Theme Park Archives - Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle

Despite the tormenting 2 minutes before the actual “jump” (or push), it is one of the most memorable experiences in this lifetime. Up to this day, I cannot believe that I did the jump. I walk with a different strut now… (erhm, just don’t watch the video). What a thrilling and electrifying moment to be in the air with nothing but a harness to support your fall.

Sky Jump is one of Macau’s most exciting tourist attractions that should be a “don’t miss” experience.

At 233 meters, Macau Tower’s skyjump and bungee jump from the outer rim by world renowned AJ Hackett is the highest in the world. How many people can say that they’ve jumped off that height?

Test your moxie! Do you have the intestinal fortitude to do the jump?

Some of the Famous Towers

1. CN Tower Toronto, Canada 1976 1,815 ft

2. Ostankino Tower Moscow, Russia 1967 1,771 ft

3. Oriental Pearl Tower Shanghai, China 1995 1,535 ft

4. John Hancock Center Chicago, USA 1969 1,500 ft

5. Empire State Building New York, USA 1931 1,454 ft

6. KL Tower Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 1995 1,403 ft

11. Macau Tower Macau, SAR China 2001 1,109 ft

12. Tokyo Tower Tokyo, Japan 1958 1,093 ft

13. Sky Tower Auckland, New Zealand 1997 1,067 ft

14. Eiffel Tower Paris, France 1889 1,063 ft

We went back to the tower to get our photo and video package. We shared an elevator ride with the other couple and we couldn’t stop laughing at what we just experienced. The girl said that my 2-minute hesitation prepared her for her own plight.

A small crowd has already gathered outside the jump off point, where one guy is preparing for his bungee jump.

We went around the deck again and took some photos with the AJ Hackett staff. Bubba bought a nice black and red AJ Hackett shirt.

The Statue of Kun Lam

We headed to another tourist attraction in Macau. The Statue of Kun Lam Temple is supposed to be a blend between the traditional images of the goddess Guan Yin and Holy Mary. Guan Yin is known to be The Goddess of Mercy who is a Buddhist Goddess who bestows clemency on people who sincerely repent their sins.

Portuguese artist Cristina Rocha Leiria designed the exquisite gigantic Kun Lam Statue. The breathtaking 20-meter statue is made up of 48 polished bronze plates crafted in Nanjing and bolted together at the center stage along harbor waterfront.

Image Source: Panoramio User SantoB

The status is said to bring affluence in the country while the giant lotus flower pedestal is home to the Ecumenical Center, providing information on China’s major religions. Entrance to the center is free.

We had a quick stopover at a small ramen house before heading to the next stop.

Macau Fisherman’s Wharf

The Fisherman’s Wharf is the biggest them park in Macau, claim to have an estimated cost of HK$1.9 billion. Entrance to the site is free. The park offers nightly explosions of the complex’s 40-meter high volcano, daily jet-ski stunt shows and souvenir shopping. The complex houses 150 stores and restaurants in buildings built in the style of different world seaports such as Cape Town, Amsterdam and Venice, including six rides, slots hall and a 72-room hotel casino.

Back to the Venetian

It was a fantastic fun afternoon spent under the sun. It was time to head back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner.

We toured the hotel and looked at some high-end shops. There was a mini-performance in one of the sections of the hotel.

We finally picked a Portuguese restaurant for dinner.

Madeira Portuguese Restaurant

Madeira – While you are in Macau, why not taste the flavors of this city? Madeira serves Portuguese as well as Macanese dishes that are distinctly from Macau. Macanese dishes are a flavorful blend of cooking traditions from Portugal, Southeast Asia, India, Africa, Latin America and southern China. African chicken, curry crab and Bacalhau have been Macanese favorites for centuries.

It was the last evening of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and everyone in the restaurant looks astounded watching the replay of the opening ceremonies on television.

On the Table

Madeira Portuguese Restaurant

Shop 2408a (St. Mark’s Square)

Sun-Thurs 11:30 – 23:30

Fri- Sat 11:30 – 12:30

The Gondola Ride

After dinner, we walked around the beautiful St. Mark’s Square and moved from bridge to bridge. Bubba insisted to take the graceful and romantic gondola ride down the Grand Canal but I declined. I told him to save the Patacas instead. Little did we know that the Gondola ride is free if you’re booked in the hotel… sigh, too bad.

We watched while others take the Gondola ride and listened to the sang wonderful Italian songs. Despite the elegant Italian architecture and painting façades, there is that Venetian spirit of romance in the air. The Venetian grandeur can be quite quixotic in certain areas.

Back to the Suite

Toyed with the camera in the room while resting.

Again, the plan that night was rest and refresh then check the clubbing scene but the relaxing suite made us fall asleep again and missed out. The sofa sleeper is also comfortable to bunk in.

The next morning, after another hearty breakfast at Café Deco, we said goodbye to the Venetian and the sparkly Macau.

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.”

– Jawaharial Nehru

Website Links

Macau Tower

AJ Hackett

The Venetian Macao

Macau Album 1

Macau Album 2

Macau in a Nutshell Album 1

Macau in a Nutshell Album 2

Sky Jump Video

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Hong Kong Day 2 – Ocean Park

June 19, 2008 by Janey

Too busy at work and after work that my backlog on entries is piling up!

Day 2, we woke up at 8am all revved up for our planned trip to Ocean Park. We had to pack our luggage since we were transferring to Marco Polo come evening. We checked out YMCA (HKD 750) at 9am and deposited our things at the luggage counter. Off we went to the station to ride the MTR going to Admiral. I started to love HK’s MTR system. It was so easy to go about town!!! And so quick too. I also love YMCA’s strategic location. It is walking distance to the station, moneychanger, night market, to basically everything! YMCA upgrading us to a grand suite for the price of a standard room makes me remember them in my book! Thanks so much to Karen Z. for suggesting that we stay in YMCA.

While I have to keep inserting coins to get an ala carte card to Admiral, CW has this all access card. We rode the train enjoying being strangers in a foreign land. We got off at Admiral and looked for the bus that goes to Ocean Park. There was a moving line at the ticket booth. Package for roundtrip bus tour to Ocean Park and entrance fee is HKD 230, which is barely PHP1, 500. We rode the double-decker bus.

Ocean Park

Before the HK trip, I have been asking people which between Ocean Park and Disney is better to go to. I only had two and a half days in HK and didn’t have time for both. CW stayed three days longer but only because he has some family business to take care of. Since I’ve been to Disney in Japan, there was no incentive for me to go again –especially in a much smaller and populated version. I asked my family and they all said that I’m going to enjoy more in Ocean Park. I asked friends and got mixed recommendations. I discussed it with CW. If we want a nostalgic experience, then we’d hit Disneyland but if we want something new, then it’s Ocean Park.

Since we both love animals, you know where we headed. I missed the chance to go to Ocean Park and Disneyland when I didn’t go with my family to another trip to Hong Kong. I thought it was all going to be a shopping trip and city tours again.

We arrived Ocean Park around 11am. We had to take three long elevator rides to get to the top. Once on the top, we decided to grab brunch first since it was going to be a long day at the theme park. I ordered ribs, sausage and fries while CW got the fish, sausage and fries. He was served chicken though instead of fish. He didn’t mind since we were both excited to eat. I saw some Chinese eating with their hands. Upon closer inspection, I saw that they had plastic gloves on. I decided to try it, much to CW’s amusement. After 10 minutes, I gave up and ate with fork and knife.

In a nutshell, I really think Ocean Park was a good choice. I enjoyed the exhausting yet exciting day spent there watching the dolphin/sea lion show, seeing different animals like sharks, jellyfish, manta rays, and the rest of the 10,000 leagues under the sea. I totally adore the panda and can stand there for hours watching them eat leaves. For some reason, CW and I thought of Joyce. Haha. I still cannot believe I got talked into riding the Mine Train. I still remember CW’s voice, “Think of it as a prep for Bungee in Macau.” I know it was a kiddie ride for most but it was a whoop ass ride for me!!! Good thing I had an excuse not to ride the Abyss (dextroscoliosis) or I’d get cardiac arrest as I strap on the safety belt!!!

We went back to hotel after Ocean Park. It was 6pm on my watch and we had to freshen up before dinner and night market. We walked to the night market. It was already bustling by 8pm. Since I’ve shopped myself out the day before at Tung Chung, I only grabbed a few insignificant items. CW has got to be the only guy I know who can expire me with shopping. Aren’t boys supposed to hate shopping? I don’t know many boys who have the patience for it as much as he does. While shopping, we grabbed this street food, crispy and spicy squid. It was so yummy I had to buy another one before dinner! We had a late dinner at 930pm. By 10pm, we were in a cab (HKD 30) on our way to Marco Polo.

The second night found us sharing a room with Chris’ parents at Marco Polo (approx. HKD 1,400). While YMCA is conveniently situated in Yau Ma Tei, Marco Polo is appropriately located at the high-end district in Tsim Sha Tsui, where all the designer labels are. Marco Polo is 15-20 minutes walk to Jordan where the male night market is, while YMCA is a few blocks from the ladies market.

Day 3 and Musings coming up!

HK Day 2 Album

Ocean Park Album

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Flashback: Eurostar

June 26, 2007 by Janey

When the traveling theme park, Eurostar, arrived in Manila, it made a lot of buzz. Even if I am not into big rides, the buzz made me plan something with friends. Chai and some of her friends, Racq, TeeDee, Chris, SE and me set one night to go to Euro “carnival.”

SE, TeeDee and Chris were crazy enough to ride the Ranger, while I was the designated photographer of the day. We had dinner at the venue and of course it was ridiculously priced. Good thing that they were selling good ice cream.

TeeDee and Chris left early and missed the whole sit on the ground photo op I’ve initiated out of strict boredom of watching everybody else enjoy the ride.