AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2015
VILLAGE PEOPLE
MOVING WITH KIDS TO TONG FUK
TAKE A HIKE
UP AND OVER TIGER’S HEAD
GET ON BOARD
Win ti Ham ckets Let let, to se and Dadd Don’t e Hi-5 y Kn o Dre House w am of s
LEADING THE WATER SPORT CHARGE
Join your community online
Publishers in Lantau since 2002
An all new ESF International Kindergarten is coming to Tung Chung
Online Enrolment K2 - September 1 K1 - October 1
Where Inquiry Begins Start your child’s learning journey with ESF International Kindergarten, Tung Chung Our purpose-built, spacious kindergarten will provide the perfect environment for young learners. As the largest of the ESF Kindergartens, our space is being carefully planned to provide places of beauty that will support learning, stimulate imaginations, nurture children, families and staff, and truly inspire the wonderful memories of childhood.
New! Tung Chung at The Visionary Tel: 3762 2411 Email: kinder@tc.esf.org.hk
With well-resourced classrooms, great access to current learning technologies and indoor and outdoor play areas, young children will be presented with multiple opportunities to learn, socialise and develop their skills. Through inquiry-based learning and play, we encourage children’s natural curiosity and creativity, develop their personal and social skills, inspire them with a life-long love of learning and the confidence to fulfil their potential.
Our other Kindergartens: Abacus at Clearwater Bay
Free Play Session - for K2 applicants on Sunday, 27 September 2015 at ESF International Kindergarten, Tsing Yi (Maritime Square, 33 Tsing King Road, Tsing Yi, N.T., H.K) To enrol and find out more about ESF International Kindergarten, Tung Chung please send an email to kinder@tc.esf.org.hk.
opening for the 2016/2017 School Year
an IB World School
Tel: 2719 5712 Hillside on Stubbs Road an IB World School
Tel: 2540 0066 Tsing Yi
an IB World School
Tel: 2436 3355 Wu Kai Sha
an IB World School
Tel: 2435 5291
www.esfkindergartens.org.hk
AUG/ SEP 2015 FEATURES 14 COVER STORY How Lantau is
becoming a first-class centre for water sports
24 INSIDER Moving with kids from
14
Discovery Bay to South Lantau
28 HEALTH & FITNESS What
weightlifting can do for you
32 HIT THE TRAILS Climbing Tiger’s Head in three to four hours
REGULARS 13
34
GIVEAWAYS Fabulous prizes up for grabs!
31 LADA UPDATE News from Lantau Development Alliance
34 ASK THE EXPERT Protecting your loved ones by making a will
35 BUSINESS MATTERS Sharon Lesley Le Roux: The Story Studio
02
36 LANTAU FACES Community snaps 40 STEPPIN’ OUT Hong Kong’s best rooftop bars and restaurants
AGENDA 02 HOT OFF THE PRESS Lantau news 06 LANTAU FOCUS What’s happening in the community
19 PULL-OUT GUIDE Learning centres, clubs and activities: everything you need to know
37 CLASSIFIEDS Great deals,
employment, businesses and more
38 LOCAL NUMBERS Your ultimate guide in DB and Lantau
32
24
AUGU ST/
SEPT EMBE
R 2015
ON THE
COVER
Readers with a feature story idea, please email rachel@baymedia.com.hk If you would like to publicise a local event, email sam@baymedia.com.hk For general enquiries, email info@baymedia.com.hk To advertise, email lissa@baymedia.com.hk
Life on Lantau , Bay Media, 7E Glamour Court, Discovery Bay Call 2987 0577 | Fax 2987 0533
For the latest Life on Lantau updates, find us on
VILLAGE MOVING
PEOPLE TONG FUK
WITH KIDS
TO
E TAKE A HIKTIGER’S HEAD UP AND OVER
Taking the plunge in Lantau this summer
Win tick Ham ets to see Let Dadlet, Don ’t dy and Hi-5 Know Hou Dream se of s
BOARD SPORT CHARGE GET ONTHE WATER LEADING
Join your
online community
in Lantau Publishers
and www.lifeonlantau.com
since 2002
Photo courtesy of Kiteboarding Association of Hong Kong
LANTAU NEWS Publisher Corinne Jedwood corinne@baymedia.com.hk Managing editor Rachel Ainsley rachel@baymedia.com.hk Advertising & sales manager Lissa Morris lissa@baymedia.com.hk
LIGHT-REFLECTING COLLARS PROTECT COWS
Art direction Terry Chow terry@baymedia.com.hk ASSISTANT EDITOR Sam Agars sam@baymedia.com.hk Project manager Danielle Higgins danielle@baymedia.com.hk Office manager Beatrice De Magistris accountant@baymedia.com.hk
Photos courtesy of Tai O Community Cattle Group
Photography Leah Ahmad Fashiel Tamimi Contributors Allen Ha Annette M. Houlihan Martin Lerigo Jamie McGregor Rebecca Tomasis PRINTING Fantasy Printing 7/F Tin Fung Industrial Mansion 63 Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong DISCLAIMER The views expressed in Life on Lantau are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors. The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission.
© BAY MEDIA LTD
Tai O Community Cattle Group has launched the Safety Collar Scheme, fitting over 100 cows with labelled, fluorescent collars to increase their visibility to drivers. The collared cows are concentrated on South Lantau roads from Shek Pik to Cheung Sha. Tai O resident Kathy Daxon of the Tai O Community Cattle Group explains: “The collars allow the cows to be seen earlier, which helps to avoid injury and death by speeding traffic.” According to Mui Wo resident Jacqui Green of Protection of Animals Lantau South (PALS.): “Inconsiderate and careless driving habits present a serious danger to humans and animals (particularly the cows), which inhabit South Lantau and use the roads frequently.” In one incident in June 2013, eight feral cattle were killed in a hit and run accident in Tong Fuk. “The Safety Collar Scheme is both a positive and workable concept and it has raised the awareness of residents to the presence of the cows in our villages and along our roads,” Jacqui adds. Both ladies speak of their frustration with the Transport Department who, they say, is doing nothing to encourage people to drive more slowly. For more information, contact Kathy at taioccg@gmail.com and Jacqui at jaquigreen@gmail.com.
HOT OFF THE PRESS
BAN ON SELFIE STICKS
UBER COMPETITION FOR LANTAU TAXIS
Photo courtesy of G. Hobson
Photo courtesy of www.usatoday.com
It’s official, selfie sticks are no longer allowed at Hong Kong Disneyland. If you visit the theme park, you will be reminded of this new rule by large signs outside the ticket office. “We strive to provide a great experience for the entire family, and unfortunately selfie sticks have become a growing safety concern for both our guests and cast,” says Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty. In implementing this ban, Hong Kong Disneyland is joining a growing number of recreational facilities worldwide.
According to the transport authorities, the number of taxis in Lantau should increase by 50%, from 50 to 75 by 2025. Yau Shing-mu, Transport and Housing Undersecretary, told legislators that it was necessary to increase the Lantau taxi number to accommodate a growing population and an increase in the use of taxis. But there are concerns. Taxi licenses are very expensive - HK$7 million to operate a taxi in Hong Kong - and not enough new taxi drivers want to pay for a license. Last month, taxi drivers criticised transport authorities for failing to put an halt to private car drivers offering cheap rides through car-hailing mobile apps such as Uber. Around the world, as Uber offers competitive rates, it’s taking a significant amount of business away from the traditional taxis. Is this going to happen here on Lantau Island? Will taxis or technology win the transport struggle?
SOUTH LANTAU ROADS TO OPEN TO ALL VEHICLES? Lantau’s transport system is imploding: buses, ferries, taxis, roads and carparks are seriously congested most days and totally overwhelmed on public holidays. But despite this, the government advisory committee, LanDAC has recommended that South Lantau roads are opened up to all vehicles. A decision from the Transport Department is pending. One government official who questions the recommendation, due to road safety concerns, is Chief Inspector David Neil Bennett, the newly appointed head of Lantau South Police. He points to the poor state of repair of Lantau roads, and notes that they are especially unsafe for goods-bearing and construction vehicles. “My main concern is that we have a road network which is stretched to support daily use,” David says. “The challenge is trying to meet the challenges of development, but at the same time make it safe.” To find out more, read Robert Clark’s blog: www.lantauconfidential.com.
Photo courtesy of www.wikimedia.org AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2015 LIFE ON LANTAU 3
HOT OFF THE PRESS
NEW CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT PLANNED “The close proximity to the airpor t, planned extension of Tung Chung and the North Commercial District of the airport, together with the future East Lantau Metropolis between Hong Kong Island and Lantau, will facilitate Lantau’s development into a CBD,” says Marcos. To complement the existing North Lantau Highway and Tsing Ma Bridge, we can expect new roads and bridges connecting Lantau with Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. “It would also be a strategic move [to have] direct connections with the Qianhai Special Economic Zone in Shenzhen,” Marcos adds.
Photo courtesy of www.wikimedia.org
The government came up with a proposal to develop Lantau into a third generation Central Business District (CBD) and form an East Lantau Metropolis in its 2014 policy address. And according to Marcos Chan, head of research at CBRE Asia Pacific, the next two decades will see the implementation of high-level infr astr uc ture projec t s to cope w ith the new developments.
4 LIFE ON LANTAU
AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2015
Lantau is where both business and leisure travellers land in Hong Kong, so it will receive huge people flow from both overseas and the Pearl River Delta upon completion of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge in 2017. Marcos believes the new infrastructure will extend the real estate market, facilitate decentralisation of commercial activity and strengthen business ties with cities in the Pearl River Delta. “Careful planning is needed to strike a good balance between domestic, commercial and recreational land use,” he adds.
TUNG CHUNG ANIMAL CLINIC 東涌動物診所 T: 2988 1534 F: 2988 1586 In case of emergency: ARK VETERINARY HOSPITAL (SISTER CLINIC) 2549 2330
OUR SERVICES In-house lab work Vaccinations 24hr hospitalisation services Ultrasound
Shop No.7, Ma Wan Villiage, Tung Chung, Lantau
Radiology
東涌馬灣新村7號地下
Dermatology
www.tc-vets.com
Acupuncture
Surgery
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WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ACROSS LANTAU
LANTAU FOCUS
Find more photos of community events @ www.lifeonlantau.com
Photos courtesy of William Sargent
SNAKE HUNT Pui O Organised and led by long-term South Lantau resident William Sargent, aka the Snake Man, over 25 people took part in an afternoon photography session and snake hunt on June 4. From the brightly coloured to the cleverly camouflaged, from the harmless to the potentially poisonous, the afternoon was a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with many of the different species of snakes found in South Lantau. Check out HK Snakes on Facebook for future events.
SLOW MOVEMENT PROTEST Shui Hau to Tong Fuk
Concerned South Lantau residents took part in a slow movement protest on July 19, following possible plans by the government to open up the closed South Lantau roads to non- South Lantau residents for ‘leisure’ purposes. Local drivers are concerned about how South Lantau would cope with an increase in private cars.
6 LIFE ON LANTAU
AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2015
Photos courtesy of Save Lantau Alliance and Paul Zimmerman
LANTAU FOCUS
MOTHER EARTH GROOVE Cheung Sha Lower Beach
Mother Earth Groove on June 14 offered up live music and dance, plus art and craft activities and family games organised by the HK Dragons. In the spirit of the day’s environmental theme, local environmentalist Liina Klauss was on hand to help those interested in planting activities. The event aimed to raise awareness about appreciating and protecting our local environment.
Photos by Fashiel Tamimi
TUEN NG FESTIVAL Tai O
Photo by Fashiel Tamimi
Organised by Tai O’s three main fisherman associations, and considered one of the last truly traditional dragon boat racing days in Hong Kong, the Tuen Ng festival on June 20 started early with the deities parade. The dragon boat races that followed were held, as they are annually, to pacify the gods. Paper money offerings littered the waves and the smell of incense filled the air as the races began.
DANCE ON LANTAU YMCA, Tung Chung Young dancers from the Edge ‘n Pointe Dance Centre in Tung Chung took to the stage on July 5, to showcase their recital A Step Further , and to help raise funds for the Edge n’ Pointe dancers, who are representing Hong Kong in this year’s Aberdeen International Festival in Scotland, July 24 to August 2. For more information, visit www.edgenpointe.com.
Photos courtesy of Edge ‘n Pointe AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2015 LIFE ON LANTAU 7
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LANTAU FOCUS
ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS FOR YOU TO ENJOY! Find more information and events @ www.lifeonlantau.com
Photo courtesy of Treasure Island
SUMMER SURF CAMP Pui O Beach
Through August 14
This summer again sees the waves off Pui O Beach filled with little surfers as Treasure Island hosts its ever-popular summer surf camp. Eight weeks of surf and beach activities are on offer for children aged five and up. Surf camps for older children can include an overnight stay. For more information, visit www.treasureislandhk.com.
August 17
RUN FOR CHARITY Borneo
Dragonair pilot, Keven Tate is taking part in an ultra-marathon in Borneo to raise funds for a Nepalese orphanage run by Hong Kong charity the Child Welfare Scheme (CWS). Keven will run his way across 100 kilometres of jungle and mountainous terrain. CWS works with Nepalese NGOs and focuses on children and women’s welfare. For more information, visit www.cwshk.org.
8 August 2
Photo courtesy of DEI Kindergarten
NEW KINDERGARTEN OPEN DAY Mui Wo
The official open day of the new Dramatic English International Kindergarten gives visitors the chance to meet the school’s principal, while learning more about its drama-based curriculum, which incorporates Early Years Foundation Stage outcomes. Expect activities for the whole family, including role play, games, storytelling and face painting. You’ll find the new kindergarten at Sea Crest Terrace, 19 Mui Wo Ferry Pier Road; for more information visit www.DEIKindergarten.org.
SUMMER SCHOOL Tong Fuk Campus
h Throug
Photo courtesy of Keven Tate
21 August
Lantau International School’s summer camps explore the theme of Around the World in Eighty Days! A series of indoor and outdoor activities aim to enhance children’s understanding of the world and its continents. Activities include making sushi and tie-dying t-shirts, as well as a visit to the beach to design sandcastle hats and compete in a tug of war. Contact patricia@lis.edu.hk for more information.
Photo courtesy of Lantau International School AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2015 LIFE ON LANTAU 9
LANTAU FOCUS
WHAT’S HOT in town ULTIMATE PLAYGROUND
LKF BEER FEST LanKwai Fong, Central
Kowloon Bay
www.latimes.com
SLIDE THE CITY Kai Tak Cruise Terminal
Yo u h a v e t o s e e i t t o b e l i e v e i t – a 1,000-foot-long waterslide installed at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Slide the City encourages partygoers to dress to impress, and bring buckets, floaties and water pistols to ensure everyone enjoys a thorough soaking. Expect live music, food and drink. For more information and to secure your tickets, starting at HK$150, visit www.slidethecity.hk.
Photo courtesy of www.bounceinc.com
BOUNCE Hong Kong is a super, new, indoor playground, which is all about jumping high and landing soft and safe. Get ready to unleash your free spirit! For further information, or to make an online booking, go to www.bounceinc.com.hk.
T H E T OF THE BES
B E S T
• DINING
This year’s Lan Kwai Fong Beer Fest (the 12th edition), held on August 8 and 9, is taking on a cowboy theme, featuring wagons, saloons and a wild-west feel. There’s a craft beer street for the third year running, plus 70 booths, offering everything from food and drink to art and fashion. For more on the event, and the 200+ types of beer on offer, visit www.lankwaifong.com.
L A N T A U
U LANTA 2015
T • PETS
SPORT
O F
Photo courtesy of Lan Kwai Fong Association
ALTH MILY • HE
• FA
ity online commun Join your
• HOME
AINMEN • ENTERT
Publishers in
Lantau since
2002
Coming this Autumn 2015
Featuring interesting and informative sections on dining, sport, family life, health, home, entertainment, pets, as well as a unique pull-out section on Lantau’s hiking trails, The Best of Lantau is the essential guide for everything Lantau. Produced only once a year, this magazine will highlight the diversity of our fabulous island, both as a place to live as well as a place to visit. Be part of this exciting new publication and expand your reach to potential customers all over Hong Kong.
Call us on 2987 0577 or email danielle@baymedia.com.hk to book your ad.
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4/20/11
5:40:58 PM
See William Shakespeare’s Hamlet YOUR PRIZE: ABA Productions is offering two readers two A-Reserve tickets (worth HK$795 a ticket) to see Hamlet on opening night, September 4 at 7.30pm.
GIVEAWAYS
Here’s your chance to win great prizes! Life on Lantau competitions are incredibly easy to enter (you’ll even find the answers to our questions right here). You have until August 10 to submit your answers. To enter, email info@baymedia.com.hk, click on the competitions link at www.arounddb.com, or scan the QR Code below. Don’t forget to give us your name and telephone number!
FIND THE ANSWER: L o n d o n - b a s e d Shakespeare’s Globe is set to deliver a fresh, pared-down version of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai from September 4 to 6. The show is part of the company’s two-year Globe to Globe Hamlet tour, which will take in every country on Earth. For tickets, starting at HK$495, visit www.hkticketing.com.
Where was DLDK first shown? Photo courtesy of www. asiaworld-expo.com
Win tickets to Don’t Let Daddy Know YOUR PRIZE: AsiaWorld-Expo is offering two lucky readers two standing tickets (valued at HK$980 per ticket) to see Don’t Let Daddy Know (DLDK) on September 30, at 5pm. FIND THE ANSWER: Following its debut at the world’s largest club, Privilege Ibiza just over two years ago, DLDK has taken the world by storm. You can expect out-of-this-world entertainment, plus mind-blowing special effects. DLDK is showing at AsiaWorld-Expo on September 30 from 5 to 11pm. For tickets, starting at HK$580, visit www.hkticketing.com. For more information, visit www.asiaworld-expo.com.
How long is the Globe to Globe Hamlet tour? Photo courtesy of ABA Productions
Catch Hi-5 House of Dreams YOUR PRIZE: MEI Live is offering two lucky readers three A-Reserve tickets (valued at HK$450 per ticket) to see the show on August 16, at 6pm. FIND THE ANSWER: Join the Hi-5 team in Hi-5 House of Dreams, a giant sleepover that sees Ainsley, Dayen, Mary, Stevie and Tanika enter the world of dreams. This interactive and energetic show is being performed at AsiaWorld-Expo, August 15 to 16. For tickets, starting at HK$250, visit www.hkticketing.com.
Can you name three members of the Hi-5 team? Photo courtesy of MEI Live
Congratulations to last issue’s winners Rosa Nievas and Yago Aguilar for the Como Lake vouchers; Jessica Lai for tickets to see Ice Age Live ; and Julie Marchese for the Chris Coelho Photography photoshoot. AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2015 LIFE ON LANTAU 13
COVER STORY
DIP IN Photos by Hunt Smith, and courtesy of Treasure Island, Palm Beach and Kiteboarding Association of Hong Kong
By Sam Agars
While junk trips are a traditional way to spend a long afternoon, very few Hongkongers take their pursuit of the ocean any further. Lantau, however, is bucking that trend, with a number of local water sport centres noting a significant increase in both locals and tourists flocking to their shores
W
hat Lantau lacks when compared to more popular Asian beach destinations – pristine sand and clean breaks to name just two – it certainly makes up for in enthusiasm and creativity. While surfing conditions are often suitable only for beginners, except for a rare day with larger, sometimes typhoon assisted swells, Lantau’s water sport providers have plenty of other options for the beachgoer keen for more than just a sedate wade. Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) has burst onto the scene in the last couple of years, kayaking is as popular as ever and windsurfing and kiteboarding are both prominent on Lantau’s beaches. The government is keen to promote Lantau as a centre for water sports, and in this area at least its plans seem to be in line with the locals’ wishes. In fact the world and his wife are already out there. It’s not unusual on a weekend to see hundreds of kiteboards, kayaks and surfboards darting through the waves at speed – a mesmerising sight.
Leading the water sport charge One place that has witnessed the growth of water sports in general, and SUP in particular, is Treasure Island at Pui O, with programme leader Nick Tilley confident its popularity will continue to increase. “SUP is still working its way up,” Nick says. “We have just put in 14 LIFE ON LANTAU
AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2015
another purchase order for three more stand-ups. We get people coming out here and doing yoga on the stand-ups and all sorts of stuff. Stand-up is the up-and-coming activity.” One of the reasons SUP has found its niche on Lantau is the ease with which a person can access the required equipment, a long board and a paddle, and the fact that just about anyone, with a little bit of practice, can do it. It is perfect for Lantau’s generally calm waters and, while challenging, does not require extreme exertion. Treasure Island went into par tnership with Mavericks, a sur f-themed beach bar, front and centre on Pui O Beach, just over a year ago and the t wo are a formidable team. Treasure Island offers the obvious ser vices, SUP, kayaking and surfing (with hire costs starting at HK$80 an hour), as well as its well-known sur f camps for kids, school camps and team-building adventures. There is even ‘glamping’ – camping with a touch of luxur y, where all you need to do is rock up. Throw in the retro feel of Mavericks, the per fect place for a weekend drink and feed, and Treasure Island has all the bases covered. “In the last 12 months there has definitely been an increase in people coming down,” Nick says. “I was here when Mavericks wasn’t and I have noticed the difference. There are so many more people heading to the beach and there’s a lot more happening.”
COVER STORY
Stand-up paddle boarding is the up-and-coming activity at Treasure Island
Located on picturesque Cheung Sha Beach, Palm Beach offers many of the same services as Treasure Island (SUP, kayaking and surfing), with windsurfing and skim-boarding thrown in. Hire starts at HK$70 per hour for a kayak and HK$90 for a surfboard, while Palm Beach also provides a host of reasonably priced lessons in a range of disciplines. Palm Beach’s Tommy Leung, who has been in the water sport business on Lantau for over 12 years, is looking forward to a big summer season and echoes Nick’s thoughts, predicting more people will flock to Lantau this year than ever before. “There is more demand and more users,” Tommy says. “We are expecting a big summer. Business is always improving.” Just up the way, at Lower Cheung Sha Beach, Long Coast Seasports works in the same vein as Palm Beach and Treasure Island. It specialises in kayaking, surfing, windsurfing and SUP, with the added extra of wakeboarding.
Run by Keith Tang, the KAHK caters for kiteboarders of all levels of experience and is the perfect place for beginners. An extensive three-day training course, open to children as young as eight, costs HK$6,000 a head, or HK$4,500 each for groups of two. The calm waters off Shui Hau Wan are ideal for learners, while the choppier Pui O waves provide a little action for boarders with an expansive repertoire. According to Keith, ease of learning and the lure of an accessible thrill are two of the main reasons the sport is attracting more and more participants. “In kiteboarding you have freedom to move around, as you are not behind a boat,” Keith says. “A lot of windsurfers change to kiteboarding as it is so much fun. It’s a really trendy and attractive sport. It looks very cool and you can jump high and do tricks very easily.”
It’s worth noting that all three centres welcome children and, where possible, will cater for kids as young as three.
For HK$1,200 you can hire all the necessary gear (a kite, harness and board) for four hours and, while being on the expensive side, enthusiasts note that it’s actually quite reasonable when compared to the costs associated with something like wakeboarding.
Taking it up a notch
Locals, expats and tourists
Kiteboarding is a popular pursuit in Lantau’s waters, offering that extra thrill and wow factor for those looking to test themselves. Leading the way is the Kiteboarding Association of Hong Kong (KAHK), based out of Shui Hau Wan and Pui O beaches.
While there is an overwhelming consensus amongst Lantau’s major water sport centres that the industry is growing on the island, and the government is right behind this expansion, the mix of nationalities frequenting each centre delivers quite a contrast. AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2015 LIFE ON LANTAU 15
COVER STORY
The Kiteboarding Association of Hong Kong, Shui Hau Wan
Kayaking at Palm Beach, Cheung Sha
Surfing at Treasure Island, Pui O
Windsurfing at Palm Beach
SUP at Treasure Island
Both the KAHK and Long Coast Seasports welcome mainly Hong Kong Chinese locals through their doors, with a smattering of tourists. At Palm Beach and Treasure Island it’s quite the opposite, with more than half of their custom coming from local expats and tourists. “Over the weekend, I have 70% expats and tourists, 30% locals,” Tommy says. “Most of the foreigners come from England, Europe and the USA.” Treasure Island also sees a lot of day trippers coming out from Hong Kong side, and on public holidays, an influx of mainland Chinese tourists. “Nowadays, a lot of mainland Chinese come down, the campsite and the beach are packed with tents,” Nick says. Although Tommy is not seeing a lot of mainland Chinese at present, he expects that to change. “Water sports in Lantau are becoming more well-known to mainlanders,” he says, “and more and more are coming.”
FIND IT • Kiteboarding Association of Hong Kong, www.kiteboarding.org.hk • Long Coast Seasports, www.longcoast.hk • Palm Beach, www.palmbeach.com.hk • Treasure Island, www.treasureislandhk.com
16 LIFE ON LANTAU
AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2015
The Kiteboarding Association of Hong Kong, Pui O
Water quality Water quality throughout Hong Kong is the source of much debate, with many quick to label it as dirty and polluted. The waters surrounding Lantau are often murky, but this does not necessarily mean they are not clean. Two-year Lantau resident Douglas Kidd, an education professional and avid kayaker, points out that Lantau’s waters are affected by the dirty water coming from the Pearl River Delta but, due to tidal currents, Pui O, Cheung Sha and Shui Hau Wan waters are in fact the cleanest. According to the Hong Kong Government rating system, which rates water quality of beaches as good, fair, poor or very poor, all of Lantau’s beaches are either good or fair, putting them on par or ahead of others in Hong Kong.
SUMMER CAMP 2015
Dates Week 1: 29, 30 June; 1, 2, 3 July Week 2: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 July Week 3: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Aug Week 4: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 Aug
Venues:
CCP – DB North Plaza Community Centre DBIS – Discovery Bay International School TC – Tung Chung North Park / Man Tung Road Mui Wo Football pitch Boys and Girls of all abilities are welcome!
Term: Football and Dance Lessons
As well as Camps, HK Dragons run Term Sessions for FOOTBALL and DANCE in DB, TC and Mui Wo (You can do 1 class per week or 2 classes per week based on your needs).
All abilities are welcome!
Term 1: Aug to Dec 2015
17th Aug to 11th Dec
What we offer!
Professional Coaching, HKJFL, Henderson & HKFC Soccer 7’s Tournaments and League matches, Elite Football, International Tournaments, Parties, 1v1 coaching, Fitness, Pilates, Dance & Zumba Lessons and much, much more.. For full details please check our website.
www.wikimedia.org
PULL-OUT GUIDE
back to school!
Read on to discover Lantau’s best learning centres, clubs and activities.
PULL-OUT GUIDE
TUNG CHUNG & SOUTH LANTAU
ART
9021 1502, clementartschool@hotmail.com, www.clementart.com.au Clement Art School offers a step-by-step method of learning how to draw, in which children are supported by experienced teachers. Classes are held in Seaview Crescent.
Sakura Kids, Tung Chung
9048 5425, angie@ingredientsofwellness.com The 8- to10-week group mindfulness programme teaches kids, aged 8 to 15, skills to stop and calm down, to pay attention and concentrate more fully and to notice what’s going on in their minds and bodies. Courses for children and teens commence in September.
WATER SPORTS
EDUCATION
Mindfulness Matters, South Lantau
La Cantera FC Hong Kong, Tung Chung 5410 1092, office@lacanterafc.hk, www.lacanterafc.hk La Cantera FC aims to consistently create an enjoyable, professional atmosphere where players can learn, develop and nurture their skill and talent.
Aqua Gym, Tung Chung
The Story Studio, Tung Chung and South Lantau 6341 3989, thestorystudiohk@yahoo.com, www.thestorystudiohk.com The Story Studio is for children who love writing stories and for parents who would like their children to improve their writing skills and explore their own, unique creativity.
YD Taekwondo Korea, Tung Chung 2337 9992, inform1@ydtkdkorea.com, www.ydtkdkorea.com Teaching self-control, self-esteem, positivity and confidence, YD Taekwondo Korea aims to help students achieve their best. Classes, for kids aged 4 and up, are held at Coastal Skyline.
TEAM SPORTS
6674 6194, sakura.kids.hk@gmail.com, Facebook: Sakura Kids Japanese lessons for kids with native Japanese teachers – flash cards, games, arts and crafts, storytelling, songs and dance. Trial lessons and a summer course are available in August.
FITNESS
Clement Art School, Tung Chung
2914 0658, erikchan@aquagym.com.hk, www.aquagym.com.hk Aqua Gym is a triathlon school that combines swimming with running and cycling. Its IRON-kids Aquathon is for children aged 8 plus. It also holds swimming classes for babies, pre-schoolers and 4 to 7 year olds.
Treasure Island, South Lantau 2546 3543, surf@treasureislandhk.com, www.treasureislandhk.com Treasure Island offers an Adventure Camp (for 8 to 15 year olds) with outdoor sport activities, conducted at different locations on Lantau. There’s also an overnight camp at Treasure Island’s private campsite (usually from Thursday to Friday).
Mui Wo OWLS School, South Lantau 2984 0006, owls@netvigator.com, www.muiwoowlsschool.edu.hk The little school with a big heart, nursery to primary 6, offers the UK Curriculum with one hour of Mandarin daily. There’s a high teacher-to-student ratio and cross-grading to challenge the gifted and encourage the challenged with special attention to each student’s needs.
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Find more clubs and activities @
www.arounddb.com
PULL-OUT GUIDE
EDUCATION
DISCOVERY BAY
Mindfulness Matters 9048 5425, angie@ingredientsofwellness.com The 8- to 10-week group mindfulness programme teaches kids, aged 8 to 15, skills to stop and calm down, to pay attention and concentrate more fully and to notice what’s going on in their minds and bodies. Courses for children and teens commence in September.
DANCE
DMR School of Ballet
AEROkids
2987 4338, info@dmr-hk.com, www.dmr-hk.com Children aged 3 and up and teenagers have the opportunity to learn to dance in a professional and enjoyable environment at DMR School of Ballet in DB Plaza. The full schedule covers a wide variety of styles from Ballet and Tap to Modern and Jazz.
9154 6841, Kylie@AEROkids.hk, www.AEROkids.hk A sport aerobics and dance fitness programme aimed at children and teenagers, AEROkids is a fantastic way to improve fitness, flexibility and coordination.
Daruma Sports (Daruma Judo Club) 6244 6093, darumasports@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/darumasports Offering Judo classes for adults and children at Discovery College and DB Community Hall. Training takes place every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Island Dance 2987 1571, dance@islanddance.com.hk, www.islanddance.com.hk Island Dance offers a variety of dance classes for students, aged 18 months to 18 years. Dance styles range from Disco Freestyle and Funky Tap, to Ballet and Hip-Hop. Classes are held at Discovery Bay Recreation Club and Club Siena.
Acting Antics International 8122 9475/ 6842 8092, admin@actingantics.com, www.actingantics.com Acting Antics classes held in Discovery College start on August 25 and 26, for children aged 4 to 12. Kids enjoy acting, singing, fabulous costumes and performing live! Every student gets a role with dialogue, while building self-confidence, and communication and presentation skills.
FITNESS
DRAMA
Embody for kids 6624 8712, susan@embody.hk, www.embody.hk Fun, fit, flexi and fab! Embody is the perfect studio for kids, aged 3 to 11, to learn Yoga and Pilates.
Brightsparks Embody for adults 6624 8712, susan@embody.hk, www.embody.hk Embody offers the perfect Yoga and Pilates studio designed with you in mind. The goal is to improve flexibility and body awareness.
EDUCATION
9632 4287, brightsparksdb@gmail.com Brightsparks offers kids a fun, safe and interactive environment in which to nurture creativity and self-discovery.
The Story Studio Discovery Bay 6341 3989, thestorystudiohk@yahoo.com, www.thestorystudiohk.com The Story Studio is for children who love writing stories and for parents who would like their children to improve their writing skills and explore their own, unique creativity.
Movement Improvement 2987 5852, admin@movementimprovement.com.hk, www.movementimprovement.com.hk Offering new yoga classes for kids at MI’s DB North Plaza studio. ‘Kids Aerial Yoga’ will teach children important yoga principles, in addition to supported, inverted and up-side-down poses in a bright and fun environment.
AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2015 LIFE ON LANTAU 21
PULL-OUT GUIDE
DISCOVERY BAY
Discovery Bay Pirates Rugby Football Club
6302 6327, info@funfit.hk, www.funfit.hk An active learning programme for kids aged 6 months to 3 years, which helps develop balance, coordination, fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination and much more!
Hong Kong School of Capoeira
FITNESS
6846 0789, hongkongcapoeira@gmail.com, www.capoeirahk.com The art of Capoeira, a Brazilian dance/ martial art is open to children aged 3 to 17. The focus is on balance, flexibility, strength and coordination.
TEAM SPORTS
Funfit
2517 8248, admin@dbpirates.com, www.dbpirates.com DB Pirates is a non-profit rugby club that welcomes boys and girls aged 5 and up for rugby and hockey. It has a Mini section (U6 to U12) and Colts/ youth section (U14 to U19). Sessions are held at Discovery Bay International School, Club Siena and in Tung Chung.
HK Dragons Football Club 2987 4274, office@dragons.hk, www.dragons.hk HK Dragons is Lantau’s premier football coaching company. Operating in Discovery Bay, Tung Chung and Mui Wo, it welcomes all players aged 3 to 21 for challenging, fun and interactive lessons.
KIPMOVIN 6180 3256, thomas@kipmovin.com, www.kipmovin.com KIPMOVIN fitness and running classes for kids are available in Discovery Bay and Tung Chung and are suitable for kids aged 5 and up.
Tinytots Soccer 3488 7724, info@tinytots.com.hk, www.tinytots.com.hk Tinytots is a professional sports-play programme specially designed to help children, aged 16 months to 5 years, develop social skills and physical fitness. Classes are held at DB Community Hall.
ESF Sharks 2711 1280, swimming@esf.org.hk, www.esf.org.hk/esf_sports Learn to swim or improve your child’s skills in the Discovery College pool. With professional coaches and individualised attention, the ESF Sharks swimming programme provides a positive and fun experience for all levels.
Discovery Bay Angels Football Club chairman@dbangelsfc.hk, www.dbangelsfc.hk The only all-girls football team in Discovery Bay, Discovery Bay Angels Football Club (DBAFC) is a community-run club, open to all girls between the ages of 6 and 14.
DBees Ice Hockey 9743 6384, dbeesicehockey@gmail.com, www.dbeeshockey.com The DBees is a non-profit, community-based ice hockey team, for children aged 5 and up. It caters to all skill levels.
22 LIFE ON LANTAU
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OTHERS
TEAM SPORTS
6621 7410, info@thehitroom.com.hk, www.thehitroom.com.hk Focusing on key motor skills such as coordination, strength and agility, the HIT Room kids’ programmes aim to make getting fit fun. Kids are taught the importance of making healthy choices and to take a disciplined approach to how they treat their bodies.
WATER SPORTS
The HIT Room
Caissa Chess Club 9681 2896, contact@caissahk.com, www.caissahk.com In addition to regular club meeting activities, Caissa organises various chess events throughout the year, including open tournaments, matches, chess clinics and training.
INSIDER
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
Photos courtesy of Rebecca Tomasis
By Rebecca Tomasis
Relocating from DB to South Lantau is a no-brainer for some, a step too far for others. What are the pros and cons, and which is the better base for kids?
A swim after school is a popular treat
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INSIDER
A
lmost nine months ago, in November of last year, my husband and I made, what was for us at the time, something of a momentous decision. It was a decision we made seemingly quickly, as we seem to make all our major decisions. Basically, we think about it over a period of a year or two, procrastinate a lot, and then pretty much overnight decide to act. And so, after 10 years of calling Discovery Bay home, we made the decision to uproot our family (three children, two helpers, two dogs, a cat and a snake) and move over the mountains to a new home in South Lantau.
Goodbye DB I agree, it might not seem like such a big deal. DB is, after all, quite a transient community and our move was within Lantau. It wasn’t a case of crossing continents, not even of crossing Hong Kong. But saying goodbye to DB was not an easy decision, and for several reasons.
Clean beaches afford hours of entertainment
Our family as it is now, began in DB. When my husband and I moved there back in 2004 we were not yet married, our wedding came later, as did our three children, who have called DB home since they were tiny newborns. I still remember the days each of them first came home on the ferry from Central. Our children loved DB, and for good reason. Their best friends all lived in the same building as us. They lived in each other’s apartments. Parks, their school, the Club Siena pool were all within walking distance of our apartment, as were their football and gymnastics classes. My children also had their grandma living just three buildings away. So how our children would react to the prospect of a move, and to the fact that we would, shock horror, be leaving DB was something that made my husband and I somewhat apprehensive. But as far as we were concerned, it was definitely time for a change. For a start, our growing family needed more space. Three children, two helpers and our menagerie just didn’t fit into a 900-square-foot apartment anymore.
The family at home near Tong Fuk
In 10 years of living in DB our rent had trebled, but our apartments had shrunk in size. And when our then landlord proposed yet another seemingly ridiculous rent increase, we decided it was time to look elsewhere.
Hello Tong Fuk South Lantau seemed a natural fit. We love the area, and were already regular visitors to its beaches. After several trips out with an estate agent, it was the house we found that eventually made up our minds for us. And by house I mean a proper house, complete with stairs and a garden. For the first two months that we lived in our new house, our children refused to be alone upstairs. Only Hong Kong children could be scared by the size of their own home. Home is now a village not far from Tong Fuk. Very few people outside of South Lantau have heard of it, and we love that. Mosquitoes and
South Lantau cows crossing AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2015 LIFE ON LANTAU 25
INSIDER
the occasional snake aside, we love our new garden and we are pretty sure the novelty will never wear off. We eat almost all of our meals outside, and we have a new, above-ground swimming pool to help us beat the summer heat. A 6.30am swim before school is now a regular feature of our daily routine. Indoors, we have so much space, there’s not enough furniture to fill it. We just have so much space. I say that a lot, just because it’s true and we continue to marvel at it. We love being able to host friends and family for barbecues and parties. Our house is now a go-to venue for large-scale gatherings. We also really love living in a rural setting. We have found real peace and quiet (barking village dogs aside). Without buses and hire cars thundering past, we can sit in the garden, serenaded by a symphony of wood pigeons, croaking toads and the occasional moo of a cow. We are still constantly amused, amazed and delighted by the South Lantau buffalos, and our electricity metre is home to a nest of bats that fly in and out at night. We love that we have some of the cleanest beaches in Hong Kong on our doorstep and with our two youngest children now at school in South Lantau, a swim in the sea after school is our new favourite activity. Lying on the beach, as the children splash in the surf, it’s difficult to doubt the decision we’ve made.
Irreplaceable memories But all of that aside – what do we miss about DB? Definitely its convenience. The fact that DB has almost anything you could need, all within walking distance – the bank, the post office, the large supermarkets. Near our new house, we have a small village shop that sells only basic supplies. Running out of something at 9pm and dashing down to DB Plaza to replace it, is no longer an option. DB is also closer to pretty much anywhere in Hong Kong than where we live now. From our village to Tung Chung is a 30-minute bus ride (although my early morning bus driver seems intent on doing it in less than 20), and my commute to work is now a good 30 minutes longer. We are more reliant on our car than ever before, which makes me worry about our carbon footprint. That said, being able to drive straight to our door is great. We don’t miss parking at Sunny Bay and dragging our children on to the bus. One thing our move has taught us, is that it is possible to leave the comfort and security of DB and survive. As we got ready to move, we had a lot of people comfort us with, “Well if it doesn’t work out, you can always move back”. But for now we are happy to have said goodbye to DB, because of what we have managed to find outside of it. DB will always occupy a special place in our hearts and our memories. But it was time to move on.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Lifting improves strength and develops muscle, whether or not you want to bulk up
TRIPLE THREAT By Jamie McGregor
Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org
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If performing simple movements that use a lot of muscle groups is the key to training efficiently, you’ll get the most bang for your buck from the ‘big three’ – the squat, the deadlift and the bench press
s most trainers will agree, people come up with some pretty creative exercises in order to work lots of muscles at once. My personal favourite so far involved someone balancing on a dumbbell, while switching single-arm bicep curls with a second dumbbell, and doing leg kicks at the same time.
The deadlift
This ‘workout’ took home maximum bravery points, as it was an accident waiting to happen. Style points were up there too, as the leg kicks looked pretty good. But effectivity was way down because the movements being performed were totally unrelated. If all the muscles had been working together on the same move, it would have been far more useful. Aside from improving his balance, my bicep-curling, kicking friend wasn’t achieving much.
The main movers are your quads, glutes and lower back. The main stabilisers are your hamstrings, calves and upper back, along with your abs and (isometrically contracted) biceps.
If your goal is to improve strength and develop muscle (whether or not you want to bulk up), you’ll want to look to the three main lifts in weightlifting: the bench press, deadlift and squat. Known as the ‘big three’, these exercises truly measure your strength because they are compound movements, involving two or more body parts. You are working more than one joint to move a load, and engaging a lot of different muscles in one focused task. 28 LIFE ON LANTAU
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The deadlift is considered the most impressive of the big three because it involves explosive strength and overall power. Lifting the barbell, from the ground to your hips, works every muscle in your body.
Note that if you don’t know what you’re doing, there is injury risk involved with deadlifts and all other weight training exercises. But technique is not something I can describe to you in words – you’ll need to watch others, and have your trainer watch you, for the best and safest results.
The squat Books have been written on the squat alone, and many people argue that it is the most important exercise of all. Whether you use a barbell, kettlebell, or dumbbell, or just your bodyweight, you’ll be working all the muscles in your body. If you are serious about your
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HEALTH & FITNESS
training, you need to love squats. The main movers are the glutes and quads; the main stabilisers are the hamstrings, back and abs. The important difference between a squat and a deadlift is that you can control what depth you squat to. Some people advise you to squat all the way to the ground, while others say you should squat until your knees are bent at 90 degrees. What’s important is that you squat as low as your hip flexibility allows – and if you’re in good shape you’ll be in the ‘bum to the floor’ and ‘knees at 90 degrees’ zone, anyway. If you’re struggling to squat to 90 degrees, I’d suggest you see a physiotherapist and do some flexibility/ rehab work.
The squat
The bench press Weightlifting is about building stamina and strength not just body mass, so don’t be daunted by this exercise. Note that doing a push-up requires an almost identical movement to the bench press; and a full push-up requires you to ‘lift’ about 65% of your bodyweight. People generally measure their upper-body strength on the bench press, although military press exercises and chin-ups have their place too. The main movers are the pecs, triceps and deltoids. The stabilisers are the abs and biceps. The deadlift
With the bench press you can control the depth of the barbell, and you need to bring it as low as possible. Ideally, it will just touch your chest before you push it away. In the gym, I often see people who are not lowering the weight deep enough to engage their pecs. If this is happening then the barbell is too heavy.
Optimising the big three Between these three exercises, we have all the muscle groups in the body covered. Calves, glutes, hamstrings, quads, abs, lower back and upper back are all getting worked by the deadlifts and squats. The bench press takes care of the chest, shoulders, arms and abs. To get all you can out of these exercises, you need a customised programme to suit your individual goals. For example, you do low reps with big weights to focus on strength, or use a higher rep count with less weight to focus on endurance. You’ll progress fast, so it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve through your training. I’d suggest that beginners start by doing all three lifts in the same session, following the ‘five sets of five’ method. More advanced weightlifters are better off splitting the lifts between sessions, with for instance, an upper-body day, lower-body day and wholebody day. Make these exercises the basis of your routine and you’ll be on track, and remember this is just the start. Having good form over 30 LIFE ON LANTAU
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The bench press
the big three opens up a plethora of new moves to learn, from front squats, to power cleans and bent-over rows. These lifts will provide you with the strength foundation to perform well in the gym and get the most out of your body. Have a great summer and happy lifting!
Jamie McGregor is a personal trainer with Perun Fitness, which runs classes in Tung Chung and South Lantau. You can call him on 6443 6597, or visit www.perunfitness.com.
LADA UPDATE
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Photo courtesy of LaDA
DINING TO BE ECO-AWARE
ong Kong is the second largest consumer of seafood per capita in Asia, and huge demand puts a heavy burden on local and overseas marine resources. To promote the concept of sustainable seafood to the public, WWFHong Kong this year held a Sustainable Seafood Week and as its long-term partner in environmental conservation, AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) got involved.
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During the campaign, Good Hope School opted for an oceanfriendly menu at its 60th anniversary dinner banquet, held at AWE. At a luncheon for 200, AWE’s master chefs presented the media and principals of the school with a first taste of the special, sustainable menu. Delicacies included Boston Lobster Salad, Farmed Oyster Chowder and Steamed Local Indoor-Farmed Garoupa.
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Stephanie Cheung, WWF-Hong Kong programme officer, introduced Sustainable Seafood Week during the luncheon. “More and more people are now choosing sustainable seafood as there has been an increased awareness of environmental conservation in recent years,” she said.
Contact Mr Sultan Mehmood 2623 0499 or 6341 0346
By adopting this ocean-friendly menu, Good Hope School supervisor Sister Pauline Yuen hopes to teach students the importance of marine conservation. “We hope it will become their life-long habit to make sustainable choices and help create a greener world,” she said. WWF-Hong Kong held the first Sustainable Seafood Week four years ago with nine participating restaurants. This year, over 100 got involved. Besides participating in the WWF-Hong Kong campaign, AWE now offers a Carbon Care Banquet for companies and organisations. It calculates the carbon emissions created by hosting each banquet, and offers a wide selection of ‘green’ dishes.
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Fully committed to reducing waste at these banquets, AWE recycles used cooking oil into eco-friendly biodiesel. It also recommends that surplus food is donated to local charities, like Food Angel, and that leftover items, like wine bottles, are recycled. It’s time for seafood lovers – and everyone in Hong Kong – to start making environmentally aware dining choices. The Lantau Development Alliance (LaDA) is a group of local organisations and enterprises on Lantau that have come together to promote the social and economic development of the island. Visit www.lantau-da.com.hk. AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2015 LIFE ON LANTAU 31
HIT THE TRAILS
THROUGH THE EYE OF THE TIGER By Martin Lerigo
Majestic Tiger’s Head
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This hike takes you from the sophisticated model landscape of Discovery Bay to the old-world charm of Mui Wo. It’ll take you three to four hours at a reasonable pace, with a steep ascent at the outset if you begin from the DB end
he starting point for this glorious hike is a slightly anonymous set of steps opposite S.K.H. Wei Lun Primary School in Discovery Bay. From the main ferry pier, walk through DB Plaza, past the tennis courts and turn right when you reach Discovery Bay Road. Continue uphill for several hundred metres until you see a green sign at the bottom of some steps on your left-hand side. The sign reads ‘About 700 metres to lookout point’.
Photos by Martin Lerigo
It’s a steep ascent up well-made steps – 30 minutes of hard work gets you to the lookout point, where you can rest and take in the view. Discovery Bay lies beneath you, actually comprising two bays, Tai Pak and Yi Pak. A marvel to behold for those with an eye for town planning, this place was built from scratch, starting 35 years ago.
Tiger’s Head. The ascent is steep in places, so take your time and enjoy the view. The summit rewards you with a 360° panorama. To the south, in the foreground, is Discovery Bay Golf Club; the west heralds your destination, Mui Wo, nestling in the shadow cast by majestic Lin Fa Shan’s 766-metre summit. To the north, you can see the leviathan engineering project that encompasses the airport reclamation and Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge. The sheer scale and volume of the works beneath you are a sight to behold. The noise of the army of diggers and trucks, working like a furious colony of ants, could not be in greater contrast to the dulcet tones of a golf ball, being struck from the first tee on the other side of the mountain.
Up Tiger’s Head from Discovery Bay
Lo Fu Tau Country Trail
From the lookout point, you can see the skyscrapers of Central just a few kilometres across Victoria Harbour. The islands of Peng Chau and Hei Ling Chau sit in the foreground, with Lamma and Cheung Chau forming the backdrop. Turn around and you’ll see the craggy features of 465-metre Lo Fu Tau, or Tiger’s Head, staring down from above.
Continue along the rocky path, which becomes the Lo Fu Tau Country Trail. It’s well marked with signs for Mui Wo. You’ll dip in and out of shallow valleys as the path hugs the natural contours of the land, twisting and turning like a Burmese python stalking its prey.
The shape of the tiger is best seen from the summit, looking back towards Discovery Bay. Two protrusions on either side of the main rock buttress look somewhat similar to ears, and it’s just possible to imagine that you’re looking down the nape of a tiger, as he casts his eyes on the scene below. Continuing on along a well-defined path, you descend some steps to a concrete road. Follow this for 100 metres until you find a track on your right-hand side, you’ll see it snaking up to the summit of 32 LIFE ON LANTAU
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Two attractive and distinctive rock formations greet you towards the mid-section of the descent. Diving Board Rock comes into view on a hillside above your right shoulder, and it’s so picturesque, it looks as though it’s been placed there by a landscape architect. If only there was a large rock pool beneath it, this would be an amazing spot to practise swallow dives. Next you’ll be greeted by Peach Rock, an attractive formation of smooth boulders set in front of Mui Wo Valley. The valley opens up behind in splendid and cavernous style; with its deep ravines and hidden tributaries, it’s an overload on the eye’s sense of perspective.
HIT THE TRAILS The path continues on its downward journey, clipping the edge of Discovery Bay Golf Club before descending into a thick carpet of rose myrtle. This prodigious native bush was planted in numbers and has since self-seeded to produce an amazing carpet of pink, which should now be in bloom.
The Olympic Trail to Silvermine Bay The path meanders on before alighting at a wooden pagoda, which marks one end of Lo Fu Tau Country Trail. Here you turn left to join the Olympic Trail, so called because it was constructed to celebrate China’s hosting of the 2008 Olympic Games. This path is a solid concrete affair, hard-wearing and practical but not aesthetically sensitive to the lush countryside, through which it scores a line. The path skirts in and out of forest before arriving at a white pavilion, set on a wooded hillside above Mui Wo. You turn left, continuing downhill through small villages and past huge natural outcrops of bamboo, some standing over 15 metres tall.
Fabulous rock formations abound en route
The bay before you is Silvermine and you’ll soon see the source of the name – the mouth of a tunnel entering into the hillside. This is the only Rose myrtle in bloom remaining legacy of the old silver and lead works, which commenced operation in 1868. The tunnel extends just 10 metres or so, having been sealed for safety reasons several years ago. Just below is Silvermine Waterfall, somnolent at the moment but soon to awaken with the arrival of the heavy rains. From here you continue downhill until you reach a fork in the road. Turn left through Wang Tong village, past a magnificent old banyan tree, and then take a right for the beach and the sea… journey’s end. I recommend you dive straight in to cool off, before picking up a beer from one of the beachside vendors. This information is provided for reference only. Hiking trails vary in levels of difficulty. It is essential to bring suitable equipment, food and water, and ensure you are in adequate physical condition to undertake any hike.
The view down to DB
ASK THE EXPERT
OFFICE 3483 5003
www.homesolutions.hk
Sharon Riley Kelly Merrick Anne Gnadig
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NOW SERVING SOUTH LANTAU AND TUNG CHUNG
DOES YOUR WILL COVER EVERYTHING IT SHOULD? By Annette M. Houlihan
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16M PUI O VILLAGE HOUSE 1500’ + 500’ Roof + Courtyard + Garden
www.evoqueportraits.com
s we all know, a will is a legal document that instructs your survivors to distribute your possessions, including assets, to the people you want them to go to. Imagine how valuable it is to your loved ones.
If you do not have a will, you become intestate when you die, which means the authorities decide how your wealth is distributed. They may also decide on the guardianship of your orphaned children. Very often, this process can take years to finalise. In your will, you need to have executor/s who are the people in charge of your estate and of collecting your assets for distribution. A spouse is usually granted this task on the first level but in case you are with your spouse when the unthinkable happens, you should consider contingents of these (siblings or best friends are often named). We advise at least two levels of executors.
No expenses spared designer home. 3 Beds & 2 Baths. Italian “Minimal” kitchen. Travertine stone flooring. Rooftop entertainment area. Mountain views. Private walled garden. Full colour brochure available on request.
42K HAM TIN VILLAGE HOUSE 2100’ + 700’ Roof + Garden
Tastefully renovated 4 Beds & 3.5 Baths. Open plan Western kitchen incl. dishwasher and wine fridge. Enclosed garden, double glazed windows, under floor heating, mosquito screens.
9.8M TAI LONG WAN VILLAGE HOUSE 2100’ + 700’ Roof
Flexible living on the GF and 1F duplex or 2F Flat with rooftop. Or live in the entire house. 3 Beds & 3 Baths. 2 Kitchens & 2 Large living areas. Fantastic sea views. Quaint area.
34K CHEUNG SHA BEACH HOUSE 1200’
Waterfront property w/ open plan kitchen. 3 Beds & 2 Baths. Modern features, wooden floors.Cast iron bath, built in wardrobes, plantation shutters, skylight and ceiling fans. Stunning sea views.
10.8K MUI WO FLAT 352’ + 343’ Rooftop
Making you feel at home is our business
Convenient location. 2 Beds & 1 Bath. Bright and airy. Open plan, tiled dining/living/kitchenette with fridge. Parquetry floors and venetian blinds. Rooftop w/ sea and mountain views.
Call us any time at 3483 5003 or Email PROPERTY@HOMESOLUTIONS.HK
C-044849
Guardians are also vital if you have minor children or dependants. If mum and dad go away on a trip and don’t return, who will look after them? If the guardians you appoint live overseas, then you also need to appoint a temporary guardian in Hong Kong. You need to allow your permanent guardians time to fly in. Beneficiaries are also normally our spouse on the first level, then our children as contingents. Although it is a horrible thought, you should also consider who would inherit past your children. Nieces and nephews are often named. We recommend at least one level of contingent beneficiaries past your children. The will itself should be clear and simple, making it easy for the Court of Probate to release your assets. If you have special requirements, a letter/ Expression of Wishes can accompany your will for your executors to follow. Although this document is not legally binding, you can you use it to detail any specific instructions, for instance educational or spiritual, regarding your children. What you have to be aware of, however, is that a will takes time to be read in the Court of Probate. In Hong Kong, it takes an average of six to eight weeks for the authorities simply to open a will. Distribution of wealth can take months, even years with a will in place – just imagine where your loved ones would be without one. Annette M. Houlihan, an 18-year DB resident, is managing director of Central-based financial advisory firm Carey, Suen & Associates. You can contact her at annette@careysuen.com for a no-obligation discussion or call her on 9160 7855. 34 LIFE ON LANTAU
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BUSINESS MATTERS
SHARON LESLEY LE ROUX: THE STORY STUDIO
I
Photo courtesy of Sharon Lesley Le Roux
think it’s fair to say fate brought me to Lantau. Since 2001, I’d been visiting an old school friend in DB every year. The two of us used to regularly do the DB to Mui Wo walk and I often told her, ‘I’d love to live in Mui Wo one day’. Then, during my Christmas 2005 visit from South Korea (where I was teaching at the time), we ended up at the China Bear and there I met the man I was to marry. The rest (as they say) is history. I say, be careful what you wish for. I’ve been teaching Creative Writing in Hong Kong for nine years now, and I’ve noticed that very few courses approach the subject with creativity as the main focus. Most seem to use it as either an English as a Second Language tool, or a means for helping students improve their technical writing skills. Of course, that’s fine, however I do believe a genuine desire exists among Hong Kong children to learn how to write stories well, just because they love writing stories. Last year, a friend encouraged me to teach the kind of Creative Writing I wanted to teach. I sat down and designed a 10-week programme, a website and a poster and took it from there. I’ve now got workshops running in Mui Wo, Tung Chung and Discovery Bay. With 10 years’ experience of teaching Creative Writing, an Honours degree in Creative Writing and a Master’s degree in teaching English, I believe I can offer students real insight into the art of storytelling. Children have such fantastic imaginations, they just need to know how to channel all that creative energy. I do, of course, include the technical side of writing in my classes. A few months ago, I was watching one group clearly enjoying a task I’d prepared on writing speech – where the speech marks go, where the punctuation goes – and that was really gratifying. Whether it’s Creative Writing or any other subject, learning should never be boring.
For more information on The Story Studio, call 6341 3989, email thestorystudiohk@yahoo.com, or visit www.thestorystudiohk.com.
AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2015 LIFE ON LANTAU 35
Email your photos for Lantau Faces to sam@baymedia.com.hk. Life on Lantau accepts no liability for the photos sent
LANTAU FACES
COMMUNITY SNAPS
36  LIFE ON LANTAU
AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2015
Photos by Leah Ahmad
LIFE ON LANTAU CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT
SERVICES
SERVICES
SERVICES
Piano Lesson in
Qualifications & Experiences Bachelor & Master Degree in Music Teacher training in IB MYP & DP Taught students from age 4 to 64
PROPERTY Apartment in Tung Chung for short/long-term lease Fully furnished apartment for shortterm lease, excellent condition. Min. rental period: 1 month. From 2-bedroom to 3-bedroom apartments. Interested parties, please contact Miss Man on 9806 9175 / 9872 7395, tanford787@gmail.com
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Deadline for October/ November issue CLASSIFIEDS
September 10
Alcoholics Anonymous
If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, WE CAN HELP! No dues or fees. 24hour hotline: 9073 6922 Lantau hotline: 5668 2667 www.aa-hk.org
ARROW ACCOUNTING SERVICES LTD
Do you need someone who can record accounting transactions and also give you an idea of how to maximise your company’s profit? We are an accounting firm offering corporate services to small & medium-sized enterprises at a reasonable rate. For details of services, please visit us at www.arrowservicesltd.com. Contact Ms. Raji on 6201 9710 or email arrowservices@netvigator.com
KIDS
International & Domestic Moves Air Conditioned Storage Pet Relocations Vehicle Handling
+852 2561 3030 info@relosmart.asia
www.relosmart.asia
Looking for a business? www.arounddb.com
LOCAL NUMBERS
Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com
TUNG CHUNG Emergency – Fire/Police/Ambulance – 999 North Lantau Hospital 3467 7000 Tung Chung Fire Station 2988 8733 Tung Chung Police Station 3661 1694 Tung Chung Ambulance Depot 2988 8282 COMMUNITY SERVICES Public Library 2109 3011 Public Swimming Pool 2109 9107 Computer Repairs Bobby Mirchandani 9425 3812 EDUCATION Christian & Missionary Alliance Church Education Centre 3141 7319 Discovery Mind Play Centre & Kindergarten 2987 8070 Discovery Mind Primary School 2915 0666 Greenfield International Kindergarten 2162 5538 Han Xuan Language Education Centre 2666 5905 Salala Kids’ House 2611 9193 Soundwaves English Education Centre 9045 2914 Sun Island Education Foundation 2420 1068 Sunshine House International Preschool 2109 3873 Tung Chung Catholic School 2121 0884 YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College 2988 8123 FOOD & RESTAURANTS Essence Restaurant - Novotel Citygate 3602 8808 Handi Indian Restaurant 2988 8674 McDonald’s Delivery 2338 2338 Melody Thai 2988 8129 Moccato Coffee Shop 3602 8838 Olea Restaurant - NovotelCitygate 3602 8818 Pizza Hut 2330 0000 Resto Restaurant 2886 3156 Velocity Bar and Grill - Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott 3969 2583 HEALTH & BEAUTY Hairdresser - Ricky 9882 9741 Max Beauty 2162 5752 MTM Spa 2923 6060 Om Spa 2286 6266 Quan Spa 3969 2188 Radha’s Place 5374 7133 Tung Chung Facial & Nails 9669 9433 HOME REPAIRS & DESIGN Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths 2109 2330 O-Live Decor 8105 2588 Shun Yu Engineering 2988 1488 Tung Chung Handyman - Peter 9161 0348 Towner Interior Design 3113 4968 Wing Shing Interior Design 5403 0363 HOTELS Novotel Citygate 3602 8888 Regal Airport Hotel 2890 6060 Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel 3969 1888 KIDS 4 Dimensions+ (Dance, Gym, Drama, Art) 9446 6013 Clement Art School 9021 1502 Jumping Castles 9662 1747 Kidznjoy 6273 7347 Little Stars Playgroup 6479 0390 Sakura Kids 6674 6194 The Story Studio 6341 3989
38 LIFE ON LANTAU
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TUNG CHUNG MEDICAL Bayside Dental 2185 6550 Essential Health Family Clinic 2109 9396 Human Health Medical Centre 2109 2288 Quality HealthCare Medical 2403 6623 Quality HealthCare Physiotherapy 2403 6328 Raffles Medical 2261 2626 Raffles Medical Emergency 2261 0999 PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Coelho Photography RedJacq Photography
9258 0971 9313 6887
RESIDENTIAL ESTATE CONTACTS Caribbean Coast Club House Caribbean Coast Management Office Coastal Skyline Club House Coastal Skyline Management Office Seaview Crescent Club House Seaview Crescent Management Office Tung Chung Crescent Club House Tung Chung Crescent Management Office
2109 9277 2109 9288 2179 6678 2179 6621 3473 8700 3473 8833 2403 6770 2109 1222
REAL ESTATE Home Solutions
3483 5003
REMOVALS & RELOCATIONS Akash Removals 2421 8088 FTC Relocations 2814 1658 ReloSmart 2561 3030 SwiftRelo 2363 4008 SPORT & RECREATION Aqua Gym 2914 0658 Asia Pacific Soccer Schools 2385 9677 Canterano Futbol Club 5611 2490 Dance for Joy 9264 8597 Edge ’n Pointe Dance Centre 6688 2167 Epic Tung Chung 2786 9699 HK Dragons 2987 4274 Kinder Kicks Soccer 2385 9677 KipMovin 6180 3256 La Cantera 2557 8007 Perun Fitness 6443 6597 Pilates Plus 9838 3937 Tennis lessons 6025 7990 Ving Tsun 5264 3149 Vision Pilates 5132 3213 YD Taekwondo Korea 2337 9992 Zumba & Bollywood Dance 6497 8086 USEFUL NUMBERS Alcoholics Anonymous 9073 6922 Arrow Accounting Services 6201 9710 Carpet washing, repairs & sales 2623 0499 Clarinet, saxophone, flute lessons 9413 0498 Dyslexia/Dyscalculia - Patricia Hamlin 6775 9735 Expat Living Hong Kong 3480 7614 FTC Apparel 2428 2566 Piano lessons 9467 4633 Phoenix Wills 3100 0101 VETERINARY & PET SITTING SERVICES Royal Pets Ltd - Pet Sitting Tung Chung Animal Clinic Tung Chung Vet Centre
6314 9887 2988 1534 2328 7282
Add your business for FREE @ www.arounddb.com SOUTH LANTAU ART & CULTURE Flanhardt Galerie und Atelier (FGUA)
DISCOVERY BAY 2882 3390
EDUCATION Buddhist Fat Ho College 2985 5150 Dramatic English (DEI) Kindergarten 2109 9886 Lantau International Kindergarten 2984 0302 Lantau International School 2980 3676 Lao Shi Lantau Mandarin lessons 5197 4647 Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten 3689 6709 Mindfulness Matters 9048 5425 Mui Wo Owls School & Kindergarten 2984 0006 Peak Communication 9422 1347 The Story Studio 6341 3989 FOOD & RESTAURANTS Bahçe Turkish Restaurant 2984 0222 Caffe Paradiso 2984 0498 China Bear 2984 9720 Como Lake 2984 0009 Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar 3484 3095 High Tide 2980 3002 Lantana Italian Bistro 5465 5511 Loi Chan Frozen Meat Co. 2984 8346 Maverick’s 5662 8552 Natural Plus 2984 2233 T Party Cakes 9276 5734 Tai O Solo Café 9153 7453 The Gallery 2980 2582 The Kitchen 5991 6292 The Stoep 2980 2699 HEALTH & BEAUTY Dietitian - Patricia Castle 5690 0366 Spa Ambiance 2984 2488 Spa Puretouch 2984 0088 HOME REPAIRS & DESIGN New Look Design 9783 5840 Unitek 9156 0360 HOTELS Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Espace Elastique B&B Tai O Heritage Hotel
6810 0111 2985 7002 2985 8383
REAL ESTATE Home Solutions 3483 5003 Findley Leung 2984 8334 RETAIL Lantau Base Camp 5463 6060 Quay House 2882 8710 SPORT & RECREATION Treasure Island 2546 3543 Vision Pilates 5132 3213 Zumba Fitness 9861 6657 TRANSPORT New Lantau Bus Company
2984 9848
USEFUL NUMBERS Alcoholics Anonymous 9073 6922 Phoenix Wills 6108 8471 VETERINARY SERVICES SPCA Mui Wo
LOCAL NUMBERS
2984 0060
COMMUNITY Club Siena DB Recreation Club DB Fire & Ambulance DB Marina Club DB Management DB Police
2987 7382 2987 7381 2987 7502 2987 9591 2238 3601 2987 4052
EDUCATION DBIS Kindergarten DBIS Primary School Discovery College Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Mind Primary School Mandarin for Munchkins SKH Wei Lun Primary School Sunshine House International Preschool
2914 2142 2987 7331 3969 1000 2987 8088 2914 2202 2480 3909 2987 8608 2987 8143
FOOD & RESTAURANTS 22˚ North Caramba Mexican Cantina Chef’s Choice Hemingway’s McSorley’s Ale House Uncle Russ - DB Plaza Uncle Russ - DB North Plaza
2987 2298 2987 2848 2172 6111 2987 8855 2987 8280 2682 0068 2682 8110
HEALTH & BEAUTY A Mother’s Touch 2851 9654 Afflatus Hair Workshop 2987 0283 MOW Grooming and Skin Care 2499 8826 M Spa 2987 0614 Nailed It! 2987 2266 Strand and Science HairSpa 2886 3820 MEDICAL Bayside Dental Practice 2987 0855 DB Medical Centre 2987 5633 Health and Care Dental Clinic 2666 6183 IMI (Integrated Medicine Institute) 2537 1087 Island Health 2987 7575 Quality Health Physiotherapy 2473 6200 RETAIL Bookazine Dymocks P-Solution
2987 1373 2987 8494 2987 1777
SPORT & RECREATION Caissa Chess Club Daruma Sports DB Pirates DMR School of Ballet Embody HK Dragons Football Club Island Dance KipMovin Movement Improvement Harry Wright International The HIT Room
9681 2896 6244 6093 2517 8248 2987 4338 6624 8712 2987 4274 2987 1571 6180 3256 2987 5852 2575 6279 6621 7410
TRANSPORT Hire Car Bookings Passenger Telephone Hotline
2987 6348 2987 0208
PROPERTY LISTINGS AND BOATS AquaBlu Lifestyle Homes & Boats Headland Homes Okay.com Savills Hong Kong
6017 7802 2914 0888 2987 2088 2102 0888 2987 1919
USEFUL NUMBERS Alcoholics Anonymous Auberge Discovery Bay Hotel Centre for Pregnancy and Newborn Island Veterinary Services
9073 6922 2295 8288 6256 0406 2987 9003
AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2015 LIFE ON LANTAU 39
STEPPIN’ OUT
BEST ROOFTOP BARS AND RESTAURANTS Contributed by www.thehkhub.com
T
he weather’s sure to be sunny this month, so why not hunker down al fresco and take in some spectacular city and harbour views? If you want to kick back and relax outdoors, Hong Kong’s rooftop restaurants and bars are the place to do it. We’ve pulled together our list of the eight best rooftop dining and drinking spots in town. (Purists among you will say that some of these al fresco spaces are loftily placed terraces rather than bona fide rooftops but trust us, in all these venues you’ll feel on top of the world.) From fancy hotels to out-of the-way diners, here’s where we’ll be hanging out when the sun goes down.
FoFo by el Willy: SoHo The rooftop of this Wellington Street tapas restaurant focuses primarily on drinks. But they’re generally happy to bring up dessert if you ask nicely, or arrange a tapas menu for private events. Call 2900 2009.
Pier 7 Café & Bar: Central Did you know that there is a bar situated atop the Star Ferry Pier? Welcoming and down-to-earth, Pier 7 offers a cool breeze and harbour views, along with a snack menu perfect for sharing over after-work drinks. Call 2167 8377.
Photo courtesy of www.cntraveller.com
Red Bar + Restaurant: Central The IFC Rooftop Garden is a public space with tables and grassy areas open to all. You can bring your own, or order drinks and snacks (think quesadillas and chicken wings) from ultra-hip Red Bar. Call 2537 5037.
Sevva: Central We always bring our visitors to Sevva for delicious drinks, and the view of the city skyline from the Prince’s Building. This upscale venue can be a bit on the pricey side, but it has a swankier feel than most rooftops, making it a great spot for date night. Call 2537 1388. 40 LIFE ON LANTAU
AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2015
Penthouse by Harlan Goldstein: Causeway Bay Offering a 5,000-square-foot rooftop with stunning views across Victoria Harbour, Penthouse by Harlan Goldstein is a stylish urbanrustic option. It features an extensive menu of contemporary Western cuisine, plus a solid wine and cocktail menu. Call 2970 0828.
Talk of the Town (ToTT’s): Causeway Bay Book a rooftop table to enjoy skyline views with your modern European dinner or Sunday buffet-brunch spread. Located atop The Excelsior hotel, a live band plays at the bar Tuesday to Saturday evenings. Call 2894 8888.
Sugar: Quarry Bay For creative cocktails and tasty sharing platters (oysters, surf and turf, pizzas and more) with open rooftop views, head to the top of EAST. Wednesdays are Cuban nights, featuring specialty mojitos and Cuban cigars. The hotel’s DJ spins relaxed house music at this sexy bar/ lounge most nights. Call 3968 3738.
Café Deco Bar & Grill: The Peak Being on the Peak, Café Deco draws a touristy crowd (and you do pay a bit for the view) – but go in knowing this and you’ll do just fine. Desserts are delicious if you don’t have time for a full Asian or Western meal, and a well-stocked kids’ corner will keep the little ones entertained. Call 2849 5111.
Need to buy something but not sure where to find it? Heading out for the day but not sure where to go? Looking for a great restaurant on Hong Kong Island? Life on Lantau has teamed up with The HK Hub, your one-stop guide to all things Hong Kong. Visit www.thehkhub.com.