Sai Kung Jul 2017

FAMILY | FOOD | HEALTH | ADVENTURES

Family days out

July 2017

things to dor this summe

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Beach ready Essential beach gear

We talk to ...

Sai Kung artist Helen Boyd

Exploring Sai Wan Tsuen

Choice Awards

2017

VOTE TO WIN!

The really useful magazine July 2017

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44 42 7

24 FIVE MINUTES WITH...

PEOPLE 4 Snapped!

Sai Kung’s social life THE PLANNER

LOCAL

6 Happening in June What’s on FAMILY

NEWS

17 Police blotter Sai Kung Police updates VILLAGE FOCUS

12 What’s going on?

In your backyard

14 Free stuff Fab things to win

18 Long Keng saga The village’s battle with developers ON PATROL

10 Let’s go to the beach Things to pack for the beach

GIVEAWAYS

16 Helen Boyd Local Sai Kung artist

20 Sai Wan Tsuen The far flung village on the beach COVER STORY 22 My big fat summer day out Summer activities for the whole family

25 READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 38 Vote to win Have your say in our annual Sai Kung awards EATING 40 Bring it home Delicious deliveries to your door.

Plus Nibbles HEALTH & BEAUTY 44 Bringing Bali to Hong Kong Interview with the co-founders of HKGTA’s new Fivelements

PETS 50 Ask Dr. Pauline Pet eccentricities and abnormalities explained.

Plus Walkies.

GARDENING 53 In the garden What to plant in July VINES IN SAI KUNG 56 The fun patrol Stephen Vines weighs in

ZIM CITY 46 Paul Zimmerman on...

Protecting our country parks HOROSCOPE 48 Signs from the stars Adam White predicts your future

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contributors

Maria Jctioon.nBeorsn a nd

wa ys” se ... ru n s ou r “Givea g, sh e went to u n iversity K on zoo, ra is ed in Hon g p worki n g in a u ed d en d n a efore in th e U K g e of fe stiva ls b a ’s n ra a d n a e tr ri a th ea city. T his is M a e e om h er h to retu rn in g before sh g K on g Livin g on H at th on ts m la st - se e wh at trea ew n s re u st pa h ea ds to on pa g e 14. sh e h a s fo r you

Trisha Harjani ...is a Hong kong er by birth an d confus ed thi rd-cu ltu re kid. Sh e’s Philosophy, Politics an d Econ a recent omics gra du ate wh o enjoys rea din g, writin g an d sk etchin g. Whe n she ’s not wr itin g, she ’s pla yin g fie ld hocke y. Fin d he r gu ide to su mm er fa mily activities on pa ge 22.

Narelle PaStmrauy kFriends

of Sa i K u n g ... is C h a irm a n F F ) a n d h a s bee n a Sa i S Fou n d ation (S K n ce 2006. Sh e re g iste red si K u n g re si d ent y in 2014 a n d h a s a rit ch a s SK SF F a ate ly 100 d og s. im x ro pp a d re wa lk si n ce sh elte er fa vou rit e d og on h s u lls te lle re Na entre re Ed u cation C at Lio n s N atu pa g e 50.

Want to write for Sai Kung Magazine? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com

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people Snaps from Sai Kung

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say cheese Snaps from Sai Kung

Photos by Joseph Angelakis

STAGE RIGHT! Youth Theatre Festival 2017

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planner

JUL 1, 8 & 15

Aerial yoga on the beach

For yogis who are tired of being indoors, Bamboo Yoga is holding an aerial yoga on the beach session every Saturday this summer. Starting with a short hike to Tai Long Wan from Sai Kung pier, participants get to train their bodies and minds on bamboo tripods by the sea. All sessions are guided by a certified yoga instructor. Tickets at $520, available at eventbrite.com, facebook.com/flyingbambooyoga. Email info@bamboo-yoga.com or call 6577 8258 for details.

JUL 1 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day Public Holiday

JUL 1 Sai Kung Live The monthly music event will be rocking Sai Kung’s waterfront with Young Bucks and The Pineapple Jam performing. Free admission, 8-11pm. S2 Waterfront, G/F, Waterfront Park, 1 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung. For more information visit facebook.com/ groups/220195051804462

JUL 2 Jazz Sunday with Carl & Alan Maguire + Ted Lo Best known for their modern take on traditional jazz, Hong Kong-raised twin brothers Carl and Alan Maguire are joining forces with world

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class jazz pianist, Ted Lo. Having recorded their second album, they are now returning to perform at Peel Fresco. 9pm until midnight, cover charge starts at $100. 49 G/F Peel Street, Central, peel-fresco.com, 2540 2046.

JUL 3 - AUG 11 Woodland Pre-School Programmes Sai Kung Woodland Pre-School is hosting two separate summer camps this month. Enroll your child in the Summer Fun programme,

a comprehensive and diverse programme featuring musical, culinary, arts, drama and sports activities. Alternatively, boost kids’ fitness in the Summer Sports & Games programme. Prices start at $2,075 per week for preschool aged children. Shop D, G/F, Marina Cove Shopping Centre, Sai Kung.

Email saikung@woodlandschools.com, visit woodlandschools.com or call 28130290.

JUL 6 Weaning and childhood nutrition workshop In this ESF workshop, certified nutritionist Chrissy Denton shares her top tips on creating a healthy and nutritious diet for children and toddlers. The workshop ends with a tasting session prepared by Ella’s Kitchen. Tickets are $150, available on eventbrite.com. 7-8 pm, ESF Language & Learning Centre, 183-187 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, 2838 2276, esf.org.hk

happening in July Snorkelling at Sharp Island

JUL 12 19 & 2 , 6

Explore Sai Kung under the sea. Starts with a sampan ferry ride to Sharp Island, followed by an exploration of the coral colonies. Regular tickets are $290; child tickets at $250. Prices include ferry round trip tickets and use of snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel and flippers). Bring a swimsuit and a towel. Arrive at Sai Kung New Public Pier (no. 7-10) before 2pm. Tickets are available on eventbrite.com. Visit facebook.com/ CountrysideAdventureTours, or call 6053 6076 for more details.

JUL 9 Sai Kung Sunday Market This monthly, family friendly market brings together over 60 vendors, offering locally farmed organic produce, hand-made apparel, artisanal foods and fine wines. Children can enjoy face painting and cuddles with puppies, while you eat, browse and shop. 11am-5pm, Hong Kong Academy, 33 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, saikungmarkets.com

JUL 13-24 Central Harbourfront SummerFest A series of action-packed sports activities and games for all ages by the harbour. Youth SportsFest, held on July 15 and 16, is specially designed for children to join in games, drills and training workshops run by professional coaches - including baseball, cricket, floor curling, lion dance and many more. Get active and have fun under the sun. Free, Central Harbourfront, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, summerfest-centralharbourfront.hk, 3929 9500

mentorship workshop is designed to enhance your yoga teaching career and boost your confidence. Sign up for individual modules (there are three in total, prices vary) or the full three-day package ($2,200). Anurati, 9/F, 6 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay. Email victorchau@avocadodevelopment.com for more information.

UNTIL JUL 15 Brush inkworks by Satoshi Katayama Emerging Japanese artist Satoshi Katayama’s debut solo exhibition showcases Satoshi’s latest “Water” series. 9:30am-6:30pm, Sin Sin Fine Art, 52 & 54 Sai Street (off 180 Hollywood Road), 2858 5072, sinsinfineart.com

JUL 15-16 Lan Kwai Fong Beer and Music Fest 2017 The ultimate Summer street party is back - with over 70 booths offering food, beer and interactive games for all ages. Bands of different genres will be rocking all day long while you eat, drink and play. Free admission. The festival runs from 1pm to midnight on July 15 and 1-10pm on July 16.

Lan Kwai Fong, Central, lankwaifong.com, 9151 1711.

JUL 15-16 International Military Tattoo To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover, military bands from the United States, Russia, Scotland, the Netherlands and Mongolia are to join the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and Hong Kong disciplined services in a rendition of the Cantopop song, Under the Lion Rock. There’ll also be a free-admission outdoor carnival at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre with family-friendly game stalls. Tickets for the concert start at $150 are available on urbtix.hk, Hong Kong Coliseum, 9 Cheong Wan Rd, Hung Hom. lcsd.gov.hk

Hong Kong Book Fair 2017

Jul 19-25

The annual book fair returns with over 450 publications and exhibitors. The fair is divided into eight zones, including English Avenue and Children’s Paradise. Shop, read and enjoy over 300 cultural events and talks featuring high calibre authors and critics. This year, for the first time, the fair is introducing a theme: Chinese Martial Arts Literature. The genre gained continual popularity in Hong Kong during the 50s-60s, when Chinese martial arts novels started to be serialized in newspapers. Some became so popular that they were re-published as printed novels.

Opening hours for each day differs. Tickets are $25 (adult) and $10 (child, morning entry), available at the venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, hkbookfair.com

JUL 14-16 The Weekend Mentorship Workshop 2017 Aimed at aspiring yoga teachers, seasoned yoga instructor Victor Chau’s weekend

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planner urbtix.com. Showing at two venues: Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre Theatre, 11 Clear Water Bay Road; and Ngau Chi Wan & North District Town Hall, 2 Lung Wan St, Sheung Shui, hkiac.gov.hk, 2370 1044.

UNTIL JUL 24 Inventing Le Louvre, From Palace To Museum Over 800 Years

JUL 19 & 22 The English Premier League Asia Trophy 2017 As part of Hong Kong’s 20th handover anniversary, the biennial Premier League

For once, we don’t have to fly to Paris to admire le Louvre’s impressive masterworks. The collection on display includes artworks from all of Louvre’s departments, spanning hundreds of centuries. Highlights include a marble statue of Jean de la Fontaine dating back to 1785 and a painting by Anthony van Dyck from 1617-1619.

Tickets are $20 (adult) and $10 (concessions), available at Hong Kong Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Road, Shatin, New Territories, heritagemuseum.gov.hk, 2180 8188. tournament returns with players from Liverpool, Leicester City, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace. Although this is the tournament’s eighth edition, it is the first time featuring four Premier League teams. Tickets from $466 at viagogo.com. Hong Kong Stadium, 55 Eastern Hospital Road, So Kon Po.

JUL 22-23 The Music Factory Founded 30 years ago, the Dutch quintet transforms manufactured tubes into one-ofa-kind musical instruments. Expect drama, comedy and audience interaction.

Tickets from $140, available on

Slapdash Galaxy

JUL 20 21 & 2 3

Back by popular demand, the Australian company Bunk Puppets brings another unique shadow puppet comedy to Hong Kong. Made out of household junk, be ready to follow the brother and sister duo’s journey to outer space. Tickets at $140, $200, $260 from urbtix.com, Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre Theatre, 11 Clear Water Bay Rd, Ngau Chi Wan, hkiac.gov.hk, 2370 1044.

JUL 26 The FunnyFellas: Live in Hong Kong The comedy trio FunnyFellas arrive in Hong Kong as part of their world tour. Expect a night of witty jokes, tummy-tickling punchlines and a dose of political satire. Doors open at 8pm, show starts at 9pm. Advance tickets are $200, available on eventbrite.com; or $300 at the door.

Take Out Comedy, 34 Elgin Street, Central, takeoutcomedy.com, 6220 4436.

JUL 28 - AUG 1 Ani-Com and Games Hong Kong Hong Kong’s annual animation and video game convention returns to highlight the newest developments in comics and digital entertainment. Brands present include X-Box, LEGO, Marvel Comics, Sony PS4, and more.

As always, there will be events such as comic competitions, cosplay performances, and creative forums. Tickets are $35. 9am-10pm, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai. ani-com.hk.

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happening in July

BOOK NOW NOV 4-5 Ed Sheeran Hong Kong 2017 Multiple Grammy-awarded pop legend Ed Sheeran is coming to Hong Kong as part of a world tour following this year’s release of his new album, ÷ (Divide). Don’t miss one of the world’s most famous acts this fall. Tickets from $1,755 at viagogo.com. AsiaWorld-Expo, Cheong Wing Road, Chek Lap Kok.

NOV 11 Hong Kong Rugby Union Charity Ball One of the city’s largest charitable and social events. This year’s ball features an all-star performance by a supergroup of world-class rockers - featuring former members of Satana, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Steppenwolf and more.

Proceeds go to Po Leung Kuk to support underprivileged children through education and rugby training programmes.

Cocktails start at 6pm, dinner at 8pm. $2,488 per person or $29,856 for a table of 12. Tickets available on ticketflap.com. Level 1, Hong Kong

Convention and Exhibition Centre, Convention Hall Old Wing, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, events@hkrugby.com, 2829 2950.

NOV 17-19 Clockenflap Hong Kong’s biggest music and arts festival is back for its 10th edition. Growing rapidly

in size since 2007, it has hosted many global names, and this year’s stars feature Cashmere Cat, Massive Attack, MØ, and more. $1,410 for a three-day pass. Single day passes start from $820, with student discounts starting from $570. Book online at clockenflap.com. Central Harbourfront, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central.

Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editorial@hongkongliving.com.

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family

Let's go to the beach Things to pack, whether you’re heading to the Tai Long Wan or further afield…

Plastic frame sunglasses $169 from Zara Metro City Plaza II, 8 Yan King Road, Tseung Kwan O, 2164 0250 zara.com/hk

NARS Orgasm Liquid Blush 310 from NARS $ SOGO Causeway Bay, 555 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay 2833 4525

Folk embroidered kids’ tunic $390 by Seed Heritage x The Webster Folk from Lane Crawford lanecrawford.com.hk

UV Defence Duo (SPF 50, 5-star UVA rating) - Tinted and Non Tinted $280 each from thefaceinc.com thefaceinc.com

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Travel wallet - Palm $975 by MISCHA, from at home with kapok PMQ, G/F HG10-12, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, 2858 8170

Ornamental Knot swimming trunks 1,400 from MAZU Resortwear ($2,000 $ for the father-and-son bundle) mazuresortwear.com

Beach reads Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan The bestselling author of Crazy Rich Asians and China Rich Girlfriend is back with a new novel that reveals the long-buried secrets of Asia’s most privileged families and their rich people problems. Go from the elegantly appointed mansions of Manila to the secluded private islands in the Sulu Sea, from a kidnapping at Hong Kong’s most elite private school to a surprise marriage proposal at an Indian palace, caught on camera by the telephoto lenses of paparazzi. $190

Liberty print swimsuit with tassel lime $785 from Bonpoint bonpoint.com

Mad by Chloe Esposito lvie’s identical twin A sister dies. When Fate gives Alvie the chance to steal her sister’s perfect life, she starts breaking every rule in the book. $195

Both available from Kidnapped Bookshop G/F, 7 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2791 9110, facebook.com/ kidnappedbookshop

beach bonanza Kaia kimono $540 from Aanya aanya.com.hk

Luxe Flamingo Float - Rose Gold $688 from Mirth 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung mirthhome.com

Classic Hamam towel ( 100% pure turkish cotton and can also be monogrammed) $200-280 (starting 180x100cm) from hkturkish.com hkturkish.com or visit 3/F Xiu Hua Commercial Bldg, 211 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai

Hat case ( designed to fit into standard airline overhead lockers and under seats) $800 from Bella Blu bellabludesign.com Sorrento Panama Fedora Hat $1,000 from Bella Blu bellabludesign.com

Velvet flip flops $250 from Pagoda pagodastore.com

Choice Awards

2017

What shop would you like to see come to Sai Kung?

Tell us by voting in our Readers’ Choice Awards. Vote now at saikung.com

SAIKUNG.COM | 11

news

Tseung Kwan O Heritage Hiking Trail

After occupying their spot on Po Tung Road for the last 18 years, Tala’s Hair and Beauty Centre is moving to See Cheung Street in Sai Kung old town on September 1. The move comes after a string of rent increases which started two years ago. The new premises is owned by the salon’s managing director, Mojdeh Kazemi, which eliminates any future rent-induced problems.

Current construction work is being handled

by Mike Turner whilst design is in the hands of Inge Strompf-Jepsen, both Sai Kung residents.

The new location will continue to offer Tala’s existing services but is set to include a private roof where customers can enjoy a glass of wine.

Tala’s will remain to operating at their current location until August unless the landlord can agree a one month extension.

1/F See Cheung Street (opposite Little Cove)

New location for Blue Sky Sports Club

Blue Sky Sports Club has moved to Tsam Chuk Wan. The government’s decision to reclaim the local sports club’s original Sha Ha Road address was what initiated the move. Club founder Bryan Ng said, “The area is good, and we have a larger space.” With an increase in size, the club now offers showering facilities, which were previously unavailable. Furthermore, Chim said, “the water

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is clearer over here.” Members can swim, kayak, snorkel, and even wakeboard at the club and if there’s ever a time for water sports, it’s during these sweltering months.

Visit Blue Sky Sports Club’s new venue at 17B, Tsam Chuk Wan, Sai Kung. Find out more at bluesky-sc.com

Photo by FolloMe 隨我行 (follo3me.com)

Tala’s is moving

Sai Kung residents will soon have a new route to hike, as construction has begun for the Tseung Kwan O Heritage Hiking Trail - expected to be completed in 2018.

The heritage trail will boast a Heritage Information Centre and a hostel, converted from the former Tiu Keng Leng Police Station and staff quarters. The new trail will connect Duckling Hill, Section 3 of the Wilson Trail, the information centre, and the Mau Wu Shan Observation Post, which dates from the Qing Dynasty.

As visitors explore the trail and its new facilities, they can learn about Tseung Kwan O’s origins as a quiet fishing village and flour mill operation, its rise as a refugee resettlement area, and gradual urbanisation as a shipbreaking centre.

To find out more, call 3740 5200 or visit districtcouncils.gov.hk/sk

in your backyard

Two fires in two days

Photo by Gabriel James Dalton

The Diner rolls into town

The Diner, a traditional American-style diner, is opening their second location on Po Tung Road in early July. Its first restaurant in Central boasts diner classics such as fried chicken, buttermilk pancakes, and a range of burgers. Although the new location follows The Diner’s signature theme, owner Marcus Thomson promises it will be “bigger and better.”

“Our Central kitchen is tiny; it’s the size of a shoebox,” Thomson said. “With the extra space we will be able to cater to more customers, especially during the hot summer months when it is often more comfortable to sit inside with the A/C. We will be applying for the Outside Seating Area in due course.”

The restaurant will be decorated with 200 authentic American license plates, a payphone shipped from New York, a reserviced gas pump, and the front end of a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, converted into a sofa. “I try to buy real vintage artefacts from the US to make it as authentic as possible,” said Thomson.

Thomson chose Sai Kung for its number of families and children, The Diner’s key demographic. Another reason was Sai Kung’s “lack of somewhere comparable to us. There are no other major burger outlets, certainly no other American diners - not just in Sai Kung, but in the whole area.” Visit The Diner this summer at 72-74 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung.

Wild boar chase On July 24, a report was made to the police about a boar spotted on the side of the road near Lohas Park. Over 10 people from Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and police were involved in capturing the 60kg boar.

One policeman and one nearby cyclist were injured during the incident. Both men were taken to Tseung Kwan O Hospital.

Around 6pm on June 19, a fire took place at Ho Chung Village which is believed to have been caused by a short circuit. Billows of black smoke rose above as several fire trucks, ambulances and police arrived on scene. On the following day, a second fire broke out in Sha Kok Mei near Hong Kong Academy (HKA). The second fire was reported at 5:30pm and is also believed to have been caused by a short circuit.

“I was told it was a hawker house that went on fire behind HKA school,” said resident Gabriel James Dalton. Luckily there were no casualties in either fires.

Pangolin found in Sha Tin town A rare Chinese pangolin was taken to a shelter last month after being spotted near a Sha Tin bicycle shop.

A passerby had noticed the pangolin in bushes near Yuen Wo Road, and quickly notified the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department. Department staff picked up the pangolin and took it to a veterinarian, who declared it healthy and safe.

The threatened species mostly lives in Hong Kong’s country parks, and even there, they are seldom seen. As one of Hong Kong’s 57 terrestrial mammal species, the Chinese pangolin’s numbers have been dropping at precipitous rates. Its classification as “critically endangered” places it under national and international legal protection, but they are still poached for their meat and scales, which are highly prized in Chinese medicine.

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giveaways

win at saikung.com Guess How Much I Love You Join Little and Big Nutbrown Hare, from the best-selling Guess How Much I Love You and I Love You All Year Round collection, as they leap off the page and onto the stage in this magical journey through the seasons.

Watch them settle down after a bedtime story and re-awaken to discover the delights and colours of each season as they compete to measure their love for each other in this timeless loveable story.

We’re giving away a family set of four tickets worth $1,740 in total to the opening night at 5pm on October 20th.

Chopsticks, Fork and Knife

Blue Sky Sports Club

YEECHOO

Feast on CFK (Chopsticks, Fork and Knife)’s Modern International Dining Menu this summer.

Featuring international cuisines and signature dishes such as Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean, there is sure to be something to fit everyone’s tastes. We’re giving away a set of four dinner tickets worth $1,000 in total.

Cool off from the heat! Blue Sky Sports Club have a range of water sports activities and are one of the only providers of stand up paddle boarding (SUP) in Hong Kong. As a relatively “new” water sport, it focuses on core fitness with distance flat-water paddle along with stand up paddle surfing.

We’re giving away two SUP Beginner courses which includes gear rental and an electronic SUP certificate, valued at $500 each.

Be stylish and Instagram-worthy in all your travel photos! YEECHOO.com is Asia’s largest designer rental platform where ladies can find and wear the best designer work outfit, cocktail dresses, evening gowns and more.

With YEECHOO’s travel package, you will get to select five outfits from 3000+ designer pieces and take them with you to your travels for up to two weeks We are giving away two luxury travel packages valued at $980 each.

Subscribe to our e-newsletter to get all our giveaways delivered straight to your inbox: saikung.com/subscribe

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five minutes with

Publisher

Tom Hilditch tom@hongkongliving.com

Editorial

Editor-in-Chief Shreena Patel shreena@hongkongliving.com Contributing Editor Carolynne Dear carolynne@hongkongliving.com Acting Editor Eric Ho eric@hongkongliving.com Editorial Assistant Trisha Harjani trisha@hongkongliving.com

Design

Design Manager Cindy Suen cindy@hongkongliving.com Graphic Designer Anna Schulteisz anna@hongkongliving.com

Thanks to

Adam White Cora Chan Daniel Tsang Dr. Pauline Taylor Gabriel James Dalton Jessie Yeung Max Yip Paul Zimmerman Stephen Vines

Published by

Hong Kong Living Ltd. Floor LG1, 222 Queens Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Helen Boyd

Eric Ho catches up with local Sai Kung artist, Helen Boyd I was born in Sydney and grew up in the western suburbs. I loved that we had a lot of freedom to play outside and explore nature.

I started painting as a child on the kitchen table. Painting comes intuitively to me and I’ve now been doing it for over forty years.

I predominantly paint and draw, but I also dabble in photography, printing making, collage and mixed media.

My parents were working class and worked very hard. As a child, it wasn’t always easy as money was tight. I felt I needed to study towards a career that would provide a steady income. But my passion eventually took over and I went back to study visual arts the same week my youngest started school.

HONG KONG hongkongliving.com

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Before I was a full-time artist I worked in retail, became a medical receptionist and tutored kids. Of course, throughout this time I was a stay at home mum to my three boys.

We moved to Hong Kong 15 years ago for my husband’s work and to give our three sons broader horizons. Hong Kong is an amazing place and I can’t say I’ve seen anywhere else like it.

I slowly had a few exhibitions in Hong Kong and it was through my first solo exhibition that I met another artist, and together we went on to run studio2 in Soho We eventually moved the drawing group at studio2 to Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre where it has been running for the past 7 years.

Over the last decade I’ve hosted close to 50 exhibitions for other solo and group artists. Late last year I made the decision to follow my creative dream of running my own studio gallery, and opened my Sai Kung studio, H studio Gallery.

Here we wanted to bring more arts into Sai Kung, and hopefully the community feels the same and will embrace it.

We decided to move to Sai Kung as the air is less polluted, there’s an abundance of nature and the town felt more spacious. Our boys have moved back to Australia so we live in a smaller abode as empty nesters, but still enjoy living here.

My favourite artists are Frida Kahlo, Henri Matisse, John Olsen, Mirka Moira, Brett Whiteley and Renoir. Add to that a long list of local artist mates they know who they are.

The best piece of advice I was given was to work hard, 95% of being a successful artist is about turning up day after day. I’m inspired from life, my family, nature, travels and memories. Finding inspiration is never a problem... finding time is!

My most memorable piece of work was the series of photos I exhibited with my son, Lachlan.

Hardly anyone came to the space and we didn’t sell a thing, but we did it together.

on patrol

Police blotter Senior Inspector Max Yip reports on the recent cases in Sai Kung

- There were 16 cases of fallen trees in June,

luckily there were no reports of anyone injured.

- During the recent typhoon signal 8, Senior

Inspector Max Yip remained at the Sai Kung Police Station throughout the night until the signal was eventually lowered in the morning.

- At 5pm on June 7, a man was found lying on the ground at Tai Wan in a semi-conscious state. He was airlifted to a hospital but unfortunately passed away three days later, investigations are still ongoing.

- A burglar had targeted the ground floor of a

village house in Pak Kong Au along Po Lo Che Road. Fortunately, the homeowner had tied the windows together with an iron string, this prevented the culprit from entering. No property was stolen in this case.

- A ship originating from Hong Kong Island

was stopped in Sai Kung waters and was discovered to be smuggling pet food and clothes into China. The total value of the seized goods is estimated at $1.1 million. The case is still under investigation and pending court result.

- Whilst patrolling the West Dam of High Island

Reservoir, police officers noticed a suspicious taxi which quickly turned to avoid them. When stopped, one of the passengers jumped out and attempted to run, but was caught. The passengers were all illegal immigrants from Vietnam, three have been handed over to the Immigration Department, another has been charged and pending court result, and the taxi driver is now on bail and pending further investigations.

- There was five incense tree-related cases in

- In June, one individual was summoned for jaywalking.

- An anti-smuggling operation was conducted on June 19 at Wong Shek Pier. The Marine Police were able to seize electronics, mobile phones, and birds nests with an estimated value of around $7 million. Unfortunately, the culprits were able to escape and no person has been arrested.

- The police held a joint publicity event with

the marine and canine departments to raise awareness of drug use on junk trips. Leaflets were handed out whilst sniffer dogs were deployed and patrolled along the pier.

For more information, contact Sai Kung Police Station, 1 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 3661 1630

June.

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local

The Long Keng saga Sales & Marketing

Eric Ho reports on the village's battle with developers

Sales Director Hilda Chan hilda@hongkongliving.com

Sales & Marketing Executive Maria Jones maria@hongkongliving.com Kiran Hiranandani kiran@hongkongliving.com Venus Man venus@hongkongliving.com Sam Edwards sam@hongkongliving.com

Accounting

Office Manager Amanda Chia amanda@hongkongliving.com

Printer

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

saikung.com ads@hongkongliving.com @saikungmag facebook.com/SaiKungMagazine GIVE US A CALL! Admin: 3568 3722 Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772, 3563 9755 Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Magazine is published by Hong Kong Living 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. Hong Kong Living Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any way, part or format without written permission from the publisher.

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O

ngoing disputes between developers and villagers in Long Keng have recently taken a turn for the worse, with “various veiled threats, vandalism to cars owned by villagers and abusive posts by ‘ghost’ Facebook users”, said a village representative who wanted to remain anonymous.

The Long Keng saga started back in 2010 when an individual, claiming to own land in the valley, attempted to illegally build a road through a patch of woodland.

“He hired a digger and surveyors and started to excavate land on the basis of destroy first, get permission later”, said the village representative. The developer later sold his land after he was fined and had his small house planning application rejected.

The new owners continued where

Construction site as of June 2017

scheme to buy and develop the land for $1.5 billion with a profit of $900 million

the last left off and submitted 10 small house planning applications which have since been approved.

Plans were later obtained which detailed the scheme to buy and develop the land for $1.5 billion with a profit of over $900 million.

The document also indicates two further unofficial development phases for an area designated as greenbelt wetland, showing a total of 70 houses planned for construction.

Fast forward to today and four new houses have been finished and a large area leading up to the building site has been fenced off, measuring approximately 750 metres in length and covering five lots of land. “Some of the fencing was erected to hide the work that would be done to build an illegal access road.

The fencing has also effectively blocked the valley with a locked door being installed and keys given to ‘friends of the developer’.

As such, no cattle can graze in the wetland and traditional wildlife has been affected. The illegal road has also stopped the natural water course from draining properly, so stagnant water has built up,” explained the village representative. “Importantly, 50 per cent of the fenced-off road is on land that is not theirs. As such, a Long Keng villager has been forced to take legal action to evict

developing battle

Greenbelt land is fenced off and locked

Temporary illegal bridge used to access site

them from his land.”

To further complicate matters, a separate development battle has also emerged in Long Keng, this time in a series of private lots adjacent to the illegal road and sat within a greenbelt zone. An application to excavate and fill these lots for horticultural planting purposes was rejected back in 2016 by the Planning Department but the landowner has proceeded anyway. The Planning Department has issued a reinstatement notice to which the landowner has reapplied.

Carol Ho, one of the initiators of Sai Kung Planning Concern Group, believes there are doubts as to whether the land will actually be used as a horticultural project, she said, “The

application is for the ground to be raised by 1.2-1.7 metres to avoid water flooding and mosquito diseases, but this is unnecessary for their intended use. It worries us that they may eventually lay down concrete roads to allow larger vehicles in. Wetlands are meant to naturally filter out pollution. Building a road will in fact add to the problem”. Since reaching out to Ho, it was later discovered that a Vehicular Access Plan has been submitted in the developer’s application.

The village representative adds to Ho’s concerns, “The applicant has tried to convince Long Keng villagers that this horticultural project is much needed and will be good for the community. However, when we asked whethey they can promise the land will not be used for small house development, the answer was: ‘Certainly, not for a year or so’”.

The Town Planning Board (TPB) held a meeting on June 23 about the second developments but the applicant requested for a deferral with a future date still pending. “We expect the TPB to see that this application is an excuse to clear land for eventual development purposes. As such, there is no reason why TPB’s previous decision should be reversed, so this application should also be rejected”, said the village representative.

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village focus

Sai Wan Tsuen Eric Ho visits the far flung Sai Kung village.

S

ai Wan Tsuen is a village located out on the eastern side of Sai Kung East Country Park. The village sits in the bay of Sai Wan and has a white sandy beach and beautifully clear water right at it’s doorstep. When directly translated from Cantonese, Sai Wan literally means West Bay. Despite the bay’s location in Sai Kung East Country Park, according to locals, the name derives from being the most western bay out of the four which make up Tai Long Wan. It is sometimes referred to as Tai Long Sai Wan to avoid confusion with other similarly named locations in Cheung Chau and Tai A Chau.

The Lai clan were the first to settle in the area back in the Ming Dynasty around 600 years ago. At its peak, Sai Wan Tsuen had around 250 villagers living off farming and fishing. The vast lands lent itself to farming whilst the bay was used as a typhoon shelter for fishing boats. The villagers were all Catholics and in 1903 they converted a village hall into a church which they later named Starfish Church. The church also doubled up as a primary school. But as the farming industry deteriorated and the construction of the High Island Reservoir disrupted the fishing industry, many villagers began to move into the city to seek better opportunities - inevitably, the Starfish Church’s closed soon after. Some villagers left due the

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inconvenience of life there, no roads connect to the village nor any piers line the nearby shores.

The few who chose to stay turned to tourism as their main source of income. At the time, Sai Wan started to grow in popularity.

Hiking routes such as the MacLehose Trail

were constructed and the people of Hong Kong came to know of this little corner of paradise.

A section of Sai Wan beach has been made into a designated camp site where visitors can catch a glimpse of the morning sun rising over the South China Sea. Today,

far far away

a few small stores still open, selling food and drinks to hikers, campers and beach-goers.

Unfortunately, the beautiful scenery has not only attracted more visitors over the years but also the attention of developers. In the summer of 2010, a 10,000 sq-metre plot of

land was reported to have been cleared for development. But over 75,000 people joined a Facebook group to eject developers from Sai Wan, and after a series of demonstrations and protest hikes, the developers gave up on the project. Sai Wan, along with Sai Wan Tsuen

were eventually included as a country park enclave.

Want to be village correspondent? Email editorial@hongkongliving.com

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My big fat summer day out Sticking around this summer but not sure what to do? We’ve got you covered.

By Trisha Harjani, Cora Chan and Jessie Yeung

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Photo by FolloMe 隨我行 (follo3me.com)

summer bucket list

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ON THE WATER Hire a boat

Go on an Island Tour

SUP (Standup paddleboarding)

Hire a junk with friends, take a sampan ride (from Sai Kung to a nearby town or beach, or around Aberdeen Harbour) or hop on the Star Ferry for a taste of the past and great views of the skyline.

If you want something more thrilling, try Zoom.

The brainchild of boating enthusiast and longterm Hong Kong resident Nigel Davis, Zoom specialises in high-speed thrill rides and trips to parts of the territory that are off the junk-beaten track. Zoom’s specially-commissioned RIB (rigid inflatable boat) was constructed in the UK and holds up to 10 people. The boat’s speed means it can access areas of the territory where junks are unwilling to venture.

“So far I’ve captained a couple of kids’ parties, zooming around off Aberdeen and Stanley to give the children some high-speed fun before returning them to dry land for tea. I’ve also organised trips out to Sai Kung’s geopark, Po Toi, Tai O and around Hong Kong Island. It’s been a lot of fun,” says Davis. Trips begin either at Aberdeen or Causeway Bay and venture out to Tai O, Po Tai, Stanley, Plover Cove, Lamma, Sai Kung’s geopark and more. Starts at $500 per person for an hour’s ride. If you have a trip suggestion, get in touch and Davis can work out a package. zoomribs.hk

Visiting Sai Kung country park wouldn’t be complete without exploring the area by sea.

Boat tours offer the opportunity to get up close to the unique jurassic rock formations found on the outlying islands and along the country park cliffs. Along the Sai Kung waterfront there are a number of choices when it comes to boat tour operators, although many only provide Cantonese guides. Live Nature, a social enterprise run by the Sai Kung District Community Centre, offer boat tours led by qualified eco-tour guides. Requests can be made for a private group tour with an Englishspeaking guide. For more information call 2798 9071 or visit ecotoursaikung.com

Soak up some vitamin D whilst standup paddle boarding on Sai Kung waters. The Hawaiian sport has become a smash-hit in Hong Kong, becoming the fastest growing water sport today.

Head to Blue Sky Sports Club’s new location (Tsam Chuk Wan) and join one of their SUP Tours starting at $650 per person. For something different, enroll on their SUP Yoga course for $600 per person. bluesky-sc.com

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summer bucket list

Fishing trips Stay buoyant this summer with a family junk trip chartered by Hong Kong Deep Sea Fishing. Their fleet features the “Thai Lady” and “Fortuna”, both excellent fishing boats with ample space designed to maximise comfort and capacity.

While these venture out to the South China Sea, smaller boats treavel out to Sai Kung with pick ups at the Clear Water Bay Golf Club Marina. Fishing trips start at $595 per person. hkdeepseafishing.com

DIY Water Sports Hire your own equipment for water sporting activities from the many government funded water centres around Sai Kung, New Territories and the Hong Kong Island. Available equipment varies depending on location, ranging from kayaks, sampans and sailing dinghies, to windsurfing boards. Besides water activities, the Chong Hing site in Sai Kung houses a number of land based facilities such as an archery range, basketball court, multi-purpose lawn, campfire and barbecue sites. Sai Kung also has the Jockey Club Wong Shek Water Sports Centre. Note these water centres only rent out to those with the necessary certifications. Centres are open from 8am to 5.30pm. For price and application enquiries visit lcsd.gov.hk

HONG KONG ADVENTURES Explore Hong Kong’s hidden gems Visit the flipside of Hong Kong with Wild Hong Kong: kayak in Hoi Ha, cycle in Plover Cove or go canyoning in Ping Nam. These excursions are a great opportunity for parents and kids to visit Hong Kong’s relatively untouched and unknown jungles while learning about the historical and the ecological pockets within the metropolis. All activities are provided by Wild Hong Kong are narrated in English. The price includes transport to and from the meeting point, an experienced guide and any additional gear necessary for the activities. Wild Hong Kong can combine multiple tours together or customize packages to each person’s needs.

For bookings and more information visit wildhongkong.com

Stargazing Catch a rare glimpse of the Milky Way from Hong Kong’s only Astropark in Sai Kung. This 24-hour space is divided into three sections; the Telescopic Observation Area, Naked-eye Observation Area and the Educational Zone. If you’ve got your own telescope, mount it on any one of the telescope piers on the telescopic observation area or use the binoculars designed for viewing the sky at nighttime. Alternatively, the park has a comprehensive educational facility including various sundials, ancient Chinese astronomical instruments and even a mini planetarium for foggier nights. It is located within the Chong Hing Water Sports Center, south of the Sai Kung East Country Park and has 24 hour free access. Another sweet spot is Long Ke campsite where the light pollution is just low enough that you can catch the starry night. lcsd.gov.hk

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FOR FOODIES

Treat yourself to afternoon tea There’s nothing like escaping the heat for a relaxing afternoon tea, a long-standing Hong Kong tradition. For an iconic setting with music, soaring arches and classic architecture, try The Peninsula ($368/person, Salisbury Road, TST) with plate upon plate of pastries, finger sandwiches, and English scones. There are many other hotel options, including the Sheraton Hotel ($258, Nathan Road, TST) for a panoramic harbour view; the InterContinental ($578, Salisbury Road, TST) for its excellent smoked salmon sandwiches; the Mandarin Oriental ($298, Connaught Road, Central) for its signature rose-petal jam; and the Four Seasons Hotel ($275, Finance Street, Central) for its fresh

The Shanghai Tang Tea Set at the InterContinental

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Go on a food tour mint gelato. For gorgeous beach views and a glimpse of a bygone era, munch on raspberry tarts by open bay windows at The Verandah ($308, Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay), formerly the Repulse Bay Hotel.

The Peninsula Classic Afternoon Tea

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. The same could be said for Hong Kong. The city is packed with over 10,000 Chinese restaurants, noodle shops and street food but it’s not always easy to know where to go and what to order without help.

Little Adventures in Hong Kong (LAHK) operates bespoke tasting tours around the Sham Shui Po, Yau Ma Tei and Central and Sheung Wan districts. In 2015, the team was chosen by chef Anthony Bourdain to kick off season 2 of his show on CNN, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.The team all speak native English as well as Cantonese. There are four walks to choose from - each led by a local food journalist, who will guide you through some of Hong Kong’s most historic neighbourhoods whilst you feast on traditional dishes such as roast duck, dim sum, wonton noodles and congee.

Tours are conducted daily and start at US$115 an hour, per person, for a minimum of 3.5 hours and include selected food and drink tastings at six venues. LAHK also hosts basic tours around Kennedy Town on Thursdays and Wanchai on Sundays for 2.5 hours starting at $888 per guest; or custom-made, private tours in an area of your choice. littleadventuresinhongkong.com

summer bucket list Take a Wellness Cooking Class Ifat Kafry Hindes, owner and founder of Project Wellness is a wellness guru here to train kiddies and adults to be as nutritious as possible. The classes put an emphasis on teaching how to optimise your time in this fast-paced city and be deliciously healthy at at the same time.

Foodies not only get to cook and learn but also taste their food at the end. On request, Project Wellness can arrange Birthday Party packages and private cooking classes. Hindes was the first to launch a healthy, gluten-free, allergyfriendly bakery in Hong Kong in 2013. After its success, she moved onto teaching cooking and has recently launched her own book Gluten Free Healthy Delish Recipes. Classes start at $600 per person and run for two hours. ifatkafryhindes.com

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FOR KIDS

Make a day trip to Disney The magic of Disneyland is sure to capture the imagination of little ones, although parents should be prepared for crowds, queues and high temperatures. Throughout the summer months, there will be parades running up and down the Main Street, fairies prancing around and Jedi training hosted in Tomorrowland. For those brave enough to make more than one trip, avoid paying the general admission ($589) and buy the annual pass instead (starts at $619).

If you don’t fancy a trip all the way to Lantau, there’s always Magical World (Granville Road, TST). This Hong Kong-meets-Disney 4D experience, formerly known as the Hong Kong 3D Museum, uses augmented reality technology, sounds, smells and special lighting effects to create an all-round sensory experience. Tickets are $168 for adults and $120 for children aged 3-11. If you’re a party of twenty and up, fill in a form on the website for a group offer. magicalworld.com.hk, hongkongdisneyland.com

Alternatively, head over to Cityplaza Ice Palace ($55-70 per hour) in Tai Koo Shing. Mega Ice (located in MegaBox) is the largest ice rink in Hong Kong and is the only internationally sized rink in the city. If you’re looking for a party venue, most locations are hireable for little penguins to zoom around on birthdays, summer parties and more.

Eat at a themed cafe Take kids to indulge in Hong Kong’s obsession with all-things-cute. Dotted all over the city are animal and cartoon themed cafes. Brighten up your dim sum with a little Hello Kitty on Canton Road in Jordan or surround yourself with Snoopy-inspired decor at Charlie Brown cafe in

Go ice skating Escape the heat and take little snow angels out onto the ice for a magical day of ice skating at one of Kowloon’s shopping centres: Elements ($0.5-1.5 per minute); MegaBox ($50-80 per session); Festival Walk ($55-60 per hour); or Dragon Centre ($40-65 per session).

Choice Awards

2017

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Tell us by voting in our Readers’ Choice Awards. Vote now at saikung.com

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TST. Alternatively, make some new furry friends at Cat Store in Causeway Bay or OnDogDog Cafe in Ho Man Tin, which are home to a resident group of cats and dogs, respectively.

Visit Ocean Park This summer, Southside’s very own theme park Ocean Park presents its annual Summer Splash, running from July 1 until August 27.

Specifically, the park has been decked out in a retro theme and - on top of the standard rides and activities - has commissioned what is the largest sand sculpture in Hong Kong, created by internationally acclaimed sculptor Ray Villafane. If all this seemed regular enough, thousands of rubber ducks have also appeared, in celebration of the park’s collaboration with Hong Kong’s toy success story, LT Duck.

Admission starts at $219 for children aged 3-11 and $438 for adults. On a side note, get ready for Ocean Park’s Water World, set to open in the second half of 2018. oceanpark.com.hk

summer bucket list

JUST FOR ADULTS

Do aerial yoga on the beach Join yoga studio Bamboo Yoga for a full-day workshop, starting with an aerial yoga class at Yoga Bam Bam in Central (learning several Vinyasa inversions and poses on hammocks), followed by a hike to the silvery sands of Tai Long Wan beach, where students will employ their newly-gained aerial yoga skills on bamboo tripods. The mid-air suspension increases flexibility and strengthens the core, allowing tension to leave the body. If you’ve tried aerial yoga before, sign up for the half-day workshop, which omits the class in Central (meet at the pier instead to go straight to Tai Long Wan).

Beginners welcome for the full-day session.

Full-day session ($720): July 2, 9, 16.

Half-day session ($520): July 1, 8, 15.

Book online at eventbrite.hk

Tung Road) is an old-town favorite, offering everything from traditional Thai massages to fire cupping to pregnancy massages (from $180).

For a makeover, get your hair done at Tala’s Hair and Beauty Centre (Po Tung Road). Apart from hair treatments (from $80), Tala’s also offers nail treatments, waxing, and special services such as spray tans and brow tints (from $80).

races on Saturdays and Sundays until July 16, the end of the summer racing season. With a stadium that accommodates over 60,000 spectators, the racecourse boasts beautiful horses in an action-packed show and an electrifying atmosphere every week. Visitors can watch from the Champion Circle seats (from $30), the Roof Deck (from $50), the luxurious Inner Circle balcony for priority Hong Kong Jockey Club members (from $360), or enjoy buffet meals at several other viewing locations.

Single bets start at $10. hkjc.com

Pamper yourself If you’re feeling stressed or overworked, take a moment to pamper yourself at one of Sai Kung’s many salons and spas. Sense of Touch (Man Nin Street) offers signature massages and facials, as well as beauty services such as pedicures and threading. For a truly sparkling facial, try their Diamond Peel facials (from $730), which nourish the skin with micro diamond crystals. Zone@Sai Kung (Po

Watch horse racing Introduced to Hong Kong by British colonists, horse racing is now one of the city’s most popular sporting events. Watch the thrilling races at the Sha Tin Racecourse, which holds

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FREE THINGS TO DO Take a hike There are many hiking routes in Hong Kong.

For our favourites in Sai Kung, see The Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Hiking Guide (available at Kidnapped bookshop and select Bookazine stores or online for $210 at saikung.com). In the meantime, here are a few options, on and off the island: 1. Enjoy the lush trails and ocean views on the Tai Long Wan Hiking Trail, wrapping around the bay and winding past several coves.

Start your hike at the Sai Wan Pavilion, accessible by village bus 29R from Chan Ma Road. Cool off mid-hike at Sai Wan Beach, then enjoy refreshments at Ham Tin Wan. You could end here by taking a boat back to Sai Kung Pier, or keep hiking past the Chek Keng cove and end at Pak Tam Au, where you can take a bus back to the Sai Kung town. This hike around the island-dotted bay takes four to five hours.

2. For something more challenging, try Lai Chi Chong. Starting at Pak Sha O and ending at Shui Long O, the six-hour hike follows

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Volcanic sedimentary rocks line Lai Chi Chong’s coastline

Sai Kung’s western shore. Along the way, snap photos of the coastal volcanic sedimentary rocks and Sham Chung’s open grasslands.

3. Hong Kong Island offers hiking trails of every difficulty level, starting with the classic Dragon’s Back. Everyone’s go-to hike, this relaxed 3-hour trail starts at To Tei Wan and ends at Big Wave Bay, twisting through the Shek O Country Park. The soaring peaks

offer views of Shek O, Stanley, Tai Tam and the South China Sea. If you feel like tackling the Hong Kong Trail, Section 1 offers a meandering 2-hour hike from Victoria Peak to Pok Fu Lam Reservoir. Start at the Peak Tram Station on Lugard Road, hike past the Peak’s mid-slopes, and enjoy the flora on the Native Tree Walk. Take in the western landscape on the Lung Fu Shan lookout, before finishing at Pok Fu Lam.

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photo by Kelvintkn

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Watching the stars at Wong Shek campsite

Pitch up a tent Here are a few options to get you started: 1. Set in the northern part of the Sai Kung peninsula, Wong Shek is conveniently located by a bus stop and includes basic amenities including barbecue pits, toilets, sinks and potable tap water.

2. Those wanting a workout and gorgeous sunrise should hike up the Ma On Shan trail to Ngong Ping campsite where the unobstructed horizon provides a true getaway from Hong Kong’s chaos. Toilet pits and occasional stream water are present. Look out for cows.

3. If you want the best of both worlds, a magnificent view with minimal effort, head to Wan Tsai. The one-kilometre walk is a breeze and opens up to two campsites that boast picturesque views of the Wan Tsai peninsula.

Handicap facilities are available plus easy access to snorkeling sites and fishing spots.

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Wan Tsai campsite

summer bucket list Pack a picnic Grab your lunch-bags and fill ‘em up with pinwheel sandwiches, lemonade and your favourite book, before heading to the park to bask in the sun. Check out Sham Cheung which also boasts a few village stores, mangroves, an astronomical observatory and an abandoned village. Alternatively, check out Pak Tum Chung’s grassy patches or Tai Mong Tsai’s barbecue pits Further afield, other great options include the Hong Kong Park next to Cotton Tree Drive or the Zoological and Botanical Gardens next door. If you opt for the latter, don’t forget to pay a visit to the meerkats, monkeys and more.

4. For activities and nearby restaurants, head to Pui O beach on Lantau Island (ferries run from the Central Piers), an extremely popular camping site with buffalo, a great beach restaurant (Mavericks) and other facilities.

You can pay to book a spot on Treasure Island HK’s private campsite (treasureislandhk.com) or on the Leisure and Cultural Services Department website (lcsd.gov.hk).

5. Even further south and quieter than Pui O although within close reach, Lo Kei Wan

campsite on Lantau Island has barbecue pits, dry toilet pits and seasonal stream water.

Aside from the beaches, southeast Lantau holds woodier campsites such as the Nam Shan campsite with optional hiking trails.

6. For Hong Kong island, head to the Tai Tam branch of the Scout Association of Hong Kong for a campsite boasting numerous activities for little ones including rock climbing, pioneering, archery. It’s also furnished with a canteen, basketball court and a campfire circle (scout.org.hk)

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RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES

Watch a movie

Go bowling

Every summer sees a flood of new movies, and this season boasts everything from superhero flicks to war dramas. Watch newlysolo musician Harry Styles’ acting debut in Dunkirk, a gripping tale of the WWII Battle of Dunkirk, arriving July 20. Written and directed by filmmaking giant Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk looks to be as darkly suspenseful and emotionally complex as his previous successes.

Meanwhile, everyone’s favorite teenage superhero gets a re-make in Spider-Man: Homecoming, in cinemas July 6. This latest addition in the Marvel Cinematic Universe will feature other well-known superheroes, such as Tony Stark and Captain America. If you’re in the mood for a raunchy comedy, catch Rough Night, in which a wild bachelorette weekend goes horribly wrong. Releasing on July 27, the cast includes Scarlett Johansson and Kate McKinnon.

There are a few cinemas around Sai Kung, including MCL Metro City (8 Yan King Road, Pol Lam MTR), MCL Star Cinema (Tseung Kwan O MTR Exit C), MCL Kowloon Bay (Telford Gardens), UA Megabox, UA Sha Tin (New Town Plaza), Broadway Hollywood Cinema (Diamond Hill, Plaza Hollywood) cinema.com.hk

Tiki Tiki Bowling Bar in Sai Kung combines everything necessary for an exciting night out.

Put on your bowling shoes at the Krakatoa Bowling Lanes, illuminated with vibrant purples and neon lights. Once you start feeling peckish, make your way to the four food and drink areas. The Sea Dogs & Mermaids Bar offers fruity cocktails, as well as finger foods such

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as calamari and aromatic vegetable samosas.

For a heartier meal, try the Beach Bums & Cannibals’ flaming lobster, or outdoor dining at the Island of The Gods. The Octopus’ Garden offers a spot for relaxation with a live band and its own unique menu. Bowl for $300 an hour, or use the student discount Monday-Friday. tikitiki.hk

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MUSEUMS

VOLUNTEERING Caption caption

Hong Kong Railway Museum

Clean up a beach There’s no time like summer to dive into the cool ocean, but Hong Kong’s beaches and waters are |drowning in rubbish. Make a difference by 36 MID-LEVELS.CO taking part in the 2017 Cleanup Challenge. Last year, over 80,000 people took part. Participation is easy: choose a team (of friends, colleagues, family, classmates, community group), a date, and a location for your cleanup, and complete the registration form online. Once your team is registered, you will be invited to a briefing to meet other teams and learn about having a safe, fun, successful cleanup. The registration fee starts at $150 per person for a group of up to five. hkcleanup.org

Pathfinders Hong Kong is home to over 300,000 migrant workers, some of whom face abuse, neglect, and even trafficking. Pathfinders provides vulnerable migrants with legal protection, education, healthcare, and other critical services.

36 | SAIKUNG.COM MID-LEVELS.CO

There are many ways to get involved; volunteers can work with migrant children during education workshops, distribute supplies and clothes, provide pro bono medical care, and more.

Volunteers can also join awareness and outreach campaigns by distributing information around Hong Kong. To sign up, visit pathfinders.org.hk

Sai Kung Stray Friends Help out at a local dog shelter near home as Sai Kung Stray Friends invites you to walk dogs and assist at the kennels in Ho Chung. Their volunteering programs are flexible allowing you to do a one-off drop in or regular volunteering visits. Frequently running school trips, the shelter is home to dogs such as Goldie, Bagel, Bailey and Tammy. If you’re feeling it, you can even adopt one of their pups to take home with you.

Visit their website to volunteer and for more information at Saikungstrayfriends.net

What: Hidden in the vibrant Tai Po Market, the charming open-air museum is converted from the former Tai Po Market railway station.

The museum is declared a city monument, dedicated to introducing visitors to Hong Kong’s rail history. Travel back in time to colonial Hong Kong by walking on the rail tracks, getting on board and taking pictures in the authentic train compartments.

Where: 13 Shung Tak Street, Tai Po Market, Tai Po Contact: 2653 3455, heritagemuseum.gov.hk Admission: Free Opening hours: Mon, Wed-Sun: 10 am-6 pm; closed on Tues (except public holidays) and the first two days of the Chinese New Year

Hong Kong Heritage Museum What: Permanent exhibitions include the Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall, which showcases a reconstructed bamboo theatre as well as items once used by famous Cantonese opera artists.

The Children’s Discovery Gallery transports little ones to the depths of the sea, archaeological digs and a traditional New Territories village. Newly added to the permanent exhibitions is the Jin Yong Gallery, a zone specifically dedicated to the works of celebrated martial arts novel author Dr. Louis Cha. As part of the Museum Festival programme, a special exhibition showcasing selected masterworks from the world-renowned Louvre Museum will run until 24 July, whilst an exhibition on Hong Kong Kung Fu legend Bruce Lee is also open until 2018.

Where: 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin Contact: 2180 8188, heritagemuseum.gov.hk Admission: Permanent exhibitions are free.

summer bucket list

For special exhibitions, $20 standard; $10 concession.

Opening hours: Mon, Wed-Fri: 10am-6pm; Sun and public holidays: 10am-7pm; closed Tue (except public holidays) and the first two days of Chinese New Year.

Hong Kong Maritime Museum What: Since its relocation from Murray House to Central Pier No.8, the museum has become a favourite among locals and travellers alike.

The interior is divided into three decks with 10 galleries dedicated to exhibiting 3,000 years of Chinese maritime history. The newly installed ship-bridge simulator is a highlight for children to get a taste of ship-steering and what it’s like to be a seafarer. A special exhibition about the infamous Chinese pirate Cheung Po Tsai runs until October 8. While you’re there, make sure to swing by Cafe 8 for a cup of coffee and enjoy one of the city’s best views of the harbour.

Where: Central Ferry Pier No. 8, Man Kwong Street, Hong Kong Contact: 3713 2500, hkmaritimemuseum.org Admission: $30 adult, $15 concession Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm; Sat, Sun and Public Holidays 10am-7pm

Sheung Yiu Folk Museum What: Sheung Yiu village was erected in the late 19th century by a modest family who launched a lime kiln business. The business thrived until the introduction of cement and by 1965 it was entirely abandoned. Today, it has been restored and converted into a folk museum furnished with typical Hakka furniture giving visitors a glimpse into the Old Hong Kong.

Where: Pak Tam Chung Nature Trail, Sai Kung Contact: 2792 6365, heritagemuseum.gov.hk Admission: Free Opening hours: Open from 10am-6pm

exhibition, Eternal Life: Exploring Ancient Egypt, will display the mummies like you’ve never seen them before, with a 3D visualisation made possible by computerized x-ray scanning.

The British Museum’s Egyptian collection is the largest and most comprehensive collection of its kind outside Egypt. It includes sculpture, architectural pieces, mummies and other relics.

Where: 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon.

Contact: 2732 3232, hk.science.museum Admission: $20 adult; $10 concession; $14 group ticket; free admission on Wednesdays Opening hours: Mon-Wed, Fri: 10am-7pm; Sat, Sun and public holidays: 10am-9 pm; closed on Thurs (except public holidays) and the first two days of Chinese New Year

3D museums Need a change of perspective? Take a closer look at these museums which showcases the art of optical illusion through 3D artwork and interactive exhibits.

Hong Kong Science Museum What: Boasting over 350 interactive exhibits, the museum encourages visitors to engage in hands-on exploration of the mystery of science.

With over 500 exhibits, ignite your child’s curiosity with games, digestible bites of fun facts about electricity, earth formation, motions and many more. There is also a children’s gallery/ play zone providing further entertainment. Six Egyptian mummies and over 200 valuable exhibits borrowed from the British Museum will be on display until October 18. The touring

Magical World The first 4D museum in Hong Kong.

1/F Hilton Place, 96 Granville Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, 2721 9720, magicalworld.com.hk/ Trick Eye Museum Part of a global chain first launched in South Korea.

Shop No. 1, 3/F, The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak, 2813 1686, trickeye.com.

SAIKUNG.COM | 37

2017 VOTE NOW!

READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

Sea Lagoon $10,000 weekday evening cruise with drinks and snacks for ten people sealagoon.com

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Vote to win!

Vote for your favourite Sai Kung places to dine, shop and play! You might win a great price from one of our sponsors.

Entry deadline:

9 July

Scan to vote or visit saikung.com/rca2017

Hebe Haven Yacht Club $5,250 adult HKSF Level 1 and Level 2 sailing course

Sense of Touch Sai Kung $3,090 ultimate pampering package

hhyc.org.hk

senseoftouch.com.hk

The Conservatory 4 x $500 dining vouchers

Maven 4 x $500 Castelbel Ambiente gift set

enotecagroup.com

Hong Kong Golf & Tennis Academy (HKGTA) 2 x $2,680 golf and tennis training packages hkgta.com

Louella Odie 5 x $250 holiday wallets louellaodie.com

mavenhk.com

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM SAIKUNG.COM | 39

eating

Bring it home Delicious deliveries to your door

Nutrition Kitchen Nutrition Kitchen is serious about providing wholesome meals, showing a breakdown of the macronutrients of each meal on its packaging. To keep your tastebuds happy, Nutrition Kitchen’s food ranges from Western to Indian with an overarching focus on providing a nutrient dense meal. Highlights include their Asian peanut chicken stir fry with zucchini

noodles, chorizo fish stew and cajun crusted tuna with roasted vegetables. There are five-, 10- or 20- day meal packages, with the choice of small or large dishes. Delivery is available across Hong Kong. nutritionkitchenhk.com

Eatology Eatology offer tailor-made meal programs and deliver it right to your doorstep. Using over 100 hundred different gourmet recipes, they are able to create a daily meal plan which won’t bore you. Choose from either their two (starting at $288) or three meal plan (starting at $368) which are all freshly cooked on the day. Delivery times start from 8:30am and run late into the evening.

2368 6891, eatologyasia.com

Choice Awards

2017

Who do you think does the best delivery?

Tell us by voting in our Readers’ Choice Awards. Vote now at saikung.com

40 | SAIKUNG.COM

food to you Cali-Mex Cali-Mex arrived in Sai Kung last October following an overwhelming response for Mexican food to be brought to the area. The meat and seafood they use imported from Australia, New Zealand and the US, whereas the fresh vegetables are sourced from local suppliers. Have Cali-Mex deliver to your door and dig into mexican classics like burritos, quesadillas, tacos and nachos. Catering packs are also available, serving 10 people and starting at $98 per person.

2772 1155, cali-mex.com

Coffee and Tales Coffee and Tales, offers a coffee subscription service, where coffee drinkers and lovers alike can discover Hong Kong’s finest artisan roasters and their story. Customers can choose from three plans, based on their consumption level, starter ($160/ month; 12 cups of coffee), regular ($230/month; 18 cups of coffee) and addict ($285/month; 24 cups of coffee). Each month, two types of freshly roasted coffee will be delivered to your doorstep. Visit coffeeandtales.com for their monthly delivery dates. coffeeandtales.com

Pepperoni’s Spinning pizza since 1992, Pepperoni’s has become the grandfather of Sai Kung expat dining. Their menu has continued to evolve over the years but at its heart, Pepperoni’s continues to serve comfort food at its best - by using fresh ingredients and simple, authentic Italian recipes.

To further entice pizza lovers, Pepperoni’s run delivery deals from Monday to Wednesday, including the much loved ‘2X Tuesday’ where you can grab two large pizzas for $170.

2791 1738, casteloconcepts.com

SAIKUNG.COM | 41

eating Invisible Kitchen Having worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, Chef Tom Burney established Invisible Kitchen to bring quality food to wherever you are.

The team sources healthy ingredients, predominantly from Australia, US and Europe, and uses natural cooking techniques to cook up wholesome and nutritious dishes. Whether it’s an intimate dinner party, an event or a picnic in the great outdoors, Invisible Kitchen caters to every occasion. Their range of picnic hampers include savoury favourites like croque monsieur, free-range chicken drumsticks and sweet treats like lemon tarts and mini baked chocolate fondant.

2711 5788, invisiblekitchen.com

42 | SAIKUNG.COM

bite-sized news

NIBBLES

Feather & Bone opens in Clearwater Bay Feather & Bone has opened a new store above St. Barts in Mount Pavilia The 3,000 sq-ft space is their third venue and offers a wide range of fresh ingredients including premium chilled meats and cheese imported all the way from France. The Clearwater Bay store serves freshly brewed coffee by Kim & Co as well as small bites to be enjoyed, think Pain au Chocolat and muffins on your shopping run. Unique to the Clearwater Bay store is the eight-seat bar counter where guests can enjoy a selection of wine, cheese and charcuterie - the space can be reserved for special events.

1/F Retail block of Mount Pavilia, No.663 Clearwater Bay Road, 2791 1680.

New bagel bakery Old Gourmet Bakery & Cafe has opened on Fuk Man Road, serving freshly baked bagels.

You can choose from a selection of fillings, including the classic smoked salmon. The store opens from 9am-6pm. 9763 6805, facebook.com/oldgourmet

Thai on the beach Sha Ha Beach welcomes a new Northern Thai restaurant, Thai Dao, to its shores. The owners personally flew to Thailand to source local chefs and their traditional recipes. Chef recommendations include the Shrimp & Pork Spring Roll ($128) and the Thai Jeng High Tea Set for two ($368). Thai Dao is owned by four individuals, one of which is TVB actor Marco

Ngai Chun Kit. Open noon-11pm.

G/F, 9 Sha Ha Village, Tai Mong Tsai Road.

2792 6189

Sakti Dining Room Sakti is a plant-based restaurant situated in the heart of Fivelements of Hong Kong Golf and Tennis Academy (HKGTA). The wholesome restaurant is designed to treat both the stomach and soul. The rare combination of nutrition meets fine dining provides a gastronomical experience amounting to an average of HK$400600 per meal for HKGTA members. The Sakti Dining Room is an offshoot of it’s original, award-winning branch in Bali and serves an option of three, five or seven course meals meeting both wellness and taste demands.

SAIKUNG.COM | 43

health & beauty

Fivelements, the new wellness centre of HKGTA

Bringing Bali to Hong Kong Trisha Harjani interviews the co-founders of HKGTA’s new Fivelements

T

he latest addition to Sai Kung’s Hong Kong Golf and Tennis Academy (HKGTA) is Fivelements, a fully fledged, Balinese inspired, holistic wellness centre that offers healing rituals, spas, reflexology treatments and even houses a nutritious plant-based restaurant, Sakti Dining Room and ‘Royal Tea House’. The latter is intended as a post-lunch or afternoon retreat serving artisanal teas from all over Asia. We were lucky enough to speak to Fivelements co-founders Lahra and Chicco Tatriele who expanded this concept to Hong Kong taking after the original Fivelements retreat in Ubud, Bali.

The Milan and New York bred couple, Chicco and Lahra are no stranger to Bali, the sacred arts and rituals of the spiritual island.

Prior to settling in Sai Kung, Chicco and Lahra lived in Bali for ten years with their two children, launching Fivelements in 2010. Despite working in communications, production and advertising previously, Lahra and Chicco both dreamt of making Balinese healing practises accessible to everyone. Lahra tells us, “When I met Chicco he said it was his dream to build an eco-resort in Bali because he was so taken by

44 | SAIKUNG.COM

Chicco and Lahra

the intense energy and so we combined both of our visions.” Today, Fivelements proudly stands as the metropolitan portal to Bali branding themselves as “bridging the wisdom of traditional healing cultures with innovative wellness concepts.”

At Fivelements, HKGTA, patrons should expect a personalised and customisable

wellness program alongside the sporting facilities, intended to facilitate your personal goals informed by traditional Balinese healing methods including water healing, traditional massages, ceremonies and meditative practices. Their comprehensive 80-page wellness menu also includes more conventional spa services including facials, nail care and hair care. The thoroughly researched facility also allows members to opt for off-menu programs to tackle a specific problem such as strain on a particular limb or joint. Chicco explains that this one-of-a-kind institution is a “holistic sports and wellness concept that can be a new model globally.” As it happens, they are discussing plans to transplant this Balinese concept around Singapore, Europe and maybe even China, “but it has to be the right location” Lahra cautions.

When asked what differentiates themselves from the luxurious club culture or a one-off retreat destination, Lahra says, “Wellbeing. It is a continual effort, to learn to love and respect yourself.” Chicco elaborates, “the opportunity here is to engage families and people interested in health and sport more regularly. I believe academy is the right name because there

welcome wellness

Water healing at fivelements

is education going on through sports and wellness.” Indeed, the educational aspect is discernable as their staff includes an in-house osteopath from Matilda Hospital and Balinese healing professionals. “One of our healers from Bali curated the athletic bodywork here. He designed the ultimate ‘back neck and shoulder’ and the ‘body usara massage’ so it’s real human crafted therapies”, Lahra says.

Operating under the umbrella of HKGTA, Fivelements works closely with the team to implement and integrate their holistic philosophy of sustainable design, plant-based nutrition and sports wellness approach. In fact, Chicco explains how the wellness concept is hugely relevant to sportspersons too as he is able to name a series of professional athletes who are on a plant-based diet, including tennis

Chico and Lahra with the Fivelements Bali team

player Venus Williams and burly heavyweight boxer, Mike Tyson. Aside from sportspersons, the expertise at Fivelements holds large potential for highly stressed Hong Kongers too.

Lahra explains, “When we say urban retreat, it’s not necessarily somewhere you go to unplug necessarily but rather you come here to plug in to yourself.” Thoughtfully, Fivelements has also

incorporated a “Little Angels Rituals” wellness menu for children to choose from as well.

HKGTA charges a flat rate of HK$80,000 per year to become a patron (minimum two year contract) and their Fivelements wellness menu starts with the Basic Athlete Training Support Package priced at $1,250 for a 60 minute treatment on top of the membership fee.

SAIKUNG.COM | 45

Looking for land

zim city

The latest green issues affecting our city.

46 | SAIKUNG.COM

W

e need a new way to discuss land supply options.

The government has invited a developer, the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS), to study the development potential of two areas extending into Tai Lam Country Park and Ma On Shan Country Park – one near Pat Heung and the other near Shui Chuen O. But surely we should first agree the rules.

Country parks are a special asset of Hong Kong.

Any decision to make them smaller must be taken very carefully. We have a law for creating parks. We have a law for managing parks. But we do not have a law that says how to cut parts off a country park.

We can learn from another special asset: Victoria Harbour. To reclaim land, you must prove that there is a public overriding need, that there are no reasonable alternatives and that only the minimum is taken away. The same can be agreed for country parks, with one additional rule - zeronet loss. This requires another area to be added as compensation.

In 1995 we did exactly this to build Route 3 to Yuen Long. Instead of digging a road through Tai Lam Country Park, we limited the damage by building a tunnel. Only two hectares were lost for the approach road and an area of around 40 hectares was added to the park elsewhere. In 2003, the extension of the Tseung Kwan O landfill was carefully planned to have minimal impact on the Clearwater Bay Country Park, and land was added elsewhere as compensation.

But this time, developers are being invited to consider country parks when there are sites ready for development nearby. Why? The Planning Department completed a land use review of Kam Tin South and Pat Heung in 2015. It identified opportunities for the development of at least 33,000 residential units on top of and in the vicinity of Kam Sheung Station and the Pat Heung Maintenance Centre.

There is also an abundance of “abandoned

‘Save Our Country Parks’ rally on 28 May 2017 at Tai Lam Country Park

agricultural land” along Kam Sheung Road now used for open storage, temporary carparks and other brownfield uses. And next to Shui Chuen O is a large green belt area which could be studied. All these sites have good access to rail and road. Why have they not been offered to HKHS for a development study, before the country parks?

The other issue is the study brief. The government instructed the developer to use ecological and landscape values as criteria. This makes no sense.

Country park areas near existing developments suffer noise, light and traffic, but they buffer the rest of the country park. Accept these criteria and we will be forever eating up country parks until no park is left.

Carrie Lam in her manifesto promised to establish a task force, steered by professionals, to engage stakeholders and the community on a macro review of our land supply options. Green groups have written to Lam and asked her to rescind the invitation to HKHS and set up the task force as soon as possible.

We need a more equitable, fair and sustainable process for discussing land supply options. Green groups consist of regular people who suffer the same problems as everyone else. Yet, they recognize that our country parks are a unique asset which should be safeguarded for future generations.

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

Horoscopes

hong kong horoscopes

AQUARIUS Jan 21–Feb 19

PISCES Feb 20–Mar 20

ARIES Mar 21–Apr 20

TAURUS Apr 21–May 21

Confucius, he say: “There is no better thing than faith in one’s own dreams.” Deep, right? Oh wait. I just made that all up. Sorry. Beware the false quote, Aquarius. After all, as Confucius really did say, “Don’t look to others for your wisdom: make your own instead.” Wait, no he didn’t. I made it up as well.

Make sure to verify what you hear: after all, it could be total rubbish.

Summer days, drifting away! If you’re on a floatie on a junk, that’s great news. If you’re just letting life pass you by, however, you might want to start paddling. Summer is a time of lazy relaxation – but there’s no better time to start that hobby, open that business, ask out that crush.

You’re no driftwood, Pisces.

Don’t let yourself be caught up in the current.

What a good month it’s going to be for you, Aries.

I just know it. Riches upon riches will be heaped upon you. It might not be in terms of Chow Sang Sang golden piglet necklaces, however.

You might have to look elsewhere for those riches. Is it someone new entering your life? Is it a couple of amazing nights out? My guess is that you’ll know it when you see it.

Freddy the Weatherman has been a fixture on our TV screens for at least three decades. TVB’s animated prognosticator is known for his “ahhhs” and “awwws” depending on the weather.

It’s good, sometimes, to boil down our emotions to the basics. Try to channel Freddy the Weatherman, Taurus: are you feeling ahhhh or awww right now?

LEO Jul 23–Aug 22

VIRGO Aug 23–Sep 23

LIBRA Sep 24–Oct 23

SCORPIO Oct 24–Nov 22

Leo, you’re a chatty kind of person. But which kind of chatty? Are you the goodnatured wet market stall owner, ready with a kind word for all? Or are you like my former neighbours, constantly yelling at each other after 20 years of marriage? Try for the former, if you can. And if it’s the latter, please don’t move in next to me.

Steady sailing is a wonderful state of affairs, Virgo. When the seas are calm, it’s easy to settle in for the ride and be lulled to sleep by the gentle motion. But what if you’re sailing in the wrong direction? Sure, you might have boarded the fast ferry to Lamma. But maybe it’s 2am and you’ve jumped on board a slow boat to Zhuhai. Check, just to make sure.

When I’m feeling a little aimless, sometimes I’ll take a walk through the streets of Wan Chai. It’s probably my favourite bit of Hong Kong, a wonderfully dense area where every side street hides something worth examination.

Failing that, there’s a couple of really great char siu rice shops, as well. Libra, I highly recommend seeking out the solitude of crowds: It gives you space to think.

Consider, Scorpio, the humble wonton. A mix of shrimp and pork, wrapped in a square dumpling skin.

Boiled in broth and served alone, or with noodles. It’s not fine dining, certainly: But I’d choose it every time over a Michelin-starred molecular seafood foam. Why? Because to me, a simple thing done well far outshines any complex concoction. Extend that rule to your life, Scorpio.

Become the wonton.

As transmitted to Adam White, writer, editor and occasional soothsayer.

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GEMINI May 22–Jun 21

CANCER Jun 22–Jul 22

Skin whitening cream is big business in Hong Kong. They call it mei bak – “beautiful white”. I’m not the first to remark upon the fact that Asians want to be whiter, while Europeans always want to look darker. It’s a sad irony that we always want what we don’t have. Gemini, I’m not going to tell you to jettison your desires. But I will ask you to look at them and evaluate them. Skip the beautiful and white for the beautiful and right.

Summer has well and truly set in, and sticky humidity has become a constant, damp companion.

At this time of year, most of us scuttle from air-con to air-con, avoiding the oppressive heat. I say: embrace it, Cancer. A sweltering Hong Kong summer is something to cherish. Don’t cut yourself off from life’s rich tapestry – even if that tapestry’s gone a little mouldy.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23–Dec 21

CAPRICORN Dec 22–Jan 20

Have you been lucky at the races, Sagittarius?

Perhaps you headed to the Jockey Club on Wednesday and won big on an amusingly named nag. Congratulations!

What will you do with your winnings? My recommendation: Take half, and spend it on something special for yourself. But take the other half, and spend it on something or someone that matters – a lover, a child, a charity. Keep it all in balance, and it’s not just you who wins.

When Hong Kong airport was based at Kai Tak, the approach to the city was one of the most hair-raising in the world.

Pilots flew perilously close to the buildings of Kowloon, making a steep right turn just 200m above ground. I think we’ve since lost the thrill of air travel, Capricorn.

I want you to rediscover it as you fly out on your summer holiday. Thrill in the very nature of flight.

SAIKUNG.COM | 49

pets

Woof!

With Narelle Pamuk, Chairman of Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation

Ask a vet...

Pets Central’s veterinarian Dr. Pauline Taylor answers your questions.

“My dog keeps eating my cat’s poop. Why is this and how do I get him to stop?”

H

Sai Kung residents share their favourite dog walks 50 | SAIKUNG.COM

aving lived in Sai Kung for many years, I was until last year, unaware of the wonderful AFCD Lions Nature Education Centre in Sai Kung. It’s an expansive wooded parkland with many tracks you can adventure with your dogs in a safe environment where no traffic is allowed. There is onsite car parking and its location is very convenient. For many who visit this park regularly, it has become a social time for themselves and their dogs who all enjoy this special location.

You can always find an area for your dogs to run freely (with responsible owner supervision). The dogs are so happy and many regulars are all friendly towards each other and their dogs enjoy playtime together. The dogs can experience a great feeling of freedom. It is advisable to take drinking water for your dogs as this is the only thing I can say is disappointing that there is no dog drinking fountain provision and they are usually very thirsty at the end of their time.

This park is also an educational centre and there are many interesting things you can see there especially walking on the tracks there are bush animal statues that look so real it can be a bit startling when you unexpectedly see them. If you feel like coffee or food there is The Deaf Café which is lovely for a resting point.

I know every trail and inch of this park as it took almost 12 months of days and nights trying to capture two dogs who were born in the park and were residents for 3 years. They were park identities and were loved by many of the regular visitors but sadly the authorities had orders out to have them removed.

Sai Kung Stray Friends finally succeeded in their capture and they were desexed and fully vaccinated. Unfortauntely, they later escaped from their adopter and now reside on the Tseung Kwan O hillside. The adopters takes them food daily but they keep their distance and choose to remain living freely.

AFCD Lions Nature Education Centre

The technical term for this behavior is Coprophagia. Whilst normal for adult females to ingest the faeces of their pups, all other types of coprophagia in dogs should be checked out. If everything appears normal, a diagnosis of a problem behaviour may be made. Inadequate diets and malabsorption may be involved but the ultimate cause of this condition in adult dogs is still unknown. Treatment varies from dog to dog but denying access to the faeces is definitely the first step. “ My dog gets overly excited and rough when he plays with other dogs. How do I make sure he stays safe?”

The rules of play are best learnt when your dog is less than 18 weeks. Where dogs are deprived of play with other dogs during this phase, they will not master the correct manners to play appropriately. Many dogs will not welcome rough play and will become defensive and/or aggressive.

Choose his playmates very carefully and keep him leashed till you are sure things will be fine. Discuss your problem with a dog trainer or consult Dr Google for helpful tips and advice.

“What should I be cautious about when taking my dog to a boarding house?”

Dogs like routine so when you ask them to stay somewhere else with someone else some can get anxious. Boarding houses usually house a large number of dogs in the same enclosed space which potentiates the spread of possible disease. Ensure your dog is fully vaccinated at least one week prior to going to stay, and administer prophylactic antiparasitic preventatives. I recommend taking your dog’s own food, his favorite toys and a piece of your clothing with your smells on it. Write down what your dog eats and when. Exercise tolerance as most carers will want to look after and ensure your dog enjoys his visit.

Got a question for Dr. Pauline?

Email editorial@hongkongliving.com

marketplace

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marketplace

In the garden

J

uly is another sweltering month for Hong Kong gardeners, with the most sunshine all year and average low and high temperatures of 27°C (81°F) and 31°C (88°F).

If you remember one thing, remember this - a prepared gardener makes for a happy gardener - slather on some suncream, don your straw hats and to the garden we go.

The first matter you’ll want to attend to is to judiciously prune plants in shrubberies and creepers. Do this to prevent overcrowding.

In the month of July, seeds of the following flowers may be sown: Chinese Balsam, Celosia, Sunflower, Portulaca, Torenia Fournieri, Moonflower, Clitoria Ternatea and Cineraria. Although Cineraria seeds may now be sown, equally good results may be obtained if the sowing is delayed until October.

For vegetables, the following seeds may be sown: Mustard, and Cress, Chinese Spinach, Cucumber, Lettuce, Sweet Corn, Chinese Short Beans, Celery, Chinese White and Green Cabbage.

The first batch of Dahlias may be potted in July. Pot them in a rather rich soil composed of three parts Canton mud, one part garden soil, one part old stable manure and one part leaf soil. Give them a sprinkle of water at first, but gradually increase as they make growth. Eventually you will put them in the sun.

Around the middle of the month, cuttings of Heliotrope may be put in.

Some forewarning, it is a rather difficult plant to keep through the summer and should be placed out of the rains. It will succeed in any good light soil and is particularly useful for growing in pots. It has a delightful fragrance and makes for a welcome addition to any Hong Kong home.

Towards the end of the month, look out for lawn caterpillars. These pesky critters soon damage the best piece of turf. A dressing of Jeyes Fluid and water, in the proportion of one of the former to 75 of the latter, will be found to have a very beneficial effect.

By William James Tutcher F.L.S (1867-1920) Superintendent of Hong Kong Botanical Gardens.

Paraphrased from his seminal 1906 work Gardening for Hong Kong.

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The fun patrol

stephen says...

P

Sai Kung musings

by Stephen Vines 56 | SAIKUNG.COM

eople having fun alert No good idea is too good for bureaucrats to put down. A case in point being Hong Kong’s first hi-tech bike sharing service, Gobee, that made its debut in Ma On Shan.

But the bureaucrats are already thinking up reasons to thwart the scheme. They report that considerable nuisance has been caused by bikes being left willy-nilly all over the place and, get this, people have been riding them all over the place – so tut-very-tut.

As a regular visitor to Ma On Shan I can report that there are quite few of these bikes around and, worse still, people seem to enjoy using them. Maybe there is some very slight inconvenience caused by the way they are parked but slight is the operative word.

What really matters is that Gobee encourage the healthy sport of cycling, they add to the transportation options in the area and do so in a non-polluting way. And they are fun; nothing annoys a bureaucrat more than people shamelessly having fun.

Maybe this bit of green belt could go There is always the temptation to resist development and in Hong Kong that temptation is reinforced by the knowledge that the government seems to be in a state of war with nature. However not all development plans are necessarily to be resisted. A case in point is the proposal to rezone five greenbelt areas in Tseung Kwan O to create 11,260 public housing units that could accommodate some 31,000 residents.

The five separate sites are mostly close to Po Lam, and are not in an area of outstanding natural beauty nor are they in an environmentally sensitive zone. However construction will clearly erode the green belt and could add to traffic congestion.

However, in Hong Kong any kind of development potentially adds to congestion and when it comes to concerns about destroying the natural environment surely it is better to focus on areas that have something worth conserving.

What is being proposed is to add to a recent town development that has some serious problems, notably a lack of street level life and a focus on activity in malls and high rises. A new build creates an opportunity to redress some of this balance and to seek continued

transportation enhancement for the area. Focusing on these objectives seems to make more sense than simply asserting that any kind of development is bad.

PCCW has actually got worse My very good friends at PCCW have excelled themselves recently by managing to simultaneously turn my landline into a crackling mass of incomprehension while also reducing the always sluggish broadband service to a level where the Now TV service had more freezes than a Mr Whippy ice cream.

What followed was the usual press many telephone buttons for many recorded messages followed by actually getting hold of a service assistance brimming with good advice, such as ‘are you sure your server is turned on?’ After that came the ceremony of ‘testing the line’ which resulted in an assurance that the line was perfectly okay. We then proceeded to the familiar long discussion about whether someone could come to fix my non-existent problem. Apparently this required two separate sets of repairmen because there were two different departments involved. Eventually the apparently okay landline was fixed because there was, after all, a problem. As for the broadband, the repairmen decided it would be better to fix and test the line from outside. The net result was that the minimal service more or less ground to a halt. More phone calls and more waiting produced an actual house visit and the replacement of something and we were back to the usual sluggish but just about functioning broadband service. It came with a useful tip from the repairman, who said what I really needed was another line because here in Sai Kung it was really hard to run both a computer and Now TV from a single line – strangely that was never mentioned when these services were sold to me in the first place.

Thank you so much PCCW or HKT or whatever it’s called nowadays.

Stephen Vines is a journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur.

He is the former editor of the Eastern Express and Southeast Asia correspondent for The Observer.

1 | SAIKUNG.COM