FAMILY | FOOD | FIRE-BREATHING DRAGONS
June 2018 VOTE
TO WIN
S A
I
READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2018
K U N G
Our biggest-ever summer camps issue
Top secret waterfall guide Top-secret
Chasing waterfalls
The really useful magazine June 2018
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18 14
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37 MUST HAVE THIS MONTH
PEOPLE 4 Snapped! Sai Kung’s social life THE PLANNER 6 Happening in June What’s on this month NEWS
14 Make Papa proud Gift ideas for Father’s Day FIVE MINUTES WITH... 16 Steve Keys Head chef of Momentai LOCAL
10 What’s going on? In your backyard ON PATROL 12 Police blotter Assistant Divisional Commander Michael Lai reports on local crime GIVEAWAYS 13 Free stuff Fab things to win
18 Finless porpoises What we can do to help them COVER STORY 20 Chasing waterfalls Your guide to top-secret waterfalls READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 25 Vote to win! Have your say in our annual Sai Kung Awards
23 EDUCATION 26 Summer camps A guide to Hong Kong’s summer camps SCHOOLS 32 Open Day at Nord Anglia A discussion with principal Brian Cooklin SPORT 36 Dragon boat racing Everything you need to know about the traditional sport ZIM-CITY
VILLAGE FOCUS 42 Che Keng Tuk A village with an incredible view PETS 44 Ask Dr. Pauline Hungry cats. Plus walkies GARDENING 47 In the garden What to plant in June VINES IN SAI KUNG 48 Beach blitzed Stephen Vines reports on the threat to our beaches
40 Paul Zimmerman explains… The debate about land
f
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“PEOPLE WHO ARE CRAZY ENOUGH TO THINK THEY CAN CHANGE THE WORLD, ARE THE ONES WHO DO.” – ROB SILTANEN
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contributors
Julianne Dionisio
Adele Brunner
Amelia Sewell
…is originally from the Philippines. She moved to Hong Kong to finish her studies in Media a nd Commu nication. She ventured out with the Hu ngaria n Dragons this month to get a n inside look into the world of Dragon Boat racing..
....is a regular contributor to the South China Morning Post a nd a past editor at Hong Kong Living. When she’s not writing, she’s a busy mu m a nd u npaid taxi driver to three sport-loving children.
...is the Education Editor for Hong Kong Living. Moving from London four years ago, she has a backgrou nd in education consulta ncy, specialising in UK boarding schools. With a love of P.G. Wodehouse, a nd a mildly u nhealthy interest in Rya n Gosling’s private life, she lives in Mid-levels with her husba nd a nd toddler.
Want to write for Sai Kung Magazine? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com
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SAIKUNG.COM | 3
people Snaps from Sai Kung
Share your event photos with us at photo@hongkongliving.com. Get snapping!
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say cheese HeART Walk at H Studio Gallery
Hebe Haven Yacht Club Sailing Centre Open Day
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planner
JUN 18
Dragon Boat Races
Cheer on your favourite team at the Sai Kung Promenade. The race commentary will be in Cantonese, Mandarin and English. Afterwards, enjoy the Carnival at Sai Kung Promenade Park. 8am-2pm, Sai Kung Town Waterfront.
UNTIL JUN 17
JUN 1-2
Young actors perform 20 classic shows. $125. McAulay Studio, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai; Y Studio, Youth Square, 238 Chai Wan Road, Chai Wan, 2111 5999, urbtix.hk
Join this rum tasting event and savour some of the best rums in Asia. $150. 12noon-8pm, The Loop, 33 Wellington Street, Central, 6075 8302, facebook.com/pg/rumfestivalhongkong
The Faust Festival
Hong Kong Rum Festival
JUN 3
Yoga class at Pier 10 Does your dog face downward? Free admission. 8.30-9.30am, Pier 10 Central Pier, 2913 7510, yogacommunity.org
JUN 5
World Environment Day Take a moment to appreciate the world we live in!
JUN 6
Waterfront Yoga with Yoga House
Faust festival
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Bring your own yoga mat for this healthy, energising start to your day, down by the waterfront. $160 per class, 7-8am, Momentai Kiosk 1 Waterfront, Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, facebook.com/momentaila
Beauty Beyond Words: Ancient Chinese Dance Classics
JUN 2-3
This spectacular show by The Beijing Dance Academy melds art with dance. Tickets start at $160. June 2, 7.45pm; June 3, 3pm, Sha Tin Town Hall, 1 Yuen Wo Road, Sha Tin, 3761 6661, hkdance.com
happening in June JUN 8-10
Dream of the Past: Ancient Chinese Court Dances This dance show will take you back to the ancient world of emperors, court dancers and warriors. Tickets start at $180. June 8, 7.45pm; June 9-10, 3pm, Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3761 6661, hkdance.com
JUN 9
Sai Kung Stray Friends fundraiser A BBQ under the stars and silent auction with all proceeds going to The Home of Stray Friends, for homeless, healthy, abandoned, sick and injured dogs. From 7 till 10pm, $698. Kerry Hotel, 38 Hung Luen Rd, Hung Hom. fringebacker.com/ en/event/paws-under-the-stars-at-kerry/
JUN 9
Road to Ultra 2018 Expect some huge acts and a buzzing atmosphere at this raving music event, returning to Hong Kong for the third time. Tickets from $1,080. AsiaWorld-Expo, Chek Lap Kok, hongkong.roadtoultra.com
Dragon boat carnival
JUN 16-17
JUN 16
A Sai Kung resident and artist from Italy, Roberta Boffo is showcasing her monochromatic and abstract artwork in a two-day show. Free admission, Saturday 2-6pm and Sunday 12-4pm, H Studio Gallery, 1/1 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, 91238664, visit H Studio Gallery on Facebook.
Take a guided, facilitated walk through Nature, and reflect on and learn more about yourself. $280. 9am-12noon. Meet at Sai Kung Town Taxi Stand, Sai Kung, kembali.org
Transformation exhibition
JUN 16
Football Beach Party at Thai Dao The beachfront restaurant welcomes the World Cup season with a football match, refereed by Hong Kong star Marco Ngai. Party on after the game. $300. 3-6pm, Thai Duo, 9 Sha Ha Village, Tai Mong Tsoi Road, 2792 6189, mabel@ richmarkent.com.hk
Restorative and Regenerative Walk
JUN 17
Father’s Day See page 14 for fabulous gift ideas.
JUN 20
Sunday Pop Up at Momentai The fourth pop-up market from Momentai brings you the best of Sai Kung’s local vendors. 11am4pm. Momentai Kiosk, 1 Waterfront, Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, facebook.commomentaila/
Thai Dao
JUN 11- 23
STAGE RIGHT! Youth Theatre Festival Talented youngsters perform shows throughout the festival: The Gruffalo, Hansel & Gretel & The Creepy Woods, Sparkle Shark, Christmas in July and the murder mystery Murder at Ritton Lee Manor. Various dates, times and venues. 9225 8924, stagerighthk.com/theatre-festival
JUN 14 & 28
Momentai Music Night Liven up your Thursday evenings with music, dancing and a whole lot of atmosphere! 7pm-late. Kiosk 1, Sai Kung Waterfront, Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, 2792 8991, facebook.com/ momentaila/
STAGE RIGHT!
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planner JUN 22-24
Dragon Boat Carnival Race down to the waterfront for all the noisy action. Bring the family and friends for live music, great grub from a fleet of food trucks, and activities and entertainment for kids. Free entry. Victoria Harbour, Central Waterfront, Tsim Sha Tsui, discoverhongkong.com
JUN 26-27
EmTech Hong Kong 2018 Discover the future of technology and business as speakers bring the award-winning editorial content of the MIT Technology Review to life. 9am-5pm, Hong Kong Science Park, Sha Tin, emtechhk.com
JUN 29
West Side Story in Concert A modern take on the love story of Romeo and Juliet, with fabulous dancing, singing and a live orchestra. $480. 8pm, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2734 2009, lcsd.gov.hk/hkcc
JUN 30
Rave of Thrones Remember Hodor from Game of Thrones? Well, he’s a DJ (aka Kristian Nairn), and he’s
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Evolution Asia Yoga Conference
JUN 7-10
With 160 classes, workshops and events, there’s something for all levels, bodies and minds. Register in advance for the classes. Tickets from $800 (single-session pass). 8am-8pm, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, asiayogaconference.com
happening in June
BOOK NOW JUL 7
The 14th Sheko Challenge Take the 2.2 K Sheko Challenge Swim, or team up with friends to run or paddle in the Triathlon. Then relax at the after-party. 2pm, Big Wave Bay Beach, Shek O, 3615 8592. Register online at raceresults.com.hk/event/89
JUL 9-12 Rise 2018
Meet people from the world’s biggest companies and most exciting startups as they share their stories at this high-powered networking event. US$680. 9am-5pm, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, 2582 8888, riseconf.com
SEP 19 The Killers American rock band, The Killers are performing tracks from their latest album Wonderful Wonderful. Standing tickets $888. AsiaWorldExpo, Cheong Wing Road, Chek Lap Kok Lantau Island, hkticketing.com
Rise awards
Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editorial@hongkongliving.com.
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news
Sheung Luk Stream claims another victim As the summer months approach, hikers and thrill-seekers are venturing out to risky and unprotected areas. On May 7 a Nepali man was reported missing after he attempted to rescue his drowning girlfriend in the Sheung Luk Stream. After a three-hour search by firefighters and police, the woman was rescued uninjured,
but the man was found unconscious and later died while being airlifted to hospital. A warning for those planning a trip to the stream: be careful and remember that due to changes in currents and weather conditions, the pools can vary in depth.
Japan Home Centre relocates
The popular homeware store selling a range of bits and bobs from mugs to house fans has downsized to Chan Man Street, next door to Starbucks. This is the third move for the Sai Kung branch – it was originally in the space where the Bank of China is now located. The rental market has brought a lot of change to the town this year and there’s no doubt we’ll be seeing more of Sai Kung’s shops and restaurants moving around or sadly closing. Check out the new store at 32 Chan Man Street, Sai Kung.
Spoiling the onceunspoilt Sai Kung’s natural and unspoilt beaches are becoming yet another tourist destination for mainland travellers. Over the Labor Day weekend, travel companies in China were offering overnight camping trips to Ham Tin Wan for as little as $300 per person. This resulted in a mass of tents taking over the beach, and visitors left behind a mountain of rubbish when they departed. If these budget trips become a more regular occurrence, this once-undiscovered beach will lose its appeal.
SKIP turns 30! Sai Kung’s favourite international pre-school, SKIP, is celebrating its 30th anniversary with cake and bubbles on June 8. The kindergarten is hidden out in the wilderness of Sai Kung, near Lions Park. The school has a small team of dedicated staff who work closely with parents and families to guide children through the UK Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. SKIP offers a two-year programme for children aged from three to five, and playgroups for the under threes. 159 Che Keng Tuk Road, Sai Kung, 2791 7354 skip.edu.hk/
New mobile glass-bottle recycling service If you’re looking for more ways to reduce your carbon footprint, a new glass-bottle recycling service has come to Sai Kung. The company, Baguio Green Group, is an environmental
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group committed to creating and maintaining the ‘Clean & Green’ ethos. This new service is aimed at more rural areas in Sai Kung, and will pick up bottles from Nam Wai and Ho Chung Refuse Collection Points, as well as Pak Kong Old Village Parking Lot, on the first Saturday of each month. Kitson Ng from Baguio Green Group stated: “We are looking for more glass bottle collection points around Sai Kung. We can offer glass-bottle collection bins and a free collection service to housing estates bars and restaurants.” baguio.com.hk/en-US
in your backyard
Bye Bye Sai Kung Sunday Market After four years of organising market fun featuring local vendors and charities, Greg Hunt has sadly cancelled all future markets. This news won’t come as too much of a shock to locals, as the March and April dates of the
Overheard on the 101
monthly market had already been cancelled. The market was the first of its kind in Sai Kung, but had recently faced competition from other markets. Hunt declined to comment.
“Is another international school coming to town?” “Watch out for the real estate men on the road” “Is Little Cove moving to Casa’s old location?” Eavesdrop and share! Send your snippets via Facebook messenger at Sai Kung Magazine or email 101@hongkongliving.com
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police blotter
Reports from Sai Kung Police Assistant Divisional Commander Michael Lai reports on recent cases in Sai Kung - On May 9 a builder working on a house
in Tsam Chuk Wan found his windscreen broken when he returned to his vehicle in the evening. The car’s camera captured a local male picking up and throwing a stone against the windscreen at lunchtime that day. The male was arrested on May 14 and is currently released on police bail.
- A husband assaulted his wife with his bare
hands in a dispute over a love affair. He was arrested and subsequently charged to court. The case is under investigation by the Wong Tai Sin Police District Crime Unit.
- At 11.30pm on May 11 a motorcycle
collided with a private vehicle at the corner of Tau Ma Po Street and Po Tung Road. The motorcycle rider was sent to hospital for treatment of injuries on his right hand and lower body.
- A victim lost $50,000 after attempting to
buy a vehicle online. The victim transferred the deposit into a bank account, but the culprit went missing soon after. The police are still investigating the case.
- On May 5 a house in Tan Ka Wan Village
was burgled for the second time this year. The house has been rented out to store diving equipment for three years. The victim returned from a two-week holiday and found the padlock broken and some batteries valued at $640 missing. The case is still under investigation.
- Four hikers, two females aged 50 and
65 and two males aged 48 and 67, were airlifted to hospital in May. They had all reported feeling unwell but were in a conscious state.
- Four cases of Incense Tree theft occurred
around Sai Kung from April 25 to May 7. Three of the incidents happened in the Sai Kung Country Park area, and the fourth occurred on the hillside of the Lions Nature Education Centre. Although no arrests have been made, police are patrolling the areas.
- On May 2 a three-storey house in Uk
Tau Village was burgled. The victim was woken by a dog barking at midnight and discovered two unknown males leaving his house. The victim chased the males as they fled uphill but did not manage to catch them. The fencing around the house was bent and the ground-floor door was pried open. Cash and a laptop, with a total value of $14,000, were stolen. The case is still under investigation.
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Hong Kong hiker
For more information, contact Sai Kung Police Station, 1 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 3661 1630
giveaways
win at hongkongliving.com
Liv Art
Mochy Kid
LivArt can take your child’s sketches, drawings, photos and other elements and turn them into beautiful clothing, art books, digital prints and more. Channel your child’s creativity into a truly personal gift or keepsake. liv-art.com We’re happy to give away three unique cushion covers that will be designed by your child, worth $450 each!
Mochy Kid creates play experiences for young creators aged three or older. Their DIY STEM & STREAM (Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Art & Mathematics) activity kits help children understand the theories behind everyday life. mochykid.com We’re happy to give away a Mochy Kid Picasso Doodling Robot and a Unicorn Monogram Storage Case.
Asia Pacific Adventure
FAUST International
Specialising in outdoor learning for over 15 years, Asia Pacific Adventure knows how to make the most out of a Hong Kong summer. Adventure programmes around the coastlines of Hong Kong run from June 15 to August 3 and include kayaking, snorkeling and gorge-walking. Contact 2792 7160, summer@apa.co or register at summer.asiapacificadventure.com We’re offering one week-long course for a child aged 7-15, valued at $2,680.
Faust International, founded in 1999, provides challenging and creative workshops for young people, introducing them into the world of theatre and performing arts. The week-long summer theatre programmes aim to empower children through drama and performance skills. Suitable for children aged three to 14. faustworld.com.hk We’re happy to give away one free place at one of Faust’s programmes between June 25 and August 24, valued at $2,980!
Subscribe to our e-newsletter to get all our giveaways delivered straight to your inbox: saikung.com/subscribe
SAIKUNG.COM | 13
must have this month
Make Papa proud Gift ideas to rock your dad’s world
Delonghi Ecam 23120 $6,888 from Fortress Shop UG011-013, UG/F, Metro City Phase II, Tseung Kwan O fortress.com.hk
Graphik Whisky decanter and set of 2 highball glasses $6,880/$1,880 from Christofle Shop 117, Prince’s Building, Central store.christofle.com
Giobagnara billiard case USD$1,420 from Artemest artemest.com
Morsø BEL lamp $1,412 from Everything Under the Sun everythingunderthesun.com.hk
Gloster Bells side table $5,826 from Everything Under the Sun everythingunderthesun.com.hk
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Lion Rock Press Father’s Day card $25 from Lion Rock Press thelionrockpress.com
father's day gifts
Vitale Barberis Canonico bespoke shirt From $8,980 Ermenegildo Zegna bespoke suit From $12,980 La Sartoria 7F, 40-44, Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, 6297 8829 lasartoriaco.com
Papa Please Get the Moon for Me board book by Eric Carle $110 from Bookazine Shop UG-46, Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong bookazine.com.hk
Moscow Mule copper cocktail mug $160 from Vinoble vinoble.hk
Glider rocking chair $8,950 from Tree Shop 101-102, Level 1, HomeSquare,138 Sha Tin Rural Committee Road, Sha Tin tree.com.hk
The Return : Fathers, Sons and the Land in Between by Hisham Matar $160 from Bookazine Shop UG-46, Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong bookazine.com.hk
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five minutes with
Editorial Managing Editor Gemma Shaw gemma@hongkongliving.com Sub-editor Kay Ross kay@hongkongliving.com Media Trainee Nicole Slater nicole@hongkongliving.com Media Management Trainee Julianne Dionisio julianne@hongkongliving.com
Design
Design Manager Cindy Suen cindy@hongkongliving.com Graphic Designer Sonia Khatwani sonia@hongkongliving.com Alvin Cheng alvin@hongkongliving.com
Digital
Digital Editor Emily Finch emily@hongkongliving.com
Thanks to
Tara Smyth John Slater Ophelia Giles Loretta Kwok Stephen Vines Paul Zimmerman Michael Lai
Publisher
Tom Hilditch tom@hongkongliving.com
Photo by Sean O’Brien
HONG KONG hongkongliving.com
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Steve Keys
Head chef of Momentai on 11 years working in Sai Kung’s dining hotspots The conflicting standards regarding dog regulations in Sai Kung restaurants confuse customers. It’s illegal to have dogs anywhere near a restaurant in Hong Kong, but we see dogs sitting on seats in all the Chinese-owned restaurants here. For some reason the restaurant owners don’t get in trouble. We, along with other restaurants such as those in the square, would get into serious trouble if we allowed this. This is my 11th year working in Sai Kung. I started at Hebe 101. After seven years and earning my residency I took a break and travelled all across Asia. After returning, I worked for Casa in Kennedy Town, Hebe 101 again, and then CENA in Sai Kung square. Then I was approached by the owners of Momentai. The secret to our burgers is the buns. We make them freshly, using leftover grains from the beer. We stuff the buns with the best-quality beef, the right mix of herbs, good bacon and simple cheap American cheese that everyone loves. Last weekend we sold 304 burgers, and we’re not even a burger restaurant!
It isn’t easy to get really good chefs in Hong Kong. I’ve started a scheme recently where I employ young chefs from the UK and fly them out to Hong Kong to develop their skills with me. We sponsor their work visas and provide staff housing close by in Sha Kok Mei, so it’s a wonderful opportunity for them. Without a shadow of a doubt, restaurant trade in Sai Kung has dropped over the last 10 years. Many expats have left Hong Kong and restaurants struggle on weekdays. But business at Momentai has been great. Our location on the waterfront definitely helps! I work a ridiculous number of hours, between 12 and 14.5 hours a day, with Mondays off. I work long days but I’m used to it as a chef. On my day off I go to The Mirror Spa and chill for a few hours. I’m there so often, my team even buy me spa vouchers! Momentai wasn’t initially going to be in this location. I can’t really say where it was supposed to be,
because that would give away where another restaurant is going. But when the owners showed me the kitchen here I was so impressed – it’s huge! The amount of tips we receive in Momentai is unbelievable! We don’t believe in a service charge because, firstly, what a rip off! In some restaurants I worked for previously in my career, the tips didn’t even go to the staff, which was a bit off. Everything goes to the staff here. I sit in the restaurant and think ‘What would I want to eat here?’ That’s how I come up with new menu items. Our opening menu was a lot more complicated, but I realised we couldnt start with that menu so I went a bit smaller. Now I keep adding more health-conscious dishes. I’ve been a vegan and a vegetarian. I tried it because I was thinking about opening a vegan restaurant. I didn’t open the restaurant and I eat meat again now.
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local
Sales & Marketing Sales Director Hilda Chan hilda@hongkongliving.com
Sales & Marketing Executive Isamonia Chui isamonia@hongkongliving.com Corrie Tang corrie@hongkongliving.com Johnny Wong johnny@hongkongliving.com
Accounting
Assistant Operations Manager Charles Lau charles@hongkongliving.com
Hong Kong Living Ltd. Floor LG1, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
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OPCF team ready for work
What’s happening to our Finless porpoises? Nicole Slater takes a closer look at the shy ‘sea pig’ FACT FILE:
saikung.com talk@hongkongliving.com @saikungmag facebook.com/SaiKungMagazine GIVE US A CALL! Admin: 3568 3722 Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772, 3563 9755 Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Magazine is published by Hong Kong Living Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Hong Kong Living Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any way, part or format without written permission from the publisher.
HONG KONG hongkongliving.com
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What is a Finless Porpoise? A Finless Porpoise is the same species as a dolphin, but it has a unique appearance that helps it stand out from the rest. Unlike the Chinese White Dolphin, a Finless Porpoise is grey and doesn’t have a dorsal fin or long break, making it appear a little round and chubby. They are smaller than dolphins, with an average adult being about 1.6 metres long. Since they don’t have a fin sticking out the water and are pretty shy of humans, it’s rare to spot one in the wild. Where do they live? They usually like to hang out in the Indo-Pacific Ocean close to Bangladesh, however they can also be found in the Pearl River Estuary around Hong Kong, usually around the south of Lantau and Lamma Island.
H
ong Kong’s city life, pollution and neglect for animals make it difficult for wildlife to thrive. This has endangered of some of our beloved creatures, including the Green Turtle, the Pangolin and now the Finless Porpoise, which was labeled as vulnerable in 2012. Over recent months there has been an increase in the number of Finless Porpoise corpses washing up onto the shores of Hong Kong, with the most recent one being found in Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park. This year alone, the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation (OPCF) has recorded Finless Porpoise: flickr.com/photos/kuribo/
Published by
18 cases of Finless Porpoise corpses being found, many with injuries from boats or fishing nets. Loretta Kwok from the OPCF suggests: “The easiest way to help protect these beautiful animals is to cherish our ocean. When engaging in coastal water sports and activities, please avoid washing off shampoo and shower gels directly into the ocean, and more importantly, please remember not to litter on the beach or in the sea.” This is not exactly a new phenomenon, as many Chinese White Dolphins suffered a similar fate in 2014, when over 30 corpses were found in a single year. They have since become more cautious of humans. This could soon be the answer for our friendly Finless Porpoises. But if we stay aware and report any corpses, the OPCF can help keep these shy sea pigs in our oceans. Michael Lai from the Sai Kung Police warns: “Do not touch a Finless Porpoise’s corpse. If you come across one call 1823 and the AFCD will carry out the necessary procedures.”
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cover story
Chasing Waterfalls
Where to find top-secret waterfalls in the New Territories Waterfalls are like hidden treasures in Sai Kung. Many residents talk of secret waterfalls and vow never to disclose their locations for fear of the weekend crowds descending on the few remaining unspoilt corners of the country park. Here’s our guide to the best places to take a freshwater dip this summer.
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chasing waterfalls Sheung Luk Stream - Sai Wan One of Hong Kong’s most popular and Instagrammable waterfalls, Sheung Luk Stream is magnificently large, made up of four connecting pools. The stream is tucked away in the greenery of secluded Sai Wan Beach. Water gushes from the mountains and crashes down on the rocks, creating a powerful and beautiful waterfall. The overflowing rockpool has become a must-see for both visitors and locals alike, particularly in the summer months. For those looking for more of a thrill, it’s possible to descend from the surrounding cliffs into the cool waters. However, we do not recommend this as this waterfall has been the scene of some tragic accidents. Proceed with caution.
How to get there From Sai Kung centre take bus 29R from Chan Man Street or a 25-minute taxi ride to Sai Wan Pavilion. Hike from Sai Wan Pavilion down to the beach or catch a speed boat from Sai Kung Pier. Then head across the beach towards a narrow path leading into the jungle. After you leave the track you’ll come across a concrete bridge over Sheung Luk stream to the right.
Hau Tong Kai - Hoi Ha Hidden in plain sight, this waterfall can be easy to miss as you walk along the roads of Sai Kung Country Park. Many people have never heard of this half-natural, half-man-made rock pool, deep in the park. Water rushes over the dam wall and gathers at the bottom, creating a perfect place for a refreshing swim during wetter months.
Heading up the stream a little further into the overgrown jungle, you’ll discover a few more rock pools and streams sheltered from the road by lush, dense greenery. Beware, this can be a heavy trek. The streams act as water slides from which you can descend into the cool, fresh water below.
How to get there Take bus 92 or green minibus 7 from Sai Kung Town Centre. Alight at Hau Tong Kai. From the road you’ll notice a bridge with blue railings. Cross this bridge over the dam and follow the path on your left to get to the first waterfall.
Hau Tong Kai
Sheung Luk Stream
WARNING These waterfalls are natural locations that are unsupervised and do not have safety procedures. Always proceed with caution, and if you are unsure of the depth do not jump or swim.
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cover story Ma Dai Stream - Ma On Shan Ma Dai Stream is also known as Hero Waterfall because those who dare to jump off the rocks into the waterfall are considered heroes. What is unique about this waterfall is how high up in the mountains it is located. Float in the highest section of the fall while taking in stunning views of Ma On Shan’s skyscrapers. Large rocks surrounding the pools offer privacy, a place to sunbathe or a platform from which to dive into the cool waters. The pools vary in depth, getting deeper the higher up you venture.
How to get there From Sai Kung, take bus 99 bus towards Heng On. From here hop on the MTR one stop to Tai Shui Hang and take exit B. Walk for about five minutes down Hang Tak Street and turn left when you get to small man-made river between Tai Shui Hang Village and Chevalier Garden.
Bride’s Pool
Ma Tai Stream
Bride’s Pool Not a secret—more a popular and stunning waterfall located close to Tai Po. Its unique name comes from an old Chinese legend about how, on a rainy day, a bride fell into the pool and drowned on her way to meet her groom. To this day, people report seeing her ghostly foot in the middle of the waterfall. But don’t let this put you off a trip to this beautiful location set in a serene forest. The magnificent tiered waterfall cascades into a shallow drop pool below—perfect for paddling. Walk a little further and you’ll come across Mirror Pool, another
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waterfall, a little smaller than Bride’s Pool but equally as stunning.
How to get there From Sai Kung, take the 299x bus to Sha Tin Centre. From here hop onto the MTR to Tai Po Market Station. From Tai Po take minibus 275R straight to Bride’s Pool on weekends or 75K to Tai Mei Tuk. From here it’s a short taxi ride to Bride’s Pool. There’s also free parking.
Is it a waterfall or is it a stream? Little Hawaiian Trail A little pool tucked away in the mountains behind the towering skyscrapers in Tseung Kwan O. Yung Shue O A hidden stream in the countryside of Sai Kung Country Park.
chasing waterfalls
Luk Wu Country Trail Sai Kung resident Tara Smyth lets us in on her secret waterfall hidden within the country park
When to visit After heavy rainfall: a few days after a big storm will guarantee a gushing waterfall The summer months: Hong Kong summers are the perfect waterfall climate, offering scorching summer days and torrential rain. Never go: during a storm or rainstorm warning
After much deliberation my kinder side got the better of me and I decided that I would indeed share the exact location of this fantastic fall. This hike takes in a couple of streams, walking in the water and negotiating rocks and boulders. Wear ordinary well-fitting, hiking shoes to protect your feet and regular hiking socks or you’ll end up with blisters. Never go in the streams with Crocs, flip-flops, TEVAs, wetsuit booties, etc—always wear regular hiking shoes! From Sai Wan Pavilion, walk back 100 metres along the road and take the steep steps up to the right – the Luk Wu Country Trail. After about 300 metres you’ll come to a fork in the path – take the left-hand fork. After a further
800 metres you’ll hit our first stream. Negotiate the rocks carefully and walk along the riverbed, enjoying the cool waters flowing around your ankles. Very soon you’ll come to the first rock pool and waterfall. Take your pack off and stop awhile, taking time to swim in this beautiful pool. From here, head back to the Luk Wu Country Trail and back the way you came, or continue onto the next and really rather super, dramatic waterfall. Take the narrow path, ‘sign-posted’ with ribbons, which runs up the right-hand side of the rock pool. There is a little negotiation required and you should take care of dogs and children here – there is a slightly precarious drop to the left, but it is absolutely doable with care.
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cover story
Important points to remember • Never enter a stream during heavy rainfall or when the Thunderstorm Warning is in force – flash floods are real and can be fatal. • Never jump from rock to rock. You never know whether the rock you’re jumping onto is stable. • Never jump from a height in to a rock pool until you’ve tested the depth of the pool. • Never dive head-first into a rock pool. • Always wear sturdy footwear. • Waterproof all your belongings in case you fall whilst walking and your pack ends up in the water.
From here, re-enter the stream. Walk for 20 to 30 minutes until you reach the stunning wall of rock. (At a small fork in the river, keep right.) Water levels and waterfall flow all depend upon how much rain has recently fallen. At the time of our hike, there was very little water flowing, but I have been here when it’s really rather dramatic! There aren’t really any deep watering holes here for swimming, but the place is stunning and well worth the detour – quite literally a natural amphitheatre of beauty and drama. Kids can clamber around on the rocks and there are plenty of great photo opportunities. The next part of our hike takes us back to the Luk Wu Country Trail. The easiest (and safest) option is to turn around and walk back along the riverbed, past the original rock pool in which you swam, and back to the trail.
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After about 10 minutes (650m) you’ll reach a signpost. Follow the path to the right, signposted ‘Chek Keng’. On a clear day you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views down toward Chek Keng and out to sea. The path is a little hilly and eventually you’ll start to descend down towards sea level. Just before reaching Chek Keng you’ll come to a concrete path that crosses a wide stream. To your right are some rocks and boulders. Clamber down about 15 metres, away from the path, and you’ll reach a small rock pool with waterfall. It’s lovely to swim here – or continue along about five metres and you’ll hit a calm pool, like a spa bath, where you can wallow and relax. This is a lovely, serene spot, and those passing on the path just 15 metres away will have no idea you’re even there.
When it’s time to drag yourself away, you’ll need to climb back up and return to the path. Continue for a few more minutes and you’ll reach Chek Keng and the Maclehose Trail (Stage 2). Now you have a few options: 1.) Turn right and continue along the whole of Maclehose 2 and back to Sai Wan Pavilion (the longest and hardest option). 2.) Turn left and continue along the last bit of Maclehose 2 to Pak Tam Au, where you can get a bus back to Sai Kung. Or do what we did and ferry or kaito out of Chek Keng to Wong Shek Pier and catch the bus. Tara Smyth is Sai Kung‘s local Scout leader and runs photography company Nitty Gritty Images. Visit facebook.com/ nittygrittyimages
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education
Making a splash at Hebe Haven Yacht Club
School’s Out!
The best summer camps around the city for kids and teens THE GREAT OUTDOORS HEBE HAVEN YACHT CLUB Anyone with a love of the open seas will feel right at home at the Adventure Watersports Week, with a choice of activities on sailboats, motorboats, paddle boards and dinghies. The 10 weeks of courses, catering for 6-14-year-olds, also include beach games and Mini Olympics. Non-members welcome. hhyc.org.hk/ TREASURE ISLAND Surf’s up! Starting in June and continuing until late August, Treasure Island Summer Surf Camp promises an unforgettable Hong Kong summer. Suitable for surfers aged 5-16, of all levels and experience, these week-long day camps will also teach water skills, ocean safety and environmental awareness. treasureislandhk.com/education/ summer-surf-camp/ ASIA PACIFIC ADVENTURE For budding explorers aged 7-15, Asia Pacific Adventure offers week-long courses this summer. Specialists in outdoor-learning, ASA has designed a camp that travels around the Hong Kong
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Surf’s up at Treasure Island
summer camps skills of leadership and problem-solving. outwardbound.org.hk/ SUNSHINE HOUSE With a jam-packed schedule of exploration and intrigue, students can look forward to beach adventures and insect hunts while learning about teamwork and building their vocabulary. For older children, there will also be a focus on developing personal confidence in preparation for primaryschool interviews. sunshinehouse.com.hk/
CREATIVE
Learning to swim at ESF
coastline, with water-based programmes that include activities such as kayaking, snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding. summer. asiapacificadventure.com SCAD SCAD’s summer courses are for creative secondary school students who are thinking ahead to university. The courses offer them the chance to experience the university’s approach to education and its extensive facilities and resources, all while developing their individual creative vision through exciting art and design assignments. Residential and non-residential workshops are open to those aged 14-19. admission@scad.edu.hk
HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL TENNIS ACADEMY The folks at the Hong Kong International Tennis Academy believe that champions are born at tournaments, not at training camps. Their Summer Intensive Camps include tournaments and match play experiences to improve players’ physical and mental skills. hkita.com/ summercamps.aspx OUTWARD BOUND Not for the faint-hearted (or anyone under 15), this is course in the ancient art of bushcraft. Skills taught will include fire-lighting, natural navigation and crisis management. A Youth Sea programme teaches basic sailing theories and the transferable
ESF There will be no complaints about boredom this summer at the ESF Guardian Planet Adventures. With four weeks of thrilling themes from superheroes to dragons, and wild animals to pirates, little people will have their imaginations captured as they use games, stories and drama to develop their interest in reading, writing and speaking. esf.org.hk/camps
PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY OF JAZZ Academy of Dance Combines the magical world of Disney with the joy of dance for a truly wonderful summer-camp experience from July 23 to 27. With Miss Ria, a former dancer for Disneyland in The Lion King, your child will have a fun-filled, imaginative and thrilling week of exploring different dance styles. academyofjazz.com/ RED SHOE DANCE COMPANY Jazz hands and pirouettes abound at this camp
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education
Making robots at STEMex
for dance-lovers. Building their skills in everything from classical ballet to Hip Hop and acro-dance to musical theatre, students will dance for two hours each day in a five-day course, learning different styles each time. Suitable for those aged six and above. Morning sessions are for those newer to dance, whilst the afternoons are for the more confident. redshoedance.com STAGE RIGHT Summer Theatre is a chance for 4-11-year-olds to practise their talents on the stage. In a fun, five-day programme, students will write a script, improve their performance skills through games and teamwork, and work towards performing an original piece of theatre to friends and family. stagerighthk.com
ACADEMIC STEMex The sky’s the limit at this science-based summer camp, where scientific imaginations will run wild. Catering for children aged 4-14, this camp combines engineering, robotics and programming with unlimited creativity. Based in Tsim Sha Tsui and Siu Sai Wan, this STEM course has everything from rockets to Minecraft as children learn how to solve problems innovatively. stemex.org NORTON HOUSE There’s no rest for the wicked, or those applying to boarding school. Norton House has designed a summer enrichment series for those looking
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to gain entry to schools abroad. Running throughout the summer and suitable for both primary and secondary students, this is a chance for them to brush up on some key skills before the forthcoming admission season starts in the autumn. nh.edu.hk/ THE EDGE It’s noses to the grindstone for some this summer, with eyes on the prize for a top college place. The Edge presents a two-week intensive boot camp for applicants to US colleges who are looking to raise their ACT/SAT scores. The course offers 70 hours of teaching and will be conducted by testprep specialists. theedge.com.hk THE MEDIC PORTAL Hong Kong students hoping to get into a UK medical school will snap up these courses offered by The Medic Portal. The three-day training covers the BMAT, UKCAT and the interview, and the courses are written and taught by doctors who are all experts in medical education. July 7-9 at Kellett (Kowloon Bay). themedicportal.com
ALL-ROUNDERS AMERICAN SCHOOL HONG KONG If your children are keen on football, animals, science, coding, Wushu, pottery or medieval history, the ASHK Summer Program is for them. It includes three sessions of nine or 10 days each, with separate courses for students aged from six to eight, and nine to 13. Open to ASHK and nonASHK students. ashk.edu.hk
KOREAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Throughout July, the Korean International Summer School is offering a range of exciting academic and recreational courses. Aimed at students aged 3-12, sessions can be morning, afternoon or both. Subjects on offer are French, ICT, Art, Mandarin, ESL and sport. Other than the foreign-language classes, teaching will be in English. kis.edu.hk/is/life_summerschool
summer camps HONG KONG ACADEMY Lovers of basketball and soccer can all play under one roof at HKA’s summer programme. Or for those more comfortable in a classroom, there are also coding and science sessions. asa@hkacademy.edu.hk
LITTLIES SKIP This one is for those who like getting their hands dirty. The SKIP Summer Paint & Play programme is for children aged between one and five. They’ll participate in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities, including arts, crafts, painting and sensory activities using play dough, goop, slime and sand, finishing up with story time, singing and dancing. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. skip.edu.hk Reading time at Woodland
YWCA CENTRE OF LEARNING AND LIFE ENHANCEMENT You name it, the YWCA has got it. Perfect for siblings with different interests, there are specialist courses in soccer, cooking, gymnastics, drama, STEM and swimming. So whether your children want to know more about 3D printing or fancy perfecting their trampolining, there will be something to keep them busy. clle.ywca.org.hk
ATOM ACADEMY Looking for K-Pop and taekwondo all under the same roof? Look no further. With Mandarin, gymnastics and science as well, ATOM’s Summer Fiesta caters for children from 2.5 to eight years old. Camps run from the end of June until the end of August. Swimming classes by the Hong Kong Swimming Academy are also available. atomacademy.com.hk
WOODLAND With multiple locations across Hong Kong, and catering to children as young as six months old, the Woodland Pre-Schools’ summer programme offers a broad range of options. Parents can choose between English, Mandarin or bilingual classes, with subjects including drama, music, science, cooking and design. There’s also a summer sports programme for children aged from 2.8 to seven years. woodlandschools.com
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education MALVERN Do you have a little performer in the house? The ‘Malvern Little Star Summer Camp’ in Yau Ma Tei in July focuses on communication and language, so children will learn basic drama concepts and develop performance skills whilst perfecting movement and dance. Designed for children from pre-nursery to Kindergarten 3. malvernpreschool.hk/malvern-little-starsummer-camp
PETERHOUSE PRESCHOOL Let their creativity overflow in the Summer Little Internship! Designed to inspire musical awareness, critical thinking and a good dollop of imagination, the Peterhouse course is for children aged between 18 months and five years, and follows the kindergarten and primary curriculum. peterhouse-preschool.com/
MINI MANDARINS Improve your child’s Mandarin skills in a fun language environment. Mini Mandarins offers a range of activities such as arts & craft, mini chef and musical theatre to help kids develop their passion for Mandarin and the Chinese culture. minimandarins.com
DMS Aimed at pre-schoolers and primary students, the DMS summer camp is an excellent opportunity for parents to see the Montessori method in action. Perfect for all-round children with curious minds, this fun-filled course includes water play, field trips and science experiments. dms.edu.hk MOUNT KELLY The Mount Kelly Babies and Toddlers Summer Programmes run throughout June and July. With storytelling, play and co-ordinated games, they’re aimed at children between the ages of 15 months and four years, who’ll also have the chance to take part in a free class to experience the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum. admissions@mountkelly.edu.hk Making a mess at SKIP
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schools
Nord Anglia goes from strength to strength
Adele Brunner visits the expanding Nord Anglia campus in Lam Tim
Outdoor playtime at Nord Anglia
W
hen the Hong Kong government awarded a vacant school site in Lam Tin to Nord Anglia Education back in 2013, it was a windowless, concrete shell. Principal Brian Cooklin arrived from Mexico in January 2014 to oversee the renovation work, teacher recruitment and pupil enrolment, and Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong opened in August of the same year with 500 students. It was, remembers Cooklin, one of the most intense and demanding periods of his life but also the most rewarding. “Founding a new school had always been a big dream of mine but there were times when I wondered whether we would get everything done on time and if it would all work out,” he says. “But everyone who came on board believed in the school and it has been amazing from day one.” Fast-forward four years and Nord Anglia continues to go from strength to strength.
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Along with two new kindergartens in Tai Tam and Sai Kung, it has expanded its Lam Tin campus to accommodate 900 primary and secondary students spread across Years One to 10. (Year 11 will be catered for from this August.) The school is laid out over five floors around a central courtyard, where climbing equipment in the Panda Playground provides hours of enjoyment for younger pupils. Its classrooms and facilities still look as pristine and modern as when it opened, except now the colourful displays that cover almost every inch of wall space and the students’ physical presence make the building warm, welcoming and very much alive. Nord Anglia’s ‘can-do’ spirit also lives on. Cooklin and his team believe there is no limit to what each child can achieve, and they encourage all students to be the very best they can be. Even extra-curricular activities, of which there are more than 120 to choose from, ranging from sports to drone club to debating, are there to encourage children to have a go
Nord Anglia
Music class
and develop their confidence and self-esteem. Completely by chance, I walk into a classroom where a woodwind group is practising the opening bars of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C Minor. I am their first audience and they sound note-perfect, which is all the more incredible when I’m told they only started learning a few months ago. There’s a maximum of 24 students per class, with a teacher and an educational assistant assigned to each one. The school provides a British education in an international context and follows the English National Curriculum, with IGCSE exams taken at the end of Year 11. It then swaps to the International Baccalaureate Diploma system in the final two years. “This is my 42nd year of teaching and I’ve found that the IB gives the best success to a greater number of children than other system,” says Cooklin. “The IB allows them to go on to further education wherever they want to in the world.” Due to government regulations, the school’s intake has to be made up of 20 percent Hong Kong permanent residents and 80 percent international passport holders. (There are 38 different nationalities in the school to date.) However, Cooklin and his team have taken great pains to forge a strong relationship with the local community. The school organises charitable and social events for people in the area, and its facilities are also offered free of charge to residents and community groups. “We are also the only international school to take on trainee teachers from local universities and train them for free,” says Cooklin. “I think we have trained about 1,000 teachers in the last three years.”
The school is also non selective and doesn’t categorise its students into “sets” (apart from in Mandarin, because some students arrive never having been exposed to the language previously, while others might be heritage speakers). Under Cooklin’s leadership, a culture of inclusion is prevalent in the school and students are frequently given insights into other people’s lives. All festivals, from Divali to Lunar New Year to Christmas, are celebrated, and the school recently held two successful autism-awareness days. To further foster a sense of belonging and identity as well as friendly rivalry, the school operates a house system, with students belonging to one of four houses named after British royal castles: Balmoral, Caernarfon, Sandringham and Windsor. Vertical tutor groups within each house mix students from Years 3 to 10, who meet with their tutor and fellow tutees every morning.
“The older ones in the tutor group look out for the younger ones who, in turn, look up to them,” says Cooklin. “It helps to reduce bullying and promotes peer-assisted learning. For example, when the time comes for the Year 9s to choose their GCSE options, they will tend to ask the Year 10s in their tutor groups, who have been through it all already, rather than speaking to teachers.” Prestigious collaborations have been established too. The school and its young global citizens work with UNICEF to create a better future for the planet through the 17 Global Goals, the Juilliard School in New York and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The latter is part of Nord Anglia’s new approach to STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths), which encourages children to be curious, resourceful and creative in the face of solving challenges and problems across all disciplines. Groups of Nord Anglia students visit MIT every summer to meet leading scientists and take part in activities such as bioengineering, coding and robotics. The university also sets in-school challenges that everyone gets involved in. One such challenge, recalls Cooklin, was ‘What will the plane of the future look like?’ Each year answered the question according to their ability. Year 3 made paper planes and flew them to see which had the best aerodynamics; Year 7s came up with a business plan to market their plane of the future and sell seats. A user manual for the plane was translated from English into Spanish and Mandarin. “The MIT/STEAM programme encourages curiosity – ‘What is this all about?’ – and leads to inspiration, creativity and problem solving – ‘What are we going to do about it and how do we do it?’” says Cooklin. “These are the skills our children will need for their futures, to make their mark on the world and to make a difference.”
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schools
Head talk:
PRINCIPAL BRIAN COOKLIN Tell us about your teaching career I am Scottish and taught at schools in Glasgow and Mexico before coming to Hong Kong. I have been in education for 42 years, 22 of them as principal. Who inspired you as a kid? My history teacher. He never used books or taught from a plan but he made historical events come alive. One time, he even got us digging up the rugby pitch so we could get an idea of what it had been like to live in the trenches during World War I. What do you like best about Hong Kong? Its diversity. Most people think it is only about skyscrapers and the city; they aren’t aware of the stunning countryside, the beaches and all the different cultures. What do you think are the benefits of growing up in Hong Kong? There are many, but in particular it makes children incredibly multi-cultural and is a springboard for
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becoming a global citizen. The city is also very safe. What are your views about technology in the classroom? It’s a tremendous aid but it shouldn’t be used as a substitute for learning and must be purposeful. When it’s used correctly it is amazing. Our augmented and virtual-reality headsets, for example, bring things alive in a way that a book or film can’t and make you feel as though you are actually in the environment you’re looking at. What quality do you most value in a friend? Loyalty – someone who you can have fun with in good times and be able to lean on in bad times. These days, the term ‘friend’ has blurred due to social media and people have hundreds of ‘friends’. I often tell the kids they have to ask themselves how many of these so-called friends they can depend on in a crisis and for emotional support.
Tell us a secret about yourself. I appeared on the BBC’s Mastermind quiz show, when Magnus Magnusson was the presenter. My specialist subject was ‘Women in Thomas Hardy Novels’.
outdoors
Dragon boat Fiesta Your guide to all the action on June 18
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dragon boat festival
Dragonboaters feeling festive
How to be a Dragon boat pro 10 tips from Hungarian Dragon's captain, Jonathan Csanyi-Fritz Don’t call it rowing. It’s paddling! Joining the right team is everything. Some teams can be really competitive and all about winning. Hungarian Dragons, however, try to strike out the right balance between competitiveness and being social. Finding teams is as simple as coming down to Stanley Beach on the weekend. Look out for teams who are training and approach them. Or call the Stanley Dragon Boat Training Centre for team names and look them up online. Most people get advice from their co-workers who are already part of a team. It’s cultural. Even though thundering roars from the crowd dominate the event, the beating of the drums is still a big part of the race. Another tradition is feasting upon a whole roasted pig at the after-party. If you’ve decided to join, you need to commit. Attend every training session. You have to be ‘in the same boat’ with your team, figuratively and literally. Training usually starts after the winter season, although some of the more committed teams paddle throughout the year. The
frequency of training can vary from once to twice a week and even more leading up to the main race. On top of this, dry training involves rigorous boot camps and circuit training. The power doesn’t come from your arms or shoulders. Your thighs and glutes assist all the repetitive and intricate techniques of twisting your body, leaning down and reaching as far as you can. The person in charge of timing sits at the front of the boat, while stronger and heavier paddlers sit at the back. They refer to this as the engine room. You want lighter people at the front so that the boat can be angled upwards; you don’t want it to be lopsided. Steersmen aren’t a big part of the team; they’re often just hired. Only two teams in Hong Kong have their own steersman. There is full disclosure on a team member’s weight. The team leader will ask you about your weight to make sure they can balance out the boat. You’re simply not allowed to be shy about it. Joining the team is not free of charge. You need to chip in financially as it’s expensive to rent the boats and enter races. The Hungarian Team has multiple sponsors.
The Legend behind the festival The Dragon boat festival, originally named ‘Tuen Ng Festival’, is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. The legend behind the event is that a loyal official, Qu Yan of the Zhou dynasty, drowned himself in the Mi Lo River. His loyal followers attempted to find his body by rowing back and forth across the river whilst drumming away the bad spirits. Grains of rice were also scattered into the river to prevent the fish from eating Qu Yan.
Learn the lingo Paddles up! - Recheck your position, focus and get ready. Power up! - Put more power into it. Sometimes this spills onto the social aspects, when shots are passed around.
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outdoors Where to watch the races Sun Life Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships 8am–5pm Stanley Main Beach Tai Po Dragon Boat Races 8.30am-1pm Promenade at Tai Po Waterfront Park Sha tin Dragon Boat Races 8am-1pm Shing Mun River, Banyan Bridge to Sha Yin Bridge, Sha Tin
Aberdeen boat race
A LIST OF THE BEST DRAGON BOAT TRAINING CLUBS TO JOIN IN SAI KUNG Itching to start paddling? Join one of many teams competing in the Sai Kung races. Dragon boating not only helps get your body in tip-top shape ready for the summer but is also a fantastic way to delve in and experience a large part of the local Hong Kong culture. Blue Sky Water Sports Club The club’s dragon boat team, MVision Blue Sky, are no strangers to winning. They train all year round with sessions on Monday and Wednesday evening, and Saturday mornings at Sha Ha Beach. They have men's, women's and mixed teams. bluesky-sc.com HKA Dragonflies The team, which started back in 2006, has always been an inclusive team that doesn’t hold tryouts. HKA Dragonflies is made up
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of teachers, faculty and friends of Hong Kong Academy School. Their training sessions are predominately held in Sai Kung. hkadragonflies.org
Sai Kung Dragon Boat Races 8am-2pm Sai Kung town Waterfront Cheung Chau 10.30am-1pm Cheung Chau Typhoon Shelter Dragon Boat Carnival June 22-24 Central Harbourfront
Blazing Paddles An all-female Dragon Boating team that consists mainly of Sai Kung mums. Training is every Saturday morning at Sha Ha Beach. Blazing Paddles have trial dates for new members at the beginning of the season with an introductory session. paddlebp.org Way Young Dragon Boat Club Founded in 2006, Way Young Dragon Boat Club is a non-profit sporting organisation whose objective is to become a driving force for promoting Hong Kong’s dragon boating sport. wayyoungdragon.com
Sai Kung waterfront
dragon boat festival
JULIANNE DIONISIO SPENDS AN AFTERNOON WITH THE HUNGARIAN DRAGON BOAT TEAM On a Saturday afternoon the paddlers from the Hungarian Dragon Boat team arrived one by one to meet me at a cafe on Stanley Main Street. When the table was filled up, I realised that the whole team was far more diverse than I had initially thought. Their current team leader, Jonathan Csanyi-Fritz, is originally from Canada but insists on being loyal to his Hungarian heritage. He led our discussion about the sport, from its physical intensity, to unashamedly disclosing your weight for the sake of balancing out the boat, to how fun the after-race social nights can be. After a lot of laughter and seeing the team members nod about each other’s comments, I thanked them for their time, but they insisted on hijacking me for the rest of the afternoon. Before I knew it they’d plopped me on the boat as their drummer for the day. With a camera in one hand and a drumming stick in the other, we soared off. The atmosphere was comical at first, with joking conversations, but this soon turned into deafening shouts, counting and intense grunts. We were going full-throttle and I held on for dear life. I could
feel the power of the whole team, united and fierce. I sat quietly at the front attempting to stay on beat with the drum as the paddles cut through the water. It was hard to focus on what I was doing and not to be mesmerised by the team's concentration. Each paddler was locked in their own space, carefully keeping to their technique step by step. Photo by Mo Schreck
HUNGARIAN DRAGONS • Founding year: 2014 • Sponsors list 2018: Graphisoft, Wiseville Hungarian Wine Distributor, Olivos, Dacha Restaurant & Bar, The Corpag Group, RED: Blockchains for Humans • Highest rank to date: 10th place (out of 150) in the Sun Life Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships • Facebook: HungarianDragonsHK Photo by Mo Schreck
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zim city
Photo by Graham Uden
Let’s have an honest debate about land Consultation document raises more questions than it answers
T
he long-awaited consultation on land supply has started. After more than a year of deliberation, the Development Bureau, together with the Land Supply Task Force, produced an 80page document. And the bias is dripping off the pages from the start. The list of options is messy, and it lacks a vision for the city.
push for the resumption of land in the new development areas, and its refusal to grant land owners the right to develop themselves. Why resume in the new development areas but develop randomly under PPP in areas that have yet to be planned? The switch has resulted in a lot of people complaining that the Government is colluding with developers.
The introduction talks of the demand for land by pointing at the affordability crisis we’re facing. However it fails to explain to what extent the problem is caused by a lack of land supply, and it ignores key facts about the supply of housing units over the past 20 years and our average per capita living area. More egregious is the absence of charts showing interest rates, the global money supply and the outpouring of capital from the Mainland over the last decades.
We also need to talk about how to prioritise the land-supply options. The Government suggests it is about delivery time, volume and the avoidance of controversy. But surely we should consider principles such as cost, access to employment, social justice, quality of life and impacts on traffic, ecology, habitats and landscape.
Let me be clear: the city needs to continually evolve and develop new facilities to meet new needs and aspirations. And these will need land, as this evolution can’t be met through the recycling (redevelopment) of dilapidated or underused land and facilities. But at this point the consultation document goes off the rails. It speaks of allowing the development of private agriculture land reserves under ‘public-private partnership’ (PPP) deals. This refers to the ownership of land in the New Territories but does not explain the current uses or the zoning setting out the permitted uses. Also awkward here is the Government’s
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The Citizens Task Force on Land Resources together with Liber Research Community will consult the public on the definition of our land-supply options and the evaluation principles we should apply to prioritise these options. We hope to reduce the bias the Government is showing for its favourites – the lazy options of paying engineers to reclaim land and getting the institutions it controls to adopt changes in country park boundaries, all while avoiding the hard work of reorganising land use in the New Territories. For the future of our Hong Kong, let’s have an honest debate about our land.
Importantly, what is missing is a vision for the city. What makes Hong Kong successful and what makes it stand out from other world cities such as New York, London, Beijing and Shanghai (or Singapore)? What makes us different, and do we want to retain it? Our hyper-density combined with true wilderness is unique. We rank high for our longevity, efficiency, accessibility of services, low car ownership and the diversity of activities one can undertake within a day. And we should make sure not to lose this. Although we have a serious issue of 123,000 inadequately housed households, these people are not homeless, unlike in other global cities. Questions need to be raised about why many of them don’t have priority for public housing, and the efficiency of our allocation system.
Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, a Southern District Councillor and the coconvenor of the Save Our Country Parks alliance.
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village focus
Che Keng Tuk
Nicole Slater explores a beautiful waterfront village
T
he waterfront village of Che Keng Tuk is conveniently located between Sai Kung town and Hebe Haven Yacht Club. The road leading to the village is rather narrow, which limits the amount of traffic and gives residents some much-needed peace away from the main road. The Lions Nature Education Centre at the bottom of the hill is a great place to visit as a family, learn about animals and the environment, or just relax in nature. What makes this village so unique is the architectural design of each house. The individuality of each resident has resulted in houses of many different styles and colours - dark purple, khaki green and cobbled stone cottages - straight out of a fairytale. If you have playful pooches, a dog park, complete with hardels, tyre tunnels and a miniature bridge, is free to use. The park is protected by a fence, and there’s even an undercover seating area so you can relax while your dog explores. Che Keng Tuk is set along the waterfront and connected to HK Marina. Houses here have a stunning view of the boats and ocean. Mangroves along the shore are home to many animal and plant species. They’re becoming more sparse around Hong Kong so it’s
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important to protect them, as they provide breeding grounds for larger aquatic species and protect shorelines from erosion. If you’re looking to stretch your legs, walk over to one of Sai Kung’s favourite beaches, Trio Beach. The walk takes you through Che Keng Tuk and up into the hillside, giving you stunning views of Pak Sha Wan. As the walk heads downhill you’ll come across the white sandy beach that you can only access via boat or by foot, making it more secluded than other beaches in the area. If you’re not up for walking all the way back, catch a sampan back to Pak Sha Wan Pier. Want to be village correspondent? Email editorial@hongkongliving.com
How to get there • Take the 101M bus from Hang Hau or the A1 from Choi Hung and get off at Tai Chung Hau bus stop. Walk along the road until you see a right turn for Che Keng Tuk Road.
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woof
Ask a vet... Pet eccentricities and abnormalities. Dr Pauline answers your questions My cat is always hungry, why could this be? It could simply be that you are not feeding enough/the right type of balanced food for the lifestyle and age of your cat. Or there could be a medical problem interfering with internal ‘Hunger Control Hormones’. Monitor the amounts fed/eaten, your cat’s weight gain/loss and any abnormal behaviour for a few weeks then plan to visit your vet to discuss.
Will cod liver oil or coconut oil help with my cat’s food allergy? Without knowing more about your cat it is difficult to know if either oil would help. Both oils contain essential fatty acids [EFA] that cannot be made in the body and are required in the diet. EFA supplementation has been used by vets to treat lots of conditions e.g. dry coats, arthritis and some allergies with mixed results. Good quality commercial diets have most required EFA a cat needs. My advice is take care with [over]supplements. They can harm as well as heal!!
Is it safe to let cats outside in Hong Kong? Cats are natural predators conditioned to hunt for food. They are also prey for other predators like pythons in Hong Kong. If you let your cat outside you subject it to environmental stimulation, mentally and physically. You also allow it to be at risk of coming across life threatening situations or instant death. Your choice! Do dogs and cats have a concept of time? Absolutely! Most vertebrates including dogs and cats have their daily “time” manipulated by an internal body clock, controlled by the release of the hormone melatonin from a brain gland, the Pineal Body, in response to changes in daylight. If you ever try not feeding your cat on time, or not walking your dog when they expect
Got a question for Dr. Pauline? Email editorial@hongkongliving.com
Walkies Walkies with Nicole Slater
I
love getting outside on the weekends, and Millie gives me the perfect excuse to stay active and healthy as she constantly wants to go out. When I’m feeling up for a challenging hike near Wong Mo Ying village I cross a small stream before heading up into the hills of Sai Kung Country Park. It’s steep in some parts so beware of loose rocks, but the views at the top make it all worth it. On a clear day you can see all the way to the High Island Reservoir. What I love most about this walk is that’s it’s not a set hike so it’s usually very quiet which means Millie can go off her lead. Millie is an Australian Kelpie so she loves to sprint off ahead, usually reaching the top and back about four times while she waits for me to hurry up! The walk takes around an hour to get to the
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top. Since it’s grassy I like to bring a picnic to enjoy while enjoying the stunning view, it’s also a great photo op! How to get there: Drive along Yam Yee Road towards Wong Mo Ying Village. There is a small parking area after which you will see a path leading over a stream and onto a trail. Follow this path, after about 10 minutes take the first left. Wong Mo Ying Village
a walk, they will soon let you know the “time” has arrived!! How long do goldfish live, generally? The lifespan of your pet goldfish depends on proper environmental care and responsible tank maintenance. The average lifespan of a pet goldfish is five to 10 years. In the wild, they can live as long as 25 years. The oldest recorded pet goldfish lived 43 years!
Dr. Pauline Pets Central veterinarian Dr. Pauline Taylor answers your questions.
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in the garden
What to plant in June
G
ood day, my fellow Hong Kong gardeners! You’ve joined me for a real treat, as it’s the rainy season on the island! This means watering your garden becomes a no-effort task, but maintaining it still needs some work. So don’t put your feet up for too long as I’m about to tell you all my tips and tricks for this wonderful half-point in the year. The average temperature this month will be between 26°C (78.8°F) and 30°C (86°F). Put Chrysanthemums into flowering pots, and once the flower buds show give them liquid manure for some extra nourishment. Pandanus Graminifolius may now be propagated by cuttings. Place Callas under cover from the rain and keep them dry until October, as they don’t need any of that extra water. Then they’ll be ready to be repotted. Adiantums may be potted from threeinch pots into four-inch pots. Use a light soil, with compost of one part garden soil, one part leaf soil and one part sand. Make sure they have fresh air to succeed, and add a pinch or two of Clay’s fertilizer once a week to give vigour to the plants. Seeds of the following may be sown: Celosias, Chinese Balsam, Torenia Fournieri, Sunflower, Moonflower, Pentapetes, Ipomea Quamoclit, Amaranthus Globosus and Cockcombs. Moonflowers are a doddle to grow and one of my favourite flowers. They’re a night-blooming wonder, so you can wake up and admire them while drinking your morning tea. Collect seeds of Chinese Balsams for sowing next year. Always select the healthiest plants and check that the seed is thoroughly ripe, then dry the seeds in the sun and pack them away in air-tight cases. Hydrangeas propagated last January may now be moved from six-inch into seven-inch pots. Your June garden is now ready to flourish. Grab a book and enjoy the peace indoors while the rain pours down outside. And in the words of Marcus Cicero, “If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need!” Until next time, my fellow Hong Kong gardeners! By William James Tutcher F.L.S. (1867-1920) Superintendent of Hong Kong Botanical Gardens. Paraphrased from his seminal 1906 work, Gardening for Hong Kong.
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stephen says...
No beach too pristine to be blitzed Culprits for Sai Kung beach mess must be held accountable It’s not racism – it’s all about safety So, the Clearwater Bay Golf Club has been shamed into dropping its discriminatory policy of barring domestic helpers from the pool area. It did so by way of this barely literate and mind-bogglingly implausible explanation from its public relations flacks, who have tried to make out that this racist attack is in fact a safety issue: “The policy for not giving domestic helpers access to the swimming pool area is merely for safety reason, since the swimming pool is not standard size, thus there is limited space and capacity. Nonetheless, we have provided benches at the seating area near the pool. This is to avoid over-crowded at the poolside and all visitors’ safety… To avoid misunderstanding the club has already removed the sign.” The sign was the infamous one saying that no domestic helpers were allowed, reminiscent of the old ‘No dogs, no Chinese’ sign that was said to have festooned Shanghai’s Bund in the bad old days. It is hard to know where to begin in disentangling the unpleasantness of the club’s policy, which on the one hand signalled to children that their caregivers were somehow inferior, while on the other hand displaying a kind of odious racism.
And yet another public consultation – don’t hold your breath The ‘great’ public consultation on land supply is underway, and according to Stanley Wong, who leads the land supply task force, the powerful vested interests who have more or less dictated land policy forever will get no preference in the consultation process. There is no reason to doubt Mr Wong’s sincerity in this matter, but the reality is that the process is a sham, and a sham with form because practically all of the government’s consultation exercises are shams designed to do little more than provide window-dressing for whatever the bureaucrats really want to do. The differences here are that this exercise is bigger than usual and, crucially, zeroes in on the issue that determines the well-being of Hong Kong’s tycoon class, who, without exception, have fortunes based in one way or another on the property business.
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Therefore the consultation exercise might well be open-minded, but even before it began the bureaucrats had cobbled together a 80-page document outlining the difficulties of various proposals – this is how they work. An impression of openness quickly gives way to a list of insurmountable objections to any idea that challenges the interests of the most powerful. As residents of an area that is very much in the property developers’ sights, we need to be seriously worried.
Hong Kong’s worst would be an improvement in Sai Kung The Audit Commission recently found that public WiFi systems in Hong Kong are not up to standard, with bandwidths slower than three megabits per second. Luckily for PCCW, the Commission has no remit to examine the bandwidths that PCCW provides in parts of Sai Kung, where this kind of speed would actually be an improvement. Bandwidths in this area seem to be shrinking by the day. Downloading even quite modestly sized documents takes forever, and as for the idea of being able to operate both the NOW TV service and anything else at the same time – well, that’s one for the fairies. And just to reaffirm the lousiness of this service, as I am writing this column my system has, yet again, gone down. I’m psyching myself up to contact Hong Kong’s worst telecommunications company, because that involves calling the socalled help hotline, which requires the patience of a saint because not only does it take forever to contact a live person, but when you’ve finally reached someone they make the generous assumption that all customers are idiots. Every time I call I get asked such questions as “Are you sure your computer is turned on?” and “Have you rebooted the system?” This is followed by reluctant agreement to send a technician to fix the problem, which, given where I live, generally results in the discovery that there’s a problem with the outside line and not, surprise, surprise, with the idiot customer.
No beach too pristine to be blitzed Here we go again: another public holiday, another scene of devastation in Sai Kung’s countryside. The holiday in question was last
month’s Labour Day holiday, which is longer on the Mainland than it is here. To take advantage of the break, Mainland tour companies organised tour groups to go camping on Ham Tin Wan’s rather splendid beach. The tourists came in numbers exceeding the size of the designated camping area, and left a trail of litter behind them when they left. However, the suspicion lingers that blaming Mainlanders is not quite fair – there are plenty of local country park campers who are less than responsible when it comes to cleaning up after themselves. It’s a good thing that the country parks are attracting more visitors, and Mainlanders are most certainly welcome, but it’s up to the Ag & Fish Department to both ensure that the visitors clean up after leaving, and liaise with the tour organisers to make clear what’s expected in the country parks.
Stephen Vines is a journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur. He is the former editor of the Eastern Express and Southeast Asia correspondent for The Observer.
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