TRAVEL BLOG
Monday, December 10, 2007
Viva Macau Flight Review - Macau to Sydney
Flight: Viva Macau ZG 9501 Date: 8 Dec 2007
Viva Macau is a low cost airline based in Macau. They currently fly 3 times a week to Sydney.
Viva Macau offer a no frills long haul service so you need to come prepared before you fly, as you will not be fed and entertained like you would on a full service airline.
What they do offer is one of the cheapest flights you will find from Sydney to East Asia. I picked up a sale seat for $199 (one-way) plus taxes, bringing the total to $320 Australian Dollars. I bought this online about one month before flying.
Aircraft
Viva Macau use a Boeing 767 for this route. The seating arrangement is 2-3-2 across.
Entertainment
Viva Macau show movies on a projector screen. There are no personal screens. They show an English and Hong Kong film during the flight. Bring your own headphones, otherwise you will need to purchase one.
Food and Drink
There is no inflight meal service so make sure you have a big meal at the airport or bring enough food. The only hot meal available to purchase was pot noodles. Drinks have to be bought as well.
Currencies accepted include Macau Pataca, Hong Kong, US and Austalian Dollars.
Here is a list of items available for purchase onboard, in Hong Kong Dollars
Blanket 40 HKD
Neck Pillow 20 HKD
Headphones 20 HKD
Coffee 10 HKD
Coke (can) 20 HKD
Heineken (can) 30 HKD
Pot Noodles 30 HKD
Viva Macau is a low cost airline based in Macau. They currently fly 3 times a week to Sydney.
Viva Macau offer a no frills long haul service so you need to come prepared before you fly, as you will not be fed and entertained like you would on a full service airline.
What they do offer is one of the cheapest flights you will find from Sydney to East Asia. I picked up a sale seat for $199 (one-way) plus taxes, bringing the total to $320 Australian Dollars. I bought this online about one month before flying.
Aircraft
Viva Macau use a Boeing 767 for this route. The seating arrangement is 2-3-2 across.
Entertainment
Viva Macau show movies on a projector screen. There are no personal screens. They show an English and Hong Kong film during the flight. Bring your own headphones, otherwise you will need to purchase one.
Food and Drink
There is no inflight meal service so make sure you have a big meal at the airport or bring enough food. The only hot meal available to purchase was pot noodles. Drinks have to be bought as well.
Currencies accepted include Macau Pataca, Hong Kong, US and Austalian Dollars.
Here is a list of items available for purchase onboard, in Hong Kong Dollars
Blanket 40 HKD
Neck Pillow 20 HKD
Headphones 20 HKD
Coffee 10 HKD
Coke (can) 20 HKD
Heineken (can) 30 HKD
Pot Noodles 30 HKD
Labels: airlines, china, macau, sydney, viva macau
Posted by James Clark - editor of itravelnet.com
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Saturday, December 08, 2007
Casinos of Macau
Macau has become the biggest gambling centre in the world, recently overtaking Las Vegas in terms of gaming revenues. Mind you there is not as many entertainment options in Macau compared to Las Vegas (like the shows and theme parks), and I can't see Macau becoming Rat Pack cool like Vegas anytime soon.
The thing with Macau though is it has only just begun. Much of the place is a construction site, and as the only place in China where casinos are legal it is only going to get bigger.
Grand Lisboa
The Grand Lisboa is close to the Macau Old Town and at 258 metres it is the dominant landmark on the Macau skyline. It seems to look down upon you wherever you go.
Grand Lisboa - Macau
Wynn Casino
Wynn, a big name of Las Vegas has opened a casino in Macau.
Wynn Casino - Macau
The Venetian
From the people that brought you The Venetian Las Vegas, now there is The Venetian Macau, the world's largest casino.
The front entrance is dominated by replicas of the Ponte di Rialto, Campanile and Palazzo Ducale, but without all the pigeons.
The Venetian - Macau
Venetian Gondola - Macau
Palazzo Ducale - Macau
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is the first theme park of Macao. Like much of Macau it looks like they are still building onto it. It's a shopping and entertainment centre with casinos (of course). It has sections representing different seaports of the world like Amsterdam and Venice. And It's very cheesy.
Vulcania
Roman Amphitheatre
Venice Building
New Amsterdam
The thing with Macau though is it has only just begun. Much of the place is a construction site, and as the only place in China where casinos are legal it is only going to get bigger.
Grand Lisboa
The Grand Lisboa is close to the Macau Old Town and at 258 metres it is the dominant landmark on the Macau skyline. It seems to look down upon you wherever you go.
Grand Lisboa - Macau
Wynn Casino
Wynn, a big name of Las Vegas has opened a casino in Macau.
Wynn Casino - Macau
The Venetian
From the people that brought you The Venetian Las Vegas, now there is The Venetian Macau, the world's largest casino.
The front entrance is dominated by replicas of the Ponte di Rialto, Campanile and Palazzo Ducale, but without all the pigeons.
The Venetian - Macau
Venetian Gondola - Macau
Palazzo Ducale - Macau
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is the first theme park of Macao. Like much of Macau it looks like they are still building onto it. It's a shopping and entertainment centre with casinos (of course). It has sections representing different seaports of the world like Amsterdam and Venice. And It's very cheesy.
Vulcania
Roman Amphitheatre
Venice Building
New Amsterdam
Labels: casino, china, las vegas, macau
Posted by James Clark - editor of itravelnet.com
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Breakfast in Macau
A street vendor in Macau serving breakfast.
Breakfast in Macau
Breakfast in Macau
Posted by James Clark - editor of itravelnet.com
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Friday, December 07, 2007
The Chicken and the Chef
Chicken and Chef - Macau
Labels: chicken, china, food, macau
Posted by James Clark - editor of itravelnet.com
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One Sim, Two Numbers for One Country, Two Systems
This is a great idea from a phone company in Macau. They are offering one sim card with two phone numbers (A Hong Kong and a Macau number). I don't know if it is a fair tariff but the idea is good as it would save carrying two phones or doing the sim card change every time you cross the border.
Smartone one sim two numbers
Hong Kong and Macau used to be two separate countries before they became Special Administrative Regions of China, but they still have their own country codes.
I hope that the phone companies in Europe introduce something like this. With the open borders with the EU people have become so much more mobile between countries but you are charged exorbitant rates when you leave the country your phone plan is from.
Smartone one sim two numbers
Hong Kong and Macau used to be two separate countries before they became Special Administrative Regions of China, but they still have their own country codes.
I hope that the phone companies in Europe introduce something like this. With the open borders with the EU people have become so much more mobile between countries but you are charged exorbitant rates when you leave the country your phone plan is from.
Labels: china, good idea, hong kong, macau, mobile phones
Posted by James Clark - editor of itravelnet.com
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Hong Kong to Macau
Macau was a Portuguese colony that was handed over to China in 1999. Like Hong Kong it is now a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.
Macau is only one hour ferry ride from Hong Kong so it makes for a popular day trip if you are doing a stop-over in Hong Kong. There are ferries up to every half an hour during the day.
Ferry Departures to Macau
I was only in Macau last year and I did not think I would be back here so soon. I thought I might like to come back in 20 years and see how many casinos have sprouted.
I am back so soon because Viva Macau fly from here to Sydney. The combined cost of flying Oasis Hong Kong from london to Hong Kong then Macau to Sydney was about half the price of a ticket on offer with any other scheduled airline.
Macau is only one hour ferry ride from Hong Kong so it makes for a popular day trip if you are doing a stop-over in Hong Kong. There are ferries up to every half an hour during the day.
Ferry Departures to Macau
I was only in Macau last year and I did not think I would be back here so soon. I thought I might like to come back in 20 years and see how many casinos have sprouted.
I am back so soon because Viva Macau fly from here to Sydney. The combined cost of flying Oasis Hong Kong from london to Hong Kong then Macau to Sydney was about half the price of a ticket on offer with any other scheduled airline.
Labels: china, hong kong, macau
Posted by James Clark - editor of itravelnet.com
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Thursday, December 06, 2007
Avenue of Stars
Usually these Avenue of Stars that are modelled off Hollywood come off looking cheesy. Hong Kong has one of the biggest film industries in the world though so they at least have enough local stars to fill their walk.
Avenue of Stars
Bruce Lee - Victoria Harbour
Jackie Chan Hand Print
Avenue of Stars
Bruce Lee - Victoria Harbour
Jackie Chan Hand Print
Labels: china, film, hong kong
Posted by James Clark - editor of itravelnet.com
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The Digitally Enhanced Skyline of Hong Kong
The booming Chinese economy is having a visible effect on the Hong Kong skyline, and it's not just the skyscrapers on Hong Kong Island. Air pollution is becoming an ever present part of the view in Hong Kong.
The number of days that Air pollution has decreased visibility has increased in the last decade. While it might take some time for the government to show some political will in cleaning the skies, some photographers have taken matters into their own hands.
There are photographers at Victoria Peak and on the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour that are offering digitally enhanced photos. They have laptops setup ready to photoshop a perfectly clear picture of the background you just had your picture taken in front of. They even have day and night options, even if you weren't there at night.
Fake Harbour Views
I don't know how I feel about this. On the one hand it is disappointing to get to the top of Victoria Peak then not be able to see the Harbour through all the smog. On the other hand if they can just make a picture like this then do you need to go at all. Where do you draw the line with photoshopped photos?
The number of days that Air pollution has decreased visibility has increased in the last decade. While it might take some time for the government to show some political will in cleaning the skies, some photographers have taken matters into their own hands.
There are photographers at Victoria Peak and on the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour that are offering digitally enhanced photos. They have laptops setup ready to photoshop a perfectly clear picture of the background you just had your picture taken in front of. They even have day and night options, even if you weren't there at night.
Fake Harbour Views
I don't know how I feel about this. On the one hand it is disappointing to get to the top of Victoria Peak then not be able to see the Harbour through all the smog. On the other hand if they can just make a picture like this then do you need to go at all. Where do you draw the line with photoshopped photos?
Labels: china, hong kong, photography, pollution
Posted by James Clark - editor of itravelnet.com
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The Peak Tram - Hong Kong
The Peak Tram of Hong Kong Island is one of the most famous tramways in the world. The tram runs from Central district to Victoria Peak with some stops along the way. Its steep ascent to the Peak offers great views of the Harbour.
The Peak Tram
The Peak Tram Stops
At the top the tram terminates at the Peak Tower, an observation deck/shopping centre/tourist trap, which you have to pay extra to enter. You can walk around the paths at the peak and see the same view for free.
Peak Tower
Victoria Peak View
The Peak Tram
The Peak Tram Stops
At the top the tram terminates at the Peak Tower, an observation deck/shopping centre/tourist trap, which you have to pay extra to enter. You can walk around the paths at the peak and see the same view for free.
Peak Tower
Victoria Peak View
Labels: china, hong kong, tram, victoria peak
Posted by James Clark - editor of itravelnet.com
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Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Budget Accommodation in Hong Kong
If you are booking Hong Kong budget accommodation online you will notice a number of "Mansions" listed in the results. These mansions are great apartment blocks on Nathan Rd, the main road in Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Mirador Mansion
If you are staying at one of these mansions (Chunking Mansion or Mirador Mansion) you might be taken aback by its outside appearance. The blocks are old and shabby, with air-con units and washing lines hanging from just about every window. The blocks are a mix of residential apartments, small businesses and guest houses.
Chunking Mansions
The quality of your budget accommodation guest house will vary widely once you are inside though as there as so many of them. I have stayed in guest houses in both mansions and they have been clean and presentable, but as space is at a premium my rooms have only been slightly larger than the bed itself.
Mirador Mansion
If you are staying at one of these mansions (Chunking Mansion or Mirador Mansion) you might be taken aback by its outside appearance. The blocks are old and shabby, with air-con units and washing lines hanging from just about every window. The blocks are a mix of residential apartments, small businesses and guest houses.
Chunking Mansions
The quality of your budget accommodation guest house will vary widely once you are inside though as there as so many of them. I have stayed in guest houses in both mansions and they have been clean and presentable, but as space is at a premium my rooms have only been slightly larger than the bed itself.
Labels: china, hong kong, hotels, kowloon
Posted by James Clark - editor of itravelnet.com
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Hong Kong Trams
Double decker trams still operate on Hong Kong Island. Hongkong Tramways run the largest fleet of double-deck tramcars in the world.
Hong Kong Tram video: Hong Kong Tram
Hong Kong Tram video: Hong Kong Tram
Labels: china, hong kong, public transport, tram
Posted by James Clark - editor of itravelnet.com
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Street Eating in Hong Kong
Boiling Offal Pots
Eating in Hong Kong is hard work if you don't eat meat. I'm not a vegetarian but I'm not a fan of offal, which is what alot of the street food in Hong Kong seems to be.
Pots of boiling offal
For a city that was once a jewel of the British Empire it is surprising how little English is spoken on the the street. This makes for ordering food a challenge.
I found a place serving some sort of meat product skewered on a stick, which was most tasty. I then moved on to the next tray, and pointed to these frying balls of something. The lady said "spicy"! I nodded. She said again "spicy"!! I said "OK, I like spicy", then she repeated again "SPICY"!!!
"OK OK give me spicy".
She gave me a container with 10 of them. They were excruciatingly spicy, and I like spicy. I forced the third one down before surrendering and running off to the nearest 7/11 to put out the fire.
Know where your food comes from
Eating in Asia you get a better sense of where your food comes from. In the west we only have to see our meat as prime cuts neatly packaged in a styrofoam container at the supermarket. You can walk around markets and see live chickens waiting to be slaughtered and live fish carved up before your eyes, still gasping for breath.
Live Chickens
Live crabs can be bought in shops on the street as well. These crabs aren't in a water tank though. They are bound with bamboo and stacked neatly on top of each other as if they were boxes.
Live Crabs
Eating Vegetarian
Eating for vegetarians can be hard going here, even if you go to a "vegetarian restaurant". I looked at some menus of vegetarian restaurants and found that every item had meat in it.
Pretend Vegetarian Restaurant
Sometimes vegetarian options at restaurants include prawns and bits of pork.
The safest option for a vegetarian is to go to an Indian restaurant. If they say it is vegetarian you know that it will be. When in Hong Kong I like to visit Branto on Lock Road, which my vegetarian sister put me onto.
There are plenty of other vegetarian restaurants in Hong Kong as well.
Branto Indian Restaurant - Lock Road
Masala Dosa - Branto Window View
Sweet Things
The Hong Kong egg tart is a cheap and tasty snack that can be found all over Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Egg Tart
Also on Lock Road I frequent this juice bar daily. They have a variety of fresh juices, as well as a sweet mango or coconut drink with tapioca balls, which I struggle to limit myself to two a day.
Juice Bar
Eating in Hong Kong is hard work if you don't eat meat. I'm not a vegetarian but I'm not a fan of offal, which is what alot of the street food in Hong Kong seems to be.
Pots of boiling offal
For a city that was once a jewel of the British Empire it is surprising how little English is spoken on the the street. This makes for ordering food a challenge.
I found a place serving some sort of meat product skewered on a stick, which was most tasty. I then moved on to the next tray, and pointed to these frying balls of something. The lady said "spicy"! I nodded. She said again "spicy"!! I said "OK, I like spicy", then she repeated again "SPICY"!!!
"OK OK give me spicy".
She gave me a container with 10 of them. They were excruciatingly spicy, and I like spicy. I forced the third one down before surrendering and running off to the nearest 7/11 to put out the fire.
Know where your food comes from
Eating in Asia you get a better sense of where your food comes from. In the west we only have to see our meat as prime cuts neatly packaged in a styrofoam container at the supermarket. You can walk around markets and see live chickens waiting to be slaughtered and live fish carved up before your eyes, still gasping for breath.
Live Chickens
Live crabs can be bought in shops on the street as well. These crabs aren't in a water tank though. They are bound with bamboo and stacked neatly on top of each other as if they were boxes.
Live Crabs
Eating Vegetarian
Eating for vegetarians can be hard going here, even if you go to a "vegetarian restaurant". I looked at some menus of vegetarian restaurants and found that every item had meat in it.
Pretend Vegetarian Restaurant
Sometimes vegetarian options at restaurants include prawns and bits of pork.
The safest option for a vegetarian is to go to an Indian restaurant. If they say it is vegetarian you know that it will be. When in Hong Kong I like to visit Branto on Lock Road, which my vegetarian sister put me onto.
There are plenty of other vegetarian restaurants in Hong Kong as well.
Branto Indian Restaurant - Lock Road
Masala Dosa - Branto Window View
Sweet Things
The Hong Kong egg tart is a cheap and tasty snack that can be found all over Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Egg Tart
Also on Lock Road I frequent this juice bar daily. They have a variety of fresh juices, as well as a sweet mango or coconut drink with tapioca balls, which I struggle to limit myself to two a day.
Juice Bar
Labels: china, food, hong kong
Posted by James Clark - editor of itravelnet.com
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