Hong Kong Living Guide May 2018

beaches | schools | restaurants| activities

Guide 2018

Inside information for your life in the territory

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Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

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CONTENTS

Hong Kong Living Guide | 2018

24 4 Editor’s letter 4 Contributors

GETTING STARTED 8 First steps 16 Annual highlights 28 Neighbourhoods

SETTLING IN

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46 Leasing a home 52 Furniture 56 Home styling 60 Gardens 64 Join the club

Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

Welcome!

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72 Domestic helpers 76 Pets 82 Charities

SCHOOLING 86 Kindergartens 94 Primary schools 104 Secondary & through schools 114 Learning centres 116 Special needs

PLAY TIME 120 After school classes

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BODY & SOUL 128 Healthcare services 134 Fitness 142 Hair & beauty 150 Oh baby

SHOPPING 158 Shopping malls 162 Markets 168 Online shopping

WINE & DINE

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172 Hong Kong specialities 176 Best restaurants 188 Private kitchens 190 Brunches 194 Bars & clubs

GREAT ESCAPES 200 Big days out 214 Best beaches 218 City breaks 220 Directory & numbers 224 Vox pops

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editor’s letter

A

t the end of my first week in Hong Kong, I remember walking along Lugard Road on The Peak, crying. I had no friends, couldn’t understand how anyone might live in one of the densely clustered tower blocks without feeling permanently claustrophobic and the humidity had done unspeakable things to my hair.

Fast forward almost 20 years and I’m still here. I’ve met some of my best friends here and my three children were born here.

After living for years in a high rise (which I loved), I’m now in a village house with sea views.

And I invested in some hair straighteners.

Hong Kong is an addictive city but like anywhere new it can be really tough to begin with, especially if you’ve never lived in Asia. We’ve all been where you’re at now – if a fellow expat tells you to call them, they mean it – but if you embrace what Hong Kong has to offer, you’ll be an old hand in no time.

Editorial

Editor Adele Brunner

Design Design manager Cindy Suen Graphic designer Anna Schulteisz

Sales & Marketing Sales director Hilda Chan

While rents are extortionate and the heat often overwhelming, there is so much to love about the 852. It has stunning beaches, gorgeous countryside and lots of outdoor activities, all within a stone’s throw of the city’s excitement and buzz.

We didn’t have room to mention everything but hopefully this guide will provide a snapshot of what’s on offer and how to negotiate the ins and outs of starting your new life in a new city.

We welcome you to Hong Kong and wish you many happy years here. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Sales & Marketing executive Isamonia Chui Corrie Tang Johnny Wong

Accounting

Management trainee Charles Lau

Digital

Digital co-ordinator Cora Chan

Publisher Tom Hilditch Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong Printer Elegance Printing & Book Binding Co., Ltd.

Cover by Anna Schulteisz

HONG KONG hongkongliving.com

Anna Schulteisz Graham Uden

Belinda Bamford

Designer of Hong Kong Living Guide

Photographer

Photographer

Many thanks to all the following people. We couldn’t have done this guide without you.

Annie Wong, Callum Wiggins, Carolynne Dear, Catarina Cheung, Elaine Chiu, Gemma Shaw, Jane Steer, Joni Chan, Lucy Jackson, Shreena Patel, Viola Gaskell

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Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

Hong Kong Living Guide is published by Hong Kong Living Ltd. This book 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 Guide cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or pubishers. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

Getting started

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D

ynamic Hong Kong, with its iconic, skyscraper-studded skyline, continues to lure expats to its shores. One of Asia’s most vibrant shopping and business hubs, it epitomises urban hustle and bustle and yet, even on the Island, you’re never far away from a sandy beach or green hiking trail. We appreciate that, for newcomers, the city can also be overwhelming so here are a few admin essentials to help you get started on the Hong Kong chapter of your life.

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IMMIGRATION & VISAS

Although it depends on the passport you hold, most people are allowed to land and stay in Hong Kong as a visa-free visitor for up to seven to 180 days.

Working visa Unless you have the “right of abode” or “right to land” in Hong Kong, you will need a visa to work in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Having your company sponsor and

Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

Did you know?

Heūng Góng in Cantonese means “fragrant harbour”

issue your visa (and any dependent visas for your family) before you arrive is the most efficient way of sorting this out. You are not legally entitled to work without a visa but you can land and then set about getting one. Expect the visa process to take six to eight weeks.

Photo by Steven Wei via Unsplash

FIRST STEPS

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Dependent visa and trailing spouses Unless your spouse has a job in Hong Kong and a visa in his/her own right, dependent visas are essential for your spouse and children under the age of 18 to be able to live full time in Hong Kong. Holding a dependent visa allows your spouse to find a job and work without being tied to one sponsoring company.

Hong Kong ID card Anyone in Hong Kong aged 11 or over is required to hold a Hong Kong ID card.

If you are planning to stay longer than six months, an application must be made within 30 days of landing.

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Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

first steps Online appointments are recommended before you go in person to the Immigration Office. Details of the process and the five locations where applications are processed can be found on the Immigration Department website (immd.gov.hk). Immigration Tower (7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai) is the busiest office and the one most frequented by expats.

Don’t forget to take: • Passport • Valid visa • Completed application form

Currency Hong Kong dollar

“

Language English and Cantonese; Mandarin is becoming more widely spoken Population More than 7 million Weather Subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and frequent rain. Winter is cool and dry.

Time GMT +7 (+8 in winter months) Electricity 220 volts 50 hz. Three-pin UK-style plugs are most common Emergency number: 999 International dialling code: +852

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Photo by Graham Uden

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Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

first steps er Insidtip Typhoons are frequent in the

Octopus card • This Hong Kong essential is a debit-style card most commonly used for public transport, car parking and vending machines but also for buying things like groceries, coffees and settling bills.

summer so if you see this sign stay inside or take shelter

• Cards can be applied for and topped up most commonly at MTR stations, branches of 7-Eleven and Starbucks. Or apply for auto top up so you never run out of credit.

HKID applications are usually processed and ready for collection within 10 days.

You are required by law to keep your ID on you at all times as Hong Kong police have the authority to stop and demand identity checks from anyone at any time. It’s also a good idea to memorise the

number since it’s routinely used as an identifier when calling banks or arranging services. Cards are fitted with a smart chip and can be used as a library card. Once your fingerprint has been registered to the chip, you can also use your HKID for quick immigration access via

e-Channels in and out of Hong Kong International Airport and Macau.

Did you know?

Prioritise getting your HKID as, without it, other jobs such as setting up utilities are much harder.

Make sure you get at least one utility bill in your name as you are often asked to provide proof of address.

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BANKING & PHONES With more than 250 licensed banks across the territory, it is said that Hong Kong has more banks per square mile than any other city in the world. There is no lack of choice, though this might make choosing the right bank for your needs considerably harder.

Most banks offer the same generic services such as current, savings, time deposit, and payroll accounts. Credit and debit cards (known as EPS) are widely used; cheques are not often accepted in shops and supermarkets but can be used to pay for utilities and to settle bills with smaller companies or individuals.

HSBC, Standard Chartered, Citibank, Hang Seng and Bank of China are the most popular banks in Hong Kong and therefore the ones with the most branches and ATMs.

Airport Express • The Airport Express line links Chek Lap Kok airport with the city. It is the fastest way to get to and from the airport, taking 21 minutes to Kowloon Station and 24 minutes to Hong Kong Station (Central). • An in-town check-in service is available for most major airlines, which means you can check in your luggage and collect your boarding pass at Hong Kong and Kowloon stations from 90 minutes to one full day before your flight departure.

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Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

Insid e tip r

You can buy a prepaid SIM card from any mobile phone shop or 7-Eleven.

The most popular phone plans come from network providers China Mobile, 3, CSL and SmartTone Vodaphone.

PCCW is the most widely available home internet service.

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ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS

There’s always something going on in the 852.

Here are some of the territory’s favourite occasions 16

Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

annual highlights

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Januar y - Februar y

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Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

annual highlights Lunar New Year Easily the most significant of HK’s annual festivals. Expect to see the city decorated with red lanterns and images of whichever Chinese zodiac animal represents the year ahead. Pop-up markets sell auspicious food, narcissus bulbs, kumquat trees and bamboo plants.

Time to get out of town For locals, family is particularly important at this time of year and schedules will be packed with family gatherings and dinners. Many shops and businesses will also take the opportunity to close. For expats, two public holidays in a row provide an excellent opportunity to escape it all.

Plan ahead and book trips well in advance: airfares to easy-access Asian cities such as Taipei, Bangkok and Osaka can quadruple over this period particularly as many schools take the week either before or after Lunar New Year as their half-term break.

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er Insidtip Travel within

Mainland China is possibly best avoided around Lunar New Year. The country experiences the largest annual human migration in the world known as chunyan — expect crowds, delays and things not to go quite to plan.

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There are lion dances galore and queues outside temples as people pray for health, wealth and good fortune. Be prepared to greet everyone with the phrase kung hei fat choi (meaning “Happy New Year”). On New Year’s Day, a night parade of floats and performing artists passes through Tsim Sha Tsui; the following evening, Victoria Harbour is lit up with a fireworks display.

Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

Lai see As a general rule, red lai see packets are given by seniors to their juniors, parents to children, bosses to staff, married people to single friends. Ideally the bank notes should be new, so expect some queuing at your bank to get crisp notes. Never give any amount with the number four in it as it sounds like ‘death’ in Cantonese and is considered bad luck.

Odd numbers should also be avoided.

annual highlights

April Rugby Sevens Hong Kong’s biggest annual party. This much-anticipated three-day tournament is regarded as the premier tournament of the World Rugby Sevens Series and Hong Kong Stadium’s 40,000 seats are unfailingly filled. Dozens of teams, each with seven players a side, compete in fast but fierce 14-minute matches.

Contributing to the Sevens’ high-octane party atmosphere are the kick-off concert, inter-

match entertainment, lots of beer and an overwhelming penchant on the part of the spectators to dress up.

Tickets sell out notoriously quickly and such is the hype around the event that massive screens and party tents are set up at Central promenade for those who miss out. The weekend sees

plenty of partying in the city’s nightlife districts, namely Lan Kwai Fong, SoHo and Wan Chai, maintaining the jovial atmosphere even when the games of the day have come to a close. Visit hksevens.com to register and be notified when the public ticket ballot opens. Hong Kong Stadium, So Kon Po, Causeway Bay.

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May - June Cheung Chau Bun Festival Thousands of people flock to this sleepy island fishing community for its annual bun festival on Buddha’s Birthday.

Watch the Piu Sik (floating colours) parade followed by the Bun Scrambling Competition, during which competitors race up 60-foot bamboo towers to collect lucky buns.

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Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

annual highlights

Dragon Boat Championships Watch over 200 local and international teams compete to the beat of the drum in this world-famous set of races. Dragon Boat Festival, or Tuen Ng, draws thousands of spectators to Stanley, Aberdeen and Sai Kung to watch teams of suits, mums, fishermen and athletes battling it out for glory, a trophy and a roast suckling pig. It is always hot and crowded but the atmosphere is terrific. For more information visit dragonboat.org.hk.

Dragon boating “Landing in Hong Kong seven years ago, I googled things to do and one of the things that came up was “Try Dragon Boat”. My husband and I went down to Stanley one afternoon to give it a go. Boom! Thirty-plus new people, 15-plus nationalities

and different professions all doing a sport that no one had tried before so figuratively we really were all in the same boat! We love the thrill of race day and the massive parties on beaches and in bars all over Hong Kong.”

- Vicky Easton Vicki has paddled for seven years and represented Great Britain in 2015 and in 2017 captained the women to a World Bronze Medal.

Stormys train in Tai Tam Bay on Tuesdays and Thursday nights and Saturday mornings. stormydragonshk@gmail.com; stormydragons.com

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June - September

M Yachts

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Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

annual highlights Junk Boat Season Junk trips to beaches near and far are a fun part of the Hong Kong summer. By July the season is in full swing and Hong Kong offers junk options to cater for every taste and budget. Hire the boat only or opt for an all-inclusive food and drinks package; add-ons can include wakeboarding, banana boats, an onboard masseuse, an xBox and even a karaoke machine. For a full round-up, see our guide to hiring the junk of your dreams on page 211.

Hong Kong Public Holidays There are 17 official Hong Kong public holidays a year (dates vary): • New Year’s Day • Lunar New Year’s Day • Good Friday • Easter Monday • Ching Ming festival/Tomb Sweeping Day • Labour Day • Buddha’s Birthday • Dragon Boat Festival • Special Administrative Region (SAR) Day • Day after Mid Autumn Festival • National Day • Chung Yeung festival • Christmas Day • Boxing Day

Breakaway

er Insidtip

Make sure you hire your boat well in advance as these junks tend to book up fast.

Hong Kong Yachting

Viking Charter

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October Mid-Autumn Festival Much loved by children and adults alike, this harvest festival is held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar to honour the full moon. Many people head to hilltops or down to their local beach from sunset onwards so it often turns into a family-friendly party. It is customary to give mooncakes around this time of year. An

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acquired taste, these dense, sweet cakes are made from red bean or lotus seed paste surrounded by a thin pastry crust, and sometimes contain salted duck egg yolks. At this time of year lanterns illuminate the city, adding to the festive atmosphere. A visit to Victoria Park in Causeway Bay is a must; the park hosts the largest lantern festival in the city with hundreds of traditional lanterns on display.

Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

Halloween The East-meets-West nature of Hong Kong means that Western festivals are popular in Hong Kong. Lan Kwai Fong hosts the biggest street party in town – hundreds don their scariest attire and head out for a night on the tiles. Trick-or-treating is not particularly common apart from in certain complexes and villages where there are lots of kids. Disneyland and Ocean Park transform into ghost and ghoul havens during the month leading up to the 31st.

annual highlights

November - December Clockenflap This is undoubtedly HK’s biggest outdoor music event, featuring big-name international acts as well as Asian bands and DJs, art installations, street food and interactive workshops.

It runs over three days and nights; tickets required for entry. clockenflap.com

Christmas Although there may be no snow in Hong Kong, there is plenty of festive spirit.

The city’s skyscrapers are adorned with lights and decorations from as early as November. WinterFest is a series of annual events held across the city, the highlight of which is a massive Christmas tree in Statue Square. Supermarkets import all the necessities to

produce an authentic homecooked Christmas dinner but if you fancy a break from cooking, every hotel and restaurant in the city features festive menus.

New Year’s Eve fireworks Ooh and aah from these top vantage points • The rooftop terrace at the IFC Mall • Central Ferry Piers 9 & 10 • Central Harbourfront • Hong Kong Maritime Museum • Tamar Park, Admiralty • Golden Bauhinia Square, Wan Chai • Avenue of Stars, TST • The Tsim Sha Tsui promenade • Ocean Terminal Deck, TST • Harbour City rooftop car park, TST • The InterContinental Hotel, TST • Sky 100 at the ICC, West Kowloon • West Kowloon Waterfront

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NEIGHBOURHOODS Hong Kong is a very safe city. We’ve come up with a list of the most popular expat residential neighbourhoods and what it’s like to live there.

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Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

Photo by Graham Uden

neighbourhoods

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New

es

ori t i r r e T

g n u iK

Sa Kowloon

Mid-Levels

u a t n La

Discovery Bay m u La F k Po

HK islan

d

Stanley

Clearwa ter Bay

Shek O

LOCATION, LOCATION Mid-Levels This indefinite district is sandwiched on the hillside between Central and The Peak and stretches from Admiralty to Sheung Wan. Not as exclusive or as expensive as The Peak, it is popular with young professionals and expat families. With its dense clusters of high-end tower blocks and complexes, many of which have clubstyle facilities, Mid-Levels is a fantastic residential option if you want walking access to Hong Kong’s main business and entertainment hubs. The area is spitting distance from shops, bars, 30

restaurants and healthcare services and is served by taxis, buses, minibuses and The Escalator, an 800-metre moving stairway that runs through the heart of the district, the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world.

To help commuters, it travels downwards in the morning and upwards for the rest of the day.

Upsides: The Bowen Road pedestrian trail; close proximity to the CBD, malls and nightlife;

Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

neighbourhoods endless choices for wining and dining; no need for a car; the aviary in Hong Kong Park.

Downsides: Noise and light pollution; endless construction; densely clustered apartment blocks.

Did you know?

The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is Hong Kong’s most popular and most efficient method of public transport, connecting Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and Lantau Island.

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The Peak If you’re after Hong Kong’s most exclusive address, look no further than Victoria Peak (aka The Peak), which has been top of the desirable housing list since colonial times. The territory’s highest residential area, it offers deluxe low-rise living, cooler temperatures, some gorgeous walks and trails, Bear in mind that flats with the spectacular harbour views are north-facing, which means less sun in the flat. Also, dehumidifiers are a must here!

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and stunning views over Hong Kong. But it comes at a price and many properties up here are among the most expensive in Asia. As well as shops, cafés and restaurants in the Galleria, there are a couple of kindergartens (Woodland Pre-school and Highgate House), the ESF Peak School (primary), the German-Swiss School (through school) and the private Matilda Hospital. A quick commute by car, bus, taxi or the Peak tram will get you down to Central in minutes, particularly if you’re travelling out of rush hour.

Upsides: The Peak Café; various walks including the

Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

Peak Tram

Inside r tip

A must-do for anyone new to the city.

Running from Garden Road, Central, to the Peak and back, the iconic Peak Tram first ran on 30 May, 1888, when a first-class trip cost 30 cents a seat.

Morning Trail and the Victoria Peak loop along Lugard and Harlech roads.

Downsides: The fabulous views can often be shrouded in fog; crowds of sightseers at weekends; the humidity.

neighbourhoods

Happy Valley Ironically named for being the home to Hong Kong’s first Christian cemetery, Happy Valley has grown up around the racecourse. It has its fair share of modern high rises but low-rise developments are also available. The further up Transport Complaints Unit Hotline: 2889 9999 Lost & Found 24hrs Hotline for Property Lost in Taxis: 1872 920 Transport Department, General Enquiries: 2804 2600

Upsides: Central location but slightly out of the hustle and bustle; villagey vibe; excellent selection of eateries; lots of sports facilities; good for single expats and families alike. towards Jardine’s Lookout you go, the larger and more expensive the flats become. Beloved by singles and families alike, the self-contained area offers a good selection of wining and dining options, sports facilities, supermarkets, hospitals and schools.

There’s always nearby Causeway Bay, Admiralty and beyond if you want a change of scene.

Downsides: Traffic congestion; no MTR.

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Sheung Wan & Sai Ying Pun If you’re after a cool neighbourhood with a bit of a hipster buzz, Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun, just west of Central and SoHo, are where it’s at. Ideal for singles and couples without

children, these areas have become gentrified in the last few years without losing too much of their local flavour.

Quirky boutiques and trendy bars, cafés and restaurants are constantly springing up, interspersed with car-repair shops and traditional Chinese

Trams • Hong Kong’s cheapest mode of transport, the trams run between Kennedy Town in the west and Shau Kei Wan in the east every day from 6am till midnight.

• Board the tram at the rear end; get off at the front.

Pay by cash or Octopus on exiting the tram. No change is given.

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Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

Did you know?

The two white semi-circles on the MTR logo symbolise HK Island and the Kowloon peninsula while the vertical line represents the MTR service that connects them.

neighbourhoods pharmacies. Apartments cost less than their Central/ SoHo sisters but are on the small side – and don’t even think about clubhouse-style facilities. Well served by the MTR’s Island line, mini-buses and taxis.

Inside r tip

Taxi cantonese

Joon Jaw = Turn left Joon Yau = Turn right Chek Hoy = Go straight Lee Dou Ting = Stop here

Upsides: Tons of restaurants; good independent coffee shops; fab backstreets and hidden gems; an easy commute to everything.

Downsides: Noise and light pollution; few apartments have outdoor space; not great for families with young children as its hills, stairs

and narrow streets aren’t particularly stroller friendly.

Taxis • Taxis are a relatively inexpensive way of point-to-point travel throughout Hong Kong.

• There are extra charges for: each piece of luggage in the taxi boot; booking a taxi by phone; transporting birds or animals.

• Passengers have to cover the tunnel tolls and the driver’s return toll. Look out for crossharbour taxi stands where drivers will accept a one-way tunnel fee.

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Pok Fu Lam Just a couple of kilometres from Central and Sheung Wan, Pok Fu Lam is bordered by the Lamma Channel on one side and the green slopes of High West, Mount Davis, Mount Kellett and Victoria Peak on the other. It bridges downtown and Southside so it is ideal for getting to meetings, errands and nights out in town as well as beaches and trails. Accommodation is predominantly low-rise flats, and square footage tends to be larger for your money than typically found in Mid-Levels. ESF schools Kennedy (primary) and West Island (secondary) are in the

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area as is the well-regarded Queen Mary public hospital.

The Cyberport development (cyberport.hk), which boasts several massive residential and office complexes, is Pok Fu Lam’s shopping hub with a cinema, supermarket, restaurants and the five-star Le Meridien hotel. The Stanley Ho sports centre at Sandy Bay offers non-university residents

Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

cheap membership to a full range of facilities.

Upsides: A feeling of spaciousness; easy access to everything from hiking trails to nightlife.

Downsides: No beach even though it’s by the sea; no MTR station (yet).

neighbourhoods Shek O Head for Shek O (which means “rocky bay”) if you want a laid-back vibe and still be on the Island. Million-dollar mansions aside – and there are some spectacular homes on Big Wave Bay Road – this former fishing village on the southeast corner of Hong Kong offers fairly affordable low-rise living and a friendly community feel. Shek O is also home to a couple of the best beaches on the Island, notably Shek O beach and popular surfing haunt Big Wave Bay, and offers some fabulous hiking including the famous Dragon’s Back.

Shops are limited – locals tend to head to Stanley for their main supermarket shop and other essentials – but there are a sprinkling of small convenience stores, cafés and restaurants.

Upsides: Surfing at Big

Wave Bay; Copacabana restaurant; Shek O beach, excellent hiking especially Dragon’s Back; tight-knit community.

Downsides: It’s a bit of a trek to get to and from the city; crowded at weekends.

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Photo by Graham Uden

Southside This area stretches along the coastline on the southside of Hong Kong Island, encompassing Aberdeen, Wong Chuk Hang, Shouson Hill, Deep Water Bay, Repulse Bay, South Bay, Chung Hom Kok and Stanley. It is a mecca for expats, particularly those with young families as the plethora of beaches and trails offer plenty of outdoor activities and a more relaxed way of life – yet it is still fairly close to the city.

Accommodation tends to be less dense and more low rise, with the opportunity for houses if you have the budget.

There is an abundance of international schools, kids’ 38

activities, medical services and shops/restaurants in Repulse Bay and Stanley, all served by public transport. Nearest MTR: Ocean Park.

Upsides: Home to Hong Kong Island’s best beaches; the promenade from Deep Water Bay to South Bay; restaurants, cafés and facilities at the pulse and in Stanley; all the benefits of suburban living with all the excitement of the city nearby; villagey feel particularly in Stanley.

Downsides: Property is pricey; the single-carriage road means congestion at peak times; often crowded with tourists at weekends.

Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

Did you know?

Murray House was a former colonial barracks located in Central. When the space it occupied was needed for the Bank of China Tower, it was taken down brick by brick and rebuilt (using the same bricks) on the Stanley waterfront.

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Did you know?

The number four is considered unlucky in Chinese culture, so many landlords omit it from floors and flats.

Conversely, the number eight symbolises good fortune.

Discovery Bay

Discovery Bay Nowhere divides Hong Kong’s residential opinions more than Discovery Bay (aka Disco Bay and DB). Some say safe; others, more scathingly, say Stepford. Whatever your take, the self-contained community on Lantau Island is clean and quiet, and attracts expats with its low-rise, resort-style living, lack of cars (they are banned) and close-knit community. The Plaza Centre is its hub with supermarkets and shops plus an increasing number of good cafés, restaurants and watering holes to keep residents happy.

Kindergartens and a couple of through-schools, Discovery Bay International School and Discovery Bay College, cater for the kids although some travel to the Island for their education. With the complete absence of cars, residents tend to walk or cycle around, 40

use the shuttle bus service or invest in a golf cart. However, numbers are restricted and are eye-wateringly expensive.

Getting to and from DB is either via a 24-hour ferry service to Central that takes less than 30 minutes or by bus or taxi via the North Lantau tunnel. Close proximity to Chek Lap Kok airport make it a popular choice with airline staff.

Upsides: It’s safe, clean and quiet; fabulous beaches and good hiking; easy airport access; resort-style living.

Golf carts Believe it or not, the humble DB golf cart costs more than a luxury car. In 2011 (according to an article in the South China Morning Post newspaper), the price of buying a golf cart exceeded *$2 million. The number of electric-powered vehicles in circulation has been capped at 490 and they cost about $8,000$9,000 a month to rent.

Downsides: Golf cart rental prices; expensive delivery charges; a bit of a trek to cinemas and shops.

Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

*All prices in the book are in HK$

neighbourhoods

Ferries • Ferries run between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon as well to Discovery Bay, Lamma, Lantau and other outlying islands such as Cheung Chau or Peng Chau from designated Central Ferry Piers.

Lamma Island A 30-minute boat ride from Central, Lamma is the antithesis of Hong Kong’s urban bustle. It is the territory’s third-largest island and had a bit of a reputation for being a hippie haven.

Thanks to a fast-speed ferry service, its villages are now home to all walks of life, not just the artists, writers and other creative folk that it historically attracted. Property prices tend to be more reasonable than in other parts of Hong Kong and there are no cars, making it safe for kids. There is a local kindy and primary school but most children tend to go to the

Island for schooling. Lamma is also popular with daytrippers at weekends, who flock to the seafood restaurants, but most residents take to the hills or relax on one of the many beaches for their slice of R&R. Upsides: The feeling of really getting away from it all; grounded people; relaxing vibe; quirky restaurants and cafés; having nature on your doorstep.

Downsides: Access is only via ferry; no international schools or proper medical facilities.

Star Ferry

Inside r tip

Founded in 1888, this city treasure is a must-do on every tourist’s list but also an important part of Hong Kong’s commuter system. Operates daily to and from Central Pier 7, Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui.

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Photo by Graham Uden

Sai Kung Many families wanting a bit more bang for their buck (as far as property is concerned) make the move to Sai Kung. Located in the New Territories, it is super chilled, has a great community feel and is a thriving town with independent shops as well as a couple of chains. This is really where you can experience Hong Kong’s great outdoors with everything from spectacular hiking in the Sai Kung Country Park and golfing at the Kau Sai Chau public course to kayaking in the Geopark and paragliding from the dizzy heights of Pyramid Hill. There are also public tennis and squash courts and a public swimming pool. Cafés, bars and restaurants in Sai Kung square and the surrounding 42

streets will tick all boxes if you’re more into wining and dining.

beach; Sharp Peak climb; seafood lunch at Yau Ley; Sai Kung old town.

Upsides: Cheaper housing; village communities; Maclehose trail; Sai Kung Country Park; speed boats to Tai Long Wan; Long Ke

Downsides: The rush hour commute; a car is recommended particularly if you have young children; weekend tourists.

Did you know?

• The 16-seater minibuses were initially used in the New Territories semi-illegally, and made their debut on urban roads during the 1967 disturbances when bus driver strikes crippled the service.

• Green minibuses: fixed routes and fixed fares, runs along routes where it would be difficult for a double-decker bus to get to.

• Red minibuses: no government fixed routes, but rather decided by demand and familiarity.

• There are no set stops, just flag red minibuses down anywhere aside from bus stops, single or double yellow lines, and call out for drivers to stop anywhere along the ride (the Cantonese phrase is “yao lok”).

Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

Photo by Graham Uden

neighbourhoods

Clearwater Bay Fringed by beaches on one side and backed by green hills on the other, Clearwater Bay on the southeast tip of the New Territories comprises clusters of villages and lowrise complexes along the main artery, Clearwater Bay Road. It offers a genuine community feel – everyone seems to know everyone else – and its long, sandy beaches and woodland trails make it perfect for families and anyone wanting an outdoorsy lifestyle. Commuters to the Island either brave the drive via Tseung Kwan O and Eastern Harbour Tunnels, which get very congested at rush hour, or take the MTR from nearby Hang Hau. There are a couple of kindergartens (ESF Abacus, Woodlands and Garden House) and the

ESF Clearwater Bay School (primary) in the area but doorto-door buses run to various international schools both on the Island and in Kowloon.

Apart from the Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club and a few seafood restaurants at Po Toi O, there isn’t much in the way of restaurants and cafés so residents either head to Sai Kung or go further afield.

Buses • Bus routes cover almost all areas of Hong Kong, except outlying islands.

• On-board payment is only by Octopus card or cash but change isn’t given.

Upsides: Clearwater Bay Beaches 1 and 2; High Junk Peak and nearby trails; Clearwater Bay Country Park; the genuine community feel.

Downsides: The rushhour commute; a car is recommended particularly if you have young children as it’s not walking distance to anywhere.

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Settling in

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LEASING A HOME

What to expect when you decide to rent in Hong Kong DO

• Give yourself time and go house hunting with an open mind. You won’t always find your dream home on your first outing and you might have to wade through a lot of average pads before you find the gem that ticks your boxes.

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• Ask friends and acquaintances for personal recommendations. There are also plenty of social media sites (Hong Kong Moms, AsiaXpat, Bayside Villagers, to name a few) whose members will be only too happy to give you the lowdown.

• Do your own research. Walk round the neighbourhood you’re considering at different times of day and work out travelling time to work and school.

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Diane Younes, founder of Sponge (p. 147), in her Mid-Levels home

Photo by Karin Karas

• Find a good estate agent and brief him/her fully on your needs, your priorities and where you’re prepared to compromise.

leasing a home

Expert advice

Property portals

Inside r tip

GoHome.com.hk 3street.com.hk • Consider a serviced apartment if you’re only here for the short term. A standard tenancy agreement is a two-year lease with a break clause after one year.

Two months’ termination notice is usually required.

The lease can be in the name of the company you work for or a personal lease in your own name.

• If you have pets or are considering getting one, find out if your apartment is pet friendly. Some aren’t.

• Ask if your rent is inclusive or exclusive of management fees, government rent and property rates. Most rental properties are inclusive of

these costs but some agents marketing more expensive homes quote the exclusive price to make them seem not as pricey.

• Act quickly and sign on the dotted line once you’ve found a suitable property.

Good places go fast.

DON’T

“A good estate agent will always begin by asking for all of the client’s requirements so try to prioritise your requirements, such as the length of commute to work and school that you could all tolerate. You may want to live in an area where other children from their same school live, or where the school bus has pick-up locations. Other essentials to consider are whether you need accommodation that allows pets, if you require parking/leisure facilities/ outdoor space and if you need the property to come with kitchen appliances (not all do). If you have young children, consider looking into areas such as Southside or Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay, where there are beautiful beaches and hiking trails.”

- Stephanie Morton, letting agent, OKAY.com

• Don’t expect to find a replica of what you had back home. Particularly if you wish to live on Hong Kong Island and close to the city centre, the majority of Hong Kong rentals tend to be apartments, with a smaller living space and limited storage than you might be used to. Cast your Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

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Photo by Graham Uden South Bay on the Southside

net wider (Southside, Shek O and Stanley) to find a house although it will still cost you top dollar. Cast it further (New Territories and the Outlying Islands) and you should be able to find something larger and cheaper.

• Don’t compare your rent/ square footage ratio with what you’re used to paying back home or you’ll cry. Hong Kong accommodation is eyewateringly expensive, often for very little space, so brace yourself.

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• Don’t sign any agency forms prior to looking at property. Some agents will use these forms to make a claim on your commission even if you don’t end up renting through them.

• Don’t assume you can paint or change the apartment structurally in any way. Ask the landlord first and whether you’ll be expected to restore the property to its original condition when you leave.

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The cost of renting • Security deposit: two-three months’ rent • Rent in advance: one month • Estate agent’s commission: typically half a month’s rent • Stamp duty: 0.5% of the total annual rent agreed, payable to the HK Government and a cost shared equally between tenant and landlord

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Photo by Kes Lei

Expat-friendly estate agents

Tracy Fitzpatrick, CEO of Indigo Living (p 56), in her Southside home

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Engel & Volkers 2561 3616; engelvoelkers.com Jones Lang LaSalle 2846 2000; jll.com.hk Knight Frank 2840 1177; knightfrank.com.hk Nest Property 3689 7523; nest-property.com OKAY.com 2102 0888; okay.com Savills 2842 4283; savills.com.hk Sunshine Property Consultant 2866 6640; sunshineproperty.hk

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Photo by Eugene Chan, 11STUDIOS

furniture

FURNITURE Create a home away from home

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HD Buttercup

TOP 3 IN HORIZON PLAZA

Horizon Plaza Ask an expat where to buy furniture and eight times out of 10 the reply will be “Horizon Plaza”. Housed in a converted factory building, the Ap Lei Chau-based shopping centre offers furniture, home accessories, and fashion outlet stores.

There is no rhyme or rhythm to how shops are arranged in this notoriously labyrinthine treasure trove, so grab an invaluable shopping guide from the lobby on arrival, and let us guide you to a few of our faves.

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Bowerbird Home Classic and elegant home furnishings, with a touch of chinoiserie. Shop tables, chairs and ottomans as well as vases, ginger jars, handpainted ceramics and textiles.

8/F, bowerbird-home.com

HD Buttercup Hailing from the US, HB Buttercup’s collection of furniture, floor coverings, and accessories is all curated in Los Angeles. Shop a range of styles – from California coastal

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to luxe living – directly from the floor, including items from select premium “manutailors” Timothy Oulton and Sonder Living. 2/F, facebook.com/ HDButtercupHK

TREE TREE’s flagship store occupies the entire 28th floor and is packed with reclaimed and recycled timber furniture, colourful chairs, and accessories. There’s a tailormade service, cool kids' range, and vintage and modern styles to choose from. There’s also a

furniture

Other top shops worth a visit: Aluminium: aluminium-furniture.com BoConcept: boconcept.hk

homeware stores, boasting brands such as TREE, Homeless, FLEXA, Francfranc and more. There is also an IKEA on levels 5 and 6. homesquare.com.hk

Cierre: cierre-hk.com

Secondhand furniture

Flea + Cents: fleancents.com

Since we’re already supporting local organic produce and being diligent about recycling, there’s no reason not to extend our efforts to home decoration. There is often a stigma to buying used products, but older items are often more unique and you can pat yourself on the back for upcycling items instead of contributing to landfills. Buck the trend, we say!

Homeless: homeless.hk Lane Crawford: lanecrawford.com.hk café, play area and changing room, a godsend for tired families. 28/F, tree.com.hk

HomeSquare Another one-stop furniture paradise is HomeSquare in Sha Tin. Branded as Hong Kong’s largest home furnishing mall, HomeSquare is packed with specialist furniture and

GoGreenShop An eco-friendly platform offering pre-loved, upcycled, and green household items.

The ever-changing range of products includes couches, display cabinets, bed frames, workspace products, children's and outdoor furniture. GoGreenShop is partners with Green Dot Home, so you know you’re also supporting green sustainable living. gogreenshop.com.hk

Happyshop Given the Eco-Friendly Series registration label from the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency in 2016, Happyshop seeks to change outdated perceptions of “secondhand goods” by encouraging the public to reuse local community resources and reduce wastage. Aside from selling pieces, it also offers delivery, assembly, and restoration services. happyshop.hk

2nd Chance Brainchild of a husband-and-wife team, Hong Kong’s largest secondhand furniture store features lovely restored pieces in great condition. The huge warehouse in Tuen Mun houses products from Indigo, TREE, Tequila Kola, and more at reduced prices. Definitely several steps up from your average Salvation Army type thrift store.

2ndchance.com.hk

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HOME STYLING

Indigo Living

FURNITURE RENTAL Decor8 Although most of its rental business is directed towards events and photo shoots, Decor8 will hire out its trendy, designer-look furniture for residential purposes for one day up to a maximum of two months. decor8.com.hk

Home Essentials From pots and pans to beds and sofas, you can rent pretty much anything at Home Essentials. All furniture is new and you set the rental terms, 56

with the option of renting by the month or longer term.

Everything is fully maintained during the rental period and there is an option to own what you rent. homeessentials.com.hk Decor8

Indigo Living As well as a vast and stylish selection of home furnishings to buy online and in its stores, Indigo Living offers flexible furniture rental solutions, from single pieces to kitting out an entire home. Choose from its

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recommended rental packages or create your own. Rental available from one month to two years. Indigo also offers a full range of interior services including home styling and renovation. indigo-living.com

home styling DESIGN SERVICES The Home Stylist Whatever type of interior design help you need, give the team at The Home Stylist a call. Alex Sheldon and her international team offer furniture rental advice and professional styling for indoor and outdoor spaces to create welcoming homes.

They will also help you shop for furniture and accessories. thehomestylist.org

Thorn & Burrow

Photo by Kes Lei

In addition to a whole shopful of beautiful home furnishings, Thorn & Burrow offers inspiration and advice on creating a home. Its Just Four Things service looks at an existing room and decides what four things would benefit

Shenzhen calling If you’re feeling adventurous, get a visa and head over the border to the Lo Wu Commercial Building in Shenzhen to get soft furnishings made there. We recommend Candy Bedding for towels, cushions and bedlinen (shop 89A-100A in the fabric market on the 5th floor) and ShenZhen BaoShiHeng Curtain & Cloth Decoration Shop (shop 3066) for cushions and curtains. Both will courier your purchases to your door.

AFFORDABLE ART The Art House Asia from being switched with four new items to transform the space. Clients opting for Spruce Our Space simply email a consultant pictures of a room and get back a written description of how to arrange their furniture, ways of incorporating colour and pattern and suggestions for accessories, wall art and decorative pieces. thornandburrow.com

Helen Smeaton has turned her Clearwater Bay home into an art gallery and her lack of overheads translates into very reasonably priced art.

The selection of paintings, photography by Phillipa Bloom and sculptures changes regularly and Smeaton will let you take artwork home before purchase so you can see what it looks like in situ. She also sells gorgeous hand-woven dhurrie rugs custom made in India. thearthouseasia.com

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Photo by Kes Lei

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home styling BESPOKE FURNITURE Hong Kong is a great place for getting specific items of furniture or accessories made to fit your space.

Red Cabinet If you can’t find something that matches your décor among Red Cabinet’s extensive selection, the popular furniture store will tailor make something for you.

They will take your concept (or come up with something based on your taste and requirements) from sketch to installation. red-cabinet.com.hk

Kelvin Giormani Hong Kong label Kelvin Giormani allows you to custom design unique leather sofas so they are the perfect size and look for your home. There are more than 70 colours of Italian and German leather to choose from as well as a variety of

sofa legs, stitching and seat softness. kelvingiormani.com

Sofasale Sofasale’s bespoke sofa service will create a sofa to your exact specifications with full flexibility in terms of dimensions, finishing, style and shape. sofasale.com.hk

OTHER TOP SHOPS WORTH A VISIT Di-mension Living: di-mension.com DSL: dslfurniture.com Emoh: emohdesign.com

ACCESSORIES

Chill out

Inside r tip

Ambi Climate is the world’s first AI-powered air conditioner accessory. The device combines data from your A/C remotes, feedback from you and real-time outdoor weather sensors to adjust your air-conditioners and ensure your home is at an optimal temperature. ambiclimate.com

iDecorate

Mirth A treasure trove of globally sourced furniture and interior accessories as well as clothing, toys, artwork and gifts. Products are cool and quirky, the kind of things that can instantly lift a space. mirthhome.com

Check out iDecorate for interior goodies to give your home character and style.

Products can be purchased online or at the retail outlet in Times Square. iDecorate also offers an interior styling service. idecorateshop.com

Insight School of Interior Design HK Whether you’re a curious amateur or a practising designer, Insight offers a wide variety of interior design classes. Its one- and two-day sessions cover topics such as feng shui design, art and interiors, and tips for small-space design while its fulltime diploma course is the key to unlocking a professional interiors career. insightschoolhk.com

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GARDENS

O

ne of the downsides to living in Hong Kong can be a scarcity of personal outdoor space but even a small balcony can be transformed into an oasis of green.

OUTDOOR FURNITURE Everything Under the Sun As its name suggests, this shop sells an extensive range of products for some alfresco 60

R&R. Think barbecues, bar tables, sofa sets, fire pits, sun loungers, awnings and even sun hats from leading international brands as well as its own Sunweave line. everythingunderthesun. com.hk

Garden Gallery In addition to the main outdoor staples, this shop has all the gardening nitty gritty such as power washers, plant food, storage units,

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TREE

wall planters and even pond accessories. gardengallery.com.hk

Lift Lifestyle This gem of a shop has everything you need to enhance your garden, rooftop or balcony. As well as the usual outdoor furniture, it also supplies decking, cordless outdoor lighting, bamboo fencing, storage units and shade sails. liftlifestyle.com

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Zzue Creation Stylish outdoor furniture and accessories including funky lighting, bioethanol burners, artificial grass tiles, outdoor rugs and shades. zzuecreation.com

Outdoor lighting

furniture and accessories, right down to fancy kennels and colourful mailboxes. gardenplus.com.hk

Wah King Garden Centre This friendly family-run garden

Prince Edward Flower Market

Light up your garden’s life with Easy Connect. The outdoor lighting system is waterproof, super easy to install and can incorporate any number of recessed lights, spots, bulbs and pathway lights. easy-connect.hk

GARDEN CENTRES GardenPlus This Lantau-based nursery offers up a slice of the great outdoors to city dwellers via its website. It sells and delivers live plants, grass, equipment and tools, fertiliser and composting as well as outdoor 62

centre has a huge selection of plants and trees, plus all sizes of pot, soil and other gardenrelated must haves. 907 Tai Chung Hau Road, off Hiram’s Highway, just past Hebe Haven Yacht Club on the way to Sai Kung.

TREE

Stock up on every gardening supply you could possibly need at this bustling market, including soil, pots, seeds and plants. If you’re not blessed with green thumbs, a vaseful of fresh flowers will bring the outdoors in.

Go green in even the smallest spaces HKGreenWalls.com: hydroponic vertical garden systems (including plant pictures) for indoors and out.

City Hydroponics: grow your own hydroponic herbs, ornamental plants and veggies on windowsills, balconies and rooftops. cityhydroponics.hk

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JOIN THE CLUB Check out Hong Kong’s membership scene

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join the club

M

embership clubs have existed in Hong Kong since colonial times, and many are still alive and kicking today. Whether you’re into sport, sailing or wining and dining, you’re sure to find one that rings your particular bell. A lot of the larger, more popular clubs have attractive recreational facilities but they also tend to be accompanied by a lengthy waiting list for places and come at a price.

Alternatively, there are smaller ones with fewer facilities that offer a host of activities and the opportunity to network and meet like-minded people.

Aberdeen Boat Club As well as watersports – dinghy and keelboat sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, dragon boating, SUP, fishing and scuba diving – the Aberdeen Boat Club (ABC) offers landbased activities such as golf, karate and yoga.

Facilities: Jetty, swing and pontoon moorings, junk, dinghy and keelboat hire, fitness centre, squash court, two heated swimming pools, basketball practice area, table

tennis, table football, darts, snooker, library, playground. www.abclubhk.com

Aberdeen Marina Club Aberdeen Marina Club is one of the most polished clubs in Hong Kong. It offers seven restaurants, an amazing children’s playroom and lasertag zone, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and various racquet sports as well as its own ice-skating rink.

Facilities: In addition to the above, wet/dry berths, 10 banqueting venues, a fitness centre, bowling alley, tennis, squash and badminton courts, a mahjong/games room, golf simulator, table tennis, snooker, spa and beauty salon. aberdeenmarinaclub.com

Meet people, make friends • Australian Association of Hong Kong: ozhongkong.com • Jewish Women’s Association: jwa.org.hk

Photo by Graham Uden

• Italian Women’s Association: iwa.org.hk

Middle Island

• Royal Geographical Society: rgshk.org.hk • St George’s Society: stgeorgeshk.com • The HK St Andrew’s Society: standrewshk.org Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

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Hebe Haven Yacht Club This friendly Sai Kung-based club is ideal for boating, yacht racing and watersports enthusiasts, offering easy access to some of Hong Kong’s best sailing waters and beaches. It actively promotes youth sailing at its Sail Training Centre and runs regular sailing courses for adults too.

The club has a busy racing calendar, notably hosting an annual 24-hour charity dinghy race and Hong Kong’s biggest summer regatta, the Typhoon Series.

Facilities: Marina with fully serviced berths, swing moorings, hardstand and rack

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space and other boatyard facilities, indoor and alfresco wining and dining, event space. hhyc.org.hk

Hong Kong Country Club Opened in 1962 to break down social barriers between residents of all nationalities and races, the Hong Kong

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Country Club’s membership system still reflects this cosmopolitan approach, with applications dependent on openings in the relevant nationality quota.

Facilities: A lawn, swimming pool, putting green, health club, basketball, tennis, squash, snooker, bowling alley, golf simulator, teens’ room and jungle gym as well as six F&B outlets. countryclub.hk

Hong Kong Football Club Sports and recreation are the lifeblood of the HKFC and its fantastic facilities make it one of the best sports clubs in the

join the club Road, Central, the HKCC is the oldest cricket club in Asia. It had a pitch in Chater Gardens until 40 years ago, when it moved to Wong Nai Chung Gap. Facilities: Cricket, rugby, lawn bowls, tennis and

squash, netball, spa, snooker, tenpin bowling alley, pool, golf simulator, gym, bridge, dance classes (from ballet to Scottish country), and dodgeball; boxes at Happy Valley and Sha Tin race courses. hkcc.org

Photo by Chan Lup Hang Harry

region. While football (soccer) and rugby continue to be core sports, other sports include netball, field hockey, tennis, lawn bowls and squash. It also offers a good range of leisure facilities.

Facilities: Rugby/football pitch, indoor/outdoor lawn bowls, tennis and squash courts, sports hall, snooker, tenpin bowling alley, swimming pool, golf simulator, fitness centre, bars and restaurants, a library, meeting rooms and children’s playrooms. hkfc.com.hk

Hong Kong Cricket Club Established in 1851, in Chater

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Photo by Graham Uden

Hong Kong Golf Club Established in Happy Valley in 1889 by “13 golfing enthusiasts”, the Hong Kong Golf Club dropped the “Royal” from its name in 1996, ahead of the handover. Home of the Hong Kong Open since 1959, the waiting list for this exclusive golf club is said to be about 20 years.

Facilities: Nine-hole golf course (Deep Water Bay),

three 18-hole golf courses (Fanling), coaching, pro shop, practice range, gym, pool, sauna and mahjong room and F&B facilities. hkgolfclub.org

Kowloon Cricket Club Originally formed as a cricket club in 1904, Kowloon Cricket Club (KCC) now offers other competitive sports such as football, lawn bowls, tennis, squash and field hockey.

One that won’t break the bank Maggie & Rose This 9,000-square-foot beach club has views over Repulse Bay and the South China Sea. Membership covers the entire immediate family: up to four children, plus parents, carers and grandparents.

Location: 301 the pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay. Facilities: A large rooftop space that families can use for dining, playing, relaxing, events and parties, a bespoke soft play area, cinema “snug” room, creative classes in art, music, cooking and make believe, a fully licensed brasserie restaurant, themed eat and play booths, showers. hk.maggieandrose.com 68

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Ever-popular cricket still takes centre stage and the KCC often hosts international teams playing in the Hong Kong World Cricket Sixes as well as other major fixtures.

Facilities: Grass cricket pitch, outdoor pool, tenpin bowling alley, children’s playground, squash and tennis courts, fitness centre, food and beverage outlets; horse-racing boxes at Happy Valley and Sha Tin. kcc.org.hk

The Hong Kong Club Established in 1846, the Hong Kong Club was set up

by British merchants and civil servants as an exclusive gentlemen’s club. Its members were, and remain, among the most influential people in the city including government officials and senior local businessmen.

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Foreign Correspondents’ Club

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club on Kellett Island

Facilities: A bowling alley bar, extensive library, cards room, billiards room, fitness centre, squash courts, function rooms, restaurants including a grill and a garden lounge, a barber’s shop and race box. thehongkongclub.hk

The American Club Founded in 1925, this memberowned club offers a small taste of home to Americans (apparently the burgers are particularly good), though there are membership options for non-US citizens as well.

Facilities: Restaurants, tennis courts, squash courts, indoor/ outdoor multi-purpose courts, rock-climbing wall, swimming pool, playzone and teen hangout, spa and ballroom; private box at Happy Valley racecourse. americanclubhk.com

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club Founded in 1890, this is one of the largest yacht clubs in the world. It was the only Hong Kong club that kept the “Royal” in its title posthandover, although its Chinese 70

name is simply the Hong Kong Yacht Club. Unsurprisingly, membership is contingent on an interest in rowing or sailing.

Facilities: Sailing, rowing, dragon boating, moorings, berths (Shelter Cove), restaurants; Kellett Island has four restaurants, a swimming pool, bowling alley, squash courts and hardstands. rhkyc.org.hk

Ladies Recreation Club When Louisa Coxon and friends wrote a letter to the acting colonial secretary asking “for a small piece of land for the purpose of health and recreation” in 1883, little did they know it would become one of the most sought-after sports and recreation clubs in Hong Kong.

And on prime real estate too.

Membership also open to men and children of all nationalities.

Facilities: Tennis, badminton and squash courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools with diving boards, library, fitness centre, five-star spa, food and beverage outlets, and tenpin bowling. lrc.com.hk

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Cited as the most famous press club in the world, FCC Hong Kong has a rich past, dating back to 1943.

It is housed in a beautiful, colonial building in Central and is still an important media hub that provides a neutral platform for an impressive selection of local and international speakers across a range of topics.

Facilities: Main bar, lounge, verandah restaurant, jazz bar, Chinese restaurant, private dining rooms, health club, quiet workroom. fcchk.org

“The place to wow guests, engage with thought leaders, or pass out in a comfy chair.

Gin Tonic... just $24”.

- Tom Hilditch, publisher and FCC member

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DOMESTIC HELPERS

T

he majority of expats (particularly those with children), hire a domestic helper. To a lot of newcomers the colonial undertones of doing so might leave a bad taste in the mouth, but both locals and expats hire domestic helpers, and there is no social stigma against doing so.

Local helpers can be hired on a part- or full-time basis.

Foreign domestic helpers (typically from the Philippines or Indonesia) can only legally be employed full time on a two-year, live-in contract.

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Who can hire a helper?

You need to be a Hong Kong resident with a monthly household income of no less than $15,000.

How do I find a helper?

It is best to do so by word of mouth. There are helper recruitment agencies but many have come under fire for disreputable practices. Either way, you must enter into a binding Standard Employment Contract (ID407) and apply to the Immigration Department for an employment visa for the helper.

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How much will a helper cost me?

The Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) for a full-time live-in helper (at time of writing) is $4,410 per month, but many expats pay above this, depending on years of duty and level of experience.

Employers must also provide food, or a food allowance of no less than $1,053 per month; suitable accommodation with access to cooking and bathroom facilities; insurance and medical care; pay all hiring-related costs; and airfares for annual home leave.

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We hired a helper...

WeCare Helpers provide reliable and caring help (wecarehelpers.com)

Things to be aware of • Employers must give their helpers a full day of rest every week.

• Helpers are entitled to 12 statutory holidays as well as annual leave (seven days in their first two years of contract). It is up to you whether you also wish to give your helper extra time off, such as all general public holidays or an extended holiday.

• A special application must be made should you need your helper to take up driving duties, for which they also need a valid Hong Kong driving licence.

• It is illegal to employ a foreign domestic helper who doesn’t live in your home.

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Domestic helper interviews Interviewing a domestic helper may seem daunting as you will probably feel under pressure to get the right fit for your needs and family dynamics.

Just treat the interview as a general conversation about who they are and what work experience they have had (eg what is your current daily schedule? Can you cook?

Do you have experience with children?) and remember that the helper will likely be as nervous as you are. Don’t feel you have to hire on the spot or after one meeting and, if possible, get references from a previous employer.

Visit labour.gov.hk for further details on domestic helper employment.

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“We decided to hire a fulltime helper because I was expecting my first baby and I wanted to go back to work part time. We found our Filipina helper, Tess, through word of mouth. I initially struggled with having a virtual stranger living in our apartment and when I returned to work, I was paranoid that my daughter would think of Tess as her mother rather than me. I was specific about childcare but I didn’t brief Tess as thoroughly as I should have about other domestic duties.

We went through a period of trial and error but eventually established a good routine.

After almost eight years, Tess is still with us. I love being able to focus on childcare without worrying about cooking, laundry and cleaning, and having a babysitter on tap. She’s like an aunty to my children and I couldn’t do without her.”

Annabel, Repulse Bay.

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pets

ANIMAL MAGIC

Photo by Nic Tinworth

The lowdown on owning pets in Hong Kong

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Photo by Belinda Bamford

Importing an animal Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and horses are among the animals that can be imported into Hong Kong. Each animal category has different requirements, and you will also need a special permit from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD; afcd.gov.hk/english/ quarantine/quarantine.html) to import your pet. The country of origin is also a deciding factor in whether or not your pet needs to be quarantined.

Adopting vs buying The 852 can be the perfect place to add a furry member to your family and we are big supporters of adopting rather than buying.

If you choose to go down the adoption route, 78

Animal adoption centres • Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR) hongkongdogrescue.com.

• Adoption events are held every Sunday at Whiskers N Paws: wnp.com.hk • Hong Kong Paws Foundation: hkpaws.org • Sai Kung Stray Friends: saikungstrayfriends.org • Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA): spca.org.hk it is important to talk to the staff at the shelter. Make sure your new pet meets all the members of your household, that you have time to dedicate to the animal and sufficient space. A Tibetan mastiff might not be the best choice if you live in a city apartment. If you don’t want your possessions chewed or scratched, think about adopting an already house-trained adult animal

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instead of a puppy or kitten.

With adult pets too, what you see is what you get as far as temperament and character are concerned.

Hong Kong mongrels are called tong gao, and they are often sweet tempered, hardy and eager to please. Shelters are full of them simply because most people prefer the prestige of pure breeds.

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Regulations It is illegal to own an unlicensed dog that is more than five months old.

Every dog you own must be inoculated against rabies, microchipped and licensed, which can be done at any vet clinic or the SPCA. A dog license is valid for three years and can be renewed by re-vaccinating the dog against rabies. It is also nontransferable; any change in ownership or address should be reported to the AFCD within five days. Both dogs and cats should be vaccinated as recommended by a registered veterinary surgeon.

• You can be fined if your dog

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Tara Smyth with her dog, Foxy Loxy

is found fouling in a public place.

• You should use specific collection bins for dog waste.

• Dogs are allowed in all of Hong Kong’s country parks,

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where even large dogs are allowed to run freely off the lead.

• Dogs are not allowed on any gazetted beach (this basically means any beach with a lifeguard).

pets Out and about A dog weighing more than 20kg is considered a large dog and must be kept on a leash not more than two metres in

length when in a public place.

It may be tied in a public place with the leash length being no longer than 1.5 metres.

Call on these good people when you need some help with your pets Vets

• East Island Animal Hospital: eastislandvets.com.hk • Pets Central: pets-central.com • Stanley Veterinary Centre: stanleyvetcentre.com

Kennels • Ferndale Kennels & Cattery: ferndalekennels.com • Kennel Van Dego: kennelvandego.com

Did you know?

Animals aren’t allowed on franchised buses and only guide dogs are allowed on the MTR. Taxis charge $5 for each animal brought into the vehicle.

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Photo by Belinda Bamford

• Creature Comforts (housecalls): creaturecomforts.com.hk

KINDNESS MATTERS

Pathfinders

I

f you want to lend a hand to those in need, Hong Kong has an abundance of charities that will gladly accept whatever spare time or money you have to give. Like anywhere else in the world, it’s simply a case of identifying a cause close to your heart and getting in touch.

Here are a few charities to get you inspired.

Feeding Hong Kong links food companies and charities to redistribute surplus food where it is needed. Individual volunteers over the age of 18 are needed to help out with delivery, office and warehouse duties. Groups of all ages can take part in the weekly Bread Run. feedinghk.org

each month, enabling you to help with high-impact projects at non-profits, schools and other organisations.

Jobs include serving hot meals to underprivileged families and delivering daily necessities to the homeless. handsonhongkong.org

Feeding Hong Kong

HandsOn Hong Kong Not sure what you want to commit to or even if you have the time to volunteer regularly?

HandsOn HK has done all the legwork for you by finding and scheduling dozens of volunteering opportunities

ImpactHK is all about making a difference to Hong Kong’s homeless and its Kindness Walks are an easy way for anyone to get involved. These involve volunteers walking around a particular area, distributing clothing, bedding,

According to Feeding Hong Kong, around 3,400 tonnes of food waste are sent to landfills in Hong Kong every day, while one million people struggle to afford nutritious meals.

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ImpactHK

charities toiletries, free laundry tickets and food to people living on the streets. Older children are welcome to join too although the walks are in the evenings. impacthk.org

Pathfinders Pathfinders’ mission is to ensure that migrant children born in Hong Kong and their mothers are respected and protected. The charity welcomes all volunteers to help with tasks such as sorting and distributing baby clothes and maternity supplies, babysitting and facilitating educational workshops. pathfinders.org.hk

Treasure from trash Although Hong Kong isn’t awash with charity shops like some cities, there are around 200 clothing bins scattered around the territory. (A full list can be found on the Home Affairs Department website: had.gov.hk/en/public_services/ com_clo_rec_ban_sch/index.html) In addition, any unwanted furniture and fashion can find new homes via the following charities and organisations, which also welcome any monetary donations and volunteer efforts. Check what each charity will accept as some are fairly specific.

Crossroads Foundation: crossroads.org.hk Christian Action: christian-action.org.hk Enrich Others: enrichothers.com Oxfam: oxfam.org.hk Remar Hong Kong: remarhk.com Salvation Army: salvationarmy.org.hk Vision First: vfnow.org

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Schooling

Harrow International School Hong Kong

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kindergartens

KINDERGARTENS

Whether it’s a few hours of paint and play or a full day of bilingual learning, there is a kindergarten for every little one Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

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E

veryone wants the best for their children but the trick with kindergartens is not to get caught up in the hype around brand names and

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to choose somewhere that suits your child’s personality.

If they aren’t writing essays and reading Harry Potter books by the time they finish, it’s not the end of the world. In fact, it’s not realistic. Preschool is often your child’s first taste of a learning environment so you want them to love it, feel safe and welcome and, most of all, have fun.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s available.

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Points to ponder • What language does the kindergarten operate in?

• What are its facilities like?

• What activities does it offer?

• Does the kindergarten have access to outdoor space?

• What curriculum is taught?

kindergartens

Did you know?

Direct subsidy and private schools don’t use government admission systems. Parents should apply directly to the school.

Kindergarten education is not mandatory in HK so you can always opt out.

What language do Hong Kong’s kindergartens teach?

Local kindergartens operate in Cantonese while international establishments usually offer English and/or bilingual language instruction, including Mandarin and French.

When should we apply for Primary One? Interviews for primary schools take place early in the academic year preceding the year the child is due to start.

What kind of fees should we expect?

All kindergartens are privately run and international ones in particular can be expensive. Fees range according to the length of the session (half- or full day), facilities and teaching method.

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Kindergartens

Anfield International Kindergarten

Discovery Montessori School

ESF International Kindergartens

Established: 1999 Location: Kowloon Tong Ages: One to six years Curriculum: UK Early Years Foundation Stage (British National Curriculum) Contact: 2794 3668; anfield.com.hk

Established: 2010 Locations: Discovery Bay; Central Ages: Two to six years Curriculum: Montessori method Contact: 2987 1201; childrenworks.net

Established: 1984 Locations: Tsing Yi (Lantau); Abacus (Clearwater Bay); Hillside (Happy Valley); Wu Kai Sha (Ma On Shan) Ages: Two to four years Curriculum: IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) Contact: 2574 2351; esfkindergartens.org.hk

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kindergartens

Parkview International Preschool

Malvern College Pre-school Hong Kong

Mills International Pre-school

Established: 1989 Location: Parkview, Tai Tam Ages: One to six years Curriculum: IB PYP Contact: 2812 6023; pips.edu.hk

Established: 2017 Location: Southwest Kowloon Ages: Two to five years Curriculum: UK Early Years Foundation Stage complemented by the Reggio Emilia philosophy Contact: 3898 4668; malvernpreschool.hk

Established: 2013 Location: Yau Tong Ages: Twelve months to five years Curriculum: UK Early Years Foundation Stage Contact: 2717 6336; millsinternational.edu.hk

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Highgate House

Fairchild Kindergarten

Fairchild Junior Academy

Established: 1992 Locations: The Peak; Tai Tam Ages: Birth to six years Curriculum: Steiner Waldorf Contact: 2849 6336; highgatehouse.edu.hk

Established: 2017 Location: Sai Ying Pun Ages: Two to six years Curriculum: Inquiry-based, Reggio Emilia Contact: 2898 1611; fairchild.edu.hk

Established: 2016 Location: Tin Hau Ages: Six months to four years Curriculum: Inquiry-based, Reggio Emilia Contact: 2803 2638; fairchild.academy

Sai Kung Montessori

Mount Kelly International Pre-school

SKIP (Sai Kung Pre-School)

Established: 2017 Location: Kowloon Ages: Three to five years Curriculum: UK Early Years Foundation Stage Contact: 2110 1978; mountkelly.com.hk

Established: 1988 Location: Sai Kung Ages: One to five years Curriculum: UK Early Years Foundation Stage Contact: 2791 7354; skip.edu.hk

Established: 2017 Location: Sai Kung Ages: Two-and-a-half to six years Curriculum: Montessori method Contact: 5369 8587; saikungmontessori.com

“Southside Kindergarten has created a homely school environment. The teachers are highly qualified native English speakers. Their afternoon Extended Day program, in association with Sylvan Learning Center, is the perfect bridge between kindergarten and primary School.� - Parent

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Southside Kindergarten Established: 2000 Location: Repulse Bay Ages: Two to five years old Curriculum: UK Early Years Foundation Stage Contact: 2592 7527; southside.edu.hk

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PRIMARY SCHOOLS Heading off to “big� school is a big deal for little children.

Most international schools provide a nurturing environment that will start their educational journey on the right foot

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primary

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Did you know?

Most international schools offer Mandarin as part of the weekly curriculum.

P

ESF

rimary school is the true start of your child’s educational journey and choosing the right one can be a minefield.

There are pros and cons to every school. For every parent who offers a glowing testimonial, there will be one who will find fault, so try not to be overwhelmed by the choices, the conflicting opinions and the waiting lists. Do your research and trust that your child will find his/her way.

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What is the difference between the English Schools Foundation and other international schools?

• Operates on a catchment area system; your child goes to the school according to your home address • You can only apply to one ESF school at a time • Fully accredited to offer the IB curriculum • Non selective, although students need to speak good English • More reasonable fees

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International schools • No geographical restrictions (but this might mean a lot of travel to play dates) • You can apply to as many schools as you like • Curricula vary • Entrance exams may be required • Fees and debentures can be very pricey

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Many schools such as the ESF base their Primary One admissions on the calendar year (children bornfrom January to December).

Others such as Kellett go by the academic year (children born from September to August).

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Inside r tip

JLL As well as a comprehensive range of property services, this top Hong Kong agency also offers orientation and school guidance for newcomers to help you find the perfect school for your child. jll.com.hk

primary

Primary schools

ESF Bradbury School Established: 1992 Location: Stubbs Road Ages: Five to 11 years Curriculum: PYP Contact: 2574 8249; bradbury.edu.hk

ESF Sha Tin Junior School Established: 1988 Location: Fo Tan, Sha Tin Ages: Five to 11 years Curriculum: PYP Contact: 2692 2721; sjs.edu.hk

ESF Glenealy School Established: 1959 Location: Mid-Levels Ages: Five to 11 years Curriculum: PYP Contact: 2522 1919; glenealy.edu.hk

“CWBS is a small, friendly community where everybody knows everybody and is friendly to each other.”

- Claudia, student

ESF Quarry Bay School ESF Clearwater Bay School Established: 1924 Established: 1992 Location: Clearwater Bay Ages: Five to 11 years Curriculum: PYP Contact: 2358 3221; cwbs.edu.hk

Location: Quarry Bay Ages: Five to 11 years Curriculum: PYP Contact: 2711 1280; qbs.edu.hk

ESF Beacon Hill School

ESF Kennedy School

Established: 1967 Location: Kowloon Tong Ages: Five to 11 years Curriculum: PYP Contact: 2336 5221; beaconhill.edu.hk

Established: 1961 Location: Pok Fu Lam Ages: Five to 11 years Curriculum: PYP Contact: 2579 5600; kennedy.edu.hk

ESF Kowloon Junior School

ESF Peak School

Established: 1902 Location: Ho Man Tin Ages: Five to 11 years Curriculum: PYP Contact: 3765 8700; kjs.edu.hk

Established: 1911 Location: The Peak Ages: Five to 11 years Curriculum: PYP Contact: 2849 7211; ps.edu.hk

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Mount Kelly International Established: 2017 Location: Tuen Mun Ages: Five to 13 years Curriculum: UK National Curriculum Contact: 2157 9557; mountkelly.edu.hk

“We will nurture each child in our care with great diligence as they work through a broad, challenging and fulfilling curriculum.” – Ben Keeling, founding principal

Shrewsbury International School Established: August 2018 Location: Tseung Kwan O Ages: Three to 11 years Curriculum: UK National Curriculum Contact: 2840 1500; shrewsbury.hk

HKCA Po Leung Kuk School

International Montessori School

Established: 2017 Location: Tin Hau Ages: Six to nine years (growing up to 11 years) Curriculum: PYP Contact: plkis.edu.hk

Established: 2002 Locations: Wan Chai; Stanley Ages: Two to 12 years Curriculum: PYP Contact: 2772 2468; ims.edu.hk

Discovery Montessori Academy Established: 2016 Location: Discovery Bay, Lantau Ages: Six to 12 years Curriculum: Montessori method Contact: 2987 1201; childrenworks.net

“We are the first school in Hong Kong to implement both the Montessori Elementary and IB programmes in conjunction.”

- Christie Leung, school supervisor

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Spanish International School Established: 2017 Location: Tai Po Ages: Three to six years currently but due to expand to accommodate all primary and secondary years Curriculum: UK National Curriculum Contact: 3955 1588; www.spis.com.hk

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CURRICULUM BASICS AT STAMFORD AMERICAN SCHOOL

S

tamford American School – Hong Kong is a world-class international school offering a rigorous education for students ages 5 to 18 years old. The curriculum is based on the American Education Reaches Out (AERO) and Common Core standards but delivered with an inquiry driven approach to make sure that children are equipped with the critical thinking and problem solving strategies needed in today’s world, without sacrificing their core math

and literacy skills. Ensuring individualized learning for every child, students undergo regular standardized Measures of Academic Progress assessments in Reading, Math, and Science, progressing to pre-university testing from Grade 8 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program* (IB DP) examinations with a choice of 38 IB courses in Grade 11 and 12. Students are offered the choice of graduating with either the IBDP or the American High School Diploma - or both - which

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gives them unparalleled choice and competitive advantage.

What is the IBDP? The International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization and the Diploma Programme (DP) were established in 1968. The

sponsored feature aim was to form a common curriculum and university entry credential that crossed disciplinary, cultural, national and geographical boundaries.

The IBDP focuses on units of inquiry and self-exploration through normal class activities and a range of “core” courses that are compulsory for all students. Central to the IB framework is the IB Learner Profile to help students become flexible, collaborative, goal-seeking, compassionate and confident, among while enhancing other qualities.

Stamford American School is currently undergoing the process of applying to be an IBDP school. Officially, the school is currently a “candidate school” and will proceed to the “authorization phase” in plenty of time for the first 11th grade cohort that will start in August 2021.

What makes the Stamford curriculum unique?

For grades Pre-Primary through 10, Stamford uses the American-based AERO set of standards, which are based on Common Core standards and offer the skills foundation for DP-bound students.

Student growth is monitored and assessed twice a year using the Measures of

Academic Progress (MAP) tool that focuses on learning outcomes in literacy, math and science. By using these standards and assessments, Stamford is able to leverage real performance data to adjust teaching to ensure students are challenged and supported, and to help them “achieve more than they believe they can” before entering the IBDP. Another core part of the curriculum at Stamford is the Second Step program that helps developing social and emotional skills that are in-line with the IB Learner Profile to support development and success both in and out of classroom. In addition to the core subjects, Stamford offers challenging physical education, well-developed arts program, an innovative STEMinn curriculum, daily Mandarin or Spanish and 19 co-curricular activities to ensure every child is able to

pursue their talents.

All students earn a Stamford American High School Diploma upon graduation, which is the standard credential for any university in the United States and many in Canada. A student can also choose to undertake the full IB Diploma Programme. Pre-university testing takes place from Grade 8 until the beginning of Grade 12 while the IBDP external assessments happen at the end of Grade 12. For all students, Stamford’s university guidance counselor will provide individualized attention to help secure a place at a university that best fits their aptitude and aspirations.

Stamford offers a wide variety of events for both families and parents, visit them on a school tour or join an upcoming event: sais.edu. hk/school-life/events

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secondary

SECONDARY AND THROUGH SCHOOLS Hong Kong’s wide range of first-class international secondary schools will help each student achieve their potential

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Did you know?

H

ong Kong’s secondary schools produce balanced, open-minded and friendly young people and get top academic and sporting results too. However, many have long waiting lists and reach enrolment capacity early in the school year so it is worth doing your research and putting your children’s names down as soon as possible. They can also be expensive.

Non-Chinese-speaking children are eligible for free government-run schools but many of these conduct

lessons predominantly in Cantonese and take a strict, rote-learning approach to achieve academic excellence.

Most expats, therefore, send their teenagers to an international school. While

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If your child joins an ESF primary school prior to Year 6, he/she will be guaranteed a place at an ESF secondary school in your catchment area. the majority of schools follow the International Baccalaureate programme, other curricula such as the American, British, Australian, French, German and Canadian systems are on offer. It isn’t always easy to uproot secondary students from their existing school and life but most expat kids are familiar with friends coming and going, so they tend to be approachable and welcoming to newcomers (even as teenagers).

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Secondary ESF King George V School Established: 1894 Location: Ho Man Tin Ages: 11 to 18 years Curriculum: IB Middle Years Program (MYP); IB Diploma/BTEC Contact: 2711 3029; kgv.edu.hk

ESF Sha Tin College “We have amazing sports facilities. Which other school in the middle of Ho Man Tin has its own full-sized football pitch at ground level? The academics are really good too. Plus, it is a very friendly school with a great community.”

– Felix, student

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Established: 1982 Location: Fo Tan, Sha Tin Ages: 11 to 18 years Curriculum: MYP; IB Diploma Contact: 2699 1811; shatincollege.edu.hk

secondary

ESF West Island School Established: 1991 Location: Pok Fu Lam Ages: 11 to 18 years Curriculum: MYP; IB Diploma/BTEC Contact: 2819 1962; wis.edu.hk

ESF South Island School Established: 1977 Location: Aberdeen Ages: 11 to 18 years Curriculum: MYP; IB Diploma/BTEC Contact: 2555 9313; sis.edu.hk

“My vision for WIS is for it to become world leading. There’s no magic to that: it’s about relationships between staff and students, about high-quality pastoral care, about high aspiration and having the best teachers.”

– Chris Sammons, principal

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Through schools

American International School Hong Kong

Australian International School

Established: 1986 Location: Kowloon Tong Ages: Five to 18 years Curriculum: US Common Core Curriculum Contact: 2336 3812; ais.edu.hk “I love AIS because of how many supportive teachers there are and how many new students come every year or even in the middle of the year, which means you could make more friends and it will boost up your confidence and your social life.”

– Alba P, student

Established: 1986 Location: Kowloon Tong Ages: Five to 18 years Curriculum: Australian curriculum; NSW HSC; IBDP Contact: 2304 6078; ais.edu.hk “The AISHK teaching staff is gorgeous; they spend so much time with each child. I have three children in the school and we have loved every teacher we’ve been allocated.”

– Carolynne, parent

Canadian International School

Discovery Bay International School

Established: 1991 Location: Aberdeen Ages: Five to 18 years Curriculum: IB and Ontario Secondary School Diploma Contact: 2525 7088; cdnis.edu.hk “We are looking to develop students into innovators. That means providing future-ready skills and opportunities for hands-on learning.”

– Helen Kelly, Lower School principal

Established: 1983 Location: Discovery Bay Ages: Three to 18 years Curriculum: UK National Curriculum Contact: 2987 7331; dbis.edu.hk “The school has a focus on placing learning at the centre of its educational process and this has driven all agendas.”

– Paul Tough, head of school

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secondary

Han Academy

Harrow International School Hong Kong

Established: 2017 Location: Aberdeen Ages: Five to 18 years Curriculum: Bilingual (Mandarin and English) curriculum; IB and A-levels offered Contact: 3998 6300; hanacademy.edu.hk “Education at Han Academy promotes mutual understanding between cultures and knowledge of the world and, at the same time, strengthens students’ value of their own cultural uniqueness and traditions.” – Shirley Su, principal

Established: 2012 Location: Gold Coast Ages: Five to 18 years Curriculum: UK National Curriculum Contact: 2824 9099; harrowschool.hk “We are committed to offering a real breadth of education. We feed our pupils’ minds, but we also care passionately about their character development and happiness.”

– Ann Haydon, principal

The Independent Schools Foundation Academy Hong Kong Academy Established: 2000 Location: Sai Kung Ages: Five to 18 years Curriculum: PYP, MYP, IBDP Contact: 2655 1111; hkacademy.edu.hk “If we do nothing else, we need to turn out good people. This generation of kids will change the world, I have no doubt.”

– Leanne Dunlap, secondary principal

Established: 2003 Location: Pok Fu Lam Ages: Four years eight months to 18 years Curriculum: The ISF Academy Bilingual Immersion Curriculum; MYP; IBDP Contact: 2202 2028; academy.isf.edu.hk “The ISF Academy offers a unique education in Hong Kong. It is an independent school offering a Chinese and English immersion education with a global perspective.”

– Dr Malcolm Pritchard, head of school Hong Kong Living Guide 2018 111

Malvern College Hong Kong

Nord Anglia

Established: August 2018 Location: Adjacent to Science Park, Sha Tin Ages: Five to 13 years Curriculum: International Curriculum Contact: 3898 4688; malverncollege.org.hk “My vision is to provide a world-class education encompassing excellent academics, first-rate co-curricular activities in an atmosphere of mutual respect and within a genuinely caring community.”

– Dr Robin A Lister, founding headmaster

Established: 2014 Location: Lam Tin Ages: Three to 18 years Curriculum: UK National Curriculum Contact: 3958 1488; nordangliaeducation.com “We are committed to educating the whole child and creating confident, happy individuals who have well-established values and who make a positive, effective contribution to society, showing respect for others and their environment.” – Brian Cooklin, principal

Stamford American School

ESF Discovery College

Established: 2017 Location: Ho Man Tin Ages: Three to 12 years (growing to 18 years) Curriculum: Common Core; AERO; IBDP Contact: 2500 8688; sais.edu.hk “Both of my girls have really enjoyed the school since day one. As a parent, we are also very impressed with the quality of the overall education and the learning environment.”

– Paween, parent

Established: 2008 Location: Discovery Bay Ages: Five to 18 years Curriculum: PYP, MYP, IBDP Contact: 3969 1000; discovery.edu.hk “We’re a school that promotes rigorous academic achievement but we also value the arts an an area of focus that contributes to learning in all other subjects.”

– Mark Beach, principal

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secondary

Through schools American School Hong Kong

Delia School of Canada

ESF Renaissance College

Established: 1965 Location: Tai Koo Shing Ages: Five to 18 years Curriculum: Ontario Education Program Contact: 3658 0400; delia.edu.hk

Established: 2006 Location: Ma On Shan Ages: Five to 18 years Curriculum: PYP; MYP; IBDP; IBCP Contact: 3556 3556; rchk.edu.hk

French International School

German-Swiss International School

The Harbour School

Established: 1963 Locations: Jardine’s Lookout; Happy Valley; Hung Hom; Chai Wan; Tseung Kwan O Ages: Five to 18 years Curriculum: French Baccalaureate; UK National Curriculum; IBDP Contact: 2577 6217; fis.edu.hk

Established: 1969 Locations: The Peak; Pok Fu Lam Ages: Four to 18 years Curriculum: UK National curriculum; PYP, MYP, IBDP Contact: 2849 6216; gsis.hk

Established: 2016 Location: Tai Po Ages: Four to 18 years Curriculum: US Common Core Curriculum plus STEAM approach Contact: 3919 4111; ashk.edu.hk

Hong Kong Adventist Academy Established: 2011 Location: Clearwater Bay Ages: Five to 18 years Curriculum: Griggs Program Contact: 2719 1668; hkaa.edu. hk

Kellett School Established: 1976 Locations: Pok Fu Lam; Kowloon Bay Ages: Four to 18 years Curriculum: UK National Curriculum Contact: 3120 0700; kellettschool.com

Established: 2007 Locations: Kennedy Town; Ap Lei Chau Ages: Four to 18 years Curriculum: The Harbour School method Contact: ths.edu.hk

Hong Kong International School

International College, Hong Lok Yuen

Established: 1966 Locations: Tai Tam; Repulse Bay Ages: Five to 18 years Curriculum: American-style curriculum Contact: 3149 7000; hkis.edu.hk

Established: 1983 Location: Hong Lok Yuen Ages: Five to 18 years Curriculum: PYP; MYP; IB Contact: 2658 6935; ichk.edu.hk

Victoria Shanghai Academy Established: 2004 Location: Aberdeen Ages: Five to 18 years Curriculum: PYP (bilingual), MYP, IBDP Contact: 3402 1000; vsa.edu.hk

Did you know?

• Many international schools require parents to pay a debenture on admission, ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, that allows the school to fund large projects.

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IN TUITION Academic help is at hand Sylvan Learning Center Sylvan uses a diagnostic assessment to design tailormade programmes. Tuition in maths, science, Mandarin and English reading and writing is available in addition to homework help, preparation for school entrance exams (UK, US and Hong Kong) and for the IGCSE, IB, SAT and ACT. 2873 0662; sylvanlearning.com

HK Education & Tutoring Services HKETS offers a range of educational services for English-speaking students including individual tuition in any subject, group exam grade booster workshops (for GCSEs, IGCSEs, A-levels and

IB), overseas education advice and university application assistance. It also runs language workshops for adults.

2147 2299; hkets.net

Ampla Education Ampla Education provides tailor-made preparation courses for students applying to international schools, boarding schools and universities in the UK, US, Canada and HK as well as helping with standardised tests and academic qualifications.

Face-to-face and online sessions. 6990 3335; ampla-edu.com

ITS Education Asia ITS Education Asia provides educational support for

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children and adults across a range of subjects as well as exam preparation services for SATs, iGCSEs, A-levels, IB and more. The company also offers university admissions advice and an education consulting service that works with families and employers to find the right schools for children in Hong Kong, from nursery to secondary schools.

2116 3916; itseducationasia.com

Brandon Learning Centre Brandon Learning Centre specialises in getting children ready to sit exams for British boarding schools. Whether they need early foundation work in English, French, maths, science and verbal/

learning centres non-verbal reasoning, want to brush up their interview techniques or are about to face the challenges of Common Entrance exams, Brandon’s expert tutors are on hand with help and advice.

2575 1761; brandoncentre.com

Kaplan Kaplan is an international provider of educational and career services, offering a comprehensive range of programmes from language tuition to exam and admissions preparation. 2526 3686; kaplan.com.hk

Mulberry House HK’s first Reggio Emiliainspired Mandarin immersion school enables children to develop fluency in Mandarin as early as possible through fun, interactive and engrossing activities. Playgroup, preschool and primary support classes are available for children aged eight months to eight years. 5598 0509; mulberryhouseasia.com

PGEM PGEM offers online tuition and academic support in a range of subjects, as well as essay help, online SAT/ACT test preparation and university counselling. PGEM also covers IBMYP, IBDP, AP, A-levels, IGCSE and HKDSE including languages. Learners can book slots with tutors for one-onone sessions from home,

using interactive video calling and live chat. 2500 6078; teachers-to-go.com

Southside Mandarin As well as straightforward Mandarin lessons, this learning centre has playgroups and immersion programmes for children aged six months to 12 years. All classes are taught by professionally qualified native speakers with experience in early childhood and primary education. 3427 9619; southsidemandarin.com

Tute.HK Tute.HK uses British undergraduates from top UK universities to lead online tutorials in almost any discipline or area including individual subjects, the UK Common Entrance Test, IGCSEs, A-levels and IB. All sessions are recorded, so students are able to replay sessions at a later date. 3166 5988; tute.hk

Tutor Partners This learning centre covers all GCSE and IB subjects (including the extended essay), and offers help with UK Common Entrance exams (7+ to 16+), MYP projects, IGCSEs, A-levels, DSE, BTEC and SATs. Tutors can go to your home or hold sessions at their venue. 6461 8690

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SPECIAL NEEDS

N

ot every child fits the mould or learns at the same rate as others.

Here are a few suggestions for extra developmental support.

UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage, backed up by various learning tools, methodologies, assessments and therapies. cdchk.org

Autism Partnership Foundation

ESF Jockey Club Sarah Roe School

The APF uses Applied Behaviour Analysis to encourage the potential of children with autism to bloom.

It runs the Aoi Pui private primary school, the only one in Hong Kong to cater specifically for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). apf.org.hk

Each ESF school has a learning support centre and accepts children with learning disabilities into mainstream classes. For those requiring more intensive teaching, the ESF Jockey Club Sarah Roe School is a through-school for children aged five to 19 with special needs including Down syndrome and ASD. As well as literacy and numeracy programmes, there is an emphasis on teaching independence. jcsrs.edu.hk

Child Development Centre The CDC provides support to children with a wide spectrum of individual abilities and special educational needs (SEN). Educational programmes are based on the

Watchdog Early Education Centre Watchdog offers support for

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newborns to six-year-olds who have ASD, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other physical, learning and developmental issues. web.watchdog.org.hk

Autismilee Autismilee runs various workshops to enable and empower participants to understand the needs of children with autism. autismilee.com

Dyslexia School Search This educational consultancy specialises in placing pupils with specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and autism) into UK independent and specialist schools. dyslexiaschoolsearch.com

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Play time

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AFTER SCHOOL

When free time beckons, keep your kids occupied and happy with all sorts of fun things to do Asia-Pacific Soccer School Asia-Pacific Soccer School runs football classes throughout Hong Kong, offering Kinder Kick programmes for the underfours, and moving up to all-level training for kids aged five to 13 years, as well as girls-only training sessions. There are also selective squad programmes for talented players, with the opportunity to play in the Hong Kong Junior

Football League and the HK Football Association Henderson League. apsoccer.hk

Hong Kong Basketball Academy Shoot some hoops with the HKBA, which runs weekly sessions for boys and girls of all ages (from under-eights to 19 years) and levels. Introductory classes

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teach the fundamentals of basketball including teamwork and sportsmanship in a fun, safe environment while further down the line, competitive players get to test their skills in the Premier League programme. Holiday camps and one-to-one training also available. hkbaallday.com

Hong Kong Island Stingrays Swim Club Hong Kong Island Stingrays Swim Club embraces all levels of swimmers. It aims to provide every swimmer

after school

with the best possible training environment and resources and allow them to fulfill their potential as both an athlete and a person. The club is ranked consistently as one of the region’s top competitive swim teams. teamunify.com

Red Shoe Dance Company Red Shoe Dance runs ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical and hip hop classes. The school offers RAD ballet and ADAPT jazz examinations as well as performance

opportunities, competitions and overseas training camps.

Little ones can begin at age three and there are also preprofessional intensive training programmes for older students interested in a career in dance. redshoedance.com

Island Glee Club If your child seems born to perform, the Island Glee Club provides opportunities for aspiring young singers and dancers to collaborate with professional performers.

The club also runs classes in stage performance, which cover microphone techniques, performing for the camera and performance fundamentals. theislandgleeclub.com Hong Kong Living Guide 2018 121

Face Productions Face Productions is a unique performing arts training programme for young performers aged six to 18 who want to develop their skills and passion in the core areas of acting, musical theatre and dance. The programme emphasises training through a combination of regular classes, small- and large-scale public productions in major venues, and workshops led by specialist practitioners. faceproductions.com.hk

Faust Established in 1999, Faust runs drama workshops for children aged three to 18 at various venues. It introduces children to the world of theatre and creativity through fun, lively sessions, developing performance skills, theatre knowledge, teamwork, individual expression and confidence. Classes are open to everybody, with no previous drama experience needed. It also organises productions at Hong Kong theatres during the year. faustworld.com.hk

Island Dance Island Dance teaches disco, freestyle, ballet, hip-hop and tap dance classes at over 17 venues in Hong Kong, Kowloon and Discovery Bay. Little ones can start dancing from the age of 18 months and there are classes for adult pre-professional dancers too.

Dancers show off their talents

Faust

at an annual end-of-year show and are also invited to perform at community events such as the Lunar New Year parade. islanddance.com.hk

Kids’ Gallery This long-established children’s arts centre offers after-school, weekend and holiday courses in visual, communication and performing arts for children aged two to 18. Whether your child is a budding actress or pint-sized Picasso, the classes are fun with a wide range of projects and productions.

Workshops to help kids prep for oral exams and school

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interviews are available too. kidsgallery.com

Treasure Island Outdoor education centre Treasure Island gets children embarking on epic adventures around Pui O beach. Kayaking, gorging, raft building, abseiling and surfing are just some of the exciting activities on offer at its spring and summer camps. It is also the only organisation in Hong Kong to offer the British canoeing award scheme. If you fancy a staycation, the company rents tents, camping equipment and air-conditioned beachside cabanas. treasureislandhk.com

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Rugby for kids Mini rugby for both girls and boys is huge in Hong Kong and is a great way for sporty kids and their parents to get involved in a club or community. Most clubs run minis training sessions on Sunday mornings and go head to head against other teams in their age group at monthly tournaments. The season runs from late August to the beginning of April, typically culminating with the HK Rugby Sevens, at which these budding rugby stars play showcase games at the HK Stadium and take part in a March Past lap of honour. People either choose a rugby club in their area (eg Sai Kung Stingrays, HKU Sandy Bay) or join the rugby section of a members-only club (eg Hong Kong Football Club). Little ones (U5s-U8s) start by learning touch rugby and graduate to full contact when they reach U9s.

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All Voice Talent Teenagers are notorious for their lack of communication skills. The Speak Up! youth programme teaches 13 to 19 year olds how to speak to anyone with clarity and confidence – an invaluable life skill that will help them ace oral exams, interviews and stand out from the crowd.

Interview and presentation skills are also covered. allvoicetalent.com

after school Anastassia’s Art House Learn to draw, paint and sculpt with the crème de la crème at Anastassia’s Art House, an award-winning Russian art academy with

locations in Sai Kung, Repulse Bay and Happy Valley. Qualified specialists are flown in from around the world promoting globalised, multicultural, artistic training. arthouse-hk.com

Mindful Wing Chun Designed to improve kids’ focus, inner balance and self discipline as well as teach them martial arts, Mindful Wing Chun offers a range of traditional classes. Get your three- to 13-year-olds one step closer to Bruce Lee with kung fu, chi sau or wing chun basics. mindfulwingchun.com.hk

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Photo by Hannah Hiu Nam Tse featuring Elaine Chiu

Body & soul

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HEALTHCARE SERVICES

Hong Kong is blessed with excellent healthcare facilities and, especially if you’re prepared to pay, you can usually get appointments at your convenience 128 Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

healthcare

Did you know?

Gleneagles

State-of-the-art Gleneagles Hospital is Hong Kong’s newest private hospital and the only one on the Island to offer round-the-clock accident and emergency services. gleneagles.hk Hong Kong Living Guide 2018 129

PRIVATE HOSPITALS

PUBLIC HOSPITALS

Adventist Hospital, Stubbs Road, Happy Valley: 3651 8888; hkah.org.hk Canossa (Caritas), MidLevels: 2522 2181; canossahospital.org.hk HK Baptist Hospital, Sha Tin: 2339 8888; hkbh.org.hk HK Sanatorium and Hospital, Happy Valley: 2572 0211; hksh-hospital.com Matilda International Hospital, The Peak: 2849 0111; matilda.org St Teresa’s, Ho Man Tin: 2200 3434; sth.org.hk Union Hospital, Tai Wai: 2608 3388; union.org

Details of public hospitals can be found online at ha.org.hk.

Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital, Sandy Bay: 2817 7111 Queen Elizabeth, Kowloon: 3506 8888 Queen Mary, Pok Fu Lam: 2255 3838 Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern, Chai Wan: 2595 7920 Prince of Wales, Sha Tin: 3505 2211 Ruttonjee, Wan Chai: 2291 2000 Tseung Kwan O: 2208 0111 See page 153 for comparisons between private

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and public hospitals as well as maternity services.

GENERAL PRACTITIONERS As well as family medicine (GP), these internationally accredited clinics have practices across Hong Kong and offer a huge range of medical services such as physiotherapy, antenatal and postnatal care, travel health and psychiatry.

Owens, Trodd and Partners (OTP): 2155 9055 (hotline); otandp.com Quality HealthCare Medical Services: 8301 8301 (hotline); qhms.com

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Gleneagles

HOMEOPATHS/ NATUROPATHS Take a more natural path to healing.

IMI (Integrated Medicine Institute): imi.com.hk Balance Health: balancehealth.com.hk HK Integrative Medical Practice: 2523 8044; drsusanjamieson.com.

CHIROPODY Put your best foot forward Karlyn Harfoot: 2877 1683; harfoot.com

PHYSIOTHERAPY Fix those aches and pains.

Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy Centre: 2530 0073; sportsandspinal.hk Byrne Hickman: 2526 7533; byrne-hickman.com Physio Central: 2801 4801; physio-central.com

DENTISTS Most dental practices have specialised orthodontic services.

Bayley & Jackson: 2526 1061; bjdental.com Diestel & Partners: 2522 2099; diestelandpartners.com Smile Clinic: 2537 7028 Smith & Jain: 2526 2383; smithandjaindentists.com

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The Dental Network: 2719 6700; thedentalnetwork.com.hk

OPTICIANS High-street opticians offer routine eye tests as well as a good range of spectacles and sunglasses.

Glasstique and Puyi Optical: puyi.com HK Opthalmic Associates (not just a shop selling glasses, but also for more serious issues); 2381 1614; eyehealth.com.hk Lens Crafters: 2343 8223; lenscrafters.com.hk

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FITNESS

Whether you want to join a gym or go for a swim, Hong Kong offers lots of ways to get in shape

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fitness

Flex Studio

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Flex Studio

BALLET, PILATES & YOGA Flex These stretch specialists offer barre, Xtend barre, yoga and pilates as well as TRX, HIIT and ante/postnatal workouts. flexhk.com

Gravity Ballet Ballet classes for adults, whether you’re a beginner wanting to improve posture and tone or a pro hoping to perfect your pointe skills. gravityballet.com.hk

One Pilates Studio Private and group classes offered on mats or using LED reformers. The studio also runs gyrotonic sessions, which incorporate movement principles from yoga, dance, gymnastics, swimming

and tai chi and a specially designed wooden machine. onepilatesstudio.com

Pure Yoga Aerial, ashtanga, hot, hatha and yin are only a fraction of the classes offered by Pure Yoga. All levels welcome; locations and classes across HK. pure-yoga.com

Yoga For Life Professional teachers will put you through your yoga paces by coming to your home or workplace for the ultimate in convenient private lessons. yogaforlife.com.hk

BOOTCAMPS ApeFit These “animal-inspired” group workouts

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combine cardio, strength and core exercises into 60-minute sessions with yoga stretches to finish. All levels welcome; held at various outdoor locations across HK. facebook.com/apefithk

Circuit 25 C25 offers more than 20 different sessions a week of group personal circuit training with individual attention. Each full-body workout comprises 25 minutes of strength and resistance exercise and 25 of cardio, core and cool down. Triathlon training, running and swimming for endurance also offered.

Flex Studio

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All fitness levels welcome; times and locations (both indoors and out) across HK to suit all schedules. circuit25.com

CrossFit Typhoon Take your fitness to the next level with CrossFit, CrossFit Lite or bootcamp

Did you know?

Invest in a monthly GuavaPass and try out dozens of gyms and hundreds of classes including CrossFit, cycling, dance, martial arts and bootcamp. guavapass.com

sessions. The classes work towards improving your strength, speed, agility and power among other fitness domains with cardio, weights and stretching, and are accessible to all levels. crossfittyphoon.com

Outdoor Fitness

Outdoor Fitness This fun and friendly Sai Kung-based company will whip you into shape with outdoor bootcamp/TRX classes, involving easyto-follow core, resistance and cardio exercises for all individual levels. Sessions are held during the week and on Saturday and include a bootcamp for beginners, so

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no excuses not to have a go.

AquaFit and BoxFit classes also offered. outdoorfitness.hk

Fit Eat In Think you have no time to train? Fit Eat In offers intense lunchtime classes every weekday at Hong Kong Park, Admiralty, and Sun Yat

fitness

Photo by Belinda Bamford

Sen Park, Sheung Wan. The sessions comprise 30 minutes of High Intensity Interval Training and a nutritious organic meal from Supafood to go. Basic levels of fitness required. fiteatin.com

Primal Fit Outdoor boot camps using bodyweight exercises are designed to build muscle, burn calories and increase your cardio fitness as well as improve your flexibility and core strength. Classes are held daily at Tamar and Sun Yat Sen parks, and on Lamma Island; private and one-onone sessions also available. primalfit.com.hk

Held in March, IRIS is HK’s largest annual health and wellness festival

Fitness Centres Classes and equipment under one roof to get you into shape Pure Fitness: pure-fitness.com Fitness First: fitnessfirst.com.hk Physical Fitness: physical-ppai.com.hk

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Coaching 26

SPINNING XYZ Indoor spin cycling in the dark? XYZ’s classes offer an intense workout with pumping music and strobe lights, free from any distractions from the outside world. youarexyz.com

TRIATHLON TRAINING Coaching 26 The club offers online and oneto-one coaching programmes in all disciplines for youth and adults. 26coaching.com

qualifying champions. Training programmes are held at various locations across HK. hktriclub.com

Tritons Triathlon Club While the club doesn’t

organise official coaching, it encourages members at all levels to get together for weekly swims, cycle rides and runs and to compete under the Tritons flag. tritonstriathlon.com

Team sports Most big private clubs (see p.64) field their own competitive and social sports teams. Otherwise, contact the various associations to find a club or team you can join.

Hong Kong Hockey Association: hockey.org.hk Hong Kong Netball Association: netball.org.hk Hong Kong Rugby Association: hkrugby.com

Hong Kong Dragons Triathlon Club

Hong Kong Football Association: hkfa.com

A friendly club that brings together all levels from the complete novice to Kona

Hong Kong Tennis Association: tennishk.org; hkladiestennis.com

Hong Kong Squash: hksquash.org.hk

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fitness

All the gear Where to buy sports gear • Escapade An independent shop that stocks an excellent range of sportswear and equipment for children and adults. escapade.com.hk

Spartan

FIVE EXTREME SPORTS EVENTS Oxfam Trailwalker

• Whatzsup Standup Paddle Board Pro Shop Sells everything to do with this growing sport such as boards, paddles, apparel and accessories. whatzsup.com.hk

Clean Half

• Decathlon Cheap and cheerful clothing, accessories and equipment for all kinds of sport. decathlon.com.hk

Large-scale hiking race along the Hong Kong Trail. Enter the 10km, 25km or 50km races. greenpower.org.hk

A 15km open-water swim from Stanley to Deep Water Bay. Do it solo, with a friend or in a team of five. openwaterasia.com

• Lululemon Stylish range of yoga, running, cycling and other sweaty training gear. lululemon.com.hk

Spartan

Standard Chartered Marathon

A challenging cross-country obstacle course. Muddy, challenging and fun. spartanrace.hk

• Action X Store Great for trail running and hiking. actionxstore.com

Teams of four race to complete the 100km MacLehose Trail across Hong Kong within 48 hours. oxfamtrailwalker.org.hk

Green Power

This international event starts in Kowloon and winds its way into the New Territories and across to HK Island.

10km, half or full

marathon; 3km and 10km wheelchair races or family run. hkmarathon.com

Spartan Kids Race

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HAIR, BEAUTY & SPA

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beauty

HAIR Whether you’re after a cut or colour, treatment or trim, Hong Kong has no shortage of hair salons to get your crowning glory into shape.

Alchemy Part of the Il Colpo group of hairdressing and beauty salons, oh-so-cool Alchemy is expert in the art of cutting, colouring and treating hair.

Also on offer are mani/pedi services, makeup and brow shaping. ilcolpo.com.hk

Paul Gerrard A well-established hair salon with a great reputation.

The international team also offers skincare, professional makeup and well-being services. The experience is much like a visit to a highend salon back home. paulgerrard.com

Inside r tip

Want some chemical-free pampering? Love Hair (lovehairhk. com) and Emmanuel F (emmanuelf.com) only use natural or organic products.

WeCut

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The Strand The Strand comprises four floors of pampering and grooming for men and women. Although renowned for its hair expertise, the salon also offers face and body treatments, makeup, brow and lash services as well as hosting workshops such as a blow-dry masterclass. thestrandhk.com

Capelli Hair Salon Located in The Repulse Bay arcade, this salon covers all the bases including KeraStraight treatments, expert cutting, blow dry, highlights, colour corrections, perming and updos. capelli.com.hk

WeCut What is it?

Professional and affordable hair, makeup, facial and nail services on demand.

How does it work?

Download the app from iTunes or Google Play to make a booking. Enter your address and time, and choose a stylist. Wait for confirmation. You can also shop products at shop.wecut.asia.

When is the latest I can book?

At least three hours in advance.

Can I request a specific person for the appointment?

Yes.

What’s the service area?

Hong Kong island, Kowloon and the New Territories. info@wecut.asia

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DAZ Founder Darrin Usher believes a visit to DAZ is not just about getting great hair and great service, it is an experience to ignite the senses.

The team has a great reputation among the expat community for cuts and colouring. dazhk.com

beauty HAIR REMOVAL Many salons and spas offer hair-removal services. Here are a few of our favourites.

Glow Spa & Salon Laser hair removal as well as more traditional methods. glowspa.hk

Strip: Ministry of Waxing Remove unwanted bodily hair with wax, IPL or laser treatments. strip.com.hk

Lavar Brazilian, facial and body waxing for women and men;

laser hair removal treatments too. lavar.com.hk

NAILS Nails 88 Budget-friendly Nails 88 has locations in Sheung Wan and Wan Chai. It’s not fancy but the salon has a great selection of OPI and gel colours, the manicurists are thorough and you get a truly local vibe.

2851 6711

Rainbow Nails This popular salon in Central uses a combination of manicure machines and manicurists to perform “American manicures” (similar to French but more subtle). rainbownails.com.hk

The Nail Library The quirky interior in this funky little nail bar is reminiscent of a New York loft apartment. The Nail Library offers excellent pedicures and manicures with service and surroundings to match. Beverages offered on arrival include champagne. Book in advance. thenaillibrary.com

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SPAS Sense of Touch This popular day spa operator has six locations across Hong Kong, including Central, Sai Kung, Repulse Bay and Cyberport. The spa offers massages, facials, nails, hair removal (opt for the popular “almost painless” Brazilian wax) and its own line of skincare products. senseoftouch.com.hk

The Spa at the Four Seasons Get away from the madness of your daily routine at the luxurious Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel. It offers an extensive menu of holistic massages, facials and other treatments including manis, pedis and pre- and postnatal pampering. Guests are advised to arrive an hour early to take advantage of the Amethyst Crystal steam room, sauna, ice fountain, jacuzzi, relaxation lounge and

Experience Shower. Private spa suites are available for couples too. fourseasons.com

The Oriental Spa at the Landmark Mandarin This 25,000-square-foot indoor spa is as tranquil as they come.

Communal steam rooms, saunas, whirlpool baths and a

chill-out area are ideal for pretreatment de-stressing and there are all kinds of facials and treatments available.

There’s even a mud, heat and steam experience in a mosaic Rasul chamber for women while men might like a full body scrub in an authentic Hammam. mandarinoriental.com

Plateau at the Grand Hyatt We defy anyone not to unwind at Plateau Spa. Its extensive range of massages and facials are supremely relaxing (not to mention effective) and spa guests are offered the use of the outdoor swimming pool too. Round up a group of friends and make a day of it, with an alfresco lunch and a glass of bubbles. The spa itself also has more than 146 Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

beauty 20 uber-tranquil residential rooms, which are perfect for a staycation. hyatt.com

BROWS & LASHES Browhaus

Sponge No time to hit the salon? Sponge’s team of independent beauty professionals will come to the venue of your choice to get your hair and makeup looking red-carpet ready. Makeup lessons also offered. sponge.com

Browhaus offers diverse options to get your brows into shape. Choose from modern tweezing and classic threading techniques, with the option to “colour tweak” your arches too. browhaus.com.hk

Freedas Popular, no-frills Freedas offers cheap and cheerful spa services, including threading, waxing, massage and hair styling. freedashk.com

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Sense of Touch

Novalash

Happy Foot

NovaLash Signature Studio offers the highest quality lash extension services from the US. Each stylist is trained and certified in performing the specialised and unique NovaLash technique that does not cause discomfort or damage to natural lashes. novalash.hk

Best known for its traditional foot reflexology, this foot spa also offers Shanghai-style pedicures, plus Thai, lymphatic and acupressure massages. happyfoot.hk

FOOT Reflexology & Acupressure An award-winning salon known for its foot reflexology, acupressure, head, shoulder and hand massages, in a tranquil Central setting. foothk.com

Ten Feet Tall

TREAT YOUR FEET Foot massage is a quick, cheap and popular way for Hongkongers to de-stress and unwind.

This Californian-style urban escape is spread over two floors, providing clients with classic foot reflexology and Shanghainese pedicures as well as a range of other massages. tenfeettall.com.hk

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For men Who says pampering is only for the ladies? Treat yourself to a beard trim, a short back and sides or a luxurious shave.

Era Barbers: erabarbers.com Fox and the Barber foxandthebarber.com Gentlemen’s Tonic gentlemenstonic.com The Duke’s the dukes.com.hk

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oh baby

OH BABY Who to see and where to go when you’re expecting

Did you know?

Even if you’re having your baby at a public hospital, you can still see a private obstetrician leading up to the birth. However, private midwives and doctors aren’t allowed access to public delivery rooms.

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Going public

OBSTETRICIANS/ GYNAECOLOGISTS If you’ve decided to deliver your baby in a private hospital, you will need regular antenatal checkups from a private obstetrician. If you choose a public hospital, it will have its own antenatal clinic.

Dr Alexander Doo: thewomensclinic.com.hk Dr Arabinda Ghosh: veritas-medical.com Dr Lucy Lord: centralhealth.com.hk

MIDWIVES AND ANTENATAL CLASSES Annerley The lovely team of midwives at Annerley will give you invaluable help and advice through pregnancy, birth and beyond. A menu of

classes and workshops is offered including antenatal sessions, breastfeeding clinics, postnatal depression support and postnatal home visits. annerley.com.hk

Matilda Hospital Popular among expectant Hong Kong mamas, the Matilda Hospital runs fiveweek antenatal courses, offering advice on pregnancy health, natural and C-section births, pain relief, postnatal depression and much more. matilda.org

Rent-A-Mum These Western childcare specialists offer a range of services, including ad-hoc day and evening babysitting, maternity placements and troubleshooting, and permanent daycare. rent-a-mum.com

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“I delivered my first two sons at the Matilda as I was lucky to have insurance. Both births were straightforward and I really valued the luxurious environment and personal care. During my third pregnancy, I was hospitalised (at the Matilda) with complications at 18 weeks and, at 24 weeks, I was transferred as an emergency to the public Queen Mary Hospital. There, I was on a ward with eight people and everything felt more institutionalised but once I got a few creature comforts in place (such as my own pillows from home), I got used to it. The nurses were kind and when my daughter was born four weeks later, weighing 1kg, everyone was amazing. The care she received in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit was fantastic – it cost less per day than the hospital car park – and she would never have survived without the dedication of the medical team.” – Adele Brunner

oh baby HOSPITALS Public The Hospital Authority manages 17 public hospitals.

Here are our top three for maternity care (including antenatal checkups), details of which can be found at the Hospital Authority website (ha.org.hk) • Queen Elizabeth, King’s Park, Kowloon: 3506 8888 • Queen Mary, Pok Fu Lam: 2255 3838 • Prince of Wales, Sha Tin: 3505 2211

Private There are 11 private hospitals in Hong Kong but not all offer maternity services and packages. Those that do are popular, so book your treatment package months in advance.

• The HK Adventist Hospital, Stubbs Road, Happy Valley: hkah.org.hk • HK Sanatorium and Hospital, Happy Valley: hksh-hospital.com • Matilda International Hospital, The Peak: matilda.org

Public vs Private Hongkongers are lucky to have access to excellent maternity hospitals whether they have health insurance or not.

+

Private

+

Public

• The clue is in the title: private hospital means private, semi-private or shared rooms with a maximum of four people.

• One-to-one support from midwives.

• The same obstetrician/ gynaecologist who monitored your pregnancy will deliver your baby.

• English is spoken in all private hospitals.

• International food served.

• Public hospitals are the best places for high-risk or emergency births, particularly when the newborn will need intensive or special care.

• The cost of giving birth is low.

• A public hospital can’t turn you away.

• The C-section rate is lower than in private hospitals.

-

• Going private isn’t cheap so check your insurance covers your costs. If you go for a private room, all the extras such as nappies and medication cost more than a shared room.

• You have to reserve your hospital place with a down payment as soon as you find out you’re pregnant.

• Private hospitals aren’t equipped for emergencies and will transfer patients to the nearest public hospital.

-

• Be prepared for strict appointment times and a long wait to see an obstetrician.

• You aren’t guaranteed to see the same doctor for the duration of your pregnancy.

• Only canteen-style Chinese food is served.

• Some medical staff might not speak English.

• Maternity wards can be crowded.

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Red tape The birth of a child should be registered within six weeks at one of nine birth registries, according to the district in which your baby was born.

You can make advance bookings up to 42 calendar days ahead, excluding Sundays and general holidays, at gov.hk.

You will need: • the HKID card or valid travel document of the baby’s mother • the baby’s date of birth • the name of the hospital in which the baby was born

PEDIATRICIANS Clinic 818: clinic818.com Dr Thorndup: kinderclinic.com

SHOPS AND SUPPLIES Baby Central This online store and sister website kidscentral.com. hk provide a wide range of essential products for babies, toddlers and beyond. babycentral.com.hk

Baby Online The brainchild of a professional woman turned stay-at-home mum, Baby Online offers ranges of products sourced from around

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the globe for every age and stage. babyonline.com.hk

Mothercare Selling affordable, high-quality products, this is a one-stop shop for maternity, baby and children’s needs. mothercare.com.hk

oh baby

PEKIP

Silver Cross

Silver Cross Leading British pram maker Silver Cross has collaborated with high-profile brands, including Aston Martin, to develop what has become one of the world’s most

It’s never too early to take up an activity. PEKiP is a developmental course, aimed at giving infants a headstart in life. Classes are designed to aid physical and mental development, stimulate motor skills, intensify the parent/baby bond and encourage early socialisation. pekip.com.hk

sought-after pram brands.

Its reputation for design and quality has helped it become a long-serving supplier to the British royal family. Flagship store in TST. silvercrossbaby.com

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Shopping

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Pacific Place

SHOPPING MALLS Hongkongers have turned shopping into an art form. The city’s plethora of malls offer retail therapy and a retreat from the heat Pacific Place Located above Admiralty MTR station, this luxury mall is home to many international designer brands as well as more affordable names. It also houses an upmarket cinema and a host of restaurants and cafés. pacificplace.com.hk

Times Square Located in Causeway Bay, Times Square houses more than 230 mid- and upscale brands, popular with locals and tourists alike. Elaborate

displays are often set up at the entrance during festivals and public holidays. timessquare.com.hk

Elements This massive Kowloon shopping mall consists of five zones themed around the elements – metal, wood, water, fire and earth. It features a fantastic range of international brands, a large selection of restaurants, an ice rink and what is currently the largest cinema in Hong Kong. elementshk.com

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IFC Mall This Central mall offers midto high-end shopping, plus a host of bars and restaurants.

With spectacular harbour views, the Rooftop Gardens are open in both daytime and evening and are free. ifc.com.hk

The Landmark A four-floor mall located in Central and adjoining the Mandarin Oriental, this mall is home to some of the world’s most exclusive and premium luxury brands. landmark.hk

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THE ARCADE, CYBERPORT Cyberport leads the way in inspiring young people to follow technology and mathematical pathways

C

yberport, the incubator of digital tech startups based in Pok Fu Lam, is working to inspire more young people to follow technology and mathematical pathways in their education and become the best coders, programmers and digital innovators in tomorrow’s world.

In a push to encourage future generations to become part of the ever-expanding and exciting digital technology start-up industry, the hub offers after-school classes in coding, STEAM learning and maths as well as more traditional subjects such as Mandarin which is offered in group and private classes.

Dalton Learning Lab Dalton Learning Lab bridges the gap between the familiar standards-based education system and the technological needs of our future economy.

The Lab provides futurefocused, project-based STEAM learning for children aged between 5 and 13 years in a state-of-the-art facility which

spreads across 5,400 square feet.

In a future that is set to be dominated by Artificial Intelligence, Dalton Learning Lab equips children with skills such as divergent thinking, design thinking, problem solving and digital fluency.

The project-based learning (PBL) courses are led by industry professionals and guided by qualified educators in classes after-school, on weekends and during holidays. Classes include AI and Machine Learning, Coding, Robotics, Digital Art and Digital Music. 2362 9003; daltonlearninglab.com

Koding Kingdom Founded in 2013, Koding Kingdom has provided coding courses to over 5,000 students from the ages of

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3 to 15 years. Classes are delivered through learning centres, in schools and through other affiliated organisations.

As the largest professional coding institution for children in Hong Kong, Koding Kingdom offer a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance digital literacy, develop interdisciplinary skills and stimulate different types of intelligence.

Through a fun and interactive environment

sponsored feature Koding Kingdom teach students the fundamentals of computer coding; how to communicate with computers and how to express themselves with computers in a creative way.

The innovative company offers offer an experience that prepares students for a future in which digital literacy is vitally important for success in many domains. 3706 8917; kodingkingdom.com

2330 6382; lukchan.com/ parent/eng

PIPPO EDU PIPPO EDU is a creative learning center, aiming to provide fun, engaging, and creative learning programs for children in the neighborhood.

Currently we offer Mandarin and English language classes for all ages, STEAM, Art and Cooking programs for kids.

2487 1268; pippoedu.com

Luk Chan Chinese Language School (Cyberport) Luk Chan Chinese provides standard and systematic Mandarin Chinese training and exam preparation for children of all ages. Through picture-book reading, Chinese-graded reading, creative and academic writing and classical Chinese children are prepared for international IGCSE, IB, AP and HSK exam courses. Students are taught to comprehensively elevate their language proficiency, literary attainments and cultural understanding.

S.A.M S.A.M stands for Seriously Addictive Mathematics.

A mathematics learning program from Singapore, with a unique mathematics curriculum that has been designed for students aged from 4 to 12 years.

The curriculum is primarily modelled on the Singapore Mathematics program, ranked as one of the most successful in the world according to the TIMSS (Trends in International Maths & Science Study).

Research has shown that early exposure to maths’ concepts and skills enhance a child’s confidence in maths in their later years.

The comprehensive S.A.M training system ensures that our trainers deliver a consistent and quality learning experience. Children are taught with the help of over 30,000 pages of meticulously designed self-learning worksheets. S.A.M’s holistic approach to mathematics combines classroom learning and worksheet practice to equip students with an early advantage in Singapore Maths and stay ahead of their peers. 2670 0308; seriouslyaddictivemaths.hk

The Arcade, Cyberport 100 Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam; 3166 3111; arcade.cyberport.hk

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markets

MARKETS

Browse the stalls at Hong Kong’s favourite markets to discover the weird and the wonderful

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Cat Street antiques market

Cat Street (Sheung Wan) From mass-produced Chairman Mao memorabilia to vintage coins and Buddha statues, this small bric-abrac market on Upper Lascar Row is awash with Hong Kong curios and kitsch.

Bird Market (Prince Edward) Also known as Yuen Po Bird Garden, there are all sorts

Yuen Po Bird Garden

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markets of birds for sale as well as beautiful bamboo cages, accessories and bird food, which includes bags of creepy crawlies. Combine with visits to the nearby flower and goldfish markets.

Fa Yuen Street (Mong Kok) More of a local than a tourist market, this is the place to pick up bargains including cheap casual clothing, mobile phone accessories, fresh fruit and vegetables and small electronic goods. Its southern section is popularly known as “Sneaker Street” for its abundance of shops selling sports shoes.

Temple Street Night Market Spread out over almost a kilometre between Jordan and Yau Ma Tei MTR stations, Hong Kong’s largest and liveliest night market comes to life after the sun goes down. Most stalls sell typical tourist fare, small

Flower Market, Prince Edward

electronic goods, cheap bags and clothing, but you’ll also find clusters of fortune tellers, karaoke crooners and even Cantonese opera singers plying their trade. It’s also a great place to taste local snacks and food.

Tung Choi Street Goldfish Market Even if you’re not in the market for an aquatic pet, this quirky Mong Kok market is worth a browse. All kinds of species and colour of goldfish, which are a symbol

of good fortune in Chinese culture, are displayed in plastic bags and tanks, offering some fantastic photo opportunities if nothing else.

Snakes, lizards and other exotic pets can be found here.

Jade Market (Yau Ma Tei) This covered market with more than 400 stalls sells all grades and colours of jade, pearls, semi-precious stones and other kinds of beaded jewellery. Great for inexpensive gifts.

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Ladies’ Market

Ladies Market (Mong Kok) Stall upon stall of fake designer clothes and accessories as well as cheap tees and HK souvenirs. Dolce & Banana, anyone?

Pottinger Street (Central) Central’s go-to place for every dressing-up costume under the sun and all kinds of fun accessories including multicoloured wigs, fake moustaches, glitter hairspray and feather boas. Seasonal decorations sold too.

projects, dressmaking and decorations. Head to Yu Chau Street for beads, buttons and ribbons; Tai Nan Street for leather goods; Ki Lung Street for beautiful fabrics; and Fuk Wa Street for cheap decorations, dressups and bits and pieces for the kids. When you need a break, Café Sausalito on Tai Nan Street sells a mean cup of Java.

Sham Shui Po A sprawling network of streets and shops selling everything for craft 166 Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

Did you know?

Most districts have a “wet market” with stalls selling fresh, seasonal fruit and veg, meat, poultry and seafood, often very cheaply. Some feature cooked food and household goods too.

Stanley Market While it can get overrun by tourists, Stanley Market is always good for a wander. Covered shops sell everything from kids’ clothes and sports shoes to embroidered bedlinen, cashmere and handbags.

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ONLINE SHOPPING

Can’t find what you want in the supermarkets? Pick and click whatever you need from the comfort of your own home British Essentials This is the official online retail partner of UK supermarket, Morrison’s. Check out its selection of own-label groceries. britishessentials.hk

Feather & Bone This popular butcher and delicatessen stocks artisanal preserves, seasonal meats and cheeses and quality kitchen products at a few locations across HK. featherandbone.com.hk 168 Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

online shopping

Fashion websites that ship to Hong Kong Asos: asos.com Charles & Keith: charleskeith.com J Crew: jcrew.com.hk Net-a-Porter: net-a-porter.com Next: nextdirect.com Revolve Clothing: revolveclothing.com Shopbop: shopbop.com Shop the Mag: shopthemag.com The Outnet: theoutnet.com

honestbee This online retailer recently arrived in Hong Kong from Singapore and features more than 10,000 products. honestbee sources its products from a wide range of stores and offers sameday delivery. honestbee.hk

Farmer’s Kitchen Founded by Hong Kong expat, Emma Pike, this company offers high-quality Australian meats direct from a farm to your door. farmerskitchen.com.hk

iHerb This online grocery retailer from the US sells a large

range of natural and organic food, health and beauty products, many of which are much cheaper than buying from health-food shops here. hk.iherb.com

Jou Sun This website stocks groceries and household products from retailers, farmers and importers across Hong Kong. jousun.com

South Stream Seafoods Well-established in Hong Kong, South Stream stocks a wide range of fresh and frozen seafood, chicken and meat as well as organic fruit and vegetables. south-stream-seafoods.com

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Wine & dine

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HONG KONG SPECIALITIES

Where to take guests for a real Hong Kong experience Jumbo Kingdom Take a rustic sampan (or the more functional shuttle from Shum Wan Pier) through Aberdeen harbour to lunch aboard Hong Kong’s iconic floating restaurant, Jumbo Kingdom. Built in 1976 to resemble an imperial Chinese palace, the landmark is adorned with colourful Chinese dragons and intricate murals that make excellent photo backdrops. As for food, expect traditional Cantonese fine dining, and do try the most famous dish: flaming “drunken” shrimp prepared tableside. jumbokingdom.com.

Maxim’s Palace City Hall For a taste of old Hong Kong yum cha, head to Maxim’s at City Hall. The huge banquet room is rammed at weekends, but the line moves quickly. As tradition dictates, the service is brisk and impersonal, but the restaurant serves more than 100 varieties of dim sum and decent bo lei tea. Flag down the trolley ladies pushing oldfashioned carts stacked high with baskets of your favourites: har

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gow, cheung fun, spring rolls, egg tarts and taro balls. Colourful, cheerful and endearingly kitsch, Maxim’s Palace is a comfortable yet authentic experience. Get there before 11am to avoid the queues. maximschinese.com.hk

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Tim Ho Wan Michelin-starred dim sum?

Yep, Tim Ho Wan is the real deal. Serving the cheapest Michelin-starred food in the world, Tim Ho Wan is a must-try. Don’t expect award-winning service, but the food is awesome. Even if you order a tower of dim sum baskets, your bill will rarely exceed $50 a head.

Be prepared for long lines at weekends. timhowan.com

Yung Kee Another Hong Kong stalwart, Yung Kee started as a humble cooked-food stall and now stretches across several floors in the heart of Central. The menu is mind-bogglingly long, but you can’t go wrong with the signatures. It is famed for its roasted goose and the century-old eggs in particular make for a photo opportunity. yungkee.com.hk

The Peninsula Is there anything grander than sipping tea from porcelain cups under the ornate ceilings of Hong Kong’s grand dame hotel? Served in The Lobby, The Peninsula’s afternoon tea commands long lines every weekend. The scones alone are worth queuing for, and don’t get us started on the homemade clotted cream. Get there early, and remember: pinkies up. peninsula.com Peninsula Afternoon Tea

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HK specialities

HONG KONG SNACKS GUIDE Try some popular local flavours

Wonton noodles Hong Kong-style French toast

Zaa leung

Siu mai

Pineapple bun

Stinky tofu

Curry fish balls

Egg tarts

Milk tea

Char siu bao

Egg waffles

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BEST RESTAURANTS

Hongkongers love eating out and the city is home to thousands of restaurants, serving every kind of cuisine possible. Here are a few we think you should know about.

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restaurants Wooloomooloo Prime As you’d expect from a steakhouse, Wooloomooloo Prime serves the best cuts from Australia and the US as well as various seafood options. The floorto-ceiling windows and outdoor terrace offer spectacular views of Tsim Sha Tsui and the surrounding Victoria Harbour, perfect for unobstructed views of the fireworks at New Year. wooloo-mooloo.com

Best firew for orks

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B comest f foodort

The Salted Pig This quirky eatery is all about pork and even the dĂŠcor is pig themed. Bangers and mash, crackling pork belly and grilled Australian organic pork chops are just some of the dishes for which the restaurant is famed but there are plenty of nonporcine options on the menu too. thesaltedpig.com.hk

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restaurants Shore

Best c loungosy e

Shore has a cosy outdoor terrace coupled with an excellent reputation for steaks, with dry-aged and wet-aged cuts imported from the US, Canada, Australia and Scotland. It is an excellent option for entertaining, especially if you have friends and family from out of town. shore.com.hk

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Hutong

Best of Ho view ng Ko Island ng

Hutong serves northern Chinese food in a setting that resembles a traditional Beijing courtyard house, complete with terracotta tiles, traditional red lanterns, and antique wooden furniture. The spectacular view of the city’s skyline is best enjoyed at night or accompanied by the weekend brunch. hutong.com.hk

The Butchers Club The Butchers Club restaurants are carnivore heaven. Not only does the group only use prime Australian beef, it dry ages the succulent cuts of meat at its deli-cum-privatekitchen facility in Wong Chuk Hang.

The beef for its famous Black Angus burgers is minced to order in front of the customer and the signature bacon cheeseburgers have been mentioned in the Michelin guide. Twice. thebutchers.club

Best r burge

A Butchers Club event

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for Best ies famil FRITES The kids’ play areas at all FRITES locations are a big pull for families. Enjoy beer and mussels while the kids run wild. A dedicated children’s menu caters for all.frites.hk

Sevva

FRITES

Best guestfor s

Along with its sophisticated decor and delicious food, Sevva has an awesome terrace with jaw-dropping views of the cityscape. Go for sundowners created by the in-house mixologist and tapas-style plates or treat yourself to an entire evening of wining and dining. sevva.hk

Sevva

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The Ocean The Ocean is easily one of the most stunning restaurants in Hong Kong. With incredible views of Repulse Bay and a menu created by Michelinstarred chef Olivier Bellin, which focuses entirely on seafood, it’s sure to impress. theocean.hk

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B sea est view

restaurants

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B heaest l foodthy Grassroots Pantry

Cull ‘N Pistol

Grassroots Pantry’s healthy plant-based cuisine uses sustainable, organic and locally sourced ingredients. Its large menu offers raw, vegan, Buddhist-friendly, glutenand nut-free options that are beautifully presented and taste delicious. Reasonable set menus make this chic eatery a popular lunching spot. grassrootspantry.com

Get your fill of delicious seafood at Cull ‘N Pistol (named after lobsters that have one or both claws missing).

Feast on timeless a la carte ocean classics such as clam

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bakes, mussels, jumbo prawns and fresh fish of the day or go for a long and lazy weekend brunch (11am-4pm), washed down with a signature cocktail.

Non-seafood eaters are also catered for. cullnpistol.com.hk

B sea est food

sponsored feature

PRIME DESIGN Upmarket steakhouse Wooloomooloo Prime has a stunning new look and a delicious new menu to match

P

remium Hong Kong steakhouse Wooloomooloo Prime is renowned for its exceptional location and sky-high terrace, both of which offer breathtaking 270-degree views of the surrounding metropolis between Tsim Sha Tsui and Victoria Harbour.

However, the chic new design of Wooloomooloo Group’s 10,000-square-foot flagship restaurant atop The ONE in Tsim Sha Tsui might mean that diners will be turning their gaze inside instead.

With floor-to-ceiling windows, the elegant dining room has been designed by Hernan Zanghellini and is bathed in sulty red and gold, paying homage to its Hong Kong roots.The restaurant also features a stunning blueand green-tinged lounge and

cocktail bar, which leads onto the fabled terrace, and a decadent wine rack at the entrance, offering an amazing selection of wines.

To celebrate its new look, the restaurant has also launched a versatile new menu including exclusive signature cuts that elevate steakhouse fine dining to the next level.

Serious steak lovers will enjoy Stockyard’s finest wagyu beef, kiwami, which represents the very best of the best, and John Stone’s prized dry-aged beef from

Ireland (Wooloomooloo Prime is the only restaurant in Hong Kong serving its iconic bone-in tenderloin). Also exclusive to the restaurant is awardwinning Aberdeen Angus beef, dry-aged for 45 days, from Rhug Estate Organic Farm in North Wales, which has been supplying Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide for 20 years. Introducing more versatility to the menu, Rhug’s legendary Barnsley Lamb Chop is another new treat, with a double helping of premium organic tenderloin on the bone, complete with fillet and a generous edge of juicy fat.

Treat yourself to a whole Wooloomooloo experience, starting with sundowners and free canapes from 5-7pm daily, and working your way onto the main menu for a truly exceptional evening.

Level 21, The ONE, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2870 0087, woo-prime.com

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PRIVATE KITCHENS Get a group of friends together and take advantage of the city’s thriving private kitchen scene. With innovative dishes in intimate and unusual settings, what’s not to love?

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private kitchens

Yin Yang Coastal

M Cuisine

Cuore If you enjoy dining in a homely atmosphere, make a booking with Italian chef Andrea Oschetti. He runs his private kitchen from a fabulous loft in Wong Chuk Hang, and serves up authentic Italian dishes made with top-class ingredients, many of which have been flown from his motherland.

He also runs a small-group cooking masterclass. cuoreprivatechef.com

DineArt DineArt embodies everything that Wong Chuk Hang’s reimagined spaces have to offer by fusing an art gallery

with a private kitchen. Chef Cosimo Taddei has created a menu full of authentic Italian flavours, which is proving extremely popular with diners looking for a different dining experience. Both the art and the food change regularly. The dining space seats up to 32 guests at lunch and 24 guests in the evening (private dining only). dinearthk.com

Masala Bay Indian food doesn’t get much better than the spread cooked up by Vandana Anand. Operating out of her Clearwater Bay home, she caters for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike and will

Run by chef Margaret Xu, Yin Yang Coastal on Ting Kau Beach, Tsuen Wan, is the definition of a hidden gem. The sixand 10-course tasting menus focus on Inside r healthy Cantonese tip cuisine, made using organic ingredients and homemade sauces. yinyang.hk

serve appetisers in her lovely garden if the weather permits.

Her butter chicken is to die for. masalabayhk@gmail.com

M Cuisine Behind a large dark wooden door on the 17th floor of one of Wong Chuk Hang’s many industrial buildings, chef Michael Erlik hosts private events, cooking classes and wine tastings, all centred around healthy and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. m-cuisine.com

Pomegranate Kitchen Eastern Mediterranean flavours meet Southeast Asian spices at Pomegranate Kitchen in Wong Chuk Hang.

Choose brunch, light canapes, sharing platters, fine dining, or go off-menu with a custom arrangement. pomegranate.com.hk DineArt

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BRUNCHES

Cafe Deco

Get your weekend off to a great start with these fabulous brunches The Verandah Sunday brunch is a spectacular affair at the oh-so-elegant Verandah, which is part of the Repulse Bay complex. Seafood lovers can pile their plates with Alaskan king crab legs, oysters and prawns, or load up on dim sum, sashimi, salads, fresh pasta and the chocolate fountain. Book early for a table by the window. therepulsebay.com

The Verandah

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brunches

Ozone

Ozone For a luxurious afternoon, head to sky-high Ozone at the Ritz-Carlton. Not only is it the highest brunch in the world, but it is also one of the most decadent in town. Indulge in oysters, wagyu beef, a huge spread of sashimi, charcuterie and fresh lobster. ritzcarlton.com

CafĂŠ Deco Sunday brunch at CafĂŠ Deco is a family friendly affair, with reduced prices for four- to 11-year-olds and under fours eating for free. Diners can feast on the outstanding seafood buffet, which includes freshly shucked oysters

208 Duecento Otto 208 is a popular brunch spot at weekends as families enjoy the semi-buffet and options of mains or pizzas. A play area keeps the kids entertained. 208.com.hk

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Pirata

and a cooking station for mussels and crepes, before moving onto a choice of main course. Don’t forget to leave room for desserts, which are equally as yummy. Located on the 20th floor of The One in Tsim Sha Tsui, the urban views are pretty cool too. cafedecogroup.com

Kitchen at the W Hong Kong

Pirata

Zuma

This laid-back brunch option in Wan Chai serves up classic Italian fare. Choose from the free-flow antipasti station followed by a starter, main and dessert selection. Kids’ options include pasta, meatballs and fried mozzarella sandwiches.

Crayons and colouring sheets are on hand too. pirata.hk

Zuma’s free-flow champagne brunches are a popular choice, with mountains of sushi, sashimi, tempura and salads. Kids can enjoy the play area as well as a well-thought-out children’s menu including specially designed bento boxes. zumarestaurant.com.hk

Head to Kitchen at W Hong Kong for a classic spread including salads, seafood, pasta, pizza, sushi, a carvery and a huge dessert selection.

Saturday is family day, with one child (four-11 years old) eating free with every paying adult. w-hongkong.com/ kitchen

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Zuma

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The Old Man

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bars & clubs

BARS & CLUBS Watering holes with a difference COCKTAIL BARS The Old Man Named after Ernest Hemingway’s classic novel, The Old Man and The Sea, this cosy speakeasy is Hemingway-themed, from the creative mural to the names of the cocktails, which are some of the most interesting and best-mixed in town. Guests will love the cooling strip that runs down the centre bar to help keep drinks chilled. theoldmanhk.com

Iron Fairies A whopping 10,000 butterflies hanging from thin copper rods that flutter with the air movement inside the bar are just one of the otherworldly decorative elements. There are also thousands of bottles of fairy dust, iron fairies, handcrafted chandeliers, and even a children’s book trilogy written by the bar’s interior designer Ashley Sutton. Enjoy a lively evening out here, particularly on nights with live music. diningconcepts.com/ restaurants/Iron-Fairies

Bar De Luxe Attire House, a haven for men’s tailoring and grooming at 8 Wyndham Street, has opened an in-store Japanese

Ophelia

cocktail bar. Signature cocktails include the Hidden Gem with Nikka from the Barrel whisky, Japanese Yomogi herb liqueur, Averna Amaro and sugar cane syrup.

Light bar bites include cold cuts, cheese and olives. attire-house.com/bar

For a sidecar of fantasy with your favourite cocktails, Ophelia is the place. Designed by Ashley Sutton, this mesmerising wonderland features caged dancers, hand-painted tiles, plush furniture and peacock feathers. ophelia.com.hk

Bar De Luxe

Ping Pong 129 Gintoneria Behind a small red door, marked with the Chinese characters for “Ping Pong City”, a staircase leads down to a large living room-style area lit up by glowing neon lights. Gin is the spirit of choice at this cool bar and there is an entire menu of flavours. Drinks are served in stunning glass goblets from Spain, with large round bases to enhance the aromatics in the gin, which is kept cool by a beautiful square block of ice. If the munchies hit, the small but well-curated food list is worth a try. pingpong129.com

For wine enthusiasts

Inside r tip

Award-winning winemaker, critic and TV personality behind The Flying Winemaker, Eddie McDougall is one of Asia’s leading voices in wine. His operation in Hong Kong sells more than 600 wines online and also hosts regular tastings.

McDougall also pioneered the Rosé Revolution events to promote the delights of the pink drink. flyingwinemaker.com.hk

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Mavericks

Cé La Vi It’s hard to argue with the rooftop views at Cé La Vi, which makes for a glittering night out with a well-heeled crowd. As well as a restaurant, lounge and club, the rooftop is an adult playground of sorts, featuring a huge Jacuzzi, DJ beats and panoramic views across Central and MidLevels. hk.celavi.com

BEACH BARS Mavericks Whether you are escaping the city for the day or camping out overnight, be sure to pay a visit to Mavericks. The surf shack-inspired restaurant is a sanctuary on Lantau’s tranquil Pui O Beach and has a relaxed atmosphere with an open-air setting. Mavericks is decked out with wooden furniture, artsy wall murals and countless surfboards.

The grub on the menu is good too, serving street foods such as burgers, tuna platters and wonton nachos. Kick back with a beer in hand and enjoy the sunset. Open only at weekends. mavericks.hk

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Hotshot If laidback surrounds, craft beer, fresh food and alfresco dining sounds like a winning combination, then you’re sure to love Hotshot in the pulse.

This beachfront beauty is as cool as they come, with its surf-skater vibes. Vintage photos, games and surfboards line the walls, adding loads of colour and attitude. On the tables, the 60s California feel continues, with oldschool ketchup and mustard containers alongside retro napkin dispensers. The food follows suit with a West-Coastinspired menu that includes chunky guac, tacos, fried chicken, burgers and lobster rolls. hotshot.hk

bars & clubs CRAFT BEERS The Roundhouse Taproom With a focus on international imports, the extensive craft beer menu changes regularly, with dozens of bottles and 25 taps. Pair your pint with offerings from the Texas-style barbecue. roundhouse.com.hk

The Globe Hong Kong’s first craft beer bar has an ever-increasing beer list and lots of revolving beers on tap. theglobe.com.hk

The Roundhouse Taproom

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Photo by Mark Lehmkuhler

Great escapes

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BIG DAYS OUT Exciting adventures for all the family

Zoom

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

If you want something more thrilling, try Zoom.

The brainchild of boating enthusiast and long-term Hong Kong resident Nigel Davis, Zoom specialises in highspeed 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. Trips begin either at Aberdeen or Causeway Bay and venture out to Tai O, Po Toi, Stanley, Plover Cove, Lamma, Sai Kung’s Geopark and more. If you have a trip suggestion, get in touch and Davis can work out a package. zoomribs.hk

Try kiteboarding If wakeboarding and surfing are too mainstream for

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F sunor day ny s

you, head over to the Kiteboarding Association of Hong Kong to try something new. Kiteboarding is a type of wave riding that combines elements of paragliding, windsurfing and wakeboarding.

March to August provides optimal conditions for beginners and intermediates to learn and develop the watersport. Offering one-day or three-day packages, the Hong Kong Kiteboarding Association teaches beginners and intermediates the basics and provides all equipment. kiteboarding.org.hk

big days out

Outdoors for a cause Challenge yourself with one of Outward Bound’s outdoor adventure experiences.

The charity aims to develop resilient and compassionate individuals by equipping them with life skills gained through powerful experiences and challenging practical tasks.

These include hiking, sailing, sea kayaking, rock climbing and bushcraft. Courses are available for families as well as schools and companies. outwardbound.org.hk

Go on an actionpacked adventure Kayak into the blue, paddling to waterfalls or villages against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s mountainous horizons. ATeam Edventures offers paddlers a day of kayaking combined with either hiking, canyoning, camping or snorkelling. Tours also include customised trips for the entire family or even a romantic excursion for two.

Offering add-on activities such as surfing and stand-up paddleboarding, the tours are flexible and include lunch.

Night owls can opt for the Cheung Chau night paddle, a moonlight kayak followed by a tour of the night market where there is a variety of local food and drink on offer. ateamedventures.com

Explore Hong Kong’s hidden gems Visit the flipside of Hong Kong with Adventure Tours: travel back in time to a Hakka village, snorkel in Hoi Ha, sail around the Ninepin Islands or go on a geotour of Plover Cove Country Park.

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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 ecological pockets within the metropolis. All activities are provided by Adventure Tours and conducted in English.

Running from July until November, tours are available in private groups of eight to ten in addition to scheduled group tours. adventuretours.hk

DIY Water Sports

ATeam Edventures

Go dolphin watching The Chinese white dolphin (also known as the pink dolphin) was first recorded in local waters as early as the 1600s, although the population has been in decline since the mid1990s. Sea Kayak Hong Kong runs a Kayak Dolphin Watching Tour so even if you don’t catch a glimpse of dolphins, you can still have fun on the water. Beginning at Tong Fuk Beach or Lamma Island, a boat takes you west to the southernmost tip of Lantau Island, where you can paddle around some of the most untouched areas of Hong Kong, to catch a sight of pink dolphins in their natural habitat. Sea Kayak Hong Kong also offers standard tours, including kayaking, around the northern and southern coasts of Lamma Island. seakayakhongkong.com

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Hire your own equipment for water sport activities at the many government-funded water centres around Hong Kong Island and the New Territories. Available equipment varies depending on location, ranging from kayaks, sampans and sailing dinghies to windsurfing boards. The Chong Hing site in Sai Kung also houses a number of land-based facilities such as an archery range, basketball court, multi-purpose lawn, campfire and barbecue sites.

Also in Sai Kung is the Jockey Club Wong Shek Water Sports Centre. Southside locations include Stanley Main Beach and St Stephen’s Beach.

Note these water centres only rent equipment to those with the necessary certification.

Centres are open from 8am to 5.30pm. For price and application enquiries visit lcsd.gov.hk

big days out

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InterContinental

Treat yourself to afternoon tea Afternoon tea is a longstanding Hong Kong tradition.

For an iconic setting with music, soaring arches and classic architecture, try The Peninsula (Salisbury Road, TST) with plate after plate of pastries, finger sandwiches, and English scones. There are many other hotel options, including the Sheraton Hotel (Nathan Road, TST) for a panoramic harbour view; the InterContinental (Salisbury Road, TST) for excellent

Did you know?

Tea is the most widely consumed beverage after water. Turkey is the world’s biggest consumer of tea per capita and China is its leading producer.

smoked-salmon sandwiches; the Mandarin Oriental (Connaught Road Central) for its signature rose-petal jam; and the Four Seasons Hotel (Finance Street, Central) for fresh mint gelato. For gorgeous beach views and a glimpse of a bygone era, try

204 Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

fooFdor ies

The Verandah (Repulse Bay Road), formerly the Repulse Bay Hotel.

Try a tea workshop Tea is big in Hong Kong – the city even has its own museum dedicated to tea ware (Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware in Hong Kong Park).

Discover different varieties of tea, and try your hand at traditional brewing at Quarry Bay tea house MingCha. Alternatively, learn about complementary flavours in a

big days out

MingCha tea workshop

tasting workshop that pairs Chinese teas with chocolate, pastries, and even Spanish hams. MingCha sources tea from farms across China, and hosts various workshops for novices and tea connoisseurs alike. mingcha.com

Go on a food tour Hong Kong is packed with Chinese restaurants, noodle shops and street food but it’s not always easy to know where to go and what to order. Little Adventures in Hong Kong (LAHK) operates bespoke tasting tours around Sham Shui Po, Yau Ma Tei,

Central and Sheung Wan. 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 while you feast on traditional dishes. Private tours available. littleadventuresinhongkong. com

Hong Kong Living Guide 2018 205

Watch a movie

F rainor day y s

As well as the usual blockbusters, film festivals are run annually and cinemas occasionally show live performances from The Met, the Bolshoi Ballet and more.

For an old-school theatre experience, try Golden Harvest Grand Ocean (Canton Road, Kowloon). cinema.com.hk uacinemas.com.hk

Get creative Paint your own masterpiece at Artjamming. The Wong Chuk Hang venue, which boasts a garden terrace and an indoor studio, provides all the necessary painting equipment.

Catering options and projector screens are available on request. artjamming.com

Go bowling Tropically themed TikiTiki Bowling Bar in Sai Kung offers fun for all the family, with 10

lanes, video screens, disco lights and music, snacks and drinks, a live music lounge and in- and outdoor bars.

When you’re done bowling, pop down to Crazy Cow Café (2710 9222) on the ground floor of the same building and treat yourself to French pastries and a coffee. tikitiki.hk

Strike a pose Have your own photo shoot.

Book a session with Venture Studios and get its talented team to take your portrait.

Your family’s unique look and story will be captured in Venture’s cool and quirky images, and the company’s

206 Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

professionals will then turn the shots of your choice into pieces of personalised framed art. Pregnancies, newborns, babies, families and pets all accommodated. venturephotography.com

Go wild With zip wires, trampolines, obstacle walls, climbing walls, pedal car racing, baseball nets, basketball hoops, golf range, skate and scoot park and gymnastics area, Superpark is bursting at the seams with indoor activities for all the family. We dare you not to sleep well after a day spent here. superpark.com.hk

Hong Kong Living Guide 2018 207

W

For thse kid

ith its rides, shows and themed areas, the magic of Hong Kong Disneyland will be loved by little ones, although parents should be prepared for crowds, queues and high temperatures. Make a weekend of it and have breakfast with Disney characters at the Disneyland Hotel. If you don’t fancy a trip to Lantau, there’s always Magical World. This Hong Kong-meets-Disney 4D experience uses augmented reality technology, sounds, smells and special lighting effects to create an allround sensory experience. magicalworld.com.hk, hongkongdisneyland.com

Cool down Escape the heat and head onto the ice rink at Kowloon’s

shopping centres, Elements, MegaBox (the only internationally sized rink in the city), Festival Walk and Dragon Centre, or Cityplaza Ice Palace in Tai Koo Shing.

Figure skating and ice hockey lessons available for all levels.

Go for a ride A Hong Kong must-visit, Ocean Park has something for everyone including pandas, seals, an amazing aquarium, a dedicated playground for littlies and hair-raising rides.

Best to go as soon as the park opens at 9.30am as it gets super busy, especially at weekends. oceanpark.com.hk

Just jump Ryze’s energetic indoor venue features trampoline fields, trapezes, zip wires, foam pits, obstacle courses,

208 Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

launching decks and angled wall trampolines. Perfect for older kids and teenagers. ryzehongkong.com

Climb the walls Verm City’s colourful climbing gym features a Clip-n-Climb Park for kids aged four and over as well as tougher climbing challenges and bouldering walls for teens and adults. vermcity.com

Go racing Try your hand at slotcar racing with ARace.

The electrically powered miniature cars are slotted into a custom-built circuit, and controlled with wireless handsets. ARace hosts fun sessions and parties for adults, families, kids and teens. Advanced booking is required. arace.hk

big days out

F aduor lts Try stand-up-paddleboarding yoga Dee Cheung and Nadine Bubner invite you to swap the gym for the sea and a session of stand up paddle boarding yoga. Train your muscles to achieve the ultimate balance by getting bendy on the water. SUP Hong Kong runs regular classes teaching the basics of yoga on the water at Stanley Bay. supyogahongkong.com

Take an art tour With more than two hundred art galleries freckled around Hong Kong, choosing which to visit can be difficult.

Accidental Art has put together curated art tours of the city (including both street art and galleries), which are a great way to meet like-minded people while discovering new art.

Do aerial yoga on the beach

The most popular districts for browsing art are SoHo and Wong Chuk Hang. accidentalart.co

Kayak and hike Adventure, escape and explore sums up Paul Etherington’s tours of Hong Kong’s stunning Geopark, in Sai Kung.

Although kayaking through some of the territory’s most pristine waters is the main activity, he will get you hiking up hills too. Visit amazing caves and deserted beaches, and see another side of Hong Kong. kayak-and-hike.com

Bamboo Yoga runs full-day workshops, starting with an aerial yoga class at Yoga Bam Bam in Central (learning poses in hammocks), followed by a hike to Tai Long Wan beach, where students will employ their newly gained aerial yoga skills on bamboo tripods. eventbrite.hk

Hong Kong Living Guide 2018 209

F hikeor rs Take a hike Hong Kong is blessed with hundreds of hiking trails. Here are a few options to get you out and about: Tai Long Wan Start at Sai Wan Pavilion, in Sai Kung Country Park, accessible by bus 29R from Chan Man Street, Sai Kung. Cool off mid-hike at Sai Wan Beach, then continue over the headland for noodles at Ham Tin Wan. You could end here by taking a boat back to Sai Kung Pier, or keep hiking past Chek Keng cove and end at Pak Tam Au, where you can take a bus back to Sai Kung town. This hike to the finest

beaches in Hong Kong takes four to five hours.

Lai Chi Chong The Lai Chi Chong trail starts at Pak Sha O and ends at Shui Long O. This six-hour hike follows Sai Kung’s western shore. Along the way, snap photos of the coastal volcanic sedimentary rocks and Sham Chung’s open grasslands.

Hong Kong Island Everyone’s go-to hike, the relaxed three-hour Dragon’s Back trail starts at To Tei Wan and ends at Big Wave Bay, twisting through Shek O Country Park with views of Shek O, Stanley, Tai Tam and the South China Sea. If you feel like tackling the Hong Kong Trail, Section 1 offers

210 Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

Hiking essential Pick up a copy of The Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Hiking Guide, which is available online from saikung.com and select Bookazine stores. The book is packed with inspiring ideas for hikes, from pushchairfriendly walks to more challenging trails over mountainous terrain as well as interesting local knowledge and gorgeous photos.

a meandering two-hour hike from Victoria Peak to Pok Fu Lam Reservoir. Start at the Peak Tram Station on Lugard Road and hike past the Peak’s mid-slopes.

big days out

JUNKS

Summer in Hong Kong isn’t complete without a junk trip Michelangelo

Stanley at weekends.

spa treatments, massages and

Cruise Hong Kong waters in style

aqualuna.com.hk

wakeboarding lessons. If you’ve

aboard the stylish Michelangelo.

got little ones in tow, request an

The classy 80ft yacht holds

M Yachts

up to 59 passengers and can

M Yachts’ concierge team

take you on seven different

crafts personalised itineraries

scenic routes including the

that include harbour view

Hong Kong Yachting

Ninepin Islands. Extras such

parties, hidden island tours

Hong Kong Yachting’s flagship

as a private chef, DJ and jazz

and watersports. The company

boats Jungle Jane and Tarzan

band are available on request.

also offers the services of a

turn heads with their 22ft

michelangelocruises.com

professional videographer

swimming platforms, inflatable

to capture cruise memories

slides and funky lounge furniture.

or guests can take their

Traditional junks available too.

One of Hong Kong’s few

own footage using a GoPro.

hongkongyachting.com

remaining traditional junks, the

myachts.asia

Aqua Luna Aqua Luna operates cruises around Victoria Harbour

infant paddling pool, bumper mat or ball pen. lazydays.com.hk

Jaspa’s Junks

Lazydays

Known as the party junks,

throughout the week

Lazydays’ fleet comprises

Jaspa’s Junks offers

and afternoon

five modern cruisers and

customisable packages

a luxury junk. Toys for hire

(including an endless supply

include giant inflatable slides,

of delicious food and unlimited

inflatable trampolines and

drinks) on each of its six

floating platforms. Customise

boats. Very child friendly too.

your experience by adding on

casteloconcepts.com

cruises to

Hong Kong Living Guide 2018 211

T

he majority of Hong Kong’s museums are bilingual, cheap, easily accessible and offer an airconditioned break as well as educational insights. Many offer free admission one day a week (typically Wednesdays) and interactive exhibits that are great for children. They cover a surprising range of fields, from history and art to considerably more niche interests such as medicine and railways. We’ve picked some of the best for you to explore.

Hong Kong Museum of History The museum’s permanent exhibition, The Hong Kong Story, brings to life thousands of years of Hong Kong history, including the prehistoric era, the Opium War and the handover to China, through dioramas and life-sized exhibits. Look out for artifacts

from ancient dynasties, a modern tram, and get a taste of old Hong Kong by strolling through a reconstructed street complete with a barber, bank, post office and grocer. There is even a traditional Chinese medicine shop which was relocated from its original location stone by stone. hk.history.museum

Hong Kong Maritime Museum 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 ship-bridge simulator is a highlight for children to get a taste of ship-steering and what it’s like to be a seafarer. Make sure

212 Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

musFor loveeum rs

you swing by Cafe 8 for a coffee and one of the best views of the harbour. hkmaritimemuseum.org

Hong Kong Coastal Defence Museum Set in a British fort now more than a century old, this museum offers a fascinating insight into Hong Kong’s military past, from the Ming and Qing period to the British colonial era and the Japanese occupation. Take the

Inside r tip

Many museums offer free general admission on Wednesdays. A Museum Pass offers unlimited admission to permanent and special exhibitions for a year for the price of a coffee.

big days out

Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences

Hong Kong Heritage Museum 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. heritagemuseum.gov.hk

from the former Tai Po Market railway station. The museum was declared a city monument and is dedicated to introducing visitors to Hong Kong’s rail history. Travel back in time to the colonial era by walking on the rail tracks, getting on board and taking pictures in the authentic train compartments. heritagemuseum.gov.hk

Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences Housed in the Old Pathological Institute, this was the battleground of the city’s fight against infectious diseases, including the plague,

Hong Kong Science Museum Boasting more than 350 interactive exhibits, the museum encourages visitors to engage in hands-on exploration of science. With more than 500 exhibits, ignite your child’s curiosity with games, fun facts about electricity, earth formation, motion and more. There is also a children’s gallery/ play zone providing further entertainment, and frequent touring exhibitions. hk.science.museum

Photo by Hong Kong Railway Museum

historical trail through the casemates and passageways to the sea, and explore the array of artefacts on display, including uniforms, maps, cannons, replica torpedos and guns. hk.coastaldefence.museum

smallpox and malaria. Explore the old laboratory of the Bacteriological Institute, Hong Kong’s first clinical and public health laboratory, and see a reconstruction of students dissecting rats for plague surveillance. Visit the Herbalist Shop in the basement to find out about traditional Chinese medicine and learn more about the complex workings of the human body with cutting-edge 3D and 4D displays. hkmms.org.hk

Hong Kong Railway Museum Hidden in vibrant Tai Po Market, this charming open-air museum has been converted Hong Kong Living Guide 2018 213

214 Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

big days out

HONG KONG’S BEST BEACHES Laze away those summer days

Hong Kong Living Guide 2018 215

Photo by Belinda Bamford Repulse Bay

Located on HK’s Southside and reputed to be the “wealthiest neighbourhood on earth”, according to Forbes, the beach has changing rooms, toilets, shower facilities and barbecue pits.

How to get there: Take bus 6A, 6X or 260 from Central Exchange Square.

Repulse Bay Apart from the gorgeous swathe of golden sand, the beach has changing rooms, toilets, shower facilities, a playground and a beach volleyball court. The pulse

shopping centre offers a host of eateries plus a chance to escape the heat. Want something quieter? Try Middle Bay and South Bay beaches, southeast of Repulse Bay on South Bay Road.

How to get there: Take bus 6, 6A, 6X or 260 from Central Exchange Square; buses 63, 65, 73 and 973 or green minibuses 40 and 52.

St Stephen’s Beach Five minutes from Stanley Main Beach, this hidden gem located on the western side of the peninsula is rated as Grade 1 for its water quality by

216 Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

Dog-friendly Right on the waterfront, looking out towards Lamma Island, Cyberport Waterfront Park is a popular area amongst families and dogowners. There is a café and toilet facilities nearby.

Photo by Belinda Bamford

Deep Water Bay

big days out the Environmental Protection Department. The cove is sheltered by surrounding trees and offers pretty views. St Stephen’s Beach Watersports Centre (closed Tuesdays) rents out kayaks, dinghies and windsurfers.

How to get there: Take bus 6, 6A, 6X or 260 to Stanley and walk 15 minutes along Wong Ma Kok Road.

Did you know?

Big Wave Bay Hailed as the birthplace of Hong Kong’s surf scene, this beach is popular with local windsurfers and surfers.

Smaller than neighbouring Shek O (also worth a visit) and easily accessible by road, facilities include a café, showers, toilets, barbecue pits and a car park. Surfboards, deckchairs and other beach essentials can all be bought or rented.

How to get there: Take bus 9 from Shau Kei Wan and alight at the junction of Shek O Road and Big Wave Bay Road, it’s a 10-minute walk from there.

Feeling more adventurous?

Hike there via Dragon’s Back.

Repulse Bay

Cheung Sha Wan Located on southern Lantau, this 3km sandy beach is one of Hong Kong’s longest.

Facilities include changing rooms, showers, umbrella rental, alfresco restaurants and barbecue area.

How to get there: Take the ferry from Central Pier 5 to Mui Wo, followed by bus 1, 2, 3 or 4 to Cheung Sha. Alternatively, take the MTR to Tung Chung and then take the New Lantau Bus 11, 23 or A35 to Cheung Sha.

Many Hong Kong beaches feature shark nets but the last attack was more than 20 years ago.

rental, camping and changing rooms.

How to get there: from Sai Kung town take minibus 29R (outside McDonald’s) or a taxi and alight at the last stop, Sai Wan Pavilion. Follow the signs to Sai Wan. The hike takes around 40 minutes.

Alternatively, buy a speedboat ticket to and from Sai Kung from one of the restaurants.

Beach gear

Tai Long Wan/ Sai Wan Considered one of the most beautiful places in Hong Kong, this secluded spot in the Sai Kung East Country Park has powdery sand and clear waters. Sai Wan is one of four beaches in Tai Long Wan bay.

Neighbouring beaches Ham Tin and Tai Long Wan are popular surfing spots. Facilities include restaurants, surfboard

Look chic on the beach with a Makaron tote, pouch or travel bag and accessories such as beach mats and hats. The gorgeous zigzagged patterned items come in a kaleidoscope of colours and have often been mistaken for Missoni products. makaronfashion.com

Hong Kong Living Guide 2018 217

Bangkok

WEEKEND GETAWAYS Why stop at one fabulous destination when you can visit two?

Bangkok An easy two-and-a-half hour flight from Hong Kong, the Thai capital is full of fun, action and great food. Soak up the sights and sounds in a noisy tail-boat on the Chao Phraya River, ride the Skytrain and battle the markets.

Take it further… Calm things down a notch with a luxury stay at Soneva Kiri on the island of Koh Kood.

The flight (in the resort’s private plane) to this stunning island takes just one hour and transports

you to complete bliss with beachfront and hillside villas, a three-Michelin-star chef, spa and numerous activities for the kids.

Ho Chi Minh City Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City infuses you with energy and immerses you in culture.

Spend a few days exploring the markets, catching a puppet show, filling up on pho Tuk tuk in Bangkok

218 Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

and grabbing some downtime at Villa Song Saigon outside the city centre.

Take it further… The Six Senses Con Dao is a gem of an escape on the southeast

Can’t face Inside r getting on a tip plane? Head up to the Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel for a slice of R&R away from the madding crowds. goldcoasthotel.com.hk

getaways

Nay Palad, Philippines

coast of Vietnam, a short flight from hectic Ho Chi Minh City. There’s no specific kids’ club, but there’s a ton of activities on tap.

Bali If you’re looking for fresh air, tasty local fare, a plethora of child-centric activities and all the shopping, spa-ing and family good times in between, make Bali your first stop. From bike rides to paddle boarding to beach clubs for adults and kids, the family bonding activities are endless.

Take it further… Nihi Sumba Island has twice been voted the best hotel in the world for good reason. The lodge is surrounded by rice terraces

Laos

and grasslands and wraps around Nihiwatu Beach.

Surfing world-famous breaks, explore the bush on horseback or join community projects.

Alternatively, point your little ones in the direction of your private pool and find yourself a shady spot and a cocktail…

Hanoi Head to the Vietnamese capital and get lost in its labyrinth of streets. Stay at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, which offers great family tours customised personally to your requirements by its family vacation advisors.

Take it further… Often, the most magical places are not

Nihi Sumba

the most straightforward to get to, and lovely Luang Prabang in Laos is no exception. An hour’s flight from Hanoi and you’ll soon be exploring its many temples, meandering down the Mekong to the Pak Ou caves, discovering the dramatic menthol-hued Kuang Xi waterfalls and watching the monks collect their morning alms.

Cebu Take a break at the swish Shangri-La Cebu, which is brilliant for families thanks to its babysitting service, kids’ adventure zone, pools and six impressive restaurants.

Take it further… Nay Palad Hideaway (previously known as Dedon Island) is utterly tranquil and thoroughly rejuvenating. Lie by the pool, join a cookery class, watch films in the open-air cinema and, perhaps when no one is watching, enjoy a sneaky bounce on the on-site trampoline.

Hong Kong Living Guide 2018 219

AMBI LABS LIMITED ambiclimate.com

DISCOVERY BAY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL pg.59

Discovery Bay, Lantau; 2987 7331 dbis.edu.hk

pg.110

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL 125 Waterloo Rd, Kowloon Tong; 2336 3812 ais.edu.hk

DISCOVERY MONTESSORI ACADEMY pg.110

92 Siena Ave, Discovery Bay; 2850 8006 childrenworks.net

pg.100

AMPLA EDUCATION 6990 3335 ampla-edu.com

DISCOVERY MONTESSORI SCHOOL pg.114

35-43 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan; 2987 1201 childrenworks.net

pg.90

ALL VOICE TALENT 15F, 41 Connaught Road Central; 2517 0886 allvoicetalent.com

DYSLEXIA SCHOOL SEARCH LTD. pg.124

ARACE 196-198 Tsat Tsz Mui Road, Quarry Bay; 9156 7098 arace.hk

dyslexiaschoolsearch.com

pg.116

EASY-CONNECT pg.208

2-12 Kwai Fat Road, Kwai Chung; 3575 8335 easy-connect.hk

pg.62

AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HONG KONG

FACE PRODUCTIONS

3A Norfolk Road, Kowloon Tong; 2304 6078 aishk.edu.hk

21/F, 28 Cumberland Road, Kowloon Tong; 2501 4861 faceproductions.com.hk pg.122

pg.110

AUTISMILEE

FERNDALE KENNELS

17/F, 138 Sha Tin Rural Committee Road, Sha Tin; 2634 0313 autismilee.com pg.116

SX-2031 Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung Country Park; 2791 9330 ferndalekennels.com pg.81

CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HONG KONG

FLORA EDUCATION (STAMFORD AMERICAN SCHOOL)

36 Nam Long Shan Rd, Wong Chuk Hang; 2525 7088 cdnis.edu.hk

25 Man Fuk Road, Ho Man Tin; 2500 8688

pg.112

pg.110

GLENEAGLES CIERRE 12-22 Blue Pool Road, Happy Valley; 2573 8083 cierre-hk.com

1 Nam Fung Path, Wong Chuk Hang; 2122 1333 gleneagles.hk

pg.129

pg.55

HAN ACADEMY CRAZY COW CAFE 1A Chui Tong Road, Sai Kung; 2710 9222 facebook.com/crazycowcafeHK

33-35 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen; 3998 6300 hanacademy.edu.hk

pg.111

pg.206

HARROW INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HONG KONG CULL ’N PISTOL 55 Tai Hong Street, Lei King Wan; 2513 0199 cullnpistol.com.hk

38 Tsing Ying Road, Tuen Mun; 2824 9099 harrowschool.hk

pg.111

pg.186

HEBE HAVEN YACHT CLUB CYBERPORT 100 Cyberport Rd, Telegraph Bay; 3166 3800 cyberport.hk 220 Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

10.5 Miles Hiram's Highway, Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung; 2719 9682 hhyc.org.hk pg.66 pg.36

directory HONG KONG ACADEMY 33 Wai Man Rd, Sai Kung; 2655 1111 hkacademy.edu.hk

MAKARON pg.111

11D, 4 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang; 9172 1232 makaronfashion.com pg.217

HONG KONG GOLD COAST HOTEL

MALVERN COLLEGE & PRESCHOOL

1 Castle Peak Road, Gold Coast, Tuen Mun; 2452 8888 sino-hotels.com/hk/gold-coast pg.218

1 Yau Cheung Road, Sha Tin; 3898 4688 malverncollege.org.hk

HONG KONG ISLAND STINGRAYS SWIM CLUB

MILLS INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL

teamunify.com

pg.120

8 Cho Yuen Street, Yau Tong; 2717 6336 millsinternational.edu.hk

pg.112

pg.91

HONESTBEE honestbee.hk

pg.169

8/F, 11-15 On Lan Street, Central; 6620 7050 mindfulwingchun.com.hk

HK EDUCATION & TUTORING SERVICES (HKETS) 3/F, 6-8 Pottinger St, Central; 2147 2299 hkets.net

pg.114

pg.59

pg.115

NORD ANGLIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

ISLAND DANCE

11 On Tin Street, Lam Tin; 3958 1488 nordangliaeducation.com

Suite 514, Block C, DB Plaza, Discovery Bay; 2987 1571 islanddance.com.hk pg.122

NOVALASH

JLL

10/F, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central; novalash.hk

6/F, Three Pacific Place, 1 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai; 2846 5000 jll.com.hk pg.98

pg.125

MULBERRY HOUSE Suite 2403, 17-19 Caine Rd, Central; 5598 0509 mulberryhouseasia.com

INSIGHT SCHOOL OF INTERIOR DESIGN HK 24/F, 77 Sheung On Street, Chai Wan; 2114 2021 insightschoolhk.com

MINDFUL WING CHUN

pg.112

pg.148

OUTWARD BOUND 210 Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung; 2792 4333 outwardbound.org.hk

pg.201

KAPLAN LANGUAGE TRAINING (HK) LTD 4/F, 402-406 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai; 2526 3686 kaplan.com.hk

PETS CENTRAL pg.115

1/F-2/F, 484-488 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok; 2309 2139 pets-central.com/hk pg.81

KELVIN GIORMANI 139 Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley; 3106 4282 kelvingiormani.com

PRAGUE PARENT-INFANT PROGRAMME (PEKIP) pg.59

48-48 A Bonham Strand West, ​Sheung Wan; 9092 5465 pekip.com.hk pg.155

KIDS' GALLERY 21/F, 28 Cumberland Road, Kowloon Tong; 2501 4842 kidsgallery.com pg.122

RED SHOES DANCE 3/F, 10 Arbuthnot Road, Central; 2117 9216 redshoedance.com

pg.121

MAGGIE & ROSE 3/F, 28, Beach Rd, Repulse Bay; 2638 7191 hk.maggieandrose.com

pg.68

Hong Kong Living Guide 2018 221

RENT-A-MUM 2523 4868, rent-a-mum.com

THE SALTED PIG pg.152

1 Knutsford Terrace, Tsim Sha Tsui; 2367 0990 thesaltedpig.com.hk

pg.178

SAI KUNG MONTESSORI 787 Tan Cheung, Po Tung Road, Sai Kung; 5369 8587 saikungmontessori.com

THE REPULSE BAY pg.92

109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay; 2292 2888 therepulsebay.com

pg.190

SHORE The L Place, 139 Queen’s Road Central; 2915 1638 shore.com.hk

TREE pg.179

28/F, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau; 2870 1582 tree.com.hk

pg.55

SHREWSBURY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HONG KONG 10 Shek Kok Rd, Tseung Kwan O; 2480 1500 shrewsbury.hk

TUTOR PARTNERS pg.100

SILVER CROSS G/F, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City; 2736 4777 silvercrossbaby.com

pg.155

Winway Building, 50 Wellington Street, Central; 2885 6262 venturephotography.com pg.206

WHISKERS N PAWS pg.92

SOUTHSIDE MANDARIN 1/F, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang; 3427 9619 southsidemandarin.com

10/F, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau; 2552 6200 wnp.com.hk

pg.115

Room 2805, 188 Connaught Road West, Central; 5407 7468 wecarehelpers.com pg.74

WHATZUP

Shop 25, Sai Kung Town Centre, Chan Man Street; 2866 6640 sunshineproperty.hk pg.50

12/F, 54 Hoi Yuen Road, Kwun Tong; 3502 1818 whatzsup.com.hk

SYLVAN

WOOLOOMOOLOO pg.114

100 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2870 0087 wooloo-mooloo.com

TIKITIKI 4/F Centro, 1A Chui Tong Road, Sai Kung; 2657 8488 tikitiki.hk

pg.206

THE FLYING WINEMAKER 6F, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central; 2522 2187 flyingwinemaker.com.hk

pg.195

THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION ACADEMY 1 Kong Sin Wan Rd, Pok Fu Lam; 2202 2028 academy.isf.edu.hk

222 Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

pg.78

WECARE HELPERS EMPLOYMENT AGENCY

SUNSHINE PROPERTY CONSULTANT

6/F, 226 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai; 2873 0662 sylvanlearning.com

pg.115

VENTURE STUDIOS (HK) LTD.

SOUTHSIDE KINDERGARTEN 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay; 2592 7527 southside.edu.hk

6461 8690

pg.111

Apps to download Citymapper HK Taxi Hong Kong Taxi Translator MTR mobile Uber HK Foodpanda Deliveroo

pg.141

pg.176

Inside r tip

directory

EMERGENCY NUMBERS Who you gonna call?

EMERGENCY SERVICES (police, ambulance, fire)

999

EMERGENCY SERVICES (police, ambulance, fire): 999 Marine: 2233 7999

CAR MECHANICS Auto Dynamics: 2858 7032 (Southside) Euro Prestige Motors Services: 2771 7557 (North Point) Kwong Hing Motor Works: 2791 4884 (Sai Kung) DRY CLEANING Beluga Dry Clean and Laundry: 2873 1484 Stanley Dry Cleaning and Laundry: 2813 2062 ESTATE AGENTS JLL: 2846 5000 Knight Frank: 2846 9528 ELECTRICIANS/HANDYMEN Dr Fix It All: 2525 0055 Speedy Drainage Cleansing: 3625 6064 Winkle Workshop: 2554 1269 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation (call centre): 1823 Health Department: 2961 8989 Southern District Council: 2814 5800 Sai Kung District Council: 3740 5200 Central & Western District Council: 2852 3549 HONG KONG OBSERVATORY Website: hko.gov.hk General enquiries: 2926 8200 Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal Enquiries: 1878 200 HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD Visitor hotline: 2508 1234 HOSPITALS – Public Prince of Wales Hospital: 3505 2211 Queen Mary Hospital: 2255 3838 Tseung Kwan O Hospital: 2208 0111

HOSPITALS – Private Gleneagles Hospital: 3153 9000 Hong Kong Adventist Hospital: 3651 8888 Matilda International Hospital: 2849 0111 KENNELS Ferndale Kennels: 2792 4642 Royal Pets: 6314 9887 LOCKSMITH Fai Kee Lock and Key Services: 2552 3227 Wing Hung Locksmith: 2893 6795 MAN WITH A VAN Easy Van: 3701 3701 GoGoVan: 3590 3399 PEST & TERMITE CONTROL Asia Pest Control: 2523 8855 Biocycle: 3575 2575 PHONE DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES English: 1081 Chinese: 1083 Overseas IDD: 10010 PLUMBERS Ah Choy Chan: 2555 2030 Ocean Electric and Drainage Works: 2832 9449 POLICE DEPARTMENTS Website: police.gov.hk Police hotline: 2527 7177 POST OFFICE Hong Kong Post hotline: 2921 2222 UTILITIES China Light & Power, 24hr hotline: 2728 8333 Towngas, 24hr hotline: 2880 6999 Water Supplies Department, customer services hotline: 2824 5000 VETS Pets Central (North Point): 2811 8907 Hong Kong Animal Hospital, Aberdeen: 2553 6003 Home Vet: 9860 5522 Sai Kung Animal Hospital: 2792 2206

Hong Kong Living Guide 2018 223

What do you love most about Hong Kong?

Convenient public transport.

- Hilda

The food!

- Cindy

The view from the Star Ferry on a clear night.

Junks, hands down.

- Anna

Having a view of the sea almost everywhere you go.

- Adele

Hong Kong embraces all nationalities.

- Gemma

224 Hong Kong Living Guide 2018

- Tom

Hong Kong Living Guide 2018 225

226 Hong Kong Living Guide 2018