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Vern Travels, Cebu City, Sambag (2025)

04/07/2025

🌊 ⁣A Trip from Hong Kong to Macau: Casinos, Culture, and Comfort Food

Our day began bright and early at 7:00 AM, fueled by excitement and the promise of a free ferry ride to Macau, which we had booked in advance. We were scheduled to board the 8:30 AM ferry, but a slight hiccup in the form of boat maintenance delayed our departure by 30 minutes.

Despite the delay, the weather was fair—though still under a T1 weather signal, which meant we had to stay alert but could proceed with our plans.

🚢 The Ferry Ride

The ferry ride itself was smooth and scenic, offering glimpses of the South China Sea under a cloudy but calm sky. Upon arrival in Macau, we were warmly greeted by our tour guide, Sir JR, whose friendly demeanor and local expertise immediately put us at ease.

🎰 First Stop: The Casinos

Sir JR led us straight to the heart of Macau’s glitzy casino scene. He helped us sign up for a free membership, which came with a MOP 100 gaming credit. With a bit of luck and some beginner’s charm, we managed to win MOP 70—just enough to cover our lunch. It felt like a small victory, and the free meal made it even sweeter!

🚌 Exploring Macau by Shuttle

We hopped on one of the free shuttle buses that connect major hotels and casinos in Macau. Our first destination was the iconic Grand Lisboa Hotel.

🏨 Grand Lisboa Hotel: A Daylight Marvel

In broad daylight, the Grand Lisboa Hotel is a sight to behold. Its unique lotus-shaped structure glistens under the sun, with golden glass panels that reflect the city’s vibrant energy. The building towers over the surrounding area, a symbol of luxury and grandeur that perfectly encapsulates Macau’s blend of tradition and modernity.

🍽️Lunch with a bit of a Filipino twist.

After some sightseeing, we were ready for a more familiar taste. We asked Sir JR to take us somewhere that felt closer to home, and he brought us to Hou Keng Fan Tim Restaurant. The moment we arrived, it was clear that Sir JR was well-acquainted with the staff, as well as the supervisor.

Thanks to his connections and language skills, we were warmly accommodated and enjoyed a meal that reminded us of a bit of Filipino flavors.

🗣️ A Guide Who Speaks the Language

Throughout the trip, Sir JR’s ability to speak the local language proved invaluable. From navigating shuttle routes to ordering food and securing casino perks, his help made our Macau experience smooth and enjoyable.

If you're planning a day trip to Macau from Hong Kong, consider catching the early ferry and hiring a tour guide like Sir JR. From free casino credits to authentic meals and seamless communication, it’s a journey worth taking.

📩Interested in connecting with Sir JR? Drop us a message, and we’ll share his contact details!

03/07/2025

🍦 A Sweet Encounter with Mr. Softee in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a city of contrasts—towering skyscrapers beside tranquil harbors, bustling markets next to serene temples. But amidst all the sensory overload, there’s a nostalgic treat that quietly rolls through the streets: Mr. Softee.

We had the pleasure of indulging in Mr. Softee twice during our recent trip, and each time felt like a small celebration.

First Scoop: Victoria Harbour Magic

After a leisurely stroll along Victoria Harbour, soaking in the skyline and the gentle breeze, we spotted the familiar blue-and-white Mr. Softee truck parked near Tsim Sha Tsui. The jingle was unmistakable—soft, cheerful, and inviting. We couldn’t resist.

The soft serve was just as we remembered: creamy, light, and perfectly sweet. It was the ideal companion to the harbor views, adding a touch of whimsy to the evening. Locals and tourists alike gathered around the truck, sharing smiles and cones. It felt like a moment suspended in time.

Second Scoop: Sneakers and Swirls in Mong Kok

Our second encounter was more spontaneous. While hunting for the perfect pair of kicks in Sneakers Street, Mong Kok, we stumbled upon another Mr. Softee truck. Shopping in Mong Kok can be intense—crowded, energetic, and full of choices. So when we saw the truck, it was like finding an oasis.

This time, the ice cream was a reward for our shopping hustle. We stood by the curb, cones in hand, watching the vibrant street life unfold. The contrast between the urban buzz and the simple joy of soft serve was striking.

Why Mr. Softee Feels Special

In a city that’s constantly moving, Mr. Softee offers a moment to pause. It’s not just about the ice cream—it’s about the experience. The retro truck, the nostalgic jingle, the familiar swirl—it all adds up to a comforting ritual that locals have cherished for decades.

Whether you're by the harbor or deep in the shopping maze of Mong Kok, Mr. Softee is a reminder that sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the sweetest.

02/07/2025

🌆 ⁣A Windy Night at Victoria Harbour: Lights, Legends & Luxury

Just a short 5-minute walk from our stay at the California Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui, we found ourselves at the iconic Victoria Harbour, one of Hong Kong’s most breathtaking waterfronts.

Despite the T1 weather forecast that night, which brought extra gusty winds, the promenade was buzzing with energy. Locals and tourists alike gathered in anticipation of the nightly spectacle: A Symphony of Lights.

🌈 A Symphony of Lights

As the clock struck 8 PM, the skyline came alive. The synchronised light show danced across the facades of Hong Kong’s towering skyscrapers, accompanied by music that echoed through the harbor. With over 40 buildings on both sides of the harbour participating, the show is a stunning orchestration of laser beams, LED screens, searchlights, and synchronized music. The wind added a dramatic flair, making the reflections on the water shimmer even more vividly.

It was a surreal experience—modernity and nature colliding in a dazzling display. The show lasted about 10 minutes, but its impact lingered. It wasn’t just a display of technology—it was a celebration of Hong Kong’s spirit, resilience, and creativity.

🚢 Aqua Luna: A Glimpse of the Past

Among the crowd, we spotted the Aqua Luna, a traditional red-sailed Chinese junk boat cruising gracefully across the harbour. Its glowing lanterns and wooden frame contrasted beautifully against the neon skyline. Watching it glide through the waves felt like stepping back in time, offering a romantic and nostalgic view of Hong Kong’s maritime heritage.

🎥 Avenue of Stars: Hong Kong’s Tribute to Cinema Royalty

Nestled along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, the Avenue of Stars is Hong Kong’s answer to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame—a scenic promenade that celebrates the legends of Hong Kong cinema.

Along the railings, hand molds of famous celebrities like Jackie Chan and Maggie Cheung were displayed, allowing fans to connect with their idols in a tangible way.

At the heart of the promenade stands the Hong Kong Film Awards statue, a sleek, elegant sculpture of a woman holding a golden star aloft. It symbolises the glamour and prestige of the local film industry, which has influenced global cinema for decades.

And then, there’s the Bruce Lee statue—undoubtedly the most photographed spot on the Avenue. Cast in bronze and frozen mid-action in his signature pose, the statue captures his strength, grace, and enduring legacy. With the harbour and skyline as its backdrop, it’s a powerful tribute to a martial arts legend who transcended borders.

The Avenue of Stars isn’t just a tourist attraction—it’s a celebration of Hong Kong’s cultural identity, cinematic history, and artistic pride. Whether you're a film buff or just someone who appreciates beautiful views, this promenade offers a unique blend of celebrity, scenery, and storytelling.

🛍️ K11 Musea: Art Meets Retail

Just nearby, we explored K11 Musea, a luxury art mall that blends shopping with creativity. From avant-garde installations to high-end boutiques, it’s a must-visit for anyone who appreciates design and culture.

🏨 The Peninsula: Elegance Illuminated

As we wrapped up our evening, we admired The Peninsula Hotel from the outside. At night, its colonial architecture is bathed in warm golden lights, exuding timeless elegance. It’s a beacon of luxury that stands in contrast to the modern skyline behind it.

Hong Kong truly comes alive at night, and Victoria Harbour is its beating heart. Despite the wind and crowds, the experience was unforgettable—a perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and cinematic magic.

📸

02/07/2025

🌿 A Peaceful Escape to Ngong Ping Village, Hong Kong 🇭🇰

After a breathtaking cable car ride over lush mountains and sparkling waters, we arrived at the entrance of Ngong Ping Village — a serene cultural haven nestled on Lantau Island.

The best part? No entrance fee is required to explore this charming village!

🚶‍♀️ The Journey to the Big Buddha

From the cable car station, we strolled through the village’s cobbled paths lined with traditional Chinese architecture and tranquil gardens. The highlight of our visit was the Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha — a towering 34-meter bronze statue that sits majestically atop a hill.

To reach the Buddha, we climbed 268 steps, each one bringing us closer to a panoramic view that was absolutely worth the effort. From the top, we were rewarded with sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains and sea — a moment of peace and awe.

🌱 Garden Finds & Spiritual Stops

As we wandered through the village, we discovered stalls selling plants and gardening essentials — a delightful surprise for green thumbs! From succulents to bonsai trees, the selection was both vibrant and affordable.

We also visited the Po Lin Monastery, a sacred site rich in history and spiritual energy. Nearby, there’s a designated incense area where visitors can light incense sticks and offer prayers, adding to the village’s calming atmosphere.

🚌 Heading Back & City Adventures

After soaking in the tranquility, we hopped on a bus back to Citygate Outlets. There, we retrieved our luggage from the locker area and made our way to California Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui, where we settled in for our entire trip.

Ngong Ping Village is more than just a tourist spot — it’s a peaceful retreat that blends nature, culture, and spirituality. Whether you're seeking scenic views, spiritual reflection, or just a quiet escape, this village offers a little bit of everything.

📍 Tips for Travelers:

No entrance fee to the village
Wear comfortable shoes for the Big Buddha steps
Don’t miss the plant stalls!
Lockers available at Citygate Outlets for luggage storage

30/06/2025

🚠✨ Ngong Ping 360 Crystal Cabin Adventure – From Airport to Big Buddha! 🇭🇰🧳

Touchdown in Hong Kong and straight into adventure! 🛬 ⁣
We kicked off our trip with a breathtaking ride on the Ngong Ping 360 Crystal Cabin, offering stunning panoramic views through its glass-bottom floor—a must-try for thrill seekers! 🌿🌊

🧾 First Things First: Octopus Card & eSIM Setup

We picked up our Octopus Card at the airport—pre-purchased via Klook for convenience—and loaded it at 7-Eleven right inside the terminal. This card made getting around Hong Kong super smooth!

We also received our eSIM in advance and had it processed in the Philippines. Upon arrival, we activated it—instant connection, no hassle!

➡️ Getting to the Cable Car Terminal

From the airport, we took the S56 bus to Tung Chung—just a 3-minute ride using our Octopus Card. From there, it’s a short walk to the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Terminal.

🧳Luggage? No problem!

Before heading to the cable car, we stored our bags at the Citygate Outlets lockers near Tung Chung Station.

It’s a great option for travelers who want to explore hands-free.

🚠✨ ⁣⁣Floating Above Hong Kong in a Crystal Cabin! 🌥️🌿

One of the highlights of our trip was riding the Ngong Ping 360 Crystal Cabin!
With its glass-bottom floor, we had a breathtaking view of Lantau Island, the South China Sea, and the lush mountains below.
It felt like we were gliding through the clouds! 💙

We booked our one-way Crystal Cabin ride via Klook—super convenient and worth every dollar!

🌦️ Weather Check:

During our visit, Hong Kong was under a T1 weather warning—cloudy skies and light winds—but the cable car was still operating safely. The misty atmosphere added a magical touch to the ride!

🕒 Cable Car Duration:

The journey to Ngong Ping Village took about 25 minutes, gliding smoothly over 5.7 km of scenic beauty. It was peaceful, surreal, and unforgettable.

🚌 Return by Bus

Instead of taking the cable car back, we opted for the bus ride from Ngong Ping to Citygate. The journey gave us a different perspective of Lantau Island, winding through lush greenery and peaceful mountain roads. It was smooth, scenic. The perfect way to wind down after a day of exploring!

📸 ⁣This combo of sky-high views and cultural immersion made for an epic start to our Hong Kong adventure!

04/06/2025

📍 Ikebukuro + Tokyo Disneyland

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

02/06/2025

Day 3
Booked the Super Ultimate Tour package for ₱1700 each! 👌💯

📍Twin Lagoon 🌊 unique dual-basin formation—two serene lagoons separated by a rugged limestone barrier

📍Skeleton Wreck ⚓ 🐠 WW2 shipwreck's coral-encrusted remains provide a habitat for diverse marine life, making it a popular for snorkeling & diving 🌊

📍Reef Garden 🌿 🐟 colorful underwater paradise with vibrant textures and marine diversity thrives

P.S. No pictures underwater 😬. We super enjoyed swimming with the fishes and the coral reefs. 🤿

📍Banul Beach 🏖️ white fine sand & fresh sumptuous lunch 🤤😋

📍Barracuda Lake unique freshwater lake, 40m deep and surrounded by sharp limestone cliffs.

📍Kayangan Lake 🌅
✔️brackish lake ( 30% saltwater and 70% freshwater) & the cleanest

✔️breathtaking view (with 360 total steps half going up & half going down)

✔️maintained by the local Tagbanwa people

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

27/05/2025

Day 2
📍Black Island & Crystal Caves Busuanga
✔️an hour boat ride (open sea, so big 🌊🌊🌊 )
✔️black limestone cliffs 🗻
✔️ stunning cave pools for adventures🏝️
✔️ fine white sand beaches 🏖️
✔️ huge reefs for snorkeling 🤿
✔️Japanese WW2 shipwreck just by the beach ⚓

(lunch included in the package)

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

24/05/2025

Day1
📍Lualhati Park 🌳
📍Town Plaza 🏙️
📍St. Augustine Church ⛪
📍Cashew Factory 🥜
📍Souvenir Shop 🛍️

📍Mt. Tapyas 🏞️
✔️a challenging climb for a 720 steps to the peak
✔️a popular hiking destination
✔️panoramic views of Coron Island, Coron Bay, and the Town of Coron 💯

📍Maquinit Hot Spring ♨️
✔️the only known saltwater hot spring in the Philippines 💦
✔️rejuvenate in the soothing hot water

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

22/05/2025

📍 Kaway Resort & Spa, Cebu

✔️ The Maldives-inspired nature resort

✔️ free amenities include crystal kayak (30min), swimming pool, game hall, diving board, mangrove maze

✔️voucher purchased at ITF for Php6500 for 4 pax weekend rate Oceanview Water Villa

✔️good breakfast buffet

❤️🧡💛

28/04/2025

Experience Coron!
thank you Mam Vivian for arranging our tour!
thanks to Ace, Nathaniel, Kuya Richard our supportive guides!

Vern Travels

04/07/2025

03/07/2025

02/07/2025

02/07/2025

30/06/2025

04/06/2025

02/06/2025

27/05/2025

24/05/2025

22/05/2025

28/04/2025

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