Southside Magazine August 2015

FAMILY | FOOD | HOME | SPORT | LIVING

August 2015

How to play here Overland across Asia Saddle up for a cycling challenge Eat at the beach Repulse Bay’s new restaurants Inside HKIS

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The really useful magazine August 2015

PEOPLE

LOCAL

2 Snapped!

Southside’s social life.

THE PLANNER 8 Happening in August What’s on.

NEWS 14 What’s going on?

In your backyard.

GIVEAWAYS 20 Free stuff Fab things to win.

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

22 Paul Leese Southside’s architect turned children’s author.

24 Trouble at the top Peak heritage and greenbelt under threat.

NEWS FROM THE GREENS 26 Stop the traffic Paul Zimmerman manages the traffic.

FEATURE 28 Join the club How to get into Southside’s private clubs.

EATING 36 New at The Pulse Repulse Bay’s hottest new restaurants. Plus inside 3/3rds, Nibbles and mooncakes.

EDUCATION 52 Hong Kong International School Behind the scenes of the elite American school.

FAMILY 58 Back to school Stuff for backpacks.

BIG DAY OUT

PETS 72 Pack mentality The group dynamics of dog world.

HONG KONG CREATURES 72 Yellowtail Clownfish Find Nemo.

SOUTHSIDE SECRETS 80 Stanley Temple It’s a tall tiger of a tale.

60 Out for a duck Go quackers for duck-shaped Ap Chau island.

TRAVEL 66 Freewheeling through Asia Overland cycling challenges open to everybody.

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people Snaps from Southside

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say cheese

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people Kayak n Run

Share your event photos with us at photo@fastmedia.com.hk. Get snapping!

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people

Photographes: Carlos Leung, Byng Hum, Jeff Mein Smith and Mark Hammerschmidt

Jax Shek O Challenge

Share your event photos with us at photo@fastmedia.com.hk. Get snapping!

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planner

UNTIL AUG 30 AUG 2 Wan Chai Sports Carnival A free sports day for all ages at Wan Chai venues: kickboxing and cycling in Paterson Street, K-pop dancing and ping-pong at Wan Chai Sports Federation, and a community run at Causeway Bay Sports Ground. 2.30pm-5pm, 2833 0935, www.fashionwalk.com.hk.

UNTIL AUG 2 Wise-Kids Toys Road Show Kids can test out the latest toys and games from leading brands at play sessions throughout the day. Tickets $30, Ocean View Court, Cyberport, Pok Fu Lam, 2989 6298, www.wisekidstoys.com.

AUG 8 The Global Run Lace up your running shoes for the second annual 10km Amazing Maasai Global Run in aid of girls’ education in Kenya. Yuen Wo Road Sports Centre, Sha Tin, www.eventbrite.com.

AUG 8-9 Lan Kwai Fong Beer & Music Festival Food, music, interactive games and fine beers all weekend in Lan Kwai Fong, www.lankwaifong.com.

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Ocean Park Summer Splash 2015

Get wet with the LINE friends at summer’s soggiest party, complete with water slide, water fights, foam party and dancing fountain. Ocean Park, Aberdeen, 3923 2323, www.oceanpark.com.hk.

UNTIL AUG 9 Hong Kong Restaurant Week Wrap your taste buds around discounted special menus at 73 restaurants, including Azure, Wooloomooloo Steakhouse and Bread Street Kitchen. Details at www.restaurantweek.hk.

happening in August AUG 13-17 Hong Kong Food Expo Feast on food and drink from around the world, watch cooking demos and visit the night market. Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai, www.hktdc.com.

AUG 14-16 Asian Youth Orchestra: Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence Cantopop legend Alan Tam, young musicians and alumni celebrate 25 years of the Asian Youth Orchestra. Hong Kong Coliseum, Hung Hom. Tickets $100-$350 from ticket.urbtix.hk, 2866 1623.

UNTIL AUG 16 International Arts Carnival Annual children’s arts festival, with music, dance, drama, magic and acrobatic performances. Schedule at www.hkiac.gov.hk.

Tickets from www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999.

AUG 17 Back to school

AUG 22-24 Slide the City

Autumn term begins at ESF schools.

Experience the 1,000-foot water slide of your life at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Kowloon. Over-eights only; minimum height 117cm. Tickets $150 (single slide) to $480 (unlimited and night slides) from www.slidethecity.hk.

AUG 21-23 International Design Furniture Fair Hong Kong Asia’s biggest furniture fair. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. One-day ticket from $190 at www.hkticketing.com.

AUG 15 & 16 Hi-5 House of Dreams Join the Hi-5 gang for wild and wacky dream adventures. Shows at 11am, 2.30pm and 6pm.

AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau. Tickets $250-$688 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

AUG 22-24 Imagine Dragons: Smoke + Mirrors The Radioactive boys hit town. AsiaWorldArena, Lantau. Tickets $288-$788 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

AUG 19-23 DisneyLive! Mickey’s Music Festival Mickey Mouse and friends remix your favourite Disney hits. Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $180-$680 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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planner UNTIL AUG 30 A Frozen summer Play in the snow this summer with Elsa, Anna and Olaf at the enchanting Frozen village. Hong Kong Disneyland, www.hongkongdisneyland.com, 3550 3388.

AUG 28-30, SEP 4-6 Pinocchio A brand new show about the fibbing puppet from The Hong Kong Ballet. Grand Theatre, Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tickets $140$1,000 from www.hkballet.com, 3761 6661.

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BOOK NOW SEP 3 Dylan Moran Off the Hook

SEP 15-20 The Naked Magicians

SEP 30 Don’t Let Daddy Know

Stand-up comedy from the Black Books star. KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $488$888 from www.hkticketing.com.

Full-frontal illusions – not quite as saucy as it sounds. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai.

Tickets $395-$595 at www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

The global dance party lands in Hong Kong. 5pm-11pm, AsiaWorld Expo. Earlybird tickets $580 (by Aug 2), $780 (by Aug 30), $980 from www.hkticketing.com.

SEP 16-20 Louis Pearl The Amazing Bubble Man

A medley of songs from Les Mis, Phantom, Jersey Boys and more. Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $445-$895 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

SEP 4 Maroon 5 World Tour Sold out, so you’ll need to be resourceful.

AsiaWorld-Arena. Tickets were $488-$988 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

SEP 4-5 World Darts Masters Hong Kong joins the global darts circuit.

Ironmonger Darts Hall, Hong Kong Observation Wheel, Central. Tickets $499 from www.ticketflap.com, 2973 0372.

SEP 4-6 Shakespeare’s Globe Hamlet Performing Hamlet in every country on Earth.

Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $395-$795 from www.hkticketing.com.

Art, magic, science and bubbles. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $395$550 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

SEP 25-OCT 11 Singin’ in the Rain Brollies, buckets of rain and soggy coppers.

Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $445-995 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

OCT 12 Beyond the Barricade

NOV 24 Elton John: All the Hits Join the Rocket Man for a romp down memory lane. HKCEC, Wan Chai. Tickets $488-$2,388 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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peek-a-boo @the pulse

BrickShop

Hot on the release of comic book blockbusters, BRICKSHOP has the latest in LEGO, PLAYMOBIL and other bricks to keep kids entertained over the summer holidays.

Get creative with your favourite characters and make your own adventures.

Make sure the pulse is your shopping destination to ensure you don’t miss out on great summer deals. Peek-a-boo at the pulse is home to some of the best loved shops and international brands for families in Hong Kong. Whether the kids are in need of a fab new summer outfit or a last minute birthday present, let the friendly team at peek-a-boo show you the way.

CHICKEEDUCK European style children’s clothes store Chickeeduck has a range of cute outfits for any occasion. Currently all Spring/ Summer 2015 collections are 50% off including stylish party pieces and lightweight summer casual wear. With 25 years of experience in clothing newborns to teenagers, CHICKEEDUCK has kids’ style sorted.

baby concepts

Stop by baby concepts for children’s clothing, accessories and toys as well as bottles, bibs and many more practical items for parents and child.

Matteo Party Party experts Matteo Party have all the supplies for birthday bashes this summer.

Pick up helium balloons featuring kids’ favourites Batman and Elsa from Disney hit Frozen.

Personalised ‘standees’, from $590, will be a hit with any birthday boys and girls.

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Spanish Shoes

All the shoes at Spanish Shoes are made, unsurprisingly, in Spain, with the latest in stylish and comfortable designs for women and children. ‘Menorquinas’ are perfect for the summer weather and come in a range of colours and patterns.

Juliet & the Band

Juliet & the band is a creative brand of lighthearted clothes and accessories for young active people. The brand’s clothing features stylish yet comfortable pieces perfect for all summer occasions.

(Sponsored Feature)

Seed Heritage

Children’s clothing experts seed heritage are excited to share their new party range for girls from 1-2 and 7-8 years.

Pom poms and tulle will add an extra special touch to any outfit. As well as stocking a whole range of newborn gifts, boys and girls clothing, a special teen collection and accessories, Seed Heritage will also launch their Autumn/ Winter 2015 collection this August.

Airplay blowdry bar & luna star naturals

Already established in many towns and cities in North America and Europe, blow dry bars are the perfect stop before a special occasion to sit back, relax and let expert hair and makeup stylists make you look fabulous. No cut or colour, simply blow dry and style with the latest GHD products. The blowdry bar can also host parties for up to 12 persons with a range of snazzy natural makeup products and party bags included.

tunique

This summer visit tunique for affordable but luxurious jewelry whether your style says ethnic chic, bohemian and kitsch, or elegant and understated. This season sees new jewelry from France to complement the existing range of Asian inspired designs.

Jelly belly

Look no further for your next sugar rush. Jelly beans in every flavour you could want to try and some you definitely don’t.

Star ThreeSixty Junior

Selected brands at Star ThreeSixty Junior have a further 10% discount for every pair pair of shoes bought during August. The latest in fashionable designs including international brands Polo Ralph Lauren Kids, Heelys and GUESS kids.

Cube magic

Magic sets, cards and tricks, Cube magic stocks everything a young magician needs.

All products are demonstrated before purchase so you can continue the magic at home like an expert. Supply your own rabbit to come out of the hat.

thepulsehk thepulsehk 2815 8888 thepulse.com.hk 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 13

news

in your backyard

Tiny dancers Get little feet tapping at NattyBop’s fun dance classes and party entertainment for children aged one to eight years. The classes are the brainchild of trained dancer and mum Natalie Jones.

“When my youngest son reached a year and a half, I decided to put all my experience into a new dance venture,” she says. “I started NattyBop thinking like a mum and a teacher – the classes are all about having fun, dance, games, props and most importantly, smiles and laughter.”

Each 45-minute session explores a combination of styles, from King and Queen ballet with crowns and tiaras to modern upbeat

grooves with pom poms and ribbons. Classes are held at Delaney’s at Cyberport on Monday afternoons, and from next month they will also be offered at Little Yogis at One Island South, Wong Chuk Hang. Jones is offering free trials on September 4.

NattyBop also offers private classes in your home or clubhouse for a minimum of six children, and provides tailor-made entertainment for children’s parties. Classes are $170 each ($200 for private classes) and customers pay for one month at a time. For details, visit www.nattybop.com.

Wan Chai to host Sports Carnival The first Wan Chai Sports Day will be held on Sunday, August 2, giving the public a chance to try all sorts of new sports for free. Coorganised by Fashion Walk, activities will be held throughout the district.

Take a professional kick-boxing class or have a go at cycling on Paterson Street. Get your heart pumping to a new beat with a crash course in K-pop street dancing or take on all comers at ping pong at the Wan Chai Sports Federation. Or join the community run at the Causeway Bay Sports Ground.

Activities are open to people of all ages from 2.30pm to 5pm, www.fashionwalk.com.hk, 2833 0935.

Preschools open in Repulse Bay and K-Town

Walk for the disabled

The sound of music

Join a charity walk through Pok Fu Lam in aid of disabled kids on September 20. Organised by the Society for the Relief of Disabled Children, “Step Out for Children” aims to raise public awareness and much-needed funds to finance medical services.

The 6.3km route starts at Cyberport Arcade and passes the Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital before looping back to the start point.

At checkpoints along the path, participants will engage in a series of educational quizzes. There will also be live music, game stalls and other entertainment. Organisers are anticipating that 1,000 people will take part.

There is no registration fee, but each walker is expected to raise at least $200. Download an enrolment form online at www.srdc.org.hk and return it before September 11 to secure a place.

Got a budding rockstar on your hands?

Miles ELP International Academy is offering free music taster sessions for children from the ages of 18 months on August 22 (10amnoon). Parents can also talk to professional music teachers about music education for their little ones.

Group trial sessions will be also held from August 17 to 20: gather a group of friends, find a time that works for you and split the fixed fee.

Advanced booking required. The Academy is also offering special prices for those who sign up for the autumn term.

Register by contacting info@milesinternational.com.hk. B102, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 3586 3070, www.milesinternational.com.hk.

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Woodland PreSchools group is opening a new preschool in Kennedy Town and expanding Woodland Beachside in Repulse Bay with a new campus offering a traditional preschool curriculum to complement the existing Montessori facility.

Opening on August 26 right next to Repulse Bay beach, the new Woodland Beachside Pre­ School will have a sun, sand and sea theme.

Located on the second floor of the Dairy Farm Shopping Centre on Beach Road, the 8,000 sq ft school has bright, contemporary classrooms, indoor and outdoor playgrounds and parking facilities.

An “old Hong Kong” theme will be adopted in the decor of Woodland Kennedy Town PreSchool, which will be located near the new MTR Station. The preschool will have two indoor playgrounds and creatively themed areas for imaginative play.

Both schools will offer classes for children from six months to six years in English, Mandarin and bilingual, and follow a traditional curriculum covering the key learning areas of communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and expressive arts and design.

For details, enquiry@woodlandschools.com, 2559 4855, 2/F, 35 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, www.woodlandschools.com.

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news

Primary school set to raise $200 million from hopeful parents

Yogi Monday returns to The Pulse Back by popular demand, sunset yoga returned to Repulse Bay last month in what looks likely to become a regular event. Held on the rooftop of The Pulse, against the stunning backdrop of the beach at golden hour, Maximal Concepts’ second yoga class was a collaboration between Limewood, Pure and Biotherm, with some of the profits going to the Plastic Oceans Foundation, an NGO that aims to reduce plastic pollution.

About 30 yogis quenched their thirst with fresh coconut water before taking to their mats

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for the hour-long sunset session led by certified instructor, Anri. A raffle saw five lucky winners take home outfits from Pure Apparel, and all guests were treated to goodie bags from Pure and Biotherm. Afterwards, participants moved onto Limewood to feast on an array of delicious dishes, from spicy yellow fin tuna ceviche to Caribbean rum cake. A great way to start the week. Look out for round three. Tickets are usually $590. The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay.

Two-hundred parents, eager to secure a place for their children at St. Stephen’s College Preparatory School, have shelled out $1 million each to gain priority in the school’s admissions process for 2016-17. The school’s fixed term note programme is now oversubscribed, despite the debentures being non-interest-bearing, non-transferable and unsecured. It is understood that the funds raised will be used to build a new teaching block within the school’s campus at Stanley Peninsula.

Purchasing the debenture does not guarantee a place for one’s child in Primary 1, but those who pass the second round interview (there are three interviews in total) will be given priority to enter the final round in mid-October, for which there are 32 places. Those whose parents did not purchase FTNs will compete for another 100 openings in November. If the child ultimatley fails the interview, however, you can get your money back, less redemption charges.

Established in 1938, the private school admits around 130 students to Primary 1 each year, from an average of 1,700 applicants.

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news

Underwater snapper Sai Kung-based photographer Simon Lorenz has found an interesting niche for family photos: underwater portraits.

The former PADI dive instructor is getting a lot of buzz for his pool portraits of brides, babies, yoga poses and even pregnancy shots. Nothing is out of the question, he says. Lorenz will come to the pool of your choice, don his scuba gear and dive in for a photography session with a difference.

Prices start at $3,000 for babies (plus an extra $1,000 for each additional baby) and $5,000 for adults, whose sessions usually last much longer.

Lorenz typically provides 20-40 quickly edited pictures. After picking your favourites, he will brush up five image and provide them in high resolution digital format. He can also arrange printing and framing if desired. For details, please visit www.poolportrait.com.

Top marks for IB Hong Kong’s international schools continue to outperform schools worldwide in the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma. Of 141,800 students who sat the exams worldwide, just 160 were awarded a perfect score of 45. Of these top scorers, 27 students live in Hong Kong,

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including 15 from ESF schools (where a further 24 students received 44 points), one from the French International School and one from Victoria Shanghai Academy.

Congratulations to all the students and teachers on great results.

Safari Kid’s new programmes Safari Kid international preschool will launch eight brand new enrichment programmes for babies aged six months to two-and-a-half years to help prepare them for school. Covering language and arts, creativity and self-expression as well as physical, social and emotional development, Safari Kid’s new classes will allow parents to tailor-make a programme for their child. In addition, Safari Kid’s four playgroups for babies six to 15 months include Baby Music and Movement, Baby Massage, Baby Yoga and Baby Gym. To register visit www.safarikidasia.com.

L101 Chi Fu Landmark, Chi Fu Fa Yuen, Pok Fu Lam, 2177 0001.

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free stuff

win at www.southside.hk

Sugar HK Sugar is a city discovery app designed to help you find deals at F&B and lifestyle spots around Hong Kong. This month, Sugar is giving away $50 to all new users, plus an extra $100 credit to Southside Magazine readers, to spend at its carefully curated list of more than 150 venues, such as The Butchers Club, Little Burro and Munchies.

Download from the App store or Google Play store, or visit: www.hk.wewantsugar.com Deadline: August 31

The Social Place + Sugar HK Social Place offers contemporary Chinese dim sum and dishes that feature fresh, quality ingredients. This month, in partnership with Sugar, Social Place is offering a degustation dinner for two people, valued at $1,000. socialplace.hk Deadline: August 20

Pirata + Sugar HK A cosy Italian restaurant in Wan Chai, Pirata takes pride in being true to the Italian philosophy of food, emphasising fresh ingredients and simple recipes. This month, in partnership with Sugar, Pirata is offering dinner for two valued at up to $1,000 (note: booking must be made 10 days in advance). pirata.hk Deadline: August 20

Squarestreet Local brand Squarestreet offers Scandinavianinfluenced products that emphasise simplicity, functionality and quality. This month we are giving away four pairs of its signature handmade sunglasses, each valued at $600.

These sunglasses blend classic references and fresh thinking, giving a subtle nod to early 80s Ray-Ban frames, but with a fresh, colourful twist. www.15squarestreet.com Deadline: August 24

To enter, click the Giveaways tab on our website, www.southside.hk. Deadlines vary.

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five minutes with...

Editorial

Senior Consultant Editor Jane Steer jane@fastmedia.com.hk

warts and all

Paul Leese Annie Wong meets the Southside architect-turnedauthor behind a new witchy tale for kids.

Acting Editor Callum Wiggins callum@fastmedia.com.hk Shreena Patel shreena@fastmedia.com.hk Digital Editor Annie Wong annie@fastmedia.com.hk

Design

Art Director Kelvin Lau kelvin@fastmedia.com.hk Graphic Designer Jack Yip jack@fastmedia.com.hk

Thanks to

Adele Brunner Anji Connell Arshia Bhatia Calvin Cragg Carolynne Dear Evie Burrows-Taylor Humphrey Wilson Nigel Griffiths Paul Zimmerman Rory Mackay Sally Andersen Sarah Fung Steffi Yuen

Publisher

Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk

Published by

Fast Media Floor LG1, 222 Queens Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Photo by: Ian Mak, www.smallvoicephotos.com

When he’s not sailing, the recently retired Leese is busy writing and illustrating children’s books and designing.

I’ve lived in Southside for 25 years and Hong Kong for 36 years. My favourite places are usually water-associated and the water is what attracted me to Southside. My wife and I saw a house we liked and we were lucky enough to be able to buy it.

The area has many recreational activities and is easily accessible to other parts of the city. And the MTR coming soon will make a huge difference to people living here. Even the weather seems to be better.

My background is in architecture and design. At LRF Designers, I designed hotels and clubs in Hong Kong and around Asia. We designed Aberdeen Marina Club in 1979 and many of the big hotel chains. I was chairman at LRF Designers until I recently retired, but they’ve kindly let me keep my office.

Since retiring, I’ve been up to a

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few things. I still design, but I also write, doodle and sail.

I still design but I also write, doodle and sail I started designing easy-to-make furniture, which I’m hoping to launch next year. It will mainly be tailor-made benches and tables that can be used in cafes and restaurants.

My wife worried I was working too hard and told me to get a hobby, so I bought a boat and have been sailing ever since. I love sailing, it’s my biggest delight.

I never knew how to sail when I bought my first boat. I remember sailing it from the New Territories back to Aberdeen on the first day – a cold and windy November’s day. I learned on the job and

found a good crew at Aberdeen Boat Club. I race every two to three weeks and recently sailed around the islands of Croatia.

My writing began a while ago, when I read bedtime stories to my daughters. I made up a story about witches and the story evolved. When I retired and had more time, I started writing these stories I had in my head. My daughter, Alexandra, would pronounce her name as “Aliganda”, and that’s how the name of the book (Aliganda to the Rescue) came about.

If Aliganda is successful, I plan to write a bigger volume with more short stories. I also illustrated Aliganda and if I have time, I will start illustrating for other people too.

Aliganda to the Rescue is available at Kelly and Walsh, Bookazine, Amazon.com and Waterstones.com.

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local

areas of concern

Sales & Marketing Head of Sales & Marketing Karman So karman@fastmedia.com.hk Sales Manager Oliver Simons oliver@fastmedia.com.hk Sales & Marketing Executive Alastair Grigg alastair@fastmedia.com.hk John Lee john@fastmedia.com.hk Office Security Cat the dog

Accounts Manager

Residents oppose a hotel development at 27 Lugard Road.

Connie Lam connie@fastmedia.com.hk

Heritage under threat

Printer

Peak residents take on developments threatening heritage and ecological sites. By Callum Wiggins.

Apex Print 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong

www.southside.hk ads@fastmedia.com.hk @southsidemag facebook.com/SouthsideMagazineHK

GIVE US A CALL! Admin: 3568 3722 Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772, 3563 9755 Southside 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. Southside Magazine 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 pubishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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Proposed developments that threaten historical sites and greenbelt land are pitting local residents and conservation groups against land developers and government departments on The Peak. A number of proposals for the area have spurred local residents into action.

A 128-year-old, grade-one mansion at 23 Coombe Road is the subject of a dispute between nearby residents and the owner, who wishes to redevelop the site.

To save the property from demolition, the government suggested a land swap for a greenbelt plot next to Aberdeen Country Park, however, residents objected and the application was withdrawn. In July, the developer resubmitted the application to rezone the greenbelt land.

Residents have formed the Aberdeen Country Park Concern Group to raise awareness of the developments.

“The proposed development involving a land swap on a greenbelt zone by the owner of 23 Coombe Road will disturb the tranquility of the area and the enjoyment of the natural environment,” spokesperson Dominica Yang says.

“The area boasts a unique roost of black kites, the biggest in

East Asia, and the development will involve the removal of natural plants and vegetation, encroach on a country park zone, disrupt the peace of country-park life, all for one luxury development.”

Central to the concern group’s objection is the rejection of the “no gain, no loss swap” in the applicant’s submission to the Town Planning Board.

It is unacceptable to see greenbelt land taken away “The applicant claims the swap between 23 Coombe Road and the proposed site opposite is a ‘no gain, no loss’ swap. Any sensible person who has been to the site would conclude the proposed site opposite 23 Coombe Road is infinitely superior. The house, as it stands, is in a dark and constrained area facing a car park and a playground; the proposed site opposite sits at the edge of Aberdeen Country Park and has a spectacular unobstructed view of the country park and sea views,” Yang says.

“The government should reconsider whether this is truly a ‘no gain, no loss’ land swap and not create a precedent and

lead property developers and the general public to believe that greenbelt and country-park land can be encroached upon for development.”

Meanwhile, residents on Lugard Road, one of the island’s bestloved walking routes, are fighting a proposed hotel at 27 Lugard Road.

The road’s oldest property, a gradetwo neoclassical colonial mansion dating from 1914, was purchased in 2012 and soon after an application was made to transform the property into an upscale boutique hotel.

The Alliance for a Beautiful Hong Kong, a charity dedicated to promoting aesthetic values and the integrity of the natural environment, launched a campaign to object to the construction that has gathered close to 140,000 signatures. Member Katty Law has been campaigning against such developments for years.

“Contacting government departments is not easy and sometimes receiving a response can take weeks,” she says. “For us, it is totally unacceptable to see greenbelt land taken away from public use. We want the government to be more transparent and consider alternatives which take into account both historical sites and greenbelt land.”

No stranger to lobbying the government, Southern District Councillor Paul Zimmerman believes concern groups have a role to play in the outcome of such developments.

“For immediate concerns over specific development plans, individuals need to make sure they understand the process, the state of play, and the next steps in the approval process. Based on this they need to draw up an action plan and create an alliance of like-minded individuals and organisations. It is good to have alternative solutions and not simply object. With elections ahead, engage politicians who want the votes,” he says.

To date, no construction work has begun at either site.

For details, visit www.abhk.org.

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news from the greens

fix the roads

Stop the traffic

Photography: Baycrest

With more and more cars heading our way, Paul Zimmerman looks at ways to manage the traffic.

The government is unrelenting in rolling forward development schemes, irrespective of whether roads and transport infrastructure can handle additional traffic.

In Stanley, the government is rezoning a green-belt site for new residences, it is pushing ahead with a multi-storey underground car park so it can convert metered street parking

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to coach lay-bys, and it recently approved a new hotel and a hostel. These developments will draw more traffic – both private cars and tour coaches. This is despite the fact that the two road corridors between Stanley and the north shore of Hong Kong Island – via Repulse Bay and via Tai Tam – are dangerous and substandard for the traffic they carry and are unable to cope with more.

Priority should be given to public transport and local traffic It is clear the government has no plans to fix the roads. And even if it had plans, the funding and implementation would take a long time. We should be careful what we wish for.

The widening of a similarly rustic road in Sai Kung, Hiram’s Highway, will damage the local

landscape with tall noise barriers – steel beams with plastic sheets between them.

The alternative for the Southside is that we live within our means. First, halt new development at least until it has been agreed how to fix the traffic and transport. And secondly, to “ban the bus” with a permit system restricting tour coaches.

Priority should be given to public transport and local traffic in the use of the limited road space. The daily economic losses suffered by residents owing to traffic congestion and roadside air pollution is far greater than the loss of a few marginal coach bus tourist dollars.

Tourists willing to come by public transport – bus or ferry – can continue to do so.

Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, a Southern District Councillor and the co-convenor of Save Our Country Parks alliance.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 27

feature

Deep Water Bay is home to the exclusive Hong Kong Golf Club, and the more affordable Victoria Recreation Club.

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feature

Join the club Once a bastion of English aristocracy and colonials, private membership clubs are an intrinsic part of Hong Kong’s recreational and social scene, with several based in the green spaces of Southside.

It’s easy to see the attraction. With space at a premium, these clubs provide a family-friendly place to socialise, as well as easy access to sports such as golf, tennis, squash and hockey.

Many boast competitive teams and offer fasttrack membership to talented players, although practice requirements can be strict. There are various types of membership: some are by invitation only, although legacy memberships may be passed down within families. Holders of debentures own a stake in the club, while

corporate subscriptions allow companies to transfer memberships among employees.

Membership can be a lucrative financial investment. A lack of new clubs and rising incomes means demand for memberships outstrips supply, pushing up prices and waiting times. In some cases, waiting lists are more than 20 years long. Where memberships are transferable, an active secondary market has developed with individual memberships trading at up to $15 million through brokerages such as Everfine Membership Services (www.evergolf.com.hk).

But don’t be disheartened. There are ways of getting in even if you aren’t Li Ka-shing. We look at some of Southside’s top clubs.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 29

Additional reporting: Calvin Cragg. Photo: Graham Uden

How to get into Southside’s private membership clubs. By Shreena Patel.

feature Welcoming to the public

Aberdeen Boat Club

Clubhouses: Aberdeen and Middle Island, www.abclubhk.com.

Facilities: jetty and pontoon moorings, junk, dinghy and keelboat hire, fitness centre, squash court, two heated swimming pools, basketball practice area, table tennis, table football, darts, snooker, library, playground.

Joining fees: $5,000 (legacy) to $60,000 (associate).

Monthly fees: $1,225, plus $250 F&B minimum spend and a $288 building levy.

Photo: Graham Uden

ABC is a friendly spot with happy groups thronging The Galley’s alfresco terrace overlooking Aberdeen Harbour on weekends.

As well as watersports – dinghy and keelboat sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, dragonboating, SUP, fishing, scuba diving – it has land-based activities such as golf, karate and yoga. As well as sailing regattas, its signature events are the tough Four Peaks Race (January 23-24), an overnight sailing and hill-climbing race, and the more leisurely Classic Yacht Rally in April.

Its sailing, kayaking and windsurfing courses are open to members and non-members of all ages and abilities. There are still spaces on its youth summer sailing courses (ages seven to 18). Applications must be made by August 7 and courses cost from $1,300 for non-members.

Waiting list: three to six months.

No. of memberships: about 900.

Top tip: people aged 18 to 29 can become a Young Associate Member for half price ($30,000), payable in stages, and automatically become full-fledged associate members on their 30th birthdays at no extra cost. However, there is a maximum of 50 spaces.

Did you know… The old ABC Nissen hut appears in the kung-fu classic Enter the Dragon (1973) starring Bruce Lee.

Best facilities

Aberdeen Marina Club Opened in the 1980s, Aberdeen Marina Club is one of the newest and most polished clubs on Southside. With seven restaurants, a laser-tag zone, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and various racquet sports, members need never be bored again. The club even has its own iceskating rink.

Managed by Shangri-la International, membership is by invitation only. Interested parties are required to write a letter of introduction for the club’s consideration.

Clubhouse: 8 Shum Wan Road, Aberdeen, www.aberdeenmarinaclub.com.

Facilities: wet and dry berths, seven restaurants, 10 banqueting venues, ice-skating rink, fitness centre, bowling alley, tennis, squash and badminton courts, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, mahjong/games room, golf simulator, table tennis, snooker, spa and beauty salon. A children’s Adventure Zone includes slides, a ball pit and a mini flying fox,

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and doubles as a laser-tag zone.

Entrance fees: Everfine is offering corporate memberships for $2.95 million.

Monthly fees: $2,180.

Top tip: Phone a friend. All non-members must be accompanied by members and may be subject to extra charges.

Did you know… When it opened, full debentures reportedly cost about $50,000.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 31

feature Family-friendly

Hong Kong Country Club Opened in 1962 to break down social barriers between residents of all nationalities and races, the Hong Kong Country Club pioneered a cosmopolitan approach. Its membership system still reflects this, with applications dependant on openings in the relevant nationality quota. Staff tend to stay a decade or more, building friendly relationships with members, and creating a warm, tight-knit environment.

Recent renovations have given the club a new lease of life, although the highlight is still the large lawn running down to Deep Water Bay. Every Wednesday until August 26, the club is offering free admission to non-members of all ages to its tennis and squash courts, bowling alley, and multi-purpose courts. Booking required.

Clubhouse: 188 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Deep Water Bay, www.countryclub.hk.

Facilities: that lawn, swimming pool, putting green, health club, basketball, tennis, squash, snooker, bowling alley, golf simulator, teens’ room and jungle gym. Six F&B outlets.

Entrance fees: $400,000 (ordinary) to $3 million (corporate nominee).

Monthly fees: $2,200.

Waiting list: depends on nationality.

No. of memberships: about 2,000.

Top tip: outstanding sportsmen and women aged 16-28 may be eligible for Junior Sports Membership ($200 entrance fee, plus 200 a month; 15 spaces).

Did you know… in 2010, the then French consul-general was ejected from the club – and later sent home to Paris – after being caught trying to steal two bottles of red each worth up to $50,000 from the Country Club’s Wine Cellar.

$1,288,000 (perpetuity corporate nominee).

Monthly fees: $1,550.

Waiting list: about seven years for subscriber.

No. of memberships: more than 2,300.

Top tip: talented sportspeople who win a place on one of HKCC’s main sports teams (cricket, lawn bowls, squash, tennis) may obtain

an accelerated sporting membership.

Did you know… 11 of the 13 members of the Hong Kong cricket team died when the P&O Steamship, SS Bokhara, sank in a typhoon on October 10, 1892. The team was returning from a match against Shanghai. Another 114 people also perished in the shipwreck.

limited, especially at weekends.

• Sign up for a course. Some clubs open their facilities to non-members for a fee.

• Sports clubs may offer fast-track membership to good players, although practice requirements may apply.

• Show them the money. Those with the cash may be able to buy their way in by

purchasing or renting a transferable membership on the secondary market.

However, transfer fees can be steep: the Hong Kong Golf Club transfer fee is $3.1 million for one membership listed

by Everfine.

• Many clubs have venues available for private hire for weddings or parties.

Historic

Hong Kong Cricket Club

Clubhouse: Wong Nai Chung Gap, www.hkcc.org.

Facilities: cricket, rugby, lawn bowls, tennis and squash, netball, spa, snooker, tenpin bowling alley, pool, golf simulator, gym, bridge, dance classes (from ballet to Scottish country), and dodgeball. The club also has boxes at Happy Valley and Sha Tin race courses.

Entrance fees: $188,000 (subscriber) to

Through the backdoor • Many clubs have reciprocal agreements with clubs in other countries, so if you hold any other memberships, check if you are entitled to use any facilities here.

• Phone a friend – most clubs allow members to bring guests, although numbers may be

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Photograph: Chan Lup Hang Harry

Established in 1851 in Chater Road, Central, HKCC is the oldest cricket club in Asia. It had a pitch in Chater Gardens, near the old Legco building, until 40 years ago, when it moved to its current location in Wong Nai Chung Gap. DotCod, the club’s Central seafood restaurant and oyster bar in Prince’s Building, is a relic of those days and is open to the public.

Gappers Cricket for boys and girls aged five to 13 is open to members and non-members alike from September to February ($1,650 for members; $2,100 for non-members). Register

by August 16.

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feature Picturesque

Shek O Golf & Country Club

fees are $300 during the week and $500 at weekends. At the sixth hole (“Land’s End”) players must drive across an ocean inlet.

Did you know… Located around the club are about 20 of the most expensive homes in Hong Kong, whose owners are closely vetted

by Shek O Development, which sublets the land. The vetting process is a mystery, but according to a 2004 report in the SCMP, the Country Club committee is closely involved.

Photograph: Ivan Chen

Clubhouse: 5 Shek O Road, tel: 2809 4458.

Facilities: 10-bay driving range, 18-hole golf course, swimming pool, pro shop, coffee shop, lounge bar, function room and halfway house.

Fees: Your guess is as good as ours.

Waiting list: You could be waiting a lifetime. In 2012, the South China Morning Post reported that individual memberships are available by invitation only. Don’t hold your breath…

No. of memberships: 300-400.

Top tip: Guests must be accompanied by a member. According to HK Pro Golf, green

Photograph: daryl chapman

Unless you own property in Shek O or are particularly well-connected, the view of the Shek O Golf & Country Club from the Dragon’s Back is likely to be the closest you get. Established in 1919 and privately owned

by Shek O Development, it has the fewest members of any club on our list. It’s small but beautiful, with the front nine holes of the golf course along the coast, a colonial clubhouse and a terrace overlooking Tathong channel.

Exclusive

Hong Kong Golf Club

Clubhouses: Deep Water Bay; Fanling, www.hkgolfclub.org.

Facilities: nine-hole golf course (Deep Water Bay), three 18-hole golf courses (Fanling), coaching, pro shop, practice range, gym, pool, sauna and mahjong room. Fanling has overnight accommodation and a men-only bar.

Entrance fees: Everfine has a corporate membership available for $15 million (including a transfer fee of $3.1 million to the club).

Monthly fees: $2,210 (single) to $3,000 (marriage).

No. of memberships: about 2,510, including 365 corporate nominee memberships.

Top tip: Visitors are welcome at Deep Water Bay on weekdays, 9am-2pm. A handicap

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Oct 22-25 Hong Kong Golf Open First played in 1959, Hong Kong’s oldest professional sporting event attracts worldclass players such as Tom Watson and Rory McIlroy. Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling, www.hongkongopenchampionship.com.

Photograph: birdiegolfblog.com

Established in Happy Valley in 1889 by “thirteen golfing enthusiasts”, the Hong Kong Golf Club dropped the “Royal” from its name in 1996, ahead of the handover. Home of the Hong Kong Open since 1959, the waiting list for this exclusive golf club is said to be about 20 years.

Li Ka-shing, who lives a few minutes away, is reported to be the first player on the Deep Water Bay course in the morning.

Dates for your diary

certificate is required, tipping of caddies is prohibited and there’s a strict dress code.

Did you know… The 10th hole at Fanling is called “Tommy Tucker”. From the tee, the view of the green is obstructed by a hill, which a caddy would climb to check if the fairway was clear and the player would shout, “Ta ng tuk ah?” (“Can I hit it?”).

Jan 23-24 Four Peaks Race Modelled on Britain’s Three Peaks Race, this annual overnight event has been run by the Aberdeen Boat Club since 1985. It combines sailing with gruelling runs up four Hong Kong peaks: Mount Stenhouse, Violet Hill, Lantau Peak and either Ma On Shan or Peak 300. Details at www.abclubhk.com.

Apr 8-10 Hong Kong Rugby Sevens The city’s biggest party was founded by the Hong Kong Football Club in 1976. Next year’s tournament will be later than usual, owing to the expansion of the World Rugby Sevens Series – the Hong Kong event will be the seventh of 10 worldwide. Hong Kong Stadium, So Kon Po, hksevens.com.

feature Other options that won’t break the bank

Victoria Recreation Club Founded in 1849 in Victoria Harbour as the Victoria Regatta Club, the VRC now has two clubhouses: Deep Water Bay and Tai Mong Tsai in Sai Kung. It focuses on rowing, paddling, canoeing, kayaking, dragon boating, as well as wind surfing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, and open-water swimming. It hosts an annual Dragon Boat festival in Deep Water Bay, organised by the Hong Kong Island Paddle Club. Membership is affordable at $30,000 for an associate membership, plus $1,300 a quarter, and less for sporting members, children (aged five-17) and junior members (aged 18-28). Details at www.victoriarecreationclub.com.hk.

St Stephen’s Beach Water Sports Centre The former British military sailing club in Stanley is now a government water sports centre offering public training courses and fun days and renting kayaks, dinghies and windsurfers at bargain rates. Participants must be aged eight or above and able to swim 50 metres. Wind conditions in the bay vary: it is relatively calm in autumn, which is a good time for novices to learn the basics; choppy seas in summer are ideal for those wanting to test their skills. The centre is open Wednesday to Monday, 8.30am-5pm (closed Tuesdays). Details at www.lcsd.gov.hk.

The Open Water Swimmers of Hong Kong This friendly group of swimming enthusiasts meets year-round, at 9am every Sunday morning at the main entrance to Repulse Bay beach. Swimmers split into three groups based on ability. Newcomers join the nursery group, which is escorted slowly around a two kilometre course; intermediates swim four kilometres, and the “long” group swims five to seven kilometres. Run by seasoned swimmers Ian Polson and Lloyd McBean, there is no joining fee but all swimmers are required to use a safety buoy (provided).

Please note, this is not a beginners’ group and new members must be able to swim two kilometres non-stop. On public holidays the group holds “adventure swims” in various locations. Details at www.owshk.org.

Best of both worlds

The American Club Founded in 1925, this member-owned club offers a small taste of home to Americans (apparently the burgers are particularly good), though there are membership options for non-US citizens as well. Its two clubhouses in Exchange Square and Tai Tam provide contrasting views of Hong Kong and the club has reciprocal agreements with more than 80 others across the globe. It also has a private box at the Happy Valley Racecourse.

Renovations to the Town Club will be completed by the end of the year.

Clubhouses: Town Club, Exchange Square, Central; Country Club, Tai Tam; www.americanclubhk.com.

Facilities: The Country Club is set on 3.5 acres in Tai Tam and has four restaurants, six tennis courts, three squash courts, indoor and outdoor multi-purpose courts, rock-climbing wall, swimming pool and baby pool, three-storey playzone and teen hangout, clifftop spa and a ballroom available for event hire.

Entrance fees: $438,000 (American Individual Membership; US citizens only) to $2 million (full debenture).

Monthly fees: $2,240.

Waiting list: one year for American Individual Memberships, none for debenture nominees.

No. of memberships: about 3,000.

Top tip: the one-year Country Club Weekday + Town Club Weekend membership ($36,000 a year, plus $1,800 a month) is open to all nationalities.

Did you know... The American Club serves 250,000 meals a year.

Chilled

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club Founded in 1890, RHKYC is one of the largest yacht clubs in the world. It is the only Hong Kong club to keep the “Royal” in its title posthandover, although its Chinese name is simply the Hong Kong Yacht Club. Unsurprisingly, membership is contingent on an interest in sailing or rowing. The club’s sailing courses are open to non-members, though priority is given to members. Sitting under the umbrellas on the terrace of its Middle Island clubhouse – one of three territory-wide – is surely one of the most relaxing spots on Southside.

Clubhouses: Kellett Island, Causeway Bay; Middle Island, Repulse Bay; Shelter Cove, Sai Kung; www.rhkyc.org.hk.

Facilities: sailing, rowing, dragonboating, moorings, berths, hardstands, boatyard facilities, restaurants, swimming pool, bowling alley, squash courts.

Entrance fees: $72,600 (ordinary single), $108,900 (ordinary married) to $2.1 million (corporate nominee).

Monthly fees: vary up to $2,650, according to membership type.

No. of memberships: 12,000 members in total; 5,300 active and 6,700 absent.

Top tip: Short-term memberships have no entrance fee but a monthly charge applies.

To be eligible you must be aged over 29, demonstrate experience and active participation in sailing or rowing, and resident in Hong Kong for no more than two years. Shortterm membership cannot be extended, and may only be enjoyed once.

Did you know… The front of Kellett Island is believed to be the only original landscape on the Hong Kong harbour waterfront.

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eating

Tasting the Pulse Annie Wong grazes Repulse Bay’s latest restaurants.

Hotshot Run by Le Comptoir, the team behind Bibo French restaurant in Central, Hotshot has a chilled, surf-meets-skate vibe, with an eyecatching gallery of surfboards on one wall and an overhead net filled with skateboard wheels and abandoned Converse.

Like its Central sister, the art is spectacular, with pieces by major street artists. But the centrepiece is the shiny vintage Airstream trailer that has been converted into a bar.

The cuisine is “new American” – think contemporary takes on hamburgers, fried chicken, cakes and pancakes. To drink, there’s ice-cold craft beer and alcoholic milkshakes served in Mason jars (chocolate orange milkshake with cognac, anyone?).

Wednesday evening is “Lobster Night” with steamed Maine lobsters, corn on the cob, endless fries and free-flow sauvignon blanc ($480) for the perfect summer night.

Shop 114-115, G/F The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 2515 1661, www.hotshot.hk.

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new beach eats

Meen & Rice

The Ocean

Next door to Hotshot on the oceanfront promenade, this casual Cantonese dining concept fits the bill for those who want to relax over Chinese comfort food.

Run by wunderkind restaurateur Yenn Wong (Aberdeen Street Social, Chachawan, 208 Duocento Otto, 22 Ships), it’s an upmarket take on the classic dai pai dong.

The food could have come straight from your favourite Hong Kong noodle shop: think congee, noodles and barbecued meat with rice.

There are old-school favourites such as fresh shrimp wonton noodles, fish balls with clam sauce and deep-fried shrimp toast (yes, please).

The drinks follow the same dai pai dong theme, including lemon tea, Hong Kongstyle tea, yuanyang, flavoured homemade lemonade and a selection of beer and wine.

Le Comptoir’s flagship restaurant, The Ocean, is due to open in mid-August, offering refined dining in an elegant space with great views.

Designed by Substance (which also designed Bibo and Hotshot), the 8,000 sq ft restaurant takes its inspiration from the sea, with wavy textural finishes, a wave of overlapping pearlised “fish scales” on the ceiling, a crystal bar and clusters of booth seating inspired by coral reefs that will seat 144 diners. There will also be two semi-private rooms and a private room with a bioluminescent fish tank.

Not surprisingly the menu focuses on sustainably sourced seafood, with both French and Japanese influences in five-, eight- and 10-course dinner menus (lunch is three courses). Chef Agustin Balbi, who has worked at groundbreaking restaurants El Bulli and Cuisine Michel Troisgros, is cooking up signature dishes such as smoked wild snapper with radishes, chanterelles and dashi mayonnaise and lobster confit with tortellini and bisque cream. There will also be a sushi bar and an omakase menu.

Shop 113, 2566 8886.

Shop 303-304, 3/F, www.theocean.hk.

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eating TRi Also from Le Comptoir, comes contemporary Balinese restaurant TRi (pronounced “tree”), which opened last month.

Interior designer Elora Hardy has captured the vibe and elegance of the beautiful Indonesian island in captivating decor, getting creative with bamboo, a huge tree trunk (now a long bar) and atmospheric lighting. We’re loving the table in its own lotus-shaped wicker cocoon (pictured right).

Located on the third floor, the restaurant is not open-fronted those on the ground-floor promenade, but a wall of windows means it feels bright and airy (and deliciously airconditioned) during the day.

Spicy and aromatic, Balinese cuisine is designed for sharing. The menu includes everyday meals and dishes usually created only for Balinese festivals, with signatures including isi calamari, lobster bakar and duck goreng.

Award-winning sommelier Wallace Lo has created a formidable wine list to complement the strongly flavoured food.

Shop 302, 3/F, tri@tri.hk.

Shoku Despite its ground-floor location and floor-toceiling windows, Japanese newcomer Shoku has only a partial beach view thanks to poorly located LCSD facilities. But that’s okay because the view inside is pretty good too.

Specialising in modern Japanese cuisine, the restaurant’s centrepiece is a binchotan charcoal grill, which looks like a bonfire on the beach with whole sticks of Japanese charcoal surrounded by a sand pit into which skewers of seafood are planted vertically to be barbecued.

There’s also a more conventional charcoal grill for cuts of meat and vertically challenged items such as scallops. The charcoal imbues an authentic smokiness that electric grills just can’t emulate.

It’s not all barbecue, though. The menu also includes prime cuts of wagyu beef, deep-fried free-range chicken and deep-fried oysters, sushi rolls and salads – try the avocado salad with shoyu dressing.

With two private rooms and minimalist decor, dining here is fun and very tasty.

Shop 109, 2808 2333.

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(Sponsored Feature)

Summer

Hot Picks @the arcade, cyberport

Mama’s Dear Cyberport Showroom

This summer, lifestyle and furniture stores throughout The Arcade, Cyberport are offering great summer deals to inspire families. Whether it’s a new piece of furniture for children’s bedrooms or a stylish focal item for the communal living area, discover exciting new solutions for your home.

Be sure not to miss out on the KIDS SUMMER LAB at the Ocean View Court. Fun experiments and cool games will go down a treat with little scientists.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 39

Summer Hot Picks @cyberport

Indigo Living

Shop 316

Mama’s Dear

2989 6557

Lovers of design and with a flair for creating unique home interiors, Indigo’s range of summer promotion items aims to add a retro touch to your living space. The Miramar L-shape sofa, now $8,495, is inspired by classic designs of 50’s America with subtle white piping on blue fabric.

Shop 405 2543 4565

Oriental Rugs

Stepping into Oriental Rugs you may be forgiven for feeling slightly overwhelmed at the array of stunning rugs. The store displays only a fraction of the 4000 rugs available to purchase.

The expert in-store team will guide you through the intricate details and patterns of rugs from regions including Iran, Pakistan and Kashmir to help you make the right choice for your home. The featured rugs from Pakistan are an ideal addition for Hong Kong family apartments due to their durability and easiness to clean.

Oriental Rugs also offers a professional cleaning service should any mishaps occur.

Shop 105-108 2989 9290

Summe Hot Pi @the a cyberp

Ko JMStyle Furniture & Gallery Shop 312 2377 9592

JMStyle Furniture & Gallery features furniture from some of the 20th century’s most iconic designs. During the summer promotion period customers can find great discounts of up to 50% off on display items and 20% off new items including the featured genuine Italian A+ leather. The flagship store features a range of sofas, tables, chairs and home accessories.

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8

(Sponsored Feature) Kids’ furniture brand Kukuu combines simple elegance and functionality with its sloped line design and is now available this summer at Mama’s Dear. The Bird and Berry collection has an exclusive 15% discount over summer.

The collection exudes a modern style with a high quality finish.

Indigo Kids

Shop 317 2989 6551

Add a touch of joy and colour to kid’s bedrooms with the Jolly Lorry bean bag now at $449.5.

Perfect for after-school get-togethers. The Miller Junior single bed, now $4,867.5, has throwbacks to 50’s Scandinavian design features with prominent warm timber tones. Simple yet functional and durable.

Ulferts

er icks arcade, port

Shop 205 2651 3398

Ulferts knows a thing or two about European furniture. Established in 1975, Ulferts has been selling luxury European furniture in Hong Kong for 40 years. The summer promotion period sees a number of Italian fabric and leather sofas with up to a 50% discount. The featured Amarcord 35 with high density foam is designed with summer floral patterns in mind. Now at $16,500 with 50% discount. Meanwhile the Astor 35 three-seater leather sofa comes with adjustable headrests for maximum comfort and support. Now at $26,100 with 25% discount.

QISIMU

okoon For Kids

Shop 401 2518 8382

If your child’s bedroom is in need of freshening up this summer then Kokoon For Kids has the solution. The store is home to a range of 100% solid natural wood children’s furniture including modular beds, bunk beds, tables, chairs and bookshelves. The timber from which the furniture is made is all sourced from fast growing sustainable pine forests in Northern Europe. Enjoy a 15% discount on selected adjustable children’s desks and chairs throughout August.

Shop 311 3618 6598

QISIMU is home to stunning examples of Chinese classical rosewood furniture. The featured Folding Horseshoe-backed Chair from classical Chinese design was reserved for only the most esteemed individuals and emporers. This table with ‘Guaizi’ carving features a rectangular spiral carving which reflects both simplistic beauty and delicate elegance. Bold new additions to any home.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 41 Summer Hot Picks @cyberport

(Sponsored Feature)

Summer EventS @the arcade, cyberport featured workshops fun institute 2pm-4pm

diy 3D google cardboard glasses 2pm-4pm

kids summer lab August 8/9/15/16 Science-based experiments and demonstrations will inspire young minds at the KIDS SUMMER LAB at the The Arcade, Cyberport over the weekends of August 8 & 9, 15 & 16.

A number of hands-on science experiments will be set up for children to try as well as live onstage science experiment demonstrations to be held each day. Kids more at home with playing on their smart phones will have no problems getting up to speed with the mobile-app car racers. Pick up a pre-loaded smartphone and burn some rubber. Step into virtual reality with the Google Cardboard viewer workshop. Kids can make their own Google Cardboard certified viewers to experience virtual reality on their smartphones.

Take it home and share with friends and family.

Edison’s Creative Academy Battery Workshop: 2:15pm – 3:00pm Electric Dragonfly DIY Workshop: 3:15pm – 4:00pm

handicraft fair August 29

app racer 2pm-4pm

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science demonstration zone 2pm-4pm

The Aberdeen Kai-fong welfare association will welcome young people to sell handmade handicraft items. Stalls will be open from 2pm-6pm on August 29. All activities are free for parents and families to enjoy.

eating

Gang of three Anji Connell hangs out with the dynamic trio behind 3/3rds.

Perched at the top of an industrial building, hip Wong Chuk Hang cafe and lifestyle hangout 3/3rds is about to celebrate its first birthday. It’s run by three self-confessed foodies: former golf pro turned Buzz Concepts project manager Daniel Wan; his girlfriend, designer and passionate baker Adelaide Tam; and his brother, Wesley Wan, a former banker.

“Visiting London we were blown away by the quality and affordability of the food there, especially that of Israeli chef Yotam Ottolenghi,” Daniel says. “His concept to sell the best deli food in London has been a big influence on us; he’s been revolutionary in pushing vegetables into the mainstream. He marries flavours and ingredients from his Middle Eastern upbringing with textures and flavours from the Mediterranean and Asia.”

Inspired, the three partners took the idea and ran with it, developing a lifestyle concept.

“It took some time to find the right spot but we

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 43

eating all love this area plus we get more space, and it’s a buzzing creative hub with great galleries, design shops and lots of customers.”

The 3/3rds interior is exposed, eclectic and comfortable. Decked out with simple wooden tables, chairs and a plush brown couch, the cafe has a sociable, communal atmosphere and terrific views over Southside.

Everything is made fresh on the day – when it sells out, that’s it Coffee is roasted in house daily and the menu changes weekly. There’s a choice of six soups (bouillabaisse, Vietnamese chicken and lime, or vegetable gumbo, perhaps), two vegetarian, one fish and three meat dishes, and six salads, all served with bread, wild rice or vermicelli. Get a comfort food hit by going for a cheese toastie, or the crispy pizza that boasts a base just 1mm thick – a perfect foil for the selection of five tasty toppings.

“Everything is made fresh on the day – when it sells out, that’s it!” Daniel says. “We are constantly researching and trying out recipes, adapting, adjusting, adding flavours to a recipe to make it our own.”

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Eclectic furniture, freshly made food and a creative vibe is a successful recipe at 3/3rds.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 45

eating We try to be as raw and honest as we can And so to dessert. When Tam is not out of town working on design projects with such luminaries as architect Zaha Hadid, she gets busy in the kitchen, whisking up French pastries, meringues, pies and – her bestsellers – Valrhona chocolate, red velvet and orange cakes and hazelnut brownies. Regulars miss Tam deeply when work takes her away, and Daniel says finding a pastry chef who can recreate the Tam magic is their next task.

Recently, 3/3rds introduced Sunday brunch.

“We actively try to promote families and lifestyle. Sundays are our busiest time; helpers are off and a lot of people don’t want to cook or go into the city. We don’t have a liquor licence, but you are welcome to bring a bottle or two of wine. We try to be as raw and honest as we can with our food and the environment,” Daniel says.

3/3rds, 22D, Yally Industrial Building, 6 Yip Fat Street, Wong Chuk Hang, 3462 2951, www.three-3rds.com.

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The three owners were inspired by the veggie dishes and deli concept of London chef Yotam Ottolenghi.

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eating

Nibbles

News from the dining scene Summer at Hotshot Hotshot’s executive chef Wes Long is cooking up a summer storm. Located beachside at The Pulse, his new menu includes oven-roasted Maine lobster and salmon crudo with pickled radish and avocado cream, as well as the signature burgers and pancakes on the regular menu.

And don’t miss the cocktails by renowned mixologist Alexandre Chatte. Shop 114-115, G/F, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 2515 1661, www.hotshot.hk.

Summer on a stick Sangria ice pops are the new flavour of summer at Fofo by El Willy. Chill on its rooftop with a jug of red, white or pink sangria served with Lola’s ice pops, or for an extra dollop of cool, order a frozen cocktail – try a frozen coconut Malibu ($98) or frozen watermelon vodka ($108). Feeling better yet?

20/F, M88, 2-8 Wellington Street, Central, 2900 2009, www.fofo.hk.

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Kids’ cooking classes Throughout August, children can mix, knead and bake at cooking classes at Prompt in Le Meridien Cyberport. Learn to make macarons, cupcakes, cream cakes and mini burgers, and decorate pizza. Classes run every Sunday, 3pm-6pm, cost $220 each, and are suitable for children aged four and up. For reservations, call 2980 7417 or email prompt.LMC@lemeridien.com.

Grassroots Pantry moves Popular vegetarian restaurant Grassroots Pantry, run by locavore chef Peggy Chan, is relocating from Sai Ying Pun to Central this month. The menu will remain the same, with nutritious dishes produced using local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Opening in mid-August, the new space can seat up to 50 diners and will be open seven days a week.

108 Hollywood Road, Central, www.grassrootspantry.com.

Grassroots Pantry is relocating to Central.

eating Eat outside with Invisible Kitchen Invisible Kitchen is taking it outside this summer, with a range of picnic spreads suitable for junk trips, barbecues or a picnic in the park. Packed in a wicker basket, its picnic spread ($395 a person, minimum of four) includes canapes, mains and desserts.

The gourmet picnic spread ($1,450 for two) also includes a bottle of Moet & Chandon. A barbecue spread ($300 a person), includes potato salad, grilled sweet corn, wagyu beef burgers and tiger prawn skewers, or opt for marinated meats, handmade burgers and seafood to cook yourself, plus a range of salads. An Invisible Kitchen chef is available with orders of more than $7,000.

The spreads for junk trips ($195 a person) come in a hamper filled with mouthwatering bites, a snack buffet, or a four-course meal.

Details at www.invisiblekitchen.com.

Summer at the Boathouse Cool down with summer specials at The Boathouse in Stanley. The seaside restaurant has introduced a four-course summer set dinner ($888 for two), starting with a chilled seafood platter and Boston clam chowder with thyme toast. Mains include cod fillet

A picnic basket from Invisible Kitchen.

with onion puree, and roasted pork belly with red cabbage, black pudding and truffle.

For dessert, choose from mascarpone with raspberry or honeycomb and yoghurt. 88 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2813 4467, www.cafedecogroup.com.

Dan Ryan’s daily happy hours “Everyday is happy hour” at Dan Ryan’s Pacific Place, which is offering drinks and snacks with different themes every night.

Mocktail Mondays brings $40 virgin mojito Ginger Fizz, Vitamin C or Tropical Punch.

On Sandwich Tuesdays, cocktails and beers come with complimentary mini hot

dogs or barbecue pork sliders. Crafty Craft Wednesdays sees a buy-three-getone-free offer on Kona Big Wave Golden Ale and Anchor California Lager. Drink orders on Movie Night Thursdays include complimentary popcorn chicken and $15 discounts on bills of $100 or more with a valid movie ticket. Carlsberg Fridays brings buffalo wings and draft beer at $40.

Whiskey Saturdays has whiskey cocktails for $50. And finally, Sangria Sundays sees an red or white sangria available at $50 a glass. G/F Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 2845 4600, www.danryans.com.

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eating Mooncake madness It’s Mid-Autumn Festival on September 27, but if you want mooncakes from Hong Kong’s five-star hotels, get your order in early.

Spring Moon at The Peninsula is restricting purchases of its coveted mooncakes to no more than 20 boxes per person, with orders available online at mooncake.peninsula.com from 8am daily, August 24-28. A box of eight mini egg custard mooncakes is $485.

The Mandarin Oriental is taking orders until September 27 for its boxes of golden or white lotus-seed paste with egg yolk ($398 for four), red-bean paste ($308 for six) and mini egg custard mooncakes ($308 for six).

Discounts of 10 per cent available on orders of 10 boxes or more. To order, call 2825 4008, or email mohkg-cakeshop@mohg.com.

Yan Toh Heen in the InterContinental Hong Kong is running a mooncake cooking class on September 19 ($1,488; reservations at 2313 2323). Unusual mooncake flavours include custard cream and gold dust ($368 for six), and Iberico ham and mixed nut ($328 for six) as well as traditional lotus-seed and

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Spring Moon is taking orders for its mooncakes this month at The Peninsula

double egg yolk ($368 for four). Download a form at www.hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com and email to hkghc.yth@ihg.com.

Mooncakes at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong come in a choice of flavours: Full Moon white lotus-seed paste and double yolk ($398), or Bright Moon milk custard ($368). Order yours at hongkong.grand.hyattrestaurants.com, 2588 1234.

Mooncake hampers at Mandarin Oriental.

promotion

Berry Bros. & Rudd Raise a glass to the Wine Club Wine is meant to be enjoyed. Curling up at home with a glass of wine, or enjoying a bottle with friends are among life’s great pleasures. And now it’s easier than ever with the Berry Bros. & Rudd Wine Club.

Every other month, Hong Kong members will receive a case of wine selected by Berrys’ Masters of Wine and local experts, who choose bottles that are drinking beautifully right now. With three different levels of membership starting from $1,800 a month for 12 bottles, Wine Club members can enjoy

top-quality wines at their peak.

Each case brings a different theme, such as region or grape variety, selected from Berry Bros. & Rudd’s collection of 4,000 wines from the world’s most established and diverse wine-producing regions. And to help you learn more about the wine you’re drinking, each box also includes wine facts, tips and maps.

After all, Berry Bros. & Rudd knows a thing or two about wine. Established in London in 1698 by the Widow Bourne, and a long-time supplier to the British Royal Family, the wine and spirit merchant is still run by members of the Berry and Rudd families.

Wine Club members can tap its wealth of knowledge at exclusive events, dinners, and classes and tastings with its expert Masters of Wine. And should you fall in love with a particular wine, members also receive exclusive discounts on future purchases, arranged by a dedicated Wine Club account manager.

Expand your knowledge, learn to decipher restaurant wine lists and truly appreciate the world of wine, but always bear in mind one simple question: “Is it good to drink?” With Berry Bros. & Rudd, the answer is “yes”.

Visit www.bbr.com/hk for details of the Berry Bros. & Rudd Wine Club and their nextday delivery services.

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education

american style

Hong Kong International School Tai Tam’s elite American school prioritises spirituality, service and the holistic development of its students.

By Evie Burrows-Taylor

HKIS has plans to upgrade its already impressive Tai Tam campus. Below: Head of School, Alan Runge.

Founded in the 1960s by six US businessmen united by their faith in the Lutheran Church, Hong Kong International School (HKIS) promotes the importance of spirituality and high moral grounding among its students.

Head of School Alan Runge, who joined HKIS this year, is keen to highlight the importance of the school’s religious tradition, though students of all faiths are welcome.

“We want our students to find the value of having a spiritual foundation and to find it for themselves,” he says. “It may not be the version of Christianity that the school was founded on, or even Christianity at all.”

Back in the 1960s, the founders were inspired by the growing number of American families relocating to Hong Kong, and their desire for a school run according to the US system. With support from the government and Lutheran Church, HKIS opened in 1966.

Today the school has 2,585 students in four divisions: Lower and Upper Primary, Middle School and High School. It has remained largely American in terms of staff and intake,

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with US passport holders accounting for about 60 per cent of the student body, followed by Canadians, then British. The rest of the students comprise about 40 different nationalities. Hong Kong and Chinese nationals make up only about nine per cent of the school’s pupils.

Lower primary, middle and high school students share the main site in Tai Tam, which

Our students are highly engaged and take ownership of what they need to learn has spectacular views of the sea and hills.

It’s light and spacious, and there are plans to upgrade its already impressive facilities.

“We don’t want to have more students; we want to have more space,” Runge explains.

In terms of its curriculum, the HKIS

leadership team believes in independence, promoting self-directed and active learning.

“The most important thing to remember

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education

Charity begins at school: lower primary students raised almost $500,000 for developing countries. Service is an integral part of the school philosophy.

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is the child themselves; learning is not mechanical. We’ve moved beyond trying to get the student to give us the right answer,” Runge says.

“The best thing is for us to teach them how to be learners and then lay out a pathway through our curriculum. Our students are highly engaged and take ownership of what they need to learn.”

HKIS students learn Mandarin from lower primary to grade 12 and take Chinese Studies until grade 6, after which it is an elective.

School fees start at $168,500 a year for the youngest students rising to $195,800 for grade 12 students. The school also offers a scheme that enables parents and sponsors to secure priority placement for potential pupils by buying a debenture worth $2 million. Debentures are fully subscribed currently, although interested parents can contact the school to be placed on a waiting list.

In addition to a rigorous academic programme, service learning is an integral part of student life. The school runs an annual event for St Baldrick’s, the children’s cancer charity, and each division of the school is involved in projects to support charitable organisations.

Lower primary students raise money for the Heifer Read to Feed project, which sends animals to communities in developing countries

One of the reasons to learn is so that you can go out into the world and do something meaningful – students recently raised almost $500,000 for the scheme. Middle School pupils engage in a “compassion project”, allowing them to choose their own cause to support. Other charities benefiting from HKIS fundraising include Half the Sky, Oxfam, Operation Santa Claus and Kids4Kids.

“We teach that one of the reasons to learn is so that you can go out into the world and do something meaningful, to serve, to transform something,” Runge says. “We hope the presence of our students will make things better for others.”

Many families enrolling at the school are new arrivals in Hong Kong, so HKIS puts on lectures, film nights and talks for parents, particularly in the lower primary section of the school, to help them adjust to life in the city.

“I graduated from international school in Jakarta, so I understand the international lifestyle and the needs of our families,” says Lower Primary Principal, Maya Nelson. “This

From top: Inside a primary school classroom; HKIS has enviable sports facilities.

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education We’re a very joyful place and the kids love coming to school becomes your family, so we do what we can to support parents.”

Nelson also stresses the importance HKIS places on playtime for the youngest students.

“We’re very firm believers in play being an important activity for children, supporting and informing further learning,” she says.

Young pupils engage in several different playtimes and the staff stay up-to-date with the latest research on the benefits of free time in a child’s development.

“We’re a very joyful place and the kids love coming to school,” Nelson says. “We try to honour that there are certain things that should be looked upon by parents and educators as meaningful moments.”

High School Principal, Patrick Hurworth, concurs: “If children don’t feel respected, they won’t thrive. HKIS is a very friendly environment.”

Hong Kong International School, 1 Red Hill Road, Tai Tam, 3149 7000, www.hkis.edu.hk Although HKIS has students from 40 nationalities, about 60 per cent have US passports.

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sponsored column

How to ace a school interview Part one of ITS Education Asia’s scoop on primary-school interviews for five-year-olds.

School interviews are a concern for parents.

They are unsure what to expect and knowing there are more children interviewed than there are spaces can cause extra anxiety.

For many children, the unfamiliar environment and talking to “strangers” for the first time can make the procedure frightening.

How can they be expected to show a deeper side of themselves within a 40- to 45-minute interview? Well, schools use a variety of techniques that help to ease children into their interview.

It is important to know if there are one or two rounds of interviews.

At the first round, six to eight children are invited for a “group interview” in which they are asked to interact with one or two teachers and each other, and to perform some tasks.

Some schools narrow down the pool of applicants for a second round that is more likely to involve either an individual interview or with two to four children. Other schools interview children just once.

It helps to have a basic idea of what might

happen so you can feel more relaxed about your child being immersed in a new group with new children and a new teacher.

Extra playdates, drama or storytelling classes may be helpful if a child is shy Some parents and educators argue the best preparation for school interviews is no preparation. That way, the child’s personality, talents and temperament shine naturally.

However, this is not the time to hope for the best. We are not advocating sending your child to interview boot camp, but low-key preparation may help. Extra playdates, for instance, and maybe drama or storytelling classes may be helpful if a child is shy.

Even chatty and sociable children may be quite withdrawn when they first meet a group of new children, preferring to sit back and scout things out before participating. In a 40-minute group interview there’s no time for this.

It is important to prepare your child without creating unnecessary anxiety. You’ll know if it’s best to discuss specifics about the interview with your child, who they will meet, what they will do, and how long it will take.

Don’t over-prepare your child – just a simple conversation a day or two before.

Also it’s important to not anticipate your child’s behaviour during a school interview or assume he or she will respond in the same way you have observed in the past. The last few weeks prior to an interview should be the time of revision for your child, not a period of learning.

Next month, we will cover what really happens in an interview.

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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family What’s in the backpack?

Annie Wong gets ready for a new term.

Tools for School Personalised pencil case and stationery. $299 from StuckOnYou, www.stuckonyou.hk

Forget Me Not backpack $399 from Bumps to Babes, 2/F, Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, Stanley, 2555 6318, www.bumpstobabes.com.

Kånken classic backpack $750 from Fjallraven, 3/F, SOGO, 555 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, 2518 8825, www.fjallraven.com

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Tyrrell Katz lunch box $140 from Toys Club, 9/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, www.itoysclub.com.

back to school

A3 magnetic planner $119 from Typo, 2/F, Lee Theatre Plaza, 99 Percival Street, Causeway Bay, 2557 1110, www.cottonon.com.

Leather luggage tags Keep tabs on your child’s schoolbag. $179 each from Indigo Living, 6/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2555 0540, www.indigo-living.com.

Bow shoes $758-$958 from Fiona’s Prince, The Peak Tower, 128 Peak Road, www.fionasprince.com.

Batman Minifigure Link Watch

By Lego DC Super Heroes. $249 from Bookazine, G/F, The Repulse Bay Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Road, 2750 1136, www.citysuper.com.hk.

Bird cage pencil case $39 from Hong Kong online store, The Every Little Thing, www.etsy.com

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big day out

go quackers

Love a duck (clockwise from top): Ap Chau’s “duck’s head” from the water; the sea arch has been carved through breccia rock; the viewpoint.

Hello, duckie Nigel Griffiths visits duck-shaped Ap Chau island in Crooked Harbour.

Scudding clouds and rock formations have long sparked human imaginations. We look at both through romantic eyes, seeking out fantastic and familiar shapes, which is why Hong Kong has rocks named after dragons, lions, amahs and even pineapples. Way up north in Crooked Harbour, close to the mainland port of Yangtian, is an entire island shaped like a duck.

Getting to Ap Chau, or duck island, involves renting a boat from Tai Mei Tuk or Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier (see box). Make a day of it by visiting two adjacent islands, Sai Ap Chau and Ap Lo Chun.

Located in Ap Chau Bay, the four-hectare island is quiet and serene, although this close to the border, police boats and Chinese military helicopters are never far away. The plant and

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wildlife are diverse and the topography is such that walking the entire coastline (at low tide) and up to the lookout at the highest point does not require too much exertion.

Police boats and Chinese military helicopters are never far away Ap Chau has just eight inhabitants, but the 1955 census shows it once had a thriving fishing community of 645 people. In the colonial era, it was named Robinson Island after Hercules Robinson, 1st Baron Rosmead, Hong Kong’s fifth governor from 1859 to 1865.

The pier is south of the main settlement, and there is a footpath along the island’s west coast to a little peninsula in the north that really does look like a duck’s head, especially from the sea. The route to the village passes old fishing boats being reclaimed by morning glory, a ground creeper with attractive purplish pink flowers.

In the main square, a 1953 building once housed the island’s only primary school, which opened in 1958, and the now defunct Fish Marketing Organisation. Next door, the True Jesus Church was built in the 1960s to convert the Tanka fishermen to Christianity. A banyan tree in front of the church is a shady spot to take a break.

To the right, up a small incline past the

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big day out

public toilets, a path leads up to the hilltop viewing point which offers great panoramas in all directions. (For the more adventurous, the old public toilets – on the jetty as the path leaves the village – have no doors and the likelihood of a free wash to the nether-regions at high tide.)

The walk to the duck’s head is a geology lesson The walk to the duck’s head is a geology lesson.

Ap Chau is one of only two places in Hong Kong where breccia is found (the other is Kat O). This natural sedimentary rock comprises angular pieces of gravel “cemented” together and in Ap Chau it is distinctly maroon as a result of oxidised iron. There are vast expanses of it on the right.

The crack in the duck’s neck is an eroded geological fault, and there is a 10m high sea arch forming the “eye”. The arch was originally a cave carved out by wave erosion on both sides of the peninsula, which eventually tunnelled through to form an arch.

A flat wave-cut platform juts out into the sea at low tide, and butterflies and dragonflies flit through the vegetation: on my

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visit I spotted a Diplacodes trivialis dragonfly.

There are more sea caves in the cliffs on the east coast, which you can visit at low tide, and there may be fishermen trying their luck with rod and line on the shore.

There is no footpath from the shore to the viewing point and it is safer to return to the village around the duck’s head to the village or cross the ducks neck.

Back aboard your boat, have the captain tour around Ap Lo Chun to see egrets breeding in the sea arch – don’t forget a telephoto lens. Then move on to Sai Ap Chau, keeping your eyes open for jellyfish.

How to get there You’ll need to rent a boat from Tai Mei Tuk or Ma Liu Shui pier. Mrs So has a 15-seat boat (tel: 9177 2521), and Mr Ho has a smaller boat (tel: 9257 2706). Nearby Kat O, or Crooked Island, has a nice restaurant and convenience store run by Ada (tel: 2697 9259), who will arrange a boat for people eating in her restaurant. I’m sure, for extra payment, it would allow you an hour or two on Ap Chau.

big day out

Ap Chau Pier now serves a population of eight; in 1955 there were 645 residents.

Duck’s-eye views: north to industrial China and south to rural Hong Kong.

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travel

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saddle up

Freewheeling through Asia You don’t have to quit work to go on a cycling adventure. Hit the road with Humphrey Wilson on overland challenges that anyone can join.

On Mad Dog challenges, participants cycle 150km-200km a day for up to eight days through (clockwise from left) Guangdong, Laos, Guilin and Thailand.

In 2009, I completed an epic bicycle ride from Buckingham Palace, London, to Government House, Hong Kong, via 22 countries, six deserts, five mountain ranges and 11,000 miles.

Before the trip, I had never cycled in my life.

Afterwards, I was struck by the paradox of how accessible the journey had been for me, yet how inaccessible it seems to most people.

There are two main factors that stop people from undertaking a once-in-a-lifetime journey like this: lack of time and lack of support.

Travelling like I did without a support team requires a lot of kit, which slows you down considerably. However, these problems can be overcome if the route is meticulously planned beforehand, and if you have great support.

Given enough determination, ordinary people can perform extraordinary feats in a day, and incredible ones in a week.

And so I launched Mad Dogs, a cycling adventure company that lets people accomplish

the extraordinary by taking care of the logistics and allowing them to focus on the cycling.

We organise a series of adventure cycling events, or “Mad Dog Challenges” across Asia, allowing participants to experience countries in the most intimate way while attaining a lifetime achievement.

Participants experience countries in the most intimate way The challenges take one to eight days, with riders cycling 150-200 kilometres a day.

On my own ride, a large part of each day was spent worrying about what to eat and where to sleep, not to mention fixing punctures and other mechanical problems. On a Mad

Dog Challenge, all these matters are taken care of. We keep the adventurous upside, while eliminating the downside. Our trips include hotels, breakfast, lunch, support vehicles, interpreter, mechanic and, of course, routes. We even have Garmin GPS units for hire for those cyclists who don’t have their own.

Any true adventure must have a purpose and on a Mad Dog Challenge this is to cycle overland between two far-flung destinations.

We make no apologies, the challenges are tough. But nothing worthwhile was ever easy and we have had many first-time adventure cyclists successfully complete a challenge.

Key to the notion of adventure is that we don’t choreograph each detail of every day: it’s essential that participants feel a high degree of ownership over their trip and can make spontaneous changes of plan.

We don’t force people to stay in large groups, although in practice people tend to

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travel stick together at least in pairs. This allows cyclists to make brief stops wherever they fancy, often involving interactions with local people that, for many, is a highlight of the trip.

The challenges are potted versions of my original long ride, the routes I consider the most interesting, most satisfying, and most impressive to “bag”. The first was Hong Kong to Hanoi, and after the success of this, the rest followed. I’m often asked which is my favourite challenge, but they are so varied in culture, cuisine, terrain and scenery that it’s impossible to choose.

Pedal through Asia: the routes Hong Kong to Hanoi is splendid for starting at home and adventuring through undiscovered parts of China and lush tea plantations in Vietnam.

Hanoi to Bangkok, our longest challenge, is an odyssey through three countries, three cuisines and three alphabets in a week that feels like a month.

Singapore to Krabi is sensory overload throughout multicultural Malaysia, before heading to Thailand and finishing on the beach.

Tokyo to Sapporo is the best way of seeing the real Japan: stunning backroads, small towns, mountains, volcanic lakes, rivers and rugged coastlines.

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Macau to Guilin is adventure cycling in its truest form and gives a splendid insight into rural China.

Angkor to Phnom Penh is a fascinating window into extraordinary Cambodia, with a charitable element supporting Village Focus International’s work against human trafficking.

Taipei to Kenting in Taiwan is extraordinarily varied: mountains, rice fields, coastal roads and aboriginal villages.

The Kaiping Dash is a one-day route near Hong Kong that goes to the heart of one of China’s most fascinating places.

The Dash from Phuket connects Phuket with Krabi with a one-day ride through coastal routes, lush hills, back roads and karst scenery ending at Ao Nang beach.

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travel A day on the road Participants meet early for breakfast: the rules state that cyclists must be finished before dusk (or else be collected by vehicle), so we like to get people started about half an hour after first light.

Most hotels won’t accommodate breakfast this early so support staff lay on a great spread of eggs, oatmeal, bacon, coffee, sliced fruit.

The fresh, early-morning air and initial surge of adrenaline makes the first kilometres breeze by Getting up early isn’t always easy but many people say it’s uplifting to see the others and share some banter while eating and skimming over the day’s direction sheet to get familiar with the route. This is also a good time to collar the bike mechanic if there are any issues with your bike.

Then hand in the room keys, load your bag into the support vehicle, select the route map on the handlebar-mounted GPS, and at 6.45am, start pedalling. The fresh early-morning air and initial surge of adrenaline makes the first kilometres breeze by.

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Stop at a sugar-cane stall for a breather and banter with the locals – communicating perfectly even though you can’t speak each other’s language. An hour later, the support team appears with snacks, and two hours after that a Mad Dogs banner is a signal to pull into a checkpoint and eat at roadside restaurant.

The afternoon session is more tiring, and there’s another problem with your gears. The support team are there within 15 minutes, the mechanic sorts the problem in five and you’re off again, recharged with snacks and a refilled water bottle. Schoolchildren wave as they cycle home. It’s time to dig deep; the kilometres don’t fly past quite as quickly now. The route is interesting and there’s plenty to look at, but the hotel is the most welcome sight of all.

The support team notes your arrival time for a completion certificate and Hall of Fame entry (you’re still in the running). And after a long hot shower, you decide to join the support team and many of the other guests for supper at a local restaurant and share the day’s stories over a few beers. Tomorrow’s directions sheet turn up and everyone’s happy that it’s 15 kilometres shorter than today’s route.

It’s only 9pm when your roommate turns out the light, but it feels like midnight. Nine glorious hours of slumber before the adventure continues…

Choose a challenge Sep 5 The Dash from Phuket Sep 26-Oct 2 Hong Kong to Hanoi Challenge Oct 17-25 Hanoi to Bangkok Challenge Nov 7-10 Taipei to Kenting Challenge Nov 21 The Kaiping Dash Dec 5-8 or 6-8 Angkor to Phnom Penh Challenge (Dec 5: Bike4Kids at Angkor Wat, optional) Feb 7-13 Singapore to Krabi Challenge Apr 30-May 3 Macau to Guilin Challenge Jun 5-11 Tokyo to Sapporo Challenge For details, please visit gomaddogs.com or email maddogshk@gmail.com.

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pets

top dogs

Pack mentality

Sally Andersen explains the group dynamics of dog world.

Living with lots of dogs isn’t easy, but after many years it’s given me an insight into how a dog’s mind works and how they coexist as a large group.

I first observed natural dog behaviour long before I started Hong Kong Dog Rescue when feeding strays on “Dog Island”, close to my home on Lamma Island. In those days, I wasn’t doing any more than rowing over in my inflatable dinghy a couple of times a week and dropping off piles of food (for which I was duly fined by the AFCD as feeding stray dogs is not allowed). I observed how the dogs interacted, although sadly none lived long except one proud male I called Teddy. Somehow he survived for quite a few years and fathered many puppies, and it was then I began my rescue

work by taking the puppies off the island and finding them homes.

Most people assume the dogs form one pack... but that’s not how it works Going back to my living arrangements, I imagine most people assume the dogs form one large pack with a leader, or alpha dog, and a structured hierarchy. But that’s not how it works. Instead, there are several small groups of individuals, often those that have grown up together, without any obvious top dog.

There are the same character roles as in human society, with confident dogs and timid ones, bullies and those on the receiving end.

But within their own groups there’s little infighting. Some dogs operate as free agents, preferring to keep themselves to themselves or choosing who they feel like interacting with.

All the dogs recognise each other as belonging to the same home, and each group knows its own territory. Crossing the border into another group’s area is asking for trouble, although from time to time a dog will leave one “family” and join another.

How or why they decide

this I have no idea. Somehow they manage to communicate the new arrangement and presumably it’s approved, or not.

Many people have read about how wild elephants gather to mourn their dead. I have seen dogs do this on two occasions when one of them has died out in the woods. (One dog died from a cobra bite and the other succumbed to cancer while out on a walk.)

After the bodies had been removed, and without any of the other dogs having seen the dead dogs or knowing where it happened, when they came across the exact spot on our next walk they gathered in a tight bunch, sniffing the ground intently, and then one by one they all urinated on the place where their family member had fallen. The following day the spot was ignored, the death having been acknowledged and respects having been paid.

On occasions like this I realise how little we understand our dogs, and that inside all our long-domesticated friends there is still a lingering memory of when they were wild animals.

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 Yellowtail clownfish Like the hero of Finding Nemo, the yellowtail or Clarke’s clownfish, has three bold white stripes on its head, belly and tail. Its colour is highly variable with vivid black, white, orange or yellow stripes. The black areas become wider as the fish grows, while the fins and tail remain yellow.

It’s a small species of clownfish that grows to 14cm-15cm long and can live for up to 11 years, sometimes at depths of 60m. Clownfish famously have a symbiotic relationship with sea anemones and are covered in mucous that makes them immune to the anemone’s sting. The anemone protects the fish; the fish provides scraps of food for the anemone.

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Clownfish live in matriarchal societies with one dominant pair – if the dominant female dies, the male will change sex to take over her role. Males are responsible for guarding and aerating the eggs. After hatching, the young swim towards the surface and are swept away to search for an anemone of their own.

Not to be confused with the two-banded clownfish, which is found only in the Red Sea, the yellowtail clownfish can be found in Australia, Japan, Taiwan and China.

Where to find them in Hong Kong: lagoons and outer reef slopes at Hoi Ha Wan and Tung Ping Chau.

Steffi Yuen

Phototgraph: Ben Lancaster

aka Amphiprion clarkii

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Southside Magazine continues to extend its reach in our community, here is the latest in distribution news.

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southside secrets

steady, tiger

Tin Hau Temple, Stanley, is home to a tigerskin said to be that of an animal shot in Stanley in June 1942, during the Japanese Occupation.

A tiger tale Growls, gunshots and gardening forks… what happened to Stanley’s last tiger?

Hanging on the wall in a dark corner of Tin Hau Temple in Stanley is one of our favourite local artifacts: a tiger skin. Blackened by incense smoke, and frankly rather crispy-looking, it is accompanied by a sign that claims it is the skin of the last tiger on Hong Kong Island, which was shot outside Stanley Police Station in June 1942 by Indian policeman Rur Singh.

It’s a good story, and Singh certainly shot a tiger, but there’s some debate about what happened to it. Some accounts claim the tiger was sent to Government House, where it was eaten by the occupying Japanese and its skin sent to Japan to be stuffed.

In his book, Prisoner of the Turnip Heads, Stanley prisoner-of-war George Wright-Nooth says the 240-pound tiger was skinned by a fellow prisoner, named Bradbury, who had worked as a butcher at Dairy Farm, after nights of terrorising the internment camp.

Wright-Nooth’s diary entry for May 30, 1942, reads: “Last night Langston and Dalziel who were sleeping outside at the back of the bungalow

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were woken up at about 5.00am by snarls and growls. Langston, at Dalziel’s instigation, got up to have a look. He went to the edge of the garden and looked down the slope to the wire fence. There Dalziel saw him leap into the air and fly back into the boiler room, shouting, ‘There’s a tiger down there’... Next morning on being told the story we were inclined to laugh.”

Prisoners set their own tiger guards, two men armed with a gong and a gardening fork But a tiger there was. Gunshots rang out the following night, and next morning the prisoners watched as the hillside was thoroughly searched by Chinese and Indian police under Japanese supervision. A camp supervisor told Wright-Nooth an Indian policeman had been mauled at 2am.

Sleeping in a room with no windows or doors, the understandably nervous prisoners

set their own tiger guards, two men armed with a gong and a gardening fork, until the tiger was caught later in June.

In another book about the Stanley camp, Hong Kong Internment 1942-1945, Geoffrey Charles Emerson says the tiger was stuffed and “put on exhibition in the city and attracted a great many viewers”. Some of the meat was given to members of the Hong Kong Race Club, and “was as tender and as delicious as beef”.

There’s also debate about exactly where the tiger came from. On rare occasions, tigers had been known to swim across the harbour to Hong Kong Island, but Wright-Nooth writes that the big cat shot in Stanley is likely to have been released from a circus that was performing in Causeway Bay at the time of the Japanese invasion.

Whatever the truth, the skin has long been revered for its magical properties. One story even credits it with saving the temple – and hundreds of people sheltering inside – from two wartime bombs that failed to explode after being dropped nearby.