Pearl of the Orient, & Macau

Never thought i'd go for a shopping trip, but i did anyway. Fortunately, even though i've always preferred places of nature over a sprawling metropolis, Hong Kong is truly an impressive city, and just the views alone contribute much to make it a worthwhile trip. The landscape planning of Hong Kong island is really excellent, and the night scenery nothing short of spectacular. Our day trip to Macau was no less fruitful as well. With all the new glitzy and glamorous buildings built to support the casino industry, i'm beginning to see why it has overtaken Las Vegas as the city which generates the most casino revenue.

Hong Kong, the pearl of the Orient

The Harbour seen from Victoria Peak

Bright neon signboards hang above the busy streets

Little Portugal in China- The Largo de Senado

Admiring a 'picture' of the ruins of St Paul

The upcoming Babylon casino

Macau Fisherman's Wharf & the immense Macau-Taipa Bridge

Underwater Paradise

Pulau Sipadan- a place that is on every diver's 'must go' list. While october is not the best time to go in terms of visibilty, i was not the least bit disappointed by the spectacular underwater vistas off the tiny limestone island. The vibrant colours of the amazingly rich marine life surpassed almost all of the images that i've conjured of a true underwater kingdom. Swarming whirlwinds of jacks and baracuddas, schools of huge bumphead parrtofish, frequent sightings of sharks and turtles, a myriad of colourful corals and gigantic seafans, i could go on forever. Moreover, it was turtle mating season! Green turtles at every corner, some swimming around looking for a willing partner, some courting, some catching a little rest before their next 'vigorous' session- I even saw a pair actually doing it! Forget the fast and the furious, young things! The adage 'slow and steady wins the race' sums it up here. In fact, i hear it takes up to 24hrs on average. Oh how i envy them...

The Legendary Pulau Sipadan

Can't stop the chorus of 'Under the Sea' playing in my head

World of vibrant colours

one of the barras gasping in astonishment as it saw me

School of angelfish swimmin' by

Whirlwind of Jacks - Cool!

Green turtle in 'mid-flight'- how graceful...

Courting turtles, so cute- how can anyone like turtle soup!?

Sharks' fins- difficult choice...argh, stop messin' my head!

By the way, i found Nemo *smile*