HK ’11: Madame Tussaud’s & Wrapping Up Hong Kong

Growing up, my perception of “family trips” involved going to my folks’ hometown and visiting the grandparents. That’s it. We were never big on family outings, or hitting the beach, or even going out on picnics. So this trip to Hong Kong, with me and my parents (and Aunt in tow) is, to say the least, one for the books. It’s also something I look forward to repeating soon, real soon.

Remember in my Victoria Peak post where I mentioned about camera battery draining, with the spare battery left at the hotel? So I had to make do with my phone’s less-than-stellar camera to take whatever pix I can when we went down to Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum? I forgot to mention that, at the time, my camera’s battery was also slowly draining, no thanks to the cold weather. Ya feel my predicament?

So I apologize if the photos that follow are of even crappier quality. Haha!

Madame Tussaud’s Hong Kong is the HK “branch” of the famous wax museum which first opened in London. When I was checking out the website, thinking to include this in our itinerary, I was disappointed with the announcement that David Beckham’s wax figure is taking a trip “elsewhere” during the time we’re there.

The wax museum is a must-see, IMO, if this is your cup of tea. The fact that it is located at The Peak is already convenient if you are going there anyway.

OK, let’s get the ball rolling!

There’s a corner with Asian stars. Of course, I already showed you a pic of the wax figure of Bruce “The Dragon” Lee in the previous Victoria Peak post. When you enter Madame Tussaud’s entrance, you will pass through the figure of Jackie Chan. Unfortunately, you get to take a photo with him using the Museum’s official camera and photographer. And then, when you leave, you have the option of getting the photo – at a price.

Needless to say, we didn’t. I don’t remember exactly how much the photo went for, but I think it was pretty pricey, which was why we were like, “Thanks, but no, thanks.”

It was so difficult waiting for my turn to take a photo with Aaron Kwok’s figure. Haha!

And I was scrambling about, craning my neck, trying to see if Tony Leung Chiu-Wai also had a wax figure, since Andy Lau is there (self-confessed Infernal Affairs fanatic here!). But it was not to be. Ohwell.

The figure of Barbie Hsu does not look like her, but that’s just my opinion.

And, needless to say, I did that neck-craning thing again to see if there is any F4 or Dao Ming Si/Jerry Yan figure nearby. But nope. No such luck.

Two actress-icons in their own rights. The ever-graceful Meryl Streep of Hollywood, and Asia’s Michelle Yeoh.

Even the Brangeline wax figures had pride of place. Seriously.

And no, Kristen Stewart was nowhere in sight. RobPatz is pretty much all by his lonesome. A foretelling? Haha!

There’s James Bond. And Nicole Kidman hounded by paps. 

Of course, if you mention the MI-5 agent, the British Royal Family will not be far behind. With the throne left vacant. Which only means one thing: we get to experience being royalty, too, albeit for a few seconds only. 🙂

Even famous film characters have their own corner, and wellhellothere, Captain Jack Sparrow!!!

The timeless Audrey Hepburn gets an unexpected date.

The music corner covered all genres. So there’s the boy genius Mozart….and the King of Pop Michael Jackson.

The Fab Four, the Beatles, also had pride of place in the musical figures section. There was also Lady Gaga, and Madonna (back when she was younger. and firmer. You know what I mean.)

Humanitarians and celebrities who had causes were also there. Jet Li was dressed as one. Man, I would’ve taken a photo if he was in any of his Once Upon A Time In China or Fearless costumes.

Mahatma Ghandi. (Edit: I erroneously referred to this gentleman as The Dalai Lama previously, and a huge thanks to Shwu Huey Ng for correcting me. Much appreciated~!)

I already mentioned how Becks’ figure is not there. So there aren’t a lot of interesting (at least to me) sports figures in there. I failed to get (and remember) who this sumo wrestler is supposed to be.

And Wills is there, too! Not Prince William, but William Shakespeare. (Although, there are similarities “up there”, *snickers*)

Somebody needs a hair stylist. Or, at least, a comb. I am all too willing to offer.

Yes, Einstein. It doesn’t take a genius to know that hair has to be run through with a comb once in a while.

I bet people decades ago would KILL to have a Hitler who cannot retaliate if they poke fun at him.

And, taking a photo with the leader of the free world, in his office. Ain’t it graaaaand~

The Museum is quite large, with considerable number of figures. When I checked the website last, it appears Ronaldo now has his figure in there. Waaaah~

On to other things….

I loved Hong Kong’s MTR (subway) system. Part of the fun was walking around and through it, and finding lots of things to discover down there. It was also clean and well-maintained, so walking in it at 10 at night, with just one or two people about, did not raise any creep factor.

Hong Kong is also famous for its night markets. We only went to two. The first one was the one in Mong Kok; on the second night, we went to Temple Street.

If you’re buying pasalubong, the night markets are the place to go. They sell everything, from souvenirs to clothes to shoes and bags… Of course, you have to make sure you haggle. The sellers, I suspect, take advantage of the language barrier, using it as their excuse to be rude. Do not be disheartened. Haggle, haggle, haggle. They will be wielding calculators, so when you ask “How much?” they will press the price on the calculator in HK dollars. Then they will let you input your preferred price. Be crafty. They are.

Some would be downright rude. And probably even curse at you in their language. This is one of those times when you can simply smile and take comfort in the fact that ignorance is bliss. Haha!

This is one thing that impressed me. In the places we went to, I noticed how tobacco smoke was non-existent. Perhaps it was because of this?

Hong Kong has something for everyone, in my opinion. History. Culture. Shopping. Theme parks. Adventures. It is one place you can visit and have no worries about running out of things to do.

This post wraps up my Hong Kong trip. I hope to go back sometime soon, this time with friends. Although I wouldn’t mind bringing family along with me again. You see, Disneyland has new attractions. Madame Tussaud’s has new wax figures. We were too tired to check out Avenue of the Stars. I haven’t experienced the Star Ferry. And I hear the shopping at Causeway Bay (and CityGate Outlets) are quite something. See? Still so many things to do.

For those who are wondering, here’s a quick rundown of our itinerary.

Day 1

Arrived at Tsim Sha Tsui at 9am and dropped our stuff off at the Hong Kong Imperial Hotel on Nathan Road. Ngong Ping and Big Buddha (with lunch). Victoria Peak. Madame Tussaud’s Hong Kong. Night Market in Mong Kok (where we also grabbed dinner).

Day 2

Devoted to Ocean Park Hong Kong. Temple Street Night Market (where we also had dinner).

Day 3

All day spent at Hong Kong Disneyland (post 1 and post 2).

Day 4

Morning spent roaming around the amazing HKIA (Hong Kong International Airport) then took the noon flight home.

Again, I couldn’t have done the whole planning for this trip if not for the awesome peeps at the Hong Kong thread over at PEx. Seriously, THANK YOU.