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Assist Hong Kong’s move towards a cleaner, greener future with a Solar Installation from SolarFuture. “As gas and electricity prices soar, harnessing solar energy is the answer. I’m already being paid by CLP more than 2-3 times what I use each month in electricity. Once I pay off the installation of the system, that’s it. I’ll be earning green money every month. Solar Future are experts in their field, incredibly knowledgeable, experienced in DB installation and always available if we have questions or need help with anything. Their team of workers are enthusiastic and very polite to deal with. I would highly recommend them.” Nick Flavell, DB Resident, Headland Drive
The Hong Kong Feed In Tariff Scheme (FIT) allows Homeowners and Landlords to install Solar panels on their rooftop and to sell the electricity generated back to the power utility (CLP). A Solar Installation is a great way for Homeowners to future-proof themselves against rising electricity costs, or for a Landlord to increase the returns from their Investment property. If you are a Landlord speak to us about a separate dedicated meter for your Solar Installation ensuring you receive the returns from your investment with no need to involve your tenants. Call us today and let us help you with your Solar Installation whilst FIT rates are still high! +852 6036 6079
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CONTENTS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022
FEATURES 16
PERSONA
20
DISPATCH
Jo Lodder discusses running for freedom – his own and those in slavery
Call yourself an islander? Get out of your comfort zone and into water sports
16
26
26
TRAIL WALKER
36
DESTINATION
The Lantau Trail – reasons to hike sections 4, 5 and 6
Our Lady of Joy Abbey, aka the Trappist Haven Monastery
REGULARS
30
36
06
ISLAND-WIDE NEWS
13
L ANTAU FACES
14
ACROSS HK
30
HOME CHEF
Stuff to know in August
Community snaps
Hong Kong Movie Quiz Let’s do lunch!
PLUS... 33 34
CL ASSIFIEDS LOCAL NUMBERS
ISL AND -WIDE NEWS
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LOCAL INFLUENCERS
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L ANTAU DESTINATIONS
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COMMUNIT Y SNAPS
WIN PARK TICKETS TO HK DISNEYLAND
THE TRUSTED PROVIDER OF ISL AND -WIDE NEWS AND INFORMATION
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AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022
WET ‘N’ WILD WATERSPORTS TO GET YOU OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
HIKE THE LANTAU TRAIL (SECTIONS 4 TO 6)
PACK LEADER
DIVINE RETREAT
JO LODDER LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX
FOLLOW US
TRAPPIST HAVEN MONASTERY
16 ON THE COVER Jo Lodder on the trails in Mui Wo
PHOTO BY Beatrix Malan www.tmstudiohk.com
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YOUR GUIDE TO HONG KONG’S ‘GREEN JEWEL’
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IN G
D I S COV ERY B AY ' S O R I G I N A L CO M M U N I T Y M AGA Z I N E - P U B L I S H ED S I N C E 2 0 0 2
BAKE TO LOVE! How to enter the DB Baking Competition
TOO HOT TO HANDLE? Tan safely in extreme heat
20
AU G U S t 2 0 2 2 | A R O U N D D B.CO M
BACK TO SCHOOL Helping kids overcome autumn term jitters
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STUFF TO KNOW IN AUGUST!
PH I L I P J AY Publisher/ Owner RACH E L AI N S L EY Managing editor rachel@baymedia.com.hk RAP H AE L B L ET Assistant editor raphael@baymedia.com.hk BEAT R I X M A L A N Digital manager beatrix@baymedia.com.hk S AR I N AL E Art director sarin@baymedia.com.hk
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D I S C LAIMER The views expressed in Life on Lantau are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors. The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission. © BAY MEDIA GROUP 2022
TAI O JUS T GO T A LO T MORE ACCESSIBLE
WATER TAXIS TO TAI O
H
ong Kong’s recently unveiled ferry service operator Hong Kong Water Taxi has launched a new route from Central to Tai O. Departing every Sunday from Central Ferry Pier 9 at 9.30am and returning from Tai O at 4.15pm, the ferry can accommodate up to 168 people at a time. The round-trip journey costs HK$130 per person. Passing Kwai Tsing Container Terminals, the Tsing Ma Bridge, Hong Kong International Airport, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and Tseung Kwan Shek, the two-hour journey is designed for those living on Hong Kong Island, who want to spend some time in the city’s own Little Venice – all without having to hop on MTR and buses. Day-trippers can hope to spot pink dolphins on the way, while enjoying the breathtaking scenery from the sightseeing deck. Hong Kong Water Taxi and its parent company Fortune Ferry also operate a number of scheduled routes around town, such as the daily Central - Hung Hom route and the Harbour Tour which runs every Saturday. Boarding and alighting points include Hung Hom, Tsim Sha Tsui East and Central. Large parties can make use of the company’s ferry rental services, with the largest vessel accommodating up to 365 passengers. In a move to contribute to Hong Kong’s sustainability goals, Fortune Ferry is in the process of redefining its fleet and invites tenders for the design and construction of a 200-passenger ferry destined to be used for its Kai Tak Hung Hom - Tsim Sha Tsui East - Central - West Kowloon route. Advanced booking is required for all Hong Kong Water Taxi tours. To learn more and book a trip, visit www.hongkongwatertaxi.com.hk or call 5801 2200. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Wikimedia Commons].
ISLAND-WIDE NEWS |
IT TAKES A VILL AGE… NURSIN G MUMS AT WELCOME BEAC H
SUPPORT BREASTFEEDING WEEK
T
hrough her #Ittasteslikelove campaign, Cheung Sha resident Liz Thomas continues her mission to normalise breastfeeding and encourage all of us to stand up for nursing mothers’ rights. This year, ahead of World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), an annual celebration which is held every year from August 1 to 7 in more than 120 countries worldwide, #Ittasteslikelove is encouraging mothers to share and celebrate their breastfeeding milestones.
“The campaign works with the community, authorities and new mothers to help ensure that parents who wish to breastfeed are welcomed wherever, whenever, and however they need to,” says Liz. “As more and more places actively support nursing in public, people will think twice about voicing their disapproval, and after a while they may see there is no need to be disapproving at all.”
“Whether it is one week or five years we need to encourage parents to celebrate and share their experiences,” Liz says. “Our Instagram account showcases breastfeeding as art; we use Facebook for sharing the latest research, science and discussion; and the website offers guides, advice and incentives from our various supporters. A popular element is our stories section which features reports of motherhood from the trenches.”
Health authorities, children’s charities, WHO and international policymakers all extoll the benefits of breastfeeding. The science is clear, the public health benefits are clear and the economic benefits are clear. So why is breastfeeding taboo? Why do we make it so hard for women to do it? “That’s what the campaign is trying to address,” says Liz. “If we want more women to breastfeed, and the consensus is that we do, then it is a shared responsibility to make that happen.
Now in its third year, the #Ittasteslikelove normalise breastfeeding campaign has the support of more than 200 brands and businesses, all of whom have pledged to empower breastfeeding mothers by providing them with a safe space to nurse. Luxury establishments such as Hotel Icon and the Grand Hyatt are among the big-name backers, as well as local Lantau hotspots such as Little Brother, Good Wellness, Pause, Village Bakery and Natural Plus.
“Normalising breastfeeding is not just about society giving the ok for mothers to nurse as long as they do it discreetly,” Liz adds. “It’s about showing the full spectrum of experiences, whether that is natural-term nursing, feeding in a group on the beach, or in a crowd, or in taxi.” To know more, visit www.ittasteslikelove.org. [PHOTO BY Karen Holt Photography]
LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 7
ISLAND-WIDE NEWS |
PURCHASE WITH PURPOSE
O
perated by local social enterprise Tung Chung Safe and Healthy City (TCSHC), Herbsense is the place to visit if you are seeking to purchase with purpose. Located in Tung Chung North Park, the newly opened store sets out to support local enterprises by selling a wide range of products made by Lantau villagers. Be sure to check out Herbsense’s locally made soaps, ranging from the classic Housekeeping Soap (HK$20) to Camellia Nettle Leaves Shampoo Bar (HK$79). There’s also a tempting selection of organic food sourced from partners of the Hong Kong Vegetable Marketing Organisation. Priced at HK$330, the “local agricultural products pack” is a steal comprising Lantau-grown leaves, corns, mushrooms and eggs. Herbsense is also a place for kids and adults alike to enjoy various workshops, such as handcrafting and cooking classes. To find out more, call 3152 3427 or visit Facebook @HerbSenseHK. [PHOTO BY Sarin Ale.]
PIC K UP LOC ALLY-MADE PRODUCT S AT HERBSENSE
A SPACE TO WORK AND PLAY
S
etting out to redefine the way we live and work, The Humble Room in Mui Wo is a real gamechanger. You can rent the coworking room to host events and workshops, or the workshop space to hold private sessions, meetings and consultations. Needless to say, there’s a packed workshop and event schedule: Regular classes include ballet and yoga (for both adults and kids), ballroom dance (for kids), Pilates and massage.
CHECK OUT THE SUSTAINABLE WEEKEND MARKETS
The Humble Room also serves as a pop-up retail space in which islanders can showcase their products, and it hosts a sustainable weekend market selling locally made items. Collaboration at its core, the market is aimed at giving small businesses a chance to showcase their products. To find out when the market is running this month and/or sign up as a vendor, visit www.thehumbleroom.com. [PHOTO BY Beatrix Malan - www.tmstudiohk.com.]
COOK TO GIVE!
F
ounded in response to the rise in homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hanuman Charity holds five charity walks weekly, distributing bags of pre-prepared food to people in need throughout Hong Kong. Founder Naveen Sadhwani also arranges visits to different elderly homes, twice a month, providing residents with snacks, daily necessities and games. Hanuman Charity can now provide up to 650 meals weekly for those in need, thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individuals, like Tung Chung resident Leony Gadastria who meets with a group of fellow volunteers every Friday to cook and bag meals for redistribution. Naveen is on a constant lookout for new volunteers, be it to prepare and pack-up meals or distribute food bags. To learn more about upcoming charity walks, check the weekly schedule on hanumancharity.org, Facebook @hanumancharityhk1 or Instagram @hanuman.charity. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Naveen Sadhwani.] GET FOOD WHERE IT’S NEEDED
8 LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022
ISLAND-WIDE NEWS |
WE MOURN THE LOSS OF MARTIN MALDEN
M
artin Malden, 69, passed away on June 24, walking the hills above his beloved Mui Wo. A long-term Mui Wo resident and avid nature lover, Martin will be sadly missed by many in the community. Our hearts go out to his family and friends at this time. Martin was a member of the Lantau Base Camp Social Runs & More group, and a close friend of Gary Brightman of VIBE. “Martin’s death is a tragic loss. It came as a great shock to family and friends as he was seemingly in great health, and happy with his life here on Lantau,” Gary says. “Martin was a great friend and worked at VIBE on an occasional basis; he came to the shop pretty much every Saturday to socialise with friends. He never missed an author’s talk or Tiny Desk gig in all that time... He will be greatly missed.” Martin ran Lantau Network, a website providing support for local businesses, and he was active across Hong Kong as a digital consultant through his website company, Abledragon. Indeed, Martin was greatly valued by our team at Bay Media, for his support as web consultant, advising on IT related issues. “It’s with extreme sadness that we hear this news,” says Philip Jay, owner of Bay
Media. “Martin was a lovely guy and he was critical in resolving our complex web operations. Just recently, he helped us troubleshoot the Around DB website.” Friends in the Lantau community held a wake for Martin at Café Isara in Mui Wo on July 30, followed by a one-hour memorial walk on July 31, starting at Lantau Base Camp. Martin was cremated on July 15 in a private ceremony.
WIMBLEDON TOURNAMENT IN TUNG CHUNG
R
esidents of Tung Chung held the inaugural Wimbledon Mix and Match Social Tennis Tournament on July 9 to coincide with the prestigious UK event which took place from June 27 to July 10 this year. Thirty-two players from all over Hong Kong dressed in allwhite uniforms to conform with Wimbledon traditions, descending on the tennis courts in temperatures of around 33˚C. Aside from celebrating Wimbledon, the event introduced Decathlon’s Tennis Ball Recycling Project, aiming to raise awareness among local players. Over 1,000 tennis balls were collected and donated to Decathlon’s initiative which turns old tennis balls into shoe soles and tennis shoes. To learn more about the recycling project, visit www.decathlon.com.hk. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF Tom Chang Wu.]
PROMOTING DECATHLON’S TENNIS BALL RECYCLING PROJECT LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 9
ISLAND-WIDE NEWS |
School news round-up!
WITH THE 2022/23 ACADEMIC YEAR STARTING THIS MONTH, HERE ARE SOME UPDATES FROM LEADING SCHOOLS ACROSS LANTAU
ESF
(TUNG CHUNG INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN) ESF TUNG CHUNG LAUNCHES PRE-NURSERY PROVISION THIS MONTH: Tung Chung International Kindergarten (www.tck.edu.hk) is now a registered Childcare Centre provider and as such it is launching ESF’s first pre-nursery classes on August 29. Pre-nursery is an unaccompanied class open to toddlers from two years old, who follow a specifically designed ESF curriculum. Five sessions are provided Monday to Friday, at either 8.30am to 11.30am or 1pm to 4pm, with nine students per class. The pre-nursery is staffed by a highly skilled and caring team who are all certified Early Childhood educators and EDB registered childcare workers. Among the team is a designated child care supervisor who leads the rest of the team in their collaborative practice, curriculum development and partnerships with parents.
50% OF SILVERMINE BAY SCHOOL GRADUATES SET TO STUDY AT YHKCC: Silvermine Bay School (www.silverminebayschool.edu.hk) in Mui Wo has made student placement at first-choice secondary schools a priority, since its founding in 2019. This year was a year of tremendous achievement, as half of the primary school’s graduates were accepted into the YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College (YHKCC) and the other half into Harbour School, West Island School and Creative Secondary School.
“For many families who live in South Lantau, YHKCC is their first choice of secondar y school because they have a stream following the British Curriculum,” Principal and owner Will Tong says. “Through the admissions process, we have had meetings with the school’s Principal and Subjec t Panel Head to understand their expec tations of prospec tive students. As a result, Silvermine Bay School has accumulated a 78% acceptance rate into the YHKCC for the past three years.” LANTAU INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL EMBRACING THE 2022/23 SCHOOL YEAR: With three campuses in South Lantau, Lantau International School (www.lis.edu.hk) enrols students from reception right through to primary. “We are looking forward to the new school year and being back on campus, particularly after all the disruptions of the last LANTAU INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL couple of years,” Principal James Lambert says. “Online learning is so challenging and it takes so much effort from the children, parents, grandparents, helpers and, of course, the teachers to keep the energy going. I have been so proud of how the children have adapted and the quality of the work that has been produced. Now, we can’t wait to return to normality!” Lantau International School prioritises whole student development, something that is reflected in the achievements of this year’s graduates, most of whom are going on to YHKCC and ESF schools. “We are extremely proud of our P6s who recently graduated from the school and wish them the best of luck in their future studies,” says James.
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR YHKCC’S FORM 1 ADMISSION BRIEFING: YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College (www.yhkcc.edu.hk) is holding an admission briefing for prospective Form 1 students and their parents on October 15 from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, in order to introduce the school’s curriculum and facilities, and outline admission requirements. The briefing is being held at the school’s Tung Chung campus. “Parents should note that YHKCC does not participate in the Government’s Form 1 Secondary School Place Allocation (SSPA) System; we admit students directly,” says Principal Diana Lo. “After applicants have been interviewed, confirmed places may be offered. We use English as the Medium of Instruction, and only Chinese-related subjects are taught in Chinese. YHKCC requires an Academic Reference and Confirmation of Second Language Learning Background for all applicants.” To book your spot at the admission briefing, scan the QR code. 10 LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022
SILVERMINE BAY SCHOOL
YHKCC
Your Basecamp with expert advice from staff who run, hike, and bike in Lantau
Excellent bike service, delivery service from Discovery Bay, Tung Chung and Hong Kong Island available COMING SOON TO SAI KUNG IN MAY
852 9889 4375
@lantaubasecamp
G/F Shop B, Silver Centre Bldg, 10 Mui Wo Ferry Pier Road
M O M E N TO U S
GIVEAWAYS |
FEEL THE MAGIC AT HONG KONG DISNEYLAND RESORT! Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s new multimedia storytelling spectacular, Momentous, launched in June. Lighting up the night sky, it is quite simply “The Most Magical Show on Earth”. The new night-time extravaganza takes the audience on a momentous, six-chapter journey, which celebrates each stage of life from childhood to old age. Projection images of around 150 Disney and Pixar characters light up the Castle of Magical Dreams, alongside a stunning combination of multimedia elements, some of which are being used for the first time ever at Hong Kong Disneyland. The cuttingedge technology includes large-scale 3D projection
mapping, water projections, theatrical lighting, lasers, choreographed water fountains, flames, pyrotechnics, and firework effects. Disney’s talented local and international cast members began working on the Momentous project five years ago before the Castle of Magical Dreams even existed. Different specialist teams, including musical, technical, production and operations, have collaborated to bring the Disney magic to life. Momentous is a not-to-be-missed night-time spectacular for those looking for an entertaining evening out in Hong Kong! To find out more and book www.hongkongdisneyland.com.
park
tickets,
visit
LIFE ON LANTAU IS OFFERING FIVE READERS TWO ONE-DAY GENERAL ADMISSION PARK TICKETS (WORTH UP TO HK$639 EACH)
❝The greatest thing about
Momentous is that everyone can relate to it. The musical elements not only make it easier for the audience to understand the show, they can also help bring out people’s emotions” Ceejay Javier, Music Director
❝Launching this year,
Momentous has a special meaning to it. It seems to remind us to slow down and cherish the basics and the most beautiful things in life” - Fiona Yu, Production Director
❝We are thrilled to make this
long-awaited, night-time show happen at the Castle of Magical Dreams. I reckon Momentous will be great news for Disney fans Virginia Sung, Senior Manager Show Operations
❝I would describe Momentous
as unprecedented. There used to be many large-scale performances with fireworks and music in Hong Kong but none are comparable - Gary Yiu, Supervising Technical Manager-Operations 12 LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022
Win a pair of general admission park tickets to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and you get to enter a magical kingdom inspired by fairy-tale dreams and explore seven lands - Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, Toy Story Land and Main Street, USA. Ticket validity starts from mid-August, and the five winners are free to use their tickets any time within the next six months. Winners are reminded to register online at www.hongkongdisneyland.com before visiting the park.
HOW TO WIN!
Life on Lantau prizes are incredibly easy to get your hands on, and you have until August 15 to apply. Simply scan the QR code, select the giveaway you want, and enter your details into the online form.
LANTAU FACES |
COMMUNITY SNAPS FAMILIAR FACES FROM ACROSS LANTAU
PH O T O S BY B e a tr i x Ma l a n www. t ms t ud i o hk .co m
LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 13
ACROSS HONG KONG |
t i B e l tt ! i L a i v i A r T of
HK MOVIE QUIZ IN THE LEAD-UP TO THE HK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF HOMEGROWN MOVIES AND ACTORS PHO T O S COUR T E S Y O F F an do m
1. When is the 2022 HK International Film Festival (HKIFF) taking place? A. August 15-21 B. August 22-29 C. September 5-11 2. Which HK star is returning as the festival’s ambassador? A. Keung To B. Valerie Chow C. Aaron Kwok 3. How many times has Ann Hui been nominated Best Director at the HKIFF? A. Six times B. Eight times C. Never 4. Who holds the record for most Best Actress wins at HKIFF? A. Anita Mui B. Maggie Cheung C. Sandra Ng 5. Who holds the record for most Best Actor wins at HKIFF? A. Tony Chiu B. Andy Lau C. Donnie Yen 14 LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022
ACROSS HONG KONG |
6. Who is considered the Steven Spielberg of HK?
14. When was Fruit Chan’s Made in HK released?
A. Tsui Hark
A. July, 1997
B. Fruit Chan
B. October, 1997
C. Kiwi Chow
C. January, 2000
7. Which American director is a fan of Johnnie To’s crime movies?
15. Nancy Kwan plays opposite which US actor in The World of Suzy Wong?
A. Martin Scorsese
A. William Holden
B. Quentin Tarantino
B. Alec Guiness
C. Zack Snyder
C. Robert Duvall
8. Ang Lee’s espionage thriller Lust, Caution is set where?
16. What does Suzy Wong do for a living?
A. Beijing, 1912 B. Shanghai, 1943 C. Singapore, 2005
A. Bar girl B. Bank clerk C. Teacher
9. Who stars in Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love?
17. Everything Everywhere All At Once was originally written for which actor?
A. Chow Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh
A. Michelle Yeoh
B. Sandra Ng and Jackie Chan
B. Gong Li
C. Tony Chiu and Maggie Cheung
C. Jackie Chan
10. In which US movie does Chow Yunfat play a pirate?
18. What was Bruce Lee’s first major film as a leading star?
A. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End
A. The Big Boss
B. Pan
B. Enter the Dragon
C. Captain Phillips
C. The Orphan
11. Zero to Hero is based on the story of which medal-winning Paralympic athlete?
19. In which movie does Donnie Yen fight Jet Li?
A. Trischa Zorn B. So Wa Wai C. Mayumi Narita
A. Blade II B. Once Upon a Time in China II C. Ip Man
12. Which Philip Yung movie remains unreleased?
20. Which protest movie won best documentary at the Golden Horse Awards in 2021?
A. Port of Call
A. Revolution of Our Times
B. Where The Wind Blows
B. Beyond the Dream
C. May We Chat
C. A Complicated Story
13. In which action movie did Stephen Chow make his debut? A. Final Justice B. All for the Winner
You can check your score at www.lifeonlantau.com/ across-hk/hk-movie-quiz
C. Fight Back to School LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 15
PERSONA |
16 LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022
PERSONA |
THE RUNNING MAN MUI WO RESIDENT JO LODDER HAS SOMEHOW FOUND TIME TO RUN ACROSS HONG KONG, COMMIT TO THREE CHARITIES, AND THROW LANTAU’S BEST BLOCK PARTIES. WHAT WAS YOUR COVID PROJECT? ELIZABETH KERR REPORTS P HO T O S BY B e at r i x M al an - www. t m s tudio hk .co m
J
o Lodder’s got stories. His grandfather left him with some inspiring words years ago: “If you’ve died without a story you’ve failed.” The 52-year-old realestate developer and runner is the picture of a bon vivant on this sweltering day, looking relaxed in his Central office. Jo’s quick with a quip or anecdote from some random moment in his past as he explains how he and his chef wife, Novy, managed to become the centre of Wang Tong village society. In direct opposition to rest of us, Jo lost several trouser sizes during the first COVID wave. He once had a run-in with what some call an urban legend, Devil’s Breath. His first challenge after he took up running was the MacLehose Trail. He’s decided to create his own personal ESG mandate. Granddad’s mantra is, he says, something he lives his life by. Ya think?
LIVING TO THE MAX If that description makes Jo sound like a flaky social butterfly that wasn’t the intention. But it’s hard to capture just how much Jo has decided to pile on his plate – while maintaining a positive attitude and a willingness to grab a pint. He mentions how “there isn’t a holiday Novy doesn’t want to celebrate,” and it’s made the couple the centre of attention in Lantau (mostly Mui Wo), around whom parties grow. Those and Jo’s social runs around the island, which he got into during COVID. “I want other people to enjoy what I’m enjoying. That’s why I do the social runs with Lantau Base Camp,” he says. “And that’s the thing with runners and hikers. They’re all very positive. I like being around them. I like positivity in my life.” None of it is anything Jo set out to do, but he enjoys every minute of it. The UK native packed up and moved to Hong Kong on a whim 18 years ago. Literally. After an injury put his 10-
year career as a jockey at home and in France on ice, Jo relocated to Spain after selling a business he’d started. While chatting with a friend one day, she declared she was going to move to Hong Kong. “She didn’t have a timeline but I thought that sounded incredible,” Jo recalls. “Two weeks later I was in Hong Kong. She never came,” he finishes with a laugh. Jo’s first Hong Kong gig was a bust, but he remained friends with the guy who hired him, and he’s now the proud founder of JNW Properties Asia, a property marketing and sales company specialising in holiday destinations like Koh Samui and Niseko. “I’ve had the most brilliant time of my life. It’s flown by like that,” Jo says. “I travelled all over, up until COVID, and these past years, I’ve spent more time with my kids than I ever did.” COVID weight aside, most of us did some degree of soul searching in 2020, and on the cusp of 50, Jo was no different. He’d taken up hiking prior to that, and on a walk one day, his mind started wandering to the future, to how JNW would weather the storm, and how he would keep himself motivated. “I was listening to this podcast about a woman who’d come across these homeless young twins. She tried to find a home for them, no one would take them, and just like that she decided to rent a house and start an orphanage that’s still open to this day,” he says, looking a tiny bit awestruck. “The point was, make a decision and act on it. As I was going up the hill I thought, ‘I need to do more for other people. Today.’”
HIKING FOR FREEDOM So, he did. Jo’s first foray into community work was to help out Ark Eden (www.arkedenonlantau.org) in covering some of its costs when the pandemic was first wreaking havoc. One Thursday, he decided to do the Lantau Trail the LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 17
PERSONA |
following Saturday. He raised HK$26,000. His next effort took him mountain biking up Chi Ma Wan – in a hail storm – during which he crashed and broke his collarbone. Then he came up with the idea for a four-day Hike for Freedom across Lantau. “I met a neighbour Catherine Cormack, a vet, and we were hiking together one day and I said, ‘Do you fancy doing the Four Trails for charity?’ She said OK, and we put it in the diary. That nearly killed me. I was so naïve.” Neither of them finished the 298-kilometre, 18,000-metre total elevation challenge, the equivalent of climbing Everest, Kilimanjaro and The Eiger, but they did raise HK$100,000 for STOP - Stop Trafficking of People (stophk.org) and Lantau-based animal rescue TAILS (www.tailslantau.org). Jo moves fast. STOP and TAILS make up two of the three pillars in Jo’s philanthropic work, the former seed being planted years ago, when he and Novy met a woman, who’d been trafficked to Hong Kong from Indonesia, and he got an up-close look at the insidious and complicated nature of the crime, and how hard it is to get out of. “It took nine months to get her home,” he explains. “She had no passport, the police wouldn’t arrest her, immigration wouldn’t do anything until she was arrested, and the embassy couldn’t do anything because they didn’t know who she was. It was insane. That’s where STOP comes in to help.” An added challenge comes from a public perception that trafficking doesn’t happen to men (“It’s about 50/50”), or in Hong Kong. While getting treated for an injury on the Hike for Freedom Four Trails challenge, Jo recalls talking
to some doctors: “I’m wearing a shirt with STOP on it, and they claimed it didn’t happen here. ‘We don’t have that here.’ Yeah. We do.”
STAYING ON Jo wants to make it clear not everything he does pivots on human (or animal) misery, the Lantau Base Camp (LBC) hikes and runs being a prime example. Jo leads Tuesday and Thursday morning (5.15am or 6.15am) sunrise hikes, followed by HIT training with his Oddball MW Crew on the beach – plus free coffee or kombucha. Then there’s evening trail runs from the LBC (up to 8 kilometres). “The LBC hikes are aimed at encouraging Lantauers to exercise, and see the island’s great outdoors,” he says, stressing it’s a great community that all are welcome to join, and arguing, “Who wants to do that kind of thing alone?” For the immediate future, Jo will host a property sales event for his dog-friendly SnowDog project in Niseko, the first in two years, which is home to his third charity – the eco-focused NPO SnowDog (www.jnwasia.com/snowdog-nonprofit). After that he and Novy will be vacationing in Indonesia and the UK for a couple of months. Jo’s going to keep training, because when he gets back in the autumn (yes, he’s coming back) he’ll again be looking to raise funds through running. He’s doing the TransLantau 100 in November in preparation for the Four Trails – again – in February 2023. “That’s my next challenge,” he chuckles determinedly. “And I’m going to complete it this time.” No doubt.
❝ The LBC hikes are aimed at encouraging Lantauers to exercise, and see the island’s great outdoors - Jo Lodder 18 LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022
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DISPATCH |
THE LIFE AQUATIC AS ISLANDERS, WE ARE CONSUMED BY THE SEA – WE LIVE NEAR IT, WE COMMUTE ACROSS IT AND MOST OF US SWIM IN IT. WATER SPORTS ARE ANOTHER WAY IN. Raphael Blet REPORTS PHO T OS BY Hun t Smi t h & cour tesy of A - Team Edven t ur es & Wakesur f D B
P
eople like us, who have chosen to live on an island, are for the most part, obsessed by the sea. We love looking at it and commuting across it. We love walking along its shores in all weathers, and submerging in its shallows on hot summer days. By getting into water sports, we can further our connection with the wild body of water that surrounds us. Ready to dive in and get out of your comfort zone? Find out what’s on offer from three local water-sport providers: Treasure Island Group, A-Team Edventures and Wakesurf DB.
SURFING When thinking about surfing, the first thing that comes to mind are gigantic waves… and sharks. But sit back and relax, Lantau is neither Hawaii nor New South Wales. In fact, the waters around our 147 square-kilometre island are ideal for first-time surfers, particularly over summer when they are generally calm. If you are looking to improve your surfing skills on Lantau, nothing beats the waters off Pui O and Cheung Sha. The southeast swell gives waves some solid force and although not massive, their inconsistency makes them challenging enough to surf. Before heading out with a buddy (it’s inadvisable to surf alone even if you’ve got plenty of experience) be sure to check the weather and local surf report (www.surf-forecast.com). “Pui O is a great place to practice surfing because it doesn’t get too crowded with swimmers,” says Alex Lithgow, programme coordinator at Treasure Island Group (www.treasureislandhk. com). Located right in the heart of Pui O Beach, Treasure Island offers an exciting array of outdoor camps and courses to people of all ages and physical abilities – surfing being their main strength. LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 21
DISPATCH |
You need to know your limits and have sound knowledge of how the waves and sea swell work, and you need to be aware of the weather Founded in 1996, Treasure Island has become something of a Lantau institution, a hub for parties and events as well as outdoor education, and its popularity has grown in recent years. “With COVID-19, travel wasn’t easy and many people were looking for a place reminding them of their holidays abroad. With our well-rounded facilities, we were able to get many new students joining us,” says Alex. The Surf Camps at Treasure Island are separated into two age groups, five to nine years (grommets) and nine to 12 years (intermediates). Ideal for parents wanting a fun and meaningful summer activity for their kids, each week-long camp runs from Monday to Friday, and includes three hours of surfing lessons daily, with an hour dedicated to beach safety and ocean education. There are also Adventure Camps, for youth aged five to 9 years, nine to 13 years and 13 to 17 years, which include activities like hiking, gorging and coastal exploration, in addition to surfing. Social responsibility being a key component of Treasure Island’s ethos, all the camps give children the opportunity to learn about sustainability practices and why caring for the environment is crucial to their future. For surfers or wannabe surfers, aged 13 years and up, Treasure Island provides both individual, one-on-one training and group classes. Oh, and if you want to get out there with a group of friends and have forgotten your board, you can rent one at the beach club.
KAYAKING Offering something entirely different, kayaking is one of the more leisurely water sports, and it can be a marvellous way to combine exercise with sightseeing. Again, in order to paddle safely, you need to know your limits and have sound knowledge of how the waves and sea swell work, and you need to be aware of the weather. With all that in place, you are free to explore the Lantau coast at your own pace, and you’ll find it’s an Ali Baba’s cave, packed with gems just waiting to be discovered. Reminiscent of Venice to some and Bangkok’s Chau Phraya River to others, Tai O is among the most famous kayaking spots in Hong Kong. Enthusiasts get to experience the postcard-like 22 LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022
village from the waterways and kayak around the world-famous stilt houses before adventuring into the open sea. Moving west towards Yi O Bay, Shui Lo Cho canyon is a wonderfully Instagramable spot and a safe place to take a dip. Alternatively, you might consider hopping on a boat to Cheung Chau: The waters off Tung Wan and Kwun Yam Wan have long been popular among kayaking enthusiasts, Anthony Somerset being one of them. Owner and director of Hong Kongbased outdoor education and leadership provider A-Team Edventures (www.ateamedventures.com), the retired lawyer turned BCU-awarded sea kayaker offers a range of exciting kayaking and paddling experiences. A-Team Edventures’ Cheung Chau Day Paddle combines a physical challenge with a large helping of culture. As you learn how to improve your stroke, instructors talk you through the history of the former pirate outpost, its curious rock formations, ancient rock carvings and coastal temples. Seeking a romantic evening with a difference? A-Team Edventures’ Cheung Chau Night Paddle departs from Cheung Chau Windsurf Centre as the sun sets. Slipping quietly along the coast with bioluminescence lighting up your paddles, the neon glitter of Hong Kong Island seems a million miles away. Beyond kayaking and paddling, A-Team Edventures tailors a wide range of educational outdoor experiences for people all ages, with a specific focus on kids. “A-Team gives kids lots of hands-on involvement, responsibilities and choices; they get some say in what we do on their camps,” says Anthony. “They get to suggest activities for the group and to help decide how these can be done safely.”
WAKESURFING There is no better time than August to try your hand at wakesurfing, since the waters off Lantau’s secluded beaches are mostly calm. With no former water-sports experience required, it’s a fun activity to enjoy with family and friends and, given the right training, it’s surprisingly easy to master. Among Lantau’s seasoned wakesurfing professionals is Alice Leung of Wakesurf DB (Facebook @wakesurfdb). Based out of Peng Chau, Wakesurf DB offers fully captained wakesurf experiences and instruction for children and adults alike. In the main, the team’s boats stay close to home in the waters between the Peng Chau Ferry pier and Discovery Bay North, where marine traffic is scarce. Kids as young as seven years can take lessons with Wakesurf DB and they are taught to wakesurf on child-sized boards, something Alice is proud of as not all wakesurf schools offer such personalised experiences. “With the expertise of our instructors, we ensure that everyone is safe, and we can get people up on the board and surfing in no time!” says Alice, who has recently seen a surge in demand with so many of us electing to stay in Hong Kong for the summer. Enjoy the ride!
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Caissa Hong Kong Chess Club is running eight five-day summer camps in DB Plaza through August 19. The action-packed three-hour morning sessions are conducted by Caissa’s popular World Chess Federationlicensed chess coaches. Caissa camps are fun and competitive, with a focus on tactics and strategy. Children of all levels, aged 5 years and up can join.
BallroomBees’ week-long Dance and Movement Camps are being held across HK (including in DB) through August 27. Kids, aged 1.5 to 12 years, are challenged and stimulated with ageappropriate, high-energy, ballroombased exercises, dance games and choreography to chart topping hits. Camps finish with a Dancing with the Stars showcase so parents can see how much their kids have learnt.
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24 LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022
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Held in Tung Chung, Dance for Joy’s summer programme comprises fun, energising performing arts classes for kids aged 2 and up. Students learn choreography and technique, while developing their understanding of rhythm, body awareness and self-expression. Each week, through August 27, students learn a new set of dance routines and combinations. All levels are welcome.
Joining Dr. Bear’s Mandarin Fun Playgroup, children aged 2 to 3.5 years get to improve their social skills in a fun environment. Offering courses in Mandarin for native and non-native children in DB North Plaza, activities include dancing, singing, storytelling and art. Limited to 6 children, the playgroup starts on August 23, running every Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 11am.
Ark Eden’s multi- day Summer Forest Camps bring out the adventurous, curious and compassionate side of children, aged 5 to 11 years. Running through August 26 in the Mui Wo hills, the camps are both fun and educational with dif ferent eco - minded activities, like treehouse building, campfire cooking and swimming in waterfalls on of fer each day.
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Friendly Rides & Guides’ five-day camps offer children aged 7 years and up a fun-filled, summer-holiday experience adventuring around HK. Designed for beginner to intermediate riders, the camps cover all of the fundamental skills for kids to safely progress and have fun on the trails. Camps run through August and are filled with cycling adventures, waterfall exploring and educational activities.
Through August 26, Learn With Dragonfly is back with its popular outdoor adventure camps for children aged 7 to 11 years. Two-day, threeday and five-day options are available in Mui Wo, Cheung Chau and Sai Kung. Activities include kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, canyoning, coasteering, abseiling, search and rescue, and survival skills.
Through August 26, Treasure Island is providing a full programme of award-winning Surf and Adventure Camps in Pui O for surfers of all levels aged 5 to 16 years. The week-long day camps are divided into three age groups (Grommets, Intermediates and Young Adventurers), and kids are given the opportunity to learn water skills, ocean safety and environmental awareness, as well as surfing. New this year, is the Summer Extreme Adventure Camps programme for young people aged 9 to 13 years, and 13 to 17 years.
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LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 25
TRAIL WALKER |
LANTAU TRAIL HIKE: DAY TWO H I K I N G S E C T I O N S 4 , 5 A N D 6 O F T H E L A N TA U T R A I L , C L A I R E S E V E R N B AT T L E S M E D I U M - S I Z E D M O U N TA I N S , T H E T U N N E L O F D O O M A N D S O M E S E R I O U S LY MASSIVE SPIDERS P HO T O S BY A n dr ew Spi r e s
D
ay two of our Lantau Trail hike. More than three months have passed since my buddy and I completed the first part of our challenge, and our leg muscles have just about forgotten the trauma of climbing Hong Kong’s second and third highest peaks in one day.
Relieved to arrive safely at our starting point of Ngong Ping after a rather hair-raising blue taxi ride, we set off for what we hoped would be a more relaxing rest of the day.
SECTION 4: NGONG PING Section 4 of the Lantau Trail is basically a big loop, affording great views across the valley and over to the north of the island. It starts at Wisdom Path, around a 5-minute walk from the Big Buddha. Here, you see two signs for the Lantau Trail. Section 4 follows the path heading through the trees, away from Lantau Peak.
WISDOM PATH
Happily, it’s a rather gentle route, and fairly well signposted. There are a few steps to climb along the way, but the path soon starts to head downhill again as you circle back towards your starting point.
of section 5 looms ahead. Again, the signs here could be clearer, but we took a punt and decided to follow the yellow sign uphill towards Man Cheung Po. We made the right choice.
Arriving back at Ngong Ping, we lost the trail for a while – the signs at this point are somewhat confusing – but eventually we figured out that we just needed to head straight through the village to join the main road. From there, the trail heads downhill to the junction of Sham Wat Road and Keng Shan Road, where the archway marking the start 26 LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022
SECTION 5: IN THE MOUNTAINS This was where the hike got tougher – the incline at the start of section 5 is somewhat steep, but at least the route is shaded in parts, and Tai O soon comes into view in the distance.
TRAIL WALKER |
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THE LANTAU TRAIL A 70-kilometre loop starting and finishing in Mui Wo, the Lantau Trail is the third longest in Hong Kong, after the MacLehose Trail and Wilson Trail. The route is well marked with information boards and maps at junctions between each stage. Distance posts around 500 metres apart help hikers know where they are. At each turning, route signs give instructions about directions, place names, and the distances and times for hiking between various locations. SECTION ROUTE
LENGTH
DISTANCE POSTS
1
Mui Wo to Nam Shan
2.5km
L000-L005
3
To Ngong Ping
4.5km
L018-L027
2 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12
To Pak Kung Au
To Sham Wat Road
To Man Cheung Po To Tai O
To Kau Ling Chung To Shek Pik
To Shui Hau
To Tung Chung Road To Pui O
To Mui Wo
6.5km 4km
7.5km 2.5km
10.5km 5.5km 6.5km 6.5km
4.5km
9km
L005-L018 L027-L035 L035-L050 L050-L055 L055-L076 L076-L087 L087-L100 L100-L113
L113-L122
L122-L140
TAI O SOON COMES INT O VIEW BY A S TREAM ON THE WAY T O MAN C HEUN G PO LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 27
TRAIL WALKER |
We took time to pause at distance post L037, where the views open up all round – a welcome moment or two to catch our breath. After this point, the path rises and falls as it snakes its way across the hills until it reaches the summit of Keung Shan, at 459 metres above sea level, and Ling Wui Shan, which peaks at 490 metres. The thing that struck us most about this section of the trail was how remote it seemed. We were literally in the middle of nowhere. Apart from the distant sound of aeroplanes, there was no noise, nothing. It was an odd feeling – a tad disconcerting but also incredibly freeing at the same time. Beginning our descent downhill, we followed the signs to Man Cheung Po. After a while, the path became shaded and we found ourselves hikiing alongside a large stream. We loved this section of the walk. The sound of flowing water and birds chirping in the trees was in stark contrast to the barren hills we’d trekked across just a few minutes before.
SECTION 6: MAN CHEUNG PO TO TAI O One of the highlights of the walk was finally discovering the famed Lung Tsai Ng Yuen, the “garden of enlightenment,” founded in 1962 by textiles baron Wu Kungsheng. Having fallen into disrepair after Wu’s death, the gardens and buildings have now been restored by Wu’s family, however they remain closed to the general public. Although we couldn’t see much of the gardens (the barking dogs were enough to prevent us getting too close), the view across the lotus pond was stunning. I would say it made the whole hike worthwhile, however at that point I didn’t know the trauma of what was to come. You see, we did the hike in summer. And what do you get in Hong Kong in the summer? Spiders, and lots of them. For an arachnophobe like me, this section of the hike was pretty much terrifying, as we had to duck under web after web, while avoiding all the spiders on the ground. Seeing how freaked out I was becoming, my hiking buddy nicknamed this stretch of the trail the Tunnel of Doom. He thought better of his urge to make me jump over the spiders (wise man). But the local wildlife didn’t get the memo, and I let out an almighty scream when an atlas moth flew into the side of my neck at the exact point I passed underneath one of the glistening webs. To make matters worse, the path down to Tai O was one of the steepest inclines I’ve ever encountered, and my wails about spiders were interspersed with cries about how much my toes were hurting. It was quite honestly brutal and I couldn’t have been happier to reach the bottom of the hill. We’d made it to Tai O. Time for a celebratory drink before making our way home, where a few months later my toenail showed me just how vicious that incline had been by falling off. Six sections of the Lantau Trail complete. Only the other six sections (42.5 kilometres) left to go... 28 LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022
KEUN G SHAN AND LIN G WUI SHAN ARAC HN OPHOBES BEWARE APPROAC HIN G TAI O
HIGH-SPEED ADVENTURE TRIPS!
DESTINATION HOME CHEF | |
30 LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022
DESTINATION HOME CHEF |
PLANNING A LONG LUNCH WITH A LARGE GROUP OF FRIENDS? KEEP IT SIMPLE WITH A CLASSIC COCKTAIL AND PERFECTLY COOKED OMELETTE PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock
THE MIMOSA Serves 1 25ml premium triple sec 59ml freshly squeezed orange juice 118ml sparkling wine 1 orange slice Start by chilling all the ingredients for at least one hour, then pour the triple sec and orange juice into a champagne flute. Tilt the glass and add the sparkling wine, pouring slowly as you would beer. Stirring will reduce the bubbles, so resist the temptation to mix it. Garnish with an orange slice. To make a classic mimosa, you need well-chilled orange juice and sparkling wine. This recipe creates a semi-dry mimosa, and you can easily make it sweeter by pouring the two ingredients equally. Choose Champagne if you like, or save money with a nice Prosecco or Cava. The triple sec is optional (Cointreau is an excellent choice) but recommended. The orange liqueur adds dimension and its sweetness marries the sweet-tart juice and dry wine beautifully.
LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 31
DESTINATION HOME CHEF | |
OMELETTE WITH SPINACH Serves 4 8oz butter 200g spinach, chopped 8 eggs 2oz cheddar, grated Melt ½ oz butter in a frying pan, then cook the spinach for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Season well. Tip out onto a plate and set aside. In a bowl, beat the eggs until just mixed. Return the frying pan to a medium-high heat, add the remaining butter and melt until beginning to foam, then swirl it around the pan. Pour in the beaten egg, then tilt the pan to distribute it evenly. Leave for 20 seconds, until the egg begins to bubble. Use a wooden spoon to draw in the sides of the egg to the centre incorporating the butter. Gently tilt the pan to redistribute the egg to the edges. Sprinkle over the cheese and spinach while the egg is still slightly runny in the middle, then remove the pan from the heat. The residual heat will continue to cook the egg. Season well. Using a spatula, fold one third of the omelette into the middle, then turn the omelette onto a warm plate folding over itself. Serve immediately with a green salad or fries.
32 LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022
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LOCAL NUMBERS TUNG CHUNG EMERGENCY SERVICES 999 Tung Chung Ambulance Depot Tung Chung Fire Station Tung Chung Police Station
2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1999
HOME & REPAIRS Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Mr Chan 24-Hour Handyman New Look Design Shun Yu Engineering So Nice Technologies
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LEARNING CENTRES Clement Art School 9757 9157 Discovery Mind International Play Centre 2987 8070 Discovery Mind Primary School 2915 0666 ESF International Kindergarten (Tung Chung) 3742 3500 Greenfield International Kindergarten 2162 5538 Han Xuan Language Education Centre 2666 5905 KidznJoy 6273 7347 Little Stars Playgroup 6479 0390 Sakura Kid’s Preschool 6674 6194 Salala Kid’s House 2611 9193 Soundwaves English Education Centre 2164 7210 Sun Island Education Foundation 2420 1068 Sunshine House International Preschool 2109 3873 Tung Chung Catholic School 2121 0884 Wise Choice Education 5992 4482 YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College 2988 8123 MEDICAL Bayside Dental Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre North Lantau Hospital North Lantau Physiotherapy Quality Health Medical Quality Health Physiotherapy Raffles Medical Raffles Medical Emergency Skyline Physiotherapy
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REALTORS HomeSolutions 3483 5003 REMOVALS & RELOCATION Akash Removals 2421 8088 FTC Relocations 2814 1658 ReloSmart 2561 3030 SwiftRelo 2363 4008 RESIDENTIAL SERVICES Caribbean Coast Clubhouse Caribbean Coast Management Office Coastal Skyline Clubhouse Coastal Skyline Management Office Seaview Crescent Clubhouse Seaview Crescent Management Office Tung Chung Crescent Clubhouse Tung Chung Crescent Management Office 34 LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022
2109 9277 2109 9288 2179 6678 2179 6621 3473 8700 3473 8833 2403 6770 2109 1222
RESTAURANTS & FOOD DELIVERY A Tavola Bar & Grill 2321 5500 Cabana Breeze 2777 8980, 2777 8982 Cafe lantau, Sheraton Tung Chung 2535 0021 Essence, Novotel Citygate 3602 8808 Funky Monkey 2427 1111 Handi Indian Restaurant 2988 8674 Jasmine Tung Chung 2162 8018 La Rosabelle Bar & Grill 2881 8788 La Vista 2368 6866 Lobby Lounge, Sheraton Tung Chung 2535 0023 Maison Du Mezze 2330 0131 Melody Thai 2988 8129 Mint & Basil 2762 8077 Moccato Coffee Shop 3602 8838 Moon Lok Chiu Chow 2116 8149 My Thai 2907 6918 Nha trang Vietnamese Cuisine 2234 9199 Olea, Novotel Citygate 3602 8818 Skycity Bistro, SkyCity Marriott 3969 2500 Sunset Grill, Sheraton Tung Chung 2535 0025 The New Chapter 2907 6988 The Tavern 2907 6822 Yue, Sheraton Tung Chung 2535 0028 Upper Deck 2757 8889 RETAIL FTC Apparel 2428 2566 Lantau Balloons 9733 5483 SPORT & RECREATION 4 Dimensions+ 9446 6013 Aqua Gym 2914 0658 Asia Pacific Soccer Schools 2385 9677 B & S Art Gallery 2493 8895 Dance for Joy 9264 8597 Edge ’n Pointe Dance Centre 6688 2167 ESF Sports 2711 1280 Fitness in Motion 9744 4736 HK Dragons 2987 4274 Kinder Kicks Soccer 2385 9677 KipMovin 6180 3256 MGK Fight club 9303 2996 Perun Fitness 6443 6597 Rugbytots 5307 6677 Sparrow Soccer School 6051 8196 Tung Chung Public Swimming Pool 2109 9107 Tung Chung Rugby Club 6079 0825 Tung Chung Sports Centre 2109 2421 VETERINARY SERVICES & PETS Bon’s Mobile Pet Grooming Royal Pets (Pet Sitting) Tung Chung Animal Clinic Tung Chung Vet Centre
9099 9959 6314 9887 2988 1534 2328 7282
WELLBEING & BEAUTY OM Spa, Regal Airport Hotel Quan Spa, Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Tung Chung Nail Ninjas
2286 6266 969 21888 9551 6468
LOCAL NUMBERS |
SOUTH LANTAU EMERGENCY SERVICES 999 Lantau South Police Mui Wo Fire Department
36611696 2984 1570
HOME & REPAIRS New Look Design 9783 5840 Unitek 9156 0360 HOTELS Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel
6810 0111 2985 8383
LEARNING CENTRES Ashville International Buddhist Fat Ho College Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten Silvermine Bay School
2109 9886 2985 5365 2984 0302 2980 3676 3689 6709 2984 0006
MEDICAL North Lantau Hospital
3467 7000
REALTORS Findley Leung HomeSolutions
2984 8334 3483 5003
RESTAURANTS & FOOD DELIVERY Bahçe Turkish Restaurant 2984 0222 Bathers 2504 4788
Cafe Isara Caffe Paradiso China Bear Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar Kebab Korner La Pizzeria Lantana Italian Bistro Le Jardin de Sophie Long Island Mucho Gusto Pause Cafe Robert’s Market Solo Café The Gallery The Kitchen The Stoep @ High Tide The Water Buffalo Treasure Island Beach Club
2470 1966 2984 0498 2984 9720 3484 3095 6429 3507 2984 8933 5465 5511 2997 9070 2320 2001 6422 5009 5267 5549 9193 2937 9153 7453 2980 2582 5991 6292 2980 2699 2109 3331 5236 7013
REMOVALS & RELOCATION Akash Removals FTC Relocations Hon Kee Transportation Lee Hing Loong ReloSmart SwiftRelo
2421 8088 2814 1658 2984 8494 2984 2268 2561 3030 2363 4008
RETAIL Lantau Base Camp Garden Plus
5463 6060 6547 2233
Greenstyle Organic & Healthcare Lantau Grocer Loi Chan Frozen Meat Co. Quay House Value Vigilantes VIBE Book & Music Shop
9802 0553 2702 0050 2984 8346 2882 8710 6132 9120 9088 2370
SPORT & RECREATION Long Coast Seasports Mui Wo Sports Centre Pause by the River Treasure Island Beach Club
2980 3222 2984 2334 9708 0187 2546 3543
VETERINARY SERVICES & PETS SPCA Mui Wo 2984 0060 WELLBEING & BEAUTY Pause by the Banyan Spa Ambiance Spa Puretouch Thai Palin Massage Thai Sa Baai
9708 0187 2984 2488 2984 0088 9062 0148 5228 6552
DISCOVERY BAY EMERGENCY SERVICES 999 DB Fire & Ambulance DB Lost & Found DB Management
2987 7502 3651 2345 2238 3601
HOME & REPAIRS Good Luck Engineering May’s Furniture & Curtain Design Rich Point Hardware Materials Well Supreme Laundry
2987 1313 2987 0222 2987 0789 2987 5151
HOTELS Auberge Discovery Bay
2295 8288
LEARNING CENTRES DBIS DBIS Kindergarten Discovery College Discovery Mind International Play Centre Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Mind Primary School Discovery Montessori Academy Discovery Montessori School Epic Adventurers Eye Level Education Learning Centre HKILA Mandarin for Munchkins Mathemagic (home tutoring) Mathnasium SKH Wei Lun Primary School Sunshine House International Preschool
2987 7331 2914 2142 3969 1000 2987 8088 2987 8088 2914 2202 2812 9206 2987 1201 2441 0098 9366 0000 2416 3198 2480 3909 9135 4724 2628 3362 2987 8608 2987 8143
REMOVALS & RELOCATION Akash Removals FTC Relocations ReloSmart SwiftRelo
2421 8088 2814 1658 2561 3030 2363 4008
MEDICAL Bayside Dental Practice Health & Care Dental Clinic Island Health North Lantau Hospital Quality Health Medical Centre Quality Health Physiotherapy
2987 0855 2666 6183 2987 7575 3467 7000 2987 5633 2473 6200
REALTORS Headland Homes Okay.com Savills
2987 2088 2102 0888 2987 1919
RESTAURANTS & FOOD DELIVERY 22˚ North 2987 2298 Bones & Blades 2383 0792 Coyote Mexican Cantina 2987 2848 Epic Foods 2172 6111 Lekker Laa 6857 1620 Moofish by Zak’s 2987 6318 Osmanbey Turkish Restaurant 5401 8350 Peony 2215 0833 Raf & Sons 3611 8369 The Pier Bar 2520 2166 Uncle Russ 2840 1188 RETAIL Bookazine felix and mina P-Solution She Creates Stories Star Mart Wing On
2987 1373 2130 7013 2987 1777 9166 8077 2366 6534 2987 9268
SPORT & RECREATION BMSE Community Centre Club Siena
2259 3422 2987 7382
DB Golf Club DB Ice Rink DB Pirates DB Recreation Club DMR Epic land Future Stars Dance Academy Greenwich Yoga School HK Dragons Football Club Harry Wright International Island Dance Kapuhala Train-in-Space Lantau Yacht Club Tekkerz The Beat Yoga Bay YogaUP Yogika
2987 7273 2234 0187 9255 6133 2987 7381 5210 7208 2441 0098 2987 6867 9685 8366 5322 5556 2575 6279 2987 1571 6101 8434 2987 9691 9770 4548 5721 3000 6704 9851 6805 4996 6749 7836
VETERINARY SERVICES & PETS Island Veterinary Services 2987 9003 My Pet Shop 2987 8873 WELLBEING & BEAUTY Afflatus Hair Workshop 2987 0283 Ingredients of Wellness 9048 5425 Maximum Care 2987 2060 Nailed It! 2987 2266 Sophia Essentials 2527 0118
LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 35
DESTINATION |
OUR LADY OF JOY ABBEY R E PO RT I NG BY R a p h a e l B l e t PH O T O S BY S a r i n A l e
P
erched on the hills of Tai Shui Hang between Mui Wo and Discovery Bay, Our Lady of Joy Abbey – also known as the Trappist Haven Monastery – is an iconic part of Hong Kong’s Roman Catholic heritage. Best known as the first production house of local milk-maker Trappist Dairy, the abbey is home to Roman Catholic monks from the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance. Dating back to 1112 in France, this order is amongst the Church’s strictest as its name suggests. You can hike to the abbey from Mui Wo or DB, or hop on a DB to Peng Chau ferry, some of which alight at the Trappist Haven Monastery pier. A wide, steep path leads up to the abbey, lined with 14 Stations of the Cross – a series of 14 markers portraying events in the Passion of Christ, from his condemnation by Pontius Pilate to his entombment. Walking the path, which is forested on both sides, sunlight struggles to make it through the trees. Spiritually-minded souls might describe it as a divine light; one thing is sure, it was a source of motivation to us as we began our pilgrimage. After a 20-minute walk, we finally reached the abbey, passing through imposing gates into the flourishing courtyard. As in most Benedictine monasteries, Latin inscriptions are prevalent with the words “Pax intrantibus” (“Peace to those who enter”) inscribed above the gate. Testament to the abbey’s multicultural identity is the Chinese pagoda standing in the garden; here incense and Buddhas have been replaced by a nativity scene with Mary at the epicentre. This East and West fusion is anything but a coincidence; the abbey was founded by Chinese monks fleeing the Chinese Civil War at the end of the 1940s. Up until today, Mandarin is one of the languages used by the monks in prayer. A bridge, arching above a calm, clear water stream, leads to the abbey’s main buildings. Frugality being a core component of monastic life, the church is a plain place of worship with white walls and only a handful of benches. Occasionally open to visitors, the church is used by the monastery’s less than 20 monks to pray. Amongst former residents of this monastery was Nicholas Kao Se Tseien, a Fuzhou-born Chinese monk then known as the world’s oldest living priest. Born in 1897, Nicholas witnessed three centuries, 10 popes and a fair few wars. He is also believed to be the oldest man 36 LIFE ON L ANTAU | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022
A LIFE OF SECL USION IN L ANTAU
to have had a cataract operation. He passed away in 2007 and rests peacefully in the abbey’s graveyard. In its early days, the abbey contributed to Hong Kong’s local milkproduction industry through its dairy farm, known as Trappist Dairy. The company has since been sold and production moved to Yuen Long but Trappist Dairy remains amongst Hong Kong’s most reputed local businesses and its products can be found in almost every convenience store. While the monastery’s grounds are temporarily closed to visitors due to COVID-19, its façade, courtyard and history are definitely worth a detour.
