Hong Kong - 2) A Symphony of Lights

Free to watch. “A Symphony of Lights” is a nightly multimedia show that illuminates the skyline around Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong. It’s one of the city’s most famous attractions and celebrates Hong Kong’s energy, creativity, and status as a global metropolis.

The show features synchronized lasers, LED displays, searchlights, and colorful building lights from dozens of skyscrapers on both sides of the harbor—Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The lights are choreographed to music and narration, creating a coordinated performance across the skyline.

The show happens every night at 8:00 PM and lasts about 10 minutes. On certain days (usually Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays), the show includes narration that highlights themes like Hong Kong’s history, culture, and future development.

Best Viewing Spots: The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade (very popular and lively atmosphere), A harbor cruise boat on Victoria Harbour (more immersive and less crowded), Near the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, From elevated spots like Victoria Peak (for a wider city view rather than close-up detail)

Frist day when I arrive, after dinner, we walked to nearby Harbor, walked around the harbor and got on one of the cruise boats and watched the show.  It was a great experience.

Hong Kong 1) Streets

Those photos were taken on the way from airport to my hotel located in Mong kok district. The ride from the airport is about 1 hour.

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.