FAMILY | FOOD | HOME | SPORT | LIVING
July 2015 Chasing waterfalls Finding paradise in Tai Po
Boinggg!
Trampoline park for Kowloon
4,270 New school places
The really useful magazine JULY 2015
PEOPLE 2 Snapped! Sai Kung’s social life. THE PLANNER 6 Happening in July What’s on. NEWS 10 What’s going on? In your backyard. LETTERS 12 Have your say Why Shaw Studio is worth saving. GIVEAWAYS 14 Free stuff Fab things to win.
FIVE MINUTES WITH... 16 Taking chances With local author Paul Letters. LOCAL 18 Class acts Five new international schools to open. NEWS FROM THE GREENS 20 Zero Waste Week Paul Zimmerman cuts the crap. FEATURE 22 Redesigns of the times Homes that think out of the box. EATING 32 Fishy business Sai Kung’s seafood secrets. Plus Nibbles.
FAMILY 38 New trampoline park Plus fun places to go on dull days. EDUCATION 42 Yew Chung International School A peek behind the scenes. BIG DAY OUT 46 Chasing waterfalls Hong Kong’s highest cascades. TRAVEL
PETS 56 Canine compatibility Sally Andersen on matchmaking pets and owners. HONG KONG CREATURES 56 Asian koel Koo-OOO – it’s that blinking bird again. VINES IN SAI KUNG 64 Wrecking ball? What’s next for Shaw Studio?
50 Spotting leopards A family safari at Yala National Park, Sri Lanka. HEALTH & BEAUTY 54 The frizz biz How to beat the humidity hair halo.
“HAVE A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING AND KEEP THE THING SOMEWHERE ELSE; THIS IS NOT A PIECE OF ADVICE, IT IS MERELY A CUSTOM.” — MARK TWAIN
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people Snaps from Sai Kung
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say cheese
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people
Dragon-boat Festival, Sai Kung
Share your event photos with us at photo@fastmedia.com.hk. Get snapping!
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planner
JUL 25
Life in Colour
Paint, dancing and EDM. Get messy. AsiaWorld-Expo, Arena, Hall 10, 5pm. Tickets $480-$780 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
JUL 1 SAR Establishment Day
JUL 3-5 Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races
It’s demonstration day. Public holiday.
Top local and international dragonboat teams take to Victoria Harbour. Let the splashing commence. Free. East Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront promenade.
JUL 4 4th of July Beach Party Celebrate US Independence Day with a beach barbecue, craft beer, live music and fun in the sun, courtesy of Boomshack restaurant and Hop Leaf American craft beer. Noon-6pm, Shek O Beach. Tickets $600, children $300 from www.hopleaf.hk.
JUL 10-AUG 16 International Arts Carnival Annual children’s event, with fun performances and family programmes including acrobatics, music, film, puppetry and magic. Details at www.hkiac.gov.hk. Tickets from www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999.
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happening in july JUL 15-21 Hong Kong Book Fair
JUL 24 - 28 Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s biggest book frenzy features author talks, new releases, and special themed areas. HKCEC, Wan Chai, hkbookfair.hktdc.com.
Comics, games and cosplay. Entry $35. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, 2344 0415.
JUL 25 Sai Kung Open-Air Cinema Club
JUL 11 Sai Kung Saturday Hash Join the monthly hare around the Sai Kung countryside. Details at sites.google.com/site/ saikungsaturdayh3.
JUL 11 Royale International Kayak’n’Run Tai Tam Bay A family race for parents and kids over six, kayaking and running around Tai Tam Bay and the Dragon’s Back. Register at www.actionasiaevents.com.
JUL 17-AUG 2 Hong Kong Pulse 3D Light Show Lasers and 3D lights pimp up the Cultural Centre and skyline every half hour from 8.30pm-10pm.
A chance to catch Woody and Buzz Lightyear in the game-changing Toy Story on the outdoor screen. Prizes for best dressed. 7.30pm, The Hive, 5 Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung. Tickets $120, including a drink, popcorn and candyfloss, from cinema@thehive.com.hk, 2780 5844.
JUL 18 Summer Series Pool Party Party in your cozzie. 8pm until late. 76/F, W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, 3717 2222.
JUL 22 Blur Tour Britpop’s back, girls and boys. HKCEC, Wan Chai. Tickets $480-$1,080 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
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planner
JUL 23-26 Ice Age Live! A Mammoth Adventure Manny and co on ice. AsiaWorld-Expo Arena. Tickets $380-$680 from www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999.
JUL 24-28 Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong
JUL 28 Happy Mondays Live
UNTIL JUL 26 Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Comics, games and cosplay expo. Entry $35. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, 2344 0415.
Relive the Madchester days. Rotunda 3, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $545-650 from www.wegottickets.com.
The tale as old as time turns 20. See it live at The Venetian Macao. Tickets $280-$788 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
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planner
BOOK NOW AUG 15-16 Hi-5 House of Dreams
SEP 25-26 Bon Jovi Live in Macau
Wacky dream adventures with the Aussie kids’ entertainers. 11am, 2.30pm and 6pm. AsiaWorld-Expo, Runway 11. Tickets $250$688 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288
Hair metal in Macau. Cotai Arena, The Venetian Macao. Tickets $580-3580 from www.cotaiticketing.com, 6333 6660.
AUG 19 - 23 DisneyLive! Mickey’s Music Festival Mickey remixes your favourite Disney hits. Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $180-$680 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
AUG 23 Imagine Dragons Smoke & Mirrors Tour Radioactive rockers. AsiaWorld-Expo, Arena. Tickets $480-$780 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
SEP 25-OCT 11 Singin’ in the Rain SEP 4-6 Shakespeare’s Globe – Hamlet The London theatre company is performing Hamlet in every country on earth. This is Hong Kong’s turn. Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $395-$795 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
SEP 23 Robbie Williams Let Me Entertain You Tour Take that! AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau. Tickets $880-$1,480 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
The West End production complete with brollies, buckets of rain and soggy coppers. Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $445-$995 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
SEP 28 Muse Live in Hong Kong Expect a good show. AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau. Tickets $780 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
OCT 5 Al Murray One Man, One Guvnor Stand-up comedy from the Pub Landlord. Rotunda 3, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $488$788 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editorial@fastmedia.com.hk.
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news TikiTiki Bowling Bar opens in July It’s been at least a year in the making, but TikiTiki Bowling Bar in Centro finally looks set to open. At least two private parties were held in Sai Kung’s new upscale bowling alley last month, and staff said it was due to open to the public on July 1. (Probably.) Clearly no expense has been spared on the decor. It’s an amazing-looking venue, with a strong Polynesian theme to the dark-wood and driftwood furnishings. The bar is bookended by carved wooden totem poles and the bowling lanes are separated by whimsical multicoloured glass globe light fittings that could have been inspired by a Gauguin painting. Brand new bowling shoes sit in specially designed boxes near the entrance, ready to go, and giant state-of-the-art video screens are up and running at the end of the lanes. “It’s going to change Sai Kung,” enthused one impressed party-goer. “And the food is amazing.” TikiTiki Bowling Bar, 4/F Centro, 1A Chiu Tong Road, Sai Kung, 2866 3103, www.tikitiki.hk.
Crafty co-working space in K-Town
.COM-ing soon
Opening this month in the former Agua Plus location, .COM will bring “much-needed nightlife” to Sai Kung, says the owner, Jeff. He envisages .COM to be “something fun, something for everyone” with live music, special themed nights and drink offers, and a fusion restaurant. Tuesdays will be Ladies’ Night, with an hour of free-flowing Prosecco (and certain other drinks), followed by discounted glasses of wine at $25 all night for women. Men won’t miss out either: Thursday will be men’s night, with a onehour free-flow on selected beers. The mezzanine floor will be a restaurant run by Rick Ney, formerly of the Mandarin Oriental Singapore, serving fusion Western and Chinese cuisine. The ground-floor bar will have live music, pool tables and a private function room. And if you’re more of an early worm than a night owl, .COM is open for coffee from 9am. G/F, 72-74 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2660 5755.
Jackie Peers sails home
The Hive is opening a co-working space in Kennedy Town specifically for designers, makers and craftspeople. The first of its kind on Hong Kong Island, MakerHive was founded by Constant Tedder and designed by Hive member Studio Cassells. It includes a 7,000 sq ft workshop equipped with industrial laser cutters, 3D printers, soldering stations, sewing machines, spraypainting rooms and more. There will also be hotdesk space, private offices and storage.
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“With the success of the creative community at the Hive Kennedy Town, we wanted to open another space that meets the needs of designers and makers,” Tedder says. “By joining the Hive, members become part of Asia’s largest community of like-minded people, so work connections, collaborations and creative productivity happen more easily.” Apply online for a spot at www.makerhive. com.hk. 10F Cheung Hing Industrial Building, 12P Smithfield Road, Kennedy Town.
It took a while – 821 days to be precise – but Sai Kung Magazine’s yachtie former Hiking columnist, Jackie Peers, has sailed all the way home to New Zealand. Jackie, her husband, David, and dog, Fergus, set sail from Hebe Haven in 2012 and dropped anchor in Lyttelton early last month.
in your backyard
Sai Kung’s Tin Man passes away
Known affectionately as the Tin Man, Mak Singyin passed away last month at the grand old age of 100. Resident in Sai Kung since 1952, Mr Mak handcrafted tin items in his old-town shop until he retired last year. In September, he told Sai Kung Magazine of his great pride at meeting
many famous people at his shop and his love of Sai Kung’s fresh air. He is survived by two sons, three daughters and a whole bunch of grandchildren. Sai Kungers left flowers on the pavement outside his store after hearing the news, a sign of how much he will be missed.
Six-year-olds join anti-ivory campaign Twenty children from Clearwater Bay School presented an elephant collage and an antiivory petition to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department last month. The elephant was made up of 120 handwritten messages contributed by the school’s six-year-old Year 2 student. Chanting “Say no to ivory!” the children called on the government to completely ban commercial sales of elephant ivory in Hong Kong. It is currently illegal to import or export ivory from Hong Kong without a license. Also in attendance was WildAid’s Alex Hofford, who recently visited the school to talk about elephant conservation. WildAid is the only organisation that focuses solely on reducing the demand for wildlife products. “Hong Kong has long been a hub for the illegal ivory trade, and suffers from weak ivory
licensing controls. The only way to sort out the problem is to ban the trade outright,” he said. WildAid contends the Hong Kong Government’s inaction on this issue is perpetuating a poaching crisis that could see African elephants becoming extinct in the wild within our lifetimes. Polly McGovern
101M driver sacked after abusive rant A 101M minibus driver has been sacked after verbally abusing local girl Mui Thomas about her appearance. Mui suffers from Harlequin Ichthyosis (see Sai Kung Magazine, April 2015) and has long experience of such discrimination. The incident occurred during her morning commute, with the driver pulling over and demanding she leave the minibus. Other passengers protested to the driver about his behaviour and one swapped seats with Mui. Following the incident, Mui’s parents complained to the bus company, who took immediate action and fired the driver that day. “Discrimination is something I unfortunately face on a daily basis,” Mui told Sai Kung Magazine. “But to have it thrown at me on my morning commute really threw me off, especially since it came from someone who was supposed to be performing a public service. It has transpired that other passengers complained previously about the driver’s behaviour. This, along with his display of discrimination, is what ultimately got him laid off. “The reason my parents agreed to tell our family story in our book [The Girl Behind the Face] is to help raise awareness of moments of discrimination like this, but also mainly to focus on the positives: that so many people showed their support, because that didn’t happen so much when my mum and dad were raising me.” To complain about public transport, please visit www.info.gov.hk/tcu/complaint. For details about The Girl Behind the Face, please visit www.thegirlbehindtheface.weebly.com.
Retro amusements in Central Hong Kong’s historic Lai Yuen Amusement Park, which closed in Lai Chi Kok in 1997, is being resurrected on the Central waterfront this summer. Anyone with memories of visiting the park can expect to see some familiar faces. Tino, the park’s Asian elephant, has been reincarnated as a banana-eating, water-spraying robotic pachyderm that guests can “feed” until it poos.
There will also be bumper cars, a Spooky School (remember the haunted house?), a summer ice rink, bouncy castle and the weird but iconic dinosaur returns as a slide. There will also be plenty of rides and game stalls with a hefty dose of retro Hong Kong kitsch. Free entry. Open daily, 11am-11pm until September. Central Harbourfront, 9 Lung Wo Road, www.laiyuen1949.com.
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letters
have you say
Let Shaw Studio tell its own story Heritage preservation has always been a ceaseless battlefield in Hong Kong. While conservationists demand more action from the government to save old buildings, officers often realise they have no statutory power to halt heritage demolition by developers. Given the previous failure to preserve Ho Tung Gardens, it is truly good news to see developers changing their minds and saving Shaw House from the bulldozers. However, having noticed the escalating disappearance of historic buildings, I feel an urgent need to speak out against the city’s ruthless urban development, which rarely pays respect to local heritage and leaves no trace of our past. The redevelopment of Shaw Studios is sad news for Hong Kong citizens. The iconic studio complex will be turned into a private residential and commercial complex for the happy few, and gated from the public. Although developers, in response to public opposition, have modified
Shaw Studio in Clearwater Bay.
their plan to preserve Shaw House and Villa, this does not reflect the true spirit of heritage preservation. Keeping individual buildings intact is only the first step. The essence is to keep their narrative alive. What should really be preserved are memories, the heart and soul of the buildings. Frankly, I [am too young to] have vivid memories of the Shaw Studios. Yet, digging into records of local history, I realised that the Studios, where thousands of films were
produced, have made a great contribution to the golden age of Hong Kong’s film industry. Shaw House often featured as a tranquil hospital on a hill top and holds special memories for local TV drama fans, especially those from my parents’ generation. Hong Kong was hailed as the “Hollywood of the East”, and we Hongkongers took pride in our local film productions. Certainly, the preserved Shaw House deserves a better new life to narrate its glorious past. Instead of accommodating a private kindergarten, as proposed by the developers, perhaps Shaw House should be dedicated to a local film history museum. It could become an attractive educational and leisure destination that would diversify the character of the neighbourhood, benefit nearby schools and become an asset of which Hong Kong can be proud. Tiffany Tang Urban Discovery
Email your photos or letters to editorial@fastmedia.com.hk. We may edit for length. Or tag us, #saikungmag on social media!
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free stuff
gimme gimme
The Pulse There’s an “Endless Summer” pool party taking place every Saturday in July on the rooftop of The Pulse. From now until July 25, play water soccer, try water bowling, or get soaked in a water-gun fight. Landlubbers can stay dry watching an outdoor movie or get their faces painted. We’ve got 15 adult tickets to give away. Deadline: July 10 www.thepulse.com.hk
Haw Par Music Foundation
Bounce
The non-profit Haw Par Music Foundation is bringing classical music to a new generation in its ongoing SummerFest 2015 concert series. Win tickets to its final concert on August 9, when students will perform alongside professional musicians. We’ve got 20 tickets to give away. Deadline: July 13 www.hawparmusic.org
Hong Kong’s newest trampoline park, Bounce, is opening in KITEC this summer. With more than 100 spring-loaded trampolines, it’s set to get the whole family jumping for joy. We’ve got five sets of family passes (for four people) for the launch party on July 14. Deadline: July 7 www.bounceinc.com.hk
Seedling Seedling’s kits are all about nurturing children’s creative sides. Decorate the Hang-Glider Guy who flies in the sky in any way your imagination inspires. We’ve got one to give away. Deadline: July 20 www.seedling.com.hk
Vote in the Sai Kung Readers’ Choice Awards 2015 Want to bag prizes worth up to $10,000? Vote online now in the Sai Kung Readers’ Choice Awards 2015. For details, see page 22.
To enter, click the Giveaways tab on our website, www.saikung.com 14 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM
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five minutes with... Paul Letters
Sales & Marketing Head of Sales & Marketing Karman So karman@fastmedia.com.hk
Callum Wiggins goes back in time with local author and history buff.
Business Development Manager Tristan Watkins tristan@fastmedia.com.hk
to go about it. Gradually, over a couple of years, I mapped out the story. I had interviewed my grandmother 15 years earlier so I had those notes stashed away.
Sales Manager Oliver Simons oliver@fastmedia.com.hk Sales & Marketing Executive Alastair Grigg alastair@fastmedia.com.hk
Friends and ex-students helped with the editing process. It was like a mini Sai Kung community project.
John Lee john@fastmedia.com.hk
My second novel, The Slightest Chance, is based almost entirely in Hong Kong during World War II. A few of the major characters from A Chance Kill and The Slightest Chance are going to end up in the same time and place. I would like to publish the book next autumn.
Distribution Manager Oscar Webster alastair@fastmedia.com.hk Office security Cat the dog
Accounts Manager Connie Lam connie@fastmedia.com.hk
Apex Print 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong www.saikung.com ads@fastmedia.com.hk @saikungmag facebook.com/SaiKungMagazine
GIVE US A CALL! Admin: 3568 3722 Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772, 3563 9755 Sai Kung Magazine is published by Fast Media Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Fast Media Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any way, part or format without written permission from the publisher.
A lot of interesting historical events have gone untapped in Hong Kong. Local historians are beavering away trying to expose these stories to the public. It’s exciting to feel a part of that.
Photo credit: Frances Wilkinson
Printer
I’ve got so much to say about World War II. It has always been the most fascinating period for me. The way history affects the world today really interests me. My wife, Joanne, and I have been in Sai Kung since we moved to Hong Kong in 2001. We came here to see more of the world. We didn’t think we would be here more than a couple of years. Living in Sai Kung means being within striking distance of one of the world’s greatest cities yet still having beaches, islands and mountains all around. What’s layered on to that over the years is the community, the longer you’re here the more people you know. People were so friendly and helpful when I was launching my first book. My novel, A Chance Kill, is based partly on my own grandmother’s experience as a teenager in Poland during World War II. A few years ago, I was on holiday in Greece and
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taking chances
I couldn’t get to sleep. Suddenly, ideas and plotlines started to come together. I started to put those thoughts down on paper and began to write.
A lot of interesting historical events have gone untapped in Hong Kong Being struck with a disability – a nerve condition in my legs – jolted me a bit. I had this feeling that you only live once and I realised if there’s things I want to do then I better get on and do them. Writing my novel was slow work at first as I didn’t really know how
At six years old, my son shares my passion for history. He usually asks me to tell him about war… I’m trying to open his mind up to there being history beyond war. I’m gradually writing more and teaching less. I teach history but also Theory of Knowledge and Global Development. The ideal balance would be 50/50 teaching and writing. Writing this book has opened many unexpected doors for me and it’s been great to meet other people who share a common interest and a passion for what I love to do. A Chance Kill is $170 from Dymocks, 7 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, www.paulletters.com.
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local Editorial
Senior Consultant Editor Jane Steer jane@fastmedia.com.hk
School daze Carolynne Dear has the lowdown on five new international schools due to open by 2018.
Digital Editor Annie Wong annie@fastmedia.com.hk
Tai Po
Staff Writer Callum Wiggins callum@fastmedia.com.hk
Design
Art Director Kelvin Lau kelvin@fastmedia.com.hk
Malvern College Hong Kong
New Territories
American School Hong Kong
Sha Tin
Senior Graphic Designer Jack Yip jack@fastmedia.com.hk
Sai Kung
French International School
Graphic Designer Setareh Parvin setareh@fastmedia.com.hk
Thanks to Adele Brunner Arshia Bhatia Carolynne Dear Paul Zimmerman Pauline Cheung Polly McGovern Rory Mackay Sally Andersen Sharan Gill Shreena Patel Steffi Yuen Stephen Vines
Kowloon Kowloon
The Harbour School
Hong Kong Island
Tseung Kwan O
Shrewsbury International School
Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk
Published by
Fast Media Floor LG1, 222 Queens Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
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Four international schools are to open campuses within easy reach of Sai Kung by September 2018, with the first opening next year. A fifth international school campus will open in Ap Lei Chau. Between them, the five schools will provide 4,270 places, with 3,490 at primary and 780 at secondary level. Opening campuses in Hong Kong for the first time are two elite British public schools, Shrewsbury School and Malvern College, which have both been granted greenfield sites. Shrewsbury International School will be situated in Siu Chik Sha, Tseung Kwan O, and Malvern College Hong Kong will be off Tolo Highway, near the Science Park in Sha Tin.
A third newcomer, Esol Education, has been allocated premises on Ma Chung Road, Tai Po. And the French International School is to open its fifth campus in Tseung Kwan O town centre. The first to open in September 2016 will be Esol Education’s American School Hong Kong (ASHK). Dubai-based Esol Education has been running American- and British-accredited schools in the Middle East and Mediterranean for 40 years. ASHK will be a nondenominational, not-for-profit school with North American teachers who will deliver the US Common Core curriculum with a strong focus on STEM (science,
technology, engineering and mathematics). It will initially offer 300 places in kindergarten to Grade 6, growing to 900-plus places and a full K-12 programme, offering the IB Diploma and US High School Diploma in grades 11 and 12. Like Harrow School, which opened its Hong Kong campus in 2012, British newcomers Shrewsbury School and Malvern College are co-educational day and boarding schools. The original schools are both located in England’s West Midlands. Shrewsbury School is one of England’s oldest independent schools, established in 1552 under Edward VI as a grammar
new bugs
The French International School will open its fourth Hong Kong campus in Tseung Kwan O in 2018.
school for the local town. Old boys include naturalist Charles Darwin, authors Samuel Butler and Nevil Shute, and BBC broadcasters John Peel and Michael Palin. Its first international school opened in Bangkok in 2003, offering a British education for children aged three to 18. In Hong Kong, Shrewsbury International School will be a primary campus for up to 850 students about a 10-minute walk from Lohas Park MTR in Tseung Kwan O. Due to open in 2018, applications are likely begin in 2017 and tuition fees will be about $170,000 a year. Malvern College, which celebrates its 150th anniversary
this year, has about 1,000 students aged three to 18 at its original site in Worcestershire. Old Malvernians include Narnia novelist C.S. Lewis, BBC
Malvern College will reserve 90 per cent of places for pupils with foreign passports broadcaster Jeremy Paxman and Malaysian Prime Minister Mohammad Najib Abdul Razak. Due to open in September 2018, Malvern College Hong Kong
will be its fourth international venture. It opened Malvern College Qingdao in 2012, Malvern College Chengdu opens this summer, and Malvern College Cairo is aiming for a September 2016 opening. Malvern’s Sha Tin campus will initially open with 380 primary places, rising to 960 places for children aged six to 12. It will offer the IB Primary Years Programme and will prioritise international families, reserving 90 per cent of places for pupils with foreign passports. Tuition fees are expected to be $160,000 a year. Also to open in September 2018, the new FIS campus will offer 950 primary and junior
secondary (ages 11-14) places in its French and International streams in the first five years. “This is a dream come true,” says the president of FIS’ executive committee, Arnaud de Surville. “This is a wonderful opportunity to integrate into the New Territories’ community.” Finally, The Harbour School has also been granted a site on Ap Lei Chau Estate near Aberdeen, due to open in September 2016. The new campus will allow the school, currently located in Kennedy Town, to expand from 180 to 500 places from kindergarten to Grade 8 (15 years old). It hopes to add a high school section in future.
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news from the greens
talking trash
Cut the crap Paul Zimmerman pledges to join Zero Waste Week.
I joined Hong Kong’s first ever Zero Waste Week, a citywide campaign organised by Ecozine on June 7-14. I pledged not to use disposable chopsticks, but carry my own cutlery all week and I joined the Global Summit and Family Festival in the Cyberport Arcade. Having made a zero waste pledge, my first panic was my daughter Eefje’s birthday party. How do you avoid waste at a party for
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five-year-old girls? The easy win was reusable plastic plates and cups. Using old newspapers as wrapping paper was another. My next crisis was at a new burger restaurant in Tai Hang where the drinks arrived in plastic cups with lids, prompting a conversation about the need for a “zero waste” accreditation system for restaurants. Next day, a mango drink arrived in a glass (yippee) – with two plastic straws. So far, the easiest win has been to cut out disposable plastic bottles. I leave home with a thermos of tea and a sports bottle of boiled water. There are ample opportunities to top up with hot or cold water along the way, and a local website and app (waterforfree.org) maps locations offering free refills. Recycling unavoidable waste is another challenge. My backyard has become the neighbourhood recycling area following the closure of a facility on unauthorised government land. Where and how we recycle is Hong
Kong’s biggest challenge. Space for logistics, especially the separation and stockpiling of recyclables in our kitchens, buildings and districts, is limited and expensive. This throws into doubt the government’s strategy of separation at source and spreading recycling centres, incinerators and landfills over different locations. A more viable strategy for Hong Kong would be to concentrate the different functions at integrated waste management facilities. Zero Waste means better design and management to eliminate waste and recover resources. To achieve this we must set Zero Waste targets at home, work and as a city. With overflowing landfills and plastic-filled seas, Zero Waste Week is very timely for Hong Kong. Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, a Southern District Councillor and the co-convenor of Save Our Country Parks alliance.
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GRAND PRIZE
Sailing course for two at Hebe Haven Yacht Club Valued at $10,000 www.hhyc.org.hk 22 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM
Vote now! Go to www.saikung.com, to vote for your favourite places and services in Sai Kung and win great prizes
Ultimate pampering journey for two at Sense of Touch Valued at $5,800 www.senseoftouch.com.hk
Eight body-shaping sessions at Hypoxi
South Stream Seafoods groceries’ vouchers
Valued at $5,325
Valued at $5,000
www.hypoxi.hk
www.south-stream-seafoods.com
Entry deadline: July 15 Six months of top-quality meat from Farmers’ Kitchen Valued at $3,000
Monster Kid 10 x $300 gift vouchers Valued at $3,000 www.facebook.com/monsterkidhk
www.farmerskitchen.com.hk
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feature
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A beloved Ferrari is displayed like an artwork in this minimalist home.
designs of the times
When it comes to renovation, Sai Kung homeowners are thinking out of the box. By Adele Brunner. There are many reasons to love Sai Kung: stunning countryside and beaches, close-knit community, laid-back vibe, fresher air, feral cows... Factor in relatively low property prices compared to the dizzying costs on Hong Kong Island and the Kung’s appeal is even more obvious. The secret’s out, however, and the area is now a magnet for house hunters wanting more bang for their buck. Whether it’s a village house or a villa-style property in a complex, there’s no end to the creative redesigns taking place.
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feature
The dining table can be lowered into the floor when not in use and the sunken kitchen extends under the garage.
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Stepping into this 4,550-square-foot, awardwinning home in Sai Kung is like walking onto the set of a James Bond movie. Yet you’d be forgiven for overlooking the uber-sleek décor and not giving the minimal designer furniture a second glance, because in pride of place is the owner’s beloved red Ferrari, raised on a pedestal in a glass-walled garage overlooking the open-plan living area. Traditionally garages are somewhat removed from the main house, usually tucked unobtrusively behind a bland door. But here designer Michael Liu of architectural firm Millimeter (www.millimeter.com.hk) has turned the garage into the focal point for the ground floor. The car offers the only vibrant colour in the room. With space for two vehicles, the garage acts as a display case for the owner’s most prized possession and adds edge to the home’s raw but stylish finish. The design takes minimalism to the extreme. Each piece of furniture has an almost sculptural quality, including the exercise bike in the upstairs study. Stark and pristine, it doesn’t look like the sort of home that would welcome a gaggle of sticky-fingered children, yet the owners enjoy
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feature feature
From left: the open-plan living space leads out to a deck and lap pool; even the exercise bike has a sculptural quality; the master suite encompasses an entire floor.
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home design hosting friends. One of their design requests was to provide ample and practical spaces for parties. Infinitely flexible, for example, is the dining table, which can be lowered into the floor at the touch of a button when not in use. Made of the same material as the floor, it is designed to be walked over but can be elevated back into place just as easily when needed.
The house is a far cry from its original split-level form Beyond the table and down a few steps is a sunken kitchen in gleaming stainless steel. It’s only partially visible from the dining area; the main body of the kitchen is tucked away beneath the garage. At the other end of the open-plan living and dining room, bifold doors open out to a backyard deck and lap pool, the perfect place for an alfresco party. The rest of the house is also a far cry from its original split-level form. Liu said the original layout felt cramped, inflexible and impractical. “One of the major shortcomings of splitlevel homes is that the layout often divides the home into several distinct ‘boxes’ or areas,”
he says. “It can be difficult to connect the different spaces and as a result it’s challenging to use effectively.” So he gutted the property and remodelled it into a four-storey vision. Upstairs, Liu created a spacious family room, two ensuite bedrooms, two further guestrooms and bathrooms. The entire top floor is given over to a spacious master suite, with a vast walk-in wardrobe, open study, bathroom and terrace. A palette of greys ranging from charcoal to silver prevails, with liberal use of glass and brushed steel. Upstairs, the grey scheme is lifted by splashes of yellow, green and blue, plus pale wood and marble flooring. Although the interior is captivating, Liu didn’t ignore the waterfront location, installing floor-to-ceiling windows to capitalise on the stunning views in this home with va-va-voom.
Home stylist Don’t have the design know-how to get your home into shape? Help is at hand in the form of The Home Stylist (www.thehomestylist.org), which offers professional interior design services. Whether you want to improve the aesthetics of your apartment or house using your existing furniture and décor, need assistance with project coordination for a complete renovation or want your home looking its best for potential buyers and tenants, The Home Stylist has got it covered. It was set up by Sai Kung resident Alex Sheldon, who has years of event management and interior design experience and no project is too big or too small. Sheldon and her team will even take you shopping and suggest items that would look great in your home. And don’t worry if you’re strapped for time. Simply email Sheldon a few photos and a short design brief of what you’re hoping to achieve and her online consultancy will send you back a report, filled with ideas, suggestions and a mood board.
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feature
Almost the antithesis of the Millimeter home is this bright and breezy 2,100 sq ft house designed by Fu Kin of Urban Design and Build (www.urbandesignbuild.hk). With its white walls and furniture, and large picture windows, light floods this property in a popular residential complex, near Sai Kung town. “The owners wanted a minimal, clean and white look, so to achieve this we knocked down walls and changed the layout,” Kin says. “Five small bedrooms and a study became four larger ones, which feel much more spacious. We painted everything white because the owners collect art, antiques and tableware, so we also wanted to provided a canvas to
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showcase their collections.” Set against the white backdrop, warm tones of orange, yellow, gold and stone are used throughout to make the house feel inviting. Art, vases, light fittings and fabrics in complementary shades work together and hint at a love of Asia as well as journeys to farflung places.
You feel as though you are in one big room The ground floor is a convivial living space that seamlessly flows from an open
home design
Sunny colours and lots of glass keep this Sai Kung home bright and beautiful.
kitchen to a sociable dining area and into a living room with comfy sofas. To one side of the kitchen, a glass-roofed extension is used as a study. Rather than being cut off from the rest of the home, anyone working in there can see all the activity going on in the kitchen. The living room opens onto that rare Hong Kong commodity, a lawned garden. At one side of the outdoor space is a lounge area on
wooden decking. “The location of the living room and the positioning of the sofa to face the garden are deliberate,” Kin says. “The sofa in the garden faces into the living room so when you open the large sliding doors between the two areas, you feel as though you are in one big room.” A room that begs you to lie down and chill out in true Sai Kung fashion.
International Design Furniture Fair If these homes have inspired you then check out the International Design Furniture Fair on August 22-23 at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. One-day tickets start at $190 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.
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eating
Seafood secrets All you need to know about ordering Sai Kung’s famous seafood. By Pauline Cheung. For most people in Hong Kong, eating in Sai Kung is all about seafood. As a former fishing village, our town is right up there with Lei Yue Mun, Lamma and Cheung Chau as a seafood hotspot, with loads of restaurants serving similar dishes. (Witness all those tanks on the waterfront promenade.) To make the most of Sai Kung’s ocean of choice, we asked chefs, visitors and locals for their tips on the best seafood in town. Touts “Leng lui, leng jai!” (Pretty girl, pretty boy!) Being accosted by touts is part of the waterfront seafood experience. Some restaurants also put the produce to work, notably by pulling horseshoe crabs out of the tanks and letting them scuttle around under foot, which we’re betting puts off almost as many people as it attracts. More usefully, Chuen Kee also offers a valet parking service (along with Portuguese restaurant Mike’s Chicken; try the sardines) for
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Chuen Kee is also listed in the guide. (The only other Sai Kung entry is May’s Sawadee Thailand, which is recommended in the Bib Gourmand section.) There are plenty of other seafood choices, all with legions of fans, but the Michelin nod makes these three safe bets.
Alfresco tables at Hung Kee.
drivers pulling up on the waterfront, near the old town. Star players Two of Sai Kung’s seafood restaurants have Michelin stars: Loaf On has held a star since the first Hong Kong guide was published in 2010. And last year, Sing Kee was also awarded a Michelin star. Long-established waterfront restaurant
Book a table Sai Kung’s waterfront promenade is crammed with alfresco tables spilling out from the seafood restaurants. It’s raucous and fun, and the touts are usually willing to roll out extra tables for walkin diners on even the busiest weekend. Those who prefer air-con or more choice about where they sit should book in advance. For a great harbour view without those irritating street-level ads along the waterfront railings (whose idea was that?), rise above the crowd and book a table on the balcony at Chuen Kee. For a quieter alfresco experience, reserve one of the limited number of outdoor tables at Sing Kee, tucked away in the old town.
fishy business Meet Chef Lee at Sing Kee
“I have been in the food industry for 30 years and have worked at Sing Kee for four years. I used to teach cooking. “We don’t measure Sing Kee against other seafood restaurants in Sai Kung; we compare with ourselves to keep improving. “We care about our customers from the moment they arrive till they leave. Preparing seafood takes time and it’s important our timing is on point as we don’t want the customers to wait too long. We also provide free Yakult jelly to make the meal a full package. “My ideas for new dishes come from eating other cuisines – there’s such a variety of restaurants in Hong Kong now that I don’t need to travel to try different food.”
Recommended dishes Don’t know what to order? Go for the restaurant’s specialities: • Seafood platter with dipping sauces at Big Fish Seafood and Grill. • Razor clams in black bean sauce at Loaf On. • Steamed scallops with vermicelli and red wine sauce at Sing Kee Seafood Restaurant. • Salt and pepper mantis shrimp at Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant. • Lobster and noodles with cheese sauce at Hung Kee Seafood Restaurant. • Chilli and garlic fried squid at Yau Ley Seafood Restaurant.
Order ahead Signature dishes sell out, so pre-order your favourites. At Big Fish Seafood and Grill, staff recommend reserving the chilli crab special, made with crabs bought daily from the fish market to ensure they’re super-fresh. Summer specials A seasonal summer favourite at Loaf On is steamed small fish with salt. “This seasonal dish doesn’t last long on our menu now other restaurants are also starting to buy the fish,” says the manager. Get in quick. Sourcing seafood Like most Hong Kong seafood
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eating Sai Kung says... Which is your favourite seafood restaurant? “If you are not too fussed about the price, then I would recommend Loaf On. They serve their seafood like it’s fine dining.” – Jino “I go to Good View Seafood Restaurant [120 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung] because it is a reasonable price and always consistent with their food.” – Mrs Zheng Fresh seafood for sale at Sai Kung Market. Restaurants will cook your purchases for a fee.
“I was recommended Tung Kee Seafood Restaurant by my colleague, although he orders for me most of the time.” – Michael “The famous Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant. They are always busy and the tables are full of customers.” – Mr Chan
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restaurants, diners are not limited to what’s on the menu. As well as the contents of their own fishtanks, Sai Kung’s Chinese restaurants will all happily cook seafood purchased by diners at the market, from the weekend fishing boats lining the harbour wall (look for garoupa and mantis shrimp) or even your own catch. “We welcome customers bringing in their own seafood,” says the manager at Hung Kee Seafood Restaurant. “We ask how they would like it cooked, or we suggest a dish for them.”
Expect to pay a processing charge for cooking and extra ingredients. At Sing Kee, for example, a steamed fish ordered from the restaurant tanks is $88 for two people; bringing in your own fish will cost $110 for two people. Weighty issues Instead of ounces and grams, local seafood is weighed in taels and catties. A tael is about 38 grams, and a catty is 500 grams. Seafood listed on the menu as “market price”, is weighed before cooking and the price added to the bill.
eating What tea? Most seafood restaurants automatically serve water and Chinese tea. “We serve Pu-erh tea because it helps with digestion,” a Chuen Kee staffer says.
Little black book • Beach Cuisine, Sha Ha Beach, Sai Kung, 2792 4990. • Big Fish Seafood and Grill, 18 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, 2751 9177.
We welcome customers bringing in their own seafood Beyond the seafood • Change it up with some of the non-seafood specialities on local menus. • Crispy chicken at Sing Kee – crunchy on the outside, soft and juicy on the inside. • Chilli and garlic deep-fried tofu at Loaf On. Paid-up members of the anti-beancurd brigade have been converted by these crisp, tasty and non-greasy little bricks. • Salt-and-pepper beef with cashew nuts at Beach Cuisine. Spiky specialities Like uni? Then pay a visit to the Sea Urchin Farm. Located on a fish farm in Tung A (near Yau Ley Seafood Restaurant in High Island), it’s run by former vegetable farmer Mr Chan. While
• Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant, 87-89 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2792 6938. • Loaf On, 49 See Cheung Street, Sai Kung, 2792 9966. • Hung Kee Seafood Restaurant, Shop 6 & 9-10, G/F, Siu Yat Building, Sai Kung Hoi Pong Square, 2792 1348. • Sea Urchin Fish Farm, 2 Tung A Village, Leung Shuen Wan, 6443 8101. Seafood is weighed by the tael and catty.
the quality isn’t quite up to Japanese standards, he serves super-fresh purple sea urchins straight from the sea. As well as uni sashimi, his little restaurant serves a number of cooked dishes, including uni fried rice, steamed egg with uni and and deep-fried uni spring rolls.
• Sing Kee Seafood Restaurant, 33-39 Sai Kung Tai Street, 2791 9887. • Yau Ley Seafood Restaurant, Sha Kiu Tau, Leung Shuen Wan, 2791 1822.
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eating
Nibbles French bistro classics With a bright new sign on Po Tung Road, French bistro Chez Raymond de Paris is much more visible these days. To go with the new look is a revamped menu, with summer specials such as monkfish cheek and bistro classics including tournedos Rossini, truffled quail and lemon tart. There’s a good list of reasonably priced French wines to pair with each dish. Open Tuesday-Sunday, noon11pm. (Mondays by reservation only.) G/F, 183D Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 6484 1400, www.chezraymonddeparis.com. Lychee desserts Summer means it’s lychee season and the Patisserie at Hyatt Regency Sha Tin is celebrating with four seasonal lychee treats. Available this month, the new desserts are lychee pineapple dome cake, lychee balsamic vinegar raspberry gateau, lychee sour cream cheese cake and lychee muesli crunch bar. Lobby, Hyatt Regency Sha Tin, 18 Chak Cheung Street, Sha Tin, 3723 7988, www.hongkong.shatin.hyatt.com.
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Mandy’s new dishes Spicing up the menu at Mandy’s Caribbean Private Kitchen are several new dishes including a crab fry-up starter and fire prawn curry cooked in homemade masala paste that is sure to make your nose run. Mandy has also introduced new summer cocktails, including the Lover’s Rock made for two and the minty Summer Breeze. 24 See Cheung Street, Sai Kung, 2791 2088, www.mandysprivatekitchen.com.
Gaia lightens up for summer Sai Kung’s French private kitchen, Gaia in Sha Kok Mei, has revealed new dishes for summer. Keeping things fresh and light for the sticky season are melon balls and French dry ham, tomato sorbet with pesto and Espelette pepper and zucchini roll stuffed with goat’s cheese and tomatoes. Bon appetit! Reservations at 6745 8414, www.facebook.com/gaiaprivatekitchen. Shoe pastries French shoes and accessories brand Roger Vivier has teamed up with the Mandarin Oriental for the Super Vivier afternoon tea (left). Available until August 31 to run alongside the Super Vivier Exhibition, which features the exploits of the fictional Mademoiselle Vivier in comicbook style, the tea features the brand’s iconic handbag and buckle in gorgeous little pastries sure to appeal to any shoe-lovin’ girl ($278 or $488 for two). Clipper Lounge and Cafe Causette at the Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central, 2825 4007, www.mandarinoriental.com.
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family
From left to right: Bounce has 80 interconnected trampolines, lessons for mini bouncers, a dodgeball area and a wall that acts a little like a half pipe.
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boing
Trampoline park for Kowloon Bounce opens in Kowloon Bay with 100 soft-landing trampolines. Great news for springy kids. Following the success of Ryze, a new gravity-defying trampoline park is opening this summer closer to home in Kowloon Bay. Opening on July 15, Bounce will have more than 100 trampolines, 80 of which are interconnected to form a huge free-jumping area. There will also be giant airbags, springs, and squishy areas of circus-grade sponge. First opened in Australia in 2012, Bounce now has venues in Dubai, South Africa and Portugal. Safety is the number one priority and the trampolines have all been designed for softer landings. “We are bringing a free-jumping revolution, built for young and old with a focus on safety,” marketing manager Marie Swarbreck says. “Bounce is all about jumping high and landing soft and safe.” Take dodgeball to the next level, bounce off the walls or work on a free-style routine on the Olympic-grade performance trampoline.
Bounce is all about jumping high and landing soft and safe There will also be miniBounce lessons for young children and adult BounceFit classes. Sessions will cost $130-$150 an hour. Open Sunday-Thursday 9am-9pm, FridaySaturday 9am-midnight. G/F, EMAX, KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay, www.bounceinc.com.hk, 2556 9555.
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family
Rainy days and Mondays Fun things to do on dull days. By Pauline Cheung.
Tackling the SkyWeb at Playright PlayScope in Tai Po.
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Play dates at the Playhouse Located right in the heart of Sai Kung, the Playhouse is a happy place offering a fun, safe and stimulating environment for babies and young children to play and their carers to socialise. The bright and spacious play area is equipped with toys, arts and crafts to keep little ones occupied for hours. Parents can join in, relax in the cosy “mum’s corner”, or drop off their kids for a couple of hours and indulge in some “me time”. Check the monthly schedule online for regular playgroups and other sessions, including a Helpers’ Play Date on Thursdays (9am-noon). 1/F, 11 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2792 5888, www.thesaikungplayhouse.com. Summer camps in Lam Tin Keep the kids busy this summer by enrolling them on a fun summer camp at Nord Anglia International School (NAIS). Available from July 6 to 31 and also open to non-NAIS children, the week-long sports, dance and creative camps are being run by All Round Education. Open to children aged 6-13, the sports camps offer a choice of touch rugby, basketball, football and multisports. Dance classes are open to kids as young as four who can choose jazz, hip hop, musical theatre and street dance, and have a chance to produce their own music video. The
family creative art camps let children aged four to eight work on communication and presentation skills, speech and drama, as well as logic and reasoning. 11 On Tin Street, Lam Tin, 3958 1488. Details at allroundeducation.com.
The illusions include... being eaten by a great white shark. Strange but fun Tai Po toy heaven Children’s charity Playright, which advocates the importance of play in Hong Kong, has opened a new indoor playground and toy library in Tai Po. Playright PlayScope is designed to encourage youngsters to get physical and to have fun. The playground is centred around the PlayCircle, which includes the SkyWeb threemetre suspended net and colourful PlayBoxes designed like a bus, shop and worksite for imaginative play. PlayLab includes playgroups and workshops for children and parents. And the Toy Library lets kids borrow a wide variety of toys, books and magazines. Open TuesdaySunday, 10am-4.30pm. 117-125 Hang Wo House, Tai Wo Estate, Tai Po, 2650 2607, www.playright.org.hk.
Trick Eye Museum Hong Kong Woah! Is that a monster baby sitting on top of the Hong Kong skyline? Trick Eye is a new interactive museum concept from Korea featuring optical illusions. Visitors can pose for photographs in strategic locations in a series of giant paintings. The illusions include sailing on a giant leaf or sitting on a flower, dangling over a cliff on a rope held by an elephant or even being eaten by a great white shark. Strange but fun. Don't forget your camera. Tickets $100-$150. Level 3, The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, 2813 1686, www.trickeye.com/hongkong. Cinema Plus Add a little extra pizzazz to your next movie outing by taking the kids to The Grand Cinema at Elements, West Kowloon. The state-of-the-art cinema has 12 screens, ultra-high-resolution images, lighter and more comfortable Air 3D glasses, and all 1,600 seats are fitted with Shaw Active Sound to rumble and vibrate in sync with the soundtrack and sound effects. Don’t miss a trip to the Munch & Sip concession stand, which is currently experimenting with curry-flavoured popcorn as well as the more conventional sweet and salty versions. 1/F Elements, West Kowloon, www.thegrandcinema.com.hk.
A photo opp at Trick Eye Museum Hong Kong.
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education
Yew Chung International School Carolynne Dear visits the 80-year-old multicultural institution. The classrooms are buzzing at Yew Chung International School as students prepare for a community open day. Art lessons are in full swing as students and teachers select pieces to be shown, and technology students polish mini wooden speakers they have been crafting all term. “Do you want me to show you?” asks one student enthusiastically as I peer round the classroom door. Principal Iyad Matuk is justly proud of his Kowloon Tong-based school. “Multiculturalism and a strong bilingual programme are at the core of what we are,” he says. “We have teaching staff from about 25 different nationalities, and we welcome students from all over. Whether they come here as Hong Kong locals or from further afield, they leave with the skills to flourish globally.” Fluency in English and Chinese are considered fundamental to the 80-year-old group that also operates international schools in Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Qingdao
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and California’s Silicon Valley. This allows for a healthy flow of teaching ideas between the schools, with annual meetings of principals and sports exchanges for students.
Multiculturalism and a strong bilingual programme are at the core of what we are The group was established in 1932 when the first Yew Chung Kindergarten was set up in Hong Kong. The territory now has eight campuses including preschool, primary and secondary sections. The secondary school is the group’s flagship. It moved into its purpose-built campus in 2007 and now has 900 students, with space for up to 1,000. “We’re not yet at capacity,” Matuk explains. “We have space for 100 or so more
students. We do have an entrance exam, but we’re looking for motivation rather than straight-A students. If a student is enthusiastic but struggling, we can work with that.” This non-discriminatory approach also includes a scholarship programme, which is open to all applicants. Students follow the IGCSE examination programme in years 10 and 11, and the IB Diploma in the final years. The strong multicultural influence is enhanced by the World Classroom programme. Developed by the Yew Chung Education Foundation, it takes an in-depth look at four different cultural regions around the world: American-Pacific in Year 7, Mediterranean in Year 8, Eastern European in Year 9, and Developing Countries in Year 10. The programme culminates with a popular overseas trip. The corridors are festooned with pictures and photographs of the students’ experiences. From an educational point of view, it also
open day seems to have merit, with the school last year achieving the highest results in Hong Kong for the IGCSE Global Perspectives examination. This multicultural outlook lends itself to a strong philanthropic outlook. Children are encouraged to present ideas and to the rest of the school. Girls Up, a UN programme supporting health, safety and education of girls in developing countries, is one charity selected by students. The school also set up its own charity, Seeds of Hope, following the devastating Sichuan earthquake in 2008, raising money to build new schools in China. Colourful murals feature prominently around the school, and every year the school welcomes professional artists-in-residence to take over art lessons and introduce the children to new ideas, perspectives and techniques. The artists-in-residence also develop skills in dance, theatre, film direction, sculpture and digital art. The school boasts a strong music and drama programme, and every year presents a full stage production taking in many subject areas. Students get involved with set design, lighting, costume design, acting, singing
YCIS was established in Hong Kong in 1932 and has a strong international outlook.
or the full orchestra. Past highlights have included Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, The King and I, Godspell, The Sound of Music and this year Yew Chung was the only school outside the US allowed rights to the script and score of The Little Mermaid. Last but by no means least, the school is no slouch in sport. Boasting a 25-metre indoor pool, Yew Chung fields teams in football, basketball, swimming, badminton and athletics. As well as Yew Chung interschool competitions, it also takes part
in the International Secondary School Federation of Hong Kong competition and takes on other local international schools in ACAMIS (Association of China and Mongolia International Schools) tournaments. The mythically inspired house system – Sabre Tooth, Dragon, Phoenix and Unicorn – underpins sporting competition. Yew Chung International School, 3 To Fuk Road, Kowloon Tong, 2338 7106, www.ycis-hk.com.
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sponsored column
Countdown to ‘big school’ How to ease the transition from preschool to primary. By ITS Education Asia. Seeing their little one in school uniform for the first time is likely to bring a tear to the eyes of any parent. Most schools are very good at helping children settle in well before they start official classes in late August, but even if you’ve missed the usual visits and parent information sessions, it’s worth showing the school to your child a few times before their first day. Some preparation during the summer holiday can be helpful. It’s important to prepare your child practically as well as emotionally. Being able to dress and undress quickly and neatly for PE and swimming lessons, keep track of pens and pencils, hang up coats and pack their bags all help school days to run without those little hitches that can cause anxiety. Help your child learn to recognise and write their name. Most children embark on a phonics reading programme almost immediately, so it’s helpful if your child is familiar with the
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alphabet. The same goes for maths and the numbers one to 20. Your child should be able to sit still (or at least remain seated) for up to 30 minutes. This can be hard for young kids so practice with your child by calmly playing games, doing jigsaw puzzles or drawing and painting.
It’s important to prepare your child practically as well as emotionally Spend some time reading aloud every day. At a basic level, this teaches your child how to read a book: to start at the beginning, to turn the pages one by one, to read from left to right and top to bottom. This will be in their interest for library visits at school and storytelling time. Borrow “starting school” books from the library to read over the summer. Pick out fun
and exciting activities in each one and use them as starting points for conversations. Go on a special trip to buy uniform and essential items for starting school, such as a lunch box, new shoes and stationery. Encourage your child to talk to other children by looking at their eyes and smiling, asking their names and introducing themselves. About 99 per cent of all children’s worries in the first week revolve around not having any friends yet, so give them the skills to independently get to know each other. ITS Education Asia provides an education consulting service that works with families and employers to find the right schools for individual children in Hong Kong, from nursery to secondary schools. ITS also offers research, policy and advisory services for corporations. For more details, contact es@itseducation.asia, 3188 3940 or www.itseducation.asia.
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big day out
the falls guy
Chasing waterfalls Rory Mackay escapes the crowd at Hong Kong’s highest cascades. A stone’s throw from the high rises of Tai Po, the Ng Tung Chai waterfalls are one of Hong Kong’s best-kept secrets. Climb into a steepsided world enveloped in dense rainforest and peppered with flowing cascades. Despite the area’s accessibility, it offers an escape from the crowds at weekends and during the week you’re likely to have this tropical wonderland to yourself.
Visit during the summer rainy season and you’re guaranteed a roaring reception Allow four to five hours for the moderately strenuous 6km walk to the three main falls, including swimming time, and take light snacks and plenty of water. Catch a taxi (about $50) or bus 64K from Tai Wo MTR Station (Exit A) to Ng Tung Chai village, then follow the sealed road uphill to the trailhead. The trail begins as a concrete path winding through lush undergrowth to picturesque Man Tak Monastery. From there, the route steps up in calibre and becomes a dirt track. At the first junction, turn right up the northern slopes of Tai Mo Shan, or Big Hat Mountain. Tai Mo Shan is Hong Kong’s highest peak at 957 metres. It’s so big that the mountain often creates its own weather and the northern slopes, where Ng Tung Chai is situated, are the wettest in Hong Kong. The upside of all that rain is the waterfalls flow year-round: visit during the summer rainy season, however, and you’re guaranteed a roaring reception. The going is steep, but walkers are rewarded with expansive views over Lam Tsuen
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big day out Country Park and, on clear days, Shenzhen. After working up a sweat ascending 300 vertical metres, turn left turn at the next junction and walk to Scatter Falls. (The more intrepid have the option of following the track further up to the summit ridge of Tai Mo Shan and a multitude of trekking options.) From here on in, it’s all fun. Scramble down the “forbidden path”, past banana palms and
Delve into an idyllic chasm tangled with vines and ferns all vying for position on the rocks secluded caves, to emerge at the splendid Main Falls. The highest waterfall in Hong Kong, this 110-foot stunner deserves some time and its shallow pool presents a welcome opportunity to cool off. Ready to move on? Head downhill through the lush greenery, keeping an eye out for wildlife; the area is a hotspot for lizards and The three sets of falls at Ng Tung Chai are in the wettest part of Hong Kong.
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big day out insects. After some time, the Middle Falls can be heard. Although not as impressive as the Main Falls, the Middle Falls are worth a visit, but save that final pit stop for the Bottom Falls. Not much further down, the Bottom Falls are a wholly appropriate climax to any day on the hill. Delve into an idyllic chasm tangled with vines and ferns all vying for position on the rocks to soak up the moisture. Sunlight squeezes through the thick canopy in ethereal beams. It feels more like a remote corner of Borneo than Hong Kong. The sure-footed can clamber over the rocks to the upper pool, which is the best spot for a refreshing dip. Once fully intoxicated by the Bottom Falls, it’s a simple matter of walking 45 minutes to Lam Kam Road and catching a bus back to civilization.
Rory Mackay runs adventure company Wild Hong Kong, which offers guided tours to Ng Tung Chai falls for $500 a head. For details, visit www.wildhongkong.com. The route twists up the forest-clad slopes of Tai Mo Shan, near Tai Po.
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travel
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travel
Where the wild things are Sharan Gill goes on safari in Sri Lanka. set with semi-precious stones at a fraction of the retail prices in Hong Kong. We stayed in a converted colonial bungalow where the bathroom was a sectioned-off part of the garden (with modern sanitation, thankfully). My girls were thrilled whenever a bird joined them in the shower.
The girls squealed with delight at the sight of an elephant trundling past reception From Galle, the park is a three-hour drive on winding roads. We broke the journey at a lovely restaurant, eating fresh seafood while powerful waves crashed onto the rocks only metres below. It happened more by luck than judgment, because we found its name – Dickwella – so funny we had to check it out. When we reached the Cinnamon Wild Yala hotel, the girls squealed with delight at the sight of an elephant trundling past reception. The
Photograph: Amila Tennakoon
My family has always been enthralled by tales of forays into the African wilderness. Racing along in an open jeep, watching water buffalo wade into a crocodile-infested lake, getting up close to an elephant feeding her young... Going on safari sounds exciting and we have had our fill of lazy beach holidays and Club Med sojourns. However, with two young children and rather pampered tastes, the thought of a 13-hour flight followed by an arduous journey to the African plains is daunting. But what if you could hop onto a relatively short five-hour flight, and stay in a beautiful resort, with elephants taking a shortcut through the grounds to the nearby jungle and the occasional deer sauntering to the swimming pool for a drink while you float in the water? Yala National Park in Sri Lanka offers a “safari lite” adventure, but it was one of the most exciting holidays my family of four (plus an aunty and 80-year-old grandfather) have had in a long time. Home to the world’s largest leopard population, until relatively recently Yala National Park was off the tourist radar thanks to its relative remoteness from better-known destinations. It is a seven-hour drive from Colombo’s international airport, and although there is a connecting flight to Mattala, I recommend you drive at least one way and break the journey for a few days in Galle. An historic town with beautifully preserved colonial Dutch architecture and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, Galle has quaint little streets and shops stocking lovely jewellery
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travel hotel is on the cusp of the national park. A short flight of steps from the swimming pool, a natural lake is used by local wildlife as a watering hole and guests can observe all manner of animals from a raised observation deck. On our first evening, my husband ventured close to the lake to photograph crocodiles emerging from the water, only to beat a hasty retreat when a herd of wild boar showed up. The hotel largely comprises individual “jungle” chalets, set quite far apart from each other, and has an open-door policy for animals. One morning, a groggy grandfather opened his door to frantic knocking expecting to see his granddaughters but instead he was confronted by a group of excited monkeys, who could smell the bananas in his room. It was the highlight of his morning. Animals come into the open to hunt and it is recommended you go on safari at dawn or dusk (5.30am-8.30am or 3pm-6pm). We were rather late for our first safari, only making it to the park at 6.30am, well after daybreak, but we managed to see lots of birds, the odd elephant, sambar deer and lots of buffalo, We realised, however, that if we wanted to see more exciting animals, such as the famed Sri Lankan leopards, we would have to get up earlier. Watching herds of animals grazing on the
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At Yala, it’s not just the monkeys that get cheeky with tourists.
open plains is an amazing experience. Different species mix together in delightful profusion and a blaze of colours. When pelicans swooped down onto a crocodile-filled lake, we held our breath waiting for powerful jaws to clamp down on unsuspecting feathers. When nothing happened, it was almost a shock to be reminded that animals are not constantly lying in wait for each other and only kill when they need to eat.
It was touching to see a mother elephant feeding her calf and to witness her anxiety at our approach and attempt to herd her youngster to safety. And nothing brings you closer to the harsh reality of nature than to see an injured young boar limping along painfully, abandoned by the herd, easy pickings for predators. Ah yes, speaking of predators, the majestic and almost elusive is the Sri Lankan leopard. Yala has arguably the world’s largest population
travel of leopards. There’s no guarantee you will see leopards galore on safari, but those willing to go out early or stay late, and wait patiently, are likely to be rewarded by seeing this magnificent creature in action. And sometimes, not quite where you might expect. Late one evening, we were heading back to our room when a lithesome leopard popped out from the foliage, metres from the hotel entrance. We may have been in a beautiful modern resort, but there was no better reminder that this was, above all, a jungle. Needless to say, the hotel recommends you use an escort whenever you leave your chalet and we strongly echo that sentiment. Not long after, our escort spotted a crocodile just a few feet away from us. It scrabbled off when he shone his torch on it, but it was sobering to consider what might have happened had we been walking alone, which we had got into the habit of doing after a couple of nights. While staff are quick to remind guests to be vigilant, there have been no incidents at the hotel and the locals carry on their business side by side with the animals, not blinking an eyelid when a leopard is spotted outside the hotel or an elephant saunters past. It was difficult to leave. Unlike previous
Watch the wildlife at a nearby watering hole from a lounger on the pool deck.
holidays, we had the sense of having learned something and we had a keener appreciation of wildlife, which we had previously taken for granted. The children had a chance to see animals the way they should be seen, unfettered by captivity. The majestic creatures left an indelible impression on this jaded
traveller and a greater appreciation of the destructive forces of progress. For details of Cinnamon Wild Yala, visit www.cinnamonhotels.com. For Dickwella Surf Spray restaurant, visit www.brownshotels.com.
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health & beauty
With the humidity wreaking havoc on her hair, Shreena Patel tests an anti-frizz treatment.
It’s my first summer in Hong Kong and, thanks to the rampant humidity, I look like an indian Hermione Granger (Philosopher’s Stone, not Deathly Hallows). To rid myself of my halo of frizz and get a sleeker look, I’m trying out the Discovery treatment by Ybera. Keratin and Brazilian blowdry hair treatments were once touted as a hair revolution, but some were found to release dangerously high levels of carcinogenic formaldehyde (including many that claimed to be formaldehyde-free). With the dizzying array of products, reports of stinging eyes and sore throats, lawsuits, investigations by the US Food and Drugs Administration and product bans in Canada and Europe, it became difficult to tell which treatments were safe and which weren’t. Enter Ybera. Brought to Hong Kong in 2013 by trichologist (hair and scalp specialist) Dr Aline Jahns, founder of Strand and Science Hair Spa, Ybera’s Discovery treatment provides a safe alternative. One hundred per cent formaldehydefree, it claims to straighten hair and repair damage at the same time. Compatible with chemically treated hair, it can even be used while pregnant. After meeting Dr Jahns, I completed a questionnaire about my hair, which she used to
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advise me on how to improve its condition. My hair was coated in cream, section by section, and left for 45 minutes (30 minutes for less damaged hair). Then it was shampooed and a hydrating mask applied. After rinsing, my hair was blow-dried, flatironed in small sections, and trimmed to remove split ends. Verdict: During my three-hour treatment I experienced no unpleasant smell or irritation to the eyes or scalp. Afterwards my hair was perfectly straight and much glossier. It felt a little flat at first but, after washing, some volume was restored. Blowdrying my hair straight now requires much less effort, and leaving it to dry naturally results in a wavier look. I like having the option and, either way, the frizz is gone. Depending on aftercare, the results should last about three months. Dr Jahns is not about quick fixes. Rather than creating a cycle of “damage and repair” she aims to improve the condition of her clients’ hair with every visit, keeping a file on their treatment history and results. When I got home, there was even an email waiting for me with tips on how to manage my hair better. I will be going back. Discovery System Smoothening Treatment costs from $1,500 at Strand and Science HairSPA, 1/F Block 2, DB North Plaza, Discovery Bay, 2886 3820, www.strandandscience.com. It is also available at Brune Blonde (from $3,000; M/F, Grand Hyatt, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, 2511 3988, www.bruneblonde.com) and The Mandarin Salon (from $3,300; 5 Connaught Road, Central, 2825 4800, www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong).
tame the mane Dr Jahns’ top five tips to combat frizz Choose a styling product that will protect your hair against daily aggressors such as heat and pollution. Your hair reflects your diet. Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water. Don’t towel-dry the hair as it roughens the cuticle, causing frizz. Instead, use paper towels to blot water out of the hair. Use a satin pillowcase to minimise friction and loss of moisture from the hair. Before swimming, rinse your hair and apply leave-in conditioner to fill the cuticle and repel damaging chlorinated water.
Before
Hair by numbers 120,000 – the number of hairs on the average human scalp, although blondes tend to have more and redheads fewer.
After
12 tonnes, or the weight of two elephants, can be supported by an average head of hair (in good condition) when twisted.
The frizz biz
Four ways to sleek summer hair. Japanese hair straightening Strong chemicals permanently straighten the hair, but the treatment can leave hair damaged and results in an awkward growing-out phase if not touched up regularly. Avoid if your hair is coloured or overprocessed. From $2,500 at Hollywood Hair 2, 210-211 Wong Chuk Wan, Sai Kung, 6903 7710. Brazilian blowout or keratin treatment The hair is coated with a mixture of keratin and a chemical preservative. The keratin fills gaps in the cuticle and the preservative locks the hair into a straighter position
when it is flatironed. The treatment greatly reduces styling time, but expect natural texture to return in about 12 weeks as the coating wears off. While certain levels of formaldehyde are permissible, if the gas is released during the treatment ensure the salon is well-ventilated. Avoid while pregnant. From $2,000 at Tala’s Hair and Beauty Centre, 56 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2335 1694, www.talashair.com. Goldwell Kerasilk This formaldehyde-free treatment is designed to smooth and soften hair. It involves two solutions: “shape” (relaxes curls) and “smooth” (reduces frizz). Both are available in medium or intense formulae,
allowing clients to tailor the treatment. It is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women and results last up to five months. From $2,800 at Hollywood Hair, 1 Duddell Street, Central, 2861 9830, www.hollywoodhair.com.hk. Conditioning treatment This treatment has the least straightening effect, but is also the fastest, cheapest and causes the least damage. It helps to control frizz by restoring moisture to the hair either in a salon or at home (for best results, after applying wear a plastic shower cap for 10 minutes to trap heat and help the conditioner to penetrate the hair’s cuticle). From $450 at Tala’s Hair and Beauty Centre.
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pets
every dog is different
Playing matchmaker Successful homing means matching the right dog to the right family, says Sally Andersen. It should seem obvious that dogs are intelligent, but many people can’t grasp the simple concept that a dog will respond to the way it is treated and the environment in which it lives. In the same way that some otherwise pleasant, calm people turn into road-rage monsters behind the wheel of a car, some dog owners think they have to bark (excuse the pun) orders at their poor pooch from morning till night. “Sit! Stay! Down! No! No!” This leaves the animal totally confused about what is being asked of it. Dogs are individuals and some can be stubborn, but getting into an argument with a pet about who’s the boss doesn’t help anyone in the long run. Working together to come to a mutually acceptable agreement about how things are done is how it
really works. I know this because I have the most stubborn dog in the world. Safari is also large and heavy, so negotiating is a necessity. Through trial and error I’ve learned that if I ask nicely he might move out of the way, for example, but ordering him to move simply glues him resolutely to the spot. His “make me” attitude can make me laugh or drive me crazy. However, he’s an excellent teacher, because I now understand nothing can be done by force. Dogs are sensitive to the energy and dynamics of their home, and it’s important to take this into account when looking for a dog or a puppy to join the family. Homes with young children running around need a confident dog who will happily tolerate noise and boisterous behaviour. A lot of dogs don’t really like being hugged but others love it, which is good news because some owners want a dog they can snuggle
with and others like a dog to be around but not in the bed or on the sofa.
Getting into an argument with a pet about who’s the boss doesn’t help anyone It’s not uncommon for adopted dogs to be returned with incorrect assessments of their character and behaviour. In reality it’s just the wrong home for that particular dog. In these cases, the dog is probably praying the adopter will give it up so it can get away from whatever is upsetting it. Time and time again these dogs have been re-homed with new families who experience none of the issues reported by the previous adopters, which really proves the point.
Sally Andersen is the founder of Hong Kong Dog Rescue, a charity that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes unwanted or abandoned dogs.
hong kong creatures Asian koel The Asian or common koel is a large, longtailed cuckoo with a loud and distinctive call – koo-OOO. It’s particularly vocal in the March-August breeding season, both during the day and at night (to the irritation of many people). Reaching lengths of up to 44cm, the two sexes have markedly different plumage: the females are brown with white spots on the back and wings and white-striped underparts, while the males are a glossy bluish-black. Both sexes have crimson eyes and grey legs and feet. Common throughout Southeast Asia from China to India (where they appear in folklore, myths and poems), koels live in light
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woodland and cultivated areas and are typically seen in dense thickets of trees or bamboo. They are omnivores feeding on insects, eggs and fruit, including yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana), which is toxic to most mammals. Like some other cuckoos, they are brood parasites, laying eggs in the nests of other bird species such as crows, typically within two days of the host laying its first egg. Male koels may distract the hosts while the female invades the nest, often removing one or more host eggs before laying her own. Koel chicks typically hatch about three days before the host chicks. The foster mother raises the cuckoo chicks as if they were her own, and the female koel may also return to feed her young.
Photographic: Anton Croos
Eudynamys scolopaceus
Where to find them in Hong Kong: common in thickets of trees. Steffi Yuen
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marketplace
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marketplace
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marketplace
Carpet washing & Repairs Professionals
Our Cleaning & Repair services are among the best in hong kong We also selling Persian carpets and rugs for your home
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marketplace
on patrol...
top cop
Climate control
How to stay safe in bad weather. By Janet Chan. The summer monsoon has arrived. Like most Hongkongers, my officers experienced almost two weeks of gloomy weather and heavy rains at the end of May. The police responded to a number of reports at the time and our officers were frequently out in the downpour ensuring the safety of people and property. One of my female offices working on the ground would like to share her views... “On May 26, we experienced traffic jams and overflowing drains arising from the rainfall as the Rainstorm Warning Signals changed from Amber to Red and then Black in just 50 minutes. When the signals were hoisted, Hongkongers experienced a lot of inconvenience and even life endangerment. “According to the Hong Kong Observatory, the heaviest rainfall season is from May to September. After tropical cyclones and heavy rainstorms, it’s not uncommon to have flooding, fallen trees and landslides in both urban and rural low-lying terrain. Rainstorms can trigger flash floods and cause catastrophic mud slides. Premises and roads downstream of steep slopes and natural watercourses are at a higher risk of flooding. “We may not be able to control the
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weather, but we can be cautious and stay safe during inclement weather. Ensure drainage systems function well by clearing away rubbish, fallen trees or landslide debris, and stop-boards and sandbags can protect premises. “Traffic congestion and road accidents are more likely during heavy rainfall. Road users should be patient and drive slowly and safely. “Hikers should stay tuned to weather updates as intense rainfall can cause flash flood. Prevent children playing near drainage channels and rivers in case of sudden change of water level. “Please notify the Drainage Services Department of flooding, river overflows or blocked drains at 2300 1110. If any person is in danger, call 999 for emergency.” Take precautions to ensure your personal safety and protect your homes from severe damage during the wet season. •C onsult professionals and consider constructing barriers or floodwalls to prevent floodwater from entering your home. •F requently clear any rubbish or debris from your drains and sewage system. • I n villages, avoid leaving furniture and other items outside that may be flushed away and
To advertise, email ads@fastmedia.com.hk or call 2776 2772
block channels and streams. • If your area is prone to flood, monitor weather updates on radio or television. • If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. • Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves during critical weather, and disconnect electrical appliances. • Avoid walking through moving water whenever possible. It takes only six inches of rushing water to knock an adult off their feet. • When driving through floodwater, be aware the road bed may be severely damaged. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. It takes only two feet of water to carry away a vehicle, including pickups and SUVs. • If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the vehicle and move to higher ground. • If you are planning outdoor activities, check the weather forecast. For safety’s sake, consider cancelling your plans in bad weather. Janet Chan is the ADVC OPS for the Hong Kong Police Sai Kung Division, tel: 3661 1630
marketplace
distribution
where to find us
Sai Kung Magazine continues to extend its reach in the community, here is the latest in distribution news. 30,000 readers. 10,000 copies.
SAI KUNG PENINSULA
Shatin
Sai Kung Town Hebe Haven Marina Cove KOWLOON Silverstrand Tseung Kwan O Clearwater Bay
HONG KONG ISLAND
Restaurants, Bars and Cafes -
AJ’s Sri Lankan Restaurant Ali Oli Bakery Bacco Big Fish Butcher King CC Café Casa Cava Chip In Classified Colour Brown Fiesta Fiesta Firenze Grande Restaurant Five Coffee Company Italiano’s Jaspas May’s Sawadee Mike’s Chicken Comida de Portugal Paisano’s Pepperonis Pizzeria La Gondola Sauce Sawadee Thai Starbucks Steamers Takka Fusion T.C. Deli Tree Cafe (Horizon Plaza) The Duke of York
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The Dutch The Sandwich Club, HKUST Union Jacks Vilavila Gourmet Village Restaurant
Shops -
The Bottleshop The Courtyard East Point City Shopping Mall Everything Under The Sun (Horizon Plaza) Final Fragment Fusion, Centro Plaza Fusion, Clearwater Bay Ka Ying Curtain Craft Leisure Book Shop Life’s a Breeze (Horizon Plaza) Look Upstairs One Kowloon Patsy House Rich On House Property Agency Sai Kung Market Schmidt Vinothek Taste (East Point City) Today Speed Photo Finishing Mirth TREE Watsons Wine Cellar Wood + Kitchen
Pets and Vets
Schools and Kindergartens
- Pets Central - Sai Kung Animal Hospital
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Private Clubs and Hotels -
Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club Equestrian Centre Hebe Haven Yacht Club Hillview Court Hyatt Regency Hong Kong (Sha Tin) Marina Cove Residence Oasis The Giverny The Portofino Victoria Recreation Club
Anastassia’s Art House Clearwater Bay School Garden House Hong Kong Academy Hong Kong Adventist College Kellett School Mills International School Music Horizon Sunshine House Sai Kung English Tutti Music Woodland Pre-School
Health and Fitness -
Allure Escapade sports OT&P (Razor Hill) Pole Paradise Queen’s Castle Organic Day Spa Sai Kung Healthcare Centre Sara Thai Massage Seasons Fitness (Central) Sense of Touch Tala’s Hair and Beauty Zone @ Sai Kung Reflexology Centre
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vines in sai kung
stephen says...
Next for the wrecking ball? Despite its grade one status, the government has historic Shaw Studios in its redevelopment sights, says Stephen Vines. best arguments for their destruction and replacement by luxury housing have nothing to do with the intrinsic value of the site, but have degenerated into a pointless row over the nature of the listings and the repercussions for other preservation attempts. Maybe a compromise will be reached in which just the art deco-ish Shaw House is preserved, or maybe the whole lot will simply be pulled down.
Will its heritage status save art deco(ish) Shaw House?
A man to watch Warmest congratulations to Kenneth Lau, the new leader of the Heung Yee Kuk, who may or may not be representing the interests of Sai Kung residents. By no coincidence Kenneth is the son of the Kuk’s former boss, Lau Wong-fat, and he confirmed his qualifications for the job by informing the great unwashed that not only is he over 18 years old, but also managed to fill in his own application form for the post. Clearly the man is a genius and thus managed to win an election in which he was the only candidate. So far, so bad. But the real question is, what will he do now? Will he follow his father’s footsteps in seeing his role as solely representing the interests of the small minority of New Territories residents who claim to be “indigenous”, or will he (don’t laugh) try to be a representative for the whole community in the rural areas? The answer is obvious as is the whole rotten system that yields so much power and so little responsibility. The Kuk is less powerful in Sai Kung than in some other parts of the New Territories yet when push comes to shove it still manages to assert itself and ensure the majority of the population is pushed aside whenever its members’ interests are at stake.
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Tenacious when it comes to destruction Sometimes, in a not very good way, you have to admire the government’s tenacity when pursuing its destroy-and-build policy, which has resulted in the destruction of countless heritage sites and their replacement by developments handed over to the property tycoons.
The studios represent the glorious past of Hong Kong’s once-flourishing film industry Here in Sai Kung it seems determined to see the destruction of the Shaw Studios Clearwater Bay site, accorded a grade one listing (the highest preservation category) by the Antiquities Advisory Board. The government did not accept this verdict and has been attempting to reverse the decision. Predictably some board members have been persuaded to backtrack, others seem to be taking their responsibilities seriously and so there is still resistance. The point about the studios, unlovely as they are, is they represent the glorious past of Hong Kong’s once flourishing film industry and as such clearly have heritage value. The
Why some officials love the parks Meanwhile in Uk Tau village in Sai Kung Country Park yet another government official, former Chief Architect Paul Yiu, is involved in a plan to build 26 village houses. He follows in the footsteps of Thomas Sit, an assistant director at the Ag and Fish department who was planning to build five houses in Tai Long Wan village. That application was knocked back. This new, bigger application involves 26 allegedly separate applications that appear to have been coordinated. The lots in question were traded prior to the applications. One of the two companies involved in the complicated purchase scheme involves Mr Yiu as a director. As for the “indigenous” villagers, it appears none live in the village and some are not resident in Hong Kong. However, Mr Yiu is well placed to overcome these trifling obstacles. Gweilo traffic alert Now for a fine example of racial profiling. Maybe it is just coincidence, or maybe I really look like the kind of person who likes a hefty drink before getting in my car. However, I seem to appear that way to the policemen at the regular speed trap on Clearwater Bay Road. Other motorists seem to be pulled over for infringing the speed limit. On the numerous occasions it has been my misfortune to be stopped, I was within the speed limit but it was deemed necessary for me to take a breath test. For the record, the tests came up negative, but I can’t help feeling the reason I was tested had more to do with my appearance than anything else. I wonder whether any other readers have encountered this problem? Stephen Vines is a journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur. He is the former editor of the Eastern Express and Southeast Asia correspondent for The Observer.