Life on Lantau October/November 2019

October / November 2019

WIN! Tickets to Rotten Head Music & Craft Beer Festival and a copy of The Almost True Story of Sandy Primary School

EXPERT GUIDE TO LANTAU’S SNAKES

FENG SHUI FOR THE HOME OFFICE

HIKE WONG LUNG HANG COUNTRY TRAIL

THE

s d a e H n e tt o R

BRINGING COOL MUSIC AND CRAFT BEER TO TUNG CHUNG NEWS & EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

Publishers in Lantau since 2002

You may believe that you have a sound financial plan and feel confident about the future but when was the last time you gave serious thought to your overall financial strategy?

Do you have assets in multiple jurisdictions (bank accounts, property, investments)?

Are your assets invested in a tax eicient manner?

If you died, would your spouse know where all your assets are?

How confident are you that your insurances provide adequate protection for you and your family?

Do you have a suiciently diversified retirement strategy?

Great drinks, great food and great company.

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October / November 2019

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12

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FEATURES

REGULARS

AGENDA

12 PERSONA

23 FENG SHUI

04 LANTAU NEWS

16 DISPATCH

28 LANTAU FACES

Rotten Head Music & Craft Beer Festival organisers Alan Chung and Andrew Spires

Everything you need to know about Lantau’s resident snake population

24 WALKABOUT

Hiking from Mui Wo to Tung Chung via Wong Lung Hang Country Trail

ON THE

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If you have a story idea, email rachel@baymedia.com.hk For general enquiries, email info@baymedia.com.hk To advertise, email corinne@baymedia.com.hk For graphic design, email corinne@baymedia.com.hk

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2 LIFE ON LANTAU October / November 2019

34 LOCAL NUMBERS

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To read the cover story, turn to page 12

There’s more to Halloween than a candy fest with kids dressing up as ghouls and goblins

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Photo by Duey Tam

36 NEED 2 KNOW

33 CLASSIFIEDS

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Alan Chung and Andrew Spires ready to rock Tat Tung Road Park

At a beach clean-up in Tung Chung Bay, at the Lantau Living Festival and on the trails

11 GIVEAWAYS

5

COVER

How to decorate your home office with your success, wellbeing and productivity in mind

OCTOBER 2019

Asia’s wackiest theme parks

2019 / 2020

Eco-friendly decorating James Smith takes up the mantle as DC principal

Time to get serious about the Team FEAR Challenge

FRIGHT NIGHT

Helping kids learn to handle fear (and not just at Halloween)

ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS * THOUGHTS ON ISLAND LIFE

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

PUBLISHER Corinne Jedwood corinne@baymedia.com.hk MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Ainsley rachel@baymedia.com.hk PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Elizabeth Jerabek elizabeth@baymedia.com.hk ART DIRECTION Terry Chow terry@baymedia.com.hk GRAPHIC DESIGNER Duey Tam duey@baymedia.com.hk DIGITAL AND EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Alexander Grasic alexander@baymedia.com.hk SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER Monika Carruthers monika@baymedia.com.hk OFFICE MANAGER Nikki-Ann Yee nikki@baymedia.com.hk PHOTOGRAPHERS Terry Chow terry@baymedia.com.hk Duey Tam duey@baymedia.com.hk CONTRIBUTORS Beverly Au Trisha Hughes Elizabeth Kerr Claire Severn Samantha Wong

CITYGATE OUTLETS’ EXPANSION

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itygate Outlets has nearly doubled its size, thanks to a new extension delivering more shops, more restaurants, more event space and a four-theatre UA Cinema.

General manager Chris Heywood says, “We are very excited to launch our new extension as it will not only solidify our position as the city’s leading premium outlet shopping complex, but also as a haven for unparalleled lifestyle experiences.”

Comprising 800,000 square-feet, Citygate Outlets now delivers over 150 top international brands. Fifty are new to the complex, including fashion labels Versace, Ermenegildo Zegna, ba&sh and Gap. Ten brands have opened their first Hong Kong outlet store in the new wing, including Breitling, Claudie Pierlot, Maje, Reiss, Ted Baker and Theory.

Among the 30+ F&B highlights, new dining options include Guangdong-style Sixa, Beijing’s legendary Xihe Bistro and Nabemono (Japanese hotpot) restaurant Hana. Chun Shui Tang Cultural Tea House has expanded its presence at the mall by opening a second restaurant, and Law Mark Kee is now onboard, offering an exclusive Citygate Outlets menu. There’s also a new food court by Food Republic – Food Opera.

In order to make lifestyle experiences and entertainment a priority, Citygate Outlets’ event space has been increased to include a large atrium for seasonal events and performances, as well as a new outdoor area for weekend markets and exhibitions. The goal is to showcase both local and international talent, as well as homegrown produce and goods.

Added to which UA Cinema is back, with four state-of-the-art theatres, providing over 600 seats and featuring the latest projection and sound technologies.

PRINTING Champion Design & Production Co. Ltd Flat C & D 9/F Sing Teck Factory Bldg 44 Wong Chuk Hang Rd 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.

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A five-star boutique hotel, The Silveri Hong Kong – MGallery by Sofitel, is coming soon.

LANTAU NEWS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

HONG KONG PROTESTS

S

ome of the most intense clashes yet seen in the city’s six-month-old political crisis have occurred at Hong Kong International Airport, the world’s third busiest by passenger numbers. The crisis was triggered by a controversial extradition bill that would allow suspects to be tried in mainland China. The bill has been withdrawn but the protests continue and now include demands for universal suffrage and an independent inquiry into police conduct.

Photos by Terry Chow www.lifeonlantau.com

October / November 2019

LIFE ON LANTAU 5

LANTAU NEWS

WHAT’S HOT

JENNY’S MAP

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i t h 3 0 ye a rs o f Lantau living under her belt (13 of them at Ark Eden’s ecoeducation and permaculture community), Jenny Quinton is taking her mission to save Lantau to the next level. Her current focus is Lantau Green Jewel, an inclusive community-based project to support, protect and restore the biodiversity and the iconic plants and animals of Lantau.

Photo courtesy of Tania Willis

To help fund conservation efforts, Jenny has partnered with illustrator Tania Willis, a former Lantau resident of 25 years, to create a customised version of Tania’s Lantau Map illustration.

Jenny Quinton’s personalised Lantau Map

“I first drew the map about seven years ago to celebrate a friend’s wedding,” says Tania. “Since then, Lantau residents have commissioned personalised versions with icons and locations showing things that are significant to their lives. It’s been particularly popular as a Lantau leaving present. I made a special map for Jenny’s birthday a couple of years ago, which she loved, so when we talked about fundraising, suddenly the map had found its true calling.”

LANTAU SINGERS

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or community choristers The Lantau Singers Christmas is just around the corner, and every Wednesday evening finds them rehearsing hard at Silvermine Bay School in Mui Wo for their festive performances.

Photo courtesy of Sui Ming Chu

“Singing at the Mui Wo Ferry Pier in the lead-up to Christmas has become a tradition for us,” says keen chorister Charmian Woodhouse.

“We sing as the gates open and it’s amazing to see tired commuters walking out with huge smiles on their faces. Some stay to sing carols with us. Last year, we sang five times for different ferries. It was great.

You can purchase a print of the Lantau Map from TaniaWillisPrints (etsy.com) or VIBE Book & Music store in Mui Wo (www.vibehk.com) for HK$520. All profits will be used to support the Lantau Green Jewel project. To find out more, visit www.taniawillis.com, head to the Lantau Green Jewel Facebook page, or email Jenny at info@lantaugreenjewel.org.

are no auditions. “We have experienced choir singers and people who are trying it for the first time,” says Charmian. “Sui Ming Chu, our choir director, is a concert pianist and she loves to share music with people.

She’s fantastic at helping everyone in the choir.”

The Lantau Singers are performing at the Mui Wo Ferry Pier on December 4. To join the choir and for updates on its Christmas event schedule, visit The Lantau Singers Facebook page or WhatsApp Charmian Woodhouse on 9339 8972.

“We’re looking for people to join our choir and we’d like to see it grow,” she adds. “People are discovering that singing together is excellent for their health and wellbeing; it really makes people happy. There is something incredible about singing with other people and working together towards a goal.”

The choir sings at community events and festivals throughout the year and it’s open to anyone who would like to join. No previous experience is necessary (you don’t even have to be able to read music) and there 6 LIFE ON LANTAU October / November 2019

www.lifeonlantau.com

The Lantau Singers at Mui Wo Ferry Pier last December

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LANTAU NEWS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

JAZZ ON THE BEACH

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he 2019 edition of Jazz on the Beach, at Treasure Island Beach Club on October 5, promises to be another big hit, filled with positive vibes for Hong Kong, for jazz lovers, for jazz musicians and for everyone who loves chilling out and listening to music by the beach.

Photo courtesy of Treasure Island Group

“In the last 12 months, Hong Kong and places around the world have struggled with events where people were hurt, pain was caused and relationships were damaged.

Yet as humans, we continue to survive and thrive,” says organiser Joyce Peng, of former SoHo music lounge Joyce Is Not Here fame. “With this year’s Jazz on the Beach, we want to continue spreading the positive message of ‘Love Wins. Love Always Wins’ through music.

Internationally celebrated jazz musicians Sybil Thomas and Kevin Guffy are set to make an appearance, along with in-demand local jazz vocalist Elaine Liu. Café 852 is performing live tango, milonga and gypsy music, and with Fusion Five, band leader Lloyd Yamid is introducing an international line-up of top Hong Kong-based musicians, playing original and innovative jazz fusion with a hint of Latin and rock.

Enjoy Jazz on the Beach on October 5 in Pui O

As always sustainability and environmental protection is high on Treasure Island Group’s agenda and this year’s Jazz on the Beach is themed ‘Save the environment to save lives and protect our future.’

“Taking care of the environment is not just an obligation – our lives depend on it. We are at the helm to make changes and protect the world we live in. Jazz on the Beach brings together music with this mission,” says Joyce.

“When enjoying the music, take a moment to reflect on what each one of us can do to protect our environment. Soak in the beautiful sunset, see the water buffaloes lazing on the beach, take a dip in the water and enjoy everything Pui O Beach has to offer. This is what we need to protect.”

Jazz on the Beach is a ticket only event. For more information and tickets, visit www.jazzonthebeachhk.com.

RACING CALENDAR October/ November

18-19/10

26/10

3/11

Barclays MoonTrekker

Salomon Lantau Trail 70

MSIG Summits

Mui Wo to Cheung Sha

Starts and finishes at Mui Wo

Mui Wo to Tai O

50K, 40K or 30K. Race up and over Lantau Peak before sunrise

70K. Complete the Lantau Trail loop, passing over Lantau and Sunset peaks

50K, 27K or 17K. Race the length of Lantau, ascending all its major peaks

www.barclaysmoontrekker.com

www.thetrailhub.com

tgr.run

8 LIFE ON LANTAU October / November 2019

www.lifeonlantau.com

SPONSORED INSIDER CONTENT

Progressive Sports Asia:

Innovative and Technical Sports Coaching for Kids

A

lthough football is often described as ‘the beautiful game,’ Dirk Haddow and Barry Brown, co-founders of Progressive Sports Asia (PSA), have used their considerable experience to build coaching programmes that are more science than art.

As almost any renowned expert in his field will tell you, the recipe for success largely consists of discipline and practice, with maybe a soupçon of natural talent or ability. Often initial affinity is what ignites a lifelong love of a sport but, if that is the spark, then practice and discipline are the real fuel for the fire.

Between Dirk and Barry, PSA has a combined 30+ years of experience coaching kids to excellence – on and off the football pitch – by perfecting the method of practice, correction and repetition.

Photo courtesy of Progressive Sports Asia

Over his 12-year coaching career, Dirk has gained a wealth of experience both as a parent and coach and has built relationships with Hong Kong and English professional teams, as well as UK schools with pathways into football. UEFA B-licenced Barry has been coaching for 19 years, previously with UK academies and as ESF Football Programme Manager in Hong Kong. Barry has also completed professional development courses on growth mindset, emotional intelligence and person-centred coaching.

Building on their experience, Dirk and Barry have created two programmes to enable children to be the best they can at football and other sports, while encouraging them to enjoy physical activity and improve their physical wellbeing.

Besides working on hundreds of skills and ball mastery drills, players practice dynamic high-intensity drills that encourage a lot of touches of the ball in short periods of time. In an average training session, a player may touch the ball 200 times. With Tekkerz, players touch the ball 200 times in the first five minutes, and over 1,000 times in a session. That can only be good for a player – it’s not how long you train that counts, it’s how you train to maximise learning.

Tekkerz also encourages practice through its revolutionary Player Development Platform (PDP). Players and parents get access to a video-skills library separated into 12 levels, from beginner to advanced, with players receiving certificates for mastering each level. The aim is simple – to encourage children to practice as much as they can, and get the parents involved. After all, that initial affinity is often influenced by a parent’s love of a sport.

Through the PSA programmes, practice really does make perfect.

FIND IT

Dirk Haddow and Barry Brown

PSA’s Dynamic Movement programme (group or one-on-one) uses circuit and high-intensity interval training to help students and athletes (of any age and of all sports) to develop and increase their speed, agility, balance, quickness and coordination.

For the new season, Tekkerz is running boys and girls programmes from U5 to U14 at various locations including the Discovery College and DB North Plaza pitches, in partnership with DB Angels and Discovery Bay International School.

Meanwhile Tekkerz, the programme PSA is best known for, is an intense ‘maximum touch’ football programme designed to develop the technical skills and overall game play of individual players of all ages starting from U5.

Progressive Sports Asia, 9770 4548 (Dirk), 9043 3095 (Barry), admin@prosportsasia.com, train@tekkerzfootball.com, Progressive Sports Asia Facebook page, www.prosportsasia.com

10 LIFE ON LANTAU October / November 2019

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WIN TICKETS TO ROTTEN HEAD MUSIC & CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

Here’s your chance to win great prizes!

GIVEAWAYS

WIN A SIGNED LIMITED-

Life on Lantau prizes are incredibly easy to EDITION COPY OF THE get your hands on, and you have until October 10 to apply.

ALMOST TRUE STORY OF Simply scan the barcode, or go to Rotten Head Music & Craft Beer Festival is SANDY PRIMARY SCHOOL www.lifeonlantau.com/giveaways, offering two readers a pair of tickets, each select the giveaway you want, James Lambert, vice-principal of Lantau worth HK$350, to the all-new family-friendly and enter your details International School, is offering two readers event at Tat Tung Road Park, Tung Chung on into the online form.

a signed limited-edition copy of his children’s book The Almost True Story of Sandy Primary School, each worth HK$150.

October 26.

www.kevinku.com

Rotten Head Music & Craft Beer Festival is set to deliver pop-up shows, the Handmade Hong Kong market, food stalls, a baby disco and kids’ area.

There are 10 music acts on the bill and 10 local craft breweries are showcasing 30 of their labels. It’s HK$350 on the door, kids under 12 get in for free, and 12- to 17-year-olds pay HK$120. To find out more, visit www.rottenheadfest.com.

Photo courtesy of James Lambert

Aimed at children aged eight to 12, the book is a hilarious yarn about a school located right on a beach, and its slightly bonkers teachers, students and parents. When the school is flattened by Hurricane Soft and Fluffy, the children of Mr Bell’s class are asked to redesign it and hilarity ensues.

The Almost True Story of Sandy Primary School, published by Austin Macauley UK, is available on Amazon, at Bookazine and at VIBE Book & Music store in Mui Wo.

Congratulations to last issue’s winners Daniel Ashcroft and Lindsay McKenzie for day passes to Hong Kong Disneyland.

Photos by Duey Tam

PERSONA

o t n e tt o R e r o C e th Andrew Spires and Alan Chung are looking to blaze a trail in Tung Chung events with the inaugural Rotten Head Music & Craft Beer Festival.

Elizabeth Kerr reports

12  LIFE ON LANTAU October / November 2019

www.lifeonlantau.com

H

ong Kong native Alan Chung and London transplant Andrew Spires may be fathers to young children but they’re not dead. Like any thirtysomething professionals living in Tung Chung, they enjoy a Sunday afternoon pint in 35ºC weather. What they really want, though, is a way to grab a beer and check out some live music at the same time.

“Alan and I were sitting in the park with our kids saying, ‘There’s nothing to do in Tung Chung on the weekend.’ In DB, you’ll see there’s always a charity event, or a fun run, or something going on,” recalls Andrew of the chat just around 18 months ago that gave birth to the forthcoming Rotten Head Music & Craft Beer Festival. He shakes his head in amazed disbelief, words escaping the otherwise chatty Brit. “In Tung Chung there’s nothing.

We have triple the population and nothing happening.”

That will change on October 26 when Rotten Head (literally, lan as in ‘bad’ or ‘rotten’, and tau as in ‘head’) makes its debut. Tapping into Hong Kong’s burgeoning festival culture, Alan and Andrew have cooked up a plan to marry music, craft beer, artisanal product, children’s amusements and food in one giant event and host it at Tat Tung Road Park (next to the cable car station).

The chief festival dudes

in Tung Chung and on Lantau,” says Alan. And the quicker people come to realise this Saturday in the park isn’t about Bacchanalia, the chief festival dudes expect even more interest. “The festival drinking culture is a fairly new thing,” Andrew says. “The point is not to get drunk, it’s to have a beer and enjoy the music and the vibe.”

If anyone can make Rotten Head work, it’s Alan and Andrew, a dynamic duo ideal for the job. Both are deceptively easy-going, quick with a joke and the right balance of constantly asking “Why?” needed to pull it off.

Alan is a native Hongkonger, who headed back home in 2009 after finishing university in the UK. He met his wife, teacher Rebecca, here.

Surrey-born Andrew landed in the SAR with his Hongkonger wife Nancy, a PR pro, four years ago. Both were bored.

Between them they have four kids, from two months to four years old.

Alan is a marketing exec who tends to think in business terms. Andrew is the artist, a newly freelancing graphic designer and stay-at-home dad.

(He resigned from his post as senior graphic designer for this magazine and Around DB just a few months ago.)

“Tung Chung needs some action, and live music is phenomenal. Hong Kong is really lacking in live music”

“We thought, ‘Should we just organise a massive party?’ In our first idea we were thinking big, and very quickly we realised that was a bit too ambitious,” says Alan, referring to early plans for multiple locations (France, Germany, etc) and multiple themes. The logistics of it all turned the Rotten Head bosses – “chief festival dudes, thanks” – off going big in year one, as did the combination of a crowded event calendar and nearly prohibitive costs.

On the former front, The Big Picnic (TBP) in Discovery Bay and Clockenflap in Central come just a few weeks later, and Hong Kong is littered with the corpses of festivals that couldn’t find a way to hang on due to either cost, location or public complaint. Remember Rockit in Causeway Bay? Didn’t think so.

Arguably though, the ongoing Hong Kong protests have compelled Hongkongers to look inward for a change, and take a bit of pride in all things hometown. As such, Rotten Head’s hyper-local identity is garnering a fair amount of attention.

“A lot of people really ‘get’ it. As soon as they hear ‘local’ they’re interested. We’re trying to provide a platform to promote business

Alan calls himself and Andrew “a little mad” for trying to create another festival event, but Andrew doesn’t see TBP and Clockenflap as obstacles so much as complements. “Tung Chung needs some action, and live music is phenomenal. Hong Kong is really lacking in live music. So, anything you can do to promote live music in Hong Kong is a good thing,” he says.

What’s on tap?

So, what’s on tap (pun intended) for the first Rotten Head? The vibe will include a kids’ zone featuring a dance area and art jamming among other activities, a Handmade Hong Kong craft market just in time for holiday gifting, and Indian, Filipino and vegetarian food stalls – ideally all free of single-use plastics, a challenge in itself.

“We’re working with Dana Winograd of Plastic Free Seas to create the best eco-festival possible,” Andrew says. “Dana is realistic about the expense and effort involved but has urged us to either try and find alternatives to plastic or to reuse. We’ll be serving beer in plastic reusable cups that were used at the Hong Kong Sevens.

We're getting 10,000. People will pay a HK$10 deposit to get a cup on the way in, then they’ll be given a fresh one each time they get a drink. Once finished, they return their final cup to get their HK$10 back. Reusing what has already been made is the answer!” www.lifeonlantau.com

October / November 2019

LIFE ON LANTAU 13



PERSONA

But the headliners for the day will, of course, be the beer and the music. The 10-strong musical line-up includes local favourites The Sleeves, The Pistons, Glen Alfred and Case Sensitive, with Macau-based The Voice China contestant Ari Clan winding down the evening.

“Alan and my music tastes vary depending on the mood and the situation, and we thought the music at the festival should reflect that,” says Andrew. “We wanted a real mix of big rock classics, punk, indie, and blues – really something for everyone. There will

be bands, like The Sleeves, playing original music, and Ari Clan who’ll be doing a funk mix of new material and popular covers, and 852 will be hitting an upbeat yet soulful note with their nine-piece band… guaranteed to get you up and dancing.”

While all this is happening, festival-goers can chill with a refreshing beverage from any of the 10 local craft breweries showing off nearly 30 choices, among them Moonzen, Gweilo, Hong Kong Whistle, Yardley, Water Buffalo and Brew Commons.

Rotten Head as yet has no sponsors, so Alan and Andrew are hoping to cover costs with box office. Early bird tickets were priced at a reasonable HK$250 – which could get you two weekend movie tickets (but nothing in 3D) or three months of Netflix so you can watch Friends, again – and it’s HK$300 for advanced admission and HK$350 on the door. Kids under 12 get in for free, and 12- to 17-year-olds pay HK$120.

Word about Rotten Head is getting around; Spotify has been “sniffing about.” And both Andrew and Alan would love to see the first festival lead to more, particularly if it gives Hong Kong talent a platform. Alan admits a higher ticket price and a commercial beer sponsor might help pay the bills, but that would defeat the purpose.

Alan and Andrew with their kids in Tat Tung Road Park

“We may not make that much money,” he finishes, “but I think it’s worth it if it gets people to come.

DISPATCH

neS t of

Photos courtesy of William Sargent & www.wikimedia.org

vipe rs

There’s a reason Lantau is full of ophiophilists, as Beverly Au discovers when she sits down with local government snake catcher William Sargent

H

ong Kong is home to some 50 species of snake, including the tiny 10-centimetre Common Blind Snake, the giant Burmese Python (up to 8 metres) and the world’s largest venomous snake, the King Cobra (up to 5 metres). You could live in a built-up area without ever seeing one but in the more rural areas of Lantau we live in very close proximity to them.

Hiking through long grass or overgrown trails, you’ve a fair chance of encountering a White-Lipped Pit Viper (Bamboo Snake) waiting for his prey. Picking up a pile of wood in the garden, you might startle a Chinese Cobra who is busy digesting his food. Walking in rural areas at night, you could step on an unseen Banded Krait.

This is all very well for ophiophilists but what if you are an ophiophobe? Government snake catcher William Sargent, who has lived on Lantau since he was a boy, provides the lowdown on Hong Kong’s snake population, and in so doing reveals that there’s really very little to fear.

16 LIFE ON LANTAU October / November 2019

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King Cobra

“Snake bites in Hong Kong are rare and the number has dropped considerably in recent years,” William opens.

“There used to be around 300 bites a year in the ’90s. That number has come down to less than 150 now, as Hong Kong’s economy has become less agriculture based. The majority happen at night, in rural areas or on trails, when people don’t see them and end up stepping on them.

There hasn’t been a recorded death in decades.”

It sounds obvious, but if you happen upon a snake, don’t be tempted to pick it up or try to kill it. “Snakes will only bite defensively, so if you don’t bother them, they’re unlikely to bother you,” says William. “Most hide in the bushes, in the hope that you won’t come near them.”

If you want to lessen your chances of a snake encounter in your garden, William advises you to clear away debris and places for them to hide. Cut back undergrowth and trim tree branches away from the roof or windows; be aware that water attracts frogs (snake food) and rubbish attracts rats (more snake food).

Explaining that many snake species are adapted to a particular type of habitat, William says: “Some snakes are nearly only found on Lantau Peak or Tai Mo Shan (Mountain Pit Viper), others prefer forests (Greater Green Snake) or farmland. Some are found in marshes (Checkered Keelback) or streams (Anderson’s Stream Snake). The Rufous Burrowing Snake likes to dig in the dirt and the Cat Snake likes to climb trees. The most commonly seen – Rat Snakes (we have four types) and Cobras – are found in most natural habitats.”

How dangerous is Hong Kong’s snake population?

William with a Burmese Python

Hong Kong has some very toxic snakes, however it’s important to bear in mind that there is a difference between danger and toxicity. Contrary to common belief, there are no ‘certain death’ species in Hong Kong and fatalities are almost non-existent. The last recorded snake-bite death in Hong Kong occurred over 20 years ago.

There are seven commonly found land snakes that can cause serious medical issues if they bite you and inject venom (envenomation): White-Lipped Pit Viper, Chinese Cobra, King Cobra, Many Banded Krait, Banded Krait, Red Neck Keelback and MacClelland’s Coral Snake. In addition, there are two other species that are rarely seen, but can cause toxic bites – the Mountain Pit Viper and Pointed-Scale Viper.

The vast majority of recorded venomous snake bites in Hong Kong come from the White-Lipped Pit Viper. These beautiful bright-green ambush hunters rely on their camouflage to disguise them from their prey and they can remain motionless for hours. Their bite can be very painful and cause localised tissue damage.

White-Lipped Pit Viper 

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October / November 2019

LIFE ON LANTAU 17

DISPATCH

“By far the most common extremely toxic snake in Hong Kong is the Chinese Cobra, which grows to about 1.5 metres and can be found in most habitats during the day or night,” says William.

“They are prolific on account of their less specific food and habitat requirements, in other words, they eat nearly anything including other reptiles, frogs and mammals. They have a sleek, stocky black or tan body, and an easily recognisable white marking behind their head (like a batman logo or smiley face).”

Pui O’s picturesque mudflats at low tide

What do I do if I get bitten?

In the very unlikely chance that you get bitten by a snake, remain calm and get yourself to the nearest accident and emergency department straight away. In order to administer the appropriate treatment, it’s useful for the hospital staff to know which type of snake you’ve been bitten by. So, while you should calmly move away from the snake, if you are able to get a good look at it, or take a quick photo, that will help.

Blind Snake

“Venomous snake bites can be extremely serious and can inflict permanent injuries, but if you get to a hospital quickly (in under an hour) it will dramatically reduce the chances of major complications,” William says. “Hong Kong has world-class treatment for bites; even in the case of highly toxic snakes, treatment is extremely effective.”

William has some first-aid tips for anyone who’s been bitten and is on their way to hospital. “If you are bitten by a White-Lipped Pit Viper, elevate the bite and do not wrap the bite site as this will concentrate the venom,” he advises. “White-Lipped Pit Vipers have hemotoxic venom, which attacks blood and tissue, so it’s preferable to allow it to dilute in your body to reduce tissue damage. Cobras, Kraits and Coral Snakes are part of a family of snakes with potent venom which attacks the nervous system, therefore slowing the spread of the venom through light bandages over the bite site is recommended.”

Banded Krait

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MacClelland’s Coral Snake

18 LIFE ON LANTAU October / November 2019

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DISPATCH

How do I overcome ophidiophobia?

Fear of snakes is widespread, and some researchers believe phobias related to reptiles (and snakes specifically) are evolutionary, developed by our ancestors as a survival mechanism. But, having grown up around Lantau snakes and developed a real passion for them, William believes their bad reputation is hugely exaggerated, especially in developed countries where snake bites are far less of a healthcare issue.

“Snakes are so understudied and misunderstood, and there’s so much myth around them. Logic and statistics don’t come into fear,” he reasons when trying to explain the often-misplaced fear of snakes. “As with anything, if you don’t understand it and there is potential danger, people often panic or think the worst.

“Unlike our bovine or aquatic mammal friends, reptiles – particularly snakes – have very little in the way of community understanding or support. The general lack of knowledge of these fascinating creatures has led to hysteria in some cases, and encounters that often don’t end well for our scaly wildlife.”

William believes that the best way to overcome ophidiophobia is to educate yourself about snakes and observe them at first hand.

He advises we attend one of his snake talks or safaris, talk to other experts or do some basic online research at home. A visit to Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden in Tai Po, a haven for injured and captured snakes, can also be helpful.

A 4.5-metre Burmese Python (the biggest on record in Hong Kong) at Shui Hau Beach

Instead of fearing snakes, William wants people to understand that they fill a vital role in the ecosystem, and that killing one species can affect others. In China, nearly all of the larger snake species are classed as vulnerable, threatened or endangered. In Hong Kong, the only protected snake is the Burmese Python.

“It’s all about getting educated and knowing more about snakes,” William says. “When you see a snake in the wild, in its natural habitat, it’s a fascinating and beautiful creature. I have taken people out in the field to photograph snakes, and very quickly their reaction goes from ‘Yuk!’ or ‘OMG!’ to ‘Wow, that’s a fascinating creature, I didn’t know that… Can I go with you again?’”

FIND IT

Burmese Python

20 LIFE ON LANTAU October / November 2019

www.lifeonlantau.com

If you would like to learn more about Hong Kong’s snakes, the Hong Kong Snake Facebook page, set up by William in 2016, is a good resource, filled with pictures and videos of snakes, most posted by people seeking help to identify a species. William also runs occasional snake safaris and talks, and you can contact him at williamsargent@moontrekker.com.

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FENG SHUI

FENG SHUI: The home office

By Samantha Wong

Y

our home office or study mirrors your career and money coming in, so it’s important to design it right. Start with the basics: unclutter your space (clutter drains your energy), improve your lighting system (especially if you often feel tired), and clear the air (stagnant air is demotivating). A ceiling fan or desk fountain will help get the sheng chi (beneficial energy) flowing.

You are decorating your home office with your success, wellbeing and productivity in mind, so make sure it makes you feel energised and inspired. Include meaningful family mementos and career memorabilia that make you feel successful, appreciated and happy.

You need to prioritise comfort, so invest in an ergonomically designed chair and a solid feng shui-approved desk. Avoid glass desks, feng shui says they are too unstable. Metal desks are great for focus, but they are cold and impersonal, so add a tablecloth or wooden bowl. A wooden desk will boost your creativity, but the wood element carries a frenetic, scattered energy, so place a cool, calm lepidolite crystal near your computer. This will help you concentrate, while also shielding you from electromagnetic pollution.

It’s important that your back isn’t facing the door when you sit at your desk. If you can’t see the door, you will miss out on opportunities and find that colleagues are talking about you behind your back. If for some reason you have to sit with your back to the door, place a mirror on your desk so you can see what’s behind you.

You want to have a clear view of the door but you don’t want to sit too close to it or right opposite it. Why? Because the energy that rushes in through a door is too strong. If you can’t comply with this rule, place a small bell near the door, or a plant between your desk and the door.

There should be a solid wall behind you to provide support. If you have your back to a window, you can stop the incoming energy ‘stabbing’ you in the back by hanging a picture of a mountain or a tortoise beside the window. Importantly too, don’t face a wall, this will mean that you are facing obstacles. If you can’t avoid this, create your own window by hanging a picture of a beautiful view on the wall in front of your desk.

Green, the feng shui colour of wealth and success, is your go-to colour when decorating your home office. Use green on the walls and be sure to bring in a couple of houseplants. Jade, bamboo and all succulents are wealth-symbolic plants, and they represent creativity and growth.

Photo courtesy of Paul Hanaoka - unsplash.com

Areas to activate and desk placement Next up, there are three areas you need to activate to boost your career and to do this you need a compass. Stand in your office and locate true north. This space represents your career, so decorate it with black or mirrored accessories. Now activate the southeast corner, representing wealth, by incorporating items that speak to you of money or introducing a plant. Boost the office’s south area, representing fame and reputation, with anything red. Note that encouraging your cat to hang out in your office will also help you gain recognition because animals possess powerful red-fire energy.

Now all you need to do is position your desk correctly. It needs to be in the powerful command position, diagonally opposite the door. If this is not possible, place it in the southwest of your office. This is also a corner of power.

If you’re looking for recognition, encourage your cat to hang out on your desk www.lifeonlantau.com

October / November 2019

LIFE ON LANTAU 23

WALKABOUT SPOTLIGHT

Into

the mystic Moving from a mighty mountain pass into a verdant, waterfall-draped valley, this hike from Mui Wo to Tung Chung is a little out of the ordinary. Beverly Au tries it out

Photos by Terry Chow, Martin Lerigo & Nikki Spurdle

T

he cooler weather has kicked in, the sky is crystal clear, and I’ve decided to hike, with a couple of friends, right across the centre of Lantau from Mui Wo to Tung Chung. It’s a Sunday and we plan to have a leisurely brunch overlooking Silvermine Bay, before picking up our supplies and walking over to the ‘new town.’

Looking at the map, we shortlist a number of different hiking trails that will get us where we want to go. But, which to choose? What’s our aim for the day? That’s easy. We want to stretch our legs and breathe some clean air into our lungs, and we want to soak up some beautiful scenery, somewhere remote.

The route that meanders up the lower slopes of Sunset Peak and then down through lush Wong Lung Hang Valley jumps out at us.

Without being a madly athletic challenge, it looks to be a decent hike punctuated by some steep climbs up and down. More importantly, we are promised incredible views of Lantau’s coastline and multipeaked mountain range, with a walk through a green and verdant valley thrown in. And there’s the possibility of a dip in a rockpool once we get close to Tung Chung.

24 LIFE ON LANTAU October / November 2019

www.lifeonlantau.com

On the lower slopes of Sunset Peak

The mighty mountain pass Setting out from Mui Wo, we take a bus to Nam Shan picnic site rather than trek the 3 kilometres or so up South Lantau Road.

There’s nothing really exciting about this stretch of road, so we decide to save ourselves for the good stuff that’s coming.

Alighting at Nam Sham, a big, wooden arch marks the start of the Lantau Trail, and we begin our hike by following the yellow waymarkers that point towards Sunset Peak. The path starts off gently, with a pleasant stroll through indigenous trees planted by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. We take the time to read the display information and learn something about the project and the homegrown trees lining our way.

From here, the trail starts to wind steeply up and the going gets fairly tough. We are grateful for the thick jungle foliage over our heads, which provides some much-needed shade. We realise how quickly we have made it into the wilds when a herd of goats crosses our path, in search of grass on the slopes above.

After 30 minutes or so, we break through the jungle canopy and hit the open slopes. This section of the Lantau Trail slices through a magnificently barren and craggy landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. We spot 869-metre Sunset Peak ahead and just behind it to its left, 934-metre Lantau Peak. The views along the South Lantau coast, back to Mui Wo and down to Pui O, are simply stunning.

Waterfall in Wong Lung Hang Valley

As the path continues its ascent, it’s traversed by a series of clear mountain streams. Cascading down from the upper slopes, these streams feed Shek Pik Reservoir via the large catchment near the bottom of the mountain.

On reaching a gulley between Sunset Peak and Lin Fa Shan, we follow the signs for Sunset Peak and, within 10 minutes, we see a small, wooden pavilion. Here, you can opt to keep straight to reach the summit, or take a right, following the sign to Wong Lung Hang Road. At this point, we know we are about to enter Wong Lung Hang Valley, which tumbles all the way down to Tung Chung.

The enchanted valley The path descends steeply at first through groves of giant bamboo and acacia, and the going is hard on the legs. As we navigate the trail’s many twists and turns, we are rewarded by glimpses of glittering waterfalls cascading to the valley floor below. We’d hoped to come across barking deer on this stretch of the walk, trotting down to the rockpools for some fresh mountain water, but the notoriously shy little critters allude us.

View of Pui O and the South Lantau coast

The path is well-designated as we continue our descent. About halfway down, we are rewarded by a breath-taking view across the valley, towards Lin Fa Shan. On a clear day like today, you can truly appreciate the scale and breadth of the valley. www.lifeonlantau.com

October / November 2019

LIFE ON LANTAU 25



WALKABOUT Here the descent becomes even steeper and eventually we come to concrete steps, connecting with Wong Lung Hang Road. We turn left towards Tung Chung. This isn’t a high point of the hike in terms of natural wonders, but at least there’s no traffic. Wong Lung Hang Road is a closed Water Supplies Department access road for a sealed reservoir higher up the valley.

After about 10 minutes, we keep our eyes peeled for a mountain stream on our right that speeds down the valley before making its way to the sea. It’s easy to miss, so listen out for the sound of running water. People living in nearby Yat Tung Estate like to come here to collect fresh water.

Next, we look out for a layby on the right, beyond which is a small path that cuts through to a large, inviting rockpool. Clean and cold, the pool shimmers under the dappled sunlight, and it’s an amazing place to have a swim.

Cannons at Tung Chung Fort pointing directly at Yat Tung Estate

The old fort After this refreshing break, we head back to Wong Lung Hang Road and turn right towards Tung Chung. After five minutes or so, we turn left on to Tung Chung Road, right by Yat Tung Estate, and decide to make a detour to visit Tung Chung Fort. It’s well signposted and lies just a little further ahead on the left.

Waterfall in Wong Lung Hang Valley

At the end of a path between some village houses, we see the entrance to Tung Chung Fort, a seldom visited relic of Hong Kong’s seafaring past. Built in the 12th century Southern Song Dynasty, it has gone through many incarnations since then, with the current structure dating to 1843, when it was resurrected as a defence against pirates.

Despite being a unique piece of local history and home to the Tung Chung Rural Committee, the fort is pretty dilapidated, so don’t expect too much. What is interesting, however, is that the six remaining cannons point directly at Yat Tung Estate. I wonder what a feng shui master would make of that.

A rockpool near journey’s end

26 LIFE ON LANTAU October / November 2019

www.lifeonlantau.com

As we make our way towards Tung Chung Citygate for a well-earned bite to eat, I realise we’ve spent the day almost totally alone. We bumped into a group of hikers on the Lantau Trail, who were making their way down from Sunset Peak, but apart from that we haven’t seen a soul, not in the valley, not at the rockpool and certainly not at the fort. What a great way to start the week!

LANTAU FACES

e ould lik If you w tured os fea t o h p your to see email page, is h t on .hk ia.com d e m y ba duey@

COMMUNITY SNAPS August 17 marked the inaugural MoonTrekker Mangrove Clean-up at Tung Chung Bay. This family-friendly event, in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, provided an opportunity for participants to give back and learn more about the importance of shoreline estuaries.

Find more familiar faces @ www.lifeonlantau.com

28  LIFE ON LANTAU October / November 2019

www.lifeonlantau.com

Photos by Terry Chow www.lifeonlantau.com

October / November 2019

LIFE ON LANTAU  29

LANTAU FACES

e ould lik If you w tured os fea t o h p your to see email page, is h t n o .hk ia.com d e m y ba duey@

Competitors in the ‘relaxed’ 18-kilometre SunTrekker on August 31 ran and hiked some of Lantau’s most beautiful coastal trails. Part of the proceeds from the race were donated to Gary Stokes’ new NGO OceansAsia.org, and everyone enjoyed a barbecue and New Zealand craft beers at the finish.

Find more familiar faces @ www.lifeonlantau.com

Photos courtesy of SunTrekker

On August 25 and September 1, as part of the Lantau Living Festival, a series of community-based activities were on offer in Mui Wo. Residents enjoyed cookery and drawing classes, yoga, tea-tasting and a historical walking tour.

Find more familiar faces @ www.lifeonlantau.com

Photos courtesy of Lantau Siu Yin

30 LIFE ON LANTAU October / November 2019

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34 LIFE ON LANTAU October / November 2019

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www.lifeonlantau.com

October / November 2019

LIFE ON LANTAU 35

NEED 2 KNOW

Wicked !

There’s more to Halloween than a candy fest with kids dressing up as ghouls and goblins. Trisha Hughes reveals six things you need to know about the Day of the Dead

Photo by Tony Hernandez - unsplash.com

1

2 3

Halloween has been called by many names, and for centuries it’s been considered one of the most magical nights of the year. The original word ‘Hallowe’en’ actually means ‘hallowed evening’ and the last day of October has also been called All Hallows’ Eve, Day of the Dead, All Saints’ Eve and Samhain (Summer’s End).

The Celts believed that the normal laws of space and time were held in abeyance on October 31, allowing a window to open where the spirit world could intermingle with the living. Many believed it was a night when the dead could cross the veils and physically return to the land of the living.

As such, burial mounds were lit at midnight, so that the spirits of the dead could find their way in the darkness. Out of this ancient tradition comes one of our most famous icons of the holiday: the Jack-o-lantern.

The Jack-o-lantern was used as a light for the lost soul of Jack, a notorious trickster, stuck between worlds. Originally, Celts placed candles in hollowed-out turnips to help guide Jack’s spirit home. Hence the term: Jack-o-lantern. Later, when immigrants came to the new world, pumpkins were more readily available, and so carved-out pumpkins holding a lit candle served the same function.

36 LIFE ON LANTAU October / November 2019

www.lifeonlantau.com

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In one sense, Halloween was a celebration of plenty, of the autumn harvest. There was, however, the other face of the festival – it ushered in winter. Halloween was the feast that prefaced months of darkness, cold and hunger. What was coming was the season of death – not just of leaves, flowers and light, but of humans, as more would perish in the winter than at any other time of year. That was why Halloween was widely regarded as the time when the spirits of darkness and fear, the evil and malevolent forces of nature, were let loose upon the earth.

People reacted to this forbidding prospect in two different ways. In ancient times, Halloween was the festival of prophecy in which people gathered together and most frequently tried to predict the future. In premodern times, the prediction most often sought was who would live through the winter. Bonfires were lit for protection and torches carried around homes and fields sun-wise, from east to west. The flames, smoke and even the ashes were deemed to have protective and cleansing powers.

Another reaction was to mock darkness and fear by singing songs about spirits and lighting candles on the graves of the dead. In the 16th century, people began going from house to house impersonating the souls of the dead. They recited verses or songs and received offerings on their behalf, usually a small round cake called a soul cake. Trick or treat?