Day 2.

After a good sleep we got up early just after 6am and went for a morning walk along the waterfront.


The Solar Star berthed at Pier 7. Built in 1958, it is one of the oldest Star ferries still operating.


Pier 7 (middle-right) is used for the Star Ferry service to Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon. Pier 8 (middle-left) is home to the Hong Kong Maritime Museum.


All ten of the Central Ferry Piers and the nearby Hong Kong Observation Wheel.


Towering above is the 88 storey high International Finance Centre.


The early morning sun now beginning to crest over the island to the east.


The International Finance Centre is the tallest building on Hong Kong Island.


And looking across Victoria Harbour to Kowloon.


Centre is the Central Government Complex.


The complex was designed to symbolise Hong Kong's "openness and transparency of governance" and to be accessible to the public and incorporates Tamar Park that passes through it.


The sun rising above Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and over the east of Hong Kong Island.


International Commerce Centre in West Kowloon with a Star ferry and a tugboat crossing Victoria Harbour.


A quick visit to Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon with the Hong Kong Cultural Centre just to the right.


The Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier. The terminal was built in 1957 and is quite an interesting example of Streamline Moderne, a late type of Art Deco architecture.


Looking back at Hong Kong Island with the sun now reflecting off some of the many skyscrapers.


The Silver Star sitting idle in Victoria Harbour.


Built over 50 years ago in 1965, it was great to see a piece of Hong Kong history up close.


Back at Star Ferry Pier on Hong Kong Island.


Pier 9, one of the public piers at Central.


Nearby there was an On Sharks and Humanity exhibition.


Heavy metal.


The exhibition was to raise awareness of the the negative impact of the shark fin trade.


Jaws.


We then wandered back through the streets to Sheung Wan.


A row of red Toyota Crown Comfort taxis. First released in 1995, the iconic and slightly retro design finally ended production in May 2017 after 22 years in production.


And back at the hotel where we enjoyed some tasty sausage, eggs, dim sum and fruit to fuel up for our hike for later today.


After breakfast we headed undergound to head back to Kowloon.


Heading back above at Wong Tai Sin station.


Into a taxi for a short ride to Lion Rock Road to begin our hike.


And on our way to Lion Rock, the highest mountain in Kowloon at 495 metres tall.


Hiking up the peak is a favourite activity by Hong Kongers and the path up was in very good condition and made for an easy walk.


Looking out to the western side of the city with Lantau Island in the distance.


A short stop for a breather before the final stretch.


Looking out to West Kowloon and Hong Kong Island on the horizon.


And taking in the breathtaking views of Hong Kong!


Lion Rock just to the left with Tai Wai in the New Territories just behind.


Waterloo Road centre, stretching out toward Yau Ma Tei.


Public housing blocks at Tsui Chuk Garden on the city edge, being enveloped by the surrounding forest.


Wong Tai Sin is home to several Public housing estates built in the 1980's.


Wang Tau Hom.


Beacon Hill.


The multitude of apartment blocks north of Lion Rock in the New Territories.


Looking down on the Lion Rock track with the steep stony cliffs on the south side and green trees and bush on the north side.


It was a great and not too taxing hike topped off with perfect weather and amazing views!


Back down the bottom at Lion Rock Park where school kids were out getting some sun and fun.


And some cool Oolong tea from a vending machine to rehydrate after the moderate exhertion.


Walking down Lung Cheung Road.


And back in Wong Tai Sin.


After the dose of exercise we decided next to get a fix of spirtuality at Wong Tai Sin Temple.


Wong Tai Sin District is named after the temple, which is in turn named after Wong Tai Sin, a Chinese Taoist deity.


Heading underground again.


And in Sham Shui Po in search of something to eat.


After a short walk we arrived at Tim Ho Wan.


The first Tim Ho Wan opened in 2009 when Mak Kwai-pui, the former chef of Lung King Heen, a three star Michelin restaurant, opened a 20-seater dim sum restaurant in Mongkok.

Now with 45 branches, the Sham Shui Po, North Point and Tai Kok Tsui restaurants have now received one Michelin star.


The front kitchen busy making their delicious award-winning dim sum.


It was almost 3pm and we were able to get a seat with only a short wait.


The vermicelli roll with pork to start.


Next was the Chiu Chow style steamed dumplings.


Their signature baked BBQ pork buns. Really tasty with the sweet exterior contrasting with the delicious pork inside.


Followed by the Shao Mai pork and shrimp dumplings.


And some sweet tonic medlar and osmanthus cake to finish.


All for a very cheap $HK110 ($14)! Tim Ho Wan is also known as the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant in the world.


After the amazing meal we walked to Flower Market Road in Prince Edward.


Bright yellow sunflowers and other flowers on display. There seemed to be countless rows, stalls and shops all selling beautiful fragrant blooms, bonsai trees, fresh cut flowers and exotic plants.


Brilliant Carnations by the bunch. The market is open everyday (except Chinese New Year) from 7am to 7pm.


Rianda choosing a small bunch to brighten up our hotel room.


We then walked to Prince Edward station to catch the MTR back to Hong Kong Island.


Back in Central we went to check out the Mid-Levels escalators. The system is 800 metres long with a climb of 135 metres and with a total travel time of twenty minutes.


It was a very interesting and cool way to sightsee urban Hong Kong. Sharing a chocolate mint protein shake at nood food in Soho.


I wanted a tripod to take some shots at Victoria Peak tomorrow and as well as for an upcoming trip to Erta Ale and managed to get a good deal on a Manfrotto at Tin Cheung Camera on Stanley Street.


We then headed back to the hotel to rest up after a great day exploring the city.

Just after 6pm we headed out into the streets of Sheung Wan again.


After the late lunch we weren't too hungry so just bought a few buns at a local bakery.


Making our way to Central.


The Meridian Star waiting to take on passengers at the Star Ferry Pier.


At Pier 9, the departure point for our Chinese Junk harbour cruise.


A red sail Chinese junk approaching the public pier.


And our junk, the Aqua Luna, pulling up the pier.


The Aqua Luna is relatively famous, and has featured in everything from post cards, TV shows and on the cover of the Lonelyplanet Hong Kong guidebook.


The International Finance Centre looming above as we pull away from the pier.


The Symphony of Lights cruise was timed to coincide with the daily light and sound show of the same name and cost $HK295 ($38) each.


It was a great way to see the Hong Kong skyline all lit up from the middle of Victoria Harbour.


Enjoying our complimentary drink as the show begins.


The crimson red sails lit up against the night sky.


The Star Ferry evening harbour tour cruising in front of the lit up Bank of China Tower.


Cruising over to the Tsim Sha Tsui Pier to drop off passengers and pickup more for the next cruise.


Passing the Star Ferry harbour tour as we head back to Hong Kong Island.


Walking back through the Central Elevated Walkway at the end of the very enjoyable harbour cruise.


And back at our hotel after a great second day in Hong Kong.