P E O P L E | C H R I S TM A S | P E TS | PR OPER TY
saikung.com
November 2021 THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN
WHY WE LOVE SAI KUNG 50 COOLEST THINGS AROUND THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
CONTENT S — 11/ 21
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COVER STORY 50 reasons why we love Sai Kung
The really useful magazine 2 THE PLANNER
What’s on this November
6 CHRISTMAS BAZAARS
Hong Kong’s first gymnastic and parkour academy
Shop til you drop
8 CHRISTMAS TREES
32 CRUSING SAI KUNG
10 NEWS
33 PETS
13 POLICE BLOTTER
34 DIRECTORY For all your Sai Kung needs
28 FIVE MINUTES
36 PANTS, SEEDS & CUTTINGS Gardening with Peter Wood
Where to buy your festive fir
What’s going on in your backyard
Senior Inspector Ron Yung talks crime
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30 SPORTS
with Julie Dixon, yoga teacher extraordinaire
Guy Nowell is out and about
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Dr Pauline Taylor answers your pet questions
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Contact us Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772 Whatsapp: 98119526 Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
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Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong saikung.com P EOP L E | CHRIST M AS | P ET S | P ROP ERT Y
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editor@saikung.com saikung.com
November 2021 THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN
@hongkongliving
WHY WE LOVE SAI KUNG
facebook.com/SaiKungMagazine
50 COOLEST THINGS AROUND THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
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Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay Magazine is published by Hong Kong Living Ltd.This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Hong Kong Living Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any way, part or format without written permission from the publisher.
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Got a story? editor@saikung.com SAI KUNG | 1
planner
NOV 20
SPOT Children’s Therapy Centre SPOT Children’s Therapy Centre is providing a FREE screener for your child/adolescent with either a Speech and Language therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, or Psychologist at their new Kowloon Bay clinic. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity, if you have any concerns about your child’s development. spot.com.hk
NOV 1 Public pools close NOV 2 Simply Sourdough Learn how to bake and create sourdough from scratch. All supplies provided. 10am 1pm. Ensemble Co-Creating space. 112 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung.
NOV 4 Diwali Lights on!
NOV 5-7 Outdoor & Sports Expo Stock up on sporting equipment or try your hand at something new at Hong Kong’s first Outdoor & Sports Expo. The expo has eight categories of sporting equipment from fitness
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and yoga to camping and van life essentials. $40. Hall 5BC, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. exhibitiongroup.com.hk
and panel discussions. Prices, times and venues vary. festival.org.hk
NOV 5-15 Hong Kong International Literary Festival
Stock up on chocolates, meats and cheeses ahead of the festive season. 10.30am7.30pm. Kwai Chung Sports Ground, 93 Hing Shing Road, Kwai Chung. foodhk.com.hk
A 10-day programme of readings, workshops
UNTIL NOV 7 Hong Kong Food Carnival Fair
what’s on UNITL NOV 14 Retykle Pop-Up With the holiday season just around the corner, customers can shop for preloved designer styles perfect for the cooler temperatures. 10am-7pm. 49 Hollywood Road, Central. retykle.com
NOV 10 Hong Kong Dining Awards
NOV 13 Rainbow Market
Celebrate the winners of the Hong Kong Dining Awards with a fabulous ceremony and free-flow drinks. 3-5.30pm. hongkongliving.com
Over 30 LGBT supportive booths will join this market hosted by Hong Kong Pride. 12-8pm. Free. 8/F, The Wave, 4 Hing Yip Street, Kwun Tong. facebook/hkpride
NOV 12-13 Healthy Gut Workshop
NOV 13 Steelcase Dragon Run
Learn how to improve the health of your tum through diet, lifestyle and naturopathic principles with Dragon Fitness and Coaching. Plus learn how to make delicious healthy dishes! Limited spaces, $150 (proceeds to charity), Friday 12th November at 12.30pm and Saturday 13th November at 2pm ally@dragonfitnessandcoaching or 95550358.
Part of the World Surfski League, this international paddling event sees participants race from Clearwater Bay Beach to Stanley. From $800. hongkongdragonrun.com.hk
NOV 14 Ebru fabric marbling workshop Explore the traditional Turkish art of Ebru Marbling and create a unique patterned fabric then make it into a unique gift! Ensemble Co-Creating space. ensemblecocreatingspace.com
NOV 13 Mighty Oaks Open Day Join a pre-nursery taster class and meet the principal. Sessions in English/Cantonese or English/Mandarin. 9.30am-12.30pm. 1/F, Lungga Mansion, 46A Belcher’s Street, Kennedy Town. mightyoaks.edu.hk
NOV 13 Swire Symphony Under The Stars Enjoy a dazzling performance by the awardwinning Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour. Free. 7.30pm. Central Harbourfront Event Space. hkphil.org
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planner NOV 16 Mini farmers’ Market pop-up Fresh fruits and veggies from around Sai Kung. The Hive, 11am - 6pm
NOV 20-21 Spartan Race Sprint Are you ready, Spartans? Tackle obstacles and rugged terrain on this 5km race. 9.30am. From $ 780. Kam Tin Country Club, Shui Tau Tsuen. spartanrace.hk
NOV 20-21 Spartan Race Kids Budding athletes are invited to compete in this kid’s version of Spartan. Distances from 1.6km. From $480. Kam Tin Country Club, Shui Tau Tsuen. spartanrace.hk
NOV 25 Thanksgiving Day Turkey and all the trimmings
NOV 27-28 24 Hour Race Support teams from local schools and universities who are running around The Peak in a fundraising effort to stop human trafficking and slavery. 24hourrace.org
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what’s on NOV 28 LEGO Christmas Wreath workshop Combine your kid’s two favourite things in the world - Lego and Christmas. Participants will take home a built ilNew LEGO wreath valued at $399 each.10-12 noon. Ensemble CoCreating space. ensemblecocreatingspace.com
Want to list an event? Email editor@saikung.com
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christmas bazaars
THROUGHOUT DEC Stanley Plaza Wild West Adventure Christmas Market 2021
A festive open-air market taking place in the Amphitheatre at Stanley Plaza. With 60 booths, this cashless market will have plenty of stalls to shop from, along with an AR game, a Santa Meet & Greet and more. 12-8pm. Stanley Plaza, Stanley. linkhk.com
NOV 7, 21 & DEC 12 Discovery Bay Christmas Market
Browse for trinkets at this open-air market and purchase oodles of stocking stuffers and one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artists and small business owners. 11am-6pm. Discovery Bay Main Plaza, Discovery Bay, Lantau. handmadehongkong.com
NOV 11
AWA Charity Bazaar The 34th Annual AWA Charity, established by the American Women’s Association, will be using its proceeds to fund charity and community organisations, featuring 50 unique vendors from all over Hong Kong. 11.30am-7.30pm. PMQ, Aberdeen Street, Central. awa.org.hk
THROUGHOUT NOV 36 Cochrane Street
NOV 13 & 14 The Good Gift Christmas Fair
This year, local charity Crossroads is partnering with Fair Trade Hong Kong to host a family Christmas fair at its Gold Coast location. Kids can enjoy tree climbing, zip lining, arts and crafts while parents can shop for gifts. 11am-7pm. Crossroads Village, 2 Castle Peak Road, Tuen Mun. crossroads.org.hk
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Style Base Central’s popular event space, 36 Cochrane Street, is getting a festive makeover this month with decorations and stocking fillers. Instagram: @popuphk
christmas bazaars
DEC 2-5
White Christmas Street Fair After a two year hiatus, The Swire Properties’ charity fair is back. This year’s fair will feature a range of booths selling Christmas decorations, skincare, homeware, jewellery, kids items and pet friendly products. All funds raised will be donated to Operation Santa Claus. 12-8pm. Tong Chong Street and 1/F Office Lobby, Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay. swireproperties.com
DEC 4 & 5
Glam and Glitters Christmas Shopping Fair A Christmas fair that supports local business owners. Expect niche and artisanal brands, selling unique jewellery, children’s clothing, natural cosmetics, fashion, art and vintage goods. 10am-7pm. Hong Kong Football Club, 3 Sports Road, Happy Valley. shoppinghongkong.net
DEC 4-5 & 18-19
Sai Kung December Market Bazaar
DEC 9
Prestige Christmas Fair
Support local Sai Kung vendors and shop for toys, gifts and handmade items at Man Yee Wan Recreation Centre. 11am-8pm. Man Yee Wan Recreation Center, 25 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung
The Prestige Christmas Fair is back for another year, selling jewellery, gourmet food, homeware, clothing and babywear from vendors across Hong Kong. 10am-8pm. Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hotel, Pacific Place, Admiralty. prestigefairs.hk
UNTIL DEC 31
Landmark Christmas Market Well-known for its elaborate annual Christmas display, Landmark’s Christmas market will surely get you in the holiday mood. Browse through all kinds of lifestyle products, homeware and designer items that will make the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one. 15 Queen’s Road Central. landmark.hk
Christmas
comes to town SAI KUNG | 7
home and living
O, Christmas Tree
Nothing screams Christmas more than a tree. Real or artificial, go bauble-tastic and shine bright! Anglo Chinese Florist Loyal customers are getting first dibs this year as tree availability is at an all-time low but it is still worth contacting this 75-yearold flower boutique in case their Noble and Nordmann firs haven’t all been snapped up. If you aren’t one of the lucky ones, how about a Mini Handmade Tree (from $880) or a Christmas Cypress (from $280) as well as wreaths, centrepieces, floral arrangements, poinsettias, garlands and swags? Artificial Noble trees are available too from $1,098 for a 3ft tree to $7,698 for a 9ft tree, all with optional fairy lights and decorations (at an extra cost). WhatsApp your order to 6238 8823 or 6222 2692. anglochinese.com.
Chun Hing Garden This Yuen Long gardening company seems to have a huge range of trees for sale: five sizes of Douglas fir from 5-6ft ($1,370) up to 9-10ft ($3,850) and a whopping 16 different sizes of Noble firs from 3-4ft ($910) all the
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way up to an almost unbelievable 18-20ft ($46,500). All trees collected by the company are recycled. It also has a good selection of wreaths, centrepieces, garlands, poinsettias and decorated lanterns with LED candles. chunhinggarden.com.
Gift Flowers HK Online florist Gift Flowers HK has a range of Christmas trees to choose from. For those with limited time and space, the Mini Festive Christmas Trees (40cm high, from $849) come with decorations and are perfect for cheering up tabletops and corners. Their Noble firs come in four sizes - 4-5ft, 5-6ft, 6-7ft and 7-8ft - with a complimentary tree stand. Prices are from $1,899 to $3,199. Delivery to Hong Kong metropolitan areas is free and a recycling collection after the festive season is available at an extra cost. For a tree with a difference, check out the Succulent Christmas Tree ($1,600). Made out of succulent plants and cacti, it’s less
christmas trees maintenance than a traditional fir and you don’t need to toss it out after Christmas. Wreaths and Christmas floral arrangements are also available. giftflowers.com.hk
IKEA The Swedish store is renowned for its affordable style and Christmas is no exception. Nordmann firs, grown in sustainable Scandinavian eco-environments, come in two sizes - four to five feet and six to seven feet - both under $1,000. Home delivery is free and an optional collection and recycling service ($200) can be booked upon purchase for responsible disposal. Each returned tree will be turned into wood chips for gardening use. Order your tree in store and then go and shop for reasonably priced decorations to make it sparkle. Various store locations; ikea.com.hk.
Mongkok Flower Market The Flower Market is always good for a Christmas tree or two and at the very least makes a great afternoon of floral browsing. If you’ve missed the boat for a fresh fir, you can always get creative with collections of festive branches and blooms or an artificial tree. Check out the wreaths, poinsettias and seasonal plants at various locations; some
shops will even kit you out with baubles and other decorations. Flower Market Rd, Mongkok. Nearest MTR: Prince Edward.
Wah King Garden Arts Trees closer to home can be found at Wah King Garden Arts (previously known as KK Horticulture). Their Fraser firs hail from Belgium and come in three sizes - 4-5ft ($1,280), 5-6ft ($1,580), 6-7ft ($2,180). An after-Christmas tree collection costs an additional $200. Wreaths and poinsettias are also available. It might also be worth crossing the road to Kalok Horticulture to check out what they’ve got in stock. DD207, Lot 917, Tai Hau Chung Rd, just off Hiram’s Highway, Sai Kung - as well as branches at the Mongkok Flower Market. wahking-garden.com.
Indigo Living
your halls are decked to perfection. indigo-living.com.
Oncor Recycled Trees One of the oldest Christmas tree manufacturers, Oncor’s eco-friendly trees are made from 100% recycled PVC plastic. And what a range it has. Apart from the traditional Douglas and Noble firs in every size from 3ft to a mighty 12ft, it has every shape, style and price. The best-selling Christmas Pine (4ft) comes in at a reasonable $299 but we love the sound of a Shimmering Mountain, a Snowy Blue or a Colorado Spruce. Go for something you love as these babies are apparently made to last for decades. Oncor even runs an annual photo comp for the best decorated Oncor tree. Proof of purchase is needed but first prize is US$5,000. oncortrees.hk.
Indigo Living doesn’t only have artificial Christmas trees. It has artificial Christmas trees on sale including a Noble pine (210cm) for $3,192 and an Allison pine (180cm) for $2,312. The lifelike trees have hinged branches and are designed to be long-lasting without the loss of volume. Stunning tree decorations, candles, wreaths, garlands and Christmas room accessories will guarantee
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news
Editorial Editor / Publisher Tom Hilditch editor@saikung.com Sai Kung Magazine Features Editor Adele Brunner Adele@hongkongliving.com Sai Kung Magazine Community Coordinator Rosa Cho Rosa@hongkongliving.com Senior Writer Charmaine Ng Writers Nicole Slater, Cheyelene Fontanilla, Gemma Shaw, Paul Zimmerman, Nury Vittachi, Peter Wood, Oliver Corrin Bars restaurants, food delivery Jasmine Hung Jasmine@hongkongliving.com Schools & Education Debbie Ky Debbie@hongkongliving.com Designer Natalie Cheung Director of Content Hilda Chan Hilda@hongkongliving.com Partnerships Elaine Li, Janessa Chan talk@hongkongliving.com
Thanks to Ellen Hobson, Connie Ma, Janice Baird, Vickie Hu, Dr Genevieve Touzal, Guy Nowell, Sheldon, Moj, Jane Steer, Ron Yung, Nigel J.R Williams, Guy Shirra, Sing, Ming Leung, Rebecca Leung, Hades, Kathy Brewin, Gill Prior, Linsey Irvine and Catalina Abel, Shermon Joy, Ged Finlay, Aaron Goach, Sean Prior, Winnie Chan and Delian Gaskill.
Work with us on an event? Events Manager Pranali Gupta Pranali@hongkongliving.com
Got a story?
Typhoon Mama A homeless dog and her newborn pups were brought to Sai Kung Stray Friends during the recent typhoon. Most of the pups have been rehomed but mommy dog and her youngest pup still need a new carer. “We are absolutely desperate to find mummy and her remaining pup a home,” said a spokesperson. If you are thinking about adopting a dog please contact adoptsaikungstrayfriendshk@gmail.com
Meters Maid
editor@saikung.com
Join the Sai Kung Community Facebook ?
Enough questions? Yes
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New parking meters have sprung up across Sai Kung. They operate from 8am to 8pm, limit parking to two hours and cost $2 per 15 minutes. Find them here: Tai Chung Hau Road Car Park has an extra five new meters. Tai Mong Tsai Car Park (near the BBQ area), Sai Kung has eight new meters covering 16 newly designated parking spaces. Tan Shan Road has 11 new meters. Excited to learn more? The Transport Department has added a dedicated webpage for new parking meters on its revamped site td.gov.hk/en/home/index and a hotline 2332 3700.
Wind Farm off Sai Kung Pre-development has begun on a giant wind farm off Sai Kung. The farm is one of the city’s most ambitious renewable energy projects with a total capacity of approximately 250MW. It is expected to consist of 17-31 wind turbines in the Ninepin island area. The project was originally supposed to be completed in 2016, but plans keep getting blown off course. Now, China Light and Power (CLP) has hired Romboll Group, a Danish engineering consultancy, to work on strategy and scheduling. In a press release issued by Romboll the company promises to help Hong Kong on its “carbon neutral journey”. But don’t hold your breath. Previous plans to get the wind farm up and running have added up to little more than hot air.
in your backyard
City2Trail: Hong Kong’s first Trail Discovery Contest
The Hiker Express The 9A “Hikers’ Express” green minibus (from Sai Kung to High Island Reservoir) has had its hours extended – a move to help stop scurrilous taxi drivers preying on desperate hikers. “We’ve been waiting three years for this,” said a member of Hong Kong Hikers Association. “Finally, hikers stuck on Sunday afternoon in High Island will not be at the mercy of taxi drivers.” With the new schedule, the 9A minibus will run between 9.30am to 7pm on Sundays and public
holidays at 20-minute intervals. The minibus will be ideal for hikers wishing to be picked up or dropped off at the East Dam, for hikes around the East Dam, Long Ke Wan, Pak Lap Wan and Fa Shan. In the past visitors could only walk from Pak Tam Chung for about 2 to 3 hours to the dam, or take a cab from Sai Kung city center for over HK$100. Stories of police arresting corrupt taxi drivers overcharging stranded hikers have been a regular feature of this magazine’s Police Blotter page for years. Let’s hear it for public transport!
On a mission to identify and document lost hiking trails and new short-cuts across the city, the City2Trail is a platform for residents to identify these routes together and convince the government departments to invest in protecting them. Residents simply need to email as many routes as you know to data@transitjam.com by December 31. Each route will be judged on accessibility, connectivity, feasibility of development, community benefits, originality and communication. The prize will be to see the government recognise and designate your proposed routes as trails to be signposted, protected and reserved when any future development work is undertaken. For more information visit transitjam.com/city2trail
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news
Silverstrand Debris
Eco-friendly wines
Debris filled Silverstrand beach after last month’s two tropical typhoons, exposing just how serious Hong Kong’s sea pollution is. The beach was closed and cleaning work is expected to take up to the start of this month. Area residents say each year seems to bring worse sea pollution. Tropical Storm Lionrock, named after the mountain in Hong Kong, lashed the city for almost 24 hours, causing serious damage. Kompasu, which takes its name from the Japanese word for compass, triggered a No 8 signal, leaving one person dead in a road accident and at least 20 others injured the following day.
In order to raise awareness and reduce Hong Kong’s ever-growing waste problem, Sea Change has launched a collection of vegan, ethically-sourced and eco-friendly wines in Hong Kong. Billions of bottles of wine are consumed each year and the vast majority are packaged with single use plastic, Sea Change wines have minimal packaging,
including a light-weight glass bottle and a label made from post-consumer recycled waste and grape pulp, each bottle also has a biodegradable cork. Sea Change currently offers sauvignon blanc, rosé, merlot, malbec and prosecco but will be launching an organic range featuring a Spanish bobal, chardonnay and prosecco rosé in the coming months. hk.seachangewine.com
Got a story? Email editor@saikung.com
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on patrol
Senior inspector Ron Yung reports the latest and greatest It’s A Steal On September 30, staff at a supermarket in Sai Kung Town intercepted a 39-year-old female who had put six cans of food and a bottle of detergent into her bag without paying for them. The police were called but the shoplifter denied the offence even though the stolen goods were found in her possession. The case is under investigation.
Hoovering it up After cleaning his parked car in Ho Chung on October 2, a man left his $3,000 Dyson vacuum cleaner next to his vehicle while he popped home for a few minutes. When he returned, the appliance was gone and has not been recovered. Case closed.
made a full recovery and was released soon after. in the Intensive Care Unit. He had no underlying conditions but his death is not being treated as suspicious.
What’s happening at sea Advice for boating activities •
Money, money, money After a 23-year-old female became the cyber lover of a man she met via an online chat app, things took a turn for the worse. He suggested she invest her savings in crypto currency through an online platform so she followed his advice and created an investment account according to his directions. She then transferred $215,000 into the account but when she decided to withdraw the money at a later date, she was unable to do so. Her so-called boyfriend had also vanished. The case is under investigation.
activities in the daytime whenever possible. •
The manager of a cleaning company and his colleagues parked their cars one morning outside Sai Kung Tang Shui Kin Stadium. When they went to collect them the following day, the three cars had been spray-painted with graffiti. Nearby CCTV showed four young people had committed the offence at midnight but the images weren’t clear enough to identify the perpetrators. The case is under investigation.
strong currents. •
Keep wide clear of submerged rocks and obstacles.
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Go with companions rather than alone and take care of each other.
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Bring torches to enable other vessels to easily detect and locate your boat at dusk and in low visibility. Wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid suitable for boating activities at all
Rescue remedy At 2pm on October 7, a 59-year-old man went hiking alone. By 5.30pm, he realised he was lost. A search party was sent to look for him and he was found several hours later in a conscious state. He had sustained a slight wrist injury but refused treatment after being brought back to Sai Kung.
Love bites Love was not on the cards for a man aged 25, who began an online relationship with someone he met through a chat room. On September 25, she demanded $20,000 from her admirer, telling him that she would otherwise release a compromising video she had taken of him. The victim was sufficiently concerned to send her $10,000 in gift cards but not bothered enough to pay the full amount. The video wasn’t released but the man never heard from his lady love again.
Photo finish A 28-year-old Indonesian lady and her three friends took a boat from Sai Kung Pier to Jin Island on October 1. She was taking photos of the group while standing on a rock when she was hit by a strong wave and washed into the sea. Although her friends managed to pull her out of the water and she didn’t seem to have any injuries, she was airlifted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for observation. She
No boating activities in busy waters and navigation channels or waters with
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Paint Job
Engage in boating
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Burglary prevention: Secure doors and windows Activate antiburglary measures Call 999 if you encounter a suspicious person
times. •
Always keep alert and pay attention to sudden changes in weather and sea conditions.
Sea change On the afternoon of October 2, seven men and six women went kayaking from Pak Lap to Basalt Island to visit the sea caves. Due to a sudden change in weather and rough sea conditions in the exposed outer area, they became trapped in a cave. They managed to scale the cliff above the caves but sustained minor hand and foot injuries. The Marine Police conveyed the party to the East Division marine base but some of them were later sent to Tseung Kwan O hospital for medical treatment. Shore thing Due to strong winds late in the evening on October 4, a pleasure craft heading back to Tsim Sha Tsui and carrying five people (including the owner and a skipper) ran aground on the rocky shore of Ping Min Chau. The Marine Police and Fire Service Department responded. Luckily, no one was injured or missing but the Government Flying Service (GFS) had to be summoned to airlift the sailors to safety.
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cover story
The World’s best neighb
Many Sai Kung residents were shocked (shocked, I tell you) when Time Out named Sai Kung the 9t because we reckon Sai Kung should have been first. Here are 50 reasons why:
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we love sk
hbourhood
e 9th Best Neighbourhood in the World. Shocked,
SAI KUNG | 17
cover story
50. Hikes Whether you want a challenging climb or a leisurely stroll, Sai Kung has an abundance of hiking routes to choose from. The Sai Kung Eastern Country Park alone occupies almost 5,000 hectares of uplands and coasts, which equals trails and gorgeous scenery galore. The path to Trio Beach is a family friendly hike with the added bonus of the seaside to look forward to; at the other end of the spectrum is Sharp Peak, a 468m-high mountain for more experienced hikers. Head up Pyramid Hill (Ma On Shan Country Trail) for fabulous views over Sai Kung and beyond, and then watch the daredevil paragliders launch themselves from the Ngong Ping plateau at its base.
High Island Reservoir East Dam
49.
The dam was opened in 1978 to help alleviate Hong Kong’s water-shortage problems. It is the only part of the Global Geopark that is reachable on foot and the only place you can get up close and personal with the hexagonal rock formations. It’s an undulating walk along paved roads to get there or you can take a taxi (although it can be tricky to get a taxi back).
48.
Sai Kung Old Town
Ranging from small shops selling trinkets and locals making traditional rice rolls to cool coffee shops, Sai Kung Old Town has a maze of stalls and businesses.
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45. 47.
Night time Wildlife No, we’re not talking about the antics of local teenagers. Sai Kung is home to scores of wild boar (many of whom are happy to roam around during the day too), shy Malayan porcupines, owls, snakes and monkeys, to name but a few. Award-winning photographer and Sha Kok Mei resident Robert I. Ferguson has photographed a lot of them for his books WildCreatures in Hong Kong volumes I and II. Pick up a copy from Kidnapped (7 Man Nin St) or follow him on wildcreatureshongkong.org.
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It’s a movie set
Sai Kung has been featured in countless local and international films. Films include Dragon; The Bruce Lee Story (Nam Shan San Tsuen), The Killer (along the promenade) and The Sand Pebbles (Three Fathoms Cove and High Island).
Watersports Sai Kung is a mecca for water sports enthusiasts. Blue Sky Sports Club (bluesky-sc. com) offers stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, kayaking and wakeboarding courses and camps while Splash HK (splashhk.com) is all about scuba diving.
44.
Yim Tin Tsai
Hop on a sampan and head to the island village of Yim Tin Tsai for a bit of an explore. Once famous for its salt making - its name means “little salt pan” in Cantonese - the village was abandoned in 1998 but has since seen a revival and even has a resident or two. The village holds daily ecotourism tours and the salt pans have reopened for demonstration purposes. It even has its own annual arts festival.
we love sk
43.
Sai Kung “never surrendered” in WWII The hills and bays of Sai Kung also protected the guerillas of Hong Kong Independent Battalion during the Japanese occupation. Sai Kung residents acted as a resistance, helping Hong Kong soldiers get to China. Many monuments built to commemorate the events can be found across Sai Kung today, including the ‘Memorial Monuments for Sai Kung Martyrs During World War II’ in Tsam Chuk Wan. That smiling granny selling tofu in the market? She may well have a few war stories.
42. Junks Sai Kung is the ultimate hotspot for junks. Travel out to the Ninepin Group to see the glorious rock formations if the weather is good. Otherwise Tai Long Wan and Millionaire’s Beach are also popular favourites. Try Hong Kong Yachting for your next junk trip, hongkongyachting.com.
41.
Waterfront sampans
Hire out a sampan from along the waterfront and travel out to the islands of Sai Kung. Sampan rides start from around $100. We recommend going to four or five islands which will take around two hours, giving you enough time to explore each island sufficiently. Popular destinations include Sharp Island, High Island and Po Pin Chau. Prices vary depending how busy the waterfront is. Shop around before you commit.
40.
Dragon boating
The people of Hong Kong flock to Sai Kung waterfront to witness local and international teams battle it out in the sweltering heat. Yat yee, yat yee! dragonboat.org.hk.
39.
Best place to raise a family
A good choice of schools, plenty of clubs and classes, fresh air, space to play, friendly people… it’s a no brainer.
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cover story
38.
Green Egg Island
It feels like the Maldives, but is actually Sai Kung. With no pier or other facilities, this eggshaped island is relatively small but its clear waters and unique range of waterlife are perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling. Green Egg is also the perfect camping spot, just be sure to bring your own tent and plenty of water and take your rubbish back with you. How to get there? Blue Sky Sports Club offers half day eco tours to and from the island which includes lunch, gear rental and a tour guide. Alternatively you can hike from Lung Ha Wan, which will take around three hours and include a five minute swim.
37.
High Junk Peak Although one of the three sharpest peaks in Hong Kong, High Junk Peak in Clearwater Bay is a relatively quick scramble to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of bays, beaches and beyond. Take the steps opposite either Ng Fai Tin or Sheung Sze Wan villages.
36.
Instagram heaven Sai Kung may not be big but it’s got a certain beauty and has some fabulous Insta-worthy spots. Strike a pose by one of the many murals (see no 21); in an Old Town alley; or in front of its sea views.
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35.
BBQ Central
There are eight barbecue areas spanning just within Sai Kung Country Parks, with 152 barbecue pits in the Tai Mong Tsai barbecue area alone. Invisible Kitchen offers different BBQ packages like the Classic BBQ menu, to make your experience easier. Grab your friends, pack a few essentials and get grilling! 2711 5788, invisiblekitchen.com
31.
Best air quality in Hong Kong And breathe...
Clearwater Bay Country Park
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30.
Who doesn’t love that?
Go fly a kite at the Clearwater Bay Country Park where the breezes and flat concrete patio at the topmost hill make the perfect combination for launching colourful aircraft. Dogs and children can roam free and there’s a one-kilometre tree walk to explore. Take some barbecue coals and a packet of sausages and make a day of it. Tai Hang Tun, straight across the roundabout at the end of Clearwater Bay Rd.
A slower, more relaxed pace of life.
33.
Global Geopark
Admire the Nine Pins Islands’ rock cliffs and sea caves or the hexagonal rock column of Sai Kung’s volcanic rock region. Live Nature operates five eco tours around Sai Kung’s geological landscape. ecotoursaikung.com
32. Golf Apart from the Kau Sai Chau public course (see no 11), you can perfect your pitching and sweeten your swing at the Whitehead driving range, near Ma On Shan, and Garden Farm Golf Centre, Tseng Tau Village off Sai Sha Road. Both venues are open seven days a week, with bays and unlimited balls costing from $70 per hour at Whitehead and those at Garden Farm from $90 per hour. gardenfarmgolf.com. whiteheadclub.hk.
29.
Lion Nature Education Centre
Stroller-friendly paths, trails to explore and oodles of space to run around in are just several reasons why we love this oasis of green, just off Hiram’s Highway. There’s also an insectarium, a mini wetland, turtle ponds and a shell house, giving you an insight into Hong Kong’s natural and geographical makeup. Crops are grown year round and if you go at the weekend, you can buy fresh organic veggies from a small stall. Open daily (except Tuesdays) till 5pm. Car parking available. Off Che Keng Tuk Rd, Hiram’s Highway, 2792 2234.
kids classes
SAI KUNG | 21
cover story
25.
Sai Kung Tang Shu Kin Sports Ground
28.
Sai Kung Stingrays
Started by a group of parents with a handful of players in 2006, Sai Kung Stingrays Rugby Club is now one of the largest mini rugby clubs in Hong Kong - and turns 15 this year! Participating age groups run from U5s to U18s, and it has a growing netball section too. It’s blue and pink all the way. skstingrays.com
There’s no excuse not to get fit in Sai Kung. The sports stadium features an eight-lane, all-weather 400m running track and a FIFAstandard soccer (and rugby) pitch.
24.
Sai Kung cafés offer more than a decent cup of Joe. Little Cove Espresso (Siu Yat Building, Hoi Pong Square, 9572 8560); Coffee Academics (55 See Cheung St, 2882 2902); Cozy Coffee (72-74 Po Tung Rd, 6511 8718); and Singalings (60 Po Tung Rd, 2792 3318) are just a few of our faves.
23. 27.
After school activities
If you want to learn to sail, strike a yoga pose, paint a work of art, play an instrument, play rugby, brush up your maths, take up ballet, practise your swimming, try wakeboarding, make candles, perfect your acting skills… Sai Kung has it all and a whole lot more.
26.
Sai Kung Swimming Pool The good news? Sai Kung swimming pool has something for everyone. A 50-metre main lap pool; a teaching pool for beginners; water chutes for the young at heart; and a water playground for little ones. The bad news? It closes for winter on November 1.
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Sai Kung Public Piers
Café culture
As well as the jetty for ferries to Kau Sai Chau golf course, there are two public piers on the Sai Kung waterfront: the New Public Pier (opened in 2009) and the longer, thinner Public Pier (renovated in 2016). Catch a sampan, board a junk, buy some fresh seafood, go for a stroll… it all happens here.
22.
21. Murals Back in May, Hong Kong’s biggest street art festival HKwalls descended on Sai Kung and gave it a colourful makeover. It resulted in 22 new public works of art by muralists including Carol Bellese Choi, Zoie Lam and Devil, brightening up buildings and streets around town. See how many you can spot. hkwalls.org.
20.
Sheung Luk Stream
Featuring a series of spectacular waterfalls and freshwater river pools, Sheung Luk Stream (aka Sai Kung Rock Pools) is a short hike from Sai Wan beach and not for the faint hearted. Climb the first eight-metre-high cliff you get to and take the plunge into a cool and very deep river pool. Go on… you know you want to.
Wining and dining
Chinese, Mexican, Mediterranean, Japanese, Vietnamese, French, Indian, Thai, Turkish, Malaysia, Western, American, plant-based, pizza...the Kung’s choice of cuisine is almost endless.
19.
World’s best pineapple bun
The award goes to the Sai Kung Café & Bakery’s mouthwatering pineapple bun. Mmmmm… 6-7 Kam Po Court, 2 Hoi Pong Square, 2792 3861
we love sk
18.
Sai Kung Astropark
Reach for the stars at this little park, owned by the HK Space Museum and dedicated to stargazing. It has all kinds of Chinese and western, ancient and modern astronomical instruments to get acquainted with. Drop in any time; overnight camping is possible but you need to book in advance. Chong Hing Water Sports Centre, High Island Reservoir, 2721 0226.
17. Dog parade Dogs in prams, dogs in sunglasses, dogs dyed pink… we have seen it all and we love it. Want a pooch of your own? Local dog rescue charities Sai Kung Stray Friends (saikungstrayfriends.com) and Catherine’s Puppies (catherinespuppies.com) have all sorts of hounds desperate to find a forever home.
16.
Independent Shops
Let’s hear it for all the small businesses that make Sai Kung’s “high street” much more interesting than endless chain stores. We’re talking about you, Kidnapped (7 Man Nin St), Live Zero (22 Yi Chun St), Cheese From Far (2240 Fuk Man St) and a whole lot more.
15.
Hoi Ha Marine Park
One of six natural marine parks in Hong Kong, Hoi Ha Wan is a protected area in the Sai Kung West Country Park. It is home to 60 species of hard coral and 120 species of coral fish. Rent some snorkel gear from the nearby village and see what you can spot. How to get there: Take green minibus no 7 or a taxi.
SAI KUNG | 23
cover story
14.
Sai Kung Police and Marine Police
They help lost seniors get home, return dropped phones, helicopter over-ambitious hikers from mountain peaks and fish sailors from sunken boats. Let’s hear it for the boys and girls in blue.
12. $9 ice cream Happiness costs just $9! Pick up an ice cream from the Mobile Softee van parked near the bus bay by the waterfront.
11. Kau Sai Chau 9. Hong Kong’s only public golf course houses a drop-in driving range and three 18-hole courses. It’s only a ferry ride away from Sai Kung waterfront. Day passes are $360 on weekdays and $400 on weekends and public holidays but you need to book a tee time in advance before you can play. kscgolf.org.hk, 2791 3318.
13.
Shun Kee City Houseware aka Harrods
“All things for all people, everywhere” is Harrods UK’s slogan and the same can be said of Sai Kung’s very own one-stop shop - which is why it got its nickname. From apple corers to insect zappers, it has literally everything. We challenge you to find something it doesn’t sell! 66 Yi Chun St, 2792 9850.
Half Moon Bay
A consistent winner of Sai Kung Magazine’s best beach, Half Moon Bay is located just off the coast of Sai Kung on Hong Kong’s smallest island country park, Sharp Island. The water here has been given a Grade 1 quality, making it the cleanest water in Hong Kong and ideal for a dip. As part of the Geopark, the area is home to volcanic rock formations that have been referred to as “pineapple bun rocks” due to their similar appearance to the iconic Hong Kong snack. The island also has a range of services including kiosks, toilets and barbecue pits. How to get there: Take a sampan or kaito from Sai Kung Town pier, the journey should take around 15 minutes. Prices and frequency vary depending on the season, but it shouldn’t be much more than $40 for a return ticket.
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10.
Sai Kung Magazine
Come on... you know you love us!
7. Fresh seafood Take your pick of fresh fish, shrimp, clams and more from the sampans that dock daily along the waterfront and along the ferry pier. Price negotiations are shouted down from shore to sea. If you can’t be bothered to cook, grab a table at one of the nearby restaurants and choose your alfresco feast from tanks brimming with seafood and served however you like it. Family-run Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant has a Michelin star to boot. 87-93 Man Nin St, 2792 6938.
we love sk
8. The Dream of Wearing Shorts Forever Live in Sai Kung and wear shorts forever. Hike the green hills, breathe the clean ocean air. In winter add just a sweater, to stroll along the waterfront, forever, wearing shorts, with pocket change, a dog treat, and no phone. Shorts, the very word means underpants in America. But slacks, jeans or strides in Sai Kung? Few residents really need them. Everyone who once yearned for trousers, has essentially achieved them. In this casual Kingdom All may wear the royal hot pants. On boats, piers, outdoor seatings At parent teacher meetings. In Sai Kung you can wear shorts to parties Just bring a decent bottle, (CBD also counts)
And something from Ali Oli. Let us cherish Sai Kung’s acceptance of shorts. For what it is… A kind of weightlessness. Spirituality with pockets! Ancient cargos, or moth-eaten khakis, worn with an old Stingrays shirt, Havaianas, beach sand, hair and a paucity of signals. Around The Square every day is casual Friday. All knees are equal on the 101M, All shins sustainable. No feral cows got hurt making these calves. Do your housework in a swimsuit. Wear pyjamas all day. Sai Kung is a holiday. You have escaped the city tomb. All we ask is, pop a jacket on, when you make your weekly Zoom. (By Tom Hilditch, with apologies to Les Murray)
6. Beaches
4. Cows
2. The Square
If there’s anything Sai Kung is blessed with, it is stunning beaches. Take the fam for a fun day out of digging in the sand and swimming in often crystal clear waters. Our faves include Tai Long Wan, Long Ke and Little Millionaires.
Every day, we celebrate the full moo festival!
The heart of Sai Kung, the Square is loved by everyone from the most senior citizens to the youngest generations. It’s a meeting place, an eating place, somewhere to sit, chat, shop, run and play.
5. The waterfront It’s a beautiful stretch where residents enjoy leisurely strolls and take their dogs for their daily exercise. The view across the water is like none other, making it a great escape from the chaotic city centre. Find a bench and watch the world go by.
3.
Sai Kung Country Park
Made up of two country parks - Sai Kung East and Sai Kung West - the 7,500 hectares of picturesque countryside on our doorstep are what gives Sai Kung its name as the “back garden of Hong Kong”. The hikes, villages, beautiful scenery. What’s not to like? Maybe the snakes...
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cover story
1.
YOU!
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Every one of you makes Sai Kung a nice, friendly and safe place to live.
we love sk
SAI KUNG | 27
5 minutes
Julie Dixon
Adele Brunner talks to Clearwater Bay’s much-loved yoga teacher alleviate stress and get through this pandemic. Earlier this year, I started hosting half- and full-day retreats to help people who were stuck in Hong Kong and needed some sort of break. I partner with a local nutritionist so we offer a combination of yoga and nutrition, targeting specific issues such as stress, gut health and hormone balancing. I also run half-day Traditional Chinese Medicine, yin-based yoga therapy workshops according to the element of that particular time of year. Hotel quarantine is incredibly hard on people’s mental health and wellbeing so I offer free Zoom classes to anyone who wants them to help them get through it.
I worked as a fashion designer for a top British fashion house and that’s what brought me to Hong Kong in 1994. I didn’t intend to stay longer than a couple of years but almost three decades later and I’m still here.
several choices but nobody ever chooses the easiest option. I actually respect people who recognise their body’s limitations and do use props (blocks, straps etc) to help them achieve a pose rather than struggle.
I took up yoga as a hobby through a Clearwater Bay studio called Yoga Limbs. I ended up liking it so much that I decided to pursue it further but my two children were still little so it took me a couple of years to complete my 100 hours of personal practice as well as my 200 hours’ teacher training.
It doesn’t matter if you’re not particularly flexible - that’s why you should come to yoga. It’s also the reason why people don’t come because they feel embarrassed that they aren’t flexible enough. A lot of husbands get dragged along to my weekend classes and many of them are pleasantly surprised at how much they can do - and how similar their abilities are to other people.
I started teaching one class a week at Yoga Limbs but when that closed down permanently, I set up on my own. It was only part time at first as I still had another job designing swimsuits for an Australian brand and also set up a children’s pyjama company with a friend. Looking back, I’m not sure how I juggled it all.
I’ve got quite a few favourite poses but if I had to choose one it would be Shoelace Pose (a seated, deep hip-opener pose). I also like Pigeon to stretch hips and lower back but my biggest challenge is to achieve the perfect handstand.
I now teach weekly at the Adventist College on Clearwater Bay Road, at the Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club as well as small group classes and one-on-ones from my rooftop yoga studio. I teach a combination of styles based on hatha yoga and most recently completed my 300 hours’ registered yoga training in yin yoga. I can also teach kids. Additionally, I incorporate breath work, meditation and sound therapy into my classes.
I like to think my classes are peaceful, challenging and fun, giving people time out of their normal lives, but I’ve also had some funny moments. Common occurrences include people falling asleep in savasana (a yoga class’s final relaxing pose) and snoring, turning up in non-stretchy clothes, grunting and holding their breath. I try not to make it too serious as I’d rather people feel comfortable and relaxed during the class.
My classes are for anyone at any level. I always adapt each pose, giving people
Yoga offers endless health benefits and more people than ever have taken it up to
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I love the countryside where I live and feel very blessed but the best things about living in the Clearwater Bay/Sai Kung area are my friends and the local community.
How to incorporate meditation into your day I did an amazing course a few years ago on Mindful Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), which involves training with tools to lower stress. It has been scientifically proven that a small amount of daily meditation can give you a sense of calm and balance, help with sleep, reduce stress and help you concentrate and focus. The key to successful daily meditating is to make sure it fits into your schedule. Do it whenever it suits you. Some people prefer meditating as soon as they get up because it sets them up for the day; others like evening meditation because it helps them sleep. Start with a few minutes and work up. There are loads of meditation apps that will guide you including Calm, Headspace and a personal favourite of mine called InSight Timer.
SHAVE YOUR MO
MOVEMBER 5-8 PM NOV 30 SAUCE
Speeches, Networking, Drinks & more Wanna be part of the FUN? E-mail pranali@hongkongliving.com
Main sponsor:
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SAI KUNG | 29
sports
Fantastic Gymnastics
Hong Kong’s first gymnastic and parkour academy has cartwheeled its way into Tseung Kwan O.
The Covid pandemic has a lot to answer for but some good has come out of it. For former gymnast and dancer Gay Williamson, the lockdown prompted her to open her Flipping Kids gymnastic and parkour academy in Tseung Kwan O, the first of its kind in Hong Kong. “Growing up, watching the Russians and Romanian gymnasts, I loved everything about gymnastics - the strength, power and grace required. I thought it was the ultimate sport,” says Williamson, a Clearwater Bay resident, who has been teaching gymnastics for more than 40 years in New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong. “The feeling of mastering a new skill, regardless of ability, is empowering to all children who try gymnastics, and coaching children to achieve these skills is equally rewarding. Gymnastics is good for the soul! “Belonging to a local gymnastic club, having the opportunity to train as often as you choose, meet friends, participate in competitions and the sense of community, was also what I loved about the sport when I was young and I wanted to offer the same experience for children here.” Established in 2013, Williamson’s Flipping Kids gymnastic classes were historically run out of the Clearwater Bay Golf
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sports & Country Club and she has taught legions of children how to flip, cartwheel, jump and swing. Her new academy now offers two separate sports: artistic sport gymnastic classes and parkour. The fun, action-packed gymnastic sessions teach correct techniques and provide a pathway for baby gymnasts as young as two-and-a-half to progress to competitive level as they get older, should they so desire. For anyone not in the know, parkour is a physical and mental training discipline that was inspired by military obstacle courses. Participants learn to overcome all obstacles by jumping, climbing, vaulting and swinging in the most efficient way possible, using mind before body. “It’s an exciting way to stay fit both mentally and physically,” says Williamson. “It’s art, exercise and play with a purpose – all within a safe environment.” With three local coaches and one on his way from Spain, the parkour classes are proving to be a big hit, with children as young as four able to give it a go and most classes suited for kids up to age 13. The purposebuilt 7,000 sqft space has all the equipment you could possibly wish for - warped walls, ramps, monkey bars and poles as well as gymnastic heaven with vaults, a sprung floor,
asymmetric bars, beams and a trampoline track with foam pit to name but a few. In addition to regular classes, Flipping Kids offers gymnastic and parkour birthday parties at weekends, with an option to bring your own food or order catering from nearby Oolaa (which also recently opened in the area). But Williamson’s plans for her new academy don’t stop there. Coming soon are a café; an open play area, where you can bring your children to a non-structured session; an open gym,for adults who similarly want to work out at their own leisure; adult gymnastics; and early-morning adult fitness circuits. “We have new enrolments every day and many classes are already full,” says Williamson. “Parkour is proving to be as popular as gymnastics and the progression and confidence we can see in these kids, who started only a short time ago, is great!” Flipping Kids Gymnastic and Parkour Academy, shop 101, Savannah Place, 3 Chi Shin Street, Tseung Kwan O; flippingkids.com. Open seven days a week. Regular classes run from 45 minutes to two hours from HK$280; open play, gym and adult fitness will be HK$150 per session.
Hand drawn & painted watercolour prints
A growing collection of artwork featuring views of everyones favourite place … Sai Kung (plus a few sneaky imposters …)
They come pre-framed, great for your own home & make excellent value gifts for your friends & family this Christmas To see the full range, prices & ordering details visit our gallery saikungscenes.com
Follow us on Facebook to find out first about gallery sale events & new releases @saikungscenes
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sai kung
Cruising Sai Kung A new column by Guy Nowell.
Have you seen all those canoe things that are absolutely everywhere these days? As a confirmed water-junkie, I should to be delighted that there are so many people “out there” enjoying Hong Kong and Sai Kung’s greatest asset – the water – but it is hard to be enthusiastic when the numbers and the usage impinges badly on the locals and the residents. I have a friend who lives in Sheung Sze Wan where there are reportedly 1,000+ boats for hire on the beach. The whole place smells like a badly maintained public toilet, hire parties arrive by the coach load, he can’t drive to his house any longer, and he can’t park when he can. I am not a champion of Regulation, and while those canoes look pretty tied up, they are a very problem by virtue of numbers and the inexperience of the users. A couple of weeks ago, a paddler was killed by a lightning strike: that was an unfortunate accident. But I have recently seen canoes (kayaks?) paddling beyond Town Island, and tent encampments on Hole Island. That’s a long way from home at
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Lobster Bay. Breeze in the wrong direction is going to make it very hard for them to get home at the end of the day, and there was no sign of any safety support boats. A big motor yacht cruising home at the end of the day isn’t even going to feel the bump when someone gets run over. I would politely ask the Marine Department to get a grip on this scenario before someone gets hurt. Just round the corner from Sheung Sze Wan is Green Egg Island. Nobody had even heard of it a year ago, and it doesn’t even have a name on the MarDep charts, but all of a sudden it is the ‘in’ destination. There’s the problem – popularity instantly means overcrowding.Insta-fodder, I suppose, but it makes me think of Dr Seuss’s green eggs and ham. There are plenty of places to stop for a picnic lunch on board, or on a beach, in Port Shelter, so you don’t all have to end up in the same place! We’ll talk about some them in this column over the next few months. For now, stay dry (when it’s raining), get wet (when the sun is shining), and never stop enjoying Port Shelter and Sai Kung.
pets
Ask a vet
Dr Pauline Taylor on doggy etiquette during a staycation It’s so important your dog learns what they should and shouldn’t do from you. Dogs long for commands and to be told what to do in their lives. They don’t look at discipline as cruel, but good discipline should always be friendly. Dogs need reminders to be good rather than punished for doing wrong. Good doggy manners matter because a wellmannered dog is welcome anywhere.
•
• Here are some things to consider when staycationing with your dog: • Dogs can be polite guests but only if they know what to expect. A bellboy arriving with a suitcase may cause your dog to erupt in a fit of barking that wakes up the whole floor. If dogs bark at home they are likely to bark twice as much in a hotel. • Even very well-behaved dogs get anxious when they visit new places and
especially when they spend time by themselves. They may resort to barking, scratching at the door or on carpets and chewing table legs. Dogs are sticklers for routine. If they are used to a “pee walk” at 7am they will expect their pee walk at the same time on their staycation, even though you may want to snooze longer. At home dogs take their jobs as protectors quite seriously, barking to alert family members that new scary things are around. In hotels just about everything is new to a dog so it may be a good idea to teach your dog “No-bark” at home a few weeks before your trip. Praise your dog after a few barks to stop, make your dog focus on you, and as he stops you reward with a treat. The treat should fill his mouth keeping it occupied so your dog can’t bark.
•
•
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Leave music on, a TV playing or put on a doggy channel. My own dogs love watching TV and especially animal programmes. Bring along their own bed or blanket to make them feel at home and depending on where he sleeps at home, be happy to share your hotel bed. Make sure you brush your dog before you arrive at your hotel and take a hair remover or some masking tape with you to help pick up some shedding hair.
Taking a dog to a hotel is always a challenge, not only for your human companion but for the hotel staff too. Imagine the thoughts of the concierge at The Rosewood seeing your dog lift its leg on the potted plants in the lobby. Enjoy your staycations but please never forget good doggy manners matter and enforce them as you have fun.
Got a question for Dr Pauline Taylor? Email us at editor@saikung.com
SAI KUNG | 33
SAI KUNG BUSINESS DIRECTORY ADDICTION
CO-WORKING / SPACES FOR RENT
LAWYERS & INSURANCE
Alcoholics Anonymous 90736922 aa-intergroup.org
Ensemble Co-Creating Space 6725 2321 ensemblecocreatingspace.com
Professionals Wills Limited 25619031
The Hive Sai Kung 2780 5844
PEST CONTROL
CORRECTIONS
Biocycle - fighting pests with safe & ecological products 35752575 biocycle.com.hk
ADULT CLASSES Be Candle - Candle Making Workshops 84817684 Composting workshops janicebaird@earthevery.org Cantonese Classes 60366275 Marbling & Other Arts n Crafts 98342365 Majong Lessons 64411227
Did we get something wrong on this list? Or want to be listed? Email us at editor@saikung.com DOMESTIC HELPER IN NEED? Pathfinders 51904886 pathfinders.org.hk EMERGENCY SERVICES
Easy Peasy Services 92870200 Rentokil 58033055 rentokil.com/hk Snake in the house? Call the police 999 Termites? TrulyCare 24588378 trulucare.com.hk
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
China Light & Power Emergency 21608585
PLACES OF WORSHIP
The Arts Factory - language and performing arts 68947555
Gas leaks emergency hotline 24354511
Haven of Hope Christian Service 27019019
Ballroom Bees - dance program for boys & girls 56817673
Sai Kung Police HQ - 24/Hr Report Room 36611630
Beat Street Dance & Fitness - for adults and kids 98586487
Sai Kung Marine Police 36611718
Resurrection Church 23583232 resurrection.org.hk
Drew's Workshop - woodworking for kids 63456965
GOVERNMENT
Tae Kwon Do for kids & teens 94677787
Sai Kung Pentecostal Holinesss Church 90395039 Sai Kung Pentecostal Baptist Church 27923918
Sai Kung District Council 37405200 districtcouncils.gov.hk/sk/english
RESIDENTIAL CLUBS
Drum lessons for kids & adults 55085027
HOME & REPAIRS
Club Marina Cove 27196622
Cantonese lessons, Mandarin lessons 64411227
China Light & Power Information 26782678
Stage Right Youth Theatre 92258924 stagerighthk.com
Water Fault Reports 28110788
Anastasias Art House - Russian Art Academy 27195533
Water Supplies Department 28245000
REALTORS
BAKERIES
Tung Tai Key Cut - ocksmith and key cutter 63235232
Mushroom Bakery - friendly neighbourhood baker 27926826
New Technology Mobile Phone - phone repair 24072377
OKAY Property Agency Limited - expert real estate services 21020888 okay.com
Ali-Oli Bakery - quality western cakes, delicatessen 27922655 alioli.com.hk
Eco Living - air purification 27927998P
Sai Kung Bakery - traditional local bakes 27923861
HAIR & BEAUTY
CAFES & COFFEE SHOPS
Nail House 27198718
A&A Property Consultant Limited 26311988 info@a-property.hk
Allure 93453545
WINE & BEER SHOP / DELIVERIES
Coffee Academics - speciality coffee & brunch 28822902 the-coffeeacademics.com
HOTELS
Winerack 2253 6929 winerack.com.hk
Black Smith Coffee 26131010
The Pier Hotel 90392171
The Bottleshop 27911600
Starbucks 2792 7725
WM Hotel 21966888
Le Magasin 27910292
Sewing Classes for kids 67252321
Cena Latin Cafe - Latin,tapas, cocktails 27571020 casagroup.co
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Tala's Hair and Beauty 23351694
Marina South Clubhouse 21484013 Residence Oasis 2141 0078
The Property Shop 27193977 Homelife Property Shop B 27190606 Rich on House Property Agency Ltd. Ms Connie Ip 27910080
directory REMOVALS & RELOCATION
RESTAURANT & FOOD DELIVERY
SPORTS & RECREATIONS
Santa Fe Relocation 25746204
Dutch Cheese 27926179 thedutch.hk
Kids Swimming lessons 97419152
Expert-Transport & Relocations 2566 4799 RETAIL & DAILY NECESSITIES Shek Kee Frozen Meat Company 27920503 Today Speed (Photo Finish) 27925815 Butcher King 27920159 Patsy House Electrical store 27920010 T.C. Deli 23582332
Paisanos 27914445 paisanos.com.hk Singalings 27923318 singalings.com
Jaspas 27926388 casteloconcepts.com/our-venues/jaspas-sai-kung
SCHOOLS
2084 64208456 2084.casa
SPEEDBOATS Blue Flag, Miss Ma 94893297
The Conservatory 27921105 enotecagroup.com/home-all
TAXI LOST PROPERTY
Big Fish 27519177 Piccolos 27919233 casteloconcepts.com/our-venues/piccolo039s
VETS & PETS
Chip In Fish & Chips 97615091 www.chipin.com.hk
Pets Central - Sai Kung's number one, 24 hr vet 27920833 pets-central.com
Pepperoni's 27911738 casteloconcepts.com/our-venues
Hong Kong Dog Rescue hongkongdogrescue.com
Takka Fusion 27922202 / 27922223
Lost dog? Sai Kung Stray Friends 91992340 saikungstrayfriends.com
Sawasdee Thai 27910522
Ferndale Kennels & Cattery - pet Hotel, pet relocation 27924642
Burger Deli 36899052 Padstow 23355515 www.padstow.hk
Creature Comforts Veterinary Clinic 9773 0372 creaturecomforts.com.hk
SPORTS & RECREATIONS
SERVICED APARTMENTS
Capoeira Beach Acrobatics 68460787
Sai Kung Serviced Apartments 2407 6161 saikungservicedapartment.com
Hebe Haven Yacht Club 27197931 Hong Kong Golf & Tennis Academy 67702726
Thai Dao 27926189 facebook.com/thaidao.saikung
Homevet 98605522 homevet.com.hk
CWB Golf & Country club 23353700
The Picture House 27926991 enotecagroup.com/thepicturehouse
Park n Shop / Fusion 23355506 / 27912080
Taxi Lost Property 1872920 td.gov.hk
Equestrian Centre 63986241
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Kids 95748523
Pilates with Nocky 96692710
Mills International Preschool 27176336 millsinternational.edu.hk Malvern College Hong Kong 38984688 malverncollege.org.hk Australian International School 23046078 aishk.edu.hk Creative Secondary School 23360233 css.edu.hk ESF Clearwater Bay School 23583221 cwbs.edu.hk Kellett School 31200700 kellettschool.com Hong Kong Academy 26551118 hkacademy.edu.hk Hong Kong Adventist Academy 26230431 / 37270291. hkaa.edu.hk Hong Kong International School 31497246 hkis.edu.hk Renaissance College 35563556 rchk.edu.hk Sai Kung Montessori 53698587 saikungmontessori.com SKIP (Sai Kung Pre-school Group) 27917354 skip.edu.hk Shrewsbury International School 24801500 shrewsbury.edu.hk Sunshine House International Pre-Schools 23583803 sunshinehouse.com.hk
Horizon Suites 3157 8888
Sally G Fitness - pilates, boxing and dance 95290477
TUTORS
Hong Kong Golf & Tennis Academy Management Company Limited 31878900
Sai Kung Tutors - group lesson for beginners 53214400
Rugby Tots www.rugbytots.hk
Woodland Pre-Schools 28130290 woodlandschools.com
Maths Club - maths programs for Y5-Y11 56446410
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SAI KUNG | 35
Peter Wood talks gardening
Plants, seeds and cuttings
sai kung
36 | SAI KUNG
The country is lyric, the town dramatic. When mingled, they make the most perfect musical drama. - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow My bedroom faces east and every morning I’m greeted by the rising sun over Sai Kung harbour. The low fingers of light feel their way up the hills and between the valleys and finally into my garden. Waking up early was rarely this good in Kennedy Town! The backlit leaves glow iridescent green, heralding the start of my day. At this time of day, the illuminated garden looks like the set of Iolanthe. Slowly the sun touches the flowers. Marigolds first, then storm lilies and cosmos pop like gilt lozenges. At last, the grand finale— the King Midas cannas, named because of their large blowsy yellow blossoms flecked with gold. My cannas have made the epic journey from our farm in Zimbabwe, now derelict thanks to politics. When my parents were thrown off their farm by Mugabe’s boys, my mother managed to dig up a few plants and take as many seeds and cuttings with her. Now, seeing them in full bloom in Sai Kung reminds me why gardens are so therapeutic. They are steeped in history and sentimentality. Cuttings, such as petria volubilis, the wisteria of Africa, and my brugmansia, or moon flower, taken from my mum’s garden are given a new lease on life in Hong Kong. But it’s the hollyhocks that come with a pedigree and tale to tell. Along the banks of the Thames near Hammersmith, ancient private gardens meander down to the river. It was here, in 1988, after a few pints at The Dove, a charming 17th century tavern, famed for where poet James Thomson wrote Rule Britannia, did my mother swipe handfuls of hollyhock seeds from the low hanging branches. “I’m sure they won’t mind,” she whispered, glancing up at the elegant town houses along the pathway. These very same seeds were lovingly nurtured on the farm in Africa, then, after the traumatic land invasions in 2001, into her Harare garden. Finally, after an epic journey, they are now on my humble terrace in Sai Kung - adored` by me and every bloody caterpillar in China. Talking of which… Is it only me, or do you think 2021 has been the rainiest of rainy seasons ever? I’m pretty certain the rains began in June and just continued through July, August and into September. Non-stop. In June parts of Hong Kong had over 200mm dumped on them in one day. And with the rains came the slugs. I go on slug patrol every morning before the heat of the day has the slimy little buggers slithering away into the undergrowth. If you
aren’t a gardener, you won’t understand the war that is happening at ground zero. They arrive in gangs. You can follow their slime trails, the little blighters. Right to the scene of the crime. A large snail or slug can devour an entire canna blossom in one night. I mean really – where do they put it? They can rampage, albeit in slow motion, through my seedlings and nosh the lot. Of all the garden pests, slugs and snails are the enemy #1! Most slug baits are highly toxic to pets and birds. So I’m against using them. I did find an organic bait that is non-toxic to animals. In fact it contains something that suppresses the appetite of gastropods. They simply stop eating and fade away. I need something like that for my own increased girth, but I digress. My mum uses beer. Good old fashioned lager or stout in a tin, buried in the flower bed. The slugs get shitfaced and drown. “At least they die happy,” she says. My garden isn’t a pub – so they can bugger off. BBCs irrepressible king of gardening, Monty Don, has, after decades at war with slugs, advised us to suddenly leave them alone. It’s the new rewilding ethos that has taken root within the gardening world. They provide scoff for hedgehogs, voles and birds. He says planting a few “decoy” plants is the way to go. Find something they love eating and plant those next to your more important flowers. The decoy will act as the fall guy. It’s an old trick used by organic farmers for centuries. I wonder who my fall guy will be? King Midas perhaps?
Writer, podcaster and Sai Kung resident, Peter Wood
Wood landed in Hong Kong in 1993. He worked as a photographer for the Eastern Express newspaper and for AFP. His first book, a memoir, Mud Between Your Toes, is available. Listen here: mudbetweenyourtoes.podbean.com
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