ALFRESCO DINING | WATER SPORTS
CE LE BR TH AT IN G LO CA LB US IN ES SE S
10 O U YE R AR
!
August 2019
READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2019
LOOK INSIDE TO SEE WHO WON!
The really useful magazine 28 August 2019 PEOPLE
VILLAGE FOCUS 40 Nai Chung Village Explore the Sai Sha Road Village
4 Snapped! Sai Kungers out and about THE PLANNER
PETS 42 Ask Dr. Pauline Pet questions answered. Plus Walkies.
6 Happening in August Summer fun in the city NEWS
ZIM CITY
10 What’s going on? All you need to know
43 Paul Zimmerman on Preserving Kowloon Park
CRIME
17
GAMES
12 Police blotter Matt Chu talks crime
44 Spot the difference Test your eyes with this challenge
MUST HAVE THIS MONTH 14 Back to school already? Get organised for the big day FIVE MINUTES WITH... 17 Faye Bradley Local artist and business owner LOCAL
GARDENING 47 In the garden What to plant in August
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VINES IN SAI KUNG 48 What do citizens want? Stephen vines reports on goings on around the town
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19 Arch 2 Arc Mayank Vaid takes on the challenge READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 21 The results are in! Who’s gotten your vote this year?
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DINING 28 Alfresco is besto Outdoor dining in and out of town OUTDOORS 32 Water Sports Get wet and wild this summer TRAVEL 36 Wheely good Laureus Cycle Challenge Vietnam
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“IT’S NOT WHETHER YOU WIN OR LOSE, IT’S HOW YOU PLAY THE GAME.” - GRANTLAND RICE
SAIKUNG.COM | 1
editor’s letter
A
ugust can only mean one thing! It’s time to celebrate your favourite local businesses and places to visit in our annual Readers’ Choice Awards! You started voting back in June, and we’ve been busy counting. Every vote helps to support the local business, friendly restaurateurs, passionate hairstylists and charity founders who help make Sai Kung feel like home. Turn to page 21 to check out who struck gold! A light evening breeze has helped us to survive the sweltering heat so far this summer, so take dinner outside this month with our guide to the best alfresco restaurants in the town and beyond on page 28. We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but with school looming in the middle of the month, it’s time to get organised, from books to backpacks, we’ve got you covered on page 14. Although the kids may be driving you slightly mad, enjoy the last few weeks of the summer holidays - you’ll miss those cheeky monkeys when they go back to school!
Editorial
Managing editor Gemma Shaw, gemma@hongkongliving.com Editor Nicole Slater, nicole@hongkongliving.com Contributing editor Becky Love, becky@hongkongliving.com Editorial assistant Nicole Cooley, ncooley@hongkongliving.com Charmaine Ng, charmaineng@hongkongliving.com
Design
Design Coordinator Sonia Khatwani, sonia@hongkongliving.com Graphic Designer Alvin Cheng, alvin@hongkongliving.com Design and Editorial Assistant Jeramy Lee, jeramy@hongkongliving.com
Events
Event executive Ran Chan, ran@hongkongliving.com
Sales & Marketing
Director of Content Hilda Chan, hilda@hongkongliving.com Senior Partnership Manager Isamonia Chui, isamonia@hongkongliving.com Partnership Manager Mathew Cheung, mathew@hongkongliving.com
Operations
Assistant Operations Manager Charles Lau, charles@hongkongliving.com
Digital
Digital Editor Apple Lee, apple@hongkongliving.com
contributors
Publisher
Tom Hilditch, tom@hongkongliving.com Yetta Lam Stephen Vines Danielle Tjia
Thanks to
Paul Zimmerman Geneve Chu Natalie Davidsen
Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 | Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong
Louise Hill
Charmaine Ng
The Clearwater Bay resident will be embarking on one of the world’s longest and toughest ultradistance triathlons this month. He could be the first person to bring an Enduroman Arch to Arc trophy home to Hong Kong. Read all about how he’s getting prepared on page 19.
Our talented cover artist this month and previous Sai Kung resident, Louise is a creative graphic designer and artist. You can order her prints via louise-hill-design. com and they’ll be delivered to your door.
Charmaine is our editorial assistant and newest recruit. She loves writing about anything and everything and shopping for fruit at Hong Kong’s infamous wet markets. This month she got out and about to meet the winners of our Readers’ Choice Awards. Read all on page 21.
What’s your favourite local business? With so many amazing local businesses I couldn’t possibly choose just one!
What’s your favourite local business? I’ll have to say Mushroom Bakery as they had the yummiest bread rolls and pizza dough!
What’s your favourite local business? Kong Ming Emporium – I could spend days just testing out all the different coloured markers!
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HONG KONG hongkongliving.com
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.
Want to write for Sai Kung Magazine? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com 2 | SAIKUNG.COM
Cover illustration by: Louise Hill
Mayank Vaid
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people Snaps from Sai Kung
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say cheese
Financial Secretary Paul Chan’s visit to Caritas Centre for Elderly
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planner THROUGHOUT AUGUST
50th Anniversary of Moon Landing Exhibition To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, the Hong Kong Space Museum will showcase the mission including a LEGO model of the Saturn V rocket. Free. Foyer of the Hong Kong Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. hk.space. museum
THROUGHOUT AUGUST
Toy Story & Pixar Pals Summer Splash Cool off in the new Pixar Water Play Street Party parade at Hong Kong Disneyland, featuring all new characters from Toy Story 4 such as Bo Peep and Forky! Adults $639, children $475. Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau. hongkongdisneyland.com
THROUGHOUT AUGUST
The World of Ghibli’s Animation
AUG 31 - SEP 1
Step into the world of wonderful Ghibli animation through 3D sets, installations and scene creation of your favourite movies Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, Castle in the Sky and more! 11am-8pm. $118. Portal 6311, 18 Sheung Yuet Road, Kowloon Bay. ghiblihk.com
Pirates AHOY! Summer Kids Carnival
UNTIL AUG 25
Step inside the world of pirates and treasure maps at the Hong Kong Living Kids Carnival which takes over The Pulse for the weekend. Kids can have their faces painted as fearful pirates and enjoy paddle boating at the inflatable pool while parents scout for treasure at the pop-up market. 11am-5pm. Tickets cost $99 per child (includes entry for two accompanying adults). L2 and rooftop, The Pulse, 28, Beach Road, Repulse Bay. hongkongliving.com/shop
House 1881 Summer Sensation Programme The historic property is hosting weekly openair weekend markets, floral installations and live music from 11am- 6pm. Each day finishes with a synchronised 3D light extravaganza at 8.30pm. House 1881, 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. house1881.com
THROUGHOUT AUGUST
JUL 5-AUG 18
Head to Ocean Park this summer to experience Hong Kong’s first VR freefall ride. The Waterfront Plaza will transform into an exhilarating water battle zone where you can face off in classic scenes from popular Japanese anime series One Piece. Adults $498, children $249. Ocean Park Hong Kong, 180 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen. oceanpark.com.hk
Relive your favourite stories like The Little Mermaid and Robin Hood with shadow puppets and comedy, or check out the acrobatic Cirque du Soleil show. hkiac.gov. hk/2019/en/stage.html
Ocean Park Summer Water Battle
International Arts Festival
AUG 3-4
PAW Patrol Live: The Great Pirate Adventure! PAW Patrol is coming to Hong Kong – live! Take
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happening in August your kids to celebrate Pirate Day in Adventure Bay with Ryder and his team of pirate pups. 11am, 2.30pm and 6pm. $580. Star Hall, Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Kowloon. pawpatrollive.com
AUG 14
Momentai Pub Quiz Get your thinking caps on after the summer
holidays at the town’s favourite monthly pub quiz! Kiosk 1, Sai Kung Waterfront, Wai Man Road Sai Kung. momentai-la.com
AUG 15
Hungry Ghost Festival According to traditional Chinese belief, ghosts are said to roam the earth during the seventh month of the lunar calendar. Try not to stay
out too late this month!
AUG 15-19
Hong Kong Food Expo Sample international cuisines at affordable prices across three large halls. Opening hours vary depending on the hall you visit. $10$40. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. event. hktdc.com
AUG 16-18 & 23-25
Hong Kong Ballet: Peter Pan Revisit your childhood with the premiere of Septime Webre’s Peter Pan. The show uses a fun combination of classical ballet,
BOOK NOW
Got an event? We can publish the details. Email editorial@hongkongliving.com
SEP 7
by star instructors. Saturday 10.30am-9pm, Sunday 9am-6pm. Early bird tickets, single day pass $180, weekend pass $280. Central Harbourfront Event Space. fringebacker.com
Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2019 Showcasing the latest and most exquisite designs from over 140 brands. Expect special promotions, lucky draws, watch parades and more. 9.30am-5pm. Free. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. event.hktdc.com
SEP 22
Wedding Expo their bigger than ever annual wine tasting, featuring top-class wineries at the best prices of the year. 6:30-9:30pm. $400 per person, $350 for six or more. The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. bit.ly/2X7wtG1 or eventbrite.com
SEP 21 SEP 14-15
Bohemian Pupsody – An Evening with Teddie Mercury
Don on your pirate getup and unleash your wild side in Pirateland! The fun festival also features the ‘Stairway to Heaven’. 2-8pm. Online tickets $120, door tickets $160. Rooftop, 28 Beach Road, The Pulse, Repulse Bay. piratebeerfest.eventbrite.com
Hong Kong Dog Rescue’s annual charity party is back and you’re invited! Join the Bohemian Pupsody for a fabulous evening of music and dancing. Early bird tickets from $1,500 available until September 1. Aberdeen Marina Club, 8 Shum Wan Road, Aberdeen. hongkongdogrescue.com/ event/charityparty
SEP 19
SEP 21-22
Celebrate Kedington’s 30th anniversary at
The largest outdoor fitness festival is back, with over 80 yoga and fitness activities led
Booze it Up! Pirate’s Beer Fest
Kedington 30th Anniversary Wine Fair 2019
Planning for your big day? Get some inspiration on venues, dresses, decorations and more at the 2019 Wedding Expo. 2-6pm. Free. The Helena May, 35 Garden Road, Central. helenamay.com
OCT 10
Charity Bazaar We know it’s only August, but have your thought about starting your Christmas shopping? Get a head start at this bazaar featuring over 50 stalls selling handmade crafts, jewellery, accessories and books. 9.30am to 5.30pm. $10. The Helena May, 35 Garden Road, Central. helenamay.com
IRIS: Your Escape
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planner
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Hong Kong Ballet
activities and songs. Great for children aged three to 10 years, parents welcome. 3pm and 4pm. Free. 2/F, Lee Garden Two, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay. aftec.hk
Grammy award-winning and Billboard charttopping duo The Chainsmokers bring their World War Joy Asia Tour to Hong Kong for just one night. 8pm. $588. AsiaWorld Expo, 1 Airport Expo Boulevard, Chek Lap Kok. livenation.hk
AUG 21 clever slapstick and a touch of hip hop. Friday 7.30pm, Saturday & Sunday 2.30pm & 7.30pm. Tickets from $120. Tsim Sha Tsui, Grand Theatre and Sha Tin, Auditorium. hkballet.com
AUG 17-18
Absolutely Fabulous Children’s Theatre at Lee Gardens Performers Sandra Waters and Michael Sharmon share the story of The North Wind and the Sun, one of Aesop’s Fables, with fun
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Trevor Noah Loud & Clear Live in Hong Kong The host of the popular The Daily Show, Trevor Noah, brings his stand-up tour Loud & Clear to Hong Kong for the first time. Expect plenty of sharp wit, intelligent commentary and Millennial humour. 7pm. $588. Grand Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. trevornoah.com
AUG 23
The Chainsmokers World War Joy Tour
AUG 24
Hong Kong International Reggae Ska Festival Asia’s biggest celebration of Jamaican music and soundsystem culture. Rock out to reggae, ska, rocksteady and dub all night long. 6-11pm. Early bird $420, door tickets $580. Southern Stadium, 111 Johnston Road, Wan Chai. hkirsf.com
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news
New freefall ride drops at Ocean Park The Abyss VR Ride at Ocean Park has been fully upgraded and is ready for take off. The new VR Space Voyage, which is not for the faint of heart, launches riders into a hyper-realistic outer space VR adventure with breath-taking
vista effects. After just seconds of admiring the views, you’ll plummet 20 storeys straight back down to earth in just a few hair-raising seconds. Riders must be 132cm or over, and aged 13+ to participate in VR mode. oceanpark.com.hk
Rentokil_magazines_ad_(12x19)_20190614_out.pdf 1 14/6/2019 下午12:47
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Bubs in Pubs delivers
Momentai has become the latest Sai Kung hotspot to join the soft play movement. Last month, the waterfront restaurant introduced an undercover play area open to children under two from Tuesday to Friday between 12 noon and 3pm. Courtney Horwood, General Manager of Momentai says: ‘We pride ourselves on being family friendly and are happy to host Bubs in Pubs at Momentai - giving the little ones a space to crawl around and play. Come and check it out and enjoy a refreshing drink!’ Kiosk 1, Sai Kung Waterfront, Wai Man Road Sai Kung. momentai-la.com
in your backyard
Peak Tram back on track Tsang, General Manager of The Peak Complex. The second suspension period is scheduled in Q3 of 2020. During this time, public bus and Green Minibus services will be strengthened to meet passenger demand. “We are offering a number of new initiatives over the summer to ensure visitors to the Peak have a memorable journey,” added Ms. Tsang. One such initiative is “Summer Fun at the Peak”, an art, shopping and performance festival which celebrates the arrival of summer and the resumption of the Peak Tram Service. The festival will run throughout August. thepeak.com.hk
The Butterfly Effect
Hasta la vista, termites
The rare Cirrochroa Tyche butterfly has recently been spotted on Lantau Island. This is the first sighting since 2005, according to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Referring to the 14 year absence of the Cirrochroa Tyche butterfly, the group Green Power have concerns that the Lantau Tomorrow Vision Project (a HK$624 billion government development project which includes the creation of a third core business district through the construction of artificial islands at the eastern waters of Lantau Island) may pose a serious ecological threat to endangered species on the island.
Credit: Leisure and Cultural Services Department
It’s full steam ahead for our beloved Peak Tram which reopened on July 22 following a three month closure. During the suspension, upgrade work was carried out which included temporary improvements to parts of Tramway Path and the construction of new, temporary boarding and alighting platforms. The upgrade was the first in a series of stages which will ultimately see current tramcars (which have a capacity of 120 passengers), replaced with larger tramcars capable of carrying 210 passengers. “For such a comprehensive upgrade, some temporary suspension of the Peak Tram service is unavoidable,” said May
A free government playroom in Tiu Keng Leng Sports Centre was shut down on June 12 after termites were found. The 249 metres squared play area underwent a complete refurbishment and was reopened on July 5. The playroom is open from 9am to 9.30pm with time slots throughout the day for up to 40 children to play. Although designed for the use of children aged four to nine under the height of 142 centimetres, children under four can access the playroom if accompanied by parents or guardians. lcsd.gov.hk
IMAX Laser Theatre set to shine
Movie-goers, this one’s for you. Hong Kong is set to be blessed with its first ever IMAX Laser Theatre, part of the new UA Cinema which will open at K11 Art House in TST later this month. The new cinema will consist of 12 theatres, 1,708 seats and a six-star VIP theatre offering personalised customer experiences. The IMAX Laser Theatre will use groundbreaking
technology to offer more vibrant and sharper images as well as powerful, immersive sound. Expect to see all-round interactive performances, which go above and beyond standard cinema screenings. K11 Art House is part of the new cultural-retail destination K11 MUSEA. uacc.com.hk
Rituals opens in Asia… finally
As part of an international expansion plan, Rituals Cosmetics has finally arrived in Asia with the opening of its first store at Times Square in Causeway Bay. Rituals Cosmetics opened at the end of last month. The brand’s philosophy centres around helping users to slow down and find happiness in the smallest of things. In doing so, they have created an extensive collection of luxurious, yet affordable products for the home and body. rituals.com
Hong Kong’s newest Soho
Nick Jones, founder of Soho House
Private members’ club Soho House is set to open its doors for the first time in Hong Kong in September. Founded by entrepreneur Nick Jones in London in 1995, Soho House is a home from home for people working in creative fields. The Hong Kong House will be their 25th House with others located around the world including West Hollywood, Amsterdam and Istanbul. Members of Soho House Hong Kong can expect a dedicated bar and club space, a swim-up bar, barbecue area and the House Brasserie. Three floors will be taken up by the Soho Active gym, whilst nine floors are dedicated to Soho Works for work and meeting spaces. A members’ events program will feature film, music, fashion, art, design and wellness. Soho House, 33 Des Voeux Road, Sheung Wan. sohohouse.com
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on patrol
Inspector Matt Chu reports on recent cases in Sai Kung Lost and found On June 29, a group of friends hiking along Sai Wan Road heard a shout and found a Eurasian female collapsed on the ground. At 5.14pm she was transported by GFS to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital and admitted to ICU for nearly two days. She was suspected to be suffering from heat exhaustion.
Chop chop On July 9 at 1.30am, a dispute broke out between two neighbours at Mang Kung Uk Village. The dispute led to common assault when a 62-year-old male took a knife and tapped the victim twice on the shoulder. The dispute was believed to be about noise. The 62-year-old was arrested and released on bail.
Sai Wan and the seven men On the morning of July 4, seven men between the ages of 19 and 33 were arrested in Sai Wan for not holding the correct immigration documentation. They had stopped a member of the public to ask for directions, who then alerted the police. The men who all held passports from Pakistan were arrested at Sai Wan Kiosk.
Nothing to steal here Between the hours of 11.15pm on June 22 and 8am on June 23, a break-in was attempted at a restaurant in Pak Sha Wan. The wooden door was prised open and damaged, but nothing was stolen. The case is still under investigation.
Size matters A motorbike and a large heavy goods vehicle
You can run but your can’t hide (HGV) collided at the junction of Chui Tong Road and Hiram’s Highway on the afternoon of June 27. The 33-year-old motorcyclist received abrasions and injuries to his right arm and leg and was taken to Tseung Kwan O Hospital. The HGV driver was unharmed.
Caught in the act A 35-year-old female domestic helper from the Philippines was arrested at Nam Pin Wai Road on June 25. Her employer discovered that she had twisted the leg and pinched the shoulder of a child under her care. CCTV recordings caught her in the act. She is currently out on police bail.
Highway hold up A private car collided with a public light bus at Sun On Village, along Hiram’s Highway, on June 20. The 57-year-old male car driver twisted his leg and was sent to Tseung Kwan O Hospital. The 72-year-old female bus driver and her passengers were unharmed.
On July 17, seven illegal immigrants, all men, aged between 21-43 were arrested in a taxi at Pak Tam Chung. Police believe the males arrived in Hong Kong via boat before taking a taxi out of Sai Kung Country Park. The men were from Pakistan, Gambia and Bangladesh. The case is still under investigation.
Slip and slide A 58-year-old female slipped and fell at Fung Kan Wanon on July 13. She complained of back pain and was taken to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital by helicopter at 12.31pm. She has since recovered.
Sad news On the morning of July 16, a 60-year-old man was fishing with six friends near Trio Island. At 10.20am the man fell into the sea. Emergency services pulled him from the water and later transferred him to Tseung Kwan O Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. An investigation will be conducted.
Too hot to hike On June 22, a male aged 39 was on a hike with friends at Sai Wan Shan when he felt ill. At 4.44pm he was transported by helicopter to the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital where he was admitted for heatstroke.
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For more information, contact Sai Kung Police Station, 1 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 3661 1630
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must haves this month Espop Boys’ Blue and Yellow Backpack $1,810 from Bonpoint bonpoint.com
Mini Stationery Kit Woodland $110 from Kikki.K kikki-k.com
TOP OF THE CLASS Hit the books with these back to school must haves
Master Plan Soft Cover Journal $100 from Bookazine bookazine.com.hk
Stojo Stackable Cup 180 from Live Zero $ livezero.hk
Magnetic Line Marker $30 from Bookazine bookazine.com.hk
Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen Cap Type $8 each from Muji muji.com.hk
Take Charge Laptop Cover 13 inch $169 from Typo cottonon.com
“I will never let you gyoza” Tote $80 from Cha Siu Papers chasiupapers.com
Scholar Backpack $289 from Typo cottonon.com
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best in class Boogie Board Magic Sketch $299.50 from Toys”R”Us toysrus.com.hk
KAGS Dustin Backpack $799.90 from Toys“R”Us toysrus.com.hk
Stackable Lunch Box Woodland $220 from Kikki.K kikki-k.com
Fun Time Mega Clever Pack - Magical Dreams $169.90 from Toys“R”Us toysrus.com.hk
Big Ideas for Curious Minds Notebook $210 from The School of Life lanecrawford.com.hk
Acrylic 6-Drawer Storage Case $240 from Muji muji.com.hk
Pu Leather Personal Planner Large Woodland $630 from Kikki.K kikki-k.com
The Psychology of Colour Pencil Set $210 from The School of Life lanecrawford.com.hk
Llama Water Bottle $260 from Bookazine bookazine.com.hk
SAIKUNG.COM | 15
five minutes with Creating a business was a challenging but rewarding experience; having something I can call my own is very exciting. I love thinking up dim sum puns. I’d have to say my personal favourite is ‘siu mai type’. All being well, I’m planning to open my own bricks and mortar store soon. There are plenty more products in the works, I work on new ideas every day. I’d like my work to be internationally recognised. Many of my designs are Hong Kong-themed, but I have online customers who order from places as far away as Australia. I’m a mixture of English and Chinese cultures. Learning to balance the two is important. The Englishness in me has helped me to speak my mind whilst my Chinese side has encouraged humbleness. After 22 years, I’m still thrilled to live in Sai Kung. I was born and raised here. There are so many fantastic things about this town. I love the beaches, hikes and greenery! I love the convenience of Hong Kong. Being able to get from the beach to the city in less than an hour is unique and fantastic - I am definitely planning to stay here long-term!
Shop and see more of Faye’s design at chasiupapers.com
Five minutes with
Faye Bradley
Yetta Lam speaks with Sai Kung resident and founder of illustration company, Cha Siu Papers Cha Siu Bao is a Cantonese barbecuepork-filled bun. It’s my favourite dim sum and inspired the name for my company. It is quirky, memorable and recognisable to fellow Hong Kongers. I was searching for eco-friendly Hong Kong-themed cards. I couldn’t find any,
so I decided to make my own. I make sure my products are as eco-friendly as possible. Inspiration comes from all around me! Hong Kong is a buzzing city with so much going on at all times, and through so many avenues — the culture, nature and people.
SAIKUNG.COM | 17
local
local and international events including, NorthFace100, MSIG Green Race 119 and Hardcore 100 Miler (H1) in Philippines.
Clear intentions for Bay resident This month, Clearwater Bay resident, Mayank Vaid will attempt one of the world’s most vigorous triathlons. Nicole Slater reports
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learwater Bay resident and father of two, Mayank Vaid will be jetting to Europe this month to embark on what is regarded as one of the world’s longest and toughest ultra-distance triathlons; the Enduroman Arch to Arc. Participants will run, swim and cycle across the UK and France during the five day competition, which runs from August 26-31. The race kicks off with a 140km run from Marble Arch in London to Dover, on the Kent coast. Upon arrival in Dover, competitors will then swim cross-Channel, reaching French shores before embarking on a 290km bike ride from Calais to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
minds to find a balance at work and in their personal life was really inspiring.” Since then he has competed in many
A large aspect of triathlon training is swimming, which wasn’t one of Mayank’s strong skills at the time. He recalls, “I have never been a swimmer and that was the single biggest challenge. When I started swimming everyone laughed at me.” After months of practice, he completed in a 22 km open water swim around Sai Kung together with Daniel VanderHave and the Outward Bound team in just nine hours. Now the triathlon enthusiast has improved both his speed and endurance in preparation for the big day. Although Mayank successfully attempted the Arch 2 Arc as part of a team in 2018, this year he will be facing the challenge solo with only his wife as crew. He explains: “As my crew, she will sit on the boat as I swim alongside, she will feed me food and water during the competition.” The swim can last anywhere from 18-20 hours, with choppy seas and water temperatures of less than 16 degrees celsius. Previously, only 35 athletes have ever completed the Arch 2 Arc challenge solo. Mayank could be the first athlete to bring the award home to Clearwater Bay! For more information on the challenge and how to get involved visit enduroman.com
Mayank was first inspired to start his own fitness journey after learning about his friends and colleagues experiences. He recalls, “I was just running short distances to keep fit, but seeing my busy friends and colleagues pushing their bodies and
SAIKUNG.COM | 19
readers’ choice awards
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K U N G You voted, we counted... turn the pages to find out which local businesses and Sai Kung hotspots got your vote this year! By Charmaine Ng SAIKUNG.COM | 21
cover cover story story VOTE
TO WIN
BEST RESTAURANT
We are very lucky to have the most amazing staff, who are all long term residents and really care about the business and customers. A big thank you from all of us at The Conservatory!” Kim and Rob Cooper
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BEST NEW RESTAURANT
Singaling’s
Thank you to everyone who voted for us and our new healthy menu!
Sing Lai
Previously the longstanding beloved manager of Jaspas, Sing has recently opened his own restaurant, Singaling’s. It occupies the space where Firenze used to be on Po Tung Road and has both indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant serves up a range of healthy dishes with vegetarian and vegan options, including roasted chickpea gyros and veggie burgers. 60 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, singalings.com
Surprise, surprise! The winner for best restaurant is The Conservatory for the third year running. Owned by Clearwater Bay-based couple Robert and Kim Cooper, the restaurant offers a range of Mediterranean dishes made for sharing, including a long list of healthy-but-delicious salads and the all-time crowd favourite spiced meatballs. The restaurant also sits right on the square with abundant indoor and outdoor seating, making it the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine in the early evening. 26 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, enotecagroup.com/conservatory
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BEST PLACE FOR SUNDOWNERS
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Momentai
Momentai’s beautiful location on the Sai Kung Waterfront makes it the perfect place for a late afternoon tipple. The restaurant and bar is independently owned by Sai Kung locals Courtney and Niko who know what the Sai Kung crowd really want – a large open deck reminiscent of a Mediterranean seaside café and a bar boasting 18 taps serving a range of craft beers and ciders. Top it all off with some homemade sangria and kombucha on draft, and you have the perfect place for a sundowner. Kiosk 1, Sai Kung Waterfront, Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, momentai-la.com
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We’d like to thank everyone in Sai Kung who helps foster a sense of community within Momentai – we have such a great space and it’s really fun letting the community use it as a hub. Don’t miss our 2nd anniversary party on September 21! Team Momentai
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Zeugma & Burger Deli
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BEST PLACE FOR TAKEOUT
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BEST PLACE FOR MUM’S NIGHT
The Conservatory
Seems like The Conservatory is not only the best restaurant for the third year in a row but is also taking home the honour of being the place-of-choice for Mum’s night this year. We totally see why – it’s conveniently located right on the square, where kids can run around while Mums can watch over them, and it offers delicious light meals backed by an extensive wine selection. There’s definitely no winner more fitting. 26 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, enotecagroup.com/conservatory
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BEST PLACE FOR DAD’S NIGHT
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BEST VET
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Chicken shish or a triple cheeseburger? Tied in first place for this year’s best takeout spot are Zeugma and Burger Deli, casual eateries that serve up delicious comfort food. Both places offer only a few seats and are constantly packed with people looking for a quick bite to eat. Whether you’re after Turkish fare or a good ol’ burger – you’ll be glad to know that both are Sai Kung approved! Zeugma - Shop A, G/F, 74 Fuk Man Road, Sai Kung, facebook.com/ zeugmahk Burger Deli - G/F, 2 Ko Shing House, 9 King Man Street, Sai Kung, facebook.com/burger.deli
The champion of best place for Dad’s night is a true holein-the-wall that only the locals know: The Boozer, a pub on Yi Chun Street with no website or social media whatsoever. If you’re a Dad who likes to run, hike, play golf, watch sports or just enjoy a cold beer, then The Boozer is probably where we’ll find you on a weeknight. 57 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung
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Friendly neighbourhood veterinary Pets Central wins the award for Sai Kung’s best vet once again. It’s no surprise, really, with their specialist services and professional staff to take care of your furry friends. From general medical procedures to training services and even an online shop, Pets Central is the place to go for all things pet related. Shop 8, 66 Yi Chung Street, Sai Kung, pets-central. com/hk
BEST SUPERMARKET
Fusion
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BEST RAINY DAY ACTIVITY
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Fusion takes home the award for best supermarket, dominating the scene with two superstores in Sai Kung. The location at Sai Kung Gardens is a one-stop shop for all the groceries you would ever need – and more. Oh, and on the floor below, a florist and multiple vending machines for the little ones too so nobody gets left out. 1/F, No.16 Chan Man Street, Sai Kung, parknshop.com
MCL Metro City Cinema
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Ice skating at Festival Walk
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35% Take shelter at home
A 50% Tikitiki Bowling Bar
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cover story VOTE
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BEST HAIR SALON
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Tala’s Hair and Beauty Centre
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We are delighted to be voted and extend our heartfelt gratitude to our clients for voting for us. We will continue to bring the latest trends in hair and beauty to Sai Kung!
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Sai Kung Stingrays
The Sai Kung Stingrays have topped the charts for best local sports team for another year running. The team, with its iconic pink uniforms and an unquenchable passion for rugby, has been a staple amongst the Sai Kung community since it was founded in 2006. The Stingrays have recently expanded to sports outside of rugby and now includes teams for netball. We can’t wait to see the club grow larger! skstingrays.com
Mojdeh Kazemi Winning by an overwhelming number of votes for best hair salon once again is none other than Tala’s, known for its bright and bubbly owner, Mojdeh Kazemi. The salon is one of the best places to catch up on gossip (if you’re into that kinda thing) as you’re getting your Kerastase treatment done. While you’re at it, why not go for a foot massage too? Tala’s is a one-stop shop for all things beauty! 37 See Cheung Street, Sai Kung, talashair.com
BEST LOCAL SPORTS TEAM
BEST SPA
Sense of Touch, Tseung Kwan O
BEST NEW BUSINESS
Aphrodite Hair & Makeup Thank you to every client that continues to support Aphrodite Hair and Makeup and making her a success. Aphrodite is now 11 months and it’s a great achievement to be recognised by our community. Jacquiline Hamilton
Opening in the town less than a year ago, Aphrodite Hair and Makeup has become a hit with local residents wanting to freshen up their look. Located above Standard Chartered Bank, the salon offers a range of services such as haircuts, highlights and colouring. 1/F, 1 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, facebook.com/ aphroditehairandmakeup
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It’s truly an honour to receive this award and have our loyal followers support us for all these years! Our spas continue to strive for excellence, making Hong Kong people beautiful!
Anna Treier, Managing Director
The departure of Sense of Touch in Sai Kung was a sad one for many. Luckily, there is still a branch not too far away in Tseung Kwan O, just a bus ride from Sai Kung town centre. Pamper down at the 6,500 square feet space and treat yourself to one of their many luxury treatments, you deserve it! 3/F, Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Kowloon East, 3 Tong Tak Street, Tseung Kwan O, senseoftouch.com.hk
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Woodland Pre-Schools
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Sai Kung Swimming Pool
The Sai Kung Swimming Pool is definitely the best place to bring the kids without breaking the bank. For just $17 per adult and $8 per child, you can spend up to six hours practising your breaststroke on weekdays. The swimming pool in Sai Kung even has slides and other fun water activities to keep the kids entertained! Wan Man Road, Sai Kung, lcsd.gov.hk
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BEST ART GALLERY
RAH Studio Gallery
RAH Studio Gallery, known by the locals as Roberta’s Art House, is owned and run by Italian artist Roberta Boffo and her partner Wendell Paulus. The studio offers art classes and parties for adults and children. Roberta works with the Artistix child development program, which uses art as the medium and the world as the canvas. Classes differ depending on the time and the season – for example, this summer, Roberta is offering an art camp that focuses on recycling, reusing and reinventing. 1/F, 11 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, facebook.com/robertaarthouse
Woodland claims the title of best pre-school in Sai Kung once again, with its spacious outdoor area and friendly community. The school follows the UK National Curriculum Early Years Foundation Stage and offers classes in English and Mandarin, so everyone is included. Woodland has nine locations around Hong Kong, including its Sai Kung school in Marina Cove. Shop D, G/F, Marina Cove Shopping Centre Sai Kung, woodlandschools.com
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VILLAGE OF THE YEAR
Sha Kok Mei
Alright, we hear you! Sha Kok Mei wins village of the year – for the second year in a row! Nestled in the embrace of two looping rivers just 10 minutes away from Sha Ha Beach, Sha Kok Mei is as its Chinese name suggests, ‘at the edge of the sand’. Though relatively urbanised with its own playground and basketball court, our village of the year boasts a rich history as one of Sai Kung’s longest-standing communities. A day trip will take you through densely-packed residences and western-style villas to the Yuk Yin Study Hall, the former operations base of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Brigade of East river Guerilla. Today, though, the village is perhaps better known as a buffalo hub than a war operations base!
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Kong Ming Emporium
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BEST PLACE TO STOCK UP ON SCHOOL SUPPLIES
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BEST HIKE
MacLehose Trail Stage 3
Every neighbourhood has a trusty stationery shop, and Kong Ming Emporium is the shop of choice for Sai Kung residents. Apart from your basic craft products like pens, paper, glue sticks and the likes, the shop also offers photocopying services and even has toys for sale. During Chinese New Year, Kong Ming Emporium stocks up on festive decor so locals and expats alike can decorate their homes to celebrate the new year. 14 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, kongmingemporium.com
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BEST BEACH
Trio Beach
One of Hong Kong’s longest and most famous hiking trails is the MacLehose Trail, which is split into 10 sections, and this year, Stage 3 takes home the prize for best hike. Beware, though, as Stage 3 is not one for beginners, with hilly landscapes spanning 10.2 kilometres taking an estimated four hours to complete. If you do decide to take on the hike anyway, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Three Fathoms Cove, Ma On Shan, Long Harbour, Tolo Harbour, Plover Cove and more. How to get there: From Diamond Hill MTR Station, take bus 96R to Pak Tam Au
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Trio Beach may be small, yes, but it’s a total gem, which is why it wins this year’s best beach award. Split in two by a rocky outcrop and a lifeguard tower, it has soft gently sloping sand and is perfect for splashing around in the shallows. Most beach-goers get there by sampan from Pak Sha Wan Pier, but for a healthier and more scenic option, take a hike. Hong Fu Road, Sai Kung
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Sai Kung square (and its elderly folk going about their day) The cows! Stray dogs
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“M&S is coming to Sai Kung”
“Little Cove is becoming a bar”
101M Our good ol’ green minibus to Hang Hau MTR Station helps many commuters get to work on time (well, most of the time), even with the Hiram’s Highway traffic. The minibus comes at a frequent three to five minutes, a lifesaver for both locals and visitors to Sai Kung. Once you’re at the Hang Hau MTR Station, every part of Hong Kong is within your reach.
Sai Kung wouldn’t be Sai Kung without…
Favourite piece of gossip you’ve heard this year
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Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay (who would have guessed it!?)
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SAI KUNG’S PERSON OF THE YEAR
Narelle Pamuk
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Chairman of Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation (SKSFF)
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I am truly overwhelmed and so happy! This is a shared award with my wonderful Kennel Manager Kathy Leung and our small team and volunteers at SKSFF. Thank you to the community for showing appreciation and financial support over the years. It’s been a tough 15 years but I’m proud to say The Home of Stray Friends is still operational and we are able to give over 100 homeless dogs a safe and loving shelter. Meet Narelle and the dogs at: 151, Tai Lam Wu, Sai Kung. Facebook: Sai Kung Stray Friends Foundation
MOMENT OF THE YEAR
Coming together after Typhoon Mangkhut
Typhoon Mangkhut shocked residents and caused havoc across the city when it struck Hong Kong on September 16, 2018. Sai Kung was left a scene of disaster: trees had collapsed everywhere in the neighbourhood, and broken surfboards and wrecked yachts were seen scattered along Sha Ha Beach. In an effort to clear debris, Sai Kung residents gathered together to repair the town, from aiding police to clear fallen trees to picking up trash that had been washed ashore. With the help of the whole community, Sai Kung was soon up on its feet again.
Honorary mention: All the animals (aww!)
Winner
THE LUCKY WINNERS!
Sue Cuthbertson
Sheraton Grand Danang Resort A two night stay at the Sheraton Grand Danang Resort in Danang, Vietnam for two, with a Deluxe Sea View room and complimentary breakfast. marriott.com
Sense of Touch A 60-minute HydraMemory Facial treatment designed to be deeply hydrating. Worth $980. senseoftouch. com.hk Winner
Gabriel Dalton
Tala’s Hair and Beauty Centre A voucher for a conditioning treatment, haircut, eyebrow shaping and eyelash tint. Worth over $1,000. talashair.com
Hebe Haven Yacht Club A Hong Kong Sailing Federation Level 1 and Level 2 adult sailing course. Worth $5250. hhyc.org.hk
Winner
Winner
Fattaneh Kazemi
David Price
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dining
Dine and shine! Anna Kem soaks up the summer at Hong Kong’s best alfresco restaurants
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ith summer in full swing, there’s no better time to soak up the sunshine while indulging in some delicious food. We’ve rounded up the best outdoor dining locations in Sai Kung and a little further afield.
Sai Sha Cafe It’s hard to miss Sai Sha Cafe on the way to Ma On Shan, with its abundance of fairy lights and sparkly palm trees glowing in the night. The Thai-themed restaurant is almost completely outdoors but offers a covered seating area fitted with air-con and fans for when the heat gets a little too much. During the evenings, a live band serenades diners on request – perfect for summer date night! 10C, Nai Chung Tsuen, Sai Sha Road. facebook. com/saishacafe
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The Picture House A traditional English pub with a modern-day twist, The Picture House is a quaint restaurant located in the heart of Sai Kung town. Spend a sunny afternoon outside on their alfresco terrace, with menu options such as the traditional Sunday roast and many other classic favourites. The relaxed atmosphere offering both high and low tables make it the perfect place to sit back with a pint and watch the world go by. 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung. enotecagroup.com
Jaspas A classic Sai Kung favourite, Jaspas has been a part of the community for over 15 years. Located in Hoi Pong Square, the restaurant is ideal for a family breakfast while the kids burn off some energy running circles around the
square. The outdoor seating area sits directly in front of the restaurants and is sheltered by a canopy. Make sure to book on weekends as the outdoor tables tend to get snapped up quickly. 13 Sha Tsui Path, Sai Kung. casteloconcepts.com
The Chop House If you fancy getting out of town for a bit, The Chop House is a great spot to grab a bite before enjoying a night on Knutsford Terrace. This restaurant is one of the few that has more seats outdoors than indoors, with a large outdoor garden area surrounded by the city lights. As part of the Wooloomooloo group, The Chop House serves up steaks and comfort food ideal for any occasion. Shop 301 & 305, L3, Mira Place 1, 132 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. the-chop-house.com
summer spice alfresco their ever-so-popular Momentai Burger. Kiosk 1, Sai Kung Waterfront, Wai Man Road, Sai Kung. momentai-la.com
The Grill at Grand Hyatt Spend the day on Hong Kong Island with the Grand Hyatt’s poolside dining. The Grill offers a Sunday brunch special that includes cold cuts, fresh seafood and various barbecued items, right next to the swimming pool. After indulging, guests can acquire a day pass for an extra $550 and cool off in the hotel’s ever-so-tempting pool – although we do advise you to wait 30 minutes after eating! 11/F, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. hongkong.grand. hyattrestaurants.com
Maze Grill Opened in 2018 by well-known chef Gordan Ramsay, Maze Grill offers panoramic views of Victoria Harbour from both the indoor and outdoor seating areas. Located in Ocean Terminal’s glasshouse extension, the restaurant is light and airy and is the ideal spot to impress
guests, especially during the Symphony of Lights show every night at 8pm. The menu features many steak and grill options including Gordan Ramsay’s signature beef wellington. Shop 401, Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui. gordonramsayrestaurants.com
Enoteca Quarry Bay The atmosphere of Enoteca can be likened to that of an Italian town piazza. Enjoy pizza, pasta and scrumptious choices from the Mediterannean with a glass of wine, while you watch the world go by. This mainstay of the Taikoo dining scene is sure to hit the spot. G/F, 35-41 Tong Chong Street, Quarry Bay. enotecagroup.com
Momentai Enjoy an afternoon overlooking Sai Kung’s waterfront promenade with a cocktail in hand. With its array of colourful and unique chairs, a pool table and craft beer collection, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day. Momentai has become a firm favourite in the Sai Kung community, serving up a mixture of healthy eats and comfort foods, including
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nibbles dining
NIBBLES Singalings opening The much-loved manager of Jaspas, Sing, has gone solo with his first restaurant Singalings! The restaurant has something for everyone with a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes as well as hearty classics including burgers and wraps. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s plenty to choose from with both vegan and non-vegan dessert options. 60 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung. singalings.com
Picnic-inspired summer afternoon tea Wine not? Add a little fizz to your weekend with Piccolos new buy-one-get-one weekend happy hour from 3-5pm. The deal has something for everyone with a range of wines including, house red and white wine, prosecco, rose and refreshing beers, including Corona and Stella. The new deal was released in mid-July and is the perfect way to end a summer’s day! No.20, Wan King Path, Sai Kung. facebook.com/ PiccolosSK
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Served in a lovely woven hamper, the new afternoon tea set at Cordis takes after a romantic picnic on the beach. The luxury art hotel is collaborating with Korean skincare brand Su:m37° to create a picnic basket rife with refreshing summer treats like lemon and yuzu hazelnut crunchy tarts and homemade scones with guava jam. Each guest will get a complimentary skincare travel set from Su:m37° valued at $490. Available until September 30. $498 for two persons. 555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok. cordishotels. com
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outdoors
Making waves
Dip your toe in and try these Hong Kong water sports this summer. By Becky Love Stand-up paddleboarding Paddle across calm waters while the sun goes down… stretch yourself into a downward facing dog… or have your very own furry friend jump on the back. Stand-up paddleboarding is a popular way to enjoy the sights and seas
in Hong Kong, and is fairly easy to grasp for beginners. Put simply, you stand up on a board that looks somewhat like a surfboard, but rather than catch waves, you use a paddle to propel yourself through the water.
Best spots to SUP Stanley Main Beach, Sai Kung Country Park Where to hire or tour: Aqua Bound offer SUP rentals on Stanley Main Beach from $80 for a one-hour rental. aquabound.com.hk OR Wild Hong Kong offer a Wildfactor Sai Kung SUP Tour which allows for up to five hours on the water depending
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on conditions. Groups of one to three persons is $800 and includes all equipment rental. wildhongkong.com/sai-kung-sup
Kayaking This small, narrow watercraft generally holds one to two people and is propelled by a double bladed paddle. An ideal way to explore some of our 260+ beautiful islands and remote beaches, it’s easy to see why Hong Kong is a kayaker's paradise. Not only is kayaking a great day out, but it’s an opportunity to learn about the ocean’s environment and the importance of protecting and preserving these ecosystems.
water sports
Learn to swim at Harry Wright
Best spots to kayak There are many great islands to kayak around in Hong Kong. We recommend Hong Kong GeoPark and Dog Island just off Lamma Island. Where to hire or tour: Sea Kayak Hong Kong offer a gentle six kilometre kayak session perfect for beginners. The trip takes about three hours and is $450 per person which includes equipment, an experienced instructor, photography, water and snacks. seakayakhongkong.com
Swimming Tackle the water with Hong Kong’s Premier Swim School, Harry Wright International. With over 40 years teaching experience, the
company has built a reputation for excellence and reliability across the city. From parent assisted lessons for infants to a highly competitive swim team, the school offers lessons for every age and ability group. harrywright.com.hk
Surfing Hong Kong isn’t the first place you would think of when it comes to surfing, but believe it or not, we actually have a couple of great surfing spots. Big Wave Bay is probably the first place that comes to mind for many, and the location of many early morning surf lessons for beginners. If you’ve always wanted to jump on a board, now is a great time to start.
Best spots to surf Big Wave Bay, Tai Long Wan Bay, Pui O Where to hire or tour: HK Waterman host group and one-on-one surf lessons at Big Wave Bay, starting at $600 per person. Weekday and weekend morning slots available. hkwaterman.com
Snorkelling and Scuba Diving Always wondered what lurks below Hong Kong waters? There’s a total of 84 different coral species in Hong Kong just waiting to be explored, many of which you will find at Hoi Ha. There’s also crabs, sea cucumbers, fish, lobsters, sea urchins and even seahorses if you’re lucky. You generally have to be Open Water certified to scuba dive most places in the world, including Hong Kong.
Best spots to snorkel Hoi Ha Han Marine Park Best spots to scuba: Clearwater Bay, Sai Kung Where to hire or tour: Splash HK offers a PADI Discover Scuba experience which allows inexperienced divers to get some basic skills in the pool before heading out into the ocean. The one day course is $1,200. Then you can join in their Splash Days with shore and boat diving. Prices start at $500 (equipment rental is an extra $250 per day). splashhk.com
Windsurfing Did you know that our Hong Kong windsurfing team has won many Asian and World titles in the past including a Gold medal won by Lee Lai San in the Atlanta Olympics in 1996? Stanley is known to be Hong Kong’s most
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water sports What lies beneath Hong Kong waters… Blue Blotch Butterfly Fish This species of butterfly fish is quite rare, inhabiting rich areas of hard coral as it feeds mainly on live polyps of Acropora corals. Hong Kong is probably close to the northern limit for this tropical species.
popular spot for windsurfing, with ideal months of the year being September to April. Look out for the easterly and north easterly winds in Stanley, and you’ll hit the sweet spot for perfect conditions.
Best spots to windsurf
feet attached to a board that is attached to a bar and rope thats is attached to a boat, this sport evolved from a combination of sports, namely water skiing, snowboarding and surfing. If you’re up for something a bit more challenging with a little bit more excitement and speed, this one's for you.
Stanley, Sai Kung, Cheung Chau, Tai Po and Tuen Mun
Best spots to wakeboard Stanley, Sai Kung, Tai Tam
Where to hire or tour: Located on Stanley Beach since the 1970s, Hiwindlover can organise windsurfing equipment rental or courses. A beginners course starts at $800 for three hours, and beginner windsurfing gear rental starts at $150 per hour. hiwindlover.com
Wakeboarding If you’ve got a good sense of balance, you’ll take to wakeboarding like a pro. With your
Where to hire or tour: Wakeboard Hong Kong, based in Tai Tam, have packages available for days out with family and friends, corporate or school packages. Prices vary, but their friends and family package offers three hour sessions which include wakeboarding, tubing and boating for $2,700, available Monday to Friday. wakeboard.com.hk
Banded Coral Shrimp This species of Shrimp although found in Hong Kong waters is generally found in Paris. The females grow to be bigger than the males.
Astropecten Polyacanthus (Starfish) Three species of Astropecten starfish are known from local waters. These starfish adapt to living on sand thanks to their pointed tube feet with no suckers.
Bulb Tentacle Sea Anemone This common sea anemone has a bulb at each tentacle tip and acts as a host for Clark's anemonefish, Amphiprion Clarkii in Hong Kong waters.
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travel
Cycle for change Join sporting stars on a charity bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside. Nicole Cooley reports
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this autumn
biking in vietnam
n October this year, Just Challenge will team up with Laureus Sport for Good to offer a once in a lifetime opportunity to cycle the Vietnamese coast for charity. Participants will join Michael Vaughan, OBE and former England Cricket Captain and Victoria Pendleton, CBE and Olympic Gold Medalist in Track Cycling for Great Britain on a four day 460 km cycle ride from the Vietnamese capital city, Ho Chi Minh City to the coastal town of Nha Trang. Just Challenge is an organisation that delivers meaningful ‘money can’t buy’ adventures to people around the world in aid of giving back to those less fortunate (just-challenge. com). To date, they have raised over one million USD for charity. Whilst the majority of their challenges are designed for corporates, sports stars or charities, they also open two challenges to the public each year. In May, they hosted ‘Challenge Africa 2019’ in collaboration with global charitable organisation, Laureus, who uses sport to transform the lives of children and young people (laureus.com). During Challenge Africa 2019 earlier this year, 100 people of different nationalities trekked 100km through the breathtaking Drakensberg mountains in South Africa to raise USD $425,000.
While in Ho Chi Minh Spend a few days exploring the French colonial landmarks, shop for bargains at the local market (be prepared to barter), enjoy the city’s up and coming cafe culture (I’Usine is a great option) and get your Pho fix while sitting streetside on little plastic chairs.
Best time of year Although the weather is pleasant all year round, it is recommended to visit during the dry season (December-April).
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travel
This October, Just Challenge and Laureus will come together again to host ‘Challenge Vietnam 2019’ of which participation is open to the public. Challenge Vietnam is open to cyclists of all abilities but participants are recommended to have a good level of fitness and be prepared to train. Just Challenge can provide road bikes and cyclists will be divided into teams and led by experienced guides. Alongside the challenge, the destination offers fantastic cultural experiences,
delicious food and spectacular scenery as well as being at the top of Michael Vaughan and Victoria Pendleton’s bucket list. Participants will meet in Ho Chi Minh City on October 14 and the adventure will begin the following morning. Day one will take cyclists along 140km of the Vietnamese coast to Mui Ne. Day two continues up to the mountainous town of Dalat and day three will consist of a 105km cycle to Phan Rang. On the final day, participants
will finish with a 120km ride ending in Nha Trang. Overall the group will climb 1,500m from sea level into the mountains, through pine forests and rice paddies to finish up at some of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches. Vaughan is thrilled to be taking part, stating, “Laureus Sport for Good is a cause very close to my heart and I can’t wait to meet the participants in October. It’s going to be the experience of a lifetime alongside fellow Laureus Ambassador Victoria Pendleton and
The team get into training in the UK
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biking in vietnam
Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. – Nelson Mandela, Patron of Laureus Sport for Good.
the funds raised will truly help change the lives of young people around the world.” Just Challenge brings together inspirational people from around the world. Challenge Vietnam gives people an opportunity to jump on a bike, leave their comfort zone, rub shoulders with some of the world’s greatest sporting legends and support a global movement proving that sport truly does have the power to change the world.
Dates: October 14-19 Location: Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City Price: £1,995 (British pounds) including five nights accommodation, ground transfers, meals, experienced challenge leaders, medical support, vehicle/ mechanical support and road bike rental just-challenge.com/vietnam2019
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village focus
Nai Chung village Geneve Chu and Natalie Davidsen venture through a portal of greenery
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ai Chung Village bridges between contemporary Hong Kong and the picturesque Sai Kung. Unlike most remote areas in Sai Kung, you can get to this bustling village effortlessly via car or bus. Stepping foot into the village, we glance across the road and noticed two enormous cranes working restlessly. We walk over to chat with a local resident about the massive construction site that takes up most of the
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village. “What is going on here?” we ask, the resident replied; “They are renovating this area. The roads are being reconstructed and they are building tower blocks here.” We were surprised to hear about the refurbishment of the village, as the local escorted us to the demolished barbecue site. With all the road work taking place on Sai Sha road, you would never expect to discover a peaceful and secluded beach hiding behind a cluster of mangrove trees. We strolled through the portal of greenery and onto the beach where boats were sailing freely behind the local fisherman, who were busily catching fish. At low tide, mudflats attract many local residents to collect glittering seashells and (if the wind is co-operating) kite flying is also a popular option. Dogs and their owners tend to meander around this relaxing environment to savour the shade and the cool breeze. After a brisk walk along the beach, we headed back towards Nai Chung Old village. Not only did we meet a few dogs, a pleasant surprise was awaiting our stomachs as we ventured into the local Thai restaurant, Sai Sha
Cafe. The beautiful setting and kind staff were as welcoming as the extensive menu options that were swiftly placed in front of our hungry eyes. This short adventure was the perfect opportunity to appreciate the serenity and the beauty of Sai Kung. Whilst enjoying our food, we observed neighbourly Nai Chung Village and considered how different it may look once the developments take hold. Soon, the village will breathe in a new life.
How to get there Take the KMB 99 or 299x bus that goes between Sha Tin Central and Sai Kung. Get off at Sai Sha road and walk to Nai Chung.
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woof
Ask a vet...
Paws for thought. Dr Pauline answers your pet questions What breeds of dogs shouldn’t you have in Hong Kong? A lot of common sense is needed when looking after dogs in a hot humid climate like Hong Kong. Dogs are very adaptable creatures: and owners who love their dogs are very adaptable too. There is no breed which I’m going to categorically say that you should not keep but if you are considering getting a new dog there are breeds which are less suited to Hong Kong. Dogs with thick, double coats such as mountain dogs, huskies, bassets, chow chows and akitas are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like bulldogs and pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off and their windpipes tend to be narrow which limits air intake for their size. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, the dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat. My rules are simple; exercise at dawn and dusk when it’s cooler, or at night and always carry water with you on a walk.
My dog is always very nervous to go to the vet, is there any way to make him less nervous? There is no simple answer. Most dogs develop a fear or phobia about going to the vet at a young age and that usually stays with them for life. You and your vet and the clinic staff can help by following simple rules. Never raise your voice, bribe your dog with a multitude of treats that make your dog focus on the treat rather than the situation, as your pets ‘life saver’ in these situations be prepared to step outside the clinic yourself and watch from a distance leaving your pet with a trusty vet assistant, use relaxing sprays and aromatherapy, and if necessary talk to your vet about the use of pre visit medications like trazodone given at home an hour in advance that help relax your scared friend. Taking your pet repeatedly to the clinic when nothing happens except getting yummy treats is also a good training tool to action.
other cats. Is he stressed? What you are describing is respiratory distress, or dyspnoea, and could be an indication of very serious or even life threatening disease. Any veterinarian will tell you that this is one of the most serious presenting signs that we can encounter in our work. On many occasions, a cat may not even survive a trip to the vet hospital, if he does he may pass away in hospital. So to answer your question, yes stress can bring on the signs but you need to know why. Reasons for respiratory distress are multiple with the three most common being feline asthma, heart failure, and pleural disease leading to the lungs being unable to expand. I strongly urge you to have your vet investigate this problem.
Why does my cat stick his tongue out and breathe heavily? He did it when we moved house and also when he sees
Got a question for Dr. Pauline? Email editorial@hongkongliving.com
Dr. Pauline Pets Central veterinarian answers your questions.
Walkies
High Island Reservoir trail with Rex the short-haired Weimaraner Stretch your legs and take your best bud on a stroll around Hong Kong’s biggest reservoir, High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung. The walk begins with a short detour around Sheung Yiu Folk Museum, an old Hakkke village, before joining the first stage of the MacLehose Trail towards the
East Dam. This Dam is part of the Geopark and offers stunning views over the water, famous hexagonal rock columns and even a sea cave, so don’t forget to pack your camera! The hike is 12.9km and takes around four hours to complete. Make sure you bring plenty of water and dog biscuits
for your furry friend and stay in the shade wherever possible. Be aware that there are no opportunities for your furry friend to take a cooling dip on this hike so this is perhaps one for cooler days! How to get there Dogs are not allowed on public buses so take a taxi from Sai Kung town to Pak Tam Chung, which will take around 10 minutes. You can also drive as the area offers free parking but be sure arrive early at weekends as spaces tend to fill up fast! Alternatively, if you choose to do this hike dog-free, take minibus number 7 or 9 or KMB bus 94 to Pak Tam Chung.
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zim city
Blocked crossing to Kowloon Park Drive
Stop. Look. Listen Paul Zimmerman suggests how reopening pedestrian crossings could preserve Kowloon Park
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overnment is tone-deaf. With a false majority in the Executive Council and the Legislative Council, the government is unable to hear the voices, opinions and aspirations of the community. Add a ‘government knows best’ attitude among civil servants, halfhearted use of public consultations (‘we have taken a balanced view’ and ‘further changes can be considered at the next stage’) and colonial powers to push projects through and you end up with a government prone to walking off the cliff. Working across government silos is clumsy and takes ages. Existing practices and regulations obviously outdated are left untouched to avoid risking unintended consequences. Once a ‘line to take’ is agreed after internal circulation of new policies and plans, officials do their best not to make any changes ‘otherwise nothing gets done. The extradition bill has shown in spectacular fashion how government,
together with its advisors and supporters can find themselves opposite the people of Hong Kong. This problem affects not just political, constitutional and mainland affairs issues. There are hundreds of examples which demonstrate the systemic failure in the administration’s governing style from big to small. My office is stacked with files full of them. I randomly picked two from the top of my desk. The Development Bureau is pushing to build a shopping mall under Kowloon Park to pay for pedestrian tunnels under the park to divert pedestrians away from overcrowded pavements along Haiphong Road. Park users love their oasis shaded by mature trees in the middle of the Tsim Sha Tsui bustle. Government advisors ignore the real problem. Haiphong Road is over used because it is the only barrier free link from Canton Road to the MTR. To cross Kowloon Park Drive further south, people are forced to use tunnels and they hate it. Re-open street
level pedestrian crossings at Peking Road, Middle Road and Salisbury Road, and the park can be saved. Wah Fu Housing Estate is crumbling and is braced with steel beams. Redevelopment is needed. The first phase is to build on five nearby sites so that the population can be decanted and demolition can commence. Once rebuilt the population will increase from 26,000 to 61,000 residents. But we found that the site formation and road works for the first phase did not take the ultimate population growth into account. So we asked the many bureaus and departments involved to confirm that the planned works will not hinder the future development at Wah Fu and other known projects in Pokfulam. None of them could. Next we asked the Executive Council. They referred us back to the departments. Stuck in a loop is enormously frustrating, but we can never give up. Following the large extradition bill demonstrations Government says it recognizes the problem. In the words of the Chief Secretary: “Government is determined to ensure that the Government’s future work will be closer and more responsive to the aspirations, sentiments and opinions of the community in order to reconnect with our people.” So I earnestly hope we wake up tomorrow to learn that Kowloon Park is saved, the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui can be crossed, a comprehensive plan for Wah Fu and Pokfulam is drawn, and democratic reforms have restarted. That Hong Kong is again the greatest city to live and work in.
Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, a Southern District Councillor and the coconvenor of Save Our Country Parks alliance. SAIKUNG.COM | 43
game
Spot the difference Spot the five differences between the two images below. Answers next issue.
Image: Western Market, Sheung Wan Answer to last month: 1. Umbrella colour turned pink
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2. Sun sign on tent
4. Safeguard house not numbered
3. Mirage island
5. Dusk is arriving
marketplace
marketplace
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marketplace
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in marketplace the garden
What to plant in August
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tepping into August, it is time to feel the peak of the summer heat, the continual rain and humid weather. Yet there will be so much happening in your garden. Wipe your sweat and take good care of your garden this month and you will be rewarded with a fruitful and blooming garden in short. For the flowers, it is the time to sow seeds of Sunflower and Chinese Balsam. You might want to cut your African Marigolds, Salvias, Marguerites and Acalyphas. Cuttings of Linum trigynum roots are ready to be planted. The first batch of Violet, Eupatorium Atro-rubens and the first lot of Freesias may now be potted. Croton cuttings put in last month will be ready for potting towards the end of the month. Palm seedlings from seeds sown in March may now be potted off, if not already done. If you’re in the mood for something spectacularly special, consider ordering bulbs of Lilium Speciosum and Lilium Auratum from Japan and you shall be surprised by their beauty. The growths of Lilium longiflorum will have died down by the end of the month and the bulbs may be taken in and kept dry. As for the green veggies, take a look at your Short Beans which you will have sown last month. You might have to stake them now. Is it time to sow the seeds of Mustard and Cress, Chinese Spinach, Lettuce, Sweet Corn, Chinese Green and White Cabbage, Celery, Tomatoes and Carrots. Don’t forget to dig over all vacant ground so that it’s in good condition for sowing seeds for the months of September and October, when it’s slightly cooler and perfect weather for taking your loved one out for a stroll down the garden path. Your hard work will be rewarded with a full-bloom garden, my fellow 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... these restaurants is an emphasis on relatively simple but good quality food in generous quantities. Wayne was famous in the trade for his very careful eye on the bottom line, unlike the all too many failed restauranteurs in Hong Kong, he was notoriously wary over spending a dollar on equipment and decoration where 50 cents would suffice. But his real genius lay in understanding that in an Asian environment Western food needed to cater for communal eating habits. So, sharing food was commonplace in his restaurants and it worked like a dream. Oh, and he didn’t mind getting his hands dirty doing the grunt jobs that need to be done in the food business.
Ma On Shan Country Park
What do citizens want?
Stephen Vines on Country Parks, privileged rights and other goings on around the town. Country parks are better for people than they are property developers As the government ponders new ways of destroying the country parks, or to put it another way, new ways of accommodating property developers, some good news has emerged from a University of Hong and WYNG Foundation study. It found that just over 56 percent of people interviewed in 2018 had visited a country park at least once in the past year, on average, most people went every two months. The most popular activity was hiking followed by less strenuous walks and a spot of barbecuing. What is most striking is that half of the respondents considered that their visits to the parks were important or extremely important to their lives. Hopefully this evidence of high park usage and the benefits it brings to citizens will figure large in government thinking over the future of the country parks. Who knows there may even be breakthrough with officials actually pay attention to what citizens want? Ok, that’s a stretch but… Preserving the rights of the privileged at a time like this Talking of which, it beggars belief that at
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a time like this, the government should be making a last ditch attempt to protect the interests of a tiny minority of New Territories residents at the expense of the majority. Yet the Lam administration has applied to the Court of Final Appeal to overturn a lower court ruling limiting so called ding rights giving male indigenous villagers free land to build housing. The lower court ruling narrowed the scope of these rights and it was widely believed that at last something was being done to bring an end to this anomaly which benefits a privileged few and is safeguarded by the reptilian Heung Yee Kuk. The ding rights maybe a lesser issue in Sai Kung than in some other parts of the New Territories but nevertheless we have seen land granted on this basis here, including to people who have made their lives overseas. Big Fella – you’ll be missed This is belated and I apologise but I want to add to the tributes paid to Wayne Parfitt who recently passed away. A big fella in every sense of the word, Wayne launched a highly successful restaurant chain in Sai Kung with Pepperonis back in 1992. The business mushroomed and now probably has more outlets in Vietnam than it does in Hong Kong where it is known for popular brands such as Jaspas and Wagyu. What unites
Everyone, including Wayne, has faltered when building a business, and falter he did when taking on the American Krispy Kreme franchise here in Hong Kong. A rugged individualist was never going to be comfortable working within the confines of an American franchise system that allows no space for discretion. It drove him crazy and he sensibly quit before it drove him mad. Sai Kung remained as his base even after the parent company, Castelo Concepts, spread its wings. It is interesting then that this small place has been the launching pad for two highly successful restaurant chains, the one Wayne founded and the Honeymoon Dessert chain, serving Chinese dessert dishes, which also remains in Sai Kung doing brisk business but has spread its wings way further. What is it about Sai Kung that gives birth to these places? The Sai Kung/Saigon conundrum What, ironically, does not seem to work so well in Sai Kung, are Vietnamese restaurants as the fate of the short-lived Viet Kitchen restaurant on Yi Chun Street has demonstrated. The irony lies in the fact that, as all Chinese speakers know, the characters for Sai Kung are exactly the same as they are for Saigon in Vietnam. Indeed I know of one Vietnamese-Chinese restaurant owner who came to Sai Kung precisely because he recognised the name when he arrived here. Significantly, he does not run a Vietnamese restaurant!
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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