Life on Lantau August/ September 2017

Aug/ Sept 2017

WIN!

Win tickets to see Ariana Grande at AsiaWorld-Expo and kid’s entry passes to EpicLand

SEA RANCH THE LOST RESORT’S CERTAIN FUTURE

BACK TO SCHOOL

LIFE LESSONS FOR ECO-AWARE KIDS

MAN ON A MISSION

MERRIN PEARSE SEEKING SUSTAINABILITY ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE Join your community online at www.lifeonlantau.com

WHAT IS

EFFECTIVE

ESTATE PLANNING?

“Effective Financial Planning is to speed up the overall distribution of your estate; and to mitigate unwarranted taxes whilst providing the right people with the right money at the right time!”

- Annette M Houlihan

How does one do this?

Writing your Will

- If you die with a Will in Hong Kong, the Grant of Probate (a legal document releasing your assets) can take months. Without one, it can take years!

Setting up a Family Trust - Trusts can be used for Tax

Mitigation, Asset Protection and/or Succession Planning and are not just suitable for the wealthy.

Nominate Beneficiaries - If you have any life insurance

plans, savings plans linked to life insurance or are a member of a company pension or death in service benefit, you can have beneficiaries nominated to speed the process of distribution.

GET A WILL IN LESS THAN A W EE

Updating and Reviewing - As you acquire assets

globally; you should review your estate planning instructions.

We at Carey, Suen Will Services Limited have the knowledge and expertise to assist you in establishing your own estate plan.

Carey, Suen Will Services Ltd

K

It’s never too la te to put a Will in place. Ta ke it easy and feel safe w ith the knowledge tha t your loved ones are covere d should the worst happ en.

Be prepared contact us toda y.

8B Wing Yee Commercial Building 5 Wing Kut Street Central Tel: +852 2542 2285 email: annette@careysuen.com website: www.careysuen.com

2  LIFE ON LANTAU August/ September 2017

www.lifeonlantau.com

August/ September 2017

12

FEATURES 12

DISPATCH Local schools moulding eco-aware kids

18

PERSONA Living Island Movement’s new chair Merrin Pearse

22 SPOTLIGHT Sea Ranch’s decadent past and rosy future

26

40

18

HEALTH Air pollution – risk factors and damage control

REGULARS 11 16 29 33 36 40

GIVEAWAYS Win great prizes HANDS-ON GUIDE Back to school!

RECIPES Oysters three ways LADA UPDATE New Lantau blueprint LANTAU FACES Community snaps INSIDER Discover Cheung Chau

AGENDA 04 34 37 38

22

LANTAU EVENTS HK HAPPENINGS CLASSIFIEDS LOCAL NUMBERS

Aug/ Sept 2017

04

WIN!

Win tickets to see Ariana Grande at AsiaWorld-Expo and kid’s entry passes to EpicLand

We also publish Discovery Bay’s original community magazine

BACK TO SCHOOL

Fast-tracking kids’ Cantonese

DB’s game-changing eco-innovators

If you have a story idea, email rachel@baymedia.com.hk To publicise a local event, email sam@baymedia.com.hk For general enquiries, email info@baymedia.com.hk To advertise, email connie@baymedia.com.hk

AUGUST 2017

Heat things up with frozen cocktails

SEA RANCH

Call 2987 0577/ 2787 0886 | Fax 2987 0533

THE LOST RESORT’S CERTAIN FUTURE

BACK TO SCHOOL

LIFE LESSONS FOR ECO-AWARE KIDS

MAN ON A MISSION

MERRIN PEARSE SEEKING SUSTAINABILITY ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE Join your community online at www.lifeonlantau.com

Publishers in in Lantau Lantau since since 2002 2002 Publishers

ON THE

COVER Merrin Pearse, keeping the faith, as he leads the charge for environmental sustainability To read the cover story, turn to page 18 Photo by Andrew Spires

CIRCLE OF HEALING

How working with energy gets results

SUP AND AT ‘EM WHY EVERYBODY’S DOING IT STANDING UP ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

FREE

For the latest Life on Lantau updates, find us on

and www.lifeonlantau.com

PUBLISHER Corinne Jedwood corinne@baymedia.com.hk MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Ainsley rachel@baymedia.com.hk ASSISTANT EDITOR Sam Agars sam@baymedia.com.hk SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS & ONLINE EDITOR Claire Severn claire@baymedia.com.hk SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrew Spires andrew@baymedia.com.hk ADVERTISING & SALES MANAGER Connie Cottam connie@baymedia.com.hk SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER Monika Carruthers monika@baymedia.com.hk OFFICE MANAGER Maxine Parry accountant@baymedia.com.hk PHOTOGRAPHERS Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com Jason Pagliari Andrew Spires

Photo courtesy of Café Isara

August 25

LANTAU GROOVE Café Isara, Mui Wo

Taking pleasure in supporting the local music scene, Café Isara is hosting a series of live music events over the coming months. The programme kicks off with performances by The Folk Ups, The Pop Fugitives and Ed Salter. Entry is free, with the gig starting at around 7pm. To find out more, call 3101 9876.

Throughout August

SWEET SUMMER DINING Regal Airport Hotel, Chek Lap Kok

CONTRIBUTORS James Allen (intern) Graeme Bradshaw Patricia Jover Elizabeth Kerr Katrina Mercado (intern) Jason Pagliari PRINTING Fantasy Printing Limited 7/F Tin Fung Industrial Mansion 63 Wong Chuk Hang Road Aberdeen, Hong Kong DISCLAIMER The views expressed in Life on Lantau are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors. The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission.

© BAY MEDIA GROUP LTD

Photo courtesy of Regal Airport Hotel

Treat yourself at Café Aficionado’s massive international buffet. For seafood lovers, there are King Crab legs, lobster, scallops and Japanese sashimi, as well as Thai and Indian curries for those who prefer Asian cuisine.

The buffet runs from 6pm to 10pm and starts at HK$288 for children and HK$448 for adults. Call 2286 6238 to book a table.

TO ADOPT A PET

through Protection of Animals Lantau South (PALS), call Jacqui Green on 9197 4371, for Hong Kong Paws Foundation (PAWS), call Kat Cheung on 9485 5188.

If you would like to see an event listed in this section, email sam@baymedia.com.hk

LANTAU’S MYSTERY SUPER HERO

ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS FOR YOU TO ENJOY Find more information and events @ www.lifeonlantau.com

TO JOIN A BEACH CLEAN-UP or dive against debris,

in and around Lantau, visit the Ecomarine HK Facebook page.

September 17 Photo by Andrew Spires

Who else has seen Lantau’s mystery super hero sauntering around Mui Wo? We’ve been getting an increasing number of inquiries as to just who it is hiding behind the costume. Do you know this man? Or is Iron Man willing to contact us at info@baymedia.com.hk. We’d love to know more about what makes this character tick.

September 16 & 17

BART’S BASH

LANTAU VERTICAL Start: Shek Pik Reservoir Kicking off at Shek Pik Reservoir, Lantau Vertical takes competitors over the island’s highest peak – Lantau Peak. The 7-kilometre ascent features a 900-metre elevation gain, before a run/ walk to the finish at Pak Kung Au. For more information and to secure your spot – costing HK$260 – head to www.lantauvertical.com.

Photo by Sunny Lee – Asia Trail

East Lantau waters

Throughout September

CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

www.bartsbash.com

The day the world goes sailing: Bart’s Bash is an international sail race taking place at hundreds of different venues and involving thousands of sailors. Fund raised go to the Andrew Simpson Foundation, which facilitates a wider participation in sailing and promotes the benefits the sport can have on youth and society in general. To find out more, head to www.lantauboatclub.com.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Lantau individuals as well as schools are working to spread the word and raise funds. Discovery Bay resident Gaylene Meeson is shaving her head for the fifth consecutive year in support of her daughter Hannah – a five-year cancer survivor – and to raise money for the Hannah’s Heroes St Baldrick’s Hero fund. To help fund more advanced cancer research, make a donation at www.stbaldricks.org/ participants/gaylene2017. www.lifeonlantau.com

August/ September 2017

www.wikimedia.org

LIFE ON LANTAU 5

LANTAU EVENTS

NEW IN LANTAU SWIMMING IN HONG KONG Debut novel by Stephanie Han

Local author Stephanie Han – who splits her time between M u i Wo a n d H o n o l u l u – has written her first book, Swimming in Hong Kong . A collection of short stories, the title story is set in Hong Kong, as are several others in the book. Described as an “intimate look at those who dare to explore the geography of hope and love, struggle Photo by Andrew Spires w i t h d re a m s o f l o n g i n g and home, and wander in the myths of memory and desire”, Swimming in Hong Kong has already won multiple awards. Head to Pause in Mui Wo, Bookazine, or www.willowspringsbooks.org to get your copy.

DI JERK SHED

Lower Cheung Sha Beach

Photo courtesy of Di Jerk Shed

With authentic Caribbean food, a calypso vibe and unimpeded views of beautiful Lower Cheung Sha Beach, Di Jerk Shed is the place to be in South Lantau. Inspired by the culinary delights of Trinidad and Jamaica, Di Jerk Shed offers weekly specials, Sunday brunch, discounts for airline crew and free transport to Mui Wo, Tung Chung and surrounding areas.

Call 2234 5375 for more information and to make a booking.

DB HIGHLIGHTS August 20

10TH ANNIVERSARY BEACH CLEAN-UP Sam Pak Wan

August 26

6 LIFE ON LANTAU August/ September 2017

October 1, 13 & 28

BACK TO SCHOOL FAIR

OFF AND RUNNING Across Lantau

Discovery Bay International School

Photo courtesy of Dana Winograd

Ten years on from DB Green’s first beach clean-up – which saw a whopping 1,500 kilogrammes of rubbish removed from Nim Shue Wan – DB Green and Plastic Free Seas are holding a community fun day. Kicking off with, of course, a beach clean-up at 1pm, the afternoon also features a sand castle building competition running from 1.45pm to 4.30pm, followed by a prize-giving ceremony and a sausage sizzle.

SAVE the DATE

Photo by Around DB

At the seventh annual Back to School Fair, running from 9am to 1pm in Discovery Bay International School’s Globe Theatre, you can find everything you need to know about local clubs and businesses. Over 30 local sports, arts, learning, social, education and health organisations (plus the Life on Lantau team) are on hand to answer questions. For more information, contact Kimberly Whiley at kimwhiley@gmail.com. www.lifeonlantau.com

Photo courtesy of MoonTrekker

Lantau is the home of running in Hong Kong and October is like Christmas for those who love to hit the trails, with three of the year’s biggest races taking place in the space of four weeks. Make sure you lock in the Lantau 2 Peaks on October 1, MoonTrekker on October 13 and the Salomon LT70 on October 28. Find out more at www.actionasiaevents.com, www.barclaysmoontrekker.com and by visiting events.lantaubasecamp.com.

Authentic Caribbean food Inspired by the culinary delights of Trinidad and Jamaica, Di Jerk Shed offers weekly specials, Sunday brunch, discounts for airline crew and free transport to Mui Wo, Tung Chung and surrounding areas.

20 % Airline crew discount on drinks

TEL: 2234 5375 COME VISIT! g Sha Beach 50 Lower Cheun

30% discount Airline night on Wednesday evening after 600pm

SPONSORED CONTENT

Summer dining in

Delicious desserts at MooFish

DISCOVERY BAY

W

hen it comes to food, there are options in DB to suit all sorts of different palates. You can find cuisine from all corners of the globe, with Cali-Mex and Kho Tomyums, Chef’s Choice, Zak’s, Peony and newly opened Pizza Express ensuring a diversity of choices. With summer upon us, there is also a wide range of dining specials on offer.

While Zak’s on D’Deck is, of course, a local institution, offering stunning views and a rare tranquility, MooFish is the newest of the group’s venues, having opened near DB North Plaza just over a year ago. “There is a really good cocktail list and we put a premium on service,” Matt says. “We are a little bit out of the way there, so we have had to create a destination within a destination.”

Why not start with the summer buffet offered by Café Bord de Mer & Lounge at Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong? Running on Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout August, the buffet presents delicious seafood, a carving station and two iced summer drinks at a price starting from HK$328 for adults. Meanwhile, at Peony in the Discovery Bay Recreation Club, Peking duck is the order of the day, with special discounts on this signature dish on offer all month.

The options don’t end there, with Paisano’s, First Korean, Hemingway’s by the Bay and Ebeneezer’s all featuring a long list of culinary delights.

Keeping customers satisfied Hearty Mexican dining at Cali-Mex

Islanders may choose to spice up the summer with Cali-Mex’s Mexican cuisine, and the restaurant has proven a hit since opening in DB North Plaza in mid-April. Its new bar and grill concept offers customers sit-down dining in a comfortable environment, rather than the takeaway service the brand has been long renowned for.

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com and courtesy of HKR

Cali-Mex’s chief executive Jeffrey Moss says the company saw a gap in the market in DB. “We’ve wanted to be in DB since we started a couple of years ago,” he says. “We knew it was the right demographic and the area needed a bit of variety.”

ny

at Peo Traditional Peking duck

Jeffrey says Cali-Mex prides itself on making all its food in-house and that the response from the public has been overwhelming. “It’s been pretty unbelievable actually, we were always told DB North Plaza was the quieter spot but it has just blown us away,” he says.

“We are getting some really great support from the local community.”

DCH Food Mart Deluxe in DB Plaza, while not a restaurant as such, offers perfect solace in the hot and humid Hong Kong summer. The cold-pressed juices and range of Japanese ice lollies are specialities, and it also offers delivery services on its gourmet meats and other products.

Castelo Concepts, the operator of Zak’s, Jaspa’s, Figos and MooFish, provides islanders with yet further culinary choices. Matt Wilcock, general manager of the group’s DB outlets, praises the varied cuisine on offer in DB and says Castelo aims to cater to all with its menus.

“Our thing is that you have got to be able to have a family of five walk in and everyone is happy,” he says. “We don’t want to limit ourselves to a cuisine.”

Seafood platter at Café Bord de Mer & Lounge at Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong

USEFUL CONTACTS • Café Bord de Mer & Lounge, www.aubergediscoverybay.com • Cali-Mex, www.cali-mex.com • DCH Food Mart Deluxe, www.dchfoodmartdeluxe.com • MooFish, www.casteloconcepts.com/our-venues/moofish • Peony, www.dbrc.hk • Pizza Express, www.pizzaexpress.com.hk • Zak’s, www.casteloconcepts.com/our-venues/zaks

www.lifeonlantau.com

August/ September 2017

LIFE ON LANTAU 9

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO THE ARIANA GRANDE DANGEROUS WOMAN TOUR – LIVE IN HONG KONG

Here’s your chance to win great prizes!

GIVEAWAYS

Life on Lantau prizes are incredibly easy to get your hands on, and you have until August 10 to apply. Simply scan the WIN FIVE EPICLAND ENTRY PASSES barcode, or go to www.lifeonlantau.com/giveaways, EpicLand is offering one reader five kid’s passes select the giveaway you want, and enter your details (worth HK$188 each), plus free admission for one AsiaWorld-Expo is offering two readers a into the online form. parent or helper. pair of tickets (worth HK$888 each) to see the Ariana Grande Dangerous Woman Tour – Covering a full 14,000 Live in Hong Kong on September 21 at 8pm. square feet, EpicLand in DB Nor th Plaza is Hong Favourite Female Artist – Pop/ Kong’s largest indoor family Rock at the American Music enter tainment centre.

Awards in 2015, Ariana Grande It featur e s the bigge s t released her third full-length indoor slides in Asia, and album, Dangerous Woman in Hong Kong’s only air-trek 2016. The lead track captured obstacle course, as well as number one on both the iTunes four climbing walls. Visit Overall Top Songs Chart and Top www.epiclandhk.com www.epiclandhk.com.

Pop Songs Chart just minutes after its release. The Hong Kong leg (one-night only) of her third global Congratulations to last issue’s winners concert tour marks the pint-sized Rebecca Ryder for a Japanese acupuncture session at the pop star’s long-anticipated local Integrated Medicine Institute; and Sue Wong and Karen debut. To purchase tickets, visit Kainzer for a staycation at L’Hotel Nina Et Convention Centre. www.hkticketing.com. www.auspop.com.au

DISPATCH

NAT

Photos by Andrew Spires and courtesy of Lantau International School and Mui Wo School

A CONNECTION It is an issue that is far from in hand.

Hong Kong has an imminent waste problem, producing six million tonnes of municipal solid waste each year, made up of waste from domestic premises, public facilities, commerce and industry, but excluding construction and chemical waste.

S S

outh Lantau residents take pride in their natural surroundings and sustainable practices and this is no different in the island’s primary schools. Bui O Public School, Mui Wo School and Lantau International School all put a premium on educating students about the value of the environment, and what is required to ensure the planet retains its natural beauty for future generations to enjoy.

From specialised recycling and beach clean-ups to reducing and reusing where possible, Lantau schools are arming students with the knowledge required to do their bit. As young as they are, kids are being helped to develop practices that will help remedy the pollution and waste problem in Hong Kong.

12 LIFE ON LANTAU August/ September 2017

www.lifeonlantau.com

According to the GovHK website: “The generation of municipal solid waste has been growing at a much faster rate than expected,” and as a result is putting pressure on the landfills in which waste is disposed. “The three existing landfills will be full, one by one, in the mid to late 2010s... if the waste loads continue to increase, there will be a need to allocate an additional 400 hectares of land to develop new landfill sites to meet our waste disposal needs up to 2030. Clearly, Hong Kong needs a more sustainable way to deal with waste.”

Little green shoots Located just back from Pui O Beach, Bui O Public School offers P1 to P6 classes and has around 150 students. The school exudes a relaxed vibe and students are trusted to do their bit in making sure it is as sustainable as possible.

All of the school’s paper is recycled and specific recycling bins are dotted across the campus, with native English teacher Sean Earl saying that teaching children the value of recycling is only

SPOTLIGHT

URAL While Lantau has a range of primary schools offering varied curriculums, there is one constant – a dedication to moulding children with an awareness about the environment. Sam Agars reports

part of what they do at Bui O. “It’s all about maximising the use of resources, not being wasteful and being mindful of conservation,” he says.

“It’s about our consuming habits; it’s about getting away from just consuming and looking at where their stuff goes – to landfill or what have you,” Sean adds.

“It’s not good enough to just throw away your own garbage, if you see garbage on the floor pick it up and throw it away. I would like to think that putting things in the recycling, rather than just throwing things in the garbage, is second nature to a lot of kids.”

hand-in-hand with being so close to one of Hong Kong’s best beaches, so too does being in contact with the buffalo that call the Pui O wetlands home. It is not unusual for buffalo to come close to the school and by coming into direct contact with the animals, students learn the value of respecting nature. The school is supportive of buffalo conservation.

“We have a lot of competing interests locally that would love to see the swamp paved in but I think the kids really enjoy having the green space,” Sean says.

Living green

With campuses at Pui O, Tong Fuk and Upper Cheung Sha, Lantau International School (LIS) is An arts-and-crafts recycling class at Bui O Public School considered Hong Kong’s greenest school and it puts a premium on Students are encouraged giving its 300-plus students ample opportunity to get outside to use reusable containers, cutlery and the like for their recess amongst nature. Students start at the Cheung Sha Campus at and lunch, with this green policy also put into practice elsewhere. reception age and work their way up to the Tong Fuk Campus, “We have a famous Christmas party for kids, parents and local before finishing their primary education in Pui O. community members and everybody brings their own rather than us providing plastic plates and cutlery,” Sean says.

Recycling and beach clean-ups are commonplace at LIS and the school holds a Green Week before Christmas each year. “We talk While beach clean-ups – held on Community Service Days – go www.lifeonlantau.com

August/ September 2017

LIFE ON LANTAU 13



DISPATCH

Lantau International School students cleaning up the wetlands

about the dangers of plastics and you see it working,” vice principal James Lambert says. “You talk about having a Green Week, but it’s not just that week, it should be all the time and they are not afraid to pick things up and recycle stuff. It’s very good to see.”

Likewise, at Mui Wo School – which also caters to P1 to P6 and, like Bui O, is attended by around 150 students – the message of reduce, reuse and recycle is embedded into the curriculum. The three are reinforced in all aspects of school life and recycling bins make it easy for students to keep paper, aluminum cans and plastics separate.

“We want to encourage our students to put their effort into building a healthy environment for future generations,” principal Yuen Wai Kwan says. “Our teachers deliver the message of reduce, reuse and recycle within the curriculum.”

Like so many schools nowadays, students are encouraged to eradicate use of disposal materials wherever possible. The children are also taught the benefits of utilising food waste, with all waste collected for farm use.

“Our school has a group called Environmental Ambassadors where the students in the group visit the Food Waste Collection Centre in Mui Wo and some farms,” Wai Kwan says. “They also learn to reuse materials to make Christmas decorations and other things.”

14 LIFE ON LANTAU August/ September 2017

www.lifeonlantau.com

Students reusing disposable cups and light bulbs to make a chandelier at Mui Wo School

FIND IT • Bui O Public School, www.buiosch.edu.hk • Lantau International School, www.lis.edu.hk • Mui Wo School, www.mws.edu.hk

HANDS-ON GUIDE

Back to school CREATIVE CODING 2973 0106, nora@creativecoding.hk, www.creativecoding.hk Creative Coding offers classes for three levels of coding at Sound Waves in Tung Chung and Discovery College, DB. mBot encourages kids, aged six to 14, to develop a maker mindset by learning MIT, Scratch and Robotics programming. At the App Lab with JavaScript, kids, aged 10 and up, are encouraged to take a design-first approach to creating their own app.

Extracurricular fun for kids! iGYM 6077 2758, igymhk@icloud.com, www.igymhk.com iGym provides comprehensive gymnastics classes (including all-boy classes) for beginner to advanced students at Discovery Bay International School and EpicLand, DB from Monday to Saturday. Highly specialised male and female coaches, from South Africa, the UK, China, Denmark and Canada, train with kids, giving them the opportunity to become confident and passionate gymnasts, while having fun.

OVERTIME BASKETBALL 6355 7674, overtime.basketballhk@gmail.com, fb.me/overtimebasketball.hk Overtime Basketball offers basketball training in Tung Chung and Mui Wo for kids aged four and up. Suitable for beginner and elite players of all levels, the training sessions are aimed at developing solid fundamentals and enhancing skills. Season Two runs from September to December with the first class free.

Tung Chung Rugby Club THE STORY STUDIO 6341 3989, thestorystudiohk@yahoo.com, www.thestorystudiohk.com The Story Studio’s term-time writing courses are fun-packed and bursting at the seams with creativity. Workshops in Tung Chung and DB are enjoyed by imaginative children, aged seven to 13, who like reading, and writing stories. Every week, children practice and improve their creative and technical writing skills – and have fun doing it!

We are a community- led rugby club for girls and boys aged 4-13.

Also touch rugby for youth and adults.

Join us via Facebook: Tung Chung Rugby Club, www.tcrc.org.hk or email: tc.rugby.fc@gmail.com TCRC is a company limited by guarantee and part of the Hong Kong Mini Rugby Football Union.

PERSONA

A MAN FOR ALL REASONS

Sustainability advocate Merrin Pearse continues to fight the good fight for Lantau’s green soul. Elizabeth Kerr reports

Photos by Andrew Spires

D

r Merrin Pearse is sitting at Caffe Paradiso near Mui Wo’s ferry pier. It’s just like Merrin to opt for the more neighbourhood-friendly independent café than the noisier pub around the corner. He’s been a regular long enough to have a chat with the owner, who at one point abandons the counter for a few quiet minutes on an errand. It’s okay. Merrin is here to play Batman in the event someone decides not to leave a few bucks on said counter for a muffin.

Not to be flip, but Merrin is doing a fine job of being something of an urban vigilante for Hong Kong sustainability – without the billions of dollars and secret lair full of gadgets. Now in Hong

18 LIFE ON LANTAU August/ September 2017

www.lifeonlantau.com

Kong for 10 years and on the verge of permanent residency, the native New Zealander is juggling work at his own corporate consultant advisory, Coordinate4u (focused on environmental sustainability), with community-based groups doing much the same thing.

Merrin’s the new chair of the Living Islands Movement (LIM), an RTHK regular on Morning Brew, and was recently asked to join the reviled Lantau Development Advisory Committee (LanDAC) sustainability committee. The LIM gig was fortuitous: “One of those things where the previous chair had been four years in the role and was looking for a change,” says Merrin, admitting he’s at his best flitting around Lantau between village chiefs and district councillors.

policy and works failures (the triumph of the Shek Kwu Chau incinerator, a toothless and vision-free Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP). Add to this list the seeming full-steam-ahead nature of the Tung Chung Central Business District development and it’s clear that the SAR’s policy-makers are giving Merrin and his activist peers more work as time moves forward, not less.

Take for example that BSAP the government is so pleased with itself for, as well as its big 2030+ plan. Merrin points out that over 100 experts in various fields, from business to community to academia, contributed to the BSAP and every single one of their ideas was rejected. (The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department did not respond to requests for comment.) “2030+ isn’t a visionary document. It just says we’re going to pour concrete,” Merrin says, adding that one of the biggest struggles the city faces right now is a lack of communication. (The Development Bureau did not respond to requests for comment.)

Merrin isn’t alone with his frustration over bureaucratic deafness and a seeming inability to court community input. An allegedly public consultation in March was devoid of green groups’ input because no one hosting the consultation – the government – bothered to notify them. “Asia’s World City,” Merrin says with an eye-roll. “Have you not heard of the telephone to ring up just one of the groups? How about email?”

It’s that kind of neglect, or disregard, that keeps LIM and others on their toes, and even though they can’t stop things like the Home Ownership Scheme project in Mui Wo (700 homes will be built), the argument is that they should at least be invited to offer insight.

Merrin Pearse pictured near his home in Mui Wo

“Connecting sectors of the community is what I like to do and I’m glad to help with. ‘It sounds like it has a plant or an animal involved, Merrin must know about that,’” he cracks.

“It’s that connector hub space that I enjoy being a part of, being more involved with a wide range of discussions makes life fun and enjoyable.”

Of the Mui Wo project, Merrin says: “It’s no different to anything that’s been built anywhere in Hong Kong in the last 30 or 40 years. We went to the Town Planning Board at the approval stage with a couple of issues, and of all the really different schemes we suggested – about waste management, efficiency, community gardens, anything – the only thing they asked about was the idea for low-energy LED-type lighting that could have been turned on at night. The project was approved. Nothing changed. And this is the Town Planning Board.” Merrin’s only response is a disbelieving shake of the head.

Upcoming policy tussles

Faced by bureaucratic deafness Good thing too, because things are getting busy on Hong Kong’s sustainability front. There’s a shiny new chief executive on the scene – Carrie Lam, formerly Secretary for Development and so possibly chummy with developers – and a string of public

It’s easy to harp on the negative, but Merrin is happy to point out even baby steps in the right direction. “The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is asking companies to comply with or explain more of their environmental, social and governance activities as part of the listing requirements, so that’s a good thing,” he begins. China www.lifeonlantau.com

August/ September 2017

LIFE ON LANTAU 19

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PERSONA

dragged Hong Kong into the Convention of Biological Diversity, with which compliance is not an option, and a recent meeting with the MTR Corporation indicated one of the city’s biggest developers is taking a long view of sustainability. With this, Merrin has gone “from being the outside advocate to sitting around the table, where you get to put ideas into conversations”.

And as contentious as the whole thing remains, Merrin was pleased with 2014’s Umbrella Revolution, which most of us forget went beyond left-right politics to address a raft of issues facing Hong Kong. “It showed the level of interest in sustainability, and creativity among young people – interest in being involved and understanding the issues. What other protest movement in the world offered recycling? It also showed what city living could mean with sensible transport and not using cars. The city didn’t stop working. The MTR was full, but it worked,” Merrin concedes with a knowing laugh.

In the immediate future, potential policy tussles will be over the power scheme, which is up for renegotiation, and waste disposal and management charging. Both are likely to cause consumer uproar but both desperately need reform. As with many poor habits that could be policed out of existence (remember when SARS practically killed spitting on the street?) laws to protect the environment are on the books.

“The issue here, now, is enforcement of laws and some strengthening of laws to protect the environment,” says Merrin.

The idling vehicle law sees few penalties actually doled out, “and the plastic bag levy goes to the shopkeeper – it’s not being channelled into environmental projects or waste management”.

Goals higher than 1% of electricity from renewables (with real consumer incentives) and fines for grave sweeping-based fires are useless if “people don’t see consequences for doing damage to the environment”.

LIM’s plans for the next year were set down at its last AGM, and many of the same issues remain: the incinerator fight goes on, as does the battle for the water around Tung Chung.

Too many of us would argue you can’t fight city hall, but Merrin remains optimistic.

“If you’re interested in trying to understand what’s going on, and want to share ideas about keeping South Lantau what it is – whether you live here or not – sign up to LIM,” he pitches shamelessly, because bungling Hong Kong’s ‘living city’ status has to stop. “Now’s always the right time to change and learn from our past mistakes.”

FIND IT • Living Islands Movement, www.livingislands.org.hk

20 LIFE ON LANTAU August/ September 2017

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Merrin’s preferred mode of transport gives him a low-carbon footprint

SPOTLIGHT

N E T T O G FOR

TOWERS

Looking down on Sea Ranch from the helipad

Photos by Andrew Spires and Josef Raasch

Recalling its decadent heyday and falling for its latest lonely but lovable incarnation, Andrew Spires explains the lure of Sea Ranch

I

f the films Total Recall and Blade Runner had a baby, it would be called Sea Ranch. What was designed as a HK$40 million utopian pocket of seclusion, with 200 five-star apartments, now sits as an inaccessible, virtually deserted anomaly.

Originally marketed, at the very end of the ‘70s, as a swish retreat for senior executives, Sea Ranch is now inhabited by a quiet bunch of retirees and reclusive/ artistic types – and people who get to work from home.

“It’s cheap, spacious and on the sea. What’s not to like?”says Josef Raasch, a resident from 2013 to 2015. Josef describes spending time on the helipad above the resort, enjoying the tranquillity while watching the sun set. “It’s such a magical place; sitting there with a drink or some food you brought up is incredibly relaxing. We had awesome picnics up there.”

Situated on Lantau’s southern-most tip, the initial resort concept failed quite dramatically but, like a phoenix, it’s beginning to see a resurgence, albeit with a different clientele.

The only access to the complex is on the residents’ private ferry from Cheung Chau, or by a hefty hour-long hike from Pui O, which is what I decided to do. Cresting the Tai Long Plateau, the view

22 LIFE ON LANTAU August/ September 2017

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Splendid isolation

is remarkable and Sea Ranch’s gleaming towers only add to that.

The real sense of seclusion and isolation is what must have brought the party people to buy here back in the day. It was a kind of Eyes Wide Shut, secret handshake of a development that only those in the know, knew.

The abandoned clubhouse now covered in ivy

A jutting path and 502 steps later and I am propelled out onto a pristine beach, with only two sets of footprints – one of which is clearly a paw – disturbing the spotless sand.

Stretching into the distance, the legendary Sea Ranch complex shines surprisingly white. The first glimpse of any corrosion or neglect comes at the main staircase up to the resort, which has long been washed away by the sea. The rest of the development looks in remarkably good order, with evidence of recent paint splatter on the many staircases. The few remaining residents clearly care about their communal spaces as they are neat and well cared for; flowering plants festoon the walkways.

Trouble in paradise

Well maintained communial areas

Josef estimates that only 40 people now live at Sea Ranch. What’s more, homemakers have been fleeing the resort from as early as a year after its 1979 completion. By 1983, the original developer Hutchison Whampoa had accrued debts of around HK$7 million on the project, and sold the holding company Holiday Resorts to apartment owners for HK$1. There was further disruption in 1996, when a group of residents parted ways with Holiday Resorts and formed a new committee named Incorporated Owners, which now holds majority control.

The closure of all of the original lures, including the clubhouse, swimming pool, a buzzing cocktail lounge replete with full-size snooker table, saunas and a children’s nursery, was inevitable. The man-made beach is still there, but everything else has been covered with tarpaulins or chained up.

Interesting views at every turn

Over the years, Sea Ranch has been picked at and poked over, with looters reportedly scavenging 30-year-old bottles of claret and luxury cigars, although what condition the smokes were in after all that time is questionable. Residents – check out the interview with the resort’s founding chairman Pamela D. Barton in Piotr Zembrowski’s elegiac 2014 documentary The Sea Ranch – have been dismayed at finding pieces of their chinaware dotted around the bars and restaurants of Cheung Chau. This could explain the zealous security I encountered on my visit.

“Please exit the same way you came in,” I was told almost as soon as I stepped onto the beach. I’ve heard stories of people being told to get straight back on the boat they came in on. Prospective residents will find it reassuring that a tight watch is now held over the community.

Paradise found Living so far off the beaten track, security isn’t the only issue. If you’re out of milk at Sea Ranch, you’re better off exploiting one of the local buffalo as the closest shop is a ferry ride away. The closest anything is a ferry ride away. But accessibility isn’t a plus for everyone – even everyone in Hong Kong.

A tropical hideaway in our backyard



www.lifeonlantau.com

August/ September 2017

LIFE ON LANTAU 23

SPOTLIGHT

The pristine man-made beach shows very little sign of life

When living at Sea Ranch, Josef worked from home as a software developer, so he wasn’t fazed by the distance to the city; he in fact embraced the boat ride off the development. “I loved the commute to Cheung Chau,” he recalls. “Just sitting on the front of the old shuttle boat, and seeing the Macau ferries flying by. That 20-minute commute was always relaxing.”

That said, Josef admits to a downside. “You have to plan your groceries, limit yourself to certain products since you can’t get them all at Cheung Chau,” he says. “And you have to find a handyman on Cheung Chau and they are usually busy, or don’t want to come all the way to The Ranch.”

So what drives people to live at this level of seclusion in a city as densely populated and accessible as Hong Kong?

It could simply be the cost. A 1,240-square-foot, two-bedroom Sea Ranch apartment, with a large balcony and beautiful sea view, comes in at around HK$4.9 million. Compare this to a similar space in Tung Chung selling at HK$12.9 million, or in Discovery Bay at a whopping HK$20 million and you can see the appeal.

If you can overlook Sea Ranch’s isolation, Kim Jomar of Lantau realtor HomeSolutions has a 814-square-foot apartment on her 24 LIFE ON LANTAU August/ September 2017

www.lifeonlantau.com

books for a relatively affordable HK$3.1 million. “Sea Ranch would be perfect for a weekend retreat,” she says. “If the management company reopened the clubhouse and swimming pool and renovated all the units I think it could be a goldmine. The kind of people who would live on Sea Ranch are those who are looking for a quiet paradise away from the crowds and those who don’t mind travelling.” No doubt.

I was expecting an overgrown crumbling pile, occupied by ageing hippies who aren’t ready for the party to end. What I found was a tidy, beautifully designed complex with so much potential. As long as I didn’t have to walk up 502 steps every day to get to work, I would consider living at Sea Ranch. The peace, proximity to the sea and sheer value for money are fantastic. All it really needs is a Marks & Spencer Food Store and I’d move there tomorrow.

FIND IT • HomeSolutions, www.homesolutions.hk • The Sea Ranch (Hong Kong), www.youtube.com • Sea Ranch, www.sea-ranch.com.hk/info.html

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HEALTH

AIR POLLUTION ANTIDOTES Reducing your chemical load and fortifying your body against air pollution is a piece of cake. Simply be mindful of what you eat and stock up on supplements, says Dr Graeme Bradshaw, founding director of the Integrated Medicine Institute in DB

I

t was only three months ago when we had the major spike in air pollution, promoting schools across Lantau to suspend all outdoor activities and cancel all sporting team practice.

Air pollution is a real concern for us islanders – the good news is that there are simple things you can do to minimise its harmful effects.

According to research studies, certain foods and supplements can block the oxidation, inflammation and toxicity that air pollution inflicts on our bodies.

Photos courtesy of www.pixabay.com

Essential antioxidants The free radicals found in air pollution are only too ready to transfer to our bodies and start attacking our cells. The most well known is ozone. Ozone is able to oxidise tissues very quickly, causing damage to the cells, and irritating the eyes and nose. Oxidation can eventually lead to poor ageing and diseases.

The phytonutrients from coloured fruits and veggies are antioxidants that can neutralise these free radical attacks. If you eat five to nine servings of fruit and vegetables a day then you won’t need to take any supplements of vitamin C or vitamin E, which are 26 LIFE ON LANTAU August/ September 2017

www.lifeonlantau.com

known to produce an antioxidant effect. Unfortunately most people only have one to two servings, so if you are one of them, you should consider finding a food-based antioxidant supplement.

Studies have shown that those who are more prone to asthma, a runny nose, or coughing during high pollution days have fewer symptoms when they take vitamin E, and especially vitamin C. Just 400 mg of vitamin C supplement a day can reduce pollutioninduced asthma.

I recommend whole-food supplements as they are derived from real food and offer superior bioavailability. For example, vitamin C is more active as an antioxidant when provided with flavonoid cofactors, abundant in whole-food supplements made from oranges, acerola and high phenolic food concentrates.

Combating inflammation Irritating particles from air pollution don’t just get into our lungs, they go to the heart, and worse still, they go to the brain. It has even been found that they get into the testes of men and can possibly cause sub-fertility. Your immune system reacts to these irritants, which causes inflammation.

HEALTH

Pig out on fatty fish – or take an Omega 3 supplement – to reduce inflammation

Iron is often found in these nasty particles. It is another oxidant but it also causes inflammation, which particularly damages the blood vessels and the brain. Studies have shown that high levels of pollution age the brain faster. The rates of autism in populations living in more polluted areas are found to be twice as high.

Omega 3 from fish oil is an effective anti-inflammatory. A recent study in mice shows that when given an adequate level of omega 3, they had 30-50% protection from inflammation damage under the effect of air pollution. This makes fish oil an antidote to air pollution.

You would have to take two or three daily servings of very fatty fish, such as salmon or mackerel, to achieve the correct ‘dose’ of omega 3. Once again, not too many people can manage to do that, so I often recommend fish-oil supplements – a couple of capsules a day of purified fish oil can give you that 30-50% protection.

The good news is you can bypass that defect in the gene, and all of us can increase the amount of glutathione we produce. The secret turns out to be broccoli! Sulphoraphane, a key phytonutrient in broccoli, stimulates other genes to bypass that common DNA glitch, and produce glutathione and 10 other antioxidant and antiinflammatory enzymes. However, if you cook broccoli for over four minutes, the sulphoraphane will begin to break down and you lose the health benefits.

Sulphoraphane is most concentrated in broccoli sprouts.

Personally, I have started to take a broccoli sprout-extract supplement just to keep ahead of air pollution. If you are thinking about your long-term health and wish to detox daily, then consider broccoli and especially broccoli sprout as an extract.

Protecting your home

Your daily detox

Lastly, don’t forget your home. Research shows that more than half our total PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) intake occurs when we are indoors, at home. When levels are high, PM2.5 causes the air to appear hazy and it has been proven to have a detrimental effect on our health. These particles are so small (less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers in diameter) that they can get into the lungs, potentially causing serious health problems.

Air pollutants are toxic and, fortunately, our bodies are innately equipped to detox. Glutathione is the primary detoxification enzyme in our blood. It acts like fly paper – many toxins in our body stick to it, including free radicals. Glutathione then takes them to the liver to be cleared away.

For this reason, I strongly recommend that you use a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter at home, to get rid of these harmful particles. You can also upgrade these units with extra-strong carbon filters to protect your family from chemical pollutants, such as pesticide fumes and formaldehydes.

One way you can support your glutathione level is with vitamin C. Just 500 mg of vitamin C a day has been shown to increase the crucial glutathione level by 50%.

A carbon filter gets clogged up after about six months, so make sure you mark down the date you put it in, that way you won’t have to stress about when to change it.

The DNA involved in producing enzymes that allow the body to create glutathione is known as GSTM1 and GSTT1. The problem is that about 40% of us have a genetic defect in GSTM1 function, which limits our glutathione production. Those people have been shown to be especially prone to asthma or a runny nose induced by air pollution.

To make these tips practical, you can find the recommended supplements (and an Alen air HEPA filter) at the Integrated Medicine Institute in Discovery Bay or Central. For more information, visit www.imi.com.hk.

Fish oils are surprisingly fragile and are susceptible to rancidity.

Poorly processed oils may also contain toxins, so choose a concentrated, pharmaceutical-grade fish-oil supplement to ensure quality and purity.

www.lifeonlantau.com

August/ September 2017

LIFE ON LANTAU 27

NEW LOOKDESIGN

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RECIPES

Shucks!

Oh Don’t be shellfish! Share these great oyster recipes with your friends

Oysters au Naturel Serves 1 • 12 live medium oysters, on the half shell • 1 lemon

Photos courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

Purists wouldn’t dream of eating oysters any way but raw, freshly opened on the half shell with a dash of lemon. You can also try them with a little hot pepper sauce, or a vinegar and onion garnish. But if you’re feeling daring, make an oyster shooter…

Simply place your oyster in a shot glass, and top with tomato juice or a spicy cocktail sauce (ketchup, horseradish and Worcestershire sauce). Add lemon juice, black pepper and vodka to taste. Stir together  and shoot!

www.lifeonlantau.com

August/ September 2017

LIFE ON LANTAU 29

RECIPES

Oysters Rockefeller Serves 2 • 2 slices bacon • 24 unopened, live medium oysters • 1½ cups cooked spinach • ½ cup breadcrumbs • ¼ cup green onions, chopped • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped • 1 dash hot pepper sauce • 3 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp anise-flavoured liqueur Preheat your oven to 220°C. Fry the bacon, drain, crumble and set aside.

Clean the oysters and place in a large stockpot. Cover with water and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat; drain and cool the oysters, before breaking the top shell off each. Combine the bacon, spinach, breadcrumbs, green onions and parsley in a food processor.

Add the hot sauce, olive oil and aniseflavoured liqueur and process until finely chopped but not puréed. Arrange the oysters on a pan lined with rock salt. Spoon a little spinach mixture over each oyster. Bake for 10 minutes, then grill until browned on top. Serve  piping hot.

30 LIFE ON LANTAU August/ September 2017

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RECIPES

Oysters Mornay Serves 4

• 2 cups milk • 2 tsp corn flour • 1 cup gruyere cheese, grated • 4 tbsp parmesan cheese • 24 oysters on the half shell Heat the milk in a pan, when hot, mix a little water with the corn flour, add to the milk and stir until the mixture thickens. Add the gruyere and 2 tbsp parmesan; stir until the cheese has melted. Pour rock salt into an ovenproof dish, enough to cover the bottom, and arrange the oysters on top. Spoon the sauce over the oysters to cover, and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan.

Grill until browned and bubbling.

32 LIFE ON LANTAU August/ September 2017

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LADA UPDATE

A SUSTAINABLE LANTAU BLUEPRINT Contributed by Lantau Development Alliance founding chairman, Allen Ha

T

Photo courtesy of LaDa

he government outlined the latest Sustainable Lantau Blueprint in early June. Themed Development in the North and Conservation for the South, the revised blueprint focuses on the balanced and sustainable development of Lantau. Thanks to plans for environmental protection and heritage conservation, it is believed that the ‘new Lantau’ – a low-carbon community – will generate job opportunities and provide a comfortable home for the next generation.

As a double-gateway connecting Hong Kong to the world and the Greater Pearl River Delta, and following the completion of major development projects, such as the Airport North Commercial District, Three-Runway System and Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities Island, Lantau will enjoy huge economic opportunities. In planning these developments, the Lantau Development Advisory Committee (LanDAC) has taken environmental impact into account. After months of public consultation, a few initial proposals, including the cable car extension, have been dropped. By scaling back tourism and recreation projects, the blueprint aims to lessen the impact on the natural landscape and local community.

Through continuous environmental-impact assessment, the government has mapped out a number of conservation plans for Lantau. Funding for designated marine park, wetland and mudflat conservation has been found. At the same time, working closely with local groups and stakeholders, the government is prioritising the historical and cultural preservation of Tai O. Locals and tourists will also benefit from the government’s sustainable leisure and recreational plans. These include cycle tracks, mountainbike trails, hiking trails and camping grounds, as well as eco tours and an adventure park.

Taking a measured approach, and striking the right balance between development and conservation, will allow huge opportunities to be unlocked. I believe seamless collaboration between local groups, stakeholders and the government will make for a lively and revitalised Lantau, and that it will continue to serve as our collective secret backyard for generations to come.

Sponsored Content The Lantau Development Alliance (LaDA) is a group of local organisations and enterprises on Lantau that have come together to promote the social and economic development of the island. Visit www.lantau-da.com.hk. www.lifeonlantau.com

August/ September 2017

LIFE ON LANTAU 33

HK HAPPENINGS

SLAVA’S SNOWSHOW

Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai

10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN HK THIS MONTH

August 1-6

Throughout August

www.wikimedia.org

Created and staged by Russian performance artist Slava Poluni, Slava’s Snowshow is a timeless and poetic theatrical spectacle, which has enchanted and empowered audiences and critics since 1993. For tickets, starting at HK$480, visit www.hkticketing.com.

CUT-PRICE COFFIN BAY OYSTERS Epicurean Group, Central and The Peak

www.wikimedia.org

Restored as the home of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts School of Film and Television, Bethanie Landmark Heritage Campus was built in 1875 as a French Mission Sanatorium.

The BNP Paribas Museum of Bethanie is open to all – make your bookings in advance. For details, visit www.hkapa.edu; for tickets, starting at HK$25, visit www.hkticketing.com.

Coffin Bay in South Australia August 1-8 i s k n ow n fo r i t s fa b u lo u s gourmet oysters. Enjoy these world-class ocean gems at three Epicurean Group restaurants – Osteria Felice a n d J i m m y ’s K i t c h e n i n www.todayonline.com Central, and The Peak Lookout on The Peak – where lunch and dinner specials are on offer, starting at HK$148. For more details, visit www.epicurean.com.hk.

OH WONDER, LIVE!

NEW AT RUMMIN’ TINGS

BETHANIE MUSEUM TOUR

Bethanie Landmark Heritage Campus, Pokfulam

Kitec, Kowloon Bay

Central

August 4

Throughout August

www.creativebartender.com www.nativeentertainment.net www.wikimedia.org

UK alternative pop sensations, Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West have built their global reputation by releasing one song per month online since 2014. The London-based duo’s summer tour coincides with the release of their latest album ULTRALIFE . For concert tickets, starting at HK$420, visit www.ticketflap.com.

34 LIFE ON LANTAU August/ September 2017

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Rummin’ Tings has some fresh new rum concoctions to get everyone through the long hot summer. The popular bar is also hosting a brand-new ladies night, Queen of the Pack Wednesdays.

Expect half-price cocktails and house pours for the gals and buy one get one free on Red Stripe for the guys. To find out more, visit www.rummintings.hk.

ASIAN GRAND PRIX WINNERS’ GALA

August 11-13

Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai August 12

www.wcity.com

THE WEEKEND

West Kowloon Cultural District, West Kowloon This three-day festival features music, art installations, local food, a craft market and family activities. Bands from around Hong Kong are set to perform on four different stages. For tickets, starting at HK$450, visit www.ticketflap.com.

INTERNATIONAL DESIGN FURNITURE FAIR

www.hkballet.com

Stars from the Hong Kong Ballet, Kremlin Ballet Russia and Ballet Manila Philippines are performing alongside this year’s Asian Grand Prix International Ballet Competition award winners. The Asian Grand Prix attracted over 300 candidates from 15 countries. For tickets, starting at HK$280, visit www.hkticketing.com.

SUNDAY COFFEE SHARING Cafe Sausalito, Kowloon

August 27

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wanchai August 25-27

www.archive.jsonline.com

Sunday Coffee Sharing: Brewing Methods sees top baristas reveal how different ways of making coffee affect the flavour and texture of each cup. And you can find out which brew – and brewing method – you like best. For registration, starting at HK$111, visit www.eventbrite.hk.

ROCK CLIMBING GYM

www.hkcec.com

Championing design appreciation and business networking opportunities, the International Design Furniture Fair (IDFF) features three exciting elements – lectures, gallery showcases and exhibitions. For tickets, starting at HK$150, visit www.hkticketing.com.

Like us on the Life on Lantau Facebook page for event reminders

Verm City Climbing Club, Quarry Bay Just open!

www.urbanmatter.com

Verm City Climbing Club is the largest indoor rock climbing gym in Hong Kong with walls for both climbing and bouldering. There is something for everyone, from beginners to accomplished climbers. The club’s theme park, Clip N’ Climb, delivers tonnes of fun for kids aged four and up. For more information, visit www.vermcity.com. www.lifeonlantau.com

August/ September 2017

LIFE ON LANTAU 35

LANTAU FACES

COMMUNITY SNAPS Who do you know? Find more familiar faces @ www.lifeonlantau.com

like ed uld o w atur fI you hoto fe il ur p ma hk e yo page, e e s m. to his ia.co t d n e o ym @ba w e r and

Photos by Andrew Spires and James Allen

36  LIFE ON LANTAU August/ September 2017

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Deadline for October/ November issue CLASSIFIEDS

September 14

LOCAL NUMBERS

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TUNG CHUNG

TUNG CHUNG

COMMUNITY SERVICES Public Library 2109 3011 Public Swimming Pool 2109 9107 COMPUTER REPAIRS Bobby Mirchandani 9425 3812 EDUCATION Christian & Missionary Alliance Church Education Centre 3141 7319 Discovery Mind Play Centre & Kindergarten 2987 8070 Discovery Mind Primary School 2915 0666 Greenfield International Kindergarten 2162 5538 Han Xuan Language Education Centre 2666 5905 Salala Kids’ House 2611 9193 Soundwaves English Education Centre 2164 7210 Sun Island Education Foundation 2420 1068 Sunshine House International Preschool 2109 3873 The Story Studio 6341 3989 Tung Chung Catholic School 2121 0884 YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College 2988 8123 EMERGENCY – FIRE/POLICE/AMBULANCE – 999 North Lantau Hospital 3467 7000 Tung Chung Ambulance Depot 2988 8282 Tung Chung Fire Station 2988 1898 Tung Chung Police Station 3661 1694 FOOD & RESTAURANTS Essence Restaurant - Novotel Citygate 3602 8808 Curry Lounge 2960 1977 Handi Indian Restaurant 2988 8674 McDonald’s Delivery 2338 2338 Melody Thai 2988 8129 Moccato Coffee Shop 3602 8838 Olea Restaurant - NovotelCitygate 3602 8818 Pizza Hut Delivery 2330 0000 Resto Restaurant 2886 3156 Velocity Bar and Grill - Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott 3969 1888 HEALTH & BEAUTY Cambridge Weight Management 9576 2147 Hairdresser - Ricky 9882 9741 Max Beauty 2162 5752 MTM Spa 2923 6060 Om Spa 2286 6266 Quan Spa 3969 2188 Radha’s Place 5374 7133 Tung Chung Facial & Nails 9669 9433 HOME REPAIRS & DESIGN Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths

2109 2330 O-Live Decor 8105 2588 Shun Yu Engineering 2988 1488 Tung Chung Handyman - Peter 9161 0348 Towner Interior Design 3113 4968 Wing Shing Interior Design 5403 0363 HOTELS Novotel Citygate 3602 8888 Regal Airport Hotel 2286 8888 Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel 3969 1888

KIDS 4 Dimensions+ (Dance, Gym, Drama, Art) 9446 6013 Clement Art School 9021 1502 Jumping Castles 9662 1747 Little Whale 6310 7074 Kidznjoy 6273 7347 Little Stars Playgroup 6479 0390 Sakura Kids 6674 6194

38 LIFE ON LANTAU August/ September 2017

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MEDICAL Bayside Dental 2185 6550 Essential Health Family Clinic 2109 9396 Human Health Medical Centre 2109 2288 Maternal & Child Health Centre 3575 8370 North Lantau Hospital 3467 7000 Quality HealthCare Medical 2403 6623 Quality HealthCare Physiotherapy 2403 6328 Raffles Medical 2261 2626 Raffles Medical Emergency

2261 0999 Skyline Physiotherapy 2194 4038 PHOTOGRAPHY RedJacq Photography

9313 6887

REAL ESTATE HomeSolutions 3483 5003 REMOVALS & RELOCATIONS Akash Removals 2421 8088 FTC Relocations 2814 1658 ReloSmart 2561 3030 SwiftRelo 2363 4008 RESIDENTIAL ESTATE CONTACTS Caribbean Coast Club House

Caribbean Coast Management Office

Coastal Skyline Club House Coastal Skyline Management Office Seaview Crescent Club House Seaview Crescent Management Office Tung Chung Crescent Club House Tung Chung Crescent Management Office

2109 9277 2109 9288 2179 6678 2179 6621 3473 8700 3473 8833 2403 6770 2109 1222

SPORT & RECREATION Aqua Gym 2914 0658 Asia Pacific Soccer Schools 2385 9677 Canterano Futbol Club 5611 2490 Dance for Joy 9264 8597 Edge ’n Pointe Dance Centre 6688 2167 Epic Tung Chung 2786 9699 ESF Sports 2711 1280 HK Dragons 2987 4274 Kinder Kicks Soccer 2385 9677 KIPMOVIN 6180 3256 La Cantera 2557 8007 Perun Fitness 6443 6597 Pilates Plus 9838 3937 Tennis lessons 6025 7990 Tung Chung Basketball 6355 7674 Ving Tsun 5264 3149 YD Taekwondo Korea 2337 9992 Zumba & Bollywood Dance 6497 8086 USEFUL NUMBERS Alcoholics Anonymous 9073 6922 Arrow Accounting Services 6201 9710 Carpet washing, repairs & sales 2623 0499 Clarinet, saxophone, flute lessons 9413 0498 Dyslexia/Dyscalculia - Patricia Hamlin 6775 9735 Expat Living Hong Kong 3480 7614 FTC Apparel 2428 2566 Phoenix Wills 3100 0101 VETERINARY & PET SITTING SERVICES Bon’s Mobile Pet Grooming Royal Pets Ltd - Pet Sitting Tung Chung Animal Clinic Tung Chung Vet Centre

9099 9959 6314 9887 2988 1534 2328 7282

Add your business - www.lifeonlantau.com

LOCAL NUMBERS

SOUTH LANTAU ART & CULTURE Flanhardt Galerie und Atelier (FGUA)

DISCOVERY BAY 2882 3390

EDUCATION Buddhist Fat Ho College 2985 5365 Kind Hing Trinity International Kindergarten & Nursery 2109 9886 Lantau International Kindergarten 2984 0302 Lantau International School 2980 3676 Lao Shi Lantau Mandarin lessons 5197 4647 Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten 3689 6709 Mindfulness Matters 9048 5425 Mui Wo Owls School & Kindergarten 2984 0006 FOOD & RESTAURANTS Bahçe Turkish Restaurant 2984 0222 Cafe Isara 2470 1966 Caffe Paradiso 2984 0498 China Bear 2984 9720 Como Lake 2984 0009 Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar 3484 3095 Di Jerk Shed 2234 5375 Kebab Korner 6429 3507 Lantana Italian Bistro 5465 5511 Loi Chan Frozen Meat Co. 2984 8346 Long Island 2320 2001 Mavericks 5662 8552 Natural Plus 2984 2233 Tai O Solo Café 9153 7453 The Gallery 2980 2582 The Kitchen 5991 6292 The Stoep @ High Tide 2980 2699 The Water Buffalo 2109 3331 HEALTH & BEAUTY Cambridge Weight Management 2525 7165 Dietitian - Patricia Castle 5690 0366 Pause Studio 9708 0187 Spa Ambiance 2984 2488 Spa Puretouch 2984 0088 HOME REPAIRS & DESIGN New Look Design 9783 5840 Unitek 9156 0360 HOTELS Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

6810 0111 2985 8383

REAL ESTATE HomeSolutions 3483 5003 Findley Leung 2984 8334 RETAIL Quay House 2882 8710 SPORT & RECREATION Lantau Base Camp 5463 6060 Long Coast Seasports 2980 3222 Pause Studio 9708 0187 Treasure Island 2546 3543 TRANSPORT New Lantau Bus Company

2984 9848

USEFUL NUMBERS Alcoholics Anonymous 9073 6922 Phoenix Wills 6108 8471 VETERINARY SERVICES SPCA Mui Wo

2984 0060

COMMUNITY Club Siena DB Recreation Club DB Fire & Ambulance DB Marina Club DB Management

2987 7382 2987 7381 2987 7502 2987 9591 2238 3601

EDUCATION DBIS Kindergarten DBIS Primary School Discovery College Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Mind Primary School Mandarin for Munchkins SKH Wei Lun Primary School Sunshine House International Preschool

2914 2142 2987 7331 3969 1000 2987 8088 2914 2202 2480 3909 2987 8608 2987 8143

FOOD & RESTAURANTS 22˚ North Coyote Mexican Cantina Chef’s Choice Hemingway’s McSorley’s Ale House Uncle Russ - DB Plaza Uncle Russ - DB North Plaza

2987 2298 2987 2848 2172 6111 2987 8855 2987 8280 2682 0068 2682 8110

HEALTH & BEAUTY Afflatus Hair Workshop 2987 0283 Maximum Care 2987 2060 M Spa 2987 0614 Nailed It! 2987 2266

MEDICAL Bayside Dental Practice 2987 0855 DB Medical Centre 2987 5633 Health and Care Dental Clinic 2666 6183 IMI (Integrated Medicine Institute) 2537 1087 Island Health 2987 7575 OT&P Healthcare 2468 3577 Quality Health Physiotherapy 2473 6200 RETAIL Bookazine Little Whale P-Solution Wing On

2987 1373 5690 4960 2987 1777 2987 9268

SPORT & RECREATION Caissa Chess Club d. Be FIT Daruma Sports DB Pirates DMR School of Ballet HK Dragons Football Club Island Dance KIPMOVIN Movement Improvement Harry Wright International The HIT Room Yoga Up

9681 2896 6974 7707 6244 6093 2517 8248 2987 4338 2987 4274 2987 1571 6180 3256 2987 5852 2575 6279 6621 7410 8197 5591

TRANSPORT Hire Car Bookings Passenger Telephone Hotline

2987 6348 2987 0208

PROPERTY LISTINGS AND BOATS AquaBlu Marine Headland Homes HK Boats & Homes Lifestyle Homes & Boats Mandarin Yacht Savills Hong Kong

6017 7802 2987 2088 6055 0146 2914 0888 9142 4343 2987 1919

USEFUL NUMBERS Alcoholics Anonymous Auberge Discovery Bay Hotel Island Veterinary Services

9073 6922 2295 8288 2987 9003

www.lifeonlantau.com

August/ September 2017

LIFE ON LANTAU 39

INSIDER

DAY TRIPPER

View from the North Lookout Pavilion over Tung Wan and the southern peninsula

Need a good reason for taking the easy way out? Hop on a 30-minute ferry from Mui Wo and explore lively and historic Cheung Chau. Jason Pagliari reports

B

Photo by Jason Pagliari

est visited during the week, as it can get swamped at the weekends when tourists sometimes outnumber the island’s population of 30,000, Cheung Chau is famous for its seafood restaurants.

You’ll find the lion’s share on the island’s we st co a st , o n P ra ya S t re e t – t h e waterfront road, near the main ferry pier.

As you sit down to your catch of the day, fishing trawlers and all sorts of smaller craft stretch as far as the eye can see, enhancing the fabulous sea views.

Most of Cheung Chau’s development is centred on a spit of land sandwiched between two hills to the north and south.

Northern Cheung Chau offers up some glorious hiking country but if you’re looking for a leisurely ramble, and excellent views, head south by way of the east-coast beaches, which offer up full facilities and several windsurfing and kayaking centres.

left off the ferry, then right at Kwok Man Road and walk inland past Eggenberg Island Café & Bar to the main beach, Tung Wan. Head towards and past the high-rise Warwick Hotel, with its excellent dim-sum lunch menu, to the next beach, Kwun Yam Wan, perhaps the island’s finest.

From here, you can make your way along Cheung Chau’s Mini Great Wall – you’ll see signposts leading uphill through the jungle and past the Kwun Yam Temple.

This reasonably short stonework trail hugs the south-east coast passing various boulder formations, all with bizarre names such as Human Head Rock, Elephant Rock and Rodent Rock. There’s even a Zombie Rock; well done if you spot the resemblance.

The southern peninsula

At the lookout at the end of the Mini Great Wall, you can either head back to the main ferry pier (turn left at the temple) and take a kai-to to the south coast or continue on foot, up a steep set of stairs.

To make your way to the south-side, turn

Assuming you choose the latter, follow the

40 LIFE ON LANTAU August/ September 2017

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coastal paths and turn left onto Don Bosco Road, towards remote and rugged Nam Tam Wan, with its large temple overlooking (inhabited) Wailingding Island. There are regular informational maps to guide you.

From here, it’s a bit of a walk up and over Peak Road, past the meteorological station and crematorium, to the signposted trail that drops down into truly off-the-beatentrack Pak Tso Bay. This trail follows along the coast and up through a stunning boulder cavern towards gigantic Reclining Rock.

Next stop is Cheung Po Tsai Cave, named after the famous pirate who is said to have hoarded his loot here. Armed with a powerful torch (a phone flashlight won’t do it), you can squeeze vertically down through a narrow opening and pass through the cave to another entrance.

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