Life on Lantau Dec/Jan 23

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PHILIP JAY

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RACHEL AINSLEY

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RAPHAEL BLET

Assistant editor raphael@baymedia.com.hk

BEATRIX MALAN Digital manager beatrix@baymedia.com.hk

SARIN ALE

Art director sarin@baymedia.com.hk

CONTRIBUTORS

RAY AU, IMOGEN CLYDE, ELIZABETH KERR, JASON PAGLIARI, CLAIRE SEVERN

PHOTOGRAPHY

BEATRIX MALAN www.atscollective.com

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DISCLAIMER

The views expressed in Life on Lantau are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors. The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission.

Happenings & Events

STUFF TO KNOW IN DECEMBER!

ENHANCED PASSENGER EXPERIENCE AT HKIA

I n response to the 0+3 travel arrangement and increasing passenger demand, local carriers are resuming several popular routes out of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and upping the frequency of existing ones after a hiatus of almost three years.

In November, Cathay Pacific announced the resumption of passenger flights to five destinations: Madrid, Milan, Dubai, Kathmandu and Bengaluru. This month, the Swire-owned entity plans to add 1,200 flights. Hong Kong Airlines is getting back on its feet too, having announced the return of services to Okinawa and Sapporo, with the frequency expected to be increased to threetimes a week before Christmas. Meanwhile, newly launched Greater Bay Airlines is beginning round-trip Hong Kong-Taipei flights from December 1, with prices starting at HK$1,656 without luggage.

A series of exciting upgrades are ongoing at HKIA, designed to bring the passenger experience up to better than pre-pandemic standards.

Sky Bridge, the world’s longest airside bridge, opened on November 1. It connects Terminal 1 and the T1 Satellite Concourse, removing the need for a shuttle bus service. The 200-metre long, 28-metre-high bridge spans an entire taxiway and and it’s glass-clad, meaning travellers can watch aircraft pass beneath their feet. An observation deck, a catering outlet and a shop will open in phases.

Chase Sapphire Lounge, located at the West Hall of Terminal 1, is another exciting addition to the airport’s scenery. Reserved for Chase Sapphire Reserve customers, LoungeKey and Priority Pass members, the stylish venue has an extensive wine list, gourmet menu and dedicated working space.

Meanwhile, HKIA’s online shopping platform, HKairportshop.com, continues to expand its offering. Orders can be ready for collection in 90 minutes, for pick-up, either on arrival or departure, at airport stores or HKairportshop Concierge. Travellers spending over HK$1,000 can pick-up their order at their departure gate. To find out more, visit www.hongkongairport.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Hong Kong International Airport.]

SKY BRIDGE OPENED ON NOVEMBER 1

XMAS ON PUI O BEACH

I

t’s all happening on Pui O Beach this Christmas, with Treasure Island kicking off the festivities at its annual Christmas Market on December 18 from 12pm to 6pm. Most of the market vendors are islanders, so this is your opportunity to support local artisans, while picking up some unique Christmas gifts, everything from wine to handmade soaps and toys.

The Treasure Island Beach Club Restaurant & Bar is open December 24, 26 and 27 serving up a special Christmas Party Menu. Families and corporates can also rent the venue for Christmas and New Year parties. Should you want to extend your visit into a beach staycation, there are plenty of options with cabanas, family-size tents and even a three-bedroom apartment available for rent. To find out more, call 5236 7013 or visit www.treasureislandhk.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Treasure Island.]

CHRISTMAS-THEMED BOX PHOTOSHOOTS

Through December, ATS Collective is offering a twist on the traditional Christmas card photoshoot through fun and festive box shoots complete with props. Clients have a choice between four different templates and dressing up is encouraged! The photoshoot includes a complimentary digital Christmas card design which can be emailed or printed.

ATS Collective is the brainchild of Lantau-based mums, creatives and friends Beatrix Malan and Philippa Bell. The duo aims to capture special moments in clients’ lives through professionally styled photoshoots, taken at one or more location. New mums will want to check out ATS’ Milk Bath Shoot for an adventurous take on the traditional new-born portrait. To find out more and make a booking, email info@atscollective.com or visit www.atscollective.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Beatrix Malan.]

ALL-NEW TINWORTH TRAIL

The newly launched Tinworth Trail is named after Nic Tinworth, long time Hong Kong resident and a central figure in the development of trail running in Hong Kong. At 90 kilometres, it runs from Hong Kong’s northeast border at Sha Tau Kok to Tai O, and includes some of Hong Kong’s most spectacular trails, namely Robin’s Nest, Tai To Yan, the Yuen-Tsuen Ancient Trail, Lo Fu Tau, Wong Lung Hang Valley and the Tung O Ancient Trail.

The Tinworth Trail is unofficial, meaning you won’t see signs or guideposts as you do on Hong Kong’s four official trails. Instead, you can download a GPX file containing route information and upload it to your smartwatch or phone. You can hike the Tinworth Trail all in one go or section by section – there are 10. To know more and get hiking, visit www.tinworthtrail.com.

HANG OUT AT TREASURE ISLAND OVER THE HOLIDAYS

PLAY DRESS-UP FOR YOUR FAMILY PHOTO

HIKE FROM PUI O TO SHA TAU KOK

GINGERBREAD FOR GOOD CAMPAIGN

Hong Kong-based charity Cookie Smiles has partnered with the Landmark and 22 celebrity chefs to bring back the Gingerbread for Good Campaign, which aims to raise at least HK$600,000 for its two beneficiaries: Box of Hope and the Vocational Training Council’s Shine Skills Centre. The campaign runs through January 1, with a range of unique Mrs Claus gingerbread cookies on sale at Shop 350, 3/F, Landmark Atrium in Central.

Co-founded by Jo Soo-Tang and DB resident Agnes Chin, Cookie Smiles is a long-time supporter of the Vocational Training Council’s Shining Star Programme, an internship scheme aimed at providing interesting work experience opportunities for students with disabilities. To show your support and pick up some quality gingerbread, drop by the Landmark Atrium pop-up. To learn more, visit www.cookiesmiles.com.hk. [PHOTO BY Until Chan.]

HUMBLE MARKET IN MUI O

Providing a pop-up retail space in which islanders can showcase their products, The Humble Room in Mui Wo now hosts a sustainable market every weekend, selling locally made items. Its dedicated Christmas Market, on December 10, is aimed at giving small, local businesses a chance to showcase their products, while enabling the rest of us to pick up last-minute gifts.

Bigger picture, the Humble Room sets out to redefine the way islanders live and work. You can rent the co-working 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. To learn more, visit www.thehumbleroom.com.

ONE-STOP XMAS SHOPPING

P restige Fairs is holding its annual Christmas Gift and Lifestyle Fair, the largest in Hong Kong, on December 5 from 10am to 8pm at the Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hong Kong, Admiralty. The fair attracts small home businesses and medium-sized independents both from Hong Kong and overseas, and you can expect over 120 vendors, selling an eclectic range of products that you won’t find in department stores or shopping malls. Take your pick from women and men’s fashion and accessories, eclectic jewellery, stylish homeware, beauty products, food and wine, pet products and just about everything for kids, from babies to teens.

Prestige shoppers can enjoy a 20% discount on lunch at the Conrad Garden Café or Lobby Lounge on December 5. To learn more, visit www.prestigefairs.hk. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Prestige Fairs.]

EAT MRS CLAUS GINGERBREAD COOKIES

PICK UP LOCALLY MADE GIFTS

PRESTIGE CHRISTMAS GIFT AND LIFESTYLE FAIR

BEEN UP TO! Out & About!

WHAT

LANTAU RUNNERS ON THE 2 PEAKS’ PODIUM

I

n Action Asia’s CBRE Lantau 2 Peaks on October 2, competitors chose to run either the 23km (two peaks) or 15km (half peak) course, solo or in mixed teams of four. The 23km course saw runners climb some of the biggest peaks in Hong Kong, with a total elevation gain of almost 1,800m. A special shout out goes to Lantau residents Zein Williams, who grabbed second overall in the women’s 23km, and Salomon Wettstein and Jeremy Ritcey, who placed third and fourth overall in the men’s 23km. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF Action Asia Events.]

SHOPPING THE DB CHRISTMAS MARKETS

The Discovery Bay Christmas markets on November 13 and 27 were packed with shoppers looking to stock up on under-the-tree presents and stocking fillers. [PHOTOS BY Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com.]

BOX OF HOPE DELIVERIES AT SILVERMINE BAY SCHOOL

Students at Silvermine Bay School took part in the annual Box of Hope campaign last month, packing shoeboxes of gifts and essentials which will be sent to children in need in Hong Kong and across Asia. While the upper primary students made their boxes in class, the rest of the school made their boxes at home ready for collection on November 8. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF Silvermine Bay School.]

LIFE ON LANTAU

IS OFFERING FIVE READERS

TWO ONE-DAY GENERAL ADMISSION PARK TICKETS TO HONG KONG DISNEYLAND RESORT (WORTH UP TO HK$639 EACH)

Win a pair of general admission park tickets to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and you get to experience all the heart-warming holiday togetherness of ‘A Disney Christmas.’ Tickets are valid for six months from December 16. Winners are reminded to register online at www.hongkongdisneyland.com before visiting the park.

Running through January 2, 2023, ‘A Disney Christmas’ is packed with splendid winter shows, opportunities to share special moments with your favourite Disney characters, festive music and delicious dining options. Don’t miss ‘Mickey and Friends Christmastime Ball,’ ‘Santa Goofy’s Magical Snowfall’ and the ‘Holiday Wish-ComeTrue Tree Lighting Ceremony.’ This year’s all-new ‘Disney Live in Concert!’ is destined to become a fan favourite, combining joyous jazz, uplifting classical music and breath-taking songs from hit musicals. To end your day on a high note, join Duffy and family for a ‘Wish Upon a Star’ photo in front of the castle. Special packages that include priority seating for the ‘Disney Live in Concert!,’ park tickets, in-park dining, Disney Premier Access and hotel accommodation are available through Cathay. To find out more, visit www.hongkongdisneyland.com.

HOW TO WIN!

Life on Lantau prizes are incredibly easy to get your hands on, and you have until the 15th of the month to apply.

Simply scan the QR code, select the giveaway you want, and fill in the online form. (Terms and Conditions apply.)

CONGRATULATIONS TO LAST ISSUE’S WINNER

Tedmond Fu for an 852 Fabric Tote Bag

MIDNIGHT MERMAID HIGH WAIST LEGGINGS, HK$460, FLOWITHMEHK.COM

MANDUKA - PRO LITE YOGA MAT 4.7MM, HK$1,099, ESCAPADE.COM.HK

PIERRE BERTRAND EXTRA BRUT BLANC DE BLANC CHAMPAGNE, HK$329, LEEDERQUAY.COM

Season ’ s

BACKSBERG FAMILY RESERVE 2016, HK$299, LEEDERQUAY.COM

RENPHO - AI SMART EXERCISE BIKE, HK$3,825, RENPHO.COM

POLAR - VANTAGE V2, HK$4,480, ESCAPADE.COM.HK

SUNDRESS, HK$890, SHECREATESSTORIES.COM

ALittleofBitTrivia!

CHRISTMAS QUIZ

FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOU KNOW ABOUT THE SILLY SEASON!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Flickr & Wikimedia

1. Which of the following is Santa Claus aka?

A. Father Christmas B. St Nicholas, Kris Kringle C. All of the above

2. Which world leader was born on Christmas Day ? A. Justin Trudeau B. Emmanuel Macron C. Kim Jong-un 3. What does the Krampus do at Christmas?

A. Scares naughty children B. Gifts good children C. Skis in the Alps 4. What is the Grinch’s dog called?

A. Bailey B. Max C. Rocky 5. Which country is the largest exporter of Christmas Trees?

A. Canada B. Denmark C. Russia

6. Where does Santa live?

A. Nuuk, Greenland B. Rovaniemi, Finland

C. Kimmirut, Canada

7. To which cause did British pop duo Wham! give the royalties of Last Christmas ?

A. The Ethiopian famine B. Live 8

C. The eradication of child labour

8. In the Twelve Days of Christmas , what is given on the seventh day?

A. A partridge

B. French hens C. Swans a-swimming

9. What’s the highest grossing Christmas movie of all time?

A. Meet Me in St. Louis B. Home Alone C. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

10. Which city is home to the world’s largest Christmas market?

A. Strasbourg B. Vienna C. Munich

11. What colour is Elvis’ Christmas? A. Blue B. White C. Red 12. Which alcoholic ingredient is used in a Snowball?

A. Sherry B. Gin C. Advocaat 13. In which European country does the Christmas Tree originate?

A. Italy B. Germany C. Poland

14. How many reindeers pull Santa’s sleigh?

A. 8

B. 9, if you include Rudolf C. 12

15. What song do the plastics perform in Mean Girls?

A. O Holy Night B. White Christmas C. Jingle Bell Rock

16. Why does Jingle Bells hold a Guinness World Record?

A. It was the first Christmas song played in outer space

B. It was the first Christmas song played in Antarctica

C. It was the first Christmas song played in a submarine

17. On average, how many babies are born on Christmas Day worldwide?

A. 172,000 B. 220,000 C. 380,000

18. Who wrote Hercule Poirot’s Christmas ?

A. Daphne du Maurier B. Agatha Christie C. George Orwell

19. In 1958, where was Christmas Island excised from?

A. Singapore B. Australia C. New Zealand

20. Where does the White Christmas dessert originate?

A. Austria B. Australia C. Sweden

You can check your score at www.lifeonlantau.com/ across-hk/christmas-quiz/.

GUARDIAN ANGEL

ISLANDER LOUISE PRESTON IS POISED TO RESTART LIVING ISLANDS MOVEMENT IN THE WAKE OF A NEW POLICY ADDRESS THAT COULD IMPACT SOUTH LANTAU’S ENVIRONMENT. SHE COULD USE SOME HELP. ELIZABETH KERR REPORTS

PHOTOS BY Beatrix Malan - www.atscollective.com

It’s still unseasonably warm as Louise Preston sits in Café 8, atop the Hong Kong Maritime Museum. Louise isn’t evangelical, but sit with her for a few minutes and it becomes clear quickly that she does act with her conscience, for lack of a better word. Café 8 is supported by The Nesbitt Centre, and so employs over a dozen learning-disabled staff. Louise is civic-minded that way, so it’s easy to understand how she got involved with Living Islands Movement (LIM, www.livingislands.org.hk).

“When we arrived in Lantau almost 20 years ago, we were keen to find out what was going on and get to know the community, and so we checked out a lot of groups,” Louise opens. “LIM was the one that resonated most with us.”

That resonance stemmed from LIM going to bat for the health of Lantau in the face of the Hei Ling Chau superprison project in 2004, which is what established the group, followed by an argument over the liquid natural gas facility on the Soko Islands, a bid to reopen Mui Wo’s secondary school, and fighting the controversial Shek Kwu Chau incinerator. Louise got involved over the school issue, even though she and her husband Max – the aforementioned ‘we’ – don’t have kids of their own.

But, as mentioned, Louise isn’t evangelical. Before launching into her trepidation over Chief Executive John Lee’s first policy address – plans to develop artificial islands around Kau Yi Chau and huge swathes of South Lantau for ‘eco-tourism and recreation’ – she’s more than willing to share her thoughts on… just about everything.

A born raconteur, Louise tells stories about early, chaotic Cantonese lessons when she first relocated, the strangeness of COVID in Hong Kong and how she has been pleasantly surprised by M+. We discuss the future of office real estate, the structure of Hangeul, Bahasa and watching Indonesia grow up, ESG and the global drive to net zero, the now-quaint resistance to hot-desking way back in 2000 and the best place for drinks and a view in the SAR. “Hutong,” she says, “hands down.”

THE ROAD TO TONG FUK

Louise grew up in Winchester, about 100 kilometres southwest of London, and spent a lot of time in Seattle and upstate New York before heading off to Sydney’s PwC office over 25 years ago. She landed there mostly because the idea of working overseas appealed to her younger self. She’d vacationed in Australia, enjoyed it and, as she says, “Who would turn down Sydney?” She spent five years there, and followed it with three in Jakarta working in business development as the country started emerging as a modern state.

It was in Jakarta that Louise met her husband Max at a dinner party hosted by mutual friends. A legal professional, Max soon accepted a job in Hong Kong, which led to a few years of long-distance dating. “We fell in love with Asia and when the opportunity to live in Hong Kong came up, well. It seemed more comfortable for the long term, despite how much we loved Jakarta.”

Once Louise found a gig in Hong Kong, she relocated and the couple got married. Max had lived in Mid-Levels but the couple weekended on Lantau while dating. After tying the knot, it was off to Lantau for good, over 17 years ago now, eight of those in Tong Fuk.

“It took me two years to persuade Max to move to Lantau full time,” Louise recalls with a chuckle. “But the local villagers were incredibly friendly and welcoming, and that made such a difference. It felt like home very quickly. It’s the longest I’ve lived anywhere in my adult life and I think it’s probably the reason I’ve been in Hong Kong so long.”

BACK IN THE HOT SEAT

In breaking news, Louise is returning to her role as LIM chair. After exhausting herself on the Mui Wo school fight, she stepped back and let Merrin Pearse take over. Merrin headed back to his native New Zealand last year, so now she’s back.

LONG-TERM

WU KAU FROM TONG FUK BEACH

Louise insists that LIM’s dialogue with agencies like Development and Conservation of Lantau and the Civil Engineering and Development Department has worked, and that their 18-year relationship has earned them a seat at the table. “We have a good relationship with these guys. Long may it continue,” she states.

Though the battle for Shek Wu Kau was lost, the Hei Ling Chau project was quashed and LIM technically won the school argument, even though by the time they did the building was too derelict to use. No doubt, the incinerator stings, but there were lessons learnt over it.

“Government departments have become much more consultative since then,” Louise says. “LIM delayed the incinerator for years and they learnt it may have been more efficient to hold consultations first rather than having them be disruptive.”

Louise also insists development and environmentalism need not be mutually exclusive, citing the South Lantau Sewerage Scheme.

“This is a really sexy topic,” she quips of the scheme designed to address village house septic tanks leaking waste into the sea and grey water in open drains with 15 kilometres of trunk sewers. “That’s why there are roadworks in South Lantau at the moment. There will be a new treatment plant. LIM completely supports this project. Be patient. It will result in cleaner water going into the sea and more hygienic conditions in villages.”

IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL

LIM’s been quiet for a while, and is really only active when it has a campaign to wage, but the proposed 1,000-hectare recreation zone on South Lantau from Pui O to past Shek Pik – an area the size of 10 Ocean Parks – and the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands project got Louise’s attention.

Louise met with the Civil Engineering and Development Department on November 9, hoping the scale of the eco-tourism/ recreation plans for South Lantau would prove to be much smaller than the 1,000 hectares stated.

Post-meeting, she says: “We don’t want to react out of proportion. But it looks as if these projects may be a reason for LIM to relaunch.”

Formerly the East Lantau Metropolis and later part of Lantau Tomorrow Vision 2030, Louise is pleased ‘Lantau’ has been taken out of the Kau Yi project name. “It’s a whole Hong Kong issue,” she says.

LIM has its work cut out for it, having lost four of seven committee members in the last couple of years, and Louise admits she’ll be actively engaging the scores of newcomers to the island – and soon. [Email info@livingislands.org.hk to get involved.] Lee wants an Environmental Impact Assessment next year, and to kick start the reclamation works in 2025. A response to a 300-page EIA can take ages to draft, and LIM needs to be ready.

Committee members need to commit to a potentially long haul. “Most of the projects I’ve mentioned take years to resolve,” Louise explains. “But when you see something being built, it’s too late to object.”

For now, LIM is in wait-and-see mode, and will decide how to proceed once more concrete plans are unveiled. Until then, Louise and her dog Mungo, “not to be confused with husband Max,” will enjoy their leisure time. Which doesn’t mean LIM is resting on its laurels. “We’re a small community group,” Louise concludes, “but we tend to punch above our weight.”

❝

It took me two years to persuade Max to move to Lantau full time. But the local villagers were incredibly friendly and welcoming, and that made such a difference. It felt like home very quickly - Louise

Preston

SHEK

ASIA PACIFIC ADVENTURE www.asiapacificadventure.com/ campapa

Asia Pacific Adventure’s outdoor camps, for kids aged 7 to 15, are held throughout HK with pick-up and drop-off in Central. The exciting programme includes a high ropes obstacle course, rock climbing, abseiling and Tyrollean. Five-day (twonight) camps are provided from December 19 to 23, three-day camps from December 28 to 30. There are three age groups: Explorer (7 to 9), Adventurer (10 to 12), and Navigator (13 to 15).

Tel: 2792 7160 Email: camp@apa.com

www.dreamsports.com.hk The DSA (Dream Sport Academy) winter basketball camps run from December 19 to 23 and December 28 to 30 at DBIS. Coached by ex-professional basketball players, children, aged 5 to 15, learn essential techniques such as ball handling skills, passing skills, shooting and defence. All participants receive a free pair of basketball shoes from sponsor Joma.

Tel: 3462 2626 WhatsApp: 6621 8151 Email: info@dreamsports.com.hk

CHESS

ENVIRONMENTAL

FOOTBALL

CAISSA HONG KONG CHESS CLUB

www.caissahk.org

Caissa Hong Kong Chess Club is running two camps in DB North Plaza this Christmas – a five-day camp from December 19 to 23, and a three-day camp from December 28 to 30. Action-packed three-hour morning sessions are conducted by Caissa’s popular World Chess Federation licensed chess coaches.

Caissa camps are fun and competitive, with a focus on tactics and strategy. Children of all levels, aged 5 and up can join.

Tel: 6938 7603 Email: contact@caissahk.com

ARK EDEN

www.arkedenonlantau.org

Ark Eden’s multi-day Christmas camps bring out the adventurous, curious and compassionate side of children, aged 5 to 11 years. Running from December 19 to 23, 27 to 30 and January 2 to 6 in the Mui Wo hills, the camps are both fun and educational with different eco-minded activities, like treehouse building, campfire cooking and swimming in waterfalls on offer each day. Pick-up and drop off in Tung Chung is available.

Tel: 2988 5355 Email: info@arkedenonlantau.org

HK DRAGONS FC dragons.hk

HK Dragons FC’s winter camps, for children aged 4 to 14, run from December 19 to 23 and December 27 to 30. Held at DB North Plaza Pitch, the camps are led by experienced coaches and open to players of all abilities. Themed daily sessions include small group training, and focus on players’ technical ability, physical conditioning and tactical understanding.

Tel: 2987 4274 WhatsApp: 6417 3303 Email: theoffice@dragons.com.hk

LANGUAGES

At Yifan Mandarin’s winter camps in DB North Plaza, kids enjoy fun, festive activities while speaking Mandarin. The camp schedule includes half-day winter workshops for kids aged 3 to 6 (December 19 to January 6), a Christmas theatre camp for kids aged 6 to 10 (December 19 to 23) and a New Year outing camp for kids aged 8 to 11 (January 3 to 6).

Friendly Rides & Guides’ winter camps offer children of all ages an exciting 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 are filled with outdoor cycling adventures and progressive skills lessons, and run from December 19 to 23, 27 to 30 and January 2 to 6. Pick-up and drop off in Tung Chung is available.

Tel: 5117 0051

Email: friendlyridesandguides@gmail.com

SAMANTHA

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Unsplash

Make no mistake, ‘tis the season to be jolly. Christmas is about decking our ‘halls;’ giving our loved ones fabulous, thoughtful gifts; and eating, drinking and being… merry. The good news is all this merry-making doesn’t have to be a burden on the planet. With a little effort and imagination, each and every one of us can reduce the environmental impact of the holiday season.

The trick is to start small – commit to bringing cloth bags to the store with you every time you shop, commit to recycling properly, commit to sending e-cards and commit to using the Christmas wrap you saved from last year, or wrapping your gifts in cloth or brown paper. But don’t get me wrong, your green Christmas endeavours don’t end there. There’s a lot more you can do without being accused of turning into a Scrooge.

RETHINK YOUR GIFTING

First off, buy less. Find a way to cut back on the number of gifts you give. How about agreeing with other adults in your family and immediate circle of friends that this year, it’s gifts for kids only. And while you’re at it agree on a spending limit, this will help everyone from feeling they have to max out their credit cards (again). Remember too, the best gifts are thoughtful ones. Why not bake cookies for your neighbours this year and, if you’ve got enough hours to fill, make personalised books for the kids in your life.

Secondly, buy smart. Where you can, choose eco-friendly gifts made from recycled or sustainable sources, and make a point of giving battery-free gifts. Even rechargeable batteries find their way into the waste stream eventually, and there are plenty of great gifts, including naturally powered toys, that you can choose instead.

Buying local is another eco-smart. Many of the things you find in malls come from overseas, and the impact of their transportation contributes to greenhouse emissions and global warming. So, make the effort to hunt down Christmas gifts at local boutiques and craft fairs. For a range of products made by Lantau-based artisans, designers and producers, head to the Humble Room’s Christmas market in Mui Wo on December 10 and the Treasure Island Christmas market at Pui O beach on December 18.

Remember too that re-gifting is kosher. If you receive something you really don’t need, it makes sense to pass it on to someone who can use and enjoy it. What’s more, it’s also becoming acceptable to gift second-hand items.

GIFT AN EXPERIENCE

Incidentally, there’s nothing forcing you to give an actual parcelled-up gift – you can gift an experience instead. The idea is that by giving someone an experience, anything from cookery lessons to a piece of rainforest to protect, you are giving them something memorable and/ or useful

that they can enjoy for years to come. Research says that the giver is happy because they’re giving something meaningful, and the recipient is happy because he gets something of real and lasting value.

Kids and adults alike will gain lasting benefit and enjoyment from being gifted a course in something that interests them, be that ballet, basketball, yoga, paragliding or permaculture. Or, let’s say you’re stuck on what to get your helper. Don’t buy her yet another scented (soy) candle, sign her up for something empowering instead, like a finance workshop at Enrich HK. This gift will give her the tools to save, budget and plan for a financially secure future – it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Enriching experiences for the whole family are also easy enough to dream up. How about a nature tour of Lantau, or a Dolphinwatch boat trip? You could gift everyone a Friends of Hong Kong Ballet membership or pre-book tickets to a few big-name shows at AsiaWorld-Expo. The promise of twice monthly trips to the Wednesday-night meets at Happy Valley Racecourse would be another good bet.

What’s key with experience gifting is that you’re not just giving people random stuff that they don’t need, that in all likelihood they don’t want, and that, given the size of most Lantau flats, they’ll be hard pushed to find room for. Most of us are already drowning in possessions – toys, clothes, gadgets – why fan the materialistic flames, why increase one another’s carbon footprint?

TRADITIONS

CREATE

THAT DON’T REVOLVE AROUND THE MALL

There’s something about experience-giving that makes Christmas less of a greed-fest too. It frees you up from fighting your way through overcrowded malls with your almost maxed-out credit card at the ready, in search of something ‘special’ for your best mate. And if you have a couple of rewarding experiences already lined up for your kids, you’ll be less inclined to feel you have to purchase every last item on their ever-expanding Christmas wish lists.

REDUCE THE BLING

Without doubt, there’s something about an earth-friendly Christmas that harks back to a bygone era. It’s time to limit the excess, reduce the bling and create some family traditions that don’t revolve around the mall.

So, if you don’t already own one, get hold of a sizeable ‘Christmas box’ and fill it with good-quality, eco-friendly decorations that you can bring out year after year. Your aim is to decorate your home with products that are fairly traded and ethically sourced, or get creative and make your own.

I’ve read that Christmas tree lights left on for 10 hours a

day over the 12 days of Christmas produce enough CO2 to inflate 12 balloons, so turn them off when they’re not needed. To be more environmentally friendly, try switching to either LED lights, choosing lights that are powered by rechargeable batteries, or installing an energy-saving bulb to offset the energy usage. And while you’re at it, rethink (plastic) tinsel, it may transport you back to childhood but it’s tacky, and landfills are loaded with it.

And so, to the tree, the traditional Christmas centrepiece no home can be without. Is artificial the only way to go? Not necessarily. Although, fake trees last for longer, most are made from nonrecyclable plastic, and have likely been shipped great distances. Real trees are the more earthfriendly choice, as long as you consider where and how they’ve been grown, and get one from a sustainable source. Drop by Garden Plus in Mui Wo for fresh-cut Nobles, flown in from the US. There are five sizes available, from 3 to 8 feet; add-ons include a tree stand and disposal service.

Of course, if you want to go all out ethical this Christmas, you could forgo your turkey (and all the trimmings) and donate the money you’ve saved to charity. But here’s a better idea. Buy six cases of Prosecco instead of 10, and donate that saving instead. After all, ‘tis the season to be jolly.

Your aim is to decorate your home with products that are fairly traded and ethically sourced, or get creative and make your own

MAKE YOUR OWN DECORATIONS TO REUSE YEAR AFTER YEAR

LANTAU TRAIL HIKE: DAY FOUR

COMPLETING THE LAST THREE SECTIONS OF THE 70-KILOMETRE LANTAU TRAIL, CLAIRE SEVERN ENDS UP WHERE SHE STARTED – IN MUI WO

PHOTOS BY Duey Tam & Andrew Spires

Day four of our Lantau hike – the final stretch. Fifty kilometres down, just 20 left to go. The sun is shining, the cows are out in force, and we are all set to tackle sections 10 to 12 of the Lantau Trail.

Starting out at the end of section 9 – in the laid-back village of Shui Hau – our first challenge is to figure out which way to go. The local bovines aren’t helping us out much, casually munching their breakfast directly in front of the sign for the trail, but we follow our noses and soon find the path leading uphill, to the left as you head out of the village in the direction of Tong Fuk.

A moderate climb, the path consists of steps most of the way, which raises the heart rate slightly, but we soon reach the catchwater, where the hike becomes a lot easier. The flat ground here means that we can pick up the pace a little to cover some distance.

Along the way, breaks in the trees offer glimpses of the South China Sea, and we take the opportunity to pause for a while to enjoy the panoramic view across the stunning Cheung Sha coastline.

SECTION 11: TO PUI O

Continuing on, we soon reach the end of section 10, where the catchwater crosses the old Tung Chung Road. There is a large picnic area at this point, which provides a handy place to stop and refuel if you can pick your way through the sleeping cows.

Carrying on to section 11, the trail follows the catchwater for another 3 kilometres before bearing right onto a hillside path at distance marker L119. It is actually quite a relief to reach the end of the catchwater – the constant slight camber is tough on the legs.

At this point, the path is pretty much all downhill, the route

overlooks the village of Lo Uk and passes an enchanting little waterfall before affording a glimpse of Pui O, which marks the end of the trail’s penultimate section.

Arriving in Pui O village, we turn right down the side of Bui O Public School towards the beach then head left along the road, past Pui O campsite and on towards Ham Tin to begin section 12.

SECTION 12: HAM TIN

The sheer amount of wildlife around Ham Tin is wonderful to witness. Fish, birds, butterflies – it’s easy to see why the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department considers the large water inlet from the sea here to be ecologically important.

One of the most impressive sights is still to come, however. In fact, it is just around the corner, where the trail meets Ham Tin Wan and offers a sweeping view back over Pui O’s famous dark sands. There is also a small Tin Hau temple at this point, believed to have been built in the Ming Dynasty.

On a clear day you see multiple islands, many uninhabited except for the odd turtle. The stomping ground of pirates in days gone by, this stretch of sea is still a centre of skulduggery. In 2012, one of Hong Kong’s largest drug

MUI WO – WHERE THE LANTAU TRAIL BEGINS AND ENDS

smuggling seizures occurred just 700 metres from this very spot. Heading out of Ham Tin, the trail heads inland up a steep slope, cutting out the Chi Ma Wan Peninsula. If time permits, turn right here instead to check out the infamous Sea Ranch further along the coast. What was designed as a HK$40 million utopian pocket of seclusion, with 200 five-star apartments, now sits as a virtually inaccessible, seemingly deserted anomaly.

Cresting the Tai Long Plateau, the view is remarkable and Sea Ranch’s gleaming towers only add to that. The real sense of isolation and privacy is what must have persuaded the party people to buy here back in the late ‘70s.

THE LAST STRETCH: TO MUI WO

Nostalgia trip over, we make our way back to the trail. Spotting the signs for Mui Wo via Pak Fu Tin campsite, we turn left and start climbing a stepped path. This is where the hike gets a bit harder, but the path levels out soon enough and the trees overhead provide some welcome shade.

This respite is brief, however, because the path soon starts to rise again. But my, is the effort worth it! We emerge from shrouded woodland to an open vista, which has to be one of the finest in Hong Kong. The view from the top is incredible, encompassing both Sunset and Lantau peaks along with a seemingly endless stretch of coastline, from Pui O, across Cheung Sha and all the way back to where we started the day – Shui Hau.

After breathing it all in, we begin our descent towards our end point of Mui Wo, keeping right at the fork in the road. My favourite thing about this section of the hike is the quiet. Apart from the occasional tweet of birdsong, everything is still and peaceful, which makes for a very relaxing stroll through the woods.

A short while later, we reach distance post L133, where we follow the concrete road down to the right. The signs then point to a set of steps on our left. Just 3.5 kilometres further and we will be in Mui Wo.

The path from here is open to the elements, but the upside of that is more great views of the coast. Before long, Hei Ling Chau Typhoon Shelter comes into view. We’ve nearly made it.

As we head into Mui Wo, it’s somewhat sad to think our adventure is over. That crazy idea we’d had all those months ago about walking the entire length of the Lantau Trail has become reality. We’ve done it! And we’ve gathered some great memories along the way.

Sure, it had been challenging at times – Lantau Peak and the spider-infested ‘Tunnel of Doom’ leading to Tai O spring to mind – but what an experience! Lantau is, quite simply, magnificent. If you get the chance to hike the Lantau Trail from start to end, do it. You won’t regret it. We certainly don’t, even if we did lose the odd toenail along the way.

PUI O BEACH; WOODLAND TRAIL SEA RANCH; INCREDIBLE COASTAL VIEWS

FRIED SHRIMP WONTONS

480g shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 green onions 1tsp puréed ginger 1tsp soya sauce 20 wonton skins, 7.5 cm each

In a food processor, combine the shrimp, green onions, ginger and soy sauce. Process until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Spread 10 wonton skins out on your work surface. Spoon the shrimp mixture in the centre of each, dividing equally. Brush water around the shrimp to coat each wonton and cover with a second wonton skin, pressing to seal.

Preheat about 10 cm of vegetable oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Fry the wontons, a few at a time, turning once, until golden brown (about 2 to 3 minutes). Drain on a plate lined with paper towel. Serve piping hot with chilli or soya sauce.

THE BIG BUDDHA

In this column, we’ve been reporting on places across Lantau that you might want to visit or revisit… everywhere from Tung Chung Fort to Inspiration Lake. And this month, we’ve decided to focus on The Big Buddha, aka Tian Tan Buddha, not least because the world’s ‘biggest sitting Buddha statue, built outdoors’ is newly renovated and looking better than ever.

A true icon of Hong Kong, it’s incredible to think that The Big Buddha is a relatively recent addition to the landscape. Construction began in 1990 and finished on December 29, 1993, an auspicious day, which the Chinese believe to be the day of the Buddha’s enlightenment. Enthroned on a lotus on top of a three-platform altar, the statue is 34 metres tall and weighs over 250 metric tons, making it one of the five largest Buddha statues in China.

Situated near Po Lin Monastery atop Mount Muk Yue, The Big Buddha was built to symbolise harmony – between mankind and nature, people and faith. His right hand is raised in the mudra of ‘imparting fearlessness,’ representing his ability to protect his followers, while the left rests open on his lap, in the mudra of ‘granting wishes,’ symbolising blessings bestowed. On each of his palms is a wheel of dharma signifying that the Buddhist truth is eternal.

A benign and protective presence on the Lantau hills, The Big Buddha is a source of inspiration and wonderment to believers and nonbelievers alike, and to a large extent it is his beautifully crafted face that draws us in. Modelled after the Buddha Vairocana of the Longmen Caves in Henan province, the face is full and serene with a kindly smile, and every feature has a symbolic meaning. The broad forehead and elongated ears signify both virtue and wisdom. The dome of hair and the pearl on the head represent

wisdom; the lotus eyes and new-moon eyebrows symbolise compassion. Between the eyebrows, a soft curl signifies that the Buddha is preaching the truth.

It took master sculptor Hou Jinhui of the Guangzhou Institute of Fine Arts two years to craft the scale plaster model of The Big Buddha. While the original idea was to build the statue out of reinforced concrete, it was eventually cast in 202 bronze pieces, each around 10 millimetres thick. The face was cast in a single, 5-metric-ton piece, measuring 4.3 metres by 5.8 metres, in an attempt to portray the true splendour of Buddha, and achieve a perfectly smooth finish.

While every effort was made to ensure that The Big Buddha’s surface coating would not be susceptible to fading and corrosion, the harsh Hong Kong climate eventually took its toll and, some 30 years later, a complete overhaul was actioned.

Renovations began in June 2020 with the main goal to remove the oxidation layer and pollutants on the statue, repaint the protective coating, and restore the icon’s solemn and compassionate appearance. The last step in the renovation process – the staircase leading up to The Big Buddha – is nearing completion. Time to go pay your respects!

PHOTOS BY Beatrix Malan – www.atscollective.com

A BENIGN PRESENCE ON THE LANTAU HILLS