Nov 2011 in Hong Kong: Shopping paradise.

Hong Kong is a shopping paradise. However, Singapore is also a shopping paradise. So, I didn't really buy anything for myself on this trip but I did buy some presents for my family at Citygate Outlets Mall. Lots of branded stuff there at amazing prices. I bought a CK blouse for my sister at a discount of more than 80% and an Alfred Dunhill shirt for my dad at a discount of 40%! Oh, there is a massive Food Republic foodcourt there as well.

Plan your trip to the mall on the same day as your visit to the Giant Buddha in Ngong Ping. Yup, you will take the MTR to Tung Chung station visiting either attraction. As Tung Chung is not the most central of locations, it makes sense to visit both the Giant Buddha and Citygate Outlet Malls on the same day. See the Buddha first and you can come back to the Mall in the mid-afternoon and stay till late in the evening.

For all of you Apple fans, I guess visiting the Apple Store in International Financial Centre (IFC) at Central is a must. Two stories high and with its signature spiral staircase, packed all the time, it is a sight to behold.

Zooming in with my cheapie IXUS.

I also read that the Landmark Mall converted its basement to a men's only area. So, I decided to visit and take a look.

A view of the first floor of the mall from the top. I would call it the ground floor but a friend told me no one says that anymore these days. Oh well, old fashion me.

I didn't buy anything in the end but I saw many well heeled people in the shops, many from mainland China. It reminded me of the Paragon in Singapore.

The nicest mall which I visited on this trip was Langham Place in Mongkok, Kowloon.

My star sign!

Less atas, for sure. It felt like it had a pulse and was alive! Less stifling. The mix of shops was much better too. Well, they are shops I would go to and possibly spend some money.

For those who would like a taste of some organised chaos, visit the famous Ladies Street in Mongkok. It is pure madness as it gets later into the night.

I have been to Ladies Street a few times before in the past and it is not really my cup of tea. Warm, crowded and lots of haggling. Too much stress. Anyway, I just took a couple of shots from a nearby pedestrian bridge on this trip and left.

Now, if you are wondering what to bring back from Hong Kong for friends and relatives, go to Kee Wah. They have branches everywhere.

Buy their pineapple pastry. Just buy the ones filled with pineapple paste. I would not recommend the rest like honey melon or mango paste. The original pineapple paste is best. If I remember correctly,
they cost HK$6 per piece.

HK$6 a piece.

The almond cookies are nice too although some would say that the ones from Macau are nicer. I found out that the return ferry ticket between Macau and Hong Kong costs about S$100 per person. I will make Macau another vacation on its own. I could buy lots of cookies with S$100.

Happy shopping!