Life on Lantau Oct/Nov 2022

WHO WE ARE

TRAIL WALKER

BAY MEDIA GROUP

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

TO KNOW IN OCTOBER!

ASIAWORLD EXPO WINS PUBLIC RECOGNITION FOR ITS RESILIENCE

AsiaWorld Expo (AWE) has won over a dozen awards in recognition of its achievements during the pandemic. During a record-breaking award season, AWE was the first and only winner representing Hong Kong’s MICE industry to win at the regional PR Awards Asia, taking home the Pandemic Recovery award (Silver) and Corporate Branding awards (Bronze). Further accolades include HKACE Anti-epidemic Customer Service Excellence (Gold), Management Award for Business Resilience & Community Contribution and Hong Kong Sustainability Award (Certificate of Excellence).

AWE has kept things moving these past two years through a range of antiepidemic protocols that have allowed large events to take place. On August 6, 2021, the Hong Kong Brands & Products Shopping Festival hosted thousands of visitors, with over 250 stalls displaying local products. This was followed by a range of concerts by popular local artists, including Terence Lam and Keung To. In December 2021, with strict travel restrictions still in place, the world-class exhibition hall hosted Winter Wonderland, Hong Kong’s biggest European-style indoor Christmas market. Drawing locals and homesick expats alike, the market featured stalls selling locally made handicrafts, a play zone for kids and even an artificial igloo.

With Hong Kong gradually relaxing COVID restrictions, AWE is preparing for a busy end of year with numerous events lined up. The twice postponed Avril Lavigne World Tour is now set to hit Hong Kong on November 1, and audiences can catch George Lam in concert on December 26. Meanwhile, AWE’s major pre-Christmas exhibition for 2022 is GO Festival HK, a festive shopping and food carnival, running from November 25 to 28.

For more on AWE and upcoming events, visit www.asiaworld-expo.com.

Bay Media, the publisher of Life on Lantau and Around DB , is proud to announce that it will soon be launching a new lifestyle programme, Bay Media Rewards Club. Connecting readers with business operators, the scheme offers an array of exciting benefits to its members. While participants can enjoy generous discounts, business operators, from financial to F&B and entertainment to travel, get to widen their customer base.

“Open to all, the club will be actively promoted on our platforms and create an excellent addition to our existing community outreach,” says Philip Jay, Publisher and Owner of Bay Media. To register, visit www.baymediarewards.com. If you would like to promote your business and be part of it all, drop us a line at info@baymedia.com.hk.

BAY MEDIA REWARDS CLUB RUN WITH ACTION ASIA EVENTS

TOUR O•PARK1

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ocal trail runners are reminded to enrol for Action Asia Events’ Lantau 50 as entry is now open on a first-come-first-served basis and spaces are limited. Race day is December 10, with competitors choosing to run either 16km, 27km or 54km. All three courses loop around the island, with the longer distances taking runners up and over both Lantau and Sunset peaks.

“If you want to take part, I urge you to enrol now as there’s a limited quota this year due to government restrictions,” says Michael Maddess, Director and CEO of Action Asia Events. Meanwhile, Action Asia Events is looking for sponsors in the hopes of bringing back its full roster of races in 2023, including the ever-popular Sprints and the Discovery Bay Kayak ‘n’ Run. To find out more and sign up to race, visit www.actionasiaevents.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Action Asia Events.]

Did you know that you can book a tour of O • PARK1, Hong Kong’s first organic resources recovery centre? O • PARK1 uses anaerobic digestion technology to convert food waste into biogas (a source of renewable energy similar to natural gas). When operating at full capacity, the Siu Ho Wan plant can process 200 tonnes of food waste daily, meaning it can export about 14 million kWh of electricity to the grid per year, enough to power some 3,000 households.

In Hong Kong, we throw away about 3,600 tonnes of food waste every day, which consumes valuable landfill capacity and wastes a useful organic resource. If you would like to deliver your food waste to O • PARK1, or have any questions about food waste source separation, visit www.opark.gov.hk. To book a tour of the North Lantau plant, visit booking.opark.hk/en/booking/individual. [PHOTO COURTESY OF www.linko.com.hk.]

CONNECTING READERS WITH BUSINESS OPERATORS

Jayne Jeje has set up a legacy fund in memory of her friend Helen Rhodes who passed away in her sleep on a flight from Hong Kong to the UK on August 5. In a story that touched our whole community, Helen was found unresponsive a few hours into the journey, and her passing unfolded in front of her husband and two children.

“Helen was one of a kind, a gem,” Jayne says. “She was a midwife by profession, and was always willing to lend a helping hand or advice to anyone who needed it. She was the pulse of her community in Tung Chung. This fundraiser is to honour this lovely woman who was loved by so many. Our hope by creating this fund is to make sure her family doesn’t have to let unexpected expenses add to what they are already going through.” To make a donation, visit www.gofundme.com/f/HelenRhodes-Legacy-Fund.

HELEN RHODES LEGACY FUND AGNES PANG EXHIBIT

Tung Chung-based mixed-media artist Agnes Pang’s latest upcycling exhibition Food Waste is running through October 7 at The Quayside in Kwun Tong. Agnes makes use of everyday disposable materials, including non-biodegradable foam nets and garbage bag ties, to create colourful and vivid art pieces that draw attention to the problem of food waste. Among her eight exhibits is Reality and Desire , an oversized basket filled with only a few food items. Through this piece, Agnes draws attention to the fact that we tend to buy, order or cook much more food than we can consume.

A multi-faceted creator, with degrees in fine art, law and business, Agnes hopes people will feel uplifted by her art – and empowered to commit to protecting the environment. For details on upcoming shows and workshops, visit www.agnesrecycles.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Agnes Pang.]

FROM TRASH TO TREASURE

TREASURE ISLAND AUTUMN CAMP

Treasure Island is hosting kids, teen and youth adventure camps out of its beachside base in Pui O from October 10 to 21. There are three age-appropriate options to choose from: the Adventure Camp for kids aged five to nine, and the Extreme Camp for kids aged nine to 13, and 13 to 17.

The week-long day camps are ideal for adventurers who want to experience a variety of exciting outdoor pursuits, while developing outdoor leadership skills, such as trip preparation, equipment management and group organisation. Different activities are on offer every day, in various parts of Lantau. An overnight expedition with gorging, fire-making, cooking and camping is provided for the older kids. All participants must be capable and confident swimmers, with good overall fitness and stamina. To get your kids hiking, SUP-ing and making rafts, visit www.treasureislandhk.com.

[PHOTO COURTESY OF TREASURE ISLAND.]

IN MEMORY OF HELEN

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Book your seats to watch a live streaming of the Joy of Music Festival/ 6th Hong Kong International Piano Competition at Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall. Organised by the Chopin Society of Hong Kong and University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, the finals and semifinals are being played out at Esterhazy Palace, Eisenstadt, Austria from October 10 to 27. You can purchase tickets at www.urbtix.hk.

Founded by Annabella and Andrew Freris in 1995, the Chopin Society of Hong Kong gives local concert-goers a chance to listen to some of the world’s most talented classical musicians, through master-classes, competitions, recitals and concerts. The society is known for its Winners Series, which brings the first-prize winners of major international music competitions to Hong Kong, and its Masters Series, which brings master teachers to Hong Kong to run workshops for local music students. To find out more, visit www.chopinsocietyhk.org/aboutus.htm.

HALF-TERM CAMP AT ARK EDEN

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rk Eden is holding a special half-term camp for kids aged five to 11 years from October 17 to 21, with an optional overnight camp on October 10. A leading eco-education and permaculture centre, Ark Eden provides educational workshops, nature-based experiences and restorative projects that aim to create a positive change in people’s attitudes and actions towards the planet and each other.

Ark Eden has been running holiday camps for children since 2008. Most camps take place on site – a forested valley garden in the foothills of Mui Wo – with occasional visits to beaches, waterfalls and other islands. Rain or shine, kids spend their days outdoors enjoying various activities including finding hidden treasure, fighting aliens, cooking tribal feasts and creating earthy art. To get your kids involved, visit www.arkedenonlantau.org. [PHOTO

COURTESY OF Ark Eden.]

GREEN @ ISLANDS RECYCLING SPOTS

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reen @ Islands Recycling Spots are becoming a regular part of the landscape, popping up everywhere from Tai O Rural Committee Square and Lo Uk Tsuan to Tung Chung Crescent. Provided by Islands Community Green Station, the pop-ups accept the usual recyclables like glass bottles, plastics (excluding PVC), metal and paper, as well as ‘harder to recycle items,’ such as fluorescent lamps and tubes, rechargeable batteries, Tetra Pak and polyfoam. Residents are reminded to clean and sort their recyclables before dropping them into the containers provided.

Sponsored by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and in partnership with local NGOs, the territory-wide initiative is part of Hong Kong’s goal to become fully decarbonised by 2050. To find out when a Green @ Islands Recycling Spot is landing near you this month, visit www.facebook.com/6green.islands. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Islands Community Green Station.]

CATCH A LIVE STREAMING FROM EISENSTADT, AUSTRIA

NATURE-BASED EXPERIENCES FOR KIDS

WHAT YOU’VE BEEN UP TO!Out & About!

FIZZY MASTER CLASS IN MUI WO

On August 6, Solomon Leeder hosted an August Fizzy Master Class at Leeder Quay Wine & Liquor Store in Mui Wo, led by Sommelier Nellie Ming Lee. Solomon has also just branched out, opening a store in Central selling wine, beer and spirits. The new Wellington Street store, which opened last month, has a tasting corner set up for events. [PHOTOS

KIDS’ CHARITY SALE

On September 4, Lyra Simpson, Elsie Walsh and Rosie Buckle held a charity sale on the sea wall near Silvermine Bay Hotel to raise funds for TAILS Lantau, and its work saving and rehousing dogs and cats. This is the second year the girls have held the sale which ran from 11am until 4pm. VIBE Book and Music Shop, as sponsor, pledged to double the amount raised, which means the girls will donate HK$5,000 to TAILS. Stock left over at the end of the day has been sent to the Philippines via China Bear.

In other news, VIBE is again offering free books to Lantau helpers. The box will be refilled until January 2023. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF Gary Brightman.]

MID-AUTUMN CELEBRATION

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iscovery Bay residents headed outdoors to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival on September 10, and they were happy to find not one but two moons to gaze at. [PHOTOS BY Richard Gordon - www. richardgordonphotography.com & Albert Tsang @alberthktsang.]

OF Solomon Leeder.]

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HOW TO WIN!

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WINNERS

James

Anna-Maria Smith, Carol

Natasha Ramsey and Susan Chipner for two one-day general admission park tickets to

Disneyland Resort.

A LittleofBitTrivia!

HALLOWEEN QUIZ

IN THE LEAD-UP TO OCTOBER 31, TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCARIEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR

1. Halloween has its origins in which ancient Celtic festival?

A. Samhain

B. Beltane

C. Fright Night

2. What did the Celts believe spirits could do on Halloween?

A. Grant wishes

B. Get reincarnated

C. Visit the land of the living

3. What were Jack-o-lanterns originally made from?

A. Gourds

B. Jackfruit

C. Turnips

4. Who were they named after?

A. Jack Black

B. A lost soul named Jack

C. Jack the Ripper

5. Every Halloween, Charlie Brown and Sally help Linus wait for what to appear?

A. The Great Pumpkin

B. Damien Thorn

C. Chucky

6. Which country celebrates the Day of the Dead starting at midnight on October 31?

A. Mexico

B. France

C. Haiti

7. Which of the following is not another word for ghost?

A. Shade

B. Spook

C. Spy

8. What horror movie features the quote, “They’re coming to get you, Barbara?”

A. The Conjuring

B. Night of the Living Dead

C. The Shining

9. What did witches originally do at Halloween?

A. Give prophecies

B. Provide exorcisms

C. Make poisoned apples

10. If you stare into a mirror at midnight on Halloween, what will you see?

A. Your grandmother

B. Your alter ego

C. Your future spouse

11. A person born on Halloween is believed to have what particular ability?

A. Astral projection

B. Claircognizance

C. Clairvoyance

12. What can Cole Sear do in The Sixth Sense?

A. Ride a broomstick

B. Walk on water

C. See dead people

13. What did Bram Stoker think the word Dracula meant?

A. King of the Vampires

B. Devil (in Romanian)

C. Vampire Hunter

14. What’s the body count for the movie Halloween?

A. Five people and a dog

B. Thirteen people and a cat

C. Thirteen people

15. In 2004, Hollywood banned the use of what party item on Halloween?

A. Candy cauldrons

B. Silly string

C. Piñatas

16. What Halloween costume does Lindsay Lohan’s character wear in the movie Mean Girls ?

A. Sexy kitten

B. Scary witch

C. Bride of Frankenstein

17. What’s the colour order of a piece of candy corn, from base to point?

A. Yellow, orange, white

B. Yellow, white, orange

C. Orange, white, yellow

18. What do you catch apples with when apple bobbing?

A. A fishing rod

B. Your teeth

C. Your hands

19. What’s the trick in trick or treating?

A. Playing a prank on homeowners

B. Pulling a rabbit from a hat

C. A bag of sweets

20. Where do DB kids typically trick or treat?

A. Tai Pak Wan

B. Headland Drive

C. On the ferry

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

THE CHANGEMAKER

FROM CORPORATE BEHEMOTHS TO THE NEXT GENERATION, MUI WO RESIDENT ANNA ILES IS INFLUENCING THE WAY WE LOOK AT SUSTAINABILITY, AND THE FUTURE. ELIZABETH KERR REPORTS

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sk anyone on the street what a ‘futurist’ is and most will stare blankly, before floating some kind of science fiction concept. Is it Star Trek-y ? OK, that’s what I’d say. But Anna Iles is a futurist, and you really want her shaping your businesses ideas and ushering your kids into adulthood. Anna is articulate and focused from behind the screen in a local café, though no one would hold it against her if her mind wandered every so often. She’s on an intensely scheduled break from work – as a futurist and mother to three boys under three years old.

She had twins just seven months ago, which fortunately wasn’t a complete surprise. “You sort of know, you can feel it. I felt incredibly pregnant at only a few weeks,” she says with a laugh, and an ever so subtle nod to what is currently a harried home life. “While there was something significantly different, you’re never quite prepared for it,” Anna adds. “It’s always a shock. And yet they are wonderful now they’re here.”

Here being Mui Wo, where she and her husband decamped three years ago, partly because Anna is a runner. “It’s a great little community where you get more space for less rent,” she says. Of course, the running has fallen by the wayside recently, unless it’s behind a stroller.

LONG-TERM THINKING

When UK native Anna, 39, speaks, we best listen. Not that she throws her weight around, but she’s coming from a place of knowledge. Educated at Oxford and earning a master’s degree from the SOAS University of London, she’s also a certified life coach and worked for several years as a journalist before switching to sustainability consulting.

“I pivoted from reporting on what’s changing to also

thinking about where it’s all going,” she explains. “What sort of impacts changes happening today might have on our future.”

So Anna put her money where her mouth is, and now specialises in sustainable futures, “agile organisational culture” and guiding individuals and businesses on how to bear sustainability in mind when making decisions.

She started by setting up the Future Centre with Forum for the Future in 2014, handy because that was in Singapore where her husband had been transferred for work, and now she’s associate director of the Sustainable Futures Lab for US consultancy Business for Social Responsibility. BSR is geared towards human rights, which is sadly often an overlooked element of the sustainability issue. We’re not seeing the people for the trees, as it were.

“I do think there’s a disconnect between the environmental and human side of sustainability issues,” Anna says. “And it’s a shame we’ve been so siloed in our visions. Sadly, there’s also been conflict between supporters of animal and human rights.” Some of it can be chalked up to how poorly the media has communicated that connection, though the message is starting to trickle down. As Anna says: “All these issues are interrelated.”

WORLD IN FLUX

Right now, Anna’s attention is on analysing emerging trends and helping businesses and corporations understand how these can have a fundamental impact on them. She agrees that buzzy ESG goals often come across as cynical in the public arena, and that corporations need to do better, and be better, but points out that awareness is growing. Movements great and small (going back to Occupy Wall Street and #OscarSoWhite), human rights demonstrations

in every corner of the globe, and the capper – COVID – have inspired a wholesale reassessment of history, power, economics, gender, race and accountability.

“These are trends that are causing people to think about both corporate history and its role in shaping the future,” Anna begins. “There’s a huge uptick in awareness – both about sustainability and the need to cope with volatile circumstances. I’d say since COVID, yes, but also due to other factors, like the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Exposure which strongly encourages business to do climate scenario analysis. We need to think about how the future might play out.

“There has also been a huge value shift towards worker’s rights, rebalancing the power between employers and employees,” Anna adds. “People are thinking about what human rights really means across the supply chain.” There’s more scrutiny, regulations and demands for respect where multinationals operate, including elements of what Anna calls disruptive activism, which can result in brand, product and business boycotts by both consumers and states.

For the record, Anna authored two books on the subject when she was still Anna Simpson – 2014’s The Brand Strategist’s Guide to Desire and The Innovation-Friendly

ANNA

Organization in 2017. So if you want to know how to adapt to change and consumer demands, and still make your shareholders happy, start there.

FIXING THE FUTURE

While the books on innovation, and her role with BSR, are for the so-called grown-ups, Anna is also the author of three children’s books: Jacob and the Dust Sprite , Buffalo’s Long Bath and Alba and the Stone Goddess . True to form, the kids’ books provide more than simply a fun read. “The aim is to support child development from birth to early reading by encouraging curiosity, exploration and enquiry; supporting sociability by showing how friends can help and guide each other; inciting interest in wildlife and the natural world and encouraging children to recognise their emotions and trust their instincts,” she explains.

These days, Anna is particularly stoked about her work with younger generations as director and chief innovation coach with Flux Compass, an agency she set up in 2017 upon arriving in Hong Kong. Flux has an eye on the long term, and turning out visionaries and strategists who will make the world more liveable. With Flux, she’s worked with World YMCA, Young Friends of the Earth Europe, UNICEF in Iraq, and schools and universities in Hong Kong. Get them young, right?

“It’s partly, ‘Yeah, get them young,’ but it’s also because their minds are so much more open. As adults, we come to know how the system works and our default is to say ‘That’s not possible,’

but the beginner’s mind is really powerful. And our education systems are lacking the capacity to teach how to think strategically and across systems,” Anna laments.

“I enjoy working with young people and watching their minds adapt to these changes and run with them,” she adds. “You look at professionals and they are sometimes nervous to talk about emerging trends and where they might lead; they fear they should have expertise that they don’t. When we’re talking about the future, we have to recognise we don’t know what it will be, we have to be open to many possibilities, and we have to be free to ask questions.”

And that’s what it’s about: Making companies into the kinds of entities future workers won’t be ashamed to have on their CVs; the kinds of entities that understand change is a constant. As Anna says: “You can’t just assume that these things – water from your tap, food on the shelves, power – will always be there.”

In the meantime, Anna is quite content not making holiday plans even in the wake of the freshly announced abolition of quarantine. The family did a seven-day quarantine earlier this year, and they’re still recovering.

“We haemorrhaged money going to the UK in the spring, so we’ll be here for the rest of the year, but we might be able to bring family here,” Anna finishes. “With three little kids the trip was a challenge.” Surely not as challenging as fixing the future.

When we’re talking about the future, we have to recognise we don’t know what it will be, we have to be open to many possibilities, and we have to be free to ask questions - Anna Iles

❝

GORGEOUS SCENERY ON THE TRANSLANTAU, CBRE LANTAU 2 PEAKS AND BARCLAYS MOONTREKKER

RUNNING WILD

AT THE START OF TRAIL-RACE SEASON, WE SIT DOWN WITH THREE OF LANTAU’S BIGGEST TRAIL-RACE ORGANISERS TO DISCUSS THE BEAUTY OF THE TRAILS AND THEIR LURE FOR WORLD-CLASS ATHLETES AND SOCIAL HIKERS ALIKE

REPORTING BY Raphael Blet PHOTOS COURTESY OF Action Asia Events, Barclays MoonTrekker & TransLantau (Sunny Lee)

At 142km², Lantau is almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island (78,59km²) and far less densely populated, meaning there is still a whole lot of unspoilt countryside to enjoy. The beauty and scope of Lantau’s hiking trails is world-renowned and the island’s geological diversity means there is a hike or run for everyone, regardless of fitness level, to enjoy.

The 70km, 12-sectioned Lantau Trail, which loops around the island, is probably the best-known but there are countless others, from the Tung O Ancient Trail with its time-old rock formations, to the somewhat newer, ultra-steep Ngong Ping 360 Rescue Trail, which as its name suggests, was built to rescue cable car passengers in the event of a breakdown.

The only way to truly appreciate these trails is to get out there and run or hike them – whether socially or competitively. To encourage you to do just that, and to mark the start of trail-race season this October, we talk to Michael Maddess, Sabrina De Nadai Dumont and William Sargent, the organisers of some of Lantau’s biggest trail races.

SPACE TO RACE

“Many areas across Hong Kong are able to hold worldclass running and training events, but the fact that Lantau is Hong Kong’s last ‘Shangri-La’ makes it special,” opens Michael Maddess, Director and CEO of Action Asia Events, who organises numerous trail races both across Hong Kong and internationally.

With the CBRE Lantau 2 Peaks taking place on October 2, the Lantau 50 is the next big Lantau race being organised by Action Asia Events (www.actionasiaevents.com). Scheduled for December 10, the Lantau 50 starts and ends in Tung

Chung, with competitors choosing to run either 16km, 27km or 54km. All three courses loop around the island, with the longer distances taking runners up and over both Lantau and Sunset peaks.

“When Action Asia Events gets feedback from international participants, the first thing most say is that Lantau is one of the few places where they can be running next to an ocean and then climbing immediately up a steep peak, with stunning surrounding panoramic views all the way back down,” Michael says.

Echoing Michael, Sabrina De Nadai Dumont, Co-founder of TransLantau says: “Participants in the TransLantau get to push their limits as their eyes feast on the landscape of undulating hills and long coastline, untouched by the urbanisation of Hong Kong.”

Running from October 28 to November 18, TransLantau (translantau.utmb.world) is an UTMB World Series Event. On trails for 80% of the time, it covers two of Lantau’s country parks, and there are four courses to choose from: 25km, 50km, 100km and the new ultra-distance 140km. Visual highpoints that runners get to experience along the way include Kau Ling Chung, Sham Wat and Lantau Peak.

“There are many stunning points on Lantau from north to south: Tiger’s Head, Sunset Peak and Ngong Ping,” Sabrina says. “My favourite trail is the descent to Tai O.”

For William Sargent, Founder of Barclays MoonTrekker, section 5 of the Lantau Trail is “probably” the most beautiful. “It’s tough for me to say which trail is my favourite, but I would say the Kwun Yam Shan climb is one of the most stunning,” he explains.

Barclays MoonTrekker (www.barclaysmoontrekker.com), scheduled for December 3 to 4, starts at night in Mui Wo and ends on Cheung Sha beach. Competitors choose either the 30km or 40km course to see if they can reach the summit of Lantau Peak before sunrise to enjoy of one Hong Kong’s best dawn views.

Asked to sum up the lure of the Lantau trails, William says: “First, there is the topography – beautiful beaches, steep mountains, flat terrain. There’s a real mixture and, with the exception of Sunset Peak, trails on Lantau are not crowded, you can often enjoy the views all to yourself.”

SOCIAL HIKING

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, amateur hiking has become a common weekend activity in Hong Kong, with people grabbing the opportunity to get outdoors and active, while enjoying some incredible scenery. The draw for some is climbing a couple of Hong Kong’s highest peaks, for others it’s the opportunity to spot rare and indigenous wildlife, fauna and flora.

The downside is that more hikers on the trails has resulted in a 181% increase in mountain rescue incidents: Only 121 hiking injuries cases were reported in 2019 with figures jumping to 322 in 2020. To tackle this problem, a range of measures, including the 50222 SMS hiker tracking service, have been introduced. Manned by the Communications Association of Hong Kong, the 50222 SMS enables hikers to report their location each time they encounter a distance post. Fitness tracking apps, such as Strava, have also incorporated position sharing features to help facilitate rescue efforts.

With safety in mind, Michael is keen to remind hikers to be responsible and well-prepared: “Pack a map, extra food and water, and a water filter or purification tablets in case you run out. Take a drybag to keep your rain jacket, headlamp and phone inside; and make sure your phone is fully charged or has a spare battery.”

When hiking the trails, encounters with snakes are a very real possibility, something William, who is also the founder of the Hong Kong Snakes Facebook page, considers a plus. “Cobras, king cobras, pythons… Lantau has it all,” he says with delight. “Hiking through long grass or overgrown trails, you’ve a fair chance of encountering a White-Lipped Pit Viper waiting for his prey.” A snake enthusiast since a very young age, William is quick to point out that snakes only bite defensively, so if you don’t bother them, they’re unlikely to bother you.

TRAILS TO TRAIN ON

No doubt, hiking Lantau’s trails isn’t a walk in the park and Michael points out that everyone, professional runners and social hikers alike, should pick trails that match their fitness levels – and get some training in beforehand.

“If you’re after an easy mountain marathon with little elevation, then South Lantau Country Trail is a good start,” he says. “But if you’re training for a race, and you want a lot of vertical, then it makes sense to have a go at the stairs from all directions – Wong Lung Hang Valley up to the top in a vertical sprint – or see how much of Lantau Peak you can actually run versus fast hiking.”

“You can also get off the trail for a change and do a bit of coasteering around Chi Ma Wan or from Discovery Bay to Hong Kong Disneyland at low tide, bouldering along the coastline,” Michael adds.

“Lantau’s trails are great training spots, especially on weekdays when there are few people about,” Sabrina concludes. “If you want to train, Chi Ma Wan is a must: While many parts are runnable, you feel deep in nature.”

Lantau is one of the few places where they can be running next to an ocean and then climbing immediately up a steep peak....

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

JOINING THE PINK REVOLUTION THIS OCTOBER, SAMANTHA WONG OUTLINES SOME OF THE RISK FACTORS TO AVOID AND WARNING SIGNS TO WATCH OUT FOR

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Unsplash

Breast cancer has been the most common cancer affecting women in Hong Kong since 1993, it’s the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and over 4,000 new cases are reported each year. The median age of breast cancer patients here is 58; women over 40 are most at risk.

Early detection means less physical and emotional trauma and, most importantly, the best chance of survival. Women aged 40 to 50 should ensure that they are examined by a doctor every other year, and every year after the age of 50.

The most common sign of breast cancer is a hard lump in the breast or under the armpit. Other signs include any kind of change in the breast, such as a change in size or skin colour, and nipple discharge, bleeding or retraction.

On turning 30, women should start examining themselves every month. This is best done a week after menstruation, and a good place to do it is in the shower. Ensure you feel both sides of the breasts and into the armpit two or three times with three fingers. You may find it easiest to have one hand above your head and feel the breast that side with the opposite hand and vice versa.

RISK FACTORS

Most breast cancer cases occur in women over 40. Women who have children after the age of 30, who’ve never been pregnant or who’ve never breastfed are also at risk. Just 10% of all breast cancer is genetic but women with a family history of the disease will want to be especially vigilant.

To reduce the risk of breast cancer, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is vital – stick to a low-fat, high-fibre diet and make sure you exercise regularly. Anything that greatly increases levels of oestrogen in the blood, for instance excessive consumption of fatty foods and extended use of birth control pills, should be avoided. Smokers, drinkers, women who are overweight or suffer from a great amount of stress are putting themselves at risk.

THE PINK REVOLUTION

Hong Kong Cancer Fund is the city’s largest cancer support organisation, providing free information and professional care to anyone living with or affected by cancer. Hong Kong Cancer Fund’s services are free. Its work encompasses counselling, dietetic and nursing consultations, home care and peer support, plus public education and funding of hospital equipment and cancer research.

Every October, Hong Kong Cancer Fund joins organisations around the world to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of breast awareness, education and care services.

As part of this month-long campaign, you are asked to wear pink on October 21 to raise vital awareness and support for the charity’s free breast cancer services. Another way to do your bit? Create your own personalised fundraising page for a special event or activity through which you can invite friends, family or colleagues to donate directly to Hong Kong Cancer Fund. To get involved, visit www.cancer-fund.org.

LANTAU TRAIL HIKE: DAY THREE

CONTINUING THEIR 70-KILOMETRE CHALLENGE, CLAIRE SEVERN AND HER HIKING BUDDY DISCOVER THE INCREDIBLE BEAUTY OF THE SOUTH LANTAU COAST ON SECTIONS 7, 8 AND 9 OF THE LANTAU TRAIL

PHOTOS BY Andrew Spires

It had been over a month since our last hike and our traumatic descent towards Tai O through the spiderinfested ‘Tunnel of Doom’. It was time to get moving again. This time around, our arrival at Lantau’s famed fishing village was rather more serene (if you can describe a ride along South Lantau Road in a blue taxi as such), and we set off along the coast, ready for another day of adventure.

We were about to walk sections 7, 8 and 9 of the Lantau Trail, starting out in Tai O and making our way along the coast to Shui Hau, a designated marine reserve with the biggest mudflat on Lantau.

SECTION 7: TO KAU LING CHUNG

Section 7 of the Lantau Trail skirts the coastline from Tai O to Kau Ling Chung. It starts off as a gentle walk, passing by a number of village houses before heading into the shade of the trees.

Anyone wishing to walk this section should be aware that parts of the surrounding farmland are undergoing rehabilitation, and the government advises hikers to stick to the path. Luckily, the landowners didn’t seem too perturbed by our presence, and we navigated through their beautiful farmland without issue.

On reaching the coast, the hike became more challenging, with some steep climbs and descents along the way. But it was worth it. The beaches on this part of Lantau are literally stunning, with white, powdery sand stretching for miles. Tsin Yue Wan took my breath away, as did the beach and mudflats at Yi O San Tsuen.

A DETOUR: FAN LAU FORT

At this point we decided to take a quick detour to check out Fan Lau Fort, which is located on the south-western tip of Lantau.

To get there, we turned right at a T-junction and followed the signs to the fort from the next beach (after a little directional assistance from a friendly villager and his dog).

Believed to have been built in the first half of the 18th century, it is said that the strategic stronghold, now a ruin, was once armed with eight cannons and manned by a lieutenant and 48 soldiers. From there, they defended the coast, helped to control the increasing trade with the West and kept a look out for roaming pirates.

While not much remains of the original structure except the outer wall, it provided us with a good place to stop for a snack before heading back downhill and through Fan Lau Tsuen to re-join the Lantau Trail.

SECTION 8: TO SHEK PIK

Back on the trail, the path rises again, offering panoramic views back over Fan Lau Wan, and its beautiful lighthouse. Here in the far south west, the waters from the South China Sea and the Pearl River famously meet and mingle.

BEAUTIFUL VIEWS OPEN UP ON LEAVING TAI O

Following the signs to Shek Pik Tsuen, we continued our climb up to the catchwater, where we joined section 8 of the trail. While this section isn’t necessarily the most interesting part of the Lantau Trail, it’s an easy walk offering some welcome respite for the legs.

On arriving in Shek Pik Tsuen, we crossed the glorious triangular-shaped reservoir, lingering a while to soak up the impressive views. Built between 1957 and 1963, the reservoir has a storage capacity of 24-million cubic metres and is the third largest in Hong Kong after High Island and Plover Cove. While it is surrounded by hills, it seems to flow into the sea like an infinity pool. We took a moment to sit back in wonder.

SECTION 9: TO SHUI HAU

Located in Lantau South Country Park, Shek Pik Reservoir marks the starting point of section 9 of the Lantau Trail. As we turned right after the prison, the hard work resumed, with the path soon turning into a sharp climb.

On we soldiered, eventually reaching a beautiful, secluded beach with a few tents pitched at the rear. We took a moment to take in the view before tackling our final challenge for the day – yes, you’ve guessed it – another steep coastal ascent.

As we headed downhill towards Shui Hau – our end point for the day – we chatted excitedly about the highlight of our hike so far. We had finally seen a snake.

We’d been keeping our eyes peeled since we started out and nothing. But this time, we’d struck gold, in fact we’d nearly stepped on it, it was that well camouflaged. A quick post to the Hong Kong Snakes Facebook group confirmed that we had spotted a copperhead racer. We were delighted – it was wonderful to see one of Lantau’s slithery friends up close in the wild.

It had been a great day – the best so far. South Lantau’s coast is stunning, and spending a day admiring it was worth every ache and pain we’d gained along the way. As we rested up on Shui Hau Wan, we agreed that our destination was a highpoint in itself, and somewhere well worth revisiting with our families.

A 30-minute taxi ride from Ngong Ping, Shui Hau Wan is a clam-digger’s haven but its vast mudflat has more to offer than that. When the tide goes out, the waves leave ripplelike marks, creating a mesmerising vista, which villagers call a “mirror of the sky”.

Sitting back, admiring yet another glorious stretch of coastline, we knew we still had three more sections of the Lantau Trail to conquer, but we’d think about that another day. For now, it was time to take it easy.

TSIN YUE WAN CLIFFTOP OUTSIDE FAN LAU TSUEN SHEK PIK RESERVOIR A COPPERHEAD RACER

DiabolicalDelights

HEALTHY HALLOWEEN TREATS THAT LITTLE WITCHES AND WIZARDS CAN HELP TO MAKE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock

FEARSOME PUMPKIN FETA PIES

Makes 6

450g pumpkin, peeled and cut into 2cm chunks

2 garlic cloves

2tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

Grating of nutmeg

200g feta, crumbled

350g pastry dough

1 egg, beaten

Heat the oven to 200˚C. Tip the pumpkin and unpeeled garlic into a roasting tin, and coat with 1 tbsp oil. Roast for 30 mins, stirring halfway through, until soft. Remove from the oven and leave to cool. Meanwhile, fry the onion with the remaining oil until slightly golden. Leave to cool. Next, squeeze the garlic from its skins into the roasted squash and mash together. Add the fried onion, grate over some nutmeg, tip in the feta, and mix.

Shape 350g pastry dough into two circles, one slightly smaller than the other, then wrap in baking paper and chill in the fridge for at least 20 mins. Butter six holes of a muffin tin and line each with a strip of baking paper that overhangs the top. Roll the larger circle of pastry out on a lightly floured surface, and use a 10cm cutter to stamp out 6 circles. Press the pastry circles into the prepared muffin tin. Spoon in the squash filling. Roll out the remaining pastry circle, and use an 8cm cutter to cut out 6 lids. Cut spooky pumpkin faces into the lids. Press the lids over the pies and brush with the beaten egg. Bake for 40 mins until golden brown.

SCARY SPIDER PIZZAS

Serves

200g strong white flour

200g strong wholewheat flour

7g sachet easy-blend dried yeast

300g passata

1 garlic clove, crushed

1tbsp olive oil

75g grated mozzarella

10 black olives, halved

Handful cherry tomatoes, halved

Handful basil leaves

Combine the flours and yeast with a pinch of salt. Pour in 250ml warm water and mix to a soft dough. Leave to rise for 1 hour. Divide the dough into 4 pieces and roll out on a lightly floured surface to rounds about 15cm across. Place on heavily oiled baking paper.

Mix the passata with the garlic, oil and a little seasoning. Spread over the dough to within 2cm of the edges. Scatter with mozzarella. Place an olive half in the centre of each pizza to make the spider’s body. Cut the rest into little legs and arrange them around the spider bodies. Dot the tomatoes here and there. Heat oven to 220˚C. Bake the pizza for 10-12 mins until crisp and golden around the edges. Scatter with basil leaves to serve.

TUNG

RESTAURANTS & FOOD

WELLBEING

SOUTH LANTAU

Cafe

&

HOTELS

LEARNING CENTRES

RESTAURANTS

REMOVALS &

PENG CHAU

PUT ON THOSE SUNGLASSES AND JUMP ON AN EARLY FERRY TO PENG CHAU. WITHIN 20 MINUTES, YOU’LL FIND YOURSELF WELL OFF THE BEATEN TRACK, WRITES JASON PAGLIARI

A20-minute boat ride north-east from Mui Wo on the Inter-Island Ferry lies the sleepy island of Peng Chau, familiar from a distance to all who take the ferry into town. Its rustic charm invites Lantauers to head over for a half day or longer and enjoy the peaceful village atmosphere, with some good hiking, ‘templing’ and dining options available.

Arriving at the pier, you notice the avenue of Banyan trees going inland and the old folks sitting out, chewing the fat. There’s a Wellcome on the left and an enormous modern sports hall on the right, with facilities that rival those found in Mui Wo. The sleepy main strip, Wing On Street, is lined with old-style stores supplying the usual assortment of Cantonese snacks, cakes, stationary and... bikes.

A bustling industrial centre during the 70s, thanks to its lime kiln and match factory, Peng Chau is now best known for its temples. At Lung Mo (Dragon Mother) Temple, you can touch the ‘dragon bed’ for good luck and at Seven Sisters Temple, pray for fertility. The Tin Hau Temple, meanwhile, houses a Qing dynasty stone tablet that attests to a deal the then government made with the villagers, not to commandeer their fishing vessels in the ongoing war on piracy.

A good plan for the day is to walk clockwise round the island. The coastal trail takes you past some lovely beaches and the landmark Fisherman Rock, a precariously balanced boulder over the sea. The trail then cuts inland through jungle before emerging at a horseshoe bay, facing east, where there are barbeque facilities on the beach. On a clear day West Kowloon looks surprisingly close, reminding you of the island’s proximity to modern civilisation.

TIME FOR HIKING, ‘TEMPLING,’ SHOPPING AND DINING

Next up, you’ll want to climb Finger Hill, the highest point of the island at 95 metres, with its panoramic views and giant boulders. The ascent is well signposted, and you can stop for a cold drink at the little shop halfway up with its rickety table and chairs and nonstop AM radio music. There’s a trail down the other side of Finger Hill to a pagoda on the island’s east side, if you feel you haven’t walked far enough.

Before heading home, you’ll likely want to rest up and have a bite to eat. Some of the best restaurants (all with a sensational sea view) are found on Wing On Street, where you can enjoy everything from Cantonese or Thai curry to all-day breakfast. Local specialities include fried prawns and a deliciously gloopy ‘Orange chicken’.

PHOTOS BY Sarin Ale

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