Hokey Pokey at Millenia Walk

School holidays is coming to an end so the mummies decided to get the cousins together for some fun at Hokey Pokey. It used to be situated at Suntec City but has since moved to Millenia Walk, just beside Parco on the second level. Of course, what better way to entertain a bunch of high energy kids than to put them together and let them loose....

Hokey Pokey opens at 10am and with unlimited play for just $25 on weekdays, we made sure every minute counted by being there early. We were there by 10.20am all ready to explore after gearing up in socks. Upon entry, each child is also given a bottle of mineral water. Good thinking! That means I do not need to bring their water bottle along the next time we go. Less things to carry would make outing with children an easier and happier task.

Clean walkway where parents can gather, over a coffee or snacks over the counter while keeping a watchful eye on their children. Lockers are also provided upon signing in so valuables can be tucked away safely without cluttering the space.

Knee socks for crawling babies and teething rings are also available for sale.

A changing table for babies. Very thoughtful indeed.

Second child can sign up at 50% of the price. A very good deal!

Party Room

Hokey Pokey adopts an open space concept where parents and staff can always keep a lookout for their children wherever they are. When we entered, the kids started running in all directions. There were just toys all over!!! Toys for the babies, toys for the toddlers and older kids. Toys for boys, toys for girls. However, if you are expecting a three-level obstacle course, coupled with highly challenging rope walk, you would be disappointed. Hokey Pokey appears to target kids under 6 years of age. The oldest kid in our group was 8 years old but she was more than entertained the whole time she was there. I love Hokey Pokey for the fact that everything is made so safe for young children and that there are many pretend play toys, just the thing to feed their young creative minds.

Up she goes...

down she comes...

A favourite digging ground for the gang

Toys for babies and toddlers...never mind the big kid there..

Check out the cars parked at Hokey Pokey!

The 2 younger cousins taking a ride while the driver (me) goes around the compound at their direction.

Kitchen sets for the aspiring Masterchefs Junior...did I mention that there are 3 kitchen sets!!
More kids can play together (in peace)

Future Michelin-Star chef at work...

...while the cashiers figured out how to operate the cash machine and coffee maker.
If the latter fails, there is always a toy vending machine which sells hot chocolate :)

Time to doll up

Lots of princess dresses for the fantasy play

A large sized doll house! Woo Hoo!!!

A fire station for the boys

Train tracks...

...and a fortified castle for the brave boys

Captivated by baby.

There are many baby dolls at Hokey Pokey to go around so there are no worries about snatching.



Some down time after all the play.



Bubble time for the kids! A special treat indeed.

The cousins (both kids and adults alike) had a great time at Hokey Pokey and I had to restrain myself from signing up as member simply for the fact that it is too far for us and we do not have a car. Still, it is definitely top on my indoor playground list and I would have no qualm heading back there again. I am sure the cousins would agree too. 

Hong Kong Part 5: Tai-O Village

After 3 days in Disneyland, we needed something relaxing and slow. Tai O Village seemed like the answer since it was near our cousin's apartment. We took a bus there and reached there a little too early for the next boat at 1125am. With more than 30 minutes to spare, we headed to the only restaurant available at the pier.

We took Bus E31 to Tung Chung Ferry Pier

Sea breeze...there was none! That was how hot it was.

Chinese restaurant by day and Indian restaurant by night

Simple deco topped with sea view.

Waiting for our ferry. Not all the ferries here head for Tai O Village so be sure to board the right one.
If you are unsure, check with the man at the pier. He helps to dock the ferries when they arrive and ushers the crowd in and off the ferries.  

Tap your Octopus card for the ferry fare. HK$25 which works out to be about S$4.
The ride is about 30 minutes so if you have motion sickness, come prepared with pills or sweets.

I survived the 30 minutes ride without any sign of motion sickness. A feat indeed!

The view at Tai O was awesome!

 

Rustic charm of the fishing village echoed throughout



Another way to get to Tai O Village - a one and a half hour journey up the winding mountain

A small museum near the pier. The lack of English explanation made the visit to the museum a 'see and go' experience.

Small alley with local products and eateries

HK$15 if you opted for the dolphin sighting tour. HK$10 for the waterway cruise.
Didn't think we would spot any dolphin in this heat so we opted for the waterway cruise.

Locals working on their boat



Cafes along the waterway



After a very quick ride of about 7 minutes, we continued our exploration along the alley



More dried products

Fish organs??

Dried seahorses

Grilled cheese oysters!

Spicy seashells.

Erh....Snow White is looking for a spouse?

Found a café to enjoy



Traditional deco with old CDs makes the visit a walk down memory lane.

Some simple fares.

The desserts were yummy. Found out later that they were home-made.

My noodles which took more than half an hour to arrive.



Fried chicken, fish, prawns, fishballs....but was really bloated from the lunch and was not able to try any.



Tai O Chinese pizza. Hmm, an acquired taste? Anyway, I could only manage one bite.
Nonetheless, the uncle was really entertaining during his cooking show.

Cutting them into smaller portions.

Another must try in Tai O

Crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. If I were hungry, would have eaten more than one.
With my bad tummy, I could only take one bite. Sob sob...

A long queue for this one.

Good old charcoal grill. Smells good!

Grilled cuttlefish...

...the traditional way. Yummy!

More traditional snacks

It was almost 4pm and I could feel energy sipping out of me very quickly. Didn't help that I was still lethargic from the days of play, not forgetting the intense heat from Disneyland. We missed the 4pm ferry back to the mainland and had to wait around for the 5.45pm ferry. I rested with my girls at the pier while the rest of the group continued their exploration. The breeze at the pier, coupled with the cool evening air, helped ease the tiredness a fair bit. By the time we reached the mainland, I was ready for dinner. We headed to the same restaurant we were at in the morning, this time, for Indian food. I must admit that I had my apprehensions at first as I am not exactly a fan of Indian cuisine but decided to follow the crowd. Plus, I was too tired to go anywhere far in search for food. To my huge surprise, the food was very delicious. The kids loved the cheese naan so much that we had to order extra servings. The spinach and lamb curry was also superb. I can't say I am now a fan of Indian cuisine but one thing's for sure, I would definitely order more the next time I visit the restaurant again.

Yummy cheese naan