Hong Kong television personality Jamie Lau guided co-host Dennis Cheng through an eclectic and adventurous itinerary across Southern California, blending celebrity homage with rare wildlife encounters, for the upcoming installment of the TVB Plus travel program, Luxurious Journeys (奢遊記). The episode, airing tomorrow (the 30th), features Lau fulfilling a personal pilgrimage to a Hollywood celebrity’s eatery before taking a “land and sea” exploration of San Diego’s famed wildlife attractions.
The journey began in Los Angeles at the renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame, where Lau, a self-proclaimed “number one fan,” dedicated a stop to the popular fast-casual restaurant chain founded by actor Mark Wahlberg and his two brothers. Wahlberg, known for starring roles in blockbuster franchises like Transformers and Ted, launched the global hamburger enterprise years ago.
“Mark and his brothers created a hugely popular burger spot, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame location draws countless visitors,” Lau noted, emphasizing the restaurant’s star appeal. She was thrilled to learn from staff that Wahlberg himself had visited the specific outpost twice, illustrating the deep connection between Tinseltown and entrepreneurial ventures.
Rare Mammals and Majestic Whales
Following the metropolitan excursion, the hosts pivoted south for a comprehensive nature-focused adventure, combining visits to land and marine ecosystems.
The hosts’ first stop was the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, widely recognized by various media outlets as one of the world’s leading wildlife conservation facilities. Home to over 800 species of animals, the park offers a refuge for numerous endangered populations.
Lau expressed particular enthusiasm for one of the park’s most elusive residents: the platypus.
“The platypus is an endangered animal, and this is the only place in the United States where you can see one,” Lau explained to viewers, highlighting the mammal’s biological uniqueness. “It’s also the only mammal that lays eggs, so it’s absolutely a must-see.” Her focus on this rare, egg-laying creature underscored the commitment to showcasing uniquely localized biological treasures.
Next, the itinerary shifted to the Pacific Ocean. Departing from Newport, the pair embarked on a whale-watching charter hoping to spot some of the migrating marine giants.
The anticipation built quickly when the viewing vessel was surrounded by a large pod of playful dolphins—often a biological indicator that larger whales are nearby. The excursion culminated in a dramatic and close encounter with a massive humpback whale. The hosts witnessed the spectacular sight of the whale breaching the surface and dramatically whipping its large tail fluke, providing a fitting and memorable climax to their “sea line” adventure.
These diverse experiences—from the glitz of Hollywood to rare wildlife conservation efforts—demonstrate the breadth of California’s travel appeal. The episode promises an engaging blend of cultural immersion and natural wonder, reinforcing the premise that luxury travel can encompass both star-studded destinations and ecologically significant sites. Viewers look forward to seeing the detailed accounts of these unique encounters.
