Travel Bucket List: Best Light Shows Around the World

February 7, 2018 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 8 comments

I didn’t necessarily set out to see some of the most renowned light shows around the world, it just sort of happened.

I first knew that I’d write this blog post when I was visiting Dubai late in 2016 not long after a visit to Singapore, two of the more famous places to see light shows on a grand scale. And that was after another memorable light show I took in earlier that year.

But something was missing.

VEGAS.

Las Vegas, Nevada is one of the more famous places in the world to catch a light and fountain show on a grand scale, and is well visited by Americans and foreigners alike. I just hadn’t been. Yet.

With my recent trip to Las Vegas late last year, I feel like I’ve now completed the main places you can enjoy the collective entertainment of the outdoor spectacle that is the light show.

And the best part?

All of these are FREE and open to the public.

Many of them even have fountains putting on a show with colored lights and music. And all are worth seeking out when you’re on the road!

Best Light Shows Around the World

Barcelona, Spain

I was debating including this one on the list, but it is beloved by so many and the only spot on this list in Western Europe, so here it is – the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. This is a comprehensive light display with a wide range of colors and fun, themed medleys to go along with the show, that both children and adults can appreciate. Showtimes can be found HERE.

TIP! The Magic Fountain only runs on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings (Wednesday – Sunday in summer), so plan your visit accordingly!

Dubai, UAE

If you’re visiting the Burj Khalifa, world’s tallest building, you’ll already be up close and personal for the record-breaking show at the Dubai Fountain that you can view with the looming skyscraper as the backdrop. The nuance of the choreography of the fountains is mesmerizing and the shapes and light are quite the spectacle. Most shows take place during the evening hours, every 30 minutes. Details about the relatively new paid viewing platform and exact showtimes are HERE.

TIP! Viewing spots fill up quickly so get there early to stake out a good vantage point on the show.

Hong Kong

The Symphony of Lights in Hong Kong only runs once a night at 8:00pm, but it is worth seeking out because it involves over 40 buildings across Victoria Harbour! There is also music to accompany the show, which you can hear live at two designated spots or you know, listen on your phone because there’s an app for that. I enjoyed catching it outdoors with the live music at the Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) waterfront, which has the same communal feel you’ll get at the other light shows around the world.

TIP! You can also watch the show in all directions by taking a ride on the Star Ferry across the Harbour during the show.

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

You’ll have plenty of chances to see the Fountain Show at the Bellagio, which repeats multiple times every afternoon and evening, with different choreography and musical accompaniment. Although the Bellagio Fountains perform more often than the other light shows on this list, the length of each show is shorter – typically under 5 minutes for the length of a single song. But there is nothing like the rush of being close to the power and force of the fountains during the show, which can impressively shoot jets of water nearly 500 feet (over 150 meters) into the air!

TIP! If you want to see the show more than once, aim for an evening time when it repeats every 15 minutes.

TIP! Stand a bit to one of the sides for the best angle on the show and if you’re close be wary of the spray when the wind catches.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

This is probably the least well-known town on this list, but one with an incredibly impressive and lengthy light and fountain show that kept me mesmerized for a good part of the evening. Known as the Singing Fountains, the water and light show that ensues does not disappoint. Plovdiv has also been named a European Capital of Culture for 2019 and CNN thinks it will be the next big European destination, so get there soon before the rest of the crowds do!

TIP! The Fountains only run on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, so plan your visit accordingly!

Singapore (Gardens by the Bay)

The ‘trees’ of Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay have solar cells to gather power during the day to fuel each night’s light and music spectacular. Showing twice nightly at 7:45pm and 8:45pm, I only caught this my last night in town – had I been earlier, I would have come back every night of my trip! The musical theme rotates every two months, and as someone admittedly obsessed with live theater and musicals, I was lucky enough to visit when the show was Broadway-themed:

Singapore (Marina Bay Sands)

You may know the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore more for its iconic rooftop infinity pool, but the light show there is just as impressive – and open for all. There is some serious technology involved in creating the Spectra Light and Water Show here nightly, and it is so massive it can be seen from high vantage points all over the city. It is also one of the longest shows on this list, providing 15 minutes of color and wonder.

Light Shows to Check Out Next

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, and now that I’ve enjoyed so many, more light shows are definitely on the horizon for me. Also on my radar for future travel:

Haifa, Israel

Okay, so this one doesn’t even exist yet, but a light show is coming soon to this city on the Mediterranean. I was less than impressed with the nightlife options in Haifa when I first visited nearly 20 years ago, and this latest investment is in part to extend the evening entertainment options in the city. This is planning to launch in late 2018, so stay tuned!

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I didn’t even know this one existed until I recently saw a photo on Instagram! Another Asian metropolis joins the ranks of Hong Kong and Singapore in the race to outdo one another when it comes to their city light spectaculars. I’ll definitely seek this one out the next time I’m in Asia.

What light shows have you seen around the world? Which ones stand out most? Any that are missing from this list? Share away in the ‘Comments’ below!

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How to Make the Most of Chinese New Year in Hong Kong

January 27, 2017 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 0 Comment

Chinese New Year in Hong Kong is a series of celebrations so spectacular that many mainland Chinese – along with visitors from around the world – travel to the city to join in the festivities. Each year, there are a series of events, including the iconic fireworks display over Victoria Harbour. After spending a week in Hong Kong around Chinese New Year two years ago (my second visit), it’s hands-down the time I’d recommend for a trip.

Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, so while it consistently takes place in late January to mid-February, the exact dates change each year – so check a calendar before planning your trip. Also, a lesser known fact that I love is that in the Chinese calendar (depending on which approach you subscribe to), the new year is around 4715! Just a wee bit ahead of the Gregorian calendar. This is obviously representative of the long history of Chinese dynasties and how long they’ve been keeping track.

If you haven’t planned for it, you’ll know you’re in Hong Kong for Chinese New Year by the abundance of orange and tangerine plants being sold at stores, displayed at hotel entrances, and located pretty much everywhere you turn. It’s considered auspicious to eat – or at least display – the fruit as the Chinese word for orange is a homophone with the word for success & the word for tangerine contains the Chinese character for luck.

It is also traditional for people to exchange red (or otherwise decorated) lai see envelopes containing cash as a gift for good luck prosperity in the new year. In general these envelopes are given from senior to junior colleagues in an office and from married to single relatives. And it is customary not to open the envelopes in front of the giver, so you’ll see many people around town with a collection of red envelopes.

Read on for more about the Chinese New Year traditions to expect, the ways Hong Kong celebrates every year, and other sights to explore during your time in Hong Kong.

Things to Do to Celebrate the Chinese New Year

Explore the Flower Market

If you’d like to explore all of the nooks and crannies of the Flower Market at a leisurely pace, go on one of the days leading up to the eve of Chinese New Year. For the quintessential, so-crowded-you-can-barely-walk experience, head to Victoria Park after dinner on Chinese New Year eve. You’ll wait in long queues to enter, and feel as if the entire rest of Hong Kong is there with you, but that is also the most festive time and when you’ll get the deepest discounts if you’re looking to make a purchase.

Join a Family ‘Reunion Dinner’ on New Year’s Eve

It is traditional for families to gather together on the eve of Chinese New Year for a ‘reunion dinner.’ If you’re extra lucky like me, you have family who lives in Hong Kong who will invite you to their house, where we enjoyed each other’s company and a festive meal, along with a family friend. If you have any contacts or even friends of friends there, I recommend joining one of these meals, or creating your own festive meal out with your travel companions and friends you’ve met on the road. And of course, there are traditional Chinese dishes you can seek out for good luck in the new year.

TIP! When you’re looking for food the following day (on Chinese New Year’s Day), be aware that many restaurants will have a surcharge that is a percentage of your bill added to your check. And many spots will be closed, so do your homework before you show up somewhere to dine on the national holiday. There are still some great options, especially in the more central areas, including Mak’s Noodle where I enjoyed lunch the New Year’s Day I spent there.

Attend the Parade

There is annual parade on the evening of Chinese New Year Day, on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong, beginning in the Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) area. If you plan ahead, there are spectator seats for sale, otherwise it is free to stand anywhere else along the parade route. It is a mix of traditional Chinese performances, like the dragon, as well as a variety of foreign performers who are invited to participate.

View the Fireworks Display

I don’t exaggerate when I say that the fireworks in Hong Kong for Chinese New Year are epic. You’ll want to stake out a spot close to the Harbour in advance where you can get a good view of the 20-minute spectacle. Fireworks are set off for the New Year, as it is believed that they drive off evil spirits. The fireworks display in Hong Kong takes place each year on the evening of the day after Chinese New Year’s Day (the second day of the new year), along with a classical musical accompaniment.

TIP! As soon as the fireworks end, the hordes of people set off in search of dinner. Have a plan within walking distance for where you’ll go for dinner after the fireworks (if you haven’t already eaten) or where you’ll be able to go close to your viewing point. While the MTR (metro) and buses will be running, they will be at their most crowded, so you shouldn’t count on them as an immediate means of transportation.

(More) Things to Do in and around Hong Kong

Victoria’s Peak

Known colloquially in Hong Kong as “the Peak,” Victoria’s Peak is located on Hong Kong Island. There is an expansive view of the Harbour and Kowloon on the other side from the summit. There is a steep trail where you can hike to the top, or a funicular tram that will get you there.

TIP! The tram can get quite crowded (especially in the Chinese New Year period), so plan to hike up by foot or go outside of this time if you can. Or even if you take the tram to the top, you can save yourself the time of waiting in the line to descend and instead hike down on foot.

Light Show

Like Singapore, Hong Kong sure knows how to take advantage of all of its tall buildings with the nightly light show at 8:00pm involving 40 (!) buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour. If you watch from the Wan Chai promenade or outside the ICC building, you can also hear the accompanying soundtrack that really brings it to life. It’s also popular to watch it from a boat crossing the Harbour.

Star Ferry

Yes, there is the metro that will take you across, but there is no more iconic way to cross Victoria Harbour than on the quite inexpensive Star Ferry, at least once during your visit. It runs back and forth between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon side about every 10 minutes and gives you a great view of both skylines. If you watch it pull away or dock, you can see one of the crew members still throwing a rope by hand to attach and detach the boat.

Kowloon

A lot of tourists will stick to the Hong Kong Island side, but even if you have no tourist destinations in mind, head to the Kowloon side across the Harbour to get a very different flavor of Hong Kong life. It is more densely-populated than Hong Kong Island, and has a variety of attractions worth checking out, from the Kowloon Walled City Park (commemorating the self-contained enclave that was a crime haven throughout most of the 1900s then demolished) to the Temple Street night market.

Highest Bar in the World

Hong Kong boasts the highest bar in the world, the Ozone Bar on the 118^th floor of the International Commerce Center (ICC) building, as part of the Ritz-Carlton hotel there. It is so high up that you are above the clouds, so go when it is a clear day or night for a different perspective on the Hong Kong skyline.

Hiking

When you conjure up an image of Hong Kong, you probably envision a collection of skyscrapers, all crowded in next to each other in some of the most densely-populated neighborhoods in the world. But the truth is that the vast majority of the islands that comprise Hong Kong are undeveloped and pristine nature areas with a wealth of hiking trails to guide your path. And even if you’re staying in ‘Central’ – basically downtown Hong Kong – it’s usually just a hop on the MTR (metro) or a cheap taxi ride to arrive at the start of a hike well off the beaten path.

Museums

The one museum I visited during my visit was the Hong Kong Museum of History, which does a great job outlining different periods in Hong Kong’s founding. It provided some great context for the region that I didn’t get in the rest of my sightseeing. If museums are your thing, or you’re faced with rainy weather, there are a ton of other museums in Hong Kong to visit, from the expected (the Hong Kong Maritime Museum) to the obscure (Hong Kong International Hobby and Toy Museum).

Buddhist Temples and Sites

The two main Buddha-related sights are the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery and Tian Tan Buddha, otherwise known as the Big Buddha. For both, you are better off visiting on a non-holiday weekday if possible. The Big Buddha, part of the Ngong Ping Village, is best accessed by the cable car that you can find adjacent to the Tung Chung MTR (metro) station. The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is also metro accessible, from the Sha Tin MTR station.

TIP! Buddhist temples and tourist attractions – especially the Big Buddha – are likely to be slammed on the holiday days of the Chinese New Year, as pretty much everyone has off from work and many of those people have additional family members visiting. Reserve spots ahead of time and if possible (even with a reservation) go on the days before or after the two-day New Year holiday. Or first thing in the morning before the lines will keep you queuing for hours.

Visit Macau

Macau, like Hong Kong, is also a “Special Administrative Region” of China, and is easily accessible by ferry from Hong Kong. Leading up to Chinese New Year, it will be packed during the day with Chinese mainlanders who come over for the day to stock up on holiday foods and other shopping for a fresh start to the new year. However, not only is it great to experience the decorations for lunar new year interspersed with the Portuguese flavor of this former colonial outpost, there are a lot of great deals on hotel accommodations in this period.

What’s your favorite Chinese New Year tradition? And what are the best places where you’ve celebrated Chinese New Year before? Let me know in the Comments below!

Happy travels, and I wish you all a very happy Chinese New Year – gong hei fat choi!!

Lana

11 Ways Singapore is Like Hong Kong – and why you should visit both!

November 10, 2016 Lana @TravelSavvyGal Comments 0 Comment

I had very little in the way of expectations before visiting Singapore. I knew that its cuisine was a mix of influences from across Asia, and that food culture is strong. But really, I did not know much else. I booked my plane ticket without having a single item on my “To Do” list – although I had already gotten recommendations from friends for two places to eat when I arrived. And I have three different sets of friends living there, for various reasons. Some Singaporean, some as expats, and what I wanted most was to spend time with them.

So onto this blank slate, after a lazy first morning, I spent an afternoon getting to know the city. By the time the late rain broke and I was heading to the marina area for some more tourist exploration it occurred to me what had been on the edge of my consciousness all day – Singapore is so similar to Hong Kong!

I wondered if talking about the similarities between the two locales would be enough material for a blog post, and jotted down a few notes. Within minutes, I had nearly a dozen ways the two places were alike. An idea that was later cemented by a Singaporean friend who commented how “Singapore is becoming more like Hong Kong every day.” I loved both places and would go back to visit Singapore and Hong Kong in a heartbeat – and this is after a week (or more) in both places, coming nowhere close to exhausting the “things to do” or “places to eat.”

Here are some of my observations on ways the two cities are alike:

Efficiency
Airports with a lot of international arrivals should be taking their cues from Hong Kong and Singapore (I’m looking at you, Milan Malpensa). Customs waits are negligible or sometimes nonexistent, and everything is done with the customer in mind. Even taxi lines are rapid – in Singapore I didn’t even have the two minutes it took to get a WiFi password before I was whisked away in a cab. And in Hong Kong, you can check your luggage with your airline at the Central Station in town, so you don’t need to worry about dragging your large bag on the train to the airport.

Of course, an airport is just a microcosm of how efficient a place is overall, and the smoothness and quickness of service everywhere mirrored this. If you want to see efficiency in Singapore at its best, just go wait in line for a Singaporean breakfast somewhere, it functions like clockwork or perhaps a well-orchestrated ballet.

Cityscape filled with High-Rise Buildings
Both Singapore and Hong Kong have dramatic cityscapes, where one modern high-rise next to another has sprung up to meet the increasing housing demand that comes with economic growth. Both places also are in the top five most densely-populated areas in the world. This means a lot of people packed into a small geographic area, but this is also what gives both places its bustle and energy, not to mention endless culinary options.

Abundance of Street Food
Speaking of which, there is an abundance of street food or food-on-the-go in Singapore and Hong Kong. A lot of this I think is tied to the speed of life that comes with high population density and people toiling away at work. Also, as apartments get smaller (and kitchens along with them) it can be practical to get your meals out of the house. Not only is eating out at these small vendors often cheaper than cooking at home, you also encounter someone who has spent a lifetime mastering the one dish that they sell, yielding delicious results.

Spread at Hong Kong's Tim Ho Wan, at the time the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant in the world — Spread at Hong Kong’s Tim Ho Wan, at the time the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant in the world

Michelin Dining on the Cheap
Hong Kong has had a Michelin guide for a while, and through when I visited in 2015, the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant in the world was located there. When the first Michelin guide to Singapore came out in mid-2016, a couple of hawker stands that received one star served meals that were even cheaper. Certainly Michelin is not the only arbiter of good cuisine (that’s a whole ‘nother debate), but it is definitely an indicator of the value for money and delicious bites you can get eating in both places.

Metro Systems
Hong Kong’s MTR and Singapore’s MRT systems are nearly twins. Some features – like the lanes marked on the ground so people leaving the train have space to exit before others board – I’ve seen in other Asian cities, like Bangkok. However, even the station map inside the train car has an incredibly similar setup of flashing lights for the current station and a separate indicator to let you know which side of the train will have its doors opening at the next stop. An excellent and inexpensive means of transport in both cities that I relied on heavily during my stays.

Large Expat Communities
Not only does this explain why I had reason to spend so much time in both Singapore and Hong Kong (thank you, hospitable friends!), but having a large expat community in both cities is intricately entwined with their growth. Large expat communities also mean that the services to keep them happy follow, so everything from yoga classes to restaurants serving a variety of ethnic cuisines are readily available for you, the visitor. What makes expat living easy and comfortable also extends to travelers, making both cities great places for a holiday.

Rooftop Bars
Build a city of skyscrapers and what do you get? Rooftop bars! Singapore has a lot of rooftop or high-floor bars, especially in the area of the marina. Hong Kong offers more of the same, including the highest bar in the world – so high, that the night I went there we were *above* the clouds and there was no view of the city. But I hear it’s amazing on clear days…

Light Shows
For some reason, both Hong Kong and Singapore love their light shows – and so did I! In Hong Kong, there is the LED digital display of animation that shows nightly on the ICC building. If you’re in the vicinity, watch from the outdoor terrace where you can also hear the musical accompaniment. Singapore also has a musically orchestrated show, with lasers and fountains around the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel – watch from anywhere on the marina or from a boat on the water to hear the music as well. And even more surprising for me, the light show in Singapore’s Supertree Grove at the Gardens by the Bay is not set to classical music like the others, but instead features Broadway showtunes. So fun =)

Cheap Taxis
Yes, public transit is wonderful, but sometimes a taxi is the most convenient way to arrive at your destination. Not to worry, Hong Kong and Singapore feature the cheapest taxis of possibly anywhere I’ve ever visited. Want to bar hop across Singapore’s downtown area? No problem. Want to catch a taxi to the start of an obscure hike off the beaten path in Hong Kong? Yup, I did that too when I visited. Having cabs as a cheap transportation option makes it an easier decision to just go and do something spontaneous or inconvenient that you might otherwise think twice about doing.

Islands Galore
The relatively self-contained areas make both destinations easy to explore with many coastal areas and islands. Singapore of course is its own country, with the main island, and dozens of other smaller ones nearby. Hong Kong is now a “Special Administrative Region” of China (like Macau), and consists of a few main islands and areas, with lots of smaller islands nearby. In both places, you can stay in the center and soak up city life, lounge on the beach of a nearby island, or hike the lush, green hills. Variety is the spice of life.

English!
Thanks, British colonialism, for making Hong Kong and Singapore such easy travel destinations. Due to their history, The English language abounds in both locations, making it that much easier to be a tourist. From restaurant menus to museum descriptions, it’s just a little bit easier to navigate a new place when everything is ready to read and you can ask for directions or recommendations in English from most people you encounter.

Although I now have spent a week in both Hong Kong and Singapore, I loved them both so much I want to go back the next time I’m in Asia. Fortunately, both locales have excellent flight connections around the region, so kicking off my next Asian adventure with a few days in Hong Kong or ending with a few days exploring more of Singapore is totally feasible.

Have you ever been somewhere that so strongly reminded you of somewhere else? Of course, Hong Kong and Singapore have their own nuances, but it is clear to me why I love both so much!

Travel Savvy Gal

Making the Most of Your Time Away

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