expo. I was then on my way back to Central Hong Kong to begin my second Airport Express round of the day. Here are some pictures and videos which will explain the second half of my first Airport Express round of the day.

香港MTR 空港快速 H207編成 香港市内行き 博覧館駅から終点香港駅間 (1/3)

The passenger baggage rack on the Airport Express train bound for Central Hong Kong while at the airport

Awaiting for departure from the airport at 10.58 a.m.

香港MTR 空港快速 H207編成 香港市内行き 博覧館駅から終点香港駅間 (2/3)

The route map indicating the remaining sector between Tsing Yi and Hong Kong

The passenger baggage rack on the Airport Express train bound for Central Hong Kong while at Tsing Yi Station

Awaiting departure from Tsing Yi Station at 11.12 a.m.

香港MTR 空港快速 H207編成 香港市内行き 博覧館駅から終点香港駅間 (3/3)

After a journey of 29 minutes on the Airport Express from AsiaWorld-Expo, I finally arrived back at the Hong Kong terminal station at 11.22 a.m.. With that, I had completed my first Airport Express round of the day. Immediately, I did my usual carriage changeover to Car No. 1 (E107) in preparation for the second Airport Express round of the day. As always, I would have a short break at the airport during my second round.

The Airport Express platform of Hong Kong Station shortly after I alighted the train for my carriage changeover

The Airport Express platform of Hong Kong Station shortly before I boarded the 11.30 a.m. Airport Express train

The interior of Car No. 1 (E107) of the 11.30 a.m. Airport Express train bound for Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo

The information route map on the 11.30 a.m. Airport Express train bound for AsiaWorld-Expo

Awaiting departure from Hong Kong Station at 11.30 a.m.

At exactly 11.30 a.m., all the train doors were closed and the Airport Express train bound for AsiaWorld-Expo finally pulled out of Hong Kong for its 28-minute journey. I also began my second Airport Express round of the day at the same time. Here are some pictures and videos taken during the first half of my second round.

香港MTR 空港快速 E107編成 博覧館行き 香港駅から香港国際空港駅間 (1/2)

The passenger baggage rack on the Airport Express train while awaiting departure from Tsing Yi Station

Awaiting departure from Tsing Yi Station at 11.42 a.m.

香港MTR 空港快速 E107編成 博覧館行き 香港駅から香港国際空港駅間 (2/2)

After travelling from Central Hong Kong on the Airport Express train for 24 minutes, I finally arrived at Hong Kong International Airport at 11.54 a.m.. I then alighted the train at Track No. 1, which led to Terminal 1. My layover, as usual, would be an hour, before I resumed my second round of the day.

After I left the station, I walked on the automatic moving passageway into the Terminal 1 building of the airport. I then passed by the airline check-in areas and went to a restroom nearby the shops and to a water cooler for a sip of water.

The Airport Express MTR Line Track No. 1 of Hong Kong International Airport Station

The station view of Hong Kong International Airport Station

On the moving passageway towards the main departures area in Terminal 1

Walking past the China Airlines check-in counters in Terminal 1

Some of the many commercial aircraft models on display at Toys & Games

The main departures and check-in area of Terminal 1 at Hong Kong International Airport

After I had a drink of water at the water cooler, I went over to Toys & Games Hobby Shop as usual to see what was on sale for that day. While I was at Toys & Games, some of the new aircraft models on display caught my attention. With that, I purchased two new Herpa Wings commercial aircraft models.

After purchasing my aircraft models, I decided to head down to Delifrance Café for a hot drink. While at the cafeteria itself, I ordered myself a mug of hot chocolate, which I enjoyed as usual, to warm myself up for the day. As for the new aircraft models, they were:

1) Lufthansa Boeing 747-430 Herpa Scale 1:500 (516105-001)*

Lufthansa Boeing 747-430 Herpa Scale 1:500 (516105-001)

*The Lufthansa Herpa Code No. 516105-001 is a replica of the original version of the model, with the Code No. 516105. The Lufthansa Herpa Code No. 516105, is constantly updated with newer versions of the same aircraft and same code number.

2) Qantas Airbus A330-303 Herpa Scale 1:500 (523530)

Qantas Airbus A330-303 Herpa Scale 1:500 (523530)

A nice, warm mug of hot chocolate for myself at Delifrance Café

The inside of Delifrance Café at Hong Kong International Airport

By the time I finished up my mug of hot chocolate, I received a text message from my dad on my mobile phone. He told me that he was already at Citygate Outlets in Tung Chung, having arrived via taxi, and we were to have lunch at a Chinese restaurant known as Federal Palace (previously known as Eastern Gate Seafood Restaurant until 2010).

I then replied to my dad that my next Airport Express train would depart from the airport at 12.58 p.m., and decided to terminate my second round at Tsing Yi Station. I would then change to the Tung Chung Line towards Tung Chung once I arrived at Tsing Yi Station. Without wasting anymore time, I went to the restrooms and quickly rushed over to Track No. 2 of Hong Kong International Airport Station for my 12.58 p.m. Airport Express train to Tsing Yi.

The main arrival hall of Terminal 1 in Hong Kong International Airport

The massive main hall of Terminal 1 in Hong Kong International Airport

The entrance to Track No. 2 of Hong Kong International Airport Station

The main arrival hall of Terminal 1 in Hong Kong International Airport before I went into the Airport Express station

The sign towards the main train carriages in Hong Kong International Airport on the Airport Express platform towards Central Hong Kong

The list of airlines departing from Terminal 2 at Hong Kong International Airport

The 12.38 p.m. Airport Express train bound for Central Hong Kong about to depart from Hong Kong International Airport

The 12.49 p.m. Airport Express train bound for Central Hong Kong about to depart from Hong Kong International Airport

Track No. 2 of Hong Kong International Airport Station before the 12.58 p.m. Airport Express train bound for Central Hong Kong arrived

After approximately 15 minutes of waiting, the 12.58 p.m. Airport Express train bound for Central Hong Kong finally entered Hong Kong International Airport Station at 12.55 p.m. on Track No. 2. Immediately, I boarded the train through Car No. 3 (G105), and found a good seating spot by the cabin baggage rack at the back. I then settled in for the short 12-minute journey to Tsing Yi, where I would complete my second Airport Express round of the day.

At exactly 12.58 p.m., the Airport Express train bound for Central Hong Kong finally pulled out of Hong Kong International Airport for its 24-minute journey. I then resumed my final section of the second Airport Express round of the day and had my 12-minute journey to Tsing Yi ahead of me. Now I shall let these two videos do all the talking.

香港MTR 空港快速 K405~E105編成 香港市内行き 香港国際空港駅に入線 その2

The passenger baggage rack shortly after I boarded the train

Awaiting departure from Hong Kong International Airport Station at 12.58 p.m.

香港MTR 空港快速 G105編成 香港市内行き 香港国際空港駅から青衣駅間

After a short 12-minute journey on the Airport Express train bound for Central Hong Kong, I finally arrived at Tsing Yi Station at 1.10 p.m. (13 10) on Track No. 2. As the 'doors are closing' warning came off, I immediately alighted the Airport Express train just in time. After I exited the Airport Express platform towards Central Hong Kong, I went over to the restroom and changed my camera battery. I was glad to have purchased my extra camera batteries before the vacation.

Without wasting anymore time, I took the elevator down to the Tung Chung Line concourse of Tsing Yi Station. I then took another elevator up to the Tung Chung Line platform in the direction towards the Disneyland Resort Line and Tung Chung.

Tsing Yi Station is an MTR station located in Tsing Yi Island, Hong Kong. It serves as an interchange station for the Airport Express and Tung Chung Line. Tsing Yi is also a major interchange for buses and taxis are situated on the side of the station. It is a hub for the New Territories, like Tsing Yi, Tuen Mun, and Tsuen Wan. During special hours, certain Tung Chung Line trains commence and terminate service and Tsing Yi Station.

Track No. 2 of the Airport Express, which leads to Central Hong Kong is only used to allow passengers coming from Hong Kong International Airport to alight at the station. It is also used for boarding when Morning Express services, a special promotional service by the Airport Express, are available between 7 o' clock to 10 o' clock in the morning. This special service allows commuters to travel on the Airport Express between Tsing Yi and Central Hong Kong daily, except Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays. Tickets are priced at just HK$20.

The Hong Kong-bound Airport Express platform of Tsing Yi Station

The ticket gates by the Hong Kong-bound Airport Express platform of Tsing Yi Station

The Tung Chung Line concourse of Tsing Yi Station

The Tung Chung Line platform of Tsing Yi Station towards Tung Chung and the Disneyland Resort Line

The elevator for the Airport Express trains towards Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo in the Tung Chung Line platform of Tsing Yi Station towards Tung Chung and the Disneyland Resort Line

At 1.21 p.m. (13 21), a Tung Chung Line A-Stock train bound for Tung Chung entered Tsing Yi Station on Track No. 3. I immediately hopped onto the train and prepared for the journey to Tung Chung, which would take 12 minutes. The train would then make a brief stop at Sunny Bay Station (a station which I easily target to pass through on the Airport Express when making videos) along the way. I was then on my way to Tung Chung after the doors were closed.

Sunny Bay Station is an interchange MTR station located in Yam O, Hong Kong. It serves as an interchange station for the Tung Chung Line and Disneyland Resort Line towards Hong Kong Disneyland. The station opened for service on 1 June 2005, for the Tung Chung Line, 2 months prior to the opening of the Disneyland Resort Line, which opened on 1 August 2005. It is one of the MTR stations to rely on the open surroundings to keep the temperatures low.

The Airport Express passes through the centre of the station without stopping. This MTR station also features two platforms for emergency use for the Airport Express. It is also the only MTR station in Hong Kong that looks like a high-speed railway station, such as a Shinkansen station in Japan.

Occasionally, intermediate Tung Chung Line trains in any direction would be shunted into Sunny Bay Station for approximately 2 to 3 minutes. This is to allow the faster Airport Express train services to pass through the station without stopping. Sunny Bay Station is also an easy target for me to pass through while filming videos on the Airport Express between Tsing Yi and Hong Kong International Airport.

However, based on what other bloggers said, there are certain problems faced by the Tung Chung Line and the Airport Express. The platform tracks are slightly longer than the platforms themselves. This results in certain Airport Express train services being delayed when a Tung Chung Line train is routed back onto the main line in front of it.

To resolve the problem, if a Tung Chung line train stops at Sunny Bay Station, and there is an Airport Express train somewhere just behind it, this is how it should go. The Tung Chung Line train should allow the Airport Express train to pass through Sunny Bay Station first (overtake the Tung Chung Line train in a sense); then the Tung Chung Line train can resume its route on the main line. This is to help avoid disruptions to the MTR timetable.

香港MTR 東涌線 V610~V810編成 東涌行き 青衣駅に入線

香港MTR 東涌線 W710編成 東涌行き 青衣駅から終点東涌駅間 (1/2)

香港MTR 東涌線 W710編成 東涌行き 青衣駅から終点東涌駅間 (2/2)

After a journey of 12 minutes from Tsing Yi Station on the Tung Chung Line, I finally arrived at the Tung Chung terminal station at 1.35 p.m. (13 35). Knowing that my family was still having lunch at Federal Palace, I had taken some shots as I rushed up to the restaurant at Citygate Outlets. Time flew by as I ran all the way up to the top floor of Citygate Outlets Tung Chung.

Tung Chung Station is an MTR station serving Tung Chung New Town, near Hong Kong International Airport in Lantau Island, Hong Kong. It serves as the western terminus for the Tung Chung Line from Central Hong Kong. It is also a transfer point for passengers using the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car.

Citygate Outlets is an outlet shopping mall that is located in Tung Chung, near Hong Kong International Airport in Lantau Island, Hong Kong. Opened in April 2000, it is the only outlet mall in Hong Kong. The mall was simply known as 'Citygate' between April 2000 and August 2006.

The Tung Chung Line platforms of Tung Chung Station

The Tung Chung Line A-Stock train bound for Hong Kong about to depart Tung Chung Station

The station concourse of Tung Chung Station

The station building of Tung Chung Station

The main entrance to Citygate Outlets Tung Chung

Going up the escalators of Citygate Outlets Tung Chung

The atriums of Citygate Outlets Tung Chung

Arriving at Federal Palace Chinese Restaurant

By the time I arrived at Federal Palace Chinese Restaurant, it was already 1.40 p.m.. My parents were on the upper floor of the restaurant having lunch when I arrived. I joined them in and we ordered more dishes which I would like. Some of them included a nice, roasted pigeon.

The interior of the upper level of Federal Palace Chinese Restaurant

The majority of the dishes which we ate at Federal Palace Chinese Restaurant in Citygate Outlets Tung Chung

A steamed pork spare ribs (paigu) dim sum dish

A plate of roasted pigeon at our dining table

The interior of the upper level of Federal Palace Chinese Restaurant after we finished lunch

The interior of the lower level of Federal Palace Chinese Restaurant from the upper level

By the time we finished lunch at Federal Palace Chinese Restaurant, our watches were already 2.10 p.m.. We paid up our bill and went down to a cafeteria by the entrance called Starbucks Coffee. We then passed by the Häagen-Dazs ice cream parlour, which was closed for renovation, and was not expected to open until the end of the month.

My dad then went to see whether we could use the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, which had finished repairs in April. While we were at Starbucks Coffee my mum had a coffee, while my brother and I both had some hot chocolate. I even had a piece of warm chocolate cake for myself.

The exterior of Starbucks Coffee cafeteria in Citygate Outlets Tung Chung

Inside the Starbucks Coffee cafeteria in Citygate Outlets Tung Chung

The open seating areas of Starbucks Coffee by the main entrance to Citygate Outlets Tung Chung

Our drinks and my cake at the caféteria

The exterior of Tung Chung Station

Outside an excessively bright camera view of Tung Chung Station

Outside Starbucks Coffee again

When my dad returned to meet us at Starbucks Coffee, he told us that the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car station was packed with passengers. Knowing that a bus ride would be too bumpy, we were left with no choice but to take a taxi to Po Lin Monastery in Ngong Ping. With that, we headed to a taxi stand on the other side by the entrance to Tung Chung Station and hailed for a blue Lantau Taxi to Ngong Ping.

The taxi driver was very kind, and he offered to wait for us and take us back to Tung Chung New Town once we had finished paying our respects to the Giant Tian Tan Buddha and the spirits at Po Lin Monastery. The ride up to Ngong Ping took approximately half an hour.

Beginning to climb up the mountain towards Ngong Ping shortly after leaving Tung Chung New Town

Driving along a mountain road on the way to Ngong Ping

A view of the South China Sea while travelling down a mountain road in the direction towards Ngong Ping

An island on the South China Sea while climbing down the mountain road

The island along the South China Sea surrounded by vegetation along the mountain road

Almost reaching down the bottom of the mountain road

Bypassing a bus stop by the South China Sea

Driving along a forested road towards Ngong Ping

Bypassing a prison complex near Ngong Ping

Crossing a road that stretches over a dam

Climbing up another mountain road towards Ngong Ping

After travelling through the mountains for about half an hour, we finally arrived at the village of Ngong Ping at 3.25 p.m.. With that, the taxi driver parked his taxi by the entrance to the village. He then told us that he would wait until we had finished paying our respects, and then he would take us back to Tung Chung New Town. We then went to pay our respects and chanted our prayers and wishes to the spirits.

One of the altars used to burn offerings to the spirits in Ngong Ping by the temple

The entrance to the traditional Buddhist temple in Ngong Ping

The miniature shop where offerings for the spirits can be purchased

The Giant Tian Tan Buddha view in the afternoon

The place outside the temple where people pray and make their wishes

After we had finished chanting our prayers at the temple in Ngong Ping, we decided to head back down to Tung Chung New Town. The taxi driver had kindly waited for us, and he ferried us back down to Tung Chung New Town. Again, the journey back to Tung Chung New Town took no more than half an hour.

Driving along the road close to Ngong Ping shortly after leaving the village

An evergreen mountain with some mists rolling in

Crossing the dam again towards Tung Chung

Bypassing some cattle on the roadside

Driving along a coastal road surrounded by natural vegetation

Climbing up a mountain road towards Tung Chung

The panoramic view of the mountain road towards Tung Chung

The South China Sea on the way to Tung Chung

The forest by the road towards Tung Chung

Climbing down the mountain road towards Tung Chung

Some high-rise condominium buildings in Tung Chung

Approaching Tung Chung New Town

We finally arrived back at Tung Chung New Town at 4.35 p.m. after leaving Ngong Ping at 4.05 p.m.. My parents had a little more shopping to do before they headed back to the InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong. With nothing else to do, I decided to treat myself to an evening Airport Express ride, while my parents shopped at Citygate Outlets Tung Chung.

My itinerary would be to take the Tung Chung Line between Tung Chung and Tsing Yi, and then change to the Airport Express to AsiaWorld-Expo upon arrival at Tsing Yi. To ensure that it was an evening round, I decided to catch the Airport Express train that would depart from Tsing Yi Station at 5.42 p.m. (17 42). After visiting the restrooms, I immediately walked over to Tung Chung Station.

The main station concourse of Tung Chung Station

As soon as I was on the station platform at 4.45 p.m., there was a Tung Chung Line A-Stock train waiting for the passengers on the platform. I immediately hopped on to the train to get to Tsing Yi Station on time. The train was scheduled to depart Tung Chung Station at 4.53 p.m. (16 53) for another 27-minute journey to Hong Kong.

The station platform of Tung Chung Station

The interior of the Tung Chung Line A-Stock train bound for Hong Kong while at Tung Chung Station

The MTR system map on the Tung Chung Line A-Stock train bound for Hong Kong

After eight minutes of waiting, the Tung Chung Line A-Stock train bound for Hong Kong finally departed Tung Chung Station at 4.53 p.m. (16 53) for another 27-minute journey to Central Hong Kong. For me, the journey to Tsing Yi would take about 13 minutes. Here are the videos for the section between Tung Chung and Tsing Yi.

香港MTR 東涌線 W710編成 香港行き 東涌駅から青衣駅間 (1/2)

香港MTR 東涌線 W710編成 香港行き 東涌駅から青衣駅間 (2/2)

After 13 minutes of travelling along the Tung Chung Line from Tung Chung, I finally arrived at Tsing Yi Station at 5.06 p.m. (17 06) on Track No. 4. I alighted the Tung Chung Line train and stayed on the platform until the train left. After that, I made my way up to the Airport Express concourse and platform towards AsiaWorld-Expo by walking through the Tung Chung Line concourse and taking the elevator up to the Airport Express concourse.

By 5.10 p.m., I was in the Airport Express concourse just outside the platform towards Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo. I was determined to catch the 5.42 p.m. (17 42) Airport Express train bound for AsiaWorld-Expo from Tsing Yi.

The Hong Kong-bound Tung Chung Line platform of Tsing Yi Station

The Tung Chung Line concourse of Tsing Yi Station

The Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo-bound Airport Express concourse of Tsing Yi Station

The sign in the Airport Express concourse at Tsing Yi Station that indicates the directions to the trains towards Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo

The Airport Express ticket gates towards Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo at Tsing Yi Station

Just as the 5.12 p.m. (17 12) Airport Express train departed Tsing Yi Station, I was already on the platform. I had about 25 minutes before my train arrived. Whilst waiting for the 5.42 p.m. (17 42) Airport Express train bound for AsiaWorld-Expo via Hong Kong International Airport, I spotted several Tung Chung Line and Airport Express bound for Lantau Island arriving and departing Tsing Yi Station.

The Airport Express platform of Tsing Yi Station towards Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo shortly after the 5.12 p.m. (17 12) Airport Express train departed Tsing Yi Station

A Tung Chung Line A-Stock train bound for Tung Chung departing Tsing Yi Station, as seen from the Airport Express platform towards Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo

The name plate of Tsing Yi Station in the Airport Express platform towards Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo

The Airport Express platform of Tsing Yi Station towards Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo shortly after the 5.22 p.m. (17 22) Airport Express train arrived at Tsing Yi Station

The 5.22 p.m. (17 22) Airport Express train bound for Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo about to depart from Tsing Yi Station

香港MTR 空港快速 E104~K404編成 博覧館行き 青衣駅から出発シーン

The Airport Express direction towards Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo above the doors

The 5.32 p.m. (17 32) Airport Express train bound for Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo about to depart from Tsing Yi Station

The Airport Express platform of Tsing Yi Station towards Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo shortly after the 5.42 p.m. (17 42) Airport Express train arrived at Tsing Yi Station

After approximately 25 minutes of waiting on the platform, the 5.42 p.m. (17 42) Airport Express train bound for AsiaWorld-Expo via Hong Kong International Airport finally arrived at Tsing Yi Station. Immediately, I boarded the train through Car No. 1 (E109) and found my usual seating spot at the rear baggage rack of the train. I then settled in for the journey to AsiaWorld-Expo.

香港MTR 空港快速 E109~K409編成 博覧館行き 青衣駅に入線と乗車

The empty passenger baggage rack on the Airport Express train shortly after I boarded

Awaiting departure from Tsing Yi Station at 5.42 p.m. (17 42)

At exactly 5.42 p.m. (17 42), the Airport Express train bound for AsiaWorld-Expo via Hong Kong International Airport finally pulled out of Tsing Yi Station, just as night was already falling. The journey to AsiaWorld-Expo was expected to take just 16 minutes. Here is a video and some pictures for the journey between Tsing Yi and AsiaWorld-Expo.

香港MTR 空港快速 E109編成 博覧館行き 青衣駅から香港国際空港駅間

The passenger baggage rack of the Airport Express while at Hong Kong International Airport Station

Awaiting departure from Hong Kong International Airport Station

The passenger baggage rack of the Airport Express while awaiting departure from Hong Kong International Airport Station

Finally departing from Hong Kong International Airport Station

The Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong during nightfall

The South China Sea from the Airport Express during nightfall

Arriving at the AsiaWorld-Expo terminal station just as night was about to fall

After 16 minutes of travelling on the Airport Express from Tsing Yi Station, I finally arrived at the AsiaWorld-Expo terminal station at 5.58 p.m. (17 58). Night had already fell by the time I arrived. I then did my usual carriage changeover to Car No. 3 (G109) in preparation for the journey back to Central Hong Kong. This was before the train departed AsiaWorld-Expo at 6.04 p.m. (18 04).

The station platform of AsiaWorld-Expo Station in the evening

The station name plate of AsiaWorld-Expo Station on the platform

The numbering of Car No. 3 (G109) on the Airport Express train bound for Central Hong Kong

The interior of Car No. 3 (G109) on the Airport Express train bound for Central Hong Kong

The information route map on the Airport Express train bound for Central Hong Kong

The empty passenger baggage rack on the Airport Express while awaiting departure from AsiaWorld-Expo

The disused station platform of AsiaWorld-Expo Station at night

After six minutes of layover and turnaround at AsiaWorld-Expo, the Airport Express train bound for Central Hong Kong finally departed AsiaWorld-Expo at 6.04 p.m. (18 04). Not much could be seen outside since it was already dark. Nevertheless, these are some pictures and videos which will explain the sector between AsiaWorld-Expo and Central Hong Kong.

Finally departing AsiaWorld-Expo Station

The exterior of Terminal 1 of Hong Kong International Airport at night

Pulling into Hong Kong International Airport Station

Awaiting departure from Hong Kong International Airport Station at 6.08 p.m. (18 08)

The empty passenger baggage rack on the Airport Express while awaiting departure from the airport

香港MTR 空港快速 G109編成 香港行き 香港国際空港駅から終点香港駅間 (1/2)

The empty passenger baggage rack on the Airport Express while awaiting departure from Tsing Yi Station

Awaiting departure from Tsing Yi Station at 6.22 p.m. (18 22)

香港MTR 空港快速 G109編成 香港行き 香港国際空港駅から終点香港駅間 (2/2)

After 28 minutes on the Airport Express train from AsiaWorld-Expo, I finally arrived back at the Hong Kong terminal station at 6.32 p.m. (18 32). I was feeling very tired after a long day on the Airport Express MTR Line and a visit to the Po Lin Monastery in Ngong Ping.

I decided to head back to the InterContinental Hotel for a well-earned rest. With that, I took the elevator down to the Tung Chung Line concourse, and walked along the passageway between Hong Kong and Central Stations. Both Central and Hong Kong Stations were packed with commuters as it was the early evening rush hour.

The Airport Express platform of Hong Kong Station in the evening

The Airport Express concourse of Hong Kong Station in the evening

The Tung Chung Line concourse of Hong Kong Station during the busy evening rush hours

The passageway between Hong Kong and Central Stations packed with commuters during the evening rush hours

The Chai Wan-bound Island Line platform of Central Station during the busy evening rush hours

The Tsuen Wan Line platforms of Central Station during the early evening rush hours

As soon as I was on the Tsuen Wan Line platforms of Central Station, a Tsuen Wan Line M-Stock train bound for Tsuen Wan was waiting on the platform. Although the train was fully packed with passengers, I decided to board the train, since I was looking forward to a well-earned rest after a long day of travelling outside. With that, the train pulled out of Central Station at 6.50 p.m., and I was on my way back to Tsim Sha Tsui Station.

The MTR system map for the Tsuen Wan Line, Tung Chung Line, Disneyland Resort Line, Airport Express, and part of the Island Line in the Tsuen Wan Line M-Stock train

The packed interior of the Tsuen Wan Line M-Stock train

Awaiting departure from Central Station

Finally pulling out of Central Station

Arriving at a crowded Admiralty Station

The MTR system map for part of the Island Line, Kwun Tong Line, and Tseung Kwan O Line in the Tsuen Wan Line M-Stock train

After travelling on the Tsuen Wan Line for about five minutes from Central Station, I finally arrived back at Tsim Sha Tsui Station at 6.55 p.m.. I was relieved to be out of the crowded train. With that, I walked through the passageway to East Tsim Sha Tsui Station, and I walked back to the InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong, where I reached before 7.10 p.m..

The busy Tsuen Wan Line platforms of Tsim Sha Tsui Station during the early evening rush hours

The crowded passageway towards East Tsim Sha Tsui Station

The main station concourse of East Tsim Sha Tsui Station

The night view of the InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong

The interior of the main hotel lobby at night shortly after I arrived back

After I arrived back at the hotel, I took the elevator back up to my room 1006, eventually being back in the room by 7.10 p.m.. My parents and brother were already there by the time I arrived back. Knowing that I was pretty exhausted, I made a decision with my parents to have a later dinner that night to allow us more hours of rest.

The room where my brother and I slept in the evening on our last day

At around 9 o' clock, we were finally getting hungry, so we decided to head to Little Sheep Hot Pot Restaurant in Kimberly Road for our late dinner. We went down to the hotel lobby to flag down a taxi to Kimberly Road. The journey lasted no more than 10 minutes, arriving at Kimberly Road at 9.10 p.m..

As soon as we were in Kimberly Road, my family looked through some shops. I went up to Little Sheep Hot Pot to obtain a table for the four of us. A waiter came outside to direct me to our table. He then passed me the food and beverage menus, and I had a good look through them before my family came up.

The elevator lobby towards Little Sheep Hot Pot Restaurant

The lively streets of Kimberly Road at night

The logo of Little Sheep Hot Pot Restaurant

The interior of Little Sheep Hot Pot Restaurant at Kimberly Road

The hot pot plate stand for placing the massive steamboat

The cover page for the menu of Little Sheep Hot Pot Restaurant at Kimberly Road

The introduction to fresh lamb on the menu

An interesting picture of a platter of sliced lamb on the menu

Some of the popular cuts of beef for steamboat that drew our attention on the menu

As I was looking through the food and beverage menus, my parents and brother arrived at the restaurant. We then sat down and looked through the food and beverage menus of the restaurant. A waiter then came to take our dinner orders, and brought out the massive hot steamboat pot.

We ordered several meat products, and noodles, including the udon. That night, we had another sumptuous steamboat feast for dinner. The only weakness in this feast were the udon noodles, as they tasted somewhat like plastic. To make up for this, we ordered some instant noodles, which were much better and softer. These were the only weaknesses in an otherwise large feast.

A plate of shredded noodles awaiting cooking

The soup boiling in the hot steamboat pot

A platter of sliced lamb ready for cooking

A platter of sliced beef ready for cooking

A plate of luncheon meat (ham) ready for cooking

A plate of crispy skin to be shared among us

Some of the several meat dishes we ordered

Platters of beef cuts ready for cooking

A platter of thickly-sliced pork ready for cooking

Pieces of sliced pork and vegetables cooking in the steamboat

A plate of instant noodles ready to be cooked

The instant noodles and more vegetables cooking in the steamboat pot

Another plate of luncheon meat (ham) ready for cooking

After a huge steamboat dinner at Little Sheep Hot Pot Restaurant, we were finally stuffed to the brim. We paid our bill and went to look at more shops in Kimberly Road. My dad and I along with my brother went to the Ben & Jerry's ice cream parlour for some dessert, while my mum looked at the SaSa shop across the road. While we were at the Ben & Jerry's ice cream parlour, I had two scoops of Chocolate Decadence ice cream in a cup.

The entrance to Little Sheep Hot Pot Restaurant

The SaSa Fragrance Shop across the street at Kimberly Road

The Ben & Jerry's ice cream parlour at Kimberly Road

My cup of Chocolate Decadence ice cream at the Ben & Jerry's ice cream parlour

The 7-Eleven convenience store located across Kimberly Road

The busy streets of Kimberly Road at night

At 10.55 p.m., we decided to hail a taxi back to the InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong. It was getting late and we had to pack up our baggage for the flight back home to Singapore the next day. With that, we left Kimberly Road, and the journey back to the InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong took no more than 10 minutes.

Travelling along one of the downtown expressways of Hong Kong at night

The view of Hong Kong Island late at night

Bypassing my most favourite hotel in Hong Kong - The Kowloon Shangri-La

Finally arriving back at the InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong

The main hotel lobby of the InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong at night

At 11.05 p.m., we finally arrived back at the InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong. We took the elevator back up to our room numbers 1006 and 1008. I then packed a bit of my baggage in preparation for the flight back home to Singapore the next day, after I had a shower and changed up for the night.

After packing a bit of my baggage, I did some personal stuff on my laptop computer. Soon, by around one o' clock in the morning, all of us went to bed. We were tired after another long day of explorations, but happy. My wish for a post-GCE 'O' Level examination vacation to Hong Kong was finally completed.

This now brings the third section of my post-GCE 'O' Level examination vacation to Hong Kong to a conclusion. Again, questions or comments are always welcome. The final part will be out soon, but requires time and effort to publish it.