Hong Kong Impressions and Experience

In October 2025, on my way to Bali, I stopped in Hong Kong for two days to visit my childhood friend XiaoFu and to do a bit of sightseeing. It was a short two-and-a-half-hour nonstop flight from Chongqing on Hong Kong Airlines.

I had no trouble finding my friend right after exiting baggage claim. From the airport, we walked to the bus terminal and took Bus #22 directly into downtown.

Just as I had imagined, Hong Kong is a vibrant, high-energy city that blends Chinese heritage with a strong British colonial legacy, creating a culture that feels both distinctly Asian and uniquely international.

As soon as we arrived in the city, I immediately felt that unmistakable Hong Kong vibe—towering skyline buildings rising above busy, narrow streets packed with people hurrying about their business. It’s lively, crowded, and full of energy.

Most major stores and hotel staff speak both English and Chinese fluently. Locals primarily speak Cantonese, a dialect I don’t speak—but thankfully XiaoFu does, fluently.

In just two days, we managed to visit several iconic sites. We took a harbor cruise on Victoria Harbour to watch the famous “A Symphony of Lights” show. We also visited the giant Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island, arriving by cable car, which made the experience even more memorable. Of course, we also enjoyed local food and did some street shopping.

Hong Kong’s skyline—especially around Victoria Harbour—is iconic. The view from Victoria Peak is unforgettable.

Real estate in the city is scarce and extremely expensive, and visiting Hong Kong can be a bit costly as well.

Hong Kong is truly a paradise for food lovers. From Michelin-starred dim sum to humble street stalls, the city takes its cuisine seriously. XiaoFu took me to a few hidden local spots for dim sum—such a treat. My mouth still waters when I think about it.

From luxury brands in Central to the lively night market on Temple Street, shopping is part of the city’s rhythm. Even if you don’t buy anything, simply wandering through the markets is an experience in itself.

Hong Kong’s public transportation system is efficient and easy to use. The MTR is clean and convenient—though often very crowded.

Still, I had a fabulous time there, partly because I was so happy to see XiaoFu after all these years. We were best friends growing up, and even after such a long separation, we still get along so well and genuinely enjoy each other’s company. That made this short visit even more special.

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I’ve included a photo here to show where the bus hub is located at the airport. There isn’t a large, obvious sign, but you once you get out of the terminal building, you can find it by looking for the blue sign posted on a huge column just off the street next to the bus station.

Yogyakarta: 3) Keraton Ratuboko

Keraton Ratu Boko is an archaeological site located on a hilltop about 3 km south of Prambanan Temple in Central Java, near Yogyakarta. Ratu Boko is said a ruins of an ancient palace and fortified royal compound.

The site dates back to the 8th century and is believed to have been built during the time of the Sailendra and Mataram kingdoms. Historians believe it was not just a palace but possibly a combination of: Royal residence, Religious retreat, Fortress or administrative complex.

Some views of the town below the temple

Yogyakarta: 2) Prambanan Temple

Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and one of Southeast Asia’s most impressive archaeological sites. Located in Central Java, near the city of Yogyakarta, the complex rises dramatically from the plains with its tall, pointed towers that resemble stone mountains reaching toward the sky.

Prambanan was built in the 9th century during the Mataram Kingdom, most likely under the rule of King Rakai Pikatan. It was constructed as a grand Hindu counterpart to the nearby Buddhist temple of Borobudur.

There were two young girl asked me if they can be my free tour guide since they were training to be one. I said yes.

With my two lovely tour guides

Yogyakarta: 1) Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple is the largest Buddhist monument in the world and one of Southeast Asia’s most extraordinary cultural treasures. Located in Central Java, Indonesia, near the city of Yogyakarta, it sits in a lush valley surrounded by volcanoes and rice fields—an unforgettable setting, especially at sunrise.

It is advisable to purchase your ticket in advance, as entry to the temple is time-stamped. When you arrive, you must enter at your designated time slot. Visitors are grouped together and assigned a temple guide, and everyone enters as part of an organized group.

There is a specific procedure to follow. After entering the visitor center, you take a shuttle to a waiting area. There, you exchange your shoes for special woven sandals provided by the temple to help protect the ancient stone surfaces. Staff members then give instructions before the tour begins—usually about 40 minutes after your scheduled entry time at the visitor center.

It is likely the most visited site in Indonesia. After all, it was the main reason I chose to visit the country.

Although visitors initially follow their assigned guide, at certain points you may explore more independently, as I did after a while, allowing yourself time to quietly absorb the beauty and atmosphere of this remarkable monument.

Bali-4) Tahah lot temple

After visiting Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, we continued our journey to Tanah Lot Temple. The entrance to the complex is open, but once inside, we had to walk through what felt like thousands of souvenir shops before finally reaching the temple site.

Tanah Lot Temple is one of the most iconic and photographed temples in Bali, famous for its dramatic setting on top of a rocky outcrop surrounded by the sea. The name “Tanah Lot” means “Land in the Sea,” which perfectly describes its unique location—during high tide, the temple appears to float, completely separated from the mainland.

Tanah Lot Temple was established in the 16th century by the Hindu priest Dang Hyang Nirartha, who traveled along Bali’s southern coast spreading Hindu teachings. According to legend, he chose this rock as a sacred place to honor the sea gods.

Bali-3) Ulun Daua Beratan Temple

It was a long 3.5-hour drive to reach the temple, and the journey itself was frustrating. The distance was not the problem—it was the painfully slow traffic that made it feel much longer than it should have been. But when we finally arrived, it all seemed worth it.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is one of Bali’s most beautiful and iconic temples, famous for its serene setting on the shores of Lake Beratan in the cool highlands of Bedugul. When the water level rises, the temple appears to float on the lake, creating one of the most photographed and recognizable scenes in all of Indonesia.

The temple was built in 1633 during the reign of the Mengwi Kingdom and is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the Balinese Hindu goddess of water, lakes, and rivers. 

I had not done much homework before visiting, so I was surprised and fortunate to witness what appeared to be a local parade. Both men and women were dressed in beautiful, colorful traditional outfits. I wasn’t sure whether it was a religious ceremony, a local holiday, or something organized for visitors, but it felt authentic and special to witness.

Almost all the locals we saw were wearing their traditional attire. When I asked if I could take photos with them, each person graciously agreed. Their kindness and warmth made the experience even more memorable, and their elegant clothing can be seen in the photos posted here.

The temple itself is stunning.  The grounds are spacious and peaceful, inviting you to slow down and appreciate the surroundings. At the same time, there is a strong tourist presence, and parts of the site feel carefully arranged for visitors. Still, the natural beauty, cultural significance, and spiritual atmosphere make Ulun Danu Beratan Temple a truly unforgettable place.

Bali-2)North Ubud highlights: Tirta Empul Temple, Tegallalang Rice Terrace

My travel partner for that day Bill hired a driver for our day trip. We told him the places we wanted to visit, and he planned the route for us.

The driver operated very much like a tour company. Our first stop was a handicraft workshop, where a local woman explained how their fabrics are dyed using traditional methods and demonstrated the manual weaving process. After the demonstration, we were led directly into the store.

Afterward, he took us to Tirta Empul Temple*.

Following our visit to the temple, we stopped at a rice terrace, which felt very much like a tourist-oriented setup.

Next, the driver brought us to a coffee plantation. However, instead of seeing the actual plantation, we were introduced mainly to their specialty coffee, Kopi Luwak**. We sampled several teas and coffees during the tasting session but did not purchase anything.

From there, the driver took us to Tegallalang Rice Terrace, one of Bali’s most famous and scenic rice terrace landscapes.

Typical Driving Experience

First Stop for shopping

A woman explaining how the fabrics were colored

Tirta Empul Temple 

Dressed up for the purification ritual

Tegallalang Rice Terrace

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*Tirta Empul Temple is one of Bali’s most sacred and spiritually significant Hindu temples, best known for its holy spring and purification rituals.

Located in the village of Manukaya near Tampaksiring, about 30 minutes north of Ubud, Tirta Empul was founded in 962 AD during the Warmadewa dynasty, making it over a thousand years old.

“Tirta Empul” means “holy water spring.” According to Balinese Hindu belief, the spring was created by the god Indra, and its water is considered sacred, possessing cleansing and healing powers. Locals and visitors alike come here to perform melukat, a traditional water purification ritual meant to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit.

The purification ritual: The heart of the temple is a long stone pool fed by 30+ water spouts, each with a specific symbolic meaning—such as purification from negative energy, healing, or blessings for prosperity. Worshippers enter the pool wearing sarongs and move from spout to spout, bowing their heads under the flowing water in prayer. Some spouts are traditionally reserved for locals, and guides or signs help visitors follow proper etiquette.

**Kopi Luwak is coffee made from beans that have been eaten and excreted by a small animal called the Asian palm civet (a cat-like mammal, but not actually a cat).

"Kopi" means coffee in Indonesian. "Luwak" is the Indonesian name for the civet

Bali - 1) Baruna Beach front Resort

The resort I stayed at Baruna Bali is about 5 min drive or 20 min walk from the airport.  The beachfront resorts in Baruna, Bali feel like a parade of leisure and beauty. A long stretch of well-maintained beach lines the coast, and in October the weather could not be more pleasant. You can stroll along the pedestrian walkway, but be aware that motorbikes also use it, which can be quite annoying at times.

For a more peaceful experience, walk directly on the sand along the shoreline. Swimming in the ocean is refreshing, but there are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk.

Bars and restaurants line the beachfront, bustling with tourists throughout the day. In the evenings, some resorts host cultural performances by local artists, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. It’s easy to imagine spending an entire vacation simply relaxing at one of these resorts.

Here are some photos taken along the beach. I especially love the sunset hours. Enjoy!