Episode 1: HONG KONG #ALONE# Discovering Nature, Tradition, and the Breath of Life

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Hello everyone, after I reviewed the western part of Hong Kong, which is Lantau Island, in the Tai O fishing village on the first day.

Part 1: HONG KONG #ALONE# Discovering Nature, Traditional Ways, and the Breath of Life

The Journey Continues: Exploring the Southern Shores of Hong Kong Island

Our next adventure takes us to the southern shores of Hong Kong Island, venturing beyond the bustling streets of Kowloon.

Exploring the Hidden Gems of Hong Kong: Beyond the Tourist Trail

While Hong Kong is often associated with iconic landmarks like Disneyland, the Big Buddha, and the Ngong Ping Cable Car, its natural beauty and hidden adventures offer a unique perspective on this vibrant city. This review delves into a lesser-known side of Hong Kong, inviting you on a journey of exploration beyond the usual tourist attractions.

From Coastal Serenity to Thrilling Adventures:

Having previously explored the stunning coastal landscapes, this review takes you on a thrilling adventure, venturing into the heart of Hong Kong's hidden gems. Prepare to be captivated by the city's diverse offerings, from serene natural escapes to exhilarating experiences.

Unveiling the Mystery:

The destination remains a secret, waiting to be revealed as you embark on this exciting journey. Get ready to discover the hidden treasures that lie beyond the well-trodden tourist path.

In the early hours of the morning, the MTR station in Kowloon was eerily quiet, devoid of people. The image below captures this scene.

Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.

Uncle, I'm taking a picture. Uncle, please stand in front of the camera. Don't worry, be cool.

This is how to get to Dragon's Back, viewers and readers.

[Spoiler] Click to reveal hidden message.

For those who wish to travel to the back of the dragon, here are the directions:

1. Regardless of your location on Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, or Kowloon, travel to Central Station or Admiralty Station, which are on the MTR blue line.

2. Switch to the platform heading towards Chai Wan and disembark at Shau Kei Wan Station. This is the blue line of the MTR.

3. Please proceed to exit A3.

Upon exiting Shau Kai Wan Station, head towards Exit A3. Before reaching the exit, you will encounter a 7-Eleven convenience store. Here, you can stock up on supplies for your hike. Alternatively, you can purchase items at the market. Therefore, the following items are essential to prepare before embarking on your Dragon's Back adventure:

1. Pack light to avoid unnecessary burdens. A small bag is sufficient.

3. Bring enough drinking water.

4. Bring food, snacks, and energy drinks if needed.

5. Long-sleeved shirt, sunscreen, hat

6. It is crucial to urinate before going because there will be no restrooms available once you arrive.

Upon completing your purchase, prepare to depart. As you exit through Gate A3, you will encounter a bus stop serving numerous routes.

We need to take bus number 9 to Shek O.

The bus has arrived at the stop. The atmosphere feels heavy, though. I have a bad feeling about this.

The path ahead is the same as the one leading to Shek O. We are now entering a heavily wooded area. It's exciting!

The road gradually narrows, flanked by towering mountains.

Translation:

The sign we need to take to reach Dragon's Back is the "TO TAI WAN" sign. Personally, I don't count the signs as other reviews suggest, because I'm too busy enjoying the view. I just look at the sign on the bus, which shows the upcoming stops.

The question is why we need to get off at this stop. The simple answer is that if we get off at TO TAI WAN, the uphill climb will not be as steep, which will (hopefully) reduce fatigue. However, if we accidentally get off at the previous stop, the uphill climb will be extremely steep.

Hello, you are now starting your hiking mission. Please take a breath first.

The group consisted of four individuals: a Hong Kong couple, a young child from Hong Kong, and a Thai individual.

Everyone is taking selfies for almost 15-20 minutes now, and they haven't even started climbing the hill yet. There are four of them, and they seem to know each other, but they don't.

Playfully taking a picture of the bus stop sign.

Translation:

The time has come to embark on an adventure beyond the dragon's back.

As he ascended the mountain, he was greeted by the breathtaking cityscape below, a harmonious blend of towering buildings and shimmering seas. However, the serene atmosphere was soon replaced by a wave of fear as he realized he had inadvertently left his umbrella in his room, assuming the pleasant weather would hold.

Translation:

Along the way, we encountered a path of stone demons, and the sun began to rise. We couldn't adjust to the sudden change from overcast to sunny.

After walking for a while, I came to a fork in the road. I stood there for a few seconds, wondering which way to go. Then, my eyes caught sight of something.

Following the signpost, I found the path leading behind the dragon. Hooray! Then, I continued along the trail.

After walking for a while, you will come across Laem Phromthep. Oh, wait, that's in Phuket. This is Hong Kong, right? I don't know what it's called. Looking out, you can see the South China Sea. Or is it the Pacific Ocean? (My geography is a bit rusty.)

Translation:

After that, the four of us came to a fork in the road, with paths leading left and right. However, all four of us ended up going right (because we saw other people going that way and followed them). We continued walking, completely unsure of what the future held for us.

Translation:

Observing a Hong Kong couple taking photos for each other, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. As a solo traveler, I could only capture the scenery.

As we approached this point, we began to have a hunch that the four of us were walking the wrong way. The Hong Kong couple opened Google Maps to check, and it turned out that we should have gone to the left (at the fork in the road). But it's okay, we're not afraid of going the wrong way, because we got some cool photos out of it. 555555

Translation:

We then turned back to the starting point to go to the top of the dragon's back. The young Hong Kong boy asked to take another picture.

Imagine being on Jeju Island. (I've never been there, but I've seen it in a series.)

Translation:

Following each other at a distance, hiking leisurely, but sweat is starting to break out profusely. It's already past eight, almost nine o'clock.

As you retrace your steps back to the correct path, the trail hugs the edge of a cliff. Fear not, for the path is wide. On one side, you can gaze upon the South China Sea (or Pacific Ocean), while the other side offers stunning views of the mountains.

The advantage of getting lost is that it provides more photo opportunities (even if the photos aren't great, who cares?).

Looking back, I was shocked at how far we had come from the previous hill to this one. We were walking uphill, facing the sun and the earth.

Distance sign: Keep fighting Takeshi, Doraemon

After walking for a while, you will come across a fork in the road, with one path leading to TO TAI TAM GAP and the other to TO TO TAI WAN.

Choose TAI TAM GAP, of course! 555 If you go to TO TAI WAN, come back the same way, okay? Hehe.

We have finally reached the peak of the Dragon's Back, dear viewers and readers. I am drenched in sweat!

Translation:

The three travelers finally reached their destination and greeted each other before taking turns taking pictures.

Upon arrival, we asked a Hong Kong couple who were traveling together to take a commemorative photo with us. The woman was shy, so the man stood alone. Haha. Thank you for the journey. After that, we chatted for a while before going our separate ways. It was time to part ways. When we reach the highest point, we must also find the lowest point, right?

Translation:

I will translate the sentence "เดี๋ยวกลับมาเล่าต่อครับ" from Thai to English.

English translation: I will continue the story later.

My dear, I've been waiting for you on the mountain every day. I'm so lonely. The feeling is so real. I want to sit and take pictures of the lonely atmosphere, but Apollo is too hot.

After admiring the stunning scenery, it's time to descend the mountain. Oh my, the descent from Ngong Ping to Mango Pancake is quite a distance. The climb was already long, and now the descent seems even longer, stretching as far as the eye can see.

Looking back a little.

The stairs down behind the dragon, sir. Let's continue. Sorry for the delay.

From the steps, we come to a gravel slope like this. The atmosphere changes a lot, haha.

The path is eerily desolate, truly desolate. Walking aimlessly, following the whims of Sek's song.

The eerie path, winding through a tunnel of trees, the life of a traveler is full of suspense.

Upon reaching the fork in the road, I was relieved to see a sign. However, the sign indicated a distance of 2 kilometers to my destination. Unsure of which direction to take, I opted for the left path based on previous reviews I had consulted.

Translation:

The initial path was bathed in sunlight, but as we continued, the light gradually faded. The surroundings seemed eerily familiar, until we finally encountered…

Translation:

The small waterfalls mentioned in the review indicate that the descent is nearing. However, encountering three small waterfalls instead of the expected one is a disappointment.

Translation:

While walking, the rain started pouring heavily due to the influence of Typhoon T-strom hitting Hong Kong. I had to put my camera away in my bag. As for the umbrella I mentioned earlier, I left it in my room (haha). So I had to walk in the rain to catch the bus back. But it was a long way! On the way down, I met a Hong Kong family - father, mother, son, and daughter - who were hiking up the mountain in the midst of the storm. I asked to share their umbrella for a while, and they were very kind and chatted with me. I also asked them how far it was to the bottom of the mountain, and they said it would take another 10 minutes (my Cantonese is very broken, but I think they understood me). After that, I said goodbye to them.

Walking in the pouring rain, I came across a bus stop and decided to wait. Despite the heavy rain, I wasn't worried. A lone cyclist braved the downpour, and as a seasoned traveler, I was unfazed by the weather. Soon, the number 9 bus arrived.

Translation: Question: What should I do? I'm soaking wet. Will they scold me?

Finally, I boarded the bus. The water stains you see are mine. Including me and the driver on the first floor, there were a total of five lives on the bus. Everyone's eyes were on me, and I could only remain still to quell the commotion. Seeing the empty seats, I desperately wanted to sit down, but I was soaked, so I had to stand. I looked for a spot where the air conditioning would dry me off.

Translation:

This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

Translation:

Finally arrived at the parking station.

Fortunately, the rain has stopped. However, I am still soaked. I hesitated to board the train in this state, so I decided to wait at the park next to the MTR station until I am a little less damp.

After that, I thought about where to go next. Should I go back to the dorm to change clothes? But if I go back now, it will cost me more money because I live on the Kowloon side, and I'm already on the Hong Kong side. I thought about it and remembered that there was a Gundam exhibition at Times Square. I decided to go check it out.

I then took the MTR to Times Square, but I got off at the wrong stop. I got off at Quarry Bay station when I should have gotten off at Causeway Bay station. I was embarrassed, but no one knew.

Translation:

This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

Translation:

Upon arriving at Causeway Bay Station, we headed straight for Times Square.

The Gundam statue has arrived, bringing a storm of rain to Times Square.

This reminds me of the Thai Gundam song from the time when Nat and Not were together.

"Amidst the torrential downpour, my heart burns with an unquenchable fire. The relentless rain, a cruel tormentor, fails to extinguish the flames of love that rage within my soul."

We then went upstairs to see the Gundam exhibition.

After walking around for a while, I decided to head back to my accommodation in Tsim Sha Tsui. 555

Oh, it's raining all over the island, but it's okay, let's rest for a while and then continue our journey. Finally, I would like to leave another picture of the path behind the dragon.

The final review of my Hong Kong trip is about cycling. Please stay tuned.