The Best of Lantau 2019/ 20

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YOUR GUIDE TO HONG KONG’S ‘GREEN JEWEL’

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2019 / 2020

FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF LIVING • EDUCATION • SPORTS • HEALTH & BEAUTY • DINING • EXCURSIONS • COMMUNITY

We offer:

• A thriving partnership with Ashville College, a leading UK boarding school • An international personalised trilingual UK Early Years’ Curriculum which includes spoken Cantonese & Mandarin • Extra unique curriculum focuses, including Creative Arts (Drama, Art, Music & storytelling), outdoor Lantau Nature Studies and STEAM • A light & spacious learning environment with open ocean views • Guaranteed small class sizes with a maximum teacher to pupil ratio of 1 to 7 • Our own dedicated private bus service serving all South Lantau.

https://www.ashville.edu.hk/

ashvillelantauisland

G/F, Sea Crest Terrace, 19 Mui Wo Ferry Pier Rd, Lantau Island 大嶼山梅窩梅窩碼頭路19 號海愉花園地下 Tel: 2109 9886

• Fax: 2109 9896 • Email: info@ashville.edu.hk

CONTENTS 2019 / 2020

PUBLISHER Corinne Jedwood corinne@baymedia.com.hk EDITOR Elizabeth Jerabek elizabeth@baymedia.com.hk ART DIRECTION Terry Chow terry@baymedia.com.hk GRAPHIC DESIGNER Duey Tam duey@baymedia.com.hk SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER Monika Carruthers monika@baymedia.com.hk DIGITAL & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Alexander Grasic alexander@baymedia.com.hk

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BEST OF LANTAU PANEL OF EXPERTS

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EDUCATION From early years to further education

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SPORTS Local clubs and fitness

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HEALTH & BEAUTY Medical services and personal wellbeing

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DINING Asian and international

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EXCURSIONS Destinations, staycations and more

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COMMUNITY Religious centres, charity groups and local events

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MARKETPLACE More local businesses and classifieds

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LAST WORD Helpful Cantonese vocabulary and phrases

Agents, movers and more

OFFICE MANAGER Nikki-Ann Yee nikki@baymedia.com.hk PHOTOGRAPHY Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com Col Sim www.colsimphotography.com Andrew Spires Duey Tam

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PRINTING Champion Design & Production Company Ltd. Flat D, 18/F, Sing Teck Factory Building, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong.

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Disclaimer The views expressed in The Best of 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.

2019 / 2020

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83 ON THE COVER

Tania Willis is a former Lantau resident, now residing in the UK. She has partnered with Jenny Quinton, from Ark Eden in Mui Wo, to raise money for the ‘Lantau Green Jewel’ environmental conservation project by donating the proceeds from the sale of prints of her illustration, ‘Lantau Map.’ To learn more, turn to page 10.

August / September 2019

WIN! Day passes to Hong Kong Disneyland

FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF FOOD & DRINK • LIVING • PETS • SPORTS • PASTIMES • EDUCATION • HEALTH • BEAUTY • SERVICES • TRAVEL & EXCURSIONS • COMMUNITY

TAKE A GUIDED TOUR OF THE ISLAND’S BEST BEACHES

WE ALSO PUBLISH… © BAY MEDIA GROUP LTD

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BOOST THE FENG SHUI ON YOUR BALCONY OR TERRACE

HIKE THE LANTAU TRAIL (SECTIONS 10 TO 12)

Remarkable Renee 2 019 YOUN G W RI TE RS C OM PE TI TI ON W I N N E R NEWS & EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

Publishers in Lantau since 2002

+852 3483 5003

www.homesolutions.hk

Sharon Riley 9664 4749 Isabella Meiting Lai 9664 8581 Tanja Gelderblom 9764 7832 Jackie Miller 6191 4589 Kelly Merrick 9331 8141

(E-413823) (S-569226) (S-590669) (E-431643) (S-365384)

NOW SERVING SOUTH LANTAU AND TUNG CHUNG Meet the HomeSolutions Team

Sharon Christine Riley EA Licence No: E-413823 +852 9664 4749 sharon@homesolutions.hk

Isabella Meiting Lai Languages: English, Cantonese and Mandarin EA Licence No: S-569226 +852 9664 8581 isabella@homesolutions.hk

Tanja Gelderblom

Jackie Miller

Kelly Merrick

EA Licence No: S-590669 +852 9764 7832

EA Licence No: E-431643 +852 6191 4589 jackie@homesolutions.hk

EA Licence No: S-365384 +852 9331 8141 property@homesolutions.hk

Languages: English, and Afrikaans

tanja@homesolutions.hk

$60K

$15K - $26.8K

FROM $13.5K - $34K

MICHELIA LUXURY VILLAS FOR LEASE

RIVERWALK STUDIO, 1 BED, 2 BEDS FOR LEASE

LEYBURN VILLAS FOR LEASE, STUDIO, 2 BEDS, 3 BEDS

Lease a luxurious villa in Cheung Sha near the beach! 1,500 sqft to 1,540 sqft with 3 bedrooms, 2-3 bathrooms, amah room, spacious living room with separate dining room.

Beautifully landscaped gardens with private car park.

Situated on the banks of the Silver Mine Bay River in Mui Wo comes a new luxury development in South Lantau. 50 Flats occupy 7 blocks of this stunning 3-story development. All have fully equipped kitchens, washer, dryers and 24-hour security. Built with convenience in mind and minutes away from Mui Wo Ferry Pier.

For lease, lovely villas in Cheung Sha ranging from 350’ (Studio), 766’ (2 beds, 2 baths) 990’ (3 beds, 2 baths) NET. Most have a Sea View & all have car parking. Complex has a shared pool, tennis court, gym and 24-hour security.

$13.5K - $100K (LEASE) & $11.8M - $24.5M (SALE)

$9K - $50K (LEASE) and $3M - $24M (SALE)

FROM $13K - $55K

VILLAS IN CHEUNG SHA BEAUTIFUL BEACH VILLAS

VILLAGE HOUSE

VILLAGE HOUSE - SHEK MUN KAP, TUNG CHUNG

For sale or lease, stunning villas in gated complexes often with swimming pools & 24-hour security. Small complexes with 2-10 Villas up to larger complexes with 25+ Villas.

Usually these homes offer 3+ Beds & 2+ Baths & private parking. Villas usually provide gardens, rooftops and/or terraces. Perfect for families or couples looking for the amenities of gated community living.

RANGES FROM STUDIO TO 5 BEDROOMS (350’ to 2100’ + ROOF)

Beautiful properties built with space and convenience in mind. The houses can be separated into flats which are available on ground, 1 s t & 2 nd floors with rooftop. Most include balconies or some outdoor space. Many homes offer gardens and patio areas, as well. Perfect for families and those who enjoy space and comport of the village life. Most walking distance from our beautiful beaches.

Modern properties of the following sizes: 700 sqft & 700 sqft Roof - $13k; 1,360 sqft for $25K; 1,400 sqft & 700 sqft Roof - $35K; 2,100 sqft & 700 sqft Roof - $55K (furnished).

Bus service by the house allows for easy access to the Tung Chung MTR station, and there is parking nearby.

A convenient spot for those who frequently travel to the airport.

Call us any time at 3483 5003 or email ADMIN@HOMESOLUTIONS.HK

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Photo courtesy of Yuriko Uno

FOR THE LOVE OF LANTAU

4 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

FOR THE LOVE OF LANTAU

YOUR ULTIMATE LANTAU GUIDE From the busy beaches of Cheung Sha to the secluded sands of Tsin Yue Wan, from the hubbub of Tung Chung, to the solitude of Sunset Peak, Lantau has something for everyone. This year’s Best of Lantau guide features a panel of Lantau experts to help you find everything that Lantau has to offer as the ‘green jewel’ of Hong Kong.

Also new this year is our Readers’ Choice poll; be sure to check out the dining and beauty sections for top recommendations from your fellow Lantau neighbours.

Many thanks to the panel of Lantau experts (see page 6), and other contributors for making this year’s Best of Lantau better than ever.

Kayla Adara Lee Freedom Jackman Elizabeth Kerr Bruce Marsh Anne Murphy Jason Pagliari Bruce Taylor

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 5

FOR THE LOVE OF LANTAU

Best of Lantau panel of experts

Photos courtesy of panel experts

Baljit Gidwani Discovery Bay-based photographer Baljit Gidwani of Evoque Portraits specialises in capturing a family’s natural moments of love and affection. A DBresident of 34 years, Baljit has seen lots of changes in DB over the years but, for him, what has always remained the same is the sense of community, “Everyone around you seems to have the same shared value for preserving this way of life and behaving in a manner befitting a civil community.”

6 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

Kim Whiley

Living and working in Hong Kong since 1989—moving to DB in 2008—Kim is a serial entrepreneur and a woman on a (business) mission. Through her business, Tamco Holdings Group, Kim has opened many different businesses in Hong Kong dealing with sourcing, import and export, health products, student learning products, publishing and online shopping. She has put her business experience to work for the benefit of fellow entrepreneurs as a past president of the Women Business Owners Club, and she also co-founded the Women Entrepreneur Network in 2016.

Elizabeth Hemmings As a mum and small-business owner—and a Lantau-resident for 17 years—Elizabeth “Liz” Hemmings is an expert in living all over Lantau. When her children were young, the family moved to South Lantau so the kids could attend a local Chinese kindergarten and primary school. They lived in Shui Hau, and then Ham Tin, while Liz owned and managed a toy shop in Mui Wo. When her children were ready for secondary school, the family moved to Discovery Bay and now live in Seabird Lane.

Merrin Pearse Sustainability expert, and advocate for a green Lantau, Merrin Pearse has lived with his family in Mui Wo for 12 years. Founder of the firm Coordinate4u (C4u), Merrin and his wife, cartographer Louise Taylor, provide expertise to corporations and individuals on how to work and live in a way that will reduce their negative impact on the environment. Merrin has also worked with the environmental protection organisation Friends of the Earth and volunteers as Chairman of Lantau’s Living Islands Movement.

FOR THE LOVE OF LANTAU

Jenny Quinton

Lantau resident since 1989, Jenny founded Mui Wo-based Ark Eden in 2006. Ark Eden offers outdoor environmental (permaculture) education experiences for everyone and eco-camps for children, and promotes eco schemes for a greener Lantau and Hong Kong.

Newly returned from a ‘sabbatical,’ Jenny is ready to tackle finding a better, greener solution for Lantau and Hong Kong.

YB Rai DB wouldn’t be the same without the Uncle Russ coffee shops—which function as de facto community hubs. Owner of the Uncle Russ chain, and DB resident since 1994—YB Rai is a local ‘DB celebrity’ and a prominent community figure. Uncle Russ is a regular event sponsor and charity donor in the DB community, and—in addition to brewing great coffee—Uncle Russ has won numerous ‘best employer’ awards, including the Asian Social Caring Leadership Award and nods from the Family- Friendly Employers Award Scheme.

Alan Chung Born and bred in Hong Kong, Alan Chung is a relative newcomer to Lantau as he and his family moved to Tung Chung in 2016. Though he may be new to the Lantau scene, Alan already has big plans for Lantau. Alan and his business partner, Andrew Spires, are organising the Rotten Head Music & Craft Beer Festival on October 26, 2019 at Tat Tung Road Park in Tung Chung.

Kelly Merrick Kelly has been a South Lantau resident since 2007, and a co-owner of the South Lantau-based property agency, HomeSolutions, since 2011. HomeSolutions specialises in helping people find homes—and happiness—in South Lantau and Tung Chung, with the goal that each individual and family quickly becomes a part of the Lantau community.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 7

FOR THE LOVE OF LANTAU

#lifeonlantau

Pui O @nictinworth

Tai O @willgreystreet 8 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

Tung Chung @amritbharadwaj

Sunny Bay @onequietday

South Lantau @brandonmarklee

FOR THE LOVE OF LANTAU

#arounddb

Discovery Bay @colsimphotography

For more incredible photos of #lifeonlantau and #arounddb, follow us on Instagram @around_db.

Discovery Bay @usa2hkg

Discovery Bay @usa2hkg The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 9

FOR THE LOVE OF LANTAU

Hong Kong’s Green Jewel

Best of Lantau expert Jenny Quinton is on a conservation mission.

I Illustration by Tania Willis

t would be hard to find someone who loves Lantau more than Jenny Quinton, founder of Ark Eden in Mui Wo. She’s lived on Lantau for 30 years, and all because she came to visit for a day trip to the island with her boyfriend at the time and found some abandoned puppies. “The next week we moved to Lantau—because we had adopted puppies! We first moved to Mui Wo, and then I found my house in the valley and it was love at first sight,” says Jenny.

Over the years, Jenny has channeled that love into first setting up the eco-education and permaculture community at Ark Eden, and more recently into environmental conservation issues to protect Lantau as the ‘green jewel’ of Hong Kong. Jenny’s newest project, Lantau Green Jewel, is an inclusive communitybased initiative to support protecting and restoring the biodiversity and the iconic plants and animals of Lantau.

The name for the project was inspired by the book, Lantau – Hong Kong’s Jewel, written by Clive Noffke and Philip Yip. “It is an important and beautiful book 10 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

that showcases Lantau’s significant biodiversity in the context of Hong Kong as a whole,” says Jenny.

To fund conservation efforts, Jenny has partnered with Tania Willis, who is an illustrator—as well as a fellow Lantau-lover, and a former Lantau resident of 25 years.

Jenny and Tania collaborated to create a customised version of Tania’s ‘Lantau Map’ illustration, which features some of the most iconic (and many rare and endangered) animals on Lantau. The proceeds from sales of the prints of the ‘Lantau Map’ will be used to support the Lantau Green Jewel project.

Find it You can purchase a print of the ‘Lantau Map’ for HK$520 online at TaniaWillisPrints on Etsy and at VIBE Book & Music store.

VIBE Book & Music Shop E, Silver Centre, Mui Wo 9088 2370, vibehk@icloud.com www.vibehk.com.

Photo by Jared Craig on unsplash.com

LIVING

Living Property agents | Home services & accessories | Pest control | Moving companies Finance & wills | Photographers | Pets & animal rescue | Helper agencies

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 11

LIVING

SOUTH LANTAU VILLAGE LIFE

Take a neighborhood tour with Kelly Merrick, a South Lantau resident since 2007, and a co-owner of the property agency, HomeSolutions Real Estate.

D Photos courtesy of HomeSolutions Real Estate

iscovery Bay, among the most wellknown places to live on Lantau, needs no introduction. And the New Town of Tung Chung, designed for a capacity of 250,000 residents, may be the most populous place to live on Lantau. But as the biggest island in Hong Kong, Lantau offers a wide choice of other locations and lifestyles to choose from. South Lantau, in particular, offers up beautiful green spaces, natural beaches and amazing communities. With the South Lantau ferries departing from Mui Wo, the 30-minute commute to reach Central is a breeze.

Mui Wo is your first choice, if convenience is what you’re after. You’ll find numerous shops, schools, restaurants, supermarkets, a bank, post office and public clinic. Public amenities include the wet market, library, gym, football pitch, basketball court, dance studio, public pool, children’s playground and squash courts. Numerous classes, including fitness, sports, dance, music and computing, for both children and adults, are available in Mui Wo. Homes in Mui Wo tend to be either village houses, villas or low-rise flats. Most villas come with amenities, 12 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

such as pools, gardens and parking spaces, included in the lease/ purchase. Village houses are typically three floors plus a roof. The maximum square footage per floor is 700 square feet. Many village houses are renovated to include luxurious, modern conveniences, and they can include a private garden (either leased from the government or privately owned).

Many village houses are subdivided into more than one home, meaning you can lease/ purchase 700 square feet, 1,400 square feet or a full village house.

The ground floor typically has exclusive use of any garden (minus right of way to the upper units). The second floor typically has exclusive use of the roof space. All floors usually have balconies.

Silvermine Bay Beach, complete with newly renovated BBQ areas and toilets, is a short walk from Mui Wo. There are numerous seaside restaurants and local shops for you to enjoy as you relax by the sea.

Walk along the Olympic Trail to discover the Man Mo Temple and the beautiful Silvermine Waterfall.

Mui Wo has numerous schools including the

LIVING

Mui Wo

Silvermine Bay School, Lick Hang Kindergarten, Ashville International Kindergarten & Nursery and Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten.

Pui O is a lovely village

on the north side of South Lantau Road. Overlooking the sea and the friendly water buffalo in the fields, it’s a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike. In Pui O, you can take water sports lessons, lounge on the beach or enjoy a feast by the sea. There are numerous restaurants, a garden centre, wine shop and various local shops.

and amazing sea views.

There’s a large football pitch, basketball court and a children’s playground.

Shap Long is located on the Chi Ma Wan Peninsula.

Residents are surrounded Tong Fuk by nature and they may have a great view of the sea, too. Ideal if privacy is what you’re after, it’s best to have a car in Shap Long. This village is the only one in the area that is not directly served by public transport, and it’s a bit of a hike to South Lantau Road.

Pui O offers up many beautiful trails that allow for excellent hiking experiences throughout the Lantau country parks. Lantau International School’s upper primary campus is located in Pui O, as is Bui O Public School, a popular, local primary school offering both English and Chinese curricula.

San Shek Wan is a small, quiet village with mostly

Ham Tin is on the south side of Lantau Road and

Cheung Sha is well known for its stunning beach,  the longest in Hong Kong. It offers up five beach-

is surrounded by lovely buffalo fields, pagodas

full (2,100 square-foot) village houses available for lease/ purchase. You can hike to Sunset Peak or enjoy the activities provided at the YWCA. San Shek Wan is a great location with easy access to Tung Chung and the airport.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 13

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Ham Tin in Pui O

side restaurants, plus the Lantau Grocer and watersports rentals.

Housing in Cheung Sha consists of both village houses and villas with amenities. Many villa complexes have security guards, and extra amenities like private parking, swimming pools, tennis courts and gyms. Many village houses on the north side of South Lantau Road are full-size modern homes. The homes on the south side are beach-view cottages, and though they are smaller in size, they boast amazing views.

Cheung Sha is very popular due to its proximity to beaches, public transport and the airport. Lantau International School’s reception campus is located in Cheung Sha in the middle of a lovely, green woodland.

Tong Fuk is very popular, since its homes have great

views of both the mountains and the sea. In this village, in addition to the public parking, private parking spaces are available for lease. Tong Fuk is known for its local herd of feral dairy cows, and its lovely, rocky beach has lifeguards, BBQ areas and toilets.

Lantau International School’s lower primary campus is located in Tong Fuk, and families love the quick walk to school. Additionally, the village boasts several great restaurants, play areas and local shops.

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Shui Hau is a medium-sized, peaceful village with a small shop and local restaurant. There are many new, purpose-built, large (2,100-square foot) village houses. Shui Hau Beach is known for kitesurfing from October to February when the easterly wind prevails.

Tai Long Wan has one of the most beautiful beaches in Hong Kong. This small village has parking close by and many houses have large in-title gardens. Stunning views and the amazing beach make this area very popular with people who value privacy and nature over convenience. The village is about a 5-minute drive/ 15-minute walk from South Lantau Road and bus access.

Continuing west on South Lantau Road, there is the giant Tian Tan Buddha and the traditional fishing village of Tai O.

Find it HomeSolutions Real Estate 3483 5003 property@homesolutions.hk Homesolutions.hk

SPONSORED CONTENT

HOME AWAY FROM HOME Long-stay residential packages at the Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong make you feel welcome

M Photos courtesy of the Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong

oving in or moving out, or just looking for a place to escape the noisy work of renovating, the Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong has residential packages to meet your long-stay needs. Although being in limbo is never fun, the luxury amenities and the Auberge’s beautiful—and convenient—location go a long way towards setting your mind at ease.

The Auberge offers both Residential Suite and Room packages, with a minimum stay of seven consecutive nights. The Residential Room package, available for a mountain-view room, can also be extended to a longer 30-day stay if needed. Both Residential Room and Suite packages include access to the gym, outdoor swimming pool and complimentary shuttle services.

Both packages also include complimentary in-room Wi-Fi, local telephone calls (except calling cards), a daily room refresh, and thrice weekly room cleaning service (on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays).

Additional benefits for the Residential Suite package include discounts on hotel dining at the Café bord de Mer & Lounge and the Bounty Entertainment & Sports Bar, a discount at Spa Botanica, and a discount on laundry service.

The Auberge has 64 one-, two- and three-bedroom suites on the top six floors of the hotel. The onebedroom suites can comfortably accommodate a solo traveller or couple. The two-bedroom suites,

which range from 76 to 117 square metres, can accommodate three- to four-member families. Cots are also available on request for babies and small children. Both one-, two- and three-bedroom suites are equipped with a full fridge-freezer, tea and coffee making facility and a kettle, and lots of cupboard space for storage. The Auberge also offers a fully stocked playroom for children. Just steps away in DB North Plaza is EpicLand, the largest indoor playspace in Hong Kong, as well as other shops and services, such as a supermarket, 7-11, and restaurants.

If you prefer to dine closer to your temporary home, the hotel’s Café bord de Mer & Lounge restaurant offers a range of international cuisines and pan-Asian favourites, with panoramic views over the South China Sea on the outdoor terrace. Or you can blow off some steam and enjoy comfort-food favourites at the Bounty Entertainment & Sports Bar. While there’s no place like home, the residential packages at the Auberge Hotel are the next best thing.

Find it Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong 88 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay 2295 8288 enquiry@aubergediscoverybay.com www.aubergediscoverybay.com The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 15

Poggibonsi Newest Seaview1 Residence, Discovery Bay

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erched on a hill above the bays of Yi Pak Wan2 and Sam Pak Wan2, Poggibonsi is located near an inclined lift, offering easy access to a taxi stand2 and DB North Plaza 2. Some water-facing residences offer sweeping views of the iconic Hong Kong skyline, including Hong Kong Disneyland, Victoria Harbour, IFC and ICC while some units offer soothing views of Discovery Bay’s lush Central Park1, the resort-like Club Siena and Discovery College. Comprising 196 units in three towers, Poggibonsi offers a choice of layouts, from studios to 4-bedroom residences3.

Photo 2

Photo 1 Photo 1 was taken at DB North Plaza on 29 November, 2018 and was not taken at the Phase and has been edited and processed with computerized imaging techniques. The colour, layout, materials, fittings, finishes, appliances, lighting features, decorative features, plants, landscape and other items shown in the photo may not be provided in the Phase upon completion, and may not form part of the Phase. These photos shall not constitute or be construed as constituting any offer, undertaking, representation or warranty, whether express or implied by the Vendor (whether or not relating to the view). Photo 2 was taken on-site at Flat B, 18/F, Block 8 of Poggibonsi on 8 January, 2019 and has been edited and processed with computerized imaging techniques. The view as shown is only applicable to certain residential units of the Phase and is for reference only. | 1 This is applicable to certain residential properties of the Phase only. The view may be affected by the floor on which the unit is located, the orientation of the unit and the surrounding buildings and environment, and the view from each residential unit is different. The view described is not applicable to all residential units. The surrounding buildings and environment may change from time to time. The Vendor does not give any express or implied offer, undertaking, representation or warranty, in relation to the view (whether relating to sea view or not). | 2 The relevant community facilities, environment, equipment, infrastructures, and services, etc. do not form part of the Phase, and are not related to the Phase. The relevant information reflects the situation as of the date of printing of this advertisement/promotional material, and may no longer be applicable due to changes of different factors from time to time. The Vendor gives no offer, undertaking, representation or warranty, whether express or implied, as to their provisions. The Vendor advises prospective purchasers to conduct an on-site visit for a better understanding of the development site, the view, its surrounding environment and the public facilities nearby). | 3 The Vendor reserves the right to alter the building plans, and the right to amend the design, layout and use of the Phase, saleable area, flat size, flat-mix and flat numbering of the residential units and/or recreational facilities, and/or any part thereof. The design, layout and facilities shown in the approval building plans are subject to the final approval of the relevant governmental departments and the provisions of the agreement for sale and purchase.

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HomeSolutions Real Estate Tung Chung & South Lantau

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Shop 10, Mui Wo Centre, 3 Ngan Wan Road, Mui Wo, 3483 5003, property@homesolutions.hk, www.homesolutions.hk.

Leading estate agency HomeSolutions Real Estate makes buying, selling and leasing your home a breeze. The team is made up of experienced staff from around the world who understand the stresses of moving, both internationally and domestically. Everyone needs less stress, and the team is there every step of the way to guide you in all areas of your move and make everything flow smoothly.

HomeSolutions strives to update advertising every single day, promptly removing listings when they are no longer available. An open and honest agency, you don’t need to worry about bait and switch tactics with HomeSolutions.

Visit the website, and you’ll find a comprehensive, trusted resource for both community information and properties for sale and lease, however if you 18 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

can’t find what you’re looking for, it’s worth getting in touch with the team directly, as the agents often have additional properties that vendors have chosen not to advertise publicly.

The HomeSolutions team is known for being honest, caring and excellent when it comes to communication. HomeSolutions listens to clients’ requests and honours their time by only showing the properties that meet their needs. The methods used for leasing, buying and selling are transparent and pressure free, and the team strives to ensure that all parties in each transaction are happy. Most new clients find HomeSolutions via referrals from previous happy clients—something which the team takes great pride in!

HomeSolutions’ main focus is on South Lantau, a charming hidden gem in bustling Hong Kong. A family-friendly community that offers amazing green space, numerous beautiful beaches and a rich quality of life, South Lantau is a wonderful area to live in, with many homes boasting private gardens.

Elsewhere on Lantau, HomeSolutions also happily represents properties in the high-rise towers and low-rise villages of Tung Chung, so whether you want to head north, south, up or down, HomeSolutions is there to help!

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PROPERTY AGENTS Century 21, Discovery Bay With a diverse portfolio of DB properties for both renters and buyers, Century 21 Newcourt Realty welcomes newcomers to DB by providing excellent customer service, including help with the moving transition to DB. Shop 113, 1/F, DB Plaza, DB, 2987 9729, www.c21newcourt.com.

EPS Property Consultants, Discovery Bay With over 18 years of experience in the community, EPS Property Consultants has one of the largest and most up-to-date property portfolios, packed with listings. It builds long-term relationships with clients by providing exceptional customer service, be it property sales, rentals or home management.

A go-to agency within DB, EPS offers unbeatable expertise and service.

2987 2023, www.epsdb.com.

Headland Homes & DB Homes, Discovery Bay With 30 years of experience, the team at Headland Homes is there for you every step of the way when buying or renting a home. The company’s property management division, DB Homes, also provides assistance to landlords.

2987 2088, 9150 7319, 9047 7252, www.headlandhomes.hk.

OKAY.com, Discovery Bay OKAY.com is a leading Hong Kong property agency dedicated to providing the best real-estate experience to DB residents through superior service and the most up-to-date property information. Whether you have a property you want to sell or lease out faster, OKAY.com is ready to help.

2102 0829, db@okay.com, www.okay.com.

Serving Discovery Bay for

30 Years Looking for Discovery Bay property?

This is THE location. Buy, Sell, Lease, Rent. We have it all! +852-2987 9729 info@c21newcourt.com www.c21newcourt.com Century21Newcourt

EPS Property Consultants Ltd EPS is a trusted and well known Discovery Bay Real Estate Agency with over 18 years experience in the community and has one of the largest and most up-to-date property portfolios and listings.

We build long term relationships with our clients who will vouch for our exceptional customer service be it Property Sales, Purchases and Rental, and Home Management.

EPS is without doubt the go to agency within Discovery Bay, offering unbeatable expertise and service.

Tel: 2987 2023 info@epsdb.com www.epsdb.com

LIVING

HOME SERVICES & ACCESSORIES Amity Shoes Care, Discovery Bay

New Look Design, operating in Lantau

After 24 years at the Amity Shoes Care store off DB Plaza, Lawrence Lau now provides an oncall service to repair shoes and offer key-cutting services around DB.

New Look Design provides design-and-build home renovations specifically catered to clients’ tastes and lifestyles. It prides itself on affordable prices, exceptional professionalism, top-quality construction and functional designs.

5369 2329.

Feng Shui, serving Lantau residents Originating in China, feng shui uses invisible forces to harmonise individuals with the environment, boosting their luck, wealth and health. From skyscrapers to sacred temples, white-sand beaches to mountains, Hong Kong provides the perfect backdrop for feng shui application.

9222 6784, fengshuiassociate@gmail.com.

9783 5840, westley@newlookdesign.asia, www.newlookdesign.asia.

Red Velvet, Discovery Bay Red Velvet is an online store primarily serving the residents of Hong Kong and particularly DB, as the owner Kavita Mathur has been a DB resident for many years. Her range of products includes cushion covers, hand-painted trays, jewellery boxes and more.

9010 5832, redvelvetdesigns@hotmail.com, Facebook: Red Velvet Designs, Discovery Bay.

Dragon Fire & Safety, serving Lantau residents Dragon Fire & Safety carries out fire safety training, fire safety management and fire risk assessment services for corporate clients throughout Hong Kong. The company also retails its own smoke detector for the home under the trademarked Dragon FireEye brand. It is the only smoke detector to be selected, marketed and supported specifically in Hong Kong and exclusively for the residential Hong Kong housing market. Dragon FireEye smoke detectors have been manufactured to several internationally recognised standards and are accepted by the Hong Kong Fire Services Department.

Key features include a built-in 10-year lithium battery (which doesn't require changing) and photoelectric cells to detect slow burning, smouldering fires that are common in the home.

For every Dragon FireEye smoke detector purchased, the company donates HK$10 to the Community Fire Safety Fund.

Suite 2512 Langham Place, 8 Argyle St, Hong Kong, 5286 1812, enquiries@dragonfireandsafety.com, www.dragonfireandsafety.com, www.dragonfireeye.com.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 21

LIVING

PEST CONTROL

MOVING COMPANIES

BioCycle (Hong Kong), operating in Lantau

Akash Moving, operating in Lantau

BioCycle offers both indoor and outdoor services, including rodent management, snake prevention, wasp nest removal, carpet cleaning, termite prevention, sanitising and air conditioner cleaning. While getting rid of pests is the main focus, BioCycle is also committed to preventing pollution and improving its environmental performance by using ecological materials.

3575 2575, info@biocycle.hk, www.biocycle.hk.

Greenland Pest Control, operating in Lantau Offering tailored pest-control solutions for rodents, cockroaches, fleas, mosquitoes, termites, ants, ticks and more, Greenland Pest Control provides a thorough and efficient way to get rid of pests for good.

9871 0771 (Thomas), 6776 8400 (Baguio).

For more than 10 years, Akash Moving has built a reputation as an affordable and reliable moving service. It is a complete one-stop shop for clients’ packing, moving and storage needs.

2421 8088, info@akash.hk, www.akash.hk.

Asian Express International Movers, operating in Lantau

Asian Express International Movers is an industry leader in moving household goods and personal effects to and from Hong Kong. It has over 350 affiliated offices all over the world and handles international and local moves for employees of some of the largest multinational companies in Hong Kong.

2893 1000, enquiry@aemovers.com.hk, www.aemovers.com.hk.

Crown Relocations, serving Lantau residents With over 50 years of experience, Crown Relocations provides transportation, destination and immigration services, as well as family support, to assist people relocating internationally or domestically.

It advises clients on the necessary formalities and procedures, and also provides first-hand guidance to help them experience the magic of exploring a new location. Its comprehensive services support relocating individuals, families and employees all over the world.

2636 8399, hongkong@crownrelo.com, www.crownrelo.com.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 23

LIVING

Carey, Suen Will Services Serving Lantau residents

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9160 7855, info@careysuen.com, annette@careysuen.com, careysuen.com.

A Hong Kong resident of 23 years, Annette M Houlihan has been helping people organise their financial affairs for over three decades. After focusing initially on wealth accumulation for the medium to long term along with insurance to help clients protect their income and families, Annette decided to specialise in estate planning in 2012, her concern being that most people did not fully 24 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

understand or even consider what would happen to their wealth and loved ones if they passed away.

Many people assume that their spouses will automatically inherit in the event of their death, but Annette warns that this is only true for people in the UK. In Hong Kong, if you do not have a will, assets must be shared with your children and your spouse.

If you don’t have children, then the assets may be distributed between your spouse, your parents and/ or your siblings.

Living in Discovery Bay and surrounded by families from all over the world, Annette’s aim is to help her fellow residents and clients put plans in place to support their loved ones should the worst happen, such as what would happen to minor children if both parents did not return home.

Having 32 years of international financial services experience allows Annette to tailor-make solutions to give her clients peace of mind should the unthinkable happen.

LIVING

FINANCE & WILLS

PETS & ANIMAL RESCUE

Harvey Law Group (HLG), Discovery Bay

Hong Kong Paws Foundation, Discovery Bay

Harvey Law Group’s team has been serving corporate and individual clients for 25 years. The firm specialises in immigration, business and employment law.

Unit 11, LG/F, Office Block 1, DB North Plaza, DB, 2416 8618, dboffice@harveylawcorporation.com, www.harveylawcorporation.com.

Founded in 2001, Hong Kong Paws Foundation (PAWS) raises awareness of animal welfare issues and relies 100% on donations and volunteers.

PAWS holds a weekly homing day in DB Plaza every Saturday, from 3pm to 6pm.

Professional Wills, serving Lantau residents

9485 5188, kat@hkpaws.org, 9705 7630, kate@hkpaws.org, www.hkpaws.org.

The services at Professional Wills include estate and succession planning, domicile and inheritance, estate tax and appointment of guardians for children.

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Mui Wo

2561 9031, enquiry@profwills.com, www.profwills.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY Col Sim Photography, Discovery Bay Col Sim specialises in event photography of all kinds across Hong Kong, including weddings, corporate events, social parties, sports and more.

6620 3421, info@colsimphotography.com, www.colsimphotography.com.

Evoque Portraits, Discovery Bay Baljit Gidwani captures all your family’s natural moments to create lifelong memories. He also offers modelling shoots, photography classes and more.

9659 6034, baljitgidwani@gmail.com, www.evoqueportraits.com.

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) provides veterinary services, animal birthcontrol services and hospitalisation. SPCA also educates the public to improve animal welfare across Hong Kong.

Mui Wo Clinic, Shop 17, Mui Wo Centre, 3 Ngan Wan Road, Mui Wo, 2984 0060, www.spca.org.hk.

Villa Kunterbunt Lantau, Pui O Pui O resident Okka Scherer has a mission to rescue any unwanted or neglected animals with the ultimate goal of rehoming the animals.

Volunteers and donations are greatly welcomed.

Every Saturday, from 3pm to 6pm, Okka holds an adoption day with PAWS in DB Plaza.

9544 9181, okkascherer@gmail.com, Facebook: Villa Kunterbunt Lantau.

Martina Stevens Photography, serving Lantau residents Martina Stevens is a lifestyle and family photographer, specialising in small and exclusive projects with superior service and attention to detail.

Available services include athome newborn sessions, family and maternity shoots, and personal branding photography.

9487 5242, www.martinastevensphotography.com, Facebook: Martina Stevens Photography Instagram: martina_stevens_photography.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 25

LIVING

H O L I DAY S F O R H E L P

Owner of the ethical recruitment agency Maid for You, Freedom Jackson explains the requirements for holidays, rest days and curfew for domestic helpers.

Photos courtesy of Kate Farr and Baljit Gidwani – www.evoqueportraits.com

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o matter if you are new to Hong Kong or have lived here for years, if you are used to managing employees or have never had staff before, understanding the guidelines and regulations regarding an employee’s rights can be challenging. As can setting household boundaries and rules regarding time off, especially when that employee lives with you. Here are some quick tips on requirements for statutory holidays, rest days and curfews for full-time domestic workers (FDW) in Hong Kong.

a whole day, which means a full 24 hours. Typically, the rest day is a Sunday, but it depends on what works for you and your family. Asking a FDW to perform duties during a rest day is not permitted, for example getting the children’s breakfast, doing the dishes or walking the dog before leaving for the day.

Asking FDW to come back home early from their rest days to finish up on chores, prepare dinner or tuck the kids into bed is also not permitted. Substituting a rest day is allowed as long as it is rescheduled within 30 days.

Statutory holidays

Curfews

Hong Kong has 12 statutory holidays, which the law requires the employer to observe and provide. In addition to statutory holidays, there are five general holidays which are optional (turn to page 114 for a 2020 calendar of Hong Kong statutory and general holidays). The Labour department offers an e-calendar that is simple to download, ensuring you never miss a holiday.

A curfew can be set for a FDW after they finish their work and before they retire for the evening during the normal working week. A curfew cannot be set on a FDW’s rest day as they are entitled to a full 24 hours off. Not being punctual or fit for duty is a performance issue, independent of the 24-hour requirement for a rest day.

A FDW must be provided with and paid for all statutory holidays. The day can be altered if necessary but an alternate rest day must be provided within 30 days.

The day’s payment can be deducted from an FDW’s wages if they have been contracted to you for less than three months. Statutory holidays falling on a rest day need to be observed the following day.

Rest days A FDW is entitled to one rest day per week. This is 26 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

Find it Maid for You is an ethical employment agency that is setting new standards for what passes as ‘good help.’

9167 2737 freedom@maidforyou.com.hk maidforyou.com.hk

LIVING

HELPER AGENCIES Maid for You, Discovery Bay

HelperPlace, serving Lantau residents HelperPlace is an online social platform connecting domestic helpers and employers. Many recruitment agencies charge high placement fees, but HelperPlace is entirely free for helpers to use. Trusted by more than 110,000 users, you can easily find and hire the right helper for your family. Download the app for both Android and iPhone. www.helperplace.com.

Maid for You provides premium domestic helper recruitment services in Discovery Bay and across Hong Kong. Offering ethical, personalised, multilingual services, its mission is to create harmonious homes by matching the right domestic worker with the right family. Maid for You’s expert team has placed thousands of qualified helpers with satisfied clients.

9167 2737, freedom@maidforyou.com.hk, www.maidforyou.com.hk.

Good help is hard to find...

but not impossible.

Maid For You

www.fairmaid.com.hk

We offer obligation-free consultation. +‚

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www.maidforyou.com.hk

LIVING

GOLDEN YEARS A number of residents make the decision to stay and grow old in DB.

W Photos courtesy of Love.Together@DB

hen you think about Discovery Bay, more often than not you think of young families and plenty of space to raise children. But there is also a large population of older people in DB, who have chosen to stay and retire here for surprisingly similar reasons.

Life is convenient in this corner of Lantau, with everything from groceries to medical services largely accessible. There are transport concessions and as far as Hong Kong goes, the cost of living is very competitive. What’s more, there is plenty to do for active old folks—think hiking and open spaces for walking—and organised activities for those eager to get amongst the community.

Community engagement Retirement can be a challenging time of life, bringing with it boredom and a growing sense of loneliness, 28 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

but DB’s ‘small town’ set up can alleviate isolation and increase social engagement. Both plazas are vibrant and inclusionary social hubs, and provide a place to meet up with friends or simply watch the world on parade. DB’s busy social calendar, which often includes events ranging from local music and art exhibits to boutique weekend markets, adds to the overall neighbourhood social experience.

Many DB senior citizens, meanwhile, look to Love.

Together@DB, Hong Kong Resorts’ dedicated community caring and volunteering platform, as a way to meet people and stay active. Retirees can take part in DB-based programmes, like potted planting workshops and recycling projects, and in exercise classes, such as tai chi. Opportunities to volunteer at a number of these initiatives gives the elderly a chance to help others, and provides them with a sense of fulfilment they may not otherwise get.

LIVING DB’s COC Senior Citizen Working Group and DB City Management also work together to regularly organise ‘Seniors Fun Days.’ These events, hosted in the multipurpose hall in the Discovery Bay Office, include free recreational activities, like morning tea, table tennis, board games, mahjong, Rummikub and group exercise.

SENIOR MOMENTS

Getting about While Hong Kong is not the cheapest place to live, Discovery Bay is more affordable than a lot of areas in the territory, especially when you consider its location and the services at arms’ reach.

Concessions for transport—most of which start at the age of 65—are impressive. For senior citizens over the age of 65, a one-way ferry fare to Central costs only HK$2, a major discount on the standard HK$46.

Also, bus fares are capped at HK$2 for those using an elderly person’s Octopus card, and senior citizens can travel for free on Sundays within DB.

Care and support On top of all of this, Hong Kong and DB are enticing holiday destinations, ensuring that senior citizens who live away from family and friends have frequent visitors. Likewise, DB’s convenient location near the Hong Kong International Airport—and the linking bus service—makes it easier to travel to visit family and friends who live elsewhere. And, like the rest of Hong Kong, foreign domestic helpers are available to provide care and support when family members are not around.

Find it Facebook: LoveTogether DB The government provides a wide variety of social services and benefits to the elderly, including community care and support services, residential care services and social security. Combined with non-governmental support services, these measures help ensure that the elderly receive the help they need. For more information, visit www.gov.hk/en/residents/housing/socialservices.

www.evoqueportraits.com

Best of Lantau expert, and professional photographer, Baljit Gidwani, describes one of his favourite projects in Discovery Bay.

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t the beginning of 2018, my 89-yearold mother—who has lived in DB since 1988—had two of her younger sisters in town, visiting her. During the visit, one of my aunts asked me to photograph the three of them together in my photography studio in DB. After the shoot, when I looked at the photos of them together, I was overcome by a flood of memories. I have often seen them together in real life, laughing and speaking.

But somehow, seeing them in the photo was a very different experience.

Inspired by those memories, I decided I wanted to photograph everyone’s parents in my studio. I mean, actually, almost literally ‘everyone’. I set an age limit of 70+, though this wasn’t a hard and fast rule, and it was happily broken a couple of times. As a tribute to my father, who passed away a few years ago, I decided to do this project for free. Over 50 senior individuals and couples showed up, and I got into conversations with almost all of them. We shared bits and pieces of our lives with each other, compared hip replacements and knee surgeries, loves and divorces, deaths and hopes for the future. Without question, this was one of my favourite photo projects ever.

Find it To see more examples of Baljit’s photography in DB, such as his portraits of domestic helpers with the children for whom they care, visit www.evoqueportraits.com.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 29

SPONSORED CONTENT

EpicLand

CHANGE FOR THE BETTER DB Plaza and local businesses evolve to provide the community with the very best.

A Photos courtesy of Duey Tam & Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

lot has changed in Discovery Bay in the 40 years since construction began in 1979 on the community’s initial infrastructure, including roads, reservoir and commercial facilities. What a world of difference between then and now, as DB residents eagerly anticipate the upcoming opening of the new retail arcade and ice skating rink at DB Plaza in 2020.

Including a roof-deck garden and the beautification of the waterfront promenade, the new retail arcade includes more than 23,000 square feet of greenspace in addition to new shops and food and beverage outlets. Although DB’s current restaurant scene already includes everything from amazing Asian cuisine to intriguing international flavours, residents are excited to discover the new food and beverage options that will be available.

Although the allure of the shiny and new is hard to beat, D’Deck favourites, such as Zaks and PizzaExpress will no doubt continue to be as busy as ever. New to this year’s Best of Lantau, is the Reader’s Choice poll where both Zaks and PizzaExpress were selected by participants as the best restaurants for families (turn to page 84 for Readers' Choice winners). PizzaExpress’ pizza making workshops for kids have already inspired a generation of pint-sized gourmands in DB. In free events throughout the year, 30 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

PizzaExpress

kids learned to roll out the dough and make their own pizzas with all their favourite toppings, while mum and dad appreciated that the kids were responsible for making dinner that night.

In this year’s Best of Lantau, we are featuring a panel of experts who share their tips for living and dining on Lantau. Panelist Liz Hemmings, who has lived all over Lantau from Shui Hau and Ham Tin to DB, says that hands down her family favours Zaks in DB. “I really like the staff and there is something for everyone to eat. My two girls are like chalk and cheese in what they eat so it can be difficult finding somewhere that they are both happy to go.”

As proof that everything old can be new again, another DB stalwart—Hemingway’s—has reinvented itself. Serving delicious food to DB residents and visitors since 2006, Hemingway’s was best known for its comfort food favourites, such as the Rude Boy Chilli and Caribbean barbecue. But in 2010, Hemingway’s owner Gary Stokes started working with the non-profit marine preservation group, Sea Shepherd. (Gary now runs his own ocean conservation organisation, OceansAsia.) Over time, he found the gap between the menu at Hemingway’s and his conservation work increasingly disconcerting. “I resented having a restaurant that served meat because it was very hypocritical,” he explains.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Hemingway’s

EpicLand

PizzaExpress

So in 2017 he took the plunge and changed Hemingway’s menu to all vegan. “We’ve had so many new faces coming in, and in 20 years I’ve never had this kind of positive reaction to a menu change,” he says. Two years later, the vegan menu is a hit across the board and Hemingway’s is still one of the best places to enjoy a meal or drink with beautiful sea views.

In DB North Plaza, EpicLand is bigger and better than before, and giving everyone—young and old— an excuse to work up an appetite. After temporarily closing in January 2019 for renovations, it reopened in April 2019. Owners Karina Aswani and Koren Thomas used five years of watching the flow of play and how kids interact and explore the centre to guide their redesign. But what hasn’t changed since EpicLand opened in 2014, is the owners’ commitment that every attraction fulfils their philosophy of learning through play and physical activity. “The beauty of play isn’t just in the environment but also in the imagination that is ignited through play,” say Koren and Karina.

Prior to the renovation, EpicLand already boasted the largest indoor slides in Asia, trampolines, an air-trek obstacle course, virtual reality rides, laser tag and mini golf. By expanding the Rock Climbing Arena (the climbing structure now covers four floors) and the Nerf Gun Ballistics Area, as well

Hemingway’s

as adding new experiences like the Warrior Zone, EpicLand has increased its appeal to older children and teens.

As a community that is home to many expats, change is a constant in DB. Old friends say goodbye and depart, while new friends arrive and settle into the community. So it’s reassuring to know that DB residents and visitors alike can count on local restaurants and businesses to continue to provide excellent quality and service. Whether it’s bouncing on a trampoline, or a delicious family meal, DB continues to evolve in order to provide everyone with the very best!

Find it For more on the Best of Lantau panel of experts, turn to page 6. To check our pick of the most inspiring people living on Lantau—including Gary Stokes for his conservation activism—turn to page 110.

• EpicLand, epiclandhk.com • Facebook: Hemingway’s DB • Pizza Express, www.pizzaexpress.com.hk • Zaks, casteloconcepts.com The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 31

Photo by Gaelle Marcel on unsplash.com

EDUCATION

Education

Playgroups | Early years | Primary | Secondary | Through train Tutoring & holistic learning

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 33

EDUCATION

PLAYGROUPS Funfit, Discovery Bay Funfit offers an active learning programme and accompanied toddler playgroup with lots of physical, sensory, imaginative and educational play opportunities to stimulate and delight little ones. The focus is on building confidence, friendships and lasting memories, and having fun. Classes range from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes every Monday and Friday.

Club Siena, DB, 6302 6327, funfitdb@gmail.com, Facebook: Funfit (Hong Kong).

Woodentots, Discovery Bay Woodentots is an established Montessori playgroup in Discovery Bay. It offers fun and stimulating classes for children from the ages of 18 months to six years old. Its aim is to instil confidence, independence and selfmotivation. Class structure includes the Montessori work cycle, arts and crafts, circle time, snack time and free play, as well as weekly yoga and Mandarin sessions.

504 Block A, DB Plaza, DB, 6108 9131, woodentotsdb@gmail.com, Facebook: Woodentots DB.

34 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

EARLY YEARS Ashville International Kindergarten & Nursery, Mui Wo Ashville International Kindergarten & Nursery integrates the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum with Cantonese and Mandarin, taught in partnership with Ashville College – a leading independent school in the UK. Small class sizes in spacious, light-filled classrooms create a positive learning environment with a focus on creativity and art.

G/F, Sea Crest Terrace, 19 Mui Wo Ferry Pier Road, Mui Wo, 2109 9886, info@ashville.edu.hk, ashville.edu.hk, Facebook: ashvillelantauisland.

Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten, Mui Wo Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten provides genuine Early Years education in a unique Montessori setting in Mui Wo. The school’s mission is embodied in Maria Montessori’s own words, “What really makes a teacher is love for the human child; for it is love that transforms the social duty of the educator into the higher consciousness of a mission.” The kindergarten follows the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Units 12 & 13, G/F, Silverview Centre, 8 Ngan Kwong Wan Rd., Mui Wo, 3689 7033, littlelantaumontessori2015@gmail.com, Facebook: Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten.

EDUCATION

Discovery Mind Play Centre, Kindergarten and Primary School, Discovery Bay & Tung Chung Discovery Mind International Play Centre’s English and Mandarin playgroup for children aged 15 months to two years, provides a gentle introduction to pre-school life, accompanied by a familiar adult. The Pre-Nursery (international or bilingual) class, for pupils aged two to three years, offers stimulating, fun classes in a caring environment.

Discovery Mind Kindergarten (DMK) offers both international and bilingual curricula for children aged two years eight months to six years.

Students have priority going forward to Discovery Mind Primary School.

www.discoverymind.edu.hk.

International Play Centre and DMK DB: 401 Marina Commercial Centre, G/F, 2-8 Coastline Villa, Peninsula Village, DB, 2987 8088, dmk@discoverymind.edu.hk.

TC: G/F Seaview Crescent, 8 Tung Chung Waterfront Road, 2987 8070, dmtc@discoverymind.edu.hk.

DMPS DB: Shop 102, 1/F, DB North Plaza, DB, 2914 2202, admissions_dmps@discoverymind.edu.hk.

TC: G/F, Shop A-D, Seaview Crescent, Discovery Mind Primary School (DMPS) 8 Tung Chung Waterfront Road, 2915 0666, integrates a British and international curriculum Discovery Mind_108.5mm (W) x 155.5mm (H)_Output.pdf 1 16/9/2019 下午4:46 primary_tc@discoverymind.edu.hk. with a comprehensive Mandarin programme.

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EDUCATION

Discovery Montessori School & Discovery Montessori Academy Discovery Bay & Central

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Discovery Montessori School, Central, 2850 8006.

Discovery Montessori School, DB, 2987 1201, enquiry@dms.edu.hk.

Discovery Montessori Academy, 2812 9668, primary@dms.edu.hk, www.dms.edu.hk.

Facebook: Discovery Montessori Schools- DMS.

Maria Montessori said: “Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.” This philosophy is at the core of the Discovery Montessori School group’s (DMS) approach to learning.

Set in beautiful European-style buildings, DMS provides education for children aged one to 12 years. The pre-schools in DB and Central cover ages one to six, while the Discovery Montessori Academy (DMA) primary school in DB is the first and only Montessori campus to offer both a Montessori primary curriculum and an International Baccalaureate programme (IB) for children aged six to 12.

Each DMS campus provides children with a supportive, thoughtfully prepared, open

learning environment that embraces their natural eagerness for knowledge, with calm learning spaces helping to promote self-motivation, independent learning and exploration.

Classes at DMS are designed so that children can choose to work either individually or in small groups, with mixed age groups allowing for peer teaching and role modelling. Students explore key learning areas, including practical life, sensory awareness, language, mathematics, geometry, biology, geography, science and history. Specialist lessons are also offered during the school day.

DMS has developed a holistic approach to Chinese language learning, using Putonghua and other proven tools. This curriculum is further enriched with engaging activities, annual field trips and Chinese literature to fully support children with speaking, reading and writing.

DMS schools currently comprise 500 international students from over 30 nations, with a low studentteacher ratio. DMS is a member of the Montessori Schools Association in the United Kingdom and DMA is an IB PYP candidate school.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 37

EDUCATION

Sunshine House

Discovery Bay & Tung Chung

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www.sunshinehouse.com.hk.

DB: Shop 106, 1/F, Blk 6,DB North Plaza, DB, 2259 4066, dbay@sunshinehouse.com.hk.

TC: 2 Mei Tung Street, Tung Chung Crescent, tungchung@sunshinehouse.com.hk, 2109 3873.

Established in 1990, Sunshine House is a vibrant and nurturing chain of international pre-schools offering a bilingual programme incorporating the British EYFS Curriculum, which is designed for young learners from Playgroup (12 months) to K3 (6 years).

Built around the philosophy, “for the love of children,” Sunshine House uses a holistic approach to early childhood learning and development, which is rooted in love, in order to provide children with the very best start in life.

Sunshine House aims to encourage excellence and a high standard of quality by helping children develop a positive attitude towards learning through a stimulating and well-balanced curriculum, which provides opportunities for each child to follow

their natural curiosity and discover their interest in the world.

The pre-school offers a welcoming and attractive learning environment with well-qualified staff and small class sizes. The creative approach to teaching and learning creates an ideal pre-primary setting where children “learn to love learning.”

Sunshine House firmly believes that education is a process, where every moment of life is a part of a child’s learning journey. The educational programme provides each child with the proper foundation to support a step-by-step lifelong progression of learning. As such, students explore a wide range of subjects through active participation in individual, group and whole class activities, such as literacy, numeracy, arts and crafts, storytelling, listening, physical education, structured play, in addition to a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

Open days 2019

Attend Sunshine House open days in 2019, on October 19 at the Tung Chung and Clearwater Bay campuses, and on October 26 at the Discovery Bay campus, both from 11am to 3pm. Win exciting prizes and enjoy fun-filled activities, such as face painting, bouncy castles, balloon twisting and science experiments.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 39

EDUCATION

ESF Tung Chung International Kindergarten Tung Chung

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technologies, plus indoor and outdoor play areas, the kindergarten offers children rich opportunities to learn, socialise and develop key skills. Through inquiry-based learning and play, staff encourage children’s natural curiosity and creativity, enabling them to develop their personal and social skills and inspiring them with a life-long love of learning, giving them the confidence to be the best that they can be.

ESF Tung Chung International Kindergarten: 1/F, Commercial Accommodation, The Visionary, 1 Ying Hong St, Tung Chung, 3742 3500, kinder@tc.esf.org.hk.

Students joining K1 from August 2020 will be guaranteed a place at an ESF primary and then secondary school without the need for further interviews, if they can benefit from a mainstream English Schools Foundation: 25/F, 1063 King’s Road, education.

Quarry Bay, 2574 2351, info@esfcentre.edu.hk, www.esf.edu.hk.

Join the ESF family now

ESF Tung Chung International Kindergarten's purpose-built, spacious kindergarten provides the perfect environment for young learners to flourish and grow.

With exceptional teachers, well-resourced classrooms, access to the latest learning 40 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

The K1 application deadline for children born in 2017 is September 30, 2019.

All applications are submitted online on the ESF website: www.esf.edu.hk/ admissions-kindergarten.

EDUCATION

Students at Bui O Public School

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Best of Lantau expert Liz Hemmings shares what she has learned along the way as a parent of children who have attended a local school on Lantau.

How did you decide to enrol your daughters at Bui O Public School (BOPS) in Pui O?

What surprised you about your daughters' experience at BOPS?

When we decided to try the local public education system we asked ourselves what we would want if we could be children again? Do we wish we could speak another language? Do we wish that we had been exposed to different cultures and experiences?

I was worried that they wouldn’t cope with the language and that they would feel isolated as a result. So it was surprising to see how easily my girls accepted it, along with all of the challenges it entailed. Children are resilient and adaptable. They don’t break if you do ‘one thing wrong’, which seems a very real fear in modern parenting. They took huge pride in attending a local school and being able to speak other languages, including participating in speech festivals in Mandarin and Cantonese.

As parents, we considered how we would be able to support our girls in this environment, how we would respond to challenges and difficulties. And as a family, we thought about what we would hope to gain from our experience of living in and growing in Hong Kong, what we would regret never trying, what we would miss if we had to leave, and what we would like to take with us if we did leave.

Photos courtesy of Bui O Public School

What did you hope they would get out of the experience of attending BOPS? Both of my girls were born in Hong Kong and it was important to us that they attended a school where the language of instruction is Cantonese. We lived in a small village in Lantau surrounded by people speaking Cantonese. How could we help our daughters connect, understand and enjoy being with the people around them? A common language was important.

Just as importantly for us, we wanted our girls to have a balanced life, filled with play and friends and free time.

This may seem counterintuitive as the local system has a reputation in some circles for being restrictive and overly concerned with academic achievement.

However, BOPS is known for being more open about different approaches and has a large proportion of non-local students as part of the student body.

If you could go back and do it all over again, would you?

Yes, in a heartbeat. It was truly special to become a part of the community, to get to know the teachers, parents, and children in South Lantau. Many of their teachers have become family friends and are still a part of our lives even though the girls have moved on to secondary school.

In hindsight, I may not have pushed so hard for my second daughter to have the same experiences as my eldest daughter. They do not have the same learning profiles and are quite different in personality. In the end it’s about finding the right fit for each child, and not one-size fits all.

Find it Liz Hemmings is an experienced mental health counsellor working with children and teens.

For more great advice, you can contact Liz at contact@seabirdcounselling.com.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 41

EDUCATION

PRIMARY Bui O Public School, Pui O Bui O Public School offers a free, Chinese education.

Adjustments are made to teaching materials and assessment procedures to meet the needs of non-native speakers.

2 Lo Uk Village, Pui O, 2984 1189, buioschool@hotmail.com, buiosch.icampus.hk.

SKH Wei Lun Primary School, Discovery Bay SKH Wei Lun Primary School is a Chinese-medium school teaching a local curriculum and offering diversified activities. As a Christian school, it hopes to nurture the children to grow up and live a life that will glorify God. Discovery Bay Road, DB, 2987 8608, skhweilun@skhweilun.edu.hk, www.skhweilun.edu.hk.

Lantau International School, serving Lantau residents

Wycombe Abbey School HK, serving Lantau residents

Established in 1995, Lantau International School (LIS) offers reception and primary classes in South Lantau. At LIS, children receive a well-rounded education of the highest standard and flourish both socially and academically.

Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong, drawing on over 100 years of British academic heritage, is a brand new coeducational primary school in Aberdeen.

The bespoke curriculum combines the best of East and West, with its core curriculum based on the National Curriculum for England complemented by a strong emphasis on the study of Chinese language and culture. It is now accepting online applications for the school year of 2019-20 and 2020-21.

Reception: 22 Upper Cheung Sha Village, 2984 0302.

Lower Primary: 113 Tong Fuk Village, 2980 3676.

Upper Primary: 17 - 19 Lo Wai Tsuen, Pui O, 2984 0302, lisadmin@lis.edu.hk, www.lis.edu.hk.

Mui Wo School, Mui Wo Mui Wo School is a friendly, local primary school with around 150 students. Subjects are taught in Cantonese, following the Hong Kong Curriculum.

Putonghua and English classes are also offered.

Tai Tei Tong, Silvermine Bay, Mui Wo, 2984 8461, mws@mws.edu.hk, www.mws.edu.hk.

42 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

www.was.edu.hk.

EDUCATION

Silvermine Bay School Mui Wo

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Units A&B, 1/F Silver Centre Building, 10 Mui Wo Ferry Pier Road, Mui Wo, Lantau, 2984 0006, office@silverminebayschool.edu.hk, www.silverminebayschool.edu.hk.

Formerly Mui Wo OWLS School, now with a fresh new name and face, Silvermine Bay School is under new management, with James Ramsey as the new School Supervisor and Will Tong as Principal. Though there are many kindergartens serving Lantau, there are not as many primary schools, so the new Silvermine Bay School is a specialist primary school focused on delivering academic excellence to students aged four to 11 years old.

The school has a maximum capacity of 116 students, with a guaranteed maximum class size of 16 students. To help the younger children in the reception class, there is also a teaching assistant, which means the ratio is one teacher to eight students. Students follow a programme of study based upon the Cambridge International

Curriculum and the school has hired five new staff members to help develop new and improved inhouse programmes in sport, Mandarin and music.

New principal Will Tong was the acting head teacher for Mui Wo Owls School prior to its relaunch as the Silvermine Bay School. Will grew up in Hong Kong and is passionate that education should focus on the whole child with an emphasis on preparing children to be life-long learners, rather than just teaching them how to pass exams.

With a background in teaching mathematics, Will has exceptionally high standards in maths and he encourages all students to use maths to solve real-life problems in meaningful ways, rather than just studying maths in the abstract in a classroom.

New School Supervisor James Ramsey has experience building educational institutions as he has previously owned and helped run schools, including a classical music school, a business English school for adult learners and two English language schools for university students studying overseas at universities in the UK, America and Australia. Given his experience with language schools, James will help Silvermine Bay School build a strong Mandarin programme, with the goal that every student will have the opportunity to reach GCSE Standard Chinese (Mandarin) by the leaving age of 11 years old.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 43

EDUCATION

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS UPDATE FOR 2019 – 2020

Education consultant Anne Murphy shares the latest updates for international schools in Hong Kong.

Photos courtesy of Anne Murphy

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here is good news for parents who are searching for schools outside of Lantau.

Year over year in Hong Kong, the options for international schooling have increased, and with it there is a greater availability of places in many year groups. This trend began in 2017 and 2018 with the opening of several new schools and campuses, including the French International School Hong Kong and the Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong in Tseung Kwan O, the Stamford American School Hong Kong and the Mount Kelly International School Hong Kong in Kowloon, Malvern College Hong Kong and the Spanish Primary School (SPIS) in the New Territories, and HKCA Po Leung Kuk School on Hong Kong Island. The schools below are new to Hong Kong in 2019 and 2020.

students for the 2019/20 academic year (subject to approval from the Education Bureau). Located in Tseung Kwan O, New Territories, Invictus will offer an English and Putonghua immersion programme to children aged three to 11 years old. The curriculum will follow the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), which is known for its creative and thematic approach to teaching. The school is the second addition to the family of Invictus International Schools, which opened in Singapore in 2016. The school in Hong Kong will fill the gap for moderately-priced quality schools, offering an all-inclusive annual fee of HK$100,000.

Applications are now being accepted and you can visit www.invictusschool.hk for more information.

NEW SCHOOLS: 2019 & 2020

The UK independent school Kent College will open a campus in Hong Kong in September 2020.

Kent College Hong Kong plans to deliver a British education that will reflect the values and ethos of the home school in Canterbury. This will be the second international campus for Kent College after Kent College Dubai opened in 2016. The UK school is ď‚„ co-ed independent for students aged three months

Invictus International School Invictus School Hong Kong will provide the first truly affordable, English and Mandarin immersion programme in Hong Kong, with a targeted capacity of up to 100 kindergarten students and 500 primary

Kent College Hong Kong

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 45

EDUCATION

Upper primary students at Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong

Lower primary students at Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong

through to 18 years. It is a highly Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong respected school that achieves an headmaster, Howard Tuckett is an English-medium school and it Independent Schools Inspectorate will deliver a bespoke British curriculum outstanding rating in every category that blends the UK National Curriculum with of inspection. For updates on applications the Hong Kong Curriculum; it also promises a biand school information, visit kentcollege.com. cultural education, focusing on fluency in English and Putonghua in every year group. The plan is to have an Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong equal number of English, Chinese and Maths classes every week. All nationalities are accepted, with no Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong will be passport quotas; the aim is to prepare students to enter welcoming students for primary years 1 to 6 to its the most popular and the finest independent schools newly refurbished Tin Wan Campus on September in the world. Applications are accepted throughout 5, 2019. The new school is the second international the year and ‘explore’ meetings and school tours are opening for this leading British independent school, scheduled every month. which opened Wycombe Abbey School, Changzhou in China in 2016. There are also plans to open Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong founding Wycombe Abbey School, Hangzhou in September headmaster, Howard Tuckett, says, “Our broad 2020. The UK school is ranked number one for curriculum covers all the requirements of the academic results at A-Level in 2018. Its reputation Common Entrance curriculum, which has been for providing a learning environment where students’ especially adapted for our school in order to offer innate curiosity, creativity and emotional intelligence a culturally relevant education for primary-aged can flourish is widely known throughout the UK. 46 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

EDUCATION

pupils in Hong Kong. We are also excited about launching our specific focus on expert Chinese language teaching. Wycombe Abbey is quite rightly a famous name in British education and we are very proud to be able to extend this provision of educational excellence to Hong Kong.” For further information, visit www.was.edu.hk.

HOT NEWS English School Foundation (ESF) provides a through-train education In 2020, ESF, the largest provider of English-medium education in Hong Kong, will guarantee placement in its primary schools for all students who attend its kindergartens from the first year. Children will not only be guaranteed a Year 1 place without an interview but also a Year 7 place in one of its secondary schools, without an interview. As a result, students will be able to move seamlessly through the ESF education system from K1 to Year 13 without any testing. For further information, visit www.esf.edu.hk

Cognita Group of Schools Cognita Group of Schools, which launched Stamford American School Hong Kong, acquired Woodland Pre-Schools in 2018. Students who attend any Woodland Pre-School are guaranteed a pre-kindergarten place at Stamford American School Hong Hong. For further information, visit www.woodlandschools.com and www.sais.edu.hk.

Stamford American School Hong Kong unveils additional facilities Stamford American School Hong Kong will unveil additional facilities in 2020, supporting the school’s mission to cultivate a love of learning, nurture character and inspire innovation as a modern K-12 school.

The new learning spaces will complement Stamford’s rigorous high school curriculum, with science

laboratories, special art spaces and purpose-built collaboration areas to help students work together to unleash their potential.

Students will also enjoy three outdoor play spaces and access to bright new learning spaces as part of the school’s new modern facade. This supports Stamford’s high-quality teaching, which has led to higher student achievement. For further information, visit www.sais.edu.hk.

Find it Anne Murphy is director of ITS Education Asia and an experienced education consultant.

Anne and her team work closely with families at every stage of their academic journey, from nursery and primary school, to senior school and university placement.

9166 7601

es@itseducation.asia

www.itseducation.asia

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 47

EDUCATION

YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College Tung Chung

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2 Chung Yat Street, Tung Chung, 2988 8123, info@yhkcc.edu.hk, www.yhkcc.edu.hk.

YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College (YHKCC), established in September 2003, is a Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) English-medium school sponsored by YMCA of Hong Kong.

With students and staff hailing from over 40 different countries, YHKCC offers students a diverse cultural setting and a caring, dynamic, international teaching and learning environment.

Standing firm on Christian beliefs and values, an excellent pastoral care and guidance system is provided to ensure students are valued as individuals while being given clear expectations.

Offering both HKDSE and English curricula (IGCSE and GCE A-Levels), YHKCC is wellequipped to cater to the different aspirations of individual students. The school’s studentcentred learning approach facilitates an active

and experiential learning experience for the 21st century.

YHKCC believes that students should take an active role in serving and caring for their community and organises initiatives every year to help students develop a sense of personal responsibility and a dedication to fostering social welfare. The school also places high importance on home-school cooperation and partnership through different platforms such as the Parent Teacher Association, Student Council, SEQTA System and information evenings, with communication being key.

Furthermore, to foster whole-person development and the provision of all-round education, 45 clubs and interest groups are offered for students to discover and develop their talents and interests outside the academic curriculum. These are facilitated by the school’s exceptionally wellresourced and equipped facilities, which include an artificial-turf pitch, a multi-purpose sports field, a four-lane 100-metre running track with a long jump sand pit, a well-equipped fitness room, a newly constructed black-box theatre, a twostorey music block with state-of-the-art musical instruments, and a fine arts centre.

All of these provide a joyful and stimulating setting, helping YHKCC students to become happy, confident, responsible global citizens with a strong respect for other cultures.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 49

EDUCATION

SECONDARY Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College, Tai O Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College offers both full English Medium of Instruction (EMI) and Chinese Medium of Instruction (CMI) streams. The school follows the local New Senior Syllabus leading to the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education.

99 Tai O Road, Tai O, 2985 5365, info@eclass.bfhmc.edu.hk, www.bfhmc.edu.hk.

THROUGH-TRAIN Discovery Bay International School, Discovery Bay Established in 1983, Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) is known for its small class sizes and personalised approach to learning.

The school offers a broad international curriculum based on the English National Curriculum.

Students’ learning journeys begin in the Early Years section and culminate in Year 13, with students studying three subjects at A-Levels. dbis@dbis.edu.hk, www.dbis.edu.hk Early Years: Discovery Bay Road, DB, 2914 2142.

Primary and Secondary: Discovery Bay Road, DB, 2987 7331.

Upper School: Units G06 & G07, G/F, DB North Plaza, DB, 3962 1500.

Discovery College, Discovery Bay Discovery College (DC) is a private independent school run by ESF that has been educating students since 2008. DC offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP) and the Careerrelated Programme (CP). The college focuses on the development of the child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. Students from across Hong Kong can apply to study at the school.

Scholarships are available for exceptional students.

38 Siena Avenue, DB, 3969 1000, office@dc.edu.hk, www.discovery.edu.hk.

SCHOOL ADVISORY SERVICES ITS Education Asia, serving Lantau residents At ITS Education Asia, Anne Murphy and her team of experts share a passion for supporting parents in their search for the right education solution for their child. ITS’ role is to enable parents so that they feel confident that they are making informed, objective decisions about the right school or university both for their child as an individual and for their family unit as a whole. ITS understands that the needs of each family are different, therefore tailors its service to each client’s personal situation.

9166 7601, es@itseducation.asia, www.itseducation.asia.

50 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

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TUTORING & HOLISTIC LEARNING Ark Eden Foundation, Mui Wo Ark Eden Foundation is an eco-education and permaculture community based in Mui Wo. It provides a fun and engaging path to sustainability through its children’s holiday eco-camps, educational workshops, nature-based experiences and restorative projects that create a positive change in people’s attitudes and actions towards the planet and towards each other.

2988 5355, info@arkedenonlantau.org, www.arkedenonlantau.org.

Creative Coding HK, Discovery Bay & Tung Chung Creative Coding HK offers computer science courses and camps for kids, aged five to 15, covering science, maths, art, robotics and technology. Classes include Creative Coding with mBOT, a STEAM-based programme to encourage kids to develop a maker mindset, S.M.A.R.T. Kids, JAVA Coding with Minecraft and App Lab—perfect for kids who are ready for more complex design thinking and programming.

Mathnasium, Discovery Bay An authority on maths education, Mathnasium provides primary and secondary school students with the strong maths foundation they need to succeed. The ‘Mathnasium Method’ uses proprietary materials and techniques to deliver a customised learning plan unique to each student, whether they require additional help or need to be challenged further by enrichment studies. Mathnasium has over 1,000 centres worldwide.

Shop 105-B, DB North Plaza, DB, 2628 3362, www.mathnasium.com.hk/discoverybay.

Winky’s Workshop, Mui Wo Winky’s Workshop offers creative arts and crafts, experimental drawing, sketching and acrylic painting. Different topics are assigned to each lesson to give students the chance to explore the visual language of art and to achieve the balance of creativity and technique.

9324 3754, chan_wai_ki@hotmail.com, Facebook: WKWorKshop 創作室.

2707 6578, 9469 8225, info@creativecoding.hk, www.creativecoding.hk.

Faust International Youth Theatre, Discovery Bay For over 19 years, Faust has been bringing the wonderful world of theatre, performing arts and creativity to the youth of Hong Kong through its after-school drama workshops, holiday/ specialised programmes and extensive array of productions. Workshops, for children aged three to 18, are conducted in English at venues across Hong Kong, including DB and Sheung Wan. 2547 9114, info@faustworld.com, www.faustworld.com.

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EDUCATION

COMMUNITY MATTERS Tim Hall of St David’s College shares how to unlock learning by creating a sense of belonging.

Photo courtesy of St David’s College

E

veryone needs to belong. It’s an important truth to remember as many cultures around the world are transitioning to a more individualistic lifestyle. However, studies show that human beings crave community and the lack thereof can be emotionally, psychologically and spiritually damaging. Conversely, if you can find a place where you feel a sense of 'belonging'— where you are valued, celebrated and validated for who you are—then you will flourish, find fulfilment, and feel a deep sense of satisfaction. I am sure that all parents want their child to have a sense of purpose and self-worth.

Andrew’s regular habit of acting out and not paying attention in the classroom. I invited Andrew in and he talked for almost three hours about his goals and aspirations. Andrew knew what he wanted to achieve, but he struggled with turning his passion into action.

Andrew was fascinated by anything mechanical, but especially classic cars, and his dream was to start his own business in trading and restoring rare vehicles. He came back the following day and talked for another hour or two. Just by being listened to and taken seriously, Andrew felt empowered to ask if we could help him work on achieving the short-term goals that would help make his long-term dream a reality.

Not long ago a pupil at our school, Andrew, arrived at the door to my Chaplaincy Centre. He had been sent to us by a staff member who was concerned about

Andrew is what we sometimes describe as a ‘third culture kid.’ He spent his childhood in a country where he witnessed the commonplace yet jarring

52 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

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Top tips for fostering a sense of belonging in order to enable future success

 Create your own community no matter where you go by making time to remember family traditions

and rituals. Also, make an effort to get out of your comfort zone to learn about a new community’s values and celebrations.

 Be careful with transitions and remember to provide reassurance as both children and adults can feel fragile when starting at a new school or a new job.

 Don’t let anyone ‘steal your dream’ (or your child’s dream) by providing unconstructive criticism or unhelpful feedback. Make it a priority to be a ‘dream builder’ for your children by listening to them and validating their experience.

 Set short-term goals to build a path forward toward a long-term future goal.  Encourage your children to ask parents, teachers and friends for help with setting goals and creating

accountability. Helping them build a support network will prepare them to navigate failures along the way to achieving their dreams.

juxtaposition of cruelty and brutality alongside opulence and extreme wealth. Andrew struggled to make sense of all this, but he was handicapped by his cultural displacement, which ultimately reinforced his sense of abandonment and estrangement.

Internally and externally, Andrew was alone.

In my Chaplaincy Centre, Andrew had discovered three keys to unlock his future potential: a place of acceptance where he felt valued, someone with the time to really listen and accept his story as he told it, and someone who validated his dream and believed in his ability to achieve it.

Andrew’s story may seem extreme, but it makes clear what every child and young person needs—to be valued, listened to and believed in.

For 35 years I have made a career of encouraging young people to chase their dreams. It has been an exciting journey watching what young people can do with their lives. I had the honour of meeting 30 of my pupils from the 1970s a few days ago; they are all in their 50s now. None had been an exceptional academic, as far as I remember, but most had discovered a passion—rock climbing, sailing, canoeing, music, sport, art, design, auto mechanics. They had all gone on to fulfilling and varied professions: an accountant, a doctor, a renowned silversmith, a cattle dealer, a tank commander, a police officer, several entrepreneurs

and more. Now, 35 plus years later, each of them wanted to give back to the school in recognition of the learning environment that supported them and empowered them to find their passion.

Real learning happens when a child is valued, listened to and encouraged to try without a fear of failure. Watch a child learn how to walk—they will inevitably fall down in the process. Help a child to read—stumbling over words and sentences is key to becoming a more fluent reader. Failure is essential to learning but children are only free to fail when they feel secure, and security comes from belonging. A child learning to walk needs a parent nearby to catch them, pick them up and encourage them to try again.

Likewise, a support network that can provide the same sense of security and encouragement is essential to the learning process all the way through childhood to adulthood.

Find it St David’s College is a boarding school in North Wales, specialising in whole-person education. Registration is open for September 2020 and beyond. For more information, email admissions@stdavidscollege.co.uk or jrogowski@stdavidscollege.co.uk, or visit www.stdavidscollege.co.uk.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 53

SPONSORED CONTENT

The freedom to flourish through whole-person education

St David’s College Est. 1965

Why the St David’s College ‘Three Peak’ education model is so effective

with exceptional outdoor education with a spiritual and moral focus, makes the school a leader in its sphere.”

tudents don’t just receive an academic education at St David’s College in North Wales,” the school’s headmaster Andrew Russell opens. “Established in 1965, St David’s College pioneered a ‘three-dimension’ vision for education, creating a living and learning environment where our young boarders can reach their academic potential, develop tailored physical fitness and conditioning, and explore a personal spiritual and moral framework.”

What’s more, the award-winning range of extra-curricular activities offered allows each pupil to grow in self-confidence, ensuring endless possibilities for all. Each year sees overseas expeditions developing personal resilience and life skills in students, while Link International Innovation—the school’s charity—provides them with the opportunity to reach out to others.

“S

Photos courtesy of St David’s College

St David’s is set close to the mountains of Snowdonia, and three of its School Houses are named after the range’s three highest peaks, Snowdon, Cader Idris and Tryfan. The ‘Three Peak’ model is uniquely placed to prepare young people for their adult lives and to make a significant contribution to society.

St David’s boasts highly experienced qualified teachers with specialists in a variety of subjects. At its outstanding Cadogan Learning Centre, one-on-one and small group support is provided, plus Speech, Language and Occupational Therapy.

“The school’s students gain the skills and strategies needed to access mainstream qualifications to go onto further their education at university level,” says Andrew. “The ability of St David’s to integrate innovative and personally tailored learning 54 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

While St David’s is set in a serene and secluded location, the school is under three hours by train from London. It’s well located to access Manchester International Airport, with direct flights from Hong Kong.

St David’s is popular among Hong Kong residents, drawing particularly rave reviews from one Discovery Bay family: “We relocated to Hong Kong 13 years ago, when our son was two.

Orin spent his early years struggling through the educational system with dyslexia. We tried various schools but consistently failed to get the proper support and educational tools required to fit his learning needs. We finally discovered St David’s in 2016.”

Orin, now 15, has embraced being a boarder. As his mum says, “St David’s is so much more than a school, it’s a life’s education.”

St David’s is so proud of so many such success stories.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Giulietta’s story Attending an elite boarding school in the South of France may sound idyllic for some, but for Giulietta it was a miserable experience.

The Croatian 18-year-old said she lost all her confidence because despite being convinced she was dyslexic, three different French experts who tested her for dyslexia told her parents it was a linguistic problem.

“I was made to feel stupid, and I felt humiliated in the classroom as I found it so hard to keep up with the other students,” says Giulietta, who is fluent in Croatian, French and English. “The education system in France is very rigid and if you fall behind, there isn’t much help.”

In desperation to help her increasingly unhappy daughter, Giulietta’s mother Googled schools in the UK that could offer support in dyslexia, and St David’s College was the first one on the list. An interview was arranged and Giulietta said she fell in love with the school as soon as she saw the list of activities on offer (especially the 4X4 driving) and that pupils weren’t expected to get up at 6am and study until 8pm, as in her former school.

“In France they don’t really offer anything like BTECs, it’s all about sitting a big exam at the end, which is no good for someone like me who prefers continual assessment,” she says.

“When I first saw the school’s website I was interested to read Rachna’s story, and I thought I wanted to study business too, it was good to see a girl doing so well as I always thought business was a man’s world.”

After being tested by a British dyslexic expert, it was discovered that Giulietta was indeed dyslexic.

Since joining St David’s College last September, Giulietta has thrown herself into school life, including bagging herself the lead role as Cinderella in her house play. She lives in Augusta House with the other female boarders and describes it as “one happy family;” she especially enjoys the soup and roll night on Sundays, brownie nights and movie nights.

“I love the British way of education, because in France as soon as you reach the sixth form you can’t study music, or drama or art unless you go to schools that specialise in these subjects—here you have a choice.

“The teachers at St David’s give up so much of their free time to help me, they are here to make sure I will succeed, and I believe that I will. I now have belief in myself.”

Find it St David’s College is a boarding school in North Wales, specialising in whole-person education. Registration is open for September 2020 and beyond. For more information, email admissions@stdavidscollege.co.uk or jrogowski@stdavidscollege.co.uk, or please visit www.stdavidscollege.co.uk.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 55

At

Discovery College Enrolling Now

Football Age 5+

Basketball Ages 5-14

Gymnastics Ages 4-10

Swimming 4 months +

Photo by Isai Ramos on unsplash.com

SPORTS

Sports Water sports | Tennis | Golf | Team sports | Martial arts Fitness | Dance | Gymnastics

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 57

SPORTS

WATER SPORTS Harry Wright International, Discovery Bay

South Lantau Paddle Club, Pui O

The Harry Wright International swim programme teaches children the skills they need to enjoy swimming. It also provides competitive swimming instruction. Classes are held at Discovery Bay International School and Club Siena.

South Lantau Paddle Club trains and competes in dragon boat and outrigger canoe races both locally and overseas. The club is devoted to family, friends, community, positivity, fitness and fun. Its ethos is work hard, play harder.

2575 6279, swimming@harrywright.com.hk, www.harrywright.com.hk.

membership@southlantaupaddleclub.org, Facebook: South Lantau Paddle Club.

Lantau Boat Club, Discovery Bay

Splash, serving Lantau residents

Lantau Boat Club specialises in activities with catamarans, dinghies, outrigger canoes, dragon boats and coastal rowing boats. Its members also participate in SUP, windsurfing and kayaking.

Splash runs free learn-to-swim programmes for members of under-served communities. Its 12week programme for foreign domestic workers runs on Sundays in locations across Hong Kong.

Tai Pak Wan, DB, admin@lantauboatclub.com, www.lantauboatclub.com.

info@splashfoundation.org, www.splashfoundation.org, Facebook: Splash.

SWIM THE WRIGHT WAY CLUB SIENA, DISCOVERY BAY

HWI Elite Swimmers: 15 Olympians & More FROM 4 MONTHS OLD INFANTS...

TO BEGINNERS...

All Year Round Swimming Programme Monday To Saturday Enrol At Club Siena/DBRC Reception Members & Non-members Welcome

TO CHAMPIONS...

SPORTS

Treasure Island Group, Pui O Treasure Island Group (TIG) is a Hong Kong leader in outdoor education, team building and events located on beautiful Pui O Beach. Offerings include school camp programmes, corporate team building adventures, a weekend beach club restaurant and bar, water-sports rentals, family camping and the Eco-Adventures Foundation, a registered Hong Kong charity.

A long-standing pillar of the South Lantau community, Treasure Island has been bringing the excitement of the outdoors to Pui O Beach for over 23 years. Founded by Lantau resident Adrienne Ng in 1996, the adventure group originally started out organising holiday camps for kids aged five to 13 years, in an attempt to resolve the lack of play time and access to natural spaces for Hong Kong children. Today, that small beach operation, its name chosen as an homage to the natural treasures of our beautiful corner of Hong Kong,

has evolved into TIG, a community-inspired organisation which provides a range of services and events. Those looking for adventure activities with minimal environmental impact will find challenge, inspiration and community all under one roof.

Pui O Beach, Pui O, 2546 3543, www.treasureislandhk.com.

SPORTS

TENNIS

GOLF

Forward Motion, Discovery Bay

Big Sai Wan Golf Society, Discovery Bay

Forward Motion’s team of dedicated tennis professionals provides coaching services for all ages and levels, as well as developing club programmes and tennis events and holiday camps for children.

9779 0747, info@forwardmotionhk.com, www.forwardmotionhk.com.

Pure Tennis Academy, Discovery Bay & Tung Chung Pure Tennis Academy provides modern coaching and competitive programmes to suit players of all ages and abilities. Players have the opportunity to improve their technique and challenge themselves.

Photos courtesy of Baljit Gidwani - www. evoqueportraits.com

9813 5111, ricky@puretennis.com.hk, www.puretennis.com.hk.

60 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

Big Sai Wan Golf Society organises monthly tournaments throughout Hong Kong, as well as annual overseas tours. The club welcomes new members of all skill levels and prides itself on having as few rules as possible.

Facebook: Bigsaiwan GS.

Discovery Bay Residents Golf Society, Discovery Bay Membership of Discovery Bay Residents Golf Society is open to all golfers in Hong Kong.

Membership benefits include concessionary green fees at Discovery Bay Golf Club. dbrgssecretary@gmail.com, www.dbrgs.com.

SPORTS

2

PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Best of Lantau expert YB Rai is the 2018 Discovery Bay Golf Club Champion, as well as the honorary president of the Discovery Bay Residents Golf Society (DBRGS) and a member of the Big Sai Wan Golf Society—which has members from across Lantau.

I

n golf as in life, you’re never going to be so good that you can skip working on the basics. As an experienced golfer, YB Rai knows that the key to success is not exhaustive practice, but rather that perfect practice makes perfect. The runnerup multiple times in the Discovery Bay Golf Club Championship, YB’s perseverance and commitment paid off when he was crowned champion in 2018.

Here are his top five tips for working on your golf game and lowering your handicap.

Photo courtesy of YB Rai

1

Practise with a purpose. Although it may

seem counterintuitive, practising shorter shots first—and then gradually increasing to longer shots—will achieve greater results more quickly.

Work on improving your 30-yard shot first, and then practise your 50-yard shot, and then your 70-yard shot, and then your 90-yard shot. Many golfers often spend too much time hitting the long irons and woods in the driving range with no purpose to their practice.

Prioritise working on your short game.

Focusing on small improvements can result in big rewards. Plan to spend 40% to 60% of your time at the driving range practising your short game.

3

Practise putting. In addition to working on bunker play and chipping, it’s also important to practise putting from different positions around the hole. Start at a 4-foot radius from the hole, and practise putting shots in a circle, then widen the circle to a 10-foot radius, and then increase to a 20-foot radius. Once you putt, hold your followthrough position and don’t look up too soon.

Moving your eyes and head to look up will also move your upper body, which will change your stoke. Instead, hold your position after your putt and wait to hear the sound of the ball dropping into the hole, and then look up.

4

Get off to a good start. Tee up with a club with

5

Think positive. Just as important as proper

which you have the confidence to hit solidly and accurately. For example, use a 3 wood or even a long iron if that is the club with which you feel comfortable. You don’t have to use your driver all the time. Getting the ball in play is more important than distance. technique is the proper mental attitude. My son, Denzel Rai, plays in the Hong Kong Golf Association Junior Squad and was the winner of the 2016 Hong Kong Junior Open Championship in the 9-10 years age group. We share a love of the game and often train and play golf together.

Our family motto is, ‘Never give up until the very last putt!’

Find it Pick up a club and meet fellow golfers from across Lantau at the Big Sai Wan Golf Society (Facebook: Bigsaiwan GS) or the Discovery Bay Residents Golf Society (www.dbrgs.com). For Discovery Bay Golf Club, visit www.dbgc.hk.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 61

SPORTS

TEAM SPORTS DBees, Discovery Bay DBees is a nonprofit ice hockey team that offers programmes for boys and girls of all skill levels, aged five and up. Practice sessions are held at Elements Ice Rink in Kowloon on Saturday mornings from 7.15am to 9.15am.

South Lantau Buffaloes Rugby Football Club, Tai O

nstuartwinchester@gmail.com, www.dbeeshockey.com.

Celebrating 10 years of rugby and a great community atmosphere, South Lantau Buffaloes Rugby Football Club provides a safe, friendly and welcoming environment for girls and boys aged four and up. The club boasts dedicated and qualified coaches and first aiders.

DB Pirates, Discovery Bay

admin@slbrfc.com, Facebook: South Lantau Buffaloes Rugby Football Club Ltd.

DB Pirates is one of Lantau’s most successful sports clubs and DB’s only rugby, netball, hockey and dragon boat club. It offers senior mens’ and ladies’ rugby (19 and over), boys’ and girls’ youth rugby (U13 to U19), mini rugby (U6 to U12), senior and youth netball, mini and adult hockey and dragon boating. Its mission is to enhance character development through team sports and to develop a family environment within the community.

9816 1450, admin@dbpirates.com, dbpirates.com.

HK Dragons Football Club, Discovery Bay, Tung Chung & Mui Wo HK Dragons Football Club offers football coaching and camps for girls and boys from age three to 18. Members have the opportunity to compete in tournaments and matches. Football birthday parties are also available.

2987 4274, theoffice@dragons.hk, dragons.hk.

Lantau Cricket Club, Tung Chung & Pui O Lantau Cricket Club was established in 2013 and participates in Cricket Hong Kong competitions at U11, U13, U15 and U17 levels. Training takes place at Tung Chung North Park on Sunday mornings.

New members aged seven and up are welcome. lantau.cricket@gmail.com Facebook: Lantau Cricket Club.

62 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

Tekkerz, Discovery Bay Developed and run by Progressive Sports Asia, Tekkerz focuses on developing the technical and ball mastery skills of individual players (and their overall game play) using a ‘maximum-touch’ approach. Classes range from Mini Tekkerz (U3 to U4) to U14 boys and girls.

9770 4548, train@tekkerzfootball.com, prosportsasia.com.

Tung Chung Rugby Club, Tung Chung Formed in 2012, Tung Chung Rugby Club (TCRC) has a vibrant community focus. Young children play non-contact rugby before moving on to play contact in the older age groups. TCRC has an active touch-rugby side, which fields both youth and adult teams. tc.rugby.fc@gmail.com, www.tcrc.org.hk, Facebook: Tung Chung Rugby Club.

SPORTS

MARTIAL ARTS Daruma Judo Club, Discovery Bay Husband-and-wife team Cedric Sum, Fourth Dan, and Emily Lau, Third Dan, provide judo education for kids, aged four and up, and adults at Daruma Judo Club. In addition to learning judo as an Olympic sport, students also focus on self-defence techniques and building self-esteem and respect toward others.

Discovery College, 38 Siena Avenue, DB, 6244 6093, www.darumajudo.com.

Hong Kong School of Capoeira, Discovery Bay, Tung Chung & Mui Wo Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art form, incorporating elements of dance, music, acrobatics and selfdefence. Classes for kids, aged two-and-a-half years and up, help to develop their social, physical and creative skills. Adults can gain flexibility and strength through movements and exercises. www.capoeirahk.com.

Inglorious Grapplers DB, Discovery Bay Bringing Brazilian jiu-jitsu to DB, Inglorious Grapplers DB provides self-defence classes for all ages, from toddlers to adults. It also offers free sparring sessions that are open to the local Brazilian jiu-jitsu community. Training is non-violent, varied, fun and structured to offer a great full-body workout. Free trials are on offer.

DB Plaza, DB, 5424 9219 (WhatsApp), www.discoverybaybjj.com.

MGK Fight Club, Discovery Bay Founded by professional MMA fighter Marc Guyon, MGK Fight Club offers a unique martial arts experience for children and adults of all levels.

DB Plaza, DB, 9303 2996, marcguyonkungfu@gmail.com, marcguyon.hk.

SPORTS

FITNESS Embody, Discovery Bay

KIPMOVIN, Discovery Bay

A boutique studio in the heart of DB, Embody provides a wide range of fitness classes, for adults and kids of all skill levels, including Yoga, Pilates, Nirvana Fitness, Zumba, Bounce DanceFit and FitMix. Qualified and dedicated instructors aim to meet clients’ every need through private and group sessions.

Catering to adults and children of all fitness levels, KIPMOVIN offers outdoor fitness training programmes, in particular running, in a disciplined, fun and supportive environment. DB resident Thomas Kiprotich, an elite Kenyan athlete and certified fitness trainer, founded KIPMOVIN in order to share his passion for running and fitness with others.

Rm 225, 2/F, Block D or C, Plaza Lane, DB, 6624 8712, susan@embody.hk.

Kapuhala Train-in Space, Discovery Bay Kapuhala is an international lifestyle brand and has its flagship Social Training Space here in Discovery Bay. The studio is designed to help people achieve their fitness goals through a comprehensive list of HIT and Spin classes led by highly-experienced instructors, personal training and communal events that will keep you motivated. People of all fitness levels are welcome!

Photo courtesy of Baljit Gidwani - www. evoqueportraits.com

Units 13 & 15, LG/F, Office Building, Block 2, DB North Plaza, 96 Siena Avenue, DB, 6101 8434, tribe@kapuhala.com, www.kapuhalaspace.com.

64 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

6180 3256, thomas@kipmovin.com, www.kipmovin.com.

Lantau Base Camp, Mui Wo Founded in 2012, Lantau Base Camp prides itself on being run by trail runners for trail runners. The store offers a wide range of products and purchases can be made online or at the retail store. Aside from merchandise, Lantau Base Camp also organises weekly runs and annual trail races, including the Ladies Trail Running Race in January 2020.

9085 8144, lantaubasecamp@gmail.com, www.lantaubasecamp.com.

Lantau Beach Warriors Club, Mui Wo Lantau Beach Warriors Club provides free coaching sessions to members twice a week. The club was founded in 2014 by James Ramsey, who is an elite athlete and former rugby coach.

9543 0700.

SPORTS

Lantau Vertical, Shek Pik Reservoir

What: The ultimate short-course vertical challenge, this 7km race passes over Lantau Peak.

When: November 24, 2019 Website: www.thetrailhub.com

Lantau 50, Tung Chung

What: The race offers three courses—54km, 27km, and 16km—over the Olympic Trail.

When: December 1, 2019 Website: www.actionasiaevents.com

LBC Ladies Trail Running Race, Mui Wo What:

A women-only race with 12km and 20km options; bring a friend and encourage more women to hit the trails.

When: January 2020; date to be confirmed Website: www.lantaubasecamp.com

TransLantau, Mui Wo What:

Sign up for the ultra course of 103km, or the sister races of 50km and 25km.

When: February 28 to March 1, 2020 Website: www.translantau.com

Country of Origin, Mui Wo

Photo courtesy of Lucien Chan

What:

A 30km route for teams of three sharing the same nationality; fancy dress in national costumes or colours is encouraged.

When: Spring 2020, date to be confirmed Website: www.countryoforigin.asia

Kayak n Run, Discovery Bay

What: Family teams and all-adult teams come together to paddle and run along the coastline.

When: Summer 2020, date to be confirmed Website: www.actionasiaevents.com

Lantau Dragon Boat Teams

Photo courtesy of Jeanice de la Grandiere

Lantau Adventure Races 2019/20

Discovery Bay Church Two-by-Twos Discovery Bay, 5180 5106, markjamesrogers@gmail.com

DBIS Marlins

Discovery Bay, 9031 4571, acooper17@hotmail.com

DB Pirates

Discovery Bay, 9255 6133, dbpdragonboat@gmail.com

Lantau Boat Club

Discovery Bay, 5173 0492, paddling-chair@lantauboatclub.com

Ripple Effect (DB International Community Church) Discovery Bay, 2987 7061, office@dbicc.org

Sea Cucumbers

Discovery Bay, 9766 0440, seacukes.db@gmail.com

South Lantau Paddle Club

Pui O, 9461 0703, membership@southlantaupaddleclub.org.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 65

Rough riding

SPORTS

Explore Lantau’s mountain trails on two wheels.

Mountain biking on Lantau

Photos courtesy of Steve Coward and www.pexels.com

P

erhaps Lantau’s most enduring feature, besides its beaches and mountain scenery, is its hiking trails which are ‘world class’, certainly among the best in Asia. Many of these trails are also designated mountain bike trails, which is a boon for local bikers, who relish the opportunity to get off-road and back to nature.

Mountain bikers enjoy the scenery that comes with the occasionally rough terrain. While the setting is picturesque, the stones and rocks beneath the bike wheels add to the challenge and the ‘naturalness’ of the experience. The only noticeable manmade features, drainage channels which run across the trail at intervals, are unobtrusive and fairly easy to ride over.

The coastal trail from Mui Wo to Shap Long and the Lantau South Water Catchment maintenance road, which runs from above San Shek Wan all the way to Fan Lau, are popular with mountain bikers. Another popular trail is the Chi Ma Wan Country Trail, which boasts the incredible scenery of Pui O Beach below and Lantau’s mountains above. Few bikers use the Chi Ma Wan Country Trail during the week, although at the weekends it gets busy. Groups of up to 10 bikers are a common sight, always with the leader well ahead of the pack and a few stragglers at the back. No one’s in competition and everyone is there to have a good time, but a difference in skill levels and equipment dictates the pecking order.

Lantau’s mountain biking community is eagerly anticipating the completion of a new 45,000 squaremetre mountain bike training facility, which will expand and create a network of mountain biking trails in Mui Wo and Chi Ma Wan. There will also be a new training ground in Lai Chi Yuen Tsuen, which will include different kinds of technical features, such as sharp bends and gravel ramps, for mountain bikers of varying abilities. Construction of the training ground in Lai Chi Yuen Tsuen began in November 2017, and it will be open to the public by late 2019, or early 2020.

66 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

Steve Coward runs CrosscountryHK, which has provided mountain bike trips and training in Hong

SPORTS Kong since 2007. While the business is based in Lantau, most of the training and trips are held in Tai Lam Country Park near the Gold Coast—although Steve is expecting the new mountain bike training facilities on Lantau to change that. “Up until now the trails on Lantau—although excellent—mostly catered to more experienced riders,” says Steve. “But the new park just above Mui Wo will cater to all levels and all ages. After it opens, we will base more of our training and trips there.”

Lantau resident, and avid mountain biker, Brandon Lee is a member of ‘Lantau’s Finest,’ a group of mountain bikers who pride themselves on being some of the “best bikers in Lantau.” Brandon started mountain biking in Malaysia as a teenager, and has been riding on Lantau since 2014. “The mountain biking community in Lantau is amazing; everyone is friendly and like-minded,” says Brandon. “I’m excited for the new bike park in Mui Wo. I think it will add to the camaraderie; everyone’s got the same passion, and we will all be there to enjoy ourselves.”

As Hong Kong’s largest island, mountain bikers need to plan ahead for their rides on Lantau, as some parts of the trails are remote and secluded and riders may not see another person for an hour or two. “If you’re riding alone, you have to be aware that help might be pretty far away. When you have a tire that has just exploded, you need to have the equipment to fix it,” says Brandon. “Biking can be a very expensive sport in Hong Kong, but you need proper equipment that won’t fail you in the middle of a trail.”

Lantau has a number of bike shops to support the biking community and help introduce new people to the sport. In Mui Wo, The Friendly Bike Shop sells bikes and bike accessories, and offers bike maintenance services. It also has around 60 well-maintained mountain bikes for both men and women for

rental. Established in 2003, Sunny Mountain Bike Shop in Tung Chung provides bicycle rental, cleaning, upgrades and maintenance, plus bike and component sales. It also offers biking instruction and advice and monthly bicycle parking for those who don’t have room for their mountain bike in their flat.

In Discovery Bay, Tony Kwong has channeled his 20year passion for mountain biking into the Bike Hub in DB North Plaza. Opened in June 2018, the shop is a one-stop bike hub for the DB community, offering not only equipment and repairs, but also multi-level workshops and courses of eight or 12 weeks. “You can bring in a bike for service, rent a bike, build your dream bike, buy or service kids’ bikes,” says Tony. “More than that, it’s a meeting place for the biking community – a friendly, welcoming space that encourages biking culture and an active lifestyle.”

One of Lantau's rough riders hits the mountain bike trails

Find it For more information about the new mountain biking training facilities on Lantau, including maps of new trails, visit www.cedd.gov.hk/eng/ our-projects/major-projects.

• CrosscountryHK, www.mtbhk.com • Facebook: Friendly Bicycle Shop • Sunny Mountain Bike Shop: www.sunnybike.com.hk • The Bike Hub: bikehub.club The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 67

DANCE Edge ’n Pointe, Tung Chung Edge ’n Pointe provides dance classes in a variety of styles including ballet (American Ballet Theatre Training Curriculum), ADAPT Jazz, contemporary dance, musical theatre, Kindermusik, Latin dance and Zumba. It also offers tuition assistance to less fortunate students in need of financial aid.

Shop 34, Caribbean Square, Caribbean Coast, Tung Chung, 2271 9178, 6681 4274, admin@edgenpointe.com, www.edgenpointe.com.

Island Dance, Discovery Bay & Mui Wo Celebrating 26 years of ‘turning passion into performance,’ Island Dance offers ISTD Freestyle, ISTD Hip Hop, RAD Ballet, Tap and Bollywood classes six days a week. Island Dance also provides and organises dance workshops, birthday parties, flash mobs and camps throughout the year. Free trial classes are available on request.

Discovery Bay Recreation Club, DB. Club Siena, DB. Mui Wo Sports Centre, Mui Wo, 2987 1571, 9159 0663, info@islanddance.com.hk, www.islanddance.com.hk.

Twinkle Dance Company, Discovery Bay

Shop 112 DB Plaza, Discovery Bay

2987 4338

info@dmr-hk.com www.dmr-hk.com

Twinkle Dance Company now provides classes at EpicLand, which also means free playtime after class. Various dance classes, including ballet, jazz, and contemporary, are on offer for adults, as well as children as young as 18 months. Prioritising safety and fun, the kids’ classes allow children to explore and enjoy the creativity, artistry and physicality of dance.

6608 6689, info@twinkledance.com, www.twinkledance.com.

SPORTS

DMR School of Ballet, Discovery Bay DMR School of Ballet, an official Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and Imperial Society of Dance (ISTD) centre, offers children, teenagers and adults the opportunity to learn to dance in a professional and enjoyable environment. Its faculty is made up of highly talented and experienced teachers, recruited locally as well as from abroad, whose high standards are reflected in DMR's exemplary examination results as well as the quality of dancers that have graduated from DMR over the past 35 years. DMR also offers creative non-syllabus classes such as Fun Ballet and Tots in Tutus. The main studio is conveniently located in Discovery Bay Plaza.

29874338, info@dmr-hk.com, www.dmr-hk.com.

Dance for Joy, Tung Chung Founded in 2012, Dance for Joy’s mission is to discover and nurture unique talents in dance and music and bring them to fruition.

Programmes include Pop, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Funky, GymnasTRICKS, Adult Funky Dance Fitness and Pound Rockout Workout. Dance for Joy places a strong emphasis on love, compassion, fulfilment and generosity in each class. In its continuing mission to be the ‘Path to Creativity,’ Dance for Joy collaborates with a number of international

schools across Hong Kong as well as XP Fitness Hub in Central and SuperPark Hong Kong in Kowloon. Classes are available in Tung Chung, Ma Wan Park Island, Central and now in Kowloon’ Super Park. Dance birthday parties and events can also be arranged.

Shop 10, 1/F The Visionary, 1 Ying Hong Street, Tung Chung, 9264 8597, info@danceforjoyhk.com, www.danceforjoyhk.com.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 69

SPORTS

GYMNASTICS 4Dimensions+, Tung Chung Based in Tung Chung, 4Dimensions+ offers fun and creative lessons for children aged three to 10 years in dance, gymnastics and drama.

It also offers special sessions in arts-andcrafts and hand-sewing, plus adult fitness and wellness classes.

9446 6013, havefun@4dimensions.site, www.4dimensions.site.

iGym, Discovery Bay iGym offers high-energy gymnastics classes for girls and boys aged three to 17. Highly qualified coaches aim to instil a passion for the sport in their students, who regularly attend international camps. Classes are held at Discovery Bay International School and EpicLand in DB. 6077 2758, igymhk@icloud.com, www.igymhk.com.

Sportsmanship Gymnastics, Discovery Bay Sportsmanship Gymnastics has been providing structured gymnastics classes for children in DB for over 14 years. Classes are suitable for children aged three to 16. Each session is well structured and diverse, combining floor exercises with balance beam routines. Classes are held at Club Siena in DB. 9705 2608, sportsmanshiphk@gmail.com, Facebook: Sportsmanship International Limited.

SPORTS

ESF Sports

Discovery Bay & Tung Chung

C

ESF Sports is open to both ESF and non-ESF students.

2711 1280, www.esf.org.hk.

At ESF Sports, knowledge and passion for sport are translated into a whole range of fun, exciting, challenging and structured sports programmes designed to foster a love of sport that will last a lifetime.

Babies as young as four months can start with the Baby & Me Swimming Programme, and on turning two and a half, they can join the Learn to Swim Programme and swim on their own.

The Sports Cubs Programme, which starts from the age of two, focuses on building fundamental sports

competencies such as running, kicking, catching and throwing, to increase children’s confidence and their ability to further develop in other sports.

At the age of five, children can focus on their mainstream sport of choice, with options including basketball, football, swimming, gymnastics, kung fu and tennis. ESF’s programmes are each progressive, so students can build all the way up to development and academy programmes, with some teams even playing in local leagues and international competitions.

ESF strives to deliver sessions of the highest possible standards at all times and has a rigorous quality assurance and continued professional development system to ensure its staff are always at the cutting edge of sports and coaching knowledge.

Classes are held at various locations around Hong Kong, with access to high-quality facilities and equipment. ESF coaches all specialise in teaching young children and possess international qualifications in their area of expertise.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 71

Photo courtesy of Angelos Michal by unsplash.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Health & Beauty Pregnancy & babies services | Health providers | Beauty services Readers' Choice Best for hair | Best for nails | Best for facial | Best for massage

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 73

HEALTH & BEAUTY

OH BABY! So you’re awaiting the patter of tiny feet— are you going public or private?

I

f you are expecting a baby in Hong Kong, one of the first decisions you will want to make is whether you want to use the public health system with delivery at a public hospital, or the private health system with delivery at a private hospital.

As a starting point, you can begin by sitting down with your partner and discussing your needs and expectations. Then you can proceed with your research: attending hospital tours, educating yourself by talking to an experienced midwife and/ or getting the support and valuable information you need from a qualified baby planner. Of course you can always speak with friends who have experienced giving birth in Hong Kong, but bear in mind that this information is biased to their requirements rather than yours.

Photos courtesy of www.pexels.com and stock.adobe.com

Public versus private When choosing between public and private hospitals, there are numerous factors to take into consideration. Do you have insurance to cover or help pay for the medical bill?

Private hospital bills can be expensive, especially if you have an unplanned emergency, whereas public hospitals are very cost-friendly.

All women with a Hong Kong ID are eligible to use the public hospital system to give birth. You will need to get a referral from your general practitioner 74 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

confirming your pregnancy, which you will then need to present at Tsan Yuk Hospital to be registered into the public system. Here you will have your initial scan and tests at 13 weeks, before being allocated a hospital for your future check-ups and the birth, depending on where you live. DB-based mums-tobe are usually referred to Queen Mary Hospital in Pokfulam, while Lantau residents often get Princess Margaret Hospital in south Kwai Chung, near Lai Chi Kok. Public check-ups are initially at Tsan Yuk and then either at the more convenient Tung Chung Medical Centre (if you are low risk), or your hospital (if you are deemed high risk.) Be prepared that the visits can be long, so plan ahead and bring snacks, water, entertainment (and a sense of humour). You will have routine scans at 12 and 20 weeks with monthly check-ups monitoring blood pressure, checking for protein, and listening to the baby’s heartbeat. Some people choose to give birth at a public hospital, but supplement or even replace these public antenatal appointments with private check-ups and scans.

The main private hospitals are Matilda International Hospital and Canossa Hospital (The Peak), and Hong Kong Adventist Hospital and Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital (Happy Valley). It is important to do your homework and research a doctor’s and/ or hospital’s C-section rates, statistics on natural delivery, opinions on episiotomies, and their general approach. It’s also a

HEALTH & BEAUTY

good idea to visit the hospitals to see which best support your birth plan, as well as your budget and location.

In a private hospital there is a greater likelihood that the obstetrician/ gynaecologist (OB-GYN) who has attended to you throughout your pregnancy will deliver your baby. This might give you greater peace of mind when going into labour, as you will have had time to develop and discuss your birth plan with your OB-GYN. In a public hospital, you may see a different doctor for all of your antenatal check-ups. The public health system does support the birth plans of mothers in labour, but you—or your birth partner—will need to play a larger role in advocating for your preferences. In addition, some of the public hospitals are ‘teaching hospitals’ so you may be assisted by students, who can also observe your delivery.

Another consideration is that public hospitals will only allow you to be accompanied by one other person, and only when you are in active labour. If you arrive early to the hospital while in pre-labour, you can stay in an early labour ward, but your birth partner will need to wait outside until active labour begins. Private midwives are not allowed to enter the labour room in public hospitals, whereas if you go private your support team can even accompany you into the operating room in case of a C-section.

Likewise, the ratio of patients per midwife is very low in private hospitals, which guarantees personalised support for breastfeeding and recovery after the birth. Private hospitals offer private, semi-private and shared wards of four patients, whereas public hospitals can have up to 10 patients on a ward. The public hospitals offer traditional Chinese food, with the emphasis on health and weight loss. Private hospitals often offer an extensive international menu, similar to room service at a hotel.

One if by land, two if by sea Another point to consider when choosing your hospital is the distance you will have to travel from Lantau, taking into account whether you will get a bus and/ or taxi (to Kowloon), or whether you will need to get a ferry (to Central) and then a taxi to the hospital. It’s a good idea to plan the route in advance, and even try a practice run before the big day so you know how long it will take to get to the hospital and also where to go when you get there. Be sure to accommodate changes to bus and ferry schedules depending on the time of day or night. If you’re worried about missing a ferry, only to find you’ve left home too early, consider breaking up the journey into parts—don’t rush straight to the hospital.

Of course, you won’t actually know when you’ll need to leave until the day your labour begins.

If your waters break early, and you are strep B positive, had a previous ‘fast’ labour or have any complications you will be advised to go in early.

But if you are comfortable at home and your labour is progressing nicely (i.e. increased intensity and frequency of contractions), then home can be a great place to stay.

The common advice for low-risk patients is to try and arrive at 3-1-1 (i.e. when you have been having contractions every three minutes, lasting for one minute, for one hour). But don’t obsessively watch the clock or worry about the numbers. It is most important to start the journey to the hospital when you are mentally ready, able to walk and are having regular strong, long and intense contractions.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 75

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Lady’s choice After you’ve done your research, you’ll want to register at your preferred hospital as popular hospitals—both private and public—get booked up very early. If you are choosing to use the public health system, make sure to register for your first antenatal appointment as soon as possible but no later than 15 weeks into your pregnancy. For private hospitals, it’s advisable to submit a deposit early in order to confirm your place and avoid disappointment. Even then, in a private hospital, your spot is not guaranteed until the day you go into labour and you can be turned away.

Finally, it is worth remembering that in the event of an emergency you and/ or the baby will always be admitted to a public hospital. Private hospitals are not well-equipped to handle unexpected and/ or unusual medical emergencies.

Find it For more information about the private hospitals available in Hong Kong, visit www.privatehospitals.org.hk. For more on antenatal and maternal health resources in the public health system, visit www.fhs.gov.hk.

THE LOWDOWN: WHAT ARE THE PUBLIC HOSPITALS REALLY LIKE? Cathee Jackson shares her professional and personal experience, from both working as a doula in Discovery Bay and as a mother of three who’s used both the public and private systems in Hong Kong.

From personal and professional experience, I would say the public hospitals are very good.

They offer great, safe medical care and as a whole the doctors and midwives do try to meet the different cultural expectations and cater to the needs of patients. A lot depends on your flexibility and ability to communicate. The key is to be empowered with knowledge about what you want and also what can happen during the whole labour process—something antenatal classes can help with.

Having a birth plan and a partner willing to ask assertive but polite questions can also help to make the difference between a frustrating or positive experience. The tricky part is often in the early labour ward when you are separated.

There are ways around this, for example using communal waiting areas to labour together, labouring at home for as long as you feel comfortable (and it is safe to do so), and being vocal but respectful about wanting to be together. You may also find taking a female friend/ relative or hiring a doula to support you in the early labour ward can help, as I find women are more likely to be allowed in than men.

Once you get into the delivery room, you can create your own space. You can also make your experience better by specifically requesting that only English be spoken, and you can use smells, sounds and positions to help you through your contractions. Just remember that labour is a journey, so it is hugely beneficial to be flexible to whatever course it takes.

76 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

HEALTH & BEAUTY

PREGNANCY & BABIES

MEDICAL SERVICES

Annerley The Midwives Clinic (Hong Kong), serving Lantau residents

Island Health, Discovery Bay

The midwives at Annerley The Midwives Clinic provide a wide range of services, including home visits, to support and take care of women throughout a normal healthy pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.

LG/ F, Century Square, 1 D'Aguilar Street, Central, 2983 1558, annerley@otandp.com, annerley.com.hk.

Family Zone (Hong Kong), serving Lantau residents Family Zone was established in 2005 by Yvonne Heavyside, a British-trained health visitor, lactation consultant and community nurse who has more than 35 years working experience in obstetrics, health visiting, lactation advice, family planning and maternal and child health nursing.

Medical Services: Dr Winnie Siu, Dr James Oliver and Dr Jeffrey Ho Physiotherapy & Osteopathy: Melanie Potgieter Shop 109A, DB Plaza, DB, 2987 7575, enquiries@islandhealth.com.hk, www.islandhealth.com.hk.

Human Health Medical Centre, Tung Chung Medical Services: Dr Cheng Tik Man Sharon, Dr Cheuk Yee Hang, Dr Kwong Kin Hung and Dr Lam Ding Yee Amy. Shop 20, Tung Chung MTR Station, Tung Chung, 2109 2711, humanhealth.com.hk.

Dr Ka Cheong Kwok, Mui Wo

thefamilyzone.hk.

Grandview Mansion, 11 Mui Wo Ferry Pier Road, Mui Wo, 2984 7530.

La Leche League Hong Kong, serving Lantau residents

Movement Squared, Discovery Bay

La Leche League Hong Kong is the local branch of the international organisation recognised by WHO and UNICEF as the leading authority on breastfeeding. It holds free group meetings every month, and counsellors also give free information, support and encouragement by phone and electronic media. Two of the La Leche League counsellors live on Lantau. info@lll-hk.org, www.lll-hk.org.

Osteopathy: Dr. Aaron Anderson. align@movementsquared.com, www.movementsquared.com.

Mui Wo General Out-Patient Clinic, Mui Wo G/F and 1/F, 2 Ngan Kwong Wan Road, Mui Wo, 2984 2080.

Wellness & Birth (Hong Kong), serving Lantau residents Founded by Karin Siworking, a registered midwife in Hong Kong and Germany, Wellness & Birth specialises in working with women and their obstetricians in the hospital—before the birth— and then continues to work with women and their paediatricians, helping new mums through the first stages of a newborn’s life.

9022 1779, info@wellnessandbirth.com, www.wellnessandbirth.com.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

North Lantau Hospital, Tung Chung

DENTAL

Open since 2013, North Lantau Hospital has a 24hour accident and emergency service and offers in-patient services, ambulatory care services, specialist out-patient services, allied health services and community care services. Pharmacy, diagnostic radiology and pathology services are also provided.

Bayside Dental, Discovery Bay & Tung Chung

8 Chung Yan Road, Tung Chung, 3467 7000.

Quality HealthCare Medical Centre, Discovery Bay Medical Services: Dr Simon Siu, Dr Yau and Dr Sweta Venkatraman, 2987 5633.

Physiotherapy: Sapna Harris, 2473 6200, available by appointment.

Shop 108, 1/F, DB Plaza, DB, www.qhms.com.

Quality HealthCare Medical Centre, Tung Chung Medical Services: Dr Siu Hon Pong and Dr Sweta Venkatraman, 2403 6623.

Physiotherapy: Newton H C Chan, 2403 6328, available by appointment.

Shop 18, G/F, Block 3, Tung Chung Crescent, 1 Hing Tung Street, Tung Chung, www.qhms.com.

Raffles Medical Group, Chek Lap Kok Landside Medical Centre, Level 6, Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport, Chek Lap Kok, 2261 2626, www.rafflesmedicalgroup.com.

Skyline Physiotherapy, Tung Chung Physiotherapy: Gary Fan, Henry Elliott, Cindy Chau, Ivan Chu and Claire Leung.

Shop P1, G/F, Seaview Crescent, 8 Tung Chung Waterfront Road, Tung Chung, 2194 4038.

Tai O Jockey Club General Out-Patient Clinic, Tai O G/F, 103 Shek Tsai Po Street, Tai O, 2985 7236.

78 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

Bayside Dental provides a variety of dental treatments in its modern and child-friendly clinics. It is fully equipped with the latest in dental technology, but the emphasis is still on old-fashioned values, such as prevention and practising family dentistry with a friendly touch.

Patients in pain are given priority and parking is available at the Tung Chung clinic.

Discovery Bay: Unit 1, G/F, Office Block 1, DB North Plaza, DB, 2987 0855, 6071 4530 (emergencies).

Tung Chung: Shop 26, Caribbean Square, Caribbean Coast, Tung Chung, 2185 6550. info@baysidedentalhk.com, www.baysidedentalhk.com.

Quality HealthCare Dental Centre, Tung Chung Shop 18, G/F, Block 3, Tung Chung Crescent, 1 Hing Tung Street, Tung Chung, 2403 6613, www.qhms.com.

HEALTH & BEAUTY Box breathing

Just Breathe Feeling overwhelmed? Bruce Taylor suggests you focus on your breath to reduce your stress.

W

ith all there is to love about Hong Kong (and there’s lots to love), the stress from the typical busy Hong Kong lifestyle can be one of the drawbacks.

If you’re not careful, the frenetic pace can quickly take a toll on your physical and mental health.

Photo courtesy of www.pexels.com

Although the symptoms of stress can be overwhelming, simple stress management techniques—that can be easily incorporated into daily life—can make a difference in releasing stress. It only takes a few minutes, but the techniques can have a huge impact on your holistic health, so there is no reason not to incorporate them into your daily routine.

Stress reduction starts with the breath. Breathing is an automatic function of the body, and yet almost no one knows how to breathe correctly. First, take a stopwatch and count the number of times you breathe in a minute (inhale to inhale is one breath). A body at rest will breathe around six times per minute, while a body in stress may breathe between 18-25 times in a minute. Where do you fall?

To release stress, you can work on reducing the number of times you breathe per minute. Box breathing is a simple, three-step process—inhale, hold, exhale—all for the same count. Start with a count of eight seconds and inhale from the lower belly to the top of your lungs. You should finish the inhale at eight seconds. Hold the breath for another count of eight seconds, and then exhale slowly by trying to fully expel all the air in your lungs for another count of eight seconds. Repeat this for three to five minutes and notice how much calmer you feel, and how the number of breaths per minute has dropped.

Grounding meditation You can also incorporate a simple meditation into the box breathing exercise as above. Sit with your feet firmly on the ground, back straight, and focus on feeling your connection to the ground via your feet while you breathe. As you inhale, bring the feeling of connection and awareness up the entire body, starting with the soles of your feet and ending at the crown of the head. Begin your count at your feet and bring your awareness to the top of your head at the end of eight seconds as you fully inhale and inflate your lungs. Likewise on the exhale, begin with a focus on the crown of the head and then bring your awareness down your body back to your feet as you fully exhale.

You can think of the whole process—inhale and exhale—as a scan of the body.

A body in rest is a body in health, a body in distress is a body in disease. Following these two simple practices will bring your body (and life) back to balance in no time.

Find it Bruce Taylor is a Reiki Grand Master, an energy healer, and a meditation, yoga, breathwork and Tantric teacher. You can find him in Central at The Vitality Center (www.vitalitycenter.com.hk) and Enhale Meditation Studio (enhalems.com), and also in Discovery Bay. For bookings contact 9182 3671.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Top picks from your fellow Lantau neighbours

HAIR

NAILS

JOINT FIRST PLACE

FIRST PLACE

Afflatus Hair Workshop, Discovery Bay

Nailed It, Discovery Bay

Afflatus Hair Workshop is a well-established hair salon for men, women and children. This contemporary salon offers top-quality services including cutting, colouring and straightening by a dedicated, professional team of stylists. As a special bonus, the mirrors in the kids’ area are fitted with televisions to entertain children while they are having their hair cut. Open daily from 10am to 7pm.

Ask for Matt or Roy.

Nailed It offers professional artificial nail services and nail art design in a relaxing and peaceful environment. The highly experienced and creative team is happy to cater to clients’ individual needs through customised manicures and pedicures.

Nailed It is celebrating its eighth anniversary this year.

Shop G13F, G/F, DB North Plaza, DB, 2987 0283, afflatushair@gmail.com.

RUNNER UP

JOINT FIRST PLACE Tony’s Salon, Mui Wo Tony’s Salon offers bargain prices for top-quality service. Peruse the wall of books to keep you entertained during your haircut.

Grandview Mansion, 11 Mui Wo Ferry, Mui Wo, 2984 0990.

RUNNER UP Salon de Coiffure, Discovery Bay Salon de Coiffure is a long-standing professional hair salon, very popular among DB residents. The dedicated and talented team of stylists specialises in creating the perfect look for special events.

Shop G20, G/F, DB Plaza, DB, 2987 4112.

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426, Block D, DB Plaza, DB, 2987 2266.

Spa Ambiance, Mui Wo Spa Ambiance offers relaxing body massages, foot massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, threading, soft gel services and more.

G/F, Shop 12, Mui Wo Centre, 3 Ngan Wan Road, Mui Wo, 2984 2488, spa.ambiance.hk@gmail.com.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

FACIAL

MASSAGE

FIRST PLACE

FIRST PLACE

Nest Care, Discovery Bay

Quan Spa, Chek Lap Kok

Nest Care is a specialised skincare and wellness centre at DB North Plaza run by a team of experienced therapists and practitioners. It offers customised facials and massages, waxing and nail services and various therapeutic treatments.

Renowned for its tranquility zones, Quan Spa at Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel is unique to the Marriott brand. The award-winning spa offers a variety of massages, authentic treatments and spa packages.

Unit 01 LG/F Office Block 2, DB North Plaza, DB, 2499 8826, info@nestcarehk.com.

1 Sky City Road East, Hong Kong International Airport, Chek Lap Kok, 3969 2188, quanspahk@marriott.com, www.skycitymarriott.com/spa.

RUNNER UP Spa Botanica, Discovery Bay The trained specialists Spa Botanica at Auberge Discovery Bay offer more than 30 different treatments, including detox and aromatherapy. Family treatments are available such as the 75-minute Mommy & Princess Treat. From cleansing facials to stressrelieving massages, Spa Botanica can provide a head-to-toe makeover, leaving guests feeling revitalised, refreshed and relaxed.

88 Siena Avenue, DB, 2295 8288, www.aubergediscoverybay.com.

RUNNER UP Head to Toe, Discovery Bay From the same team as Nailed It, Head to Toe in DB North Plaza offers professional services including popular foot and body massages such as Thai, sports, deep tissue, traditional Chinese and more.

High-quality products can also be purchased to take home.

Unit 8, LG/F, Office Block 2, DB North Plaza, DB, 2988 1188, Facebook: Head to Toe by Nailed It.

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Great drinks, great food and great company.

V i E L y r e v i l e D Servicee a n D B l b a Avail

Tel: 2321 5500 www.atavola.hk Follow us on Facebook for upcoming events

Shop E&F G/F, Seaview Crescent Plaza Tung Chung, atavolahk Lantau Island

Follow us on Facebook atavolahk for upcoming events

Photo courtesy of Cody Chan on unsplash.com

DINING

Dining Lantau bars & restaurants

Readers' Choice Best for families | Best for vegetarian | Best for seafood Best for happy hour | Best for date night

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 83

DINING

Readers' Choice

Top picks from your fellow Lantau neighbours

FOR FAMILIES

SEAFOOD

FIRST PLACE

FIRST PLACE

PizzaExpress, Discovery Bay & Tung Chung PizzaExpress serves handcrafted pizzas made with the freshest ingredients.

Shop G01B, G/F, DB Plaza, DB, 2465 2426. Unit G21, G/F, Citygate, 20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung, 2297 3588, www.pizzaexpress.com.hk.

RUNNER UP Zaks, Discovery Bay

Offering an extensive menu and relaxed alfresco ambience, Zaks is conveniently located on D’Deck, by the waterfront. With a family-oriented vision, Zaks offers a wide variety of dishes that kids will love.

Shop G04, Block A, DB Plaza, DB, 2987 6232, zaks@casteloconcepts.com, www.zaks.com.hk.

VEGETARIAN FIRST PLACE Hemingway’s, Discovery Bay

Hemingway’s serves up plant-based comfort food in a beachfront setting. Enjoy live music on Saturday nights, plus acoustic music on Sunday afternoons.

Shop G09, G/F, DB Plaza, DB, 2987 8855.

RUNNER UP Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping

This unique restaurant, on the left of the Main Shrine Hall, serves food from the monastery’s own kitchen. It has a reputation for inexpensive but substantial vegetarian food.

Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping Road, 2985 4736.

84 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

Wah Kee, Mui Wo

The Mui Wo Cooked Food Centre offers a colourful assortment of fresh seafood options. Head to Wah Kee for delicious seafood dishes that are easy on the wallet. Popular plates include salt and pepper squid and crunchy noodles topped with juicy prawns.

Mui Wo Cooked Food Centre, Mui Wo, 2984 1665.

RUNNER UP MooFish, Discovery Bay

Fans of seafood, head to MooFish for its fish and chips, salmon, barramundi and king prawn dishes. And thanks to its extensive menu of salads, burgers and sandwiches, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Shop G33, DB North Plaza , DB, 2987 6318, www.casteloconcepts.com.

HAPPY HOUR FIRST PLACE McSorley’s Ale House, Discovery Bay

McSorley’s Ale House is a popular spot to grab a pint or enjoy a bite to eat while watching a game of sport. It offers pub favourites and also has a kids’ menu.

Shop G11A-1, G/F, DB Plaza, DB, 2987 8280, info@mcsorleys.com.hk, www.mcsorleys.com.hk.

RUNNER UP

Café Isara, Mui Wo

A stylish little bar and bistro, Café Isara is a great spot for a casual meal with friends or a game of pool or darts. It serves up a superb selection of Asian and Western dishes.

18A Mui Wo Ferry Pier Road, Mui Wo, 2470 1966, enquiries@cafeisara.com.

DINING

Dining Delights

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE BEST OF LANTAU EXPERT PANEL

Kelly Merrick

"Handi in Tung Chung, The Gallery in Tong Fuk and The Kitchen in Mui Wo are all favourites. As a family, we love to go to Treasure Island in Pui O and have dinner with friends. The kids feel at home there and can be social with their friends at the same time."

Merrin Pearse Seaside dining at Treasure Island Beach Club in Pui O

Elizabeth Hemmings

"We’ve always loved going to Treasure Island in Pui O, whoever is running the restaurant. It was our ‘local’ for years and we often went down for dinner and night-swimming. It was a luxury that I still miss. Cheung Sha Beach is another favourite; When the Stoep was there and we lived in Shui Hau we went at least once a week. Now Bathers occupies that space and we still love to visit."

"Top favourites in Lantau for my family are The Kitchen and Yee Hen Seafood Restaurant both in Mui Wo and Lantau Grocer in Cheung Sha." Kim Whiley

"My favourite was the Club Siena café during lunch, which used to have the best Vietnamese noodles.

They have since taken the noodles off the menu but it’s still very quiet and nice for lunch. The trip over to Mui Wo is always amazing, and having Turkish food at Bahçe is one of our favourite outings."

Readers' Choice Top picks from your fellow Lantau neighbours

FOR DATE NIGHT JOINT RUNNER UP Brasserie 22° North, Discovery Bay

Offering an alfresco dining experience, with lovely views over the bay, Brasserie 22° North is a popular restaurant, which serves up a large selection of tasty, classic recipes with a creative twist.

Shop G08B, G/F, DB Plaza, DB, 2987 2298, www.22north.com.hk.

JOINT RUNNER UP Koh Tomyums, Discovery Bay

Koh Tomyums provides a truly authentic Thai experience, from the traditional decor to the delicious food. The dishes are fresh and tasty, with specialties including classics like grilled pork neck and pad thai.

Bookings are recommended.

Shop 105B, 1/F, DB Plaza, DB, 2987 0767.

JOINT RUNNER UP Solera, Discovery Bay Solera serves up classic Spanish cuisine, in generous portions, from a comprehensive à la carte menu. Sit outside to enjoy waterfront views with your favourite Spanish beer, wine, spirits and, of course, sangria.

Shop 101, 1/F, Block A, DB Plaza, DB, 2555 0772.

DINING

READERS’ CHOICE: FIRST PLACE BEST FOR DATE NIGHT

A Tavola Bar & Grill Tung Chung

C

Shops E & F, G/F, Seaview Crescent Plaza, Tung Chung, 2321 5500, www.atavola.hk, Facebook: A Tavola Bar & Grill.

The winner of the Best of Lantau Readers’ Choice award for best date night, A Tavola Bar & Grill is a top dining destination in Tung Chung.

From family meals to drinks and date nights, A Tavola offers an indoor and outdoor multi-cuisine dining experience. The extensive menu covers everything from salads and pastas to burgers and mains from the grill, complemented by a well-stocked bar and daily happy hour drink discounts.

A Tavola is a community hub providing activities such as quiz nights, belly dancing, big-screen sports event broadcasts and live music. New for 2019/ 2020, the A Tavola team is hard at work opening a new location in Tseung Kwan O. The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 87

DINING

OR

BEER

to brew the beer is charred to deliver a smoky taste, which brings out the rich maltiness in the beer.

F

O N L

Y

HERE the

Best of Lantau expert Alan Chung— co-organiser of the Rotten Head Music & Craft Beer Festival—shares his love of locally brewed craft beer.

A Photos courtesy of Andrew Spires and www.pexels.com

ll too often, when you are looking for a cold beer to take the edge off a sweltering afternoon, the only options you can find are the same unremarkable lagers from the big market players that you see everywhere in Hong Kong.

Although these beers are able to quench your thirst, they do nothing to stimulate your palate.

Luckily, there are now several up-and-coming local craft beer breweries in Hong Kong who are brewing up different styles of beers, each with their own unique taste. Although pale ales and India pale ales are the two styles most commonly associated with craft beers, if you look a bit closer you can find many more varieties—like sour beer, amber ale, stout and porter—popping up on the local craft beer scene.

With such a range of styles and flavours, you can find a beer to suit just about anyone.

In Hong Kong, there are now approximately 18 local craft beer breweries with a wide range of skills.

Some notable ones, with large-scale operations, are Gwei Lo Beer, Moonzen Brewery and Young Master Ales, and their beers are easy to find at bars and restaurants throughout Hong Kong. But also keep an eye out for some of the smaller brewers like Hong Kong Whistle and The Brew Common. One of my favourites has to be H.K. Love Craft, which is based in nearby Tsing Yi. Its Rauchbier, a German-inspired style of beer, is a real winner, since the barley used 88 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

Although there is growing interest and support of locally brewed craft beers in Hong Kong, it’s a fiercely competitive market in which to survive.

Huge amounts of marketing money injected by large beverage companies makes it very difficult for local brewers to break into the market, and the cost of producing high-quality beer is always going to be more than the cost for commercial beer. Having said that, you can find places that specialise in supporting local breweries, like the Hoppy Junction in Wanchai and the Hong Kong Island Tap House in Tin Hau. Closer to home, part of the mission of the Rotten Head Music & Craft Beer Festival on October 26, 2019, is to support the local craft brew scene in Hong Kong. Be sure to stop by the festival to check out both local musicians and some of my favourite locally brewed beers.

Lantau beer lovers at a Rotten Head quiz night in Tung Chung.

Find it Sample some 30 beers, supplied by 10 local craft breweries, at Rotten Head Music & Craft Beer Festival on October 26, 2019 at Tat Tung Road Park, Tung Chung. For tickets, starting at HK$350 at the door, visit www.rottenheadfest.com. To learn more about the festival, turn to page 109.

DINING

The Pier Bar & Uncle Russ Coffee Discovery Bay & Central

C

The Pier Bar: Discovery Bay Ferry Pier, 2520 2166. Central Pier 3, 2501 0398, Facebook: The Pier Bar. Uncle Russ Coffee: Shop LG19, DB North Plaza, DB, 2840 1188. Central Pier 3, 2501 0398.

Central Pier 6, 2869 8339. info@uncleruss.com.hk, www.unclerusscoffee.com.hk, Facebook: Uncle Russ Coffee.

The Pier Bar is a wine, beer and coffee bar, offering ferry travellers a high-quality beverage experience to enjoy on the go, or while they are waiting in DB or Central. Serving Uncle Russ coffee, as well as a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, The Pier Bar is also the perfect location for busy residents to grab a great bottle of wine for dinner.

Established in 1992, Uncle Russ Coffee has outlets at DB North Plaza and Central Piers 3 and 6, offering a great selection of drinks from espressos to fruit smoothies, as well as assorted snacks. Keep an eye out for a new Uncle Russ in 2020 when the new retail arcade opens in DB Plaza.

Also new this year at Uncle Russ is the reusable mug programme. Patrons are invited to buy an Uncle Russ to-go cup, which can be labelled with customers’ names and kept for their convenience at the DB North Plaza location. In addition to doing their bit to reduce plastic waste, customers will also receive two stamps on their loyalty card when they buy a coffee with their reusable Uncle Russ mug.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 89

From $38

From $30

DINING

LET’S EAT CAKE Mung bean cakes are the perfect healthy snack, they detox your body, quench your thirst and keep your skin healthy and beautiful.

M

ung bean cakes are a common snack throughout China, particularly during the summer months. In Chinese medicine, mung beans are ‘cool’ in nature, and sweet in taste, and can help to clear heat from the body and remove toxicity. Deliciously sweet, they will also satisfy your sweet tooth.

The cakes, which are often pressed into intricate moulds (similar to mooncakes), are often served with tea to balance the strong flavours of the tea with the sweet taste of the pastry.

Photos courtesy of Duey Tam

Traditionally, mung bean cakes were served as a sign of respect towards a guest. This historical practice was first recorded in the Liu Song dynasty in A New Account of the Tales of the World. This compilation of historical anecdotes includes a description of when Chu Bao, a renowned general from the Jin dynasty, was offended by the lack of snacks served alongside his tea.

Today, these cakes can be found in many different shapes and flavours. In general, there are two kinds of mung bean cake in China; the northern style is made without oil and tastes dry and fluffy; the southern style uses oil, and often contains stuffings such as red bean, red date or sesame paste. In Discovery Bay, you can try several different types of mung bean cake and other traditional Chinese pastries at the HanMade Teahouse in DB North Plaza.

The sweet flavour—similar to a cooked sweet potato—blends well with the mung bean base, and adds a textured chewiness that goes well with tea.

Sweet potato pastry: The smell of roasted sweet potatoes wafting from a street-side vendor is a quintessential Hong Kong experience. A popular flavour in many Chinese desserts, the rich sweet potato taste blends well with the pastry and gives the cake a beautiful colour.

Black sesame mung bean cake: The colour of black sesame seeds comes from the hull of the seeds, which is not removed. Black sesame seeds have a slightly nuttier, more bitter flavour than sweet white sesame seeds. When used in large quantities, black sesame seeds have a pleasantly pungent earthy flavour, which pairs well with mung bean cake.

Original osmanthus rice cake: According to legend, sweet-scented osmanthus cake originated in China more than 300 years ago. Osmanthus flowers are used throughout East Asia for their scent and flavour.

Find it For a selection of delicious Chinese teacakes, that are free of artificial colourings and additives, head to HanMade Teahouse, Shop G10, DB North Plaza, DB.

Red bean cake: The red bean is one of the most important ingredients for Chinese desserts.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 91

Photo courtesy of Dariusz Sankowski on unsplash.com

EXCURSIONS

Excursions Best Asia destinations | Staycations | Local day trips

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 93

EXCURSIONS

BEST IN ASIA PACIFIC 2019 Hot and happening, easily accessible destinations to explore right now.

1

Great Southern Region, Western Australia

With rolling vineyards set against a backdrop of breath-taking coastal and forest scenery, your next adventure is never far away in the Great Southern Region of Western Australia. Take a road trip down the coast from Margaret River for amazing surf and whales aplenty. If you’re looking for pristine sand, dramatic rocky cliffs and the best swimming and surfing, hole up for a couple of nights at Meelup Beach just northwest of Dunsborough Town.

Photos courtesy of unsplash.com

Beyond the sand, the Great South is home to some of Australia’s slickest wineries, breweries and restaurants. So be sure to drive inland, through talltree forest and kangaroo-dotted farmland, to eat and drink to your heart’s content. Time your trip right and you can drop by one of the region’s famed food-and culture festivals, from Gourmet Escape to Truffle Kerfuffle and Taste Great Southern.

Wine country vineyard

94 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

Gardens by the Bay

2

Singapore

If you’ve never been to Singapore, do it this year, and if you’ve visited it too many times to count, schedule a rerun. In 2019, the Lion City is marking its bicentennial—200 years since the founding of modern Singapore—and also celebrating over 700 years of rich, diverse history. Special centennial celebrations include historical talks, tours, workshops and shows. Also, the iconic Raffles Hotel reopened in August after a lavish renovation. Make a point of stopping by Gardens by the Bay to be wowed by the 16-storey ‘super trees,’ and round off your trip with a visit to the equally futuristic Jewel, the new naturethemed mall at Changi Airport, which boasts the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.

EXCURSIONS

4

Summer Palace

3

The Cook Islands, South Pacific

Life in the Cook Islands is laid-back in the extreme, and the locals are more than happy to welcome visitors to their Polynesian paradise. Tourists seldom venture beyond the main island of Rarotonga but there are 15 tiny islets, spread across a giant swathe of deep-blue, breezy Pacific Ocean, just waiting to be discovered. If you can force yourself out of your hammock, take the 45-minute flight north to Aitutaki, to see a vast turquoise lagoon often described as the most beautiful in the world.

Beijing, China

Beijing is changing fast as the new decade approaches.

The world’s largest airport, the extraordinary, Zaha Hadid-designed, starfish-shaped Beijing Daxing International, is slated to open in September. There’s also a shiny new Universal Studios opening in 2021, and a lot is expected of the new venues being built to host the 2022 Winter Olympics. What’s more, the city is cleaning up its act (battling all that smog) through a newly launched eco-friendly bike-sharing scheme and a rapidly expanding metro network that’s expected to reduce traffic congestion.

New attractions aside, the real draws are still the Forbidden City, the biggest palace complex in the world, the Lama Temple and the Summer Palace. For a change of scenery, you can drive out to Juyongguan or Badaling to take a stroll along the visible-from-space Great Wall.

Aitutaki lagoon

Renowned for its snorkelling and scuba-diving, the Cook Islands are an underwater playground, with visibility up to 60 metres, steep oceanic drop offs, canyons, caves, hundreds of species of fish and over 73 types of live coral. There are over 30 dive sites off Rarotonga alone, and plenty of options for both beginner and advanced divers.

Find it

Beijing Daxing International

Make your travel plans with Apple Travel, which has been providing expert travel services to the DB community since 1998. It specialises in fully packaged Asian weekend getaways.

The team offers everything from flight tickets and travel visas to special package deals.

For more information, call 2987 2626 or email annie@appletravel.com.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 95

EXCURSIONS

GIVE ME A BREAK

On Lantau, you don’t have to go far to get away from it all.

Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau At the happiest place on Earth, kids get to meet their Disney friends in person, fly through space, hop onboard a river cruise or ride in Winnie’s honey pot. Recent additions to the park’s lineup include the Iron Man Experience and Ant-Man and The Wasp Nano Battle, which opened in 2019. www.hongkongdisneyland.com.

Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel, Chek Lap Kok Located next to AsiaWorld-Expo and Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel features 658 guest rooms, a grand ballroom, 11 meeting rooms, five food and beverage outlets, a 24-hour fitness centre, a 27-metre indoor swimming pool and Marriott’s signature Quan Spa. Less than 30 minutes by train from Central, a complimentary shuttle bus service is also available to the airport, Tung Chung MTR station and Hong Kong Disneyland.

1 Sky City Road East, Chek Lap Kok, 3969 1888, www.skycitymarriott.com.

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Saffron Cruises, serving Lantau residents Bringing you the largest fleet of boats in Hong Kong, Saffron Cruises’ options range from traditional Chinese junks to high-end luxury motor and sailing yachts from 40- up to 160-foot. Saffron Cruises can also provide anything from party food to a four-course gourmet meal, making its vessels ideal for any occasion.

2857 1311, 6493 2650, info@saffron-cruises.com, www.saffron-cruises.com.

Silvermine Beach Resort, Mui Wo Silvermine Beach Resort offers guests a tranquil and relaxing environment for enjoying numerous outdoor activities, such as kayaking, SUP and biking. Located right on the beach in the heart of Mui Wo, guests can explore the nearby historical temples by bike or on foot, while experiencing the rich culture and history of Mui Wo. D.D.2 Lot 648, Silvermine Bay, Mui Wo, 6810 0111, info@silvermineresort.com, www.silvermineresort.com.

Tai O Heritage Hotel, Tai O Tai O Heritage Hotel, built in 1902 as a police station to guard the shore against pirates, is a luxury getaway with a difference, with rooms classically furnished for historical authenticity. Nestled on a headland to the west of Tai O, the hotel boasts a glass-roofed, open-view restaurant, Tai O Lookout, which enjoys a stunning vista of the South China Sea. Shek Tsai Po Street, Tai O, 2985 8383, info@taioheritagehotel.com, www.taioheritagehotel.com.

EXCURSIONS

Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong Discovery Bay

C

88 Siena Avenue, DB, 2295 8288, enquiry@aubergediscoverybay.com, www.aubergediscoverybay.com.

Located in picturesque Discovery Bay, Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong invites visitors to discover another side to Asia’s most dynamic city; its relaxing surroundings offer a tranquil alternative to the hustle and bustle of downtown Hong Kong.

Comprising 325 superbly appointed rooms and suites, guests are surrounded by ocean views, lush greenery and natural beauty. With its unique location,

Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong offers the best of both worlds. Guests can retreat to the beauty of an island oasis, while Hong Kong’s Central district is only 25 minutes away via high-speed ferry.

When it comes to food, guests can enjoy a range of international cuisines and pan-Asian favourites at Café bord de Mer & Lounge. Seating up to 160 inside, the restaurant also boasts an outdoor terrace with panoramic views over the South China Sea—perfect for an evening cocktail.

Couples and wedding planners will also want to visit Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong for its pictureperfect White Chapel. The first of its kind in Hong Kong, the seaside chapel captivates with its romantic charm, elegant design and ideal waterfront setting.

The hotel is close to a number of popular tourist attractions too, including Hong Kong Disneyland, the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car and the Big Buddha, while Hong Kong International Airport is only 25 minutes away.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 97

EXCURSIONS

EpicLand, Discovery Bay Featuring the largest indoor slides in Hong Kong with over 14,000 square feet of pure fun, Epicland is the biggest vertical indoor playground in Hong Kong. It encourages “solving challenges and learning through play,� offering unique indoor adventures for not just kids, but also the whole family, in a safe environment. Open daily, rain or shine, facilities include tube slides, air trek, rock climbing, zipline and VR interactive activities, playground, toddler areas, sports court, mini golf, ballistics, laser tag and more. Classes for kids and adults, including schools and adult team-building, are available, as are annual/ monthly passes, daily passes, corporate events and birthday party packages.

G/F, 31 North Plaza, Family Recreation Ctr, 96 Siena Avenue, DB North Plaza, DB, 2441 0098, info@epiclandhk.com, www.epiclandhk.com.

EXCURSIONS

Day Tripper You don’t have to go far to find adventures in Hong Kong, as Jason Pagliari and Bruce Marsh reveal.

T

here are 263 islands in Hong Kong; some of these are easily accessible, and others are remote and uninhabited. You can start your explorations close to home as Lantau— the largest island in Hong Kong—is full of interesting places, such as the traditional fishing village of Tai O. Or you can explore the neighbouring islands of Peng Chau and Cheung Chau, both of which are accessible from Lantau by ferry boat from Mui Wo.

Tai O fishing boats

Photos courtesy of Jason Pagliari and stock.adobe.com

Tai O Tucked snugly away in the southwestern corner of Lantau, Tai O fishing village is rooted in the past. With a 200-year history as a fishing harbour and saltern (an area where salt is made), Tai O is one of the last bastions of Hong Kong heritage to survive territorywide development, and it is a fantastic place to observe traditional village life.

Fishermen still live in huts and brightly coloured stilt houses, built above a matrix of waterways, and as recently as the 1960s, villagers caught 30% of all seafood sold in Hong Kong. While the fishing industry has dwindled since the 1960s, salted-fish and shrimppaste vendors still eke out a living, as do purveyors of Tai O’s famous coal-cooked egg waffles.

Tai O stilt houses

Local delicacies available from Tai O’s dried fish vendors The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 99

EXCURSIONS

Today, Tai O is mostly inhabited by descendants of the Tankas or ‘boat people’—a nomadic southern Chinese ethnic group who first settled there over two centuries ago, having previously lived on junks in the South China Sea. Though many now live onshore in stilt houses, some of the older ‘sea gypsies’ still live on their boats.

The so-called ‘Venice of Hong Kong,’ Tai O comprises an intriguing maze of small alleys and footpaths, and its buildings are usually interconnected, mirroring the tight-knit community that lives on and above the water.

Wander down Tai Ping Street and you can visit the tiny workshop of Nam Mo Gong, the only remaining Nam Mo in Tai O. A traditional Taoist religious practitioner, Nam Mo Gong still sells religious artefacts out of his 100-year-old family business.

Worshipping deities who protect fishermen and sea traders is still a regular practice in Tai O, something you can observe at Hung Shing Temple which was built in 1746. At Kwan Tai Temple, locals have prayed to the god of fraternal brotherhood, loyalty and righteousness since 1488, in the hope that he will protect them from harm.

At nearby Fan Lau Fort, built in 1729 to protect ships on the Pearl River Delta, you can get a feel for Tai O’s piratical past. According to legend, Tai O was the base of daring smuggling and piracy operations, with the inlets of the river providing not just protection from the weather but an excellent hiding place.

Peng Chau harbour

Peng Chau Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Mui Wo lies the sleepy island of Peng Chau, familiar from a distance to all who take the Mui Wo ferry into Central. A bustling industrial centre during the 1970s, thanks to its lime kiln and match factory, Peng Chau is now best known for its temples. At Lung Mo (Dragon Mother) Temple, you can touch the ‘dragon bed’ for good luck and at Seven Sisters Temple, pray for fertility. The Tin Hau Temple, meanwhile, houses a Qing dynasty stone tablet that attests to a deal the then government made with the villagers, not to commandeer their fishing vessels in the ongoing war on piracy. There are several festivals a year here, including Yu Lan, the hungry ghost festival in August that is celebrated with burnt paper offerings.

In addition to historic temples, Peng Chau also features some gentle hiking trails with scenic sea views, perfect for young families. The coastal trail takes you past some nice beaches and the local landmark Fisherman Rock, a precariously balanced boulder over the sea. The trail then cuts inland through jungle before emerging at a horseshoe bay, facing east, where there are barbeque facilities on the beach.

Kwan Tai Temple in Tai O 100 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

Diminutive in comparison to Lantau’s peaks, Finger Hill is Peng Chau’s highest point at 95 metres. The ascent is well signposted, and you can stop for a cold drink at the little shop halfway up, with its rickety

EXCURSIONS table and chairs and non-stop AM radio music. Enjoy panoramic views while skirting giant boulders on your way to the top; on your way down the other side of Finger Hill you can check out a trail to a pagoda on the island’s east side.

To make your way to the south-side, turn left off the ferry, then right at Kwok Man Road and walk inland to the main beach, Tung Wan. Keep going towards the next beach, Kwun Yam Wan, perhaps the island’s finest.

If you’re feeling snackish, check out the restaurants on Wing On Street. The pub Old China Hand and Tino Club, a Thai restaurant, are local favourites. Hungry for dim sum? There are many small restaurants to try in Peng Chau, each with their own specialities. Treat yourself to a movable feast and enjoy a leisurely stroll as you taste and nibble from place to place.

From here, you can make your way along Cheung Chau’s Mini Great Wall—you’ll see signposts leading uphill through the jungle and past the Kwun Yam Temple. At the lookout at the end of the Mini Great Wall, you can either head back to the main ferry pier (turn left at the temple) and take a kai to to the south coast or continue on foot, up a steep set of stairs.

Cheung Chau Take advantage of the short 30-minute ferry ride from Mui Wo to Cheng Chau, and plan your visit for a weekday, as it can get crowded at the weekends.

Cheung Chau is famous for its seafood restaurants, and you’ll find most of them on the island’s west coast, on Praya Street—the waterfront road, near the main ferry pier. As you sit down to your selected catch of the day, fishing trawlers and all sorts of smaller craft stretch as far as the eye can see, enhancing the fabulous sea views.

Most of Cheung Chau’s development is centred on a spit of land sandwiched between two hills to the north and south. Northern Cheung Chau offers up some glorious hiking country but if you’re looking for a leisurely ramble, and excellent views, head south by way of the east coast beaches, which offer up full facilities and several windsurfing and kayaking centres.

Assuming you chose the latter, follow the coastal paths and turn left onto Don Bosco Road, towards remote and rugged Nam Tam Wan, with its large temple overlooking (inhabited) Wailingding Island.

There are regular informational maps to guide you.

From here, it’s a bit of a walk up and over Peak Road, past the meteorological station and crematorium, to the signposted trail that drops down into truly off-the-beaten-track Pak Tso Bay. This trail follows along the coast and up through a stunning boulder cavern towards gigantic Reclining Rock. Next stop is Cheung Po Tsai Cave, named after the famous pirate who is said to have hoarded his loot here. Armed with a powerful torch (a phone flashlight won’t do it), you can squeeze vertically down through a narrow opening and pass through the cave to another entrance.

From here, it’s a short walk over the hill to the Tin Hau Temple on Sai Wan, where you can take a kai to back to the ferry pier… and order up that well-deserved plate of seafood.

Cheng Chau harbour The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 101

CAN YOU ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS? If not, you should consider a review or start your estate planning • Why is a Will necessary?

• What are the advantages of having a Will?

• What happens to my children if both parents die?

• What is probate?

• When is probate necessary?

• Is a Living Trust more private than a Will?

• Will my estate be subject to taxes?

• How my other dependant relatives maintain their rights?

• If I have a blended family, how do I ensure that everyone entitled receives?

• What happens if I don’t die but become mentally incapacitated?

We can help you build a detailed estate plan for peace of mind and future generations. Contact DB resident Annette M Houlihan to find out more.

“It’s not about having time, but making time.

If it’s important, you’ll make time.”

Carey, Suen Will Services Ltd 8B Wing Yee Commercial Building 5 Wing Kut Street Central

Tel: +852 9160 7855 email: annette@careysuen.com website: www.careysuen.com

COMMUNITY

Community Community organisations | Religious centres | Therapy & counselling

Photo courtesy of Love.Together@DB

Community events | Special individuals in the community

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 103

COMMUNITY

CHARITY & COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS DB Mothers & Friends, Discovery Bay Through DB Mothers & Friends, DB resident Nikki Boot collects useful second-hand goods at a small cost from those who no longer want them and redistributes them to people in need. Items collected through the household and office moving and clearance service (a social enterprise) are donated to local charities, schools, churches and people in need via social workers.

9677 6676, nikkiboot@gmail.com, www.2ndhanditem.wordpress.com, Facebook: DB Mothers & Friends.

Enrich, serving Lantau residents Enrich promotes the economic empowerment of migrant domestic workers by offering a wide variety of workshops, through which they can learn about budgeting, saving, paying off debt and setting up a business.

Employers can sponsor their helper to attend either a single workshop or the full 27-hour financial and empowerment education programme. Donations of time or money are welcome.

2386 5811, info@enrichhk.org, www.enrichhk.org.

Living Islands Movement, South Lantau Living Islands Movement (LIM) is a South Lantaubased community group that promotes ‘A Livable Lantau for All’ by engaging the government and other stakeholders regarding key issues of local concern (e.g. waste management, transport, parking, illegal dumping, landfill etc.). LIM also raises awareness of issues affecting Lantau through media and events. info@livingislands.org.hk, www.livingislands.org.hk.

106 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

OceansAsia, operating in Lantau The mission of OceansAsia, co-founded by DB resident Gary Stokes, is to investigate and research wildlife crimes, in order to expose and bring to justice those destroying and polluting marine ecosystems. OceansAsia operates with the highest level of integrity, and relies exclusively on factual, intelligence-based conservation. oceansasia.org, Facebook: OceansAsia.

Plastic Free Seas, operating in Lantau Plastic Free Seas (PFS), led by DB resident Dana Winograd and former resident Tracey Read, is dedicated to reducing the amount of plastic marine pollution in Hong Kong. Through education in schools and organising regular beach cleanups and events, PFS aims to deliver waste reduction and prevention information as efficiently as possible to spread awareness and understanding. dana@plasticfreeseas.org, www.plasticfreeseas.org.

Tai O Community Cattle Group, Tai O Tai O Community Cattle Group (TOCCG) was formed to improve the wellbeing of Lantau’s cattle, helping them to coexist in harmony alongside residents and visitors. Led by Kathy Daxon, it provides fluorescent road collars for cows on South Lantau. TOCCG regularly monitors herd statistics and roaming patterns, and liaises with the police, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, and the Transport Department. TOCCG also monitors the water catchment to help save vulnerable barking deer.

5181 4406, taioccg@gmail.com, Facebook: Where is Melvin?

COMMUNITY

ImpactHK, operating in Lantau ImpactHK is a charity that aims to transform the lives of the homeless by giving them a second chance.

Every day, ImpactHK volunteers are on the streets supporting the homeless with essentials, building trust and developing friendships. These friendships can help to open doors towards housing and employment, which is the ultimate objective of their work. While this can be a long and painful journey, ImpactHK also seeks to empower its beneficiaries with sporting activities, counselling, mentorship and nutritional advice. The aim is to provide a stepping stone to opportunity through love and kindness. In the past 12 months, ImpactHK has successfully housed and employed over 50 homeless people.

With your support, the charity can continue giving individuals facing extreme difficulties a real chance to find health and happiness again.

29 Oak Street, Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon, www.impacthk.org.

GIVING LIFE SHOULDN’T BE SO DEADLY Ramatoulaye, who lives in Burkina Faso, was about to give birth to her fourth child, but the boatman was nowhere to be found. Unable to get to the health centre across the river, she gave birth alone on the river banks.

Maternal health is a human right — join Amnesty International to defend human rights for women like Ramatoulaye.

Learn more at www.amnesty.org.hk.

© Anna Kari

COMMUNITY

RELIGIOUS CENTRES Discovery Bay International Community Church, Discovery Bay

Discovery Bay Church, Discovery Bay

Discovery Bay International Community Church (DBICC) welcomes people from many backgrounds, uniting to celebrate JESUS! Its three goals are: connect with God and others, grow to be more like Jesus, and to share the good news with others. Join us on Sundays at Discovery College at 10am.

A warm, welcoming and familyfriendly church in the Anglican/ Episcopal tradition, Discovery Bay Church holds a weekly Sunday service at SKH Wei Lun school hall in DB, with children’s ministry at 10am. Contact Father Mark Rogers for enquiries.

Discovery College, 38 Siena Avenue, DB, 2987 7061, office@dbicc.org, www.dbicc.org.

5180 5106, markrogers@discoverybaychurch.org.hk, www.discoverybaychurch.org.hk.

THERAPY & COUNSELLING Alcoholics Anonymous, Discovery Bay Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. AA has helped more than 2 million people globally. In Hong Kong, 12 AA groups meet a total of 42 times each week.

Parkridge Village, DB, 9073 6922 (24-hour hotline), aahelp@a-hk.org, www.aa-hk.org.

108 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

Mind Matters, Discovery Bay Clinical psychologist and hypnotherapist Dr. Melanie Bryan offers virtual-reality programmes for post-traumatic stress disorder, addictions and phobias. She also offers anger management and couples therapy sessions, as well as programmes to help both children and adults through stressful situations such as examinations and divorces.

2575 7707, www.mindmatters.hk.

Seabird Counselling Seabird Counselling offers professional counselling and coaching services to children, adolescents, adults, families and groups. Based in Discovery Bay, the therapists take a flexible, client-led approach and can conduct confidential sessions in their office, at your home or online. contact@seabirdcounselling.com, www.seabirdcounselling.com.

COMMUNITY

2019 Upcoming Lantau Events October 26

Rotten Head Music & Craft Beer Festival, Tung Chung Expect a great lineup of local bands and beers at Lantau’s all-new family-friendly festival. www.rottenheadfest.com.

November 9

The BIG Picnic, Discovery Bay Catch original performances from local talent at Hong Kong’s biggest community and dance festival. www.thebigpicnichk.com.

December 7

YHKCC International Fun Fair, Tung Chung Enjoy multi-cultural food, a bazaar, games, bouncy castles and performances by YHKCC students. www.yhkcc.edu.hk.

2020 Lantau Community Events January

SPCA Dogathon, Hong Kong Disneyland

Valentines Day Race, Pui O

Harvey Law Kart Race, Discovery Bay

March

April

Hang out with your pooch for a day of fun while helping the SPCA raise funds for animals in need.

Race with a partner in this well-loved team-of-two event, completing either the ‘Tough Love’ or ‘Easy Love’ course

Race alongside 80+ kids, aged seven to 12, to raise funds for Heep Hong Society.

Redeem eggs for prizes in this massive Easter egg hunt, for kids aged three to 10, at Tai Pak Wan.

www.spca.org.hk.

www.thetrailhub.com.

www.hlgkartrace.com.

www.hkri.com.

July

August

May

February

June

Easter Egg Hunt on the Beach, Discovery Bay

The Crayon Run, Discovery Bay

Discovery Bay Dragon Boat Races and Carnival

Funtastic Summer Carnival, Discovery Bay

After School & Wellness Fair, Discovery Bay

Sign up for this annual family fun-run, in which proceeds go to the Society for the Relief of Disabled Children.

Watch dragon boaters battle it out across men’s, ladies’, mixed, open and youth categories.

Enjoy the best of Tai Pak Wan with beach-side attractions and fun and games for the whole family.

www.thecrayonrun.com.

2238 3601.

www.hkri.com.

kimwhiley@factory2home.net

September

October

November

December

Check out local sports, education, arts, social and health organisations all in one place.

Tennis Charity Cup, Discovery Bay

Kids in the Park, Discovery Bay

Team FEAR, Discovery Bay

Carols on the Pitch, DBIS, Discovery Bay

Watch from the side lines as DB’s best tennis players battle it out on court at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club.

Pack your picnic hamper and join other local families for a fun afternoon filled with games and prizes.

Join the 900+ students, aged eight to 18, who run, cycle, swim, kayak and climb across DB to raise funds for Youth Outreach.

Head to DBIS to enjoy hot chocolate, mulled wine and mince pies, and sing along with the school choir.

www.dbrc.hk.

www.dbicc.org.

www.team-fear.com.

www.dbis.edu.hk.

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 109

COMMUNITY

Inspiration

ISLAND

The people of Lantau are just as amazing as the place!

Inspirational individuals in the community share their stories.

Photos courtesy of Baljit Gidwani - www. evoqueportraits.com, Nic Tinworth and Jane Engelmann

Gary Stokes Owner of popular DB watering hole, the vegan restaurant Hemingway’s, Gary Stokes has long been a major player on Hong Kong’s maritime conservation scene. He was the Asia Director for the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society for five years, and recently co-founded the marine conservation organisation OceansAsia, whose mission is to investigate and research wildlife crimes by exposing and bringing to justice those destroying and polluting marine ecosystems.

When I was a child, I grew up in Malta and Cyprus—two beautiful islands surrounded by the sea—where I spent virtually every afternoon swimming, snorkelling and windsurfing, spending every moment in the ocean that I could. It was only when I went back to Malta after about 24 years of being away that I realised the oceans were in trouble. I went to the little bay where I’d snorkelled every day as a kid, and everything was gone. I was doing a lot of underwater photography at the time, so I started using my camera to tell the story of what’s wrong in the oceans.

My underwater photography took me to Tonga in the South Pacific to film humpback whales.

One morning, we saw a mother with her calf. Normally, the mother would have a large male escort to protect her 110 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

Gary Stokes

while she’s nursing her baby, but this one didn’t have an escort. She looked exhausted, but she couldn’t sleep because she was alone with the calf. We had a small boat and at first the mother and calf were both with us.

After about half an hour of swimming with the whales, the mum went 15 metres below us, and went to sleep.

I guess she thought we weren’t a threat, and would protect the calf. So we ended up babysitting a baby humpback whale.

COMMUNITY When she awoke there was a moment when the mother came up; she looked back and forth at me and my friend Paul, and her eyes were just like our eyes, you know—white with a dark pupil. There was a connection, a trust shared between two different species.

efforts here and we were doing lots of work on shark fins. Sea Shepherd grew fast and we acquired more ships, but ships are expensive to maintain and operate. So the decision was made to close down the Asia chapter and direct all funding to other Sea Shepherd ships.

When I got back to Hong Kong, Japan decided to put humpback whales on their kill list. I got really angry and I wanted to do something about it. So I joined a Sea Shepherd anti-whaling campaign to Antarctica and we saved 863 whales. We chased the Japanese whaling fleet all the way to Chile, and our actions drove them home six weeks early. That year the whaling fleet only killed 7% of their quota.

However, I still had a mission, so I set up my own organisation, OceansAsia, to focus on the unique conservation issues for the oceans in Asia.

When I came home I wanted to keep up the momentum. Sea Shepherd Captain Paul Watson asked me to set up a Sea Shepherd branch in Hong Kong since I was already involved with conservation

There’s the saying that one person can make a difference, and I know it’s a cliché but I like to think that it’s true. I think I’ve made a difference, just as one person. Everybody can make a difference just by what they do in their ordinary life; what they put on their dinner plate or what they do with their plastic consumption. That can all make a difference. You don’t have to get out on a ship to Antarctica to do that.

Nic Tinworth Nic Tinworth is the co-founder of the annual Country of Origin 30-kilometre trail run on Lantau. The race was started in 2015 and is unique on the Hong Kong trail running scene as its focus is on building community by introducing people to Lantau’s trails in a laid-back (yet competitive) environment. Every year, the race raises money for the Hong Kongbased charitable organisation RUN, which helps rehabilitate vulnerable refugees through running and other sports. Nic has recently battled cancer and, as a result of complications from a brain biopsy in 2018, had to learn how to walk again.

Nic Tinworth

From an early age, I’ve enjoyed making my own path. I started running in school while I was growing up in Hong Kong.

Cross-country appealed to me far more than track did, which felt like running around like a hamster in a ball. I liked the solitude and easy-going nature of running cross-country much more than team sports.

It didn’t hurt that the faster I ran in cross-country, the farther away I got from school. That said, while I appreciate the serenity and peacefulness of trail The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 111

COMMUNITY running, I also really value the strong trail running community in Hong Kong.

Struggling with cancer made me realise how blessed I am to have my family and friends, and it’s prompted me to reframe aspects of my life in a more positive light that I have previously seen negatively. It’s been over a year since I started recovering from cancer and I’m still not able to run on technical trails. But I’ll take what I can get and I just try to keep moving, and stay present in the moment; just be happy to be out there wherever ‘there’ is. My priority now is to be the best that I can be for my partner, Nia, and the best dad to my daughter, Aelwen.

Cancer recovery can seem like an insurmountable obstacle, but I believe that we all learn and grow as people by failing, so it’s not acceptable to not try at all. Just like when I started running as a kid, I still think that you have to walk in your own footsteps.

You should always take the trail less travelled as there’s a lot more to explore and more adventure to be had. How can you expect to accomplish anything

if you stay nicely wrapped up in the bubble of your comfort zone all the time? Get outside it, challenge yourself, and learn what you are capable of because you can do so much when you’re outside of it!

Nic Tinworth with his family

Jane Engelmann Winner of the 2019 Woman of Inspiration award in the performing arts category from the Women’s Empowerment Forum in Hong Kong, 25-year DB resident Jane Engelmann founded the Unsung Heroes choir in 2014. The local choir is composed entirely of foreign domestic workers and has been featured on CNN, AlJazeera, and in the documentary, The Helper.

The attention I’ve received is a result of the choir’s message. I ‘head up’ the Unsung Heroes simply because I can arrange for them to perform in many different places. But they have the talent. They have the power.

112 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

The Unsung Heroes with Jane Engelmann

I’d always had this idea to put together a choir of domestic helpers because I’d heard them sing and I love the power of people singing together. This was also a way for me to say ‘Thank you.’ Domestic helpers make an incredible sacrifice to leave their homes and

COMMUNITY

Lantau Tips

Jane Engelmann

families to come to Hong Kong to work, and their story has a human element that touches all of us. We all have people we miss and, at some point, nearly all of us in Hong Kong have employed a domestic helper. We are surrounded by them; we see them in the streets sitting on their cardboard boxes on Sunday. And the motherchild connection really speaks to everyone… It’s just a story that was waiting to be told. It made everyone realise it was time to wake up.

The dynamic was all wrong in the early choir rehearsals.

The first draft I wrote of our song, ‘I Wish I Could Kiss You Goodnight,’ was just empty words. So, I went back to the drawing board, and I remembered the shattered feeling I experienced when my children left home for university. If I felt this way, how did these women leave their children in the Philippines, in Indonesia? It really resonated with me. And it made the final version of ‘I Wish I Could Kiss You Goodnight’ more honest. So the song became more real to the choir because it was coming from a place they all understood.

We have big plans for the future. We’re working on a new song, ‘A Voice from Home,’ and a binational visual presentation involving child singers in the Philippines. It’s been met with great enthusiasm!

Find it Country of Origin, www.countryoforigin.asia OceansAsia, oceansasia.org Unsung Heroes, www.unsungheroeshk.com

Wild Lantau

A community is more than just a number of people living together in one area. In Lantau’s case, the community includes the incredible natural environment and all of the wildlife contained therein.

Here’s what some of the Best of Lantau experts love most about their wild ‘neighbours.’

“I love hearing the stories of what people encounter around Lantau.

The other day I was taking the dog to the vet in Mui Wo and the taxi had to be careful not to hit any of the buffalo.

The ‘spider season’ is great for hearing the horror stories from hikers about their use of tennis rackets to clear the webs on the trails.”

Kim Whiley

“The whole 12 years we have lived in Hong Kong, we have lived in Mui Wo, which we chose so that we can daily appreciate hearing and seeing nature all around us. When we moved, we went from a two-car family to a two-bike family and riding bikes really allows you to meet your neighbours—both humans and other wildlife.”

Merrin Pearse

“We had been in Lantau about a year and a friend was staying at our house whilst we were away; he called me up and said, ‘Guess what’s in your house?’

So I said, ‘A rat? A snake? A giant lizard? A centipede? No? A deer? An owl? The purple bird?

No? OK, I give up.’ And it was a bull... eating all my plants! So I said, ‘What? There are a million plants...’ ”

Jenny Quinton The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 113

COMMUNITY

Lantau public service contact info

Medical North Lantau Hospital

Veterinary

Discovery Bay Club Siena Customer Service for City Mgt, DBTSL, and Lost & Found Discovery Bay Ferry Pier Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Management Office Discovery Bay Recreation Club Hong Kong Number 3 Ferry Pier

2987 7382 3651 2345 2987 6128 2987 7273 2238 3601 2987 7381 2523 1860

Tung Chung Fu Tung Market 3977 4681 Public library 2109 3011 Indoor children’s playroom 2109 2421 Public swimming pool 2109 9107 or 2109 0147 Sports Centre 2109 2421 Skateboard Grounds - Tung Chung North Park 2109 3423

Mui Wo First Ferry Mui Wo Market Mui Wo Cooked Food Market Public library Public swimming pool Sports Centre

2131 8181 2984 2240 2984 2240 2984 7511 2984 2496 or 2984 2573 2984 2334

Tai O Public library Roller skating rink - Tai O Road Playground No. 2 Tai O Market

2985 5006 2852 4845 2984 2240

Island Veterinary Services SPCA Mui Wo Clinic SPCA Mobile Clinic

New Year’s Day Lunar New Year’s Day Second day of the Lunar New Year Third day of Lunar New Year Fourth day of Lunar New Year Ching Ming Festival Good Friday Easter Saturday Easter Monday Buddha's Birthday Labour Day

114 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

Wednesday, January 1 Saturday, January 25 Sunday, January 26 Monday, January 27 Tuesday, January 28 Saturday, April 4 Friday, April 10 Saturday, April 11 Monday, April 13 Thursday, April 30 Friday, May 1

2987 9003/ 9142 9709 (after hours) 2984 0060 2713 9104

Other Useful Numbers Lantau Taxi Hotline New Lantao Bus Company Hong Kong Observatory

2984 1328 2984 9848 2926 8200

Emergency contact info Emergency, Crisis and Helplines Emergency Hotline (24 Hours) 999 Lantau North Police Station Report Room 3661 1694 Electricity Hotline CLP Power Hong Kong Ltd. (24 Hours) 2728 3333 DB Gas Leakage Emergency Hotline (24 Hours) 2435 4511 Towngas Emergency Hotline 2880 6999 ISS Adams Secuforce Ltd. (for Discovery Bay) 2987 9816

Fire Station DB Fire & Ambulance Tung Chung Fire Station

2987 7502 2988 1898

First Aid HK Emergency Ambulance Service Hong Kong St John’s Ambulance

Hong Kong 2020 Statutory and General Public Holidays + + + + -

3467 7000

(For medical services’ and health clinics’ contact info, please turn to page 77.)

Statutory holiday

2735 3355 2576 6555

General holiday

-

Tuen Ng Festival or Dragon Boat Festival Thursday, June 25 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day Wednesday, July 1 China National Day Thursday, October 1 Day Following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Friday, October 2 Chung Yeung Festival Monday, October 26 Chinese Winter Solstice Festival Monday, December 21 OR - Christmas Day Friday, December 25* + Boxing Day Saturday December 26 *Employers can choose which statutory holiday—either Chinese Winter Solstice or Christmas Day— they are required by law to give their domestic helpers the day off.

MARKETPLACE

Feng Shui for houses and shops fengshuiassociate@gmail.com Tel: 9222 6784, Mr. Lo Nature's Servant

AKASH MOVING

Local packing, moving, storage & handyman service All kinds of transport services Inbound shipment clearance Having stuff delivered from China?

They are not delivering to DB or Lantau?

Have it delivered to our office in Kwai Chung & we’ll deliver it to your home

Contact 2421 8088 or visit info@akash.hk www.akash.hk

PHOENIX WILL

HKAA

The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020 115

LAST WORD

LOCAL LINGO With fricatives foreign to most European languages and its elaborate tone system, learning even a little Cantonese may seem like a daunting task. But, whether you’re here for two years or two decades, it’s worth giving it a go. At the very least, it can put a smile on someone’s face, at the most it can mean your cabbie doesn’t drop you off at a container terminal in the middle of the night.

Greetings

Shopping

Joh san【 早 晨 】: “Good morning.” Specifically the early morning, but no one will call you out on it.

Li goh (informal) / Ni goh【 呢 個 】: “This one.” Handy supplement to a finger point when the desired item is hanging overhead out of reach.

Lei Ho (colloquial) / Nei ho【 你 好 】: “Hello.” Can be used instead of joh san if you’re worried about what constitutes early morning.

Being polite Mm goi (sai)【 唔 該 (曬) 】: “Thanks” (“Thank you”).

To say when getting back your change, and other simple services. Can also be used as “please.”

Doh jeh (sai)【 多 謝 (曬) 】: Loosely “Thank you ever so much.” To say when getting back your missing cat. Exceptionally polite and respectful, and usually after receiving a gift.

Mm-moh yi si【 唔 好 意 思 】: “Sorry to disturb you” or “Excuse me.” Best used after hitting someone with your bag in the MTR.

Gei doh tseen【 幾 多 錢 】: “How much?” Surprise your potential haggling partner by opening the negotiations in Cantonese.

Tai gwai lah【 太 貴 喇 】: “That’s too much!” The automatic and obligatory response to whatever answer the vendor gives to the previous question.

Lah is an exclamatory added at the end of many Cantonese phrases.

Travelling Yau lok (mm goi)【 有 落 (唔該) 】: “This stop (please).”

Specific to minibuses, the phrase literally translates as “fall down,” which is probably what you’ll be doing immediately afterwards if riding on a red minibus.

Sam / Luk ho ma tau (zhong wan) (mm goi)【 三／六號碼頭 (Central) Ferry Pier three/ six (please).

For taxis. While not as crucial as before, specifying the ferry piers in Central is a quick way to guarantee you will not be dropped off at the shipping port in Lai Chi Kok in Kowloon. (中環)(唔該) 】:

Bei juen dan ngo (mm goi)【 畀 張 單 我 (唔該) 】: “Can I have the receipt?” Also for taxis, when you’re hoping to expense that cab to Wanchai.

116 The Best of Lantau 2019 / 2020

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