Picture - Life on Lantau

ISSUE 23 / FEBRUARY - MARCH 2015
www.lifeonlantau.com
BREAKING THE CHAINS
A LIFE-CHANGING JOURNEY THROUGH CAMBODIA
NEED A CAFFEINE FIX?
WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
GRANDEUR, SERENITY...
AND A BRUSH WITH HISTORY
GET YOUR HIKING BOOTS ON!
KUNG HEI FAT CHOI
LET THE FESTIVITIES BEGIN
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CONTENTS
REGULARS
08
04 GIVEAWAYS
More fabulous prizes up for grabs!
06 LANTAU NEWS
The latest news from around the island
12 HIT THE TRAILS
Martin takes us on a scenic hike to the top of HK
18 SHOPPING CART
What to watch, read, and splurge on ...
and something for the kids!
20 KIDS’ CORNER
Chinese New Year fun for the little ones
14
21 KRAFTY KIDS
Krafty Keira shows us how to make
a gorgeous Chinese New Year decoration
22 SPOTLIGHT: WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Sarah McCormack
24 PARENTING
Teaching your kids to be moneywise and grateful
26 HEALTH AND FITNESS
How fit are you?
28 MY LANTAU LIFE
We meet some inspirational sportspeople
32 LANTAU FOCUS
30
What’s coming up around Lantau
34 AROUND LANTAU
A look at what’s been happening around Lantau
FEATURES
08 HERE COMES THE YEAR OF THE SHEEP
Feasting, fireworks and so much more
14 THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME
Helping to break the chains of poverty and slavery
30 KUNG HEI FAT CHOI
Some fun activities to celebrate Chinese New Year
35 LaDA UPDATE
News from Lantau Development Alliance
36 COMMUNITY
Some fun snaps from around Lantau
37 CLASSIFIEDS
38 DIRECTORY
40 STEP’N OUT
Need a coffee to start the day? We’re here to help.
LIFE ON LANTAU 1
THE
TEAM
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Danielle Higgins
COPYEDITOR/PROOFREADER
Phil Macdonald
CONTRIBUTORS
Mawgan Batt
Robert Clark
Richard Cowley
Kaye Fraser
Rachael Guan
Keira Higgins
Taher Kesuri
Martin Lerigo
Jamie McGregor
Queenie Tan
It’s that time of year again. The craziness of Christmas is over. New Years
PHOTOGRAPHY
Leah Ahmad
Chris Coelho
Izabela Ryterska-Stolpe
Nick Seymour
resolutions are well underway (or not). The kids are back at school. Life is
ACCOUNTING
Denise Gascoigne
back into our old routines, it’s time for more celebrations.
LAYOUT CONCEPT & DESIGN
Vibrandcy Ltd.
www.vibrandcy.com
Chinese New Year is without a doubt the biggest festival of the lunar
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Kit Lee
WEB DESIGN
Britt Schwaabe
PRINTING
Print Plus International Limited
Unit B2, 2/F, Summit Building,
30 Man Yue Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon
almost back to normal.
But wait, there’s more! Just as we manage to catch our breath and get
calendar. Whether you’re new to Hong Kong, or have lived here all your life,
you can’t help but get caught up in the festivities. Hong Kong comes alive
with parades, fireworks, festivals, and the familiar sound of the gongs and
cymbals that accompany the famous lion dances. Check out page 8 for
some interesting facts about the upcoming Year of the Sheep.
Also in this issue, we learn about a recent trip organised by Lantau-based
organisation Life Cycle. This 350-km bike ride through Cambodia, which
raised money and awareness for issues related to poverty and slavery, was
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GENERAL INFORMATION
[email protected]
PRESS RELEASES & PRESS PACKS
PO Box 51 Tung Chung Post Office
Tung Chung, Lantau, Hong Kong
Our publication is produced for our Lantau
community and visitors. Views and opinions
expressed in articles in this publication belong to
the contributor and are not necessarily those of
publisher or the staff. All rights reserved.
© DANASHA MEDIA LIMITED
Don’t forget to enter our giveaways competition; we have more fabulous
Kung Hei Fat Choi
For your chance to win,
just email [email protected]
or visit www.lifeonlantau.com
• Entries close Feb. 28th
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two children), email us with “Discoveryland” in the subject line.
Entries close 28 February 2015. All winners will be notified via email and names will be
published in our April/May issue. Limit of one prize per person and the final decision is made
by Danasha Media Ltd. GOOD LUCK!
Congratulations to our lucky winners from Issue 22:
Sophie Chan, Sharmila Dantas, Zoe Davies, Dee Eadon, Chris Mercer, Charing Wong,
Veronica Modesti, Rosa Nievas, Kerry-Anne O’Brien, Rebecca Tomasis, Anelka Williams, Ed Wong
4 LIFE ON LANTAU
LANTAU NEWS
SOUTH LANTAU VEHICLE
BAN MAY BE LIFTED
EPD, RESIDENTS
CLASH OVER
WETLAND DUMPING
Residents in Pui O are at loggerheads with the Environmental
Protection Dept (EPD) and a local landowner over the dumping
of construction waste on wetlands.
Local residents logged eight incidents in December and
January. The offloading of construction rubble is taking place
on land owned by a Lo Wai resident, who built a ramp onto the
site across government land without authorisation.
In response to complaints, Lands Department staff removed the
ramp and erected a fence around the government land.
The wetlands are part of a coastal protection area preserved
under the South Lantau Coast Outline Zoning Plan, which is
intended to conserve the natural features of “beaches and their
immediate hinterland”.
The plan says these “scenic and ecologically sensitive coastal
areas” should be protected against “landfilling, land excavation
or stream diversion and encroachment by developments”.
The government may lift vehicle restrictions
on South Lantau roads as its plans for massive
construction and reclamation on and near the
island step up a gear.
Local rural committees have long called for
the 50-year-old roads to be upgraded, warning
that parts are becoming dangerous under the
current traffic load.
In his annual policy address in January, Chief
Executive C.Y. Leung said studies into the
building of an artificial island off Lantau,
reclamation at Sunny Bay and commercial
facilities at the new Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau
bridge landing point would go ahead.
But Leung added that with the opening of
the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge, the
government would also review closed road
arrangements and the issue of permits,
suggesting the longstanding ban on vehicles
from outside Lantau could be lifted.
He also said the government would carry out
improvements to South Lantau and Keung
Shan roads this year to bring more visitors to
the island.
MACAU BRIDGE
DELAY AS COSTS
BALLOON
The HK$83 billion Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau
bridge will not be completed until at least
2017 because of delays in building the landing
point off Chek Lap Kok.
The 42km bridge was originally due for
completion in 2016. The bridge runs
adjacent to Lantau’s north-west coast before
connecting into Hong Kong at a new artificial
island next to the airport.
6 LIFE ON LANTAU
No further details are available. Chau Chuenheung, District Council vice-chair and a
member of the Lantau advisory committee,
and Leung Che-cheung, DAB member for
New Territories West, could not be reached for
comment.
Transport and Housing Secretary Anthony
Cheung Bing-leung admitted the delay while
seeking approval for an extra HK$5.46 billion
for construction, the South China Morning
Post reported.
Hong Kong is footing HK$36 billion for
the project, which includes the cost of the
reclamation and crossing facilities. The
government is tipping another HK$47 billion
into construction of a subsea tunnel and
bridge from Chek Lap Kok to Tuen Mun.
Legco also approved a request for HK$63
million for a study examining the development
of commercial facilities at the landing point.
TRANSPORT
DEPT
WEIGHS
ISSUE OF
NEW TAXI
LICENCES
The Transport Department has
acknowledged a shortage of taxis
on South Lantau in holiday periods
and says it is considering issuing
new licences.
It says a study it carried out last
year found “relatively long” waiting
periods for taxis during peak
periods and holidays. It said with
the expansion in tourist numbers
and the anticipated future growth is
weighing the issue of new licences
“on the basis of existing policies”.
T h e g o v e r n m e n t ’s L a n t a u
Development Advisory Committee
recently discussed the matter, with
most members supporting the
issue of new licences.
But the EPD says the dumping is legal because it complies with
the Waste Disposal Ordinance.
In a letter to the EPD, the Living Islands Movement said the Pui
O wetlands was a prime natural asset whose “preservation as
such is for the benefit of all Hong Kong residents”.
* Residents who wish to object to the dumping can call the
government inquiry hotline 1823 or email Annissa Wong,
Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Director of
Environmental Protection: [email protected].
TUNG CHUNG AIR
IMPROVING
Tung Chung’s air is improving, despite an increase in levels of
sulphur dioxide and ozone, according to Environment Secretary
Wong Kam-sing.
Answering a question Legco in January, he said the annual levels
of those pollutants had increased by 8% and 7% respectively
over the period 2010-2014.
However, citing data from an EPD monitoring station in Tung
Chung, he said the presence of fine suspended particulates
(PM2.5) had dropped 13% and the carbon monoxide had
declined 27%.
MAN DIES IN CLIFF FALL
A 60-year-old man died following a cliff fall in North Lantau
Country Park while trying to rescue a stranded hiker.
Cheung Wing-On, an experienced mountain climber, had been
in a hiking party following the Nei San Stream, a popular hiking
destination that lies between Ngong Ping and San Tau, on
January 18.
He and a friend, Law Kai-Yee, agreed to help rescue the climber
stranded 30m below the cliff known as Mo Tian Ngai, the South
China Morning Post reported.
Law said he did not see Cheung fall but heard a thump as he
plunged to the bottom of Mo Tian Ngai. A Government Flying
Service helicopter crew took about an hour to reach Cheung. He
was later confirmed dead in Tuen Mun Hospital.
His was the third death at Mo Tian Ngai since 2003.
NP360 CONSIDERS TAI O EXTENSION
NP360, the firm behind the Ngong Ping cable car, is considering
earn back its costs. Kwan said the company would wait until
extending the service to Tai O.
the government assessment was completed before making a
proposal.
Managing director Stella Kwan said the company, a subsidiary
of MTR Corp, was in talks with the government about expanding
She said the company would also weigh the ability of Tai O to
the popular tourist attraction.
absorb greater tourist numbers and the possible impact on its
distinctive “fishing village culture”.
Kwan said the discussions were still at an early stage, but any
expansion would require further supply of government land
The current cable car service, which opened in 2006, stretches
and environmental assessment, the Chinese-language Sun
5.7km from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping, the site of the Tiantan
newspaper reported.
Big Buddha and the Po Lin Temple.
The biggest issue is who would bear the construction cost. The
Kwan said the company was also interested in developing a spa
current cable car service is profitable but will take 10 years to
facility in Cheung Sha.
LIFE ON LANTAU 7
TITLE HERE
COVER
STORY
HERE COMES
THE YEAR
OF THE SHEEP
By Robert Clark
Chinese New Year – or CNY is like Christmas; the season
of fellowship and goodwill.
It is the one time every year
when the Chinese economic
e n g i n e sta l l s - a l b e i t
temporarily - setting the
stage for the extraordinary
mass migration known as
the “Chunyun”, when 300
million people head back home
via plane, train or automobile.
GREETING THE YEAR OF THE SHEEP
KUNG HEI FAT CHOI! XIN NIAN KUAI LE! LUNAR NEW YEAR IS
UPON US – A TIME OF FEASTING, FIREWORKS, VACATION AND
13TH-MONTH BONUSES. THE RED BUNTING IS FLYING HIGH AND
CHINESE FAMILIES EVERYWHERE ARE GETTING TOGETHER.
IF THIS IS YOUR
FIRST CHINESE NEW YEAR,
YOU’LL FIND THERE’S LOTS TO LIKE.
SOME TIPS:
DO
• Enjoy the steamed tiger garouper, the cow stomach,
the beche-de-mer and other exotics you only live in Hong Kong once.
• Book your vacation early.
• Hand out laisee; HK$20 is the base rate.
•Take part in toasts – but watch out for the maotai.
In Hong Kong, it means the annual
visit to the ancient aunt in Tsuen Wan,
some serious banqueting and countless
repetitions of the Gongxi Gongxi song.
DON’T
salutation “Kung Hei Fat Choi”
urges the recipient to wealth.
Chinese New Year is the
season for the exchange of
“laisee” – red envelopes
containing cash. This can be
a source of anxiety for some,
but the rules are relatively
simple.
•Eat the shark’s fin soup.
• Open gifts until you get home.
• Use the chicken claw
as a back-scratcher.
In Lantau and the New Territories, CNY is celebrated with “poon
choi”, a feast involving of huge bowls of meat in a ceremony that
supposedly dates back to the Song Dynasty occupation of Hong
Kong.
For expats, CNY is a chance for a post-Christmas vacation as well
as some festive eating and drinking.
The Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, marks the
end of winter, reminding us of China’s deep agricultural traditions.
This being 21st-century Hong Kong, it is also about money. The
You hand out laisee to those who
are younger or unmarried. At work
you hand out laisee to your staff.
If you are in a big company you might
also distribute laisee to others you have
worked closely with – but not your peers. You may
also hand out laisee to those with whom you have regular
contact, like the security guard in your building.
Among locals, and especially singles, there is a subversive
tradition of “beilin” – avoiding Chinese New Year and shuning
family functions. It is not unheard for young people to pretend to
their families they are not around.
Beilin is also popular among single women who want to avoid
the embarrassment of once again being a laisee recipient and
the inevitable discussions about their marital status. Across the
border, hiring a fake partner for the festive period is an established
thing, though it has not quite taken off in Hong Kong.
LIFE ON LANTAU 9
DECODING THE ZODIAC
Like the western zodiac, the Chinese zodiac has 12 signs, but
that is where similarities end.
For one thing, the dragon aside, the signs of the Chinese
zodiac are all animals. This year’s sign is one of those that are
linguistically tricky – in Mandarin “yang” can mean sheep, goat
or ram.
But the Chinese zodiac is connected to a long philosophic
tradition. It is linked with the yin-yang concept, the i-ching,
Taoism and what are known as the five elements – water, metal,
earth, wood and fire. It is deeply connected to how Chinese
traditionally measure time and see the world.
The five elements are directly relevant. An
element is attached to each zodiac year,
making for a 60-year cycle. This will
be the Year of the Wood Sheep.
One Chinese astrologist,
Theodora Lau, whose
Handbook of Chinese
Horoscopes has sold
m o re t h a n o n e
million copies, says
co u n t r i e s , l i ke
people, evolve
personalities
formed by their
zodiac signs.
S o F r a n c e ’s
Fifth Republic
was created in
1958, the Year
of the Dog, and
modern Germany
and Japan were
both founded in
1945, a Rooster year.
Hong Kong was
established in 1842,
which makes it a Tiger, or
more specifically a Water
Tiger. The People’s Republic
of China, formed in 1949, is an
Earth Ox.
Tiger and Ox are “friends in good times, but
when the going gets tough, they both tend to lose their
infamous tempers and blame each other,” Lau writes. “Tiger is
defiant and rebellious in the face of authority, while the Ox will
adhere to the rules and probably draw up a few new ones just to
irritate the Tiger.”
10 LIFE ON LANTAU
That does not sound promising. Then again, the Hong Kong SAR
was born in 1997, which makes it a Fire Ox. “Ox and Ox make
for a lukewarm partnership,” says Lau. “There may be areas
of common interest but not enough to sustain real in-depth
commitment … each will be reluctant to bend to the will of the
other.”
Okay, so the compatibility test does not work out well. What is the
outlook for the Year of the Sheep?
Historically, it hasn’t been one of our best. The last Sheep year,
2003, yielded SARS and the protest against the security law that
put half a million people on the streets of Hong Kong. On the final
day of the 1991-92 lunar year, 26 Vietnamese refugees died in a
fire. In 1967, communist groups staged Hong Kong’s worst-ever
riots.
Earlier years were not much better: in 1931,
Japan invaded Manchuria. In 1919, the
Versailles treaty sparked riots in
Beijing and set off the May 4th
Movement. In 1895, China was
defeated in the first SinoJapanese war.
The good news is
that 1955, the last
Wood Sheep year,
was conspicuously
quiet for Hong
Kong.
We reached
out to local
astrologist
Katy Lee and
her partner
Alton Lee, for a
forecast.
It seems the Year
of the Sheep will be
a continuation of the
Year of the Horse. The
“separation/isolation/
selfish star” will rule Hong
Kong, indicating citizens will
want to separate from China and
that “conflicts between government
and citizens [will be] more intensive,”
they say.
Their advice: “People should welcome the year with a loving and
peaceful heart, harmony and team-up is the key, equally respect
all beings and things. Virtue and kindness will help everybody to
get their fair share and avoid afflictions.”
HIT THE TRAILS
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MULES
This walk is a classic that many of you may
have already done, in whole or part, during
your time in Hong Kong. It takes in the
grandeur of Hong Kong’s second-highest
mountain, the majestic Lantau Peak, the
serenity of Po Lin Buddhist Monastery, and
the historic mule track descending from the
Shek Pik Valley to the sea. It takes about four
to five hours.
The walk starts with the 500-metre ascent of
Lantau Peak, so is suited to the cooler weather
we have right now, which is peak of hiking
season. Moderate fitness is required. Set a
suitable pace for yourself on the ascents and
take plenty of water; it’s amazing how much
you lose to humidity, even in the winter.
The hike starts at the highest point on the new
Tung Chung Road. You can get there by bus
from Tung Chung, Mui Wo or Tai O. The bus
stop is conveniently located just a few metres
from the start point, marked by a Lantau Trail
yellow waymarker post. It starts with a gentle ascent on a well-made
stone path. Soon, on your right, you’ll find a
pagoda with your first views to the north over
Tung Chung, a good vantage point to see the
progress of the Zhuhai Bridge landing point
adjacent to the airport, and the new public
housing estate - a future behemoth that will
sit alongside its present day cousin, Yat Tung
Estate.
Close to this spot you’ll see a plaque marking
the place where the crew of a Government
Flying Service helicopter died when their craft
crashed into the mountainside during bad
weather in 2003 - the worst tragedy to befall
the service in its 60-year history.
12 LIFE ON LANTAU
By Martin Lerigo
Continue uphill through pleasant woodland,
some of it planted and sponsored by wellknown corporations. Indeed, we could do
with more philanthropy from commercial
entities, not just to plant and sponsor trees
but also to stand alongside private citizens
in resisting attempts to encroach upon our
precious country parks - the green lungs of
this crowded and smoggy territory.
The path dips and rises several times through
lowland gullies, each beset with their own
unique flora and fauna. Soon you will emerge
from the afforested lower slopes to the more
spartan mid-levels. There are several paths to
your left but keep to the signs for Lantau Peak,
part of the Lantau Trail and marked with clear
yellow signs annotated with two hikers. The path continues with several steep ascents
- soon you’ll see great views (smog dependent)
to your north across the Tung Chung Valley and
to your south across the beautiful beaches and
bays of South Lantau. Push on to the summit
(the hamstrings and quads will get a good
workout).
Before you know it, a small brown hut (an
emergency refuge), will swing into view and
you’ll have reached the summit at 934 meters. Savour a little time at the summit, with views
over the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery
to the west, and the equally majestic Sunset
Peak to the east.
The descent is well-marked and steep for the
initial few hundred metres; please take care
here, the author has seen several hikers have
nasty falls over the years. The path wends its
way downhill towards the Po Lin Monastery,
once a haven of solitude and tranquility
accessed only by boat and mule, or on foot. Today’s set-up bears no resemblance, with
huge numbers of tourists arriving by coach
and cable car. The Buddhist monks that
still live here have a major challenge finding
solitude. This is offset by the commercial
opportunities afforded by tourist spending,
which has allowed the monks to build a huge
worship hall, marking a new era for Po Lin as
an international centre for Buddhist study and
prayer.
Before you get to the monastery, you’ll pass
through a large gateway guarded by a blue
dragon marking the boundary of Lantau
Peak’s western flank. At the same spot is
wisdom path - the highlight here is about 20
large wooden monoliths implanted in the
hillside, each bearing scriptures of wisdom
and learning. Here you need to take a sharp
and immediate left turn onto the “mule
track”. This track follows the same route
as the original mule track, which served the
monastery in years gone past. Some of the stone slabs laid to form the track
have been there for over a hundred years,
bearing many stories lost to history. The track
originally went all the way to the sea, where
it met a jetty served by junks and rowing
boats from Aberdeen and Central laden with
supplies for the monastic scholars. The wellknown book Gweilo documents a visit here in
the 1950s by its British author, when he was
a young boy and raised by an enlightened
mother who wanted him to see the “real”
Hong Kong. The book is well worth a read.
The mule track descends around the side of
the Shek Pik Valley, with good views down to
the reservoir. You’ll pass over several streams
and waterfalls, which run a bit low this time of
year but are spectacular in the rainy season. After about 90 minutes, the trail emerges to
meet the main Lantau Peak catchwater, which
runs for over 16km along the lower southern
slopes of the South Lantau coastline and
supplies Shek Pik Reservoir. From here you’ll
see the main South Lantau Road, the nearest
bus stop is a 200-metre walk along the road
towards the reservoir.
Hope you enjoy this one; it’s a good workout,
offering some of Lantau’s best views, a
spiritual interlude, and a brush with history.
This information is provided for reference
only. Hiking trails vary in levels of difficulty. It
is essential to bring suitable equipment and
ensure you are in adequate physical condition to
undertake any hike. Life on Lantau assumes no
responsibility for injury as a result of the use of
the information in this article.
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FEATURE
Back in Kampong Thom, here was a surprise waiting, arranged by
Alan, our excellent tour leader. It was a grand dinner, with delectable
delights, at a local resident, whose staff welcomed us with big smiles
and even larger pots of food.
It was early next morning when we began our six-hour 83km ride
to Siem Reap, our last stop on the trip. Here we visited the amazing
Sala Baï Hotel & Restaurant School. The school was founded in 2002
by the French NGO Agir pour le Cambodge for young Cambodians
from underprivileged families. The school equips individuals
with the skills that propel them to self-sufficiency. Professions
achievable include chefs, waitressing, masseuses, and front-desk
staff. Once furnished with these skills, the students can access jobs
in hotels all over Cambodia.
Today, the educated are a much-needed resource. CCT tries to mend
the damage with an initiative to bring citizens out of the poverty
and provide them with the knowledge they need to succeed in life.
We peek into classrooms full of eager young pupils, and find that
reassurance flows - to us, and from us.
Our last stretch was a 100km ride around the magnificent ruins of
Angkor, with Angor Wat and Bayon temple being the highlights.
Our journey was a grand revelation in many aspects - and we took
back from this wonderful country a lot more than sore backsides.
Lunch was served in style at HAGAR International, a charity that
helps restore wholeness to the lives of women and children in
Cambodia, Afghanistan and Vietnam that have been torn apart by
human rights abuse, such as human trafficking, gender-based
violence and sexual exploitation. During the visit, we experienced
individuals that have restored their lives with the support of
HAGAR’s holistic journey of protection, personal wellbeing,
economic empowerment and reintegration.
FROM
CAMBODIA,
WITH LOVE
Lantau-based organisation Life Cycle Asia recently led a
group of 18 energetic people - with open minds and open
hearts - as they cycled almost 350km through Cambodia
to help those less fortunate. It was a journey that changed
their lives forever. Life Cycle, co-founded by Discovery Bay
resident Steve Chitty, aims to help people break the chains
of poverty and slavery. South Lantau resident Taher Kesuri
reports on this inspiring journey.
EXPERIENCING THE JOURNEY
Rain and high humidity greeted us on arrival in Phnom Penh. But
the weather only proved a minor irritation on our inspirational
eight-day 350km cycling journey through Cambodia. It did hold
us back from beginning our cycling trip on time, but this turned
out to be a blessing in disguise as it allowed us extra time to
explore Cambodia’s fascinating capital.
The few days we spent in Phnom Penh were insightful. We visited
Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (the site is a former high school
used as the notorious Security Prison 21 [S-21] by the Khmer
Rouge regime from 1975-1979). Torture and injustice has left its
mark, with bloodstains on the old classroom walls testimony to
the sheer madness of it all. The experience stayed with all of us
who visited.
14 LIFE ON LANTAU
We also visited the Killing Fields outside the capital, where large
numbers of people were slaughtered and buried by the Khmer
Rouge. It is not a place for the faint of heart. Many educated people
were killed during the brutal Khmer Rouge reign. Now, only 4% of
the population is aged over 60. It is a nation in repair, and educating
youth is a priority.
Our first encounter of the four charities we were to visit on the trip
was a school in the heart of Phnom Penh. Souern from the Cambodia
Charitable Trust (CCT) greeted us with a hospitable smile and painted
a bigger picture of the situation.
The CCT aims to supply schools with their most desired resource
– teachers. The Khmer Rouge regime worked to eradicate what it
called “intellectuals”, which included teachers. Schools were turned
into prisons. Men, women and children who spoke foreign languages,
wore glasses, or did not have suntans/working hands (an indication
of working in the fields) were arrested and faced torture and death.
Dinner was at Friends the Restaurant – run by Friends-International,
a group that helps build the futures of extremely disadvantaged
children and youth through various employment projects. The
restaurant is one of these ventures, building the self-esteem of these
disadvantage youth, who staff the restaurant. The food was very good
and we picked up one of their delightful cookbooks. The next day we
visited another of its restaurants in the capital, Romdeng, with its
exotic menu, including crispy tarantulas with black pepper and lime
sauce. If you are not in the mood for big spiders, you could go for the
stir-fried red tree ants with beef and basil.
We set out early on day three. The roads were challenging, with
plenty of potholes and scurrying chickens. Our bikes took us through
expansive rice and maize fields, and rubber plantations. Detours
were plenty and we often found ourselves at forgotten temples or
meeting friendly villagers. The dirt roads often turned to quagmires
from the rain. Sometimes it became impossible to cycle and we had
to shoulder our bikes and trudge through the mud.
WHO ARE WE?
In early 2013, a few like-minded individuals with spirit and big
hearts envisioned a world without the chains of poverty, slavery
and exploitation, and formed Life Cycle. In November 2014, these
individuals gathered a bunch of like-minded people, put them on
bicycles and led them through Cambodia for a journey of a lifetime.
Life Cycle is an organisation committed to supporting hand-picked
initiatives that strengthen the future of Cambodians, including the
Cambodia Charitable Trust (CCT), HAGAR International, Who Will
Village, and Sala Baï Hotel & Restaurant School.
We stopped at a delightful town called Kampong Cham. It was a
pleasure to eat breakfast and practice yoga overlooking the Mekong
River. After the break, we took off again, through the rain and cold,
enroute to Kampong Thom. Along the way, lunch was taken village
style, eating off bamboo tables while sitting on patched mats.
Inviting hammocks hung all around, and it was not long before they
were occupied.
After lunch, we headed to Who Will Village, part of a project by the
NGO Who Will, which is dedicated to the care of disadvantaged
and orphaned children, and poor Cambodian communities.
Gerald, who heads Who Will Village, says his main challenge
is with the government, which can make it difficult for such
initiatives like Who Will.
LIFE ON LANTAU 15
FEATURE
THE ROAD AHEAD AND A THANK YOU.
Life Cycle achieved a successful 2014, raising in excess
of US$28,000, which will be distributed between the four
selected organisations. A big thank you goes out to all
that were able to contribute, support, and be a part of this
insightful journey. Fundraising is still open, and interested
donors may go to [email protected] to contribute.
This year is looking good as we continue with local rides
and kids’ challenges. The dates for the next Cycle for Life
through Cambodia are being finalised, and we are also
planning a weekend ride to Guangdong.
So in true Cambodian spirit, have a joyous and
successful year ahead, and spread your smiles!
To find out more about these organisations, please visit:
Life Cycle Asia
www.lifecycleasia.org/
HAGAR International hagarinternational.org/
The Cambodia Charitable Trust www.cctnz.org.nz/
Who Will Village
whowill.org/
Sala Baï Hotel & Restaurant School www.salabai.com/
SHOPPING CART
WISH LIST!
READ
WATCH
WOLF HALL
By Hilary Mantel
ED SHEERAN
LIVE IN HONG KONG 2015
10 March 2015 - AsiaWorld-Expo
England in the 1520s: Henry VIII has
been king for almost 20 years, but has
no heir. Cardinal Wolsey is unable to
deliver the divorce he craves. For a
man with the right talents, this crisis
could be an opportunity. Wolf Hall
brings the opulent, brutal world of
the Tudors to bloody, glittering life. It
is the backdrop to the rise of Thomas
Cromwell: lowborn boy, charmer,
bully, master of deadly intrigue and,
finally, the most powerful of Henry VIII’s courtiers.
Available at Dymocks $170
DRAGON DANCE
By Joan Holub
It’s Chinese New Year and there are
so many fun things to do. Shopping
at the Victoria Park fresh flower
market, eating Chinese New Year’s
dinner with the family, receiving red
envelopes and, best of all, watching
the spectacular Chinese New
Year’s fireworks display on Victoria Harbour. This lift-the-flap
book introduces the customs of Chinese New Year to even the
youngest readers.
Available at Dymocks $70
SPLURGE
HAND MADE CARPETS
Ayesha Oriental Carpets
sell gorgeous Persian
and Afghani handmade
c a r p e t s , w h i c h a re
available for viewing in
the comfort of your own
home. Carpets vary in
size from 2’x3’ to over
10’x14’. Many sizes and styles to suit your budget and taste.
Carpet washing, repair and restoration services also available.
Contact Mr Sultan Mehmood 2623 0499 or 6341 0346
Masterfully blending soulful vocals
with organic folk introspection,
and irresistible hip-hop hooks, Ed
Sheeran has enjoyed a meteoric rise
to become a global phenomenon.
The two-time Grammy nominated
singer-songwriter will be
performing in Hong Kong for the
first time. Don’t miss this chance!
ONE DIRECTION “ON THE ROAD AGAIN TOUR 2015”
LIVE IN HONG KONG
18 March 2015 - AsiaWorld-Expo
Now a global phenomenon, this boy
band first found fame at the boot
camp stage of the TV talent show
The X Factor in 2010. In the years
since, these five talented lads have
achieved an incredible number of
top-selling songs, notching up 36
million sales worldwide. Local fans
are finally getting the long-awaited
opportunity to experience the band
perform its many hits live in Hong
Kong for the first time.
For tickets, please visit
www.hkticketing.com or call 31 288 288.
AND ONE FOR THE KIDS
The kids’ fitness
programs at the
HIT Room fitness
club at Discovery
Bay North Plaza
aim to make
getting fit fun.
Focusing on key
motor skills such
as accuracy, agility, balance, co-ordination, endurance, flexibility,
speed and strength, the program shows kids the importance of
making healthy choices and gives them a sense of responsibility
and discipline about how they treat their bodies. Each week
consists of new activities and games to keep motivation high!
The are classes for ages 3-6, 6-11 and 12-16.
For more info, visit www.thehitroom.com.hk
18 LIFE ON LANTAU
������������������������
Are you or your kids members of Aqua Gym or Tung
Chung Rugby Club? Is your kid a STRIDER rider?
!
AQUAGYM
www.aquagym.com.hk
20% discount for first time children joining the “Iron-Kids
Duathlon class” (bike and swim)
20% discount for parents joining beginner, stroke
correction or triathlon swim class
TCRC
www.tungchungrugbyclub.org
$200 fee to end of season & free rugby ball
STRIDER BIKES
www.striderhk.com
20% discount off STRIDER bike for both club members
Tung Chung Get Moving!!
Colouring
KIDS’ CORNER
KRAFTY KIDS
Competition
By Keira Higgins
LEARN TO DRAW A GOAT
1
2
S
RN
E
T
N
A
L
PAPER
In this issue, Krafty
Keira shows us
how to make paper
lanterns, a simple
and beautiful
decoration for
Chinese New Year.
3
YOU WILL NEED
•
4
5
STEPS
6
Reprinted with permission from ActivityVillage.co.uk - Keeping Kids Busy
3. Roll the gold paper to
form a tube, and secure
it with glue.
competition Winners
20 LIFE ON LANTAU
4. Open the red paper.
Glue the top of the red
paper to the top of the
tube. Repeat with the
bottom of the red paper,
leaving about 2cm of
gold at the bottom.
5. Cut off the excess
gold from the bottom of
the tube. For an extra
special effect, use
patterned scissors. Use
this to make a handle.
ENTRY
Includes colour pencil set, lead pencil set, crayons and eraser. Value $120
(Age categories: 3–4 years old, 5–6 years old, 7–8 years old)
Shop 10 Ground Floor, Coastal Skyline Circle, Tung Chung. Deadline 28/2/2015
1. Fold the red paper
in half. Use a pencil
and ruler to draw
lines from the folded
side to the top, leaving
around 3cm at the top.
2. Cut through the lines,
making sure not to cut
them all the way to the
top of the paper.
PRIZE - STAEDTLER STUDENT SET
Name: ____________________________________________________________ Age:_______
Address: _______________________________________________________________________
Phone: ______________________________ Mobile: _________________________________
•
•
•
Red and gold
paper (or colours
of your choice)
Pencil and ruler
Scissors
Glue
JACOB WONG
Age 3
SHANTANU GUHA
Age 5
Kung Hei Fat Choi
LIFE ON LANTAU 21
SPOTLIGHT:
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
LIVING THE DREAM
SARAH MCCORMACK – PRINCIPAL OF DMPS
When I was growing up, my favourite
book was Matilda by Road Dahl. Not
only did I identify with the character of
Matilda, but I also wanted to grow up to
be Ms Honey, the most caring teacher
at Crunchem Hall Primary School.
Of course, things never quite work
out the same as in storybooks, and
for many years my life took on quite
a different path. After graduating,
I began working in marketing
and eventually became business
development manager for one of
the most renowned PR agencies in
London. For many years, I worked
with high-profile clients and had what
many would consider a very glamourous life. However, towards the end of
my 20s I decided to take time out and travel, and in a sleepy seaside town
in Thailand I took a TEFL course, which reignited my dream to be a teacher.
Two years later, I completed a graduate teacher-training course and began
teaching upper primary at some of London’s best inner-city schools.
Fast forward a good few years, with many more teaching posts under
my belt, I moved to Hong Kong with my husband and young son. Over
the next few years our family grew but I continued to teach, taking on
a number of roles, including a K3 teacher at DMK in Discovery Bay.
I had no idea the job would lead me to becoming founding
principal of DMPS, a thriving primary school that now has two
campuses with 150 pupils in Discovery Bay and Tung Chung.
I am a firm believer that anything is possible and, although I could
never have imagined my life as it is today, I was never afraid to take a
chance. As it turns out, the stories I loved as a young girl, a successful
career in business and those first steps into a classroom in Thailand
took me to the point where I am at now. For me, being a principal is the
best job in the world; it blends all of my passions and skills, allows me
to connect with and inspire so many young lives and support teachers
in their careers, and genuinely make a difference to all the wonderful
families that I meet and the Lantau community that I now part of.
But of course, it hasn’t stopped there. I am in my final year of a Master’s
in Education and, again, find myself enthused by learning all over again.
As Matilda said: “Never
do anything by halves
if you want to get away
with it. Be outrageous.
Go the whole hog. Make
sure everything you do
is so completely crazy
it’s unbelievable ...” I
can only hope that my
children follow these
wise words and find
their passion in life.
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
PARENTING
TEACHING CHILDREN TO BE
MONEYWISE AND GRATEFUL
By Queenie Tan
A lot of kids these days may need a lesson (or several) on how to
be appreciative, grateful and moneywise. These qualities were
something that I learnt from a young age as I grew up in a poor
family ... yes, we were so poor that we couldn’t even afford to buy
dine out let alone consider the luxuries I mention above.
they need; therefore, no school camp. They also knew that we
won’t come to their rescue if they didn’t raise enough money.
Believe me, it’s easier to teach this quality to young children
rather than to wait for them to learn it later on.
The question is: how do we teach young children these skills
given that so many of us are affluent (or at least, more affluent
than our parents or grandparents)?
It is amazing to see how much their self-confidence increases
when they start to believe in their own ability to do whatever they
set out to do, as long as they plan, put their minds to it and work
hard. This experience is also empowering and builds resilience
as their problem solving skills grow.
Well, as far as I’m concerned, I have deduced that working is a
good way to teach children about the value of money. I started
working at the age of 13. And no, in case you’re wondering,
asking my parents to pay me for doing house chores was not
considered working. I had to chalk up hours at my school tuck
shop that paid out a food allowance for those of us who wanted
to help out. I had a classmate who helped her cousin to fold
fliers to make a few extra bucks and another who helped out at
her aunt’s restaurant on weekends to make some pocket money.
So one day, I sat my boys down and told them that even though
we were committed to paying for their school fees, we felt that
their school camp fees were a little outside of our obligations.
We also told them that since they were old enough (and
resourceful enough), that they should think of a way they can
earn the money they need for their camp fees. After a lot of
brainstorming, my boys decided to do a bake sale because they
loved to bake and we felt that if we did something that we loved,
it wouldn’t feel so much like work, it’ll feel more like play. I was
fine with it either way.
S FOR GRANTED?
G
IN
TH
E
K
TA
EN
R
D
IL
DO YOUR CH
DO THEY EXPECT YOU
TO TAKE THEM FOR HO
LIDAYS
BY BUGGING YOU ABO
UT IT?
D LOTS OF GIFTS ON
N
A
TS
LO
T
EC
P
EX
EY
DO TH
AT CHRISTMAS?
THEIR BIRTHDAYS AND
GET THEM?
’T
N
O
D
EY
TH
IF
D
TE
IN
R DISAPPO
DO THEY GET UPSET O
DO THEY PESTER YOU
TO GET THEM TOYS
WHEN YOU WALK INTO
A STORE?
THEIR BELONGINGS
H
IT
W
S
ES
EL
R
CA
EY
ARE TH
TOYS OR BOOKS)?
G
IN
K
EA
R
B
R
O
G
N
SI
O
(L
24 LIFE ON LANTAU
We spent the next whole week planning, grocery shopping,
baking, packaging, taking orders and delivering the stuff we
baked (on foot). It was the longest week ever! We made enough
money to pay for the camp fees but it was a week’s worth of
work. Quite frankly, I could have made that money in 1.5 hours
of consulting, but instead I chose to do this with my boys. Was it
worth it? Totally! That week of bake-sale experience has given
them opportunities to learn life lessons that money can’t buy.
Among them were:
AN AWARENESS OF THE VALUE OF THINGS
They have developed a deep appreciation for money (they started
asking me how much everything costs and now they try to work
out how many bake sales they’d have to do to make that kind of
money). I found that they tend to be more aware of price tags
on things when we go grocery shopping. One time, my son even
noticed the price of popcorn at the entrance of the movie theater
and said that we could make it at home at a fraction of the price.
RESPONSIBILITY
This character trait was not something they learned in a
textbook. It was acquired by observing the law of “cause and
effect”. My boys learned that if they don’t deliver the orders, they
won’t get paid, if they don’t get paid, they don’t raise the money
CONFIDENCE
A SENSE OF PURPOSE
They learn that they have a part to play in the greater scheme of
things and that they don’t just live to enjoy themselves or to be
entertained. A sense of purpose is a very important ingredient
for happiness because true happiness comes from a realisation
that we are all useful and that we exist to do great things when
we work towards our goals.
SELF-DETERMINATION
Self-determination stems from the ability to truly understand
the concept of delayed gratification or impulse control, and that
persistence and good problem solving skills are important to be
successful at any task.
My boys are 7 and 10 years and I’m so glad that they have the
opportunities to learn these important life lessons. However,
this is not the first time that they are learning to be money-wise
and grateful. We started them at a much earlier age while they
were at preschool; these are some of the things we did with
them. Perhaps you could try these as well:
•
•
•
•
•
Explaining to them about “needs” versus “wants”.
Teaching them how to be grateful by showing gratitude
toward people who have been nice/generous to them
(making thank you cards, baking cookies for them, making
them a small gift).
Create awareness for conservation (how to reduce, reuse
and recycle).
Getting them to help out with housework.
Setting up a system where they can get toys on special
occasions so that they know that they can’t get any toys
every time they walk into a toy store. And they don’t pester
you for them.
Queenie FK Tan (MEd, Bed, CerT-Montessori) is an early
childhood education specialist. She helps parents focus on their
efforts with their children so that they can have happy, confident
and resilient children. She also has a podcast for parents at
www.parentingoncue.com and has published a parenting book
entitled Cool Stuff Your Parents Never Told You About Parenting
(available in Dymocks Citygate, www.amazon.com and all major
bookstores in the United States).
LIFE ON LANTAU 25
HEALTH AND FITNESS
HOW FIT ARE YOU?
By Jamie McGregor
FIRST, WE NEED TO DIFFERENTIATE THE
COMPONENTS OF FITNESS: STRENGTH, POWER,
ENDURANCE, FLEXIBILITY AND SPEED
How can we compare the fitness of a power-based athlete (for
example an American football player) with an endurance-based
athlete (for example a distance runner)?
Well, we can’t really make any tangible comparisons to see who
is fitter as they are both specifically trained for their respective
disciplines. All sporting disciplines require specific skills, but to
function at optimal levels, muscles need to be conditioned to apply
the correct amount of force and to move in the correct way. For this,
the muscles need oxygen.
The VO2 max test (the maximum rate of oxygen consumption as
measured during incremental exercise) was created to see how
well the human body can consume oxygen. The general definition
of fitness is the capability of the body to distribute inhaled oxygen to
muscle tissue during increased physical effort. Therefore, the VO2
max test can give the individual a good idea of his or her fitness
when performance is measured against normative data.
WHAT IS THE VO2 MAX TEST?
Have you ever seen exercise labs where someone on a stationary
bike or a treadmill is wearing a mask over his/her mouth? Well,
chances are they are being VO2 max tested.
Essentially, the test assigns a numerical value to your body’s ability
to consume oxygen. From this we get an idea of your lung volume
how well your body performs.
HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?
VO2 max tests are usually performed under strict conditions in a
testing lab. Generally, they are of increasing intensity over about
10-30minutes. Intensity is gradually increased by increasing speed
and adding resistance for a bike or gradient for a treadmill. The test
subject will keep going until they can no longer sustain the required
intensity.
CAN I DO IT?
Kung Hei Fat Choi team!
Hope you all had a great start to the year.
One of the most common - and perhaps one of the most difficult questions to answer accurately in the fitness world is “how fit are you?”
Answers can vary anywhere from “not very fit”, to “fit”, to “very fit”.
But how do we determine how fit we are?
26 LIFE ON LANTAU
While the methods conducted by sports scientists to obtain accurate
VO2 max levels are strict and complex, there are simplified versions
that give us a good indication of our fitness levels.
For example, the Bruce protocol is easy to follow. If you are testing
you fitness on a stationary bike using the Bruce protocol, it is best
to have a power meter attached to gauge average power output over
a prolonged period.
The erg (rowing machine) is perhaps the easiest “do-it-yourself”
method using the Bruce protocol as it is a consistent testing
environment and few equations are needed. There is also a large
data population, so results are accurate.
HOW TO DO IT
For treadmill and cycling assessments, it is best to seek the help
from a registered exercise professional (a sports scientist is even
better). Information on the Bruce protocol is easily found online
with a Google search (it is best done with a partner).
Back to the erg; most rowers will set the drag factor (the little fan
control lever on the side) to around 5.5 as it closely resembles water
resistance. This is a good starting point but it is best to play around
with the control to see what setting gives you optimum speed.
Once the erg is set up, you row 2km as quickly as you can. To calculate
your VO2 max after completing the test, enter your time, weight and
other details into the calculator on the website: www.concept2.com/
indoor-rowers/training/calculators/vo2max-calculator/
There are many different ways we can test VO2 max but the 2km row
is a good method to begin with.
WHAT IS A GOOD SCORE?
First, it must be remembered that a 2km row is hard work! Any VO2
max test is designed to realise your best effort over a period of time
so a little suffering is inevitable. Pushing one’s body to the limit for
any length of time is a great achievement, but it can sometimes be
disheartening when scores are stacked up against elite athletes.
The important thing is that it gives us a reference point to monitor
improvements.
WHO HAS THE BEST SCORES?
Generally speaking, it is cross-country skiers and cyclists who get
the best scores. The highest recorded score comes from Norwegian
cyclist Oskar Svendsen (who was 18 at the time) recording a
whopping 97.5ml of lung volume per kilogram of bodyweight.
Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong scored 84 at his peak. Most elite
athletes would be happy with a score over 60.
The world indoor record holder for the 2km row, Rob Waddell, with
a time of 5 minutes 36.6 seconds at a weight of about 100kg, would
register a score 72.85.
Øyvind Leonhardsen (also from Norway) has the highest recorded
score for a soccer player with 80.9. Cristiano Ronaldo is reported to
be around 75.
Marathon runner Joan Benoit registered an astounding 78.6 to top
the recorded female scores.
SO HOW FIT ARE YOU?
Going back to the question “how fit are you?” It is really asking how
good your cardio system is. The VO2 max test does a pretty good job
of answering that question, although to get a true value it needs to
be tested properly. The testing procedure requires a large amount
of skill and knowledge to administer to get and the true value from
the athlete. However, you can get a good idea of your fitness level
using standardised tests like the 2km row.
Scores can improve with training and it is a great motivational tool.
So, whether it is running, biking or rowing, have fun with. And as
always, happy exercising!
Jamie McGregor is a personal trainer with Perun Fitness
(www.perunfitness.com, ph: 6443 6597)
LIFE ON LANTAU 27
MY LANTAU
TITLE HERE
LIFE
NATURAL BORN COACH
Originally from Sheung Shui, Erik has been based on Lantau for
more than 10 years, and in Tung Chung since the opening of Tung
Chung Swimming Pool in 2011. An active sportsperson since
childhood, his passion is triathlon, which combines swimming,
running and cycling. In his spare time, Erik is out and about around
Lantau doing one or the other – or, more typically, all three.
Erik is more than a competitive triathlete. He is a natural born
coach, who wants not just the best results from his students, but
what’s best for them in the long run. He is coaching director at
Aqua Gym, which provides competitive aquatic programmes.
While he has his sights set on nurturing an Olympic gold winner,
it’s not about instant results. “I’m not interested in simply getting
kids on a podium,” he says. “There is no faster way to turn kids off.
It’s about friendship, good sportsmanship, even seeing the world.”
“A triathlete can have a career spanning many years, well into your
late 30s or even beyond,” he says. So why would I want to put kids
off cycling, swimming or running when they are just starting
out? It’s about every child achieving a personal best they can
be proud of.”
Asked whether he wants all his students to be triathletes, Erik
says no. “All parents want their kids to learn to swim.” he says,
“It’s a life skill. So we get them started off on that. And that may
be enough for some families. Later, when kids turn 8 or so and
if they are interested, we introduce them to running. Around this
time, we also introduce the kids to cycling, which we will only do on
designated cycle paths, with one coach at the front and one at the
back - safety comes first.”
And what does Erik think about other sports on offer around
Lantau? “All sport is good. Sport is an excellent way to build a
community. For example, in Tung Chung, we are seeing a real
community spirit being fostered by sport – whether its kids playing
rugby with Tung Chung Rugby Club - which we partner with from
time to time for activities - or senior citizens practising their
morning exercises outside.”
On ending the interview with
Erik, your correspondent felt
inspired to put in place a longheld resolution to get fit with
proper swimming training,
and, just a few sessions in,
can report excellent results!
For more information see
OUTDOOR SPIRIT
www.aquagym.com.hk
For more details of Aqua
By Rachael Guan
If you’re into the outdoors life, Lantau is a great place to live. On our doorstep we have superb beaches, fantastic
trails for hiking and running, and picturesque routes through country parks for cycling. In this issue we met two
outstanding Lantau athletes. First is coaching director at Aqua Gym, Erik Chan. Eric, a triathlete, is a coach and
mentor to many of Lantau’s sportspeople, from children to adults. Second, is Leung Ping-Fun, who at 71, is perhaps
Lantau’s oldest competitive runner; and he is showing no signs of slowing down.
28 LIFE ON LANTAU
Gym’s promotion with Tung
Chung Rugby Club please
visit
“Tung
Chung
Get
Moving” on Facebook, or
www.tungchungrugbyclub.org.
AGE IS NO BARRIER
You have never left it too late in life to take up a new hobby or
a new challenge. That much was clear from meeting 71-yearold Leung Ping-Fun from Tung Chung’s Fu Tung Estate. Mr
Leung is well known on Lantau’s competitive running scene,
and recently completed the Shek Pik Reservoir 10km race in
just 51 minutes 25 seconds. Mr Leung only started competitive
running at 59, an age when other people are starting to slow
down. He was, he says, quite good at running at school. He
also liked football. But a busy career left little time for running,
and it was only at retirement that he truly got started. He was
at that point already running long distances “just for fun”, and
was not too concerned about times and distances. Watching
the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon on television in
2002 changed Mr Leung’s life – he resolved to enter. He signed
up for the marathon in 2003, not having a time target and just
wanting to finish. He was in an open category (not a senior’s
category) and placed a good 2-3 minutes behind the front of
the starting line. Nonetheless, he finished that marathon 3
hours and 45 minutes.
Since then, Mr Leung has not stopped running. He particularly
loves Lantau and the variety it provides. He enjoys trail running
rather than running on the flat. He likes meeting other people
of all ages and nationalities. In a normal week, he will run
40 km. When he has a race on, Mr Leung will run more than
70km a week.
It’s fair to say that Mr Leung is an inspiration to us all. He
shows us it is just a matter to deciding to do something – and
doing it.
LIFE ON LANTAU 29
Photo: Jess Yu / Shutterstock.com
FEATURE
KUNG HEI FAT CHOI
It is that time of year again; Christmas is
over and Chinese New Year has crept up
on us. If you decide not to join the annual
migration from Hong Kong over Chinese
New Year, never fear; there are plenty of
things to do right here. So ditch those
expensive Chinese New Year flights
and check out our recommendations to
welcome in the Year of the Sheep.
will be transformed into a giant outdoor
street party. The best vantage points
are along Canton Road outside Harbour
City, Haiphong Road, or on the junction
of Nathan and Peking roads - remember
to arrive early to claim your spot and get
into the party spirit.
CHINESE NEW YEAR PARADE
Fireworks play a traditional and
important role in the Chinese New Year
festivities. One of the best fireworks
displays in the world happens right on
our doorstep and is the biggest event of
the Chinese New Year celebrations. This
year’s extravaganza will take place from
8pm on 20 February. Fireworks will be
launched from three barges on Victoria
Harbour, providing a 25-30 minute
dazzling display. The best viewing sites
are on the Tsim Sha Tsui harbour front,
Kicking off Chinese New Year festivities
will be the Chinese New Year Parade
starting at 8pm on 19 February. Tsim Sha
Tsui streets will transform into a colourful
parade ground with an estimated 150,000
spectators lining the route to get a view
of the parade. With extravagant floats,
marching bands, troupes of acrobats,
lively dragon dancers and performers
from all parts of the world, the streets
of Tsim Sha Tsui and the harbour front
30 LIFE ON LANTAU
CHINESE NEW YEAR
HARBOUR FIREWORKS
AND DON’T MISS
By Richard Cowley
and from the Hong Kong Convention and
Exhibition Centre, and Bauhinia Square
on the Hong Kong Island. Or you can find
a spot along the newly renovated central
waterfront promenade. Numerous tour
companies offer firework junk trips on
the harbor, offering even better views. For
those who don’t fancy a trip on the water,
remember to claim your harbour-side
position early, as it gets very crowded.
HORSE RACING
As is traditional at Chinese New Year,
horse racing is held at the Sha Tin Race
Course, where 100,000 excited fans will
spend the third day of the holidays. The
Chinese New Year races are special and
have always been Hong Kong’s most
popular horse racing event. Along with
the horse racing, there will be traditional
and colorful festivities including a grand
opening performance, a lion dance, and
Photo: Hu Xiao Fang / Shutterstock.com
a variety of cultural performances and entertainment. The
featured race of the day is the Chinese New Year Cup.
WELL-WISHING FESTIVAL
The Well-wishing Festival takes place in the village of Lam Tsuen
near Tai Po in the New Territories. Here, you can write your New
Year’s wish and hang it in a “lucky tree”, and take part in the ageold custom of releasing water lanterns to begin the New Year.
The tradition of hanging your New Year wishes in one of the
trees dates back more than 700 years and local villagers make
pilgrimages to these sacred trees in the hope that their wishes
will come true.
Releasing a wishing lantern is also another popular tradition.
Every year hundreds of water lanterns are set afloat into the Lam
Tsuen canal. The water lanterns illuminate the canal and create
a beautiful scene, especially in the evening.
The Well-wishing Festival runs from the 19 February-5 March
from 9am-7pm. It is a great opportunity to join local residents
and make a wish and enjoying a host of cultural activities.
FLOWER MARKETS – Hong Kong flower
markets make for a colourful night out and there
is real festive atmosphere with people buying
flowers for household decorations and gifts for
their partners. As well as the Hong Kong’s flower
markets that operate year round, one is set up in
Victoria Park for Chinese New Year and teems with
people in the evening. The flower market opens
a couple of weeks before Chinese New Year from
noon to midnight, and remains open until New
Years Day.
CHINESE OPERA – A great insight into
traditional Chinese culture is to catch Cantonese
opera at the West Kowloon Cultural District. A new
program, The Rising Stars of Cantonese Opera,
starts on the 21 February and runs until 2 March.
THEME PARKS – Disneyland and Ocean Park
welcome in the New Year with some amazing
decorations and shows with everyone’s favourite
characters dressed in Chinese traditional costume.
Be prepared to for long queues as the festivities are
the parks’ busiest time of the year.
LIFE ON LANTAU 31
LANTAU FOCUS
LANTAU FOCUS
A look around Lantau
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
EXHILARATING FUN
Rediscover the passion or romance your new love. Love is in
the air this Valentine’s Day, and where else to rendezvous but at
SkyCity Marriott on Lantau Island – a lovers retreat. Leave the
planning to us and just enjoy this special day.
As Discoveryland gears up for Chinese New Year, lots of fun
and exciting activities are planned for our pass holders, as well
as guests and visitors. The 14,000 square foot facility will be
decorated with auspicious and colourful decorations. Entrance
rates remain the same, so all are encouraged to visit - join in to
celebrate with Discoveryland. Package includes:
• Deluxe room one-night stay
• Dinner buffet for two adults at SkyCity Bistro or a six-course
Cantonese set menu for two adults at Man Ho Chinese
Restaurant
• Room service – half a bottle of house wine
• Welcome amenity – chocolate platter
• Free parking
Get artistic at Discoveryland. All through February, Discoveryland
is running an art competition with the top three winners each
receiving two full-day entry passes. The winning entries will also
be framed and displayed. There is no entry fee, so grab your
palettes and get ready to be famous.
CNY Camp - Discoveryland organising its first-ever camp. From
Monday to Thursday, 16-19 February from 9.30am to 12.30pm,
lots of fun activities are planned for young adventurers aged 5 to
8 years, with maximum 10 participants in a group. The HK$750
camp fees include a daily snack and free play at Discoveryland
after camp hours. There are limited spaces, so register your
child’s name and age at [email protected], Tel: 2441
0098.
From HK$1,950+ per night
Reservations: 3969-1888
Terms and conditions apply. Valid on 13 and 14 February only.
All rates are subject to 10% service charge per room per night.
Loyalty cards are now available; get 10-chops and get your next
visit free. Ask for your chop card reception.
IT’S A SPRING TIME CELEBRATION
Spring brings an abundance of blessings and prosperity, filling
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort with hope and jubilation for
Chinese New Year. Symbolising the richness and new beginnings
of the coming season, a vibrant sea of flowers will greet visitors
to the park from 12 February to 8 March 2015.
END OF THE PUI O WETLANDS?
IT’S BEER DASH TIME AGAIN!
The Lantau International Beer Dash will be held on Saturday 18
April 2015.
The Beer Dash is the largest fundraiser for PALS, LBA and other
South Lantau animal organisations. The 5km run is sponsored by
San Miguel Beers, with a different international brand of beer to
drink at each kilometre. Top prizes for the best dressed.
Registration opens 16 March 2015. Limited spaces available.
Registration fee is $350 for individual or $1,360 for team of four.
To register: https://regonline.activeglobal.com/
lantauinternationalbeerdash2015
Chinese version: https://regonline.activeglobal.com/
lantauinternationalbeerdash2015cn
32 LIFE ON LANTAU
Mickey, Minnie, Duffy, ShellieMay and all their Disney friends will
Local residents are aghast to see construction waste being
dumped on three lots of land in the middle of the Pui O wetlands,
home to the last wild water buffalo herd in Hong Kong and a
place of great natural beauty enjoyed by local residents, visitors
and tourists from abroad.
dress in all-new colourful Chinese New Year costumes to meet
The wetlands are zoned as a “Coastal Protection Area” - a status
that clearly prohibits waste disposal, yet the Environmental
Protection Department (EPD) has acknowledged the dumping
and seems unable to stop it. What madness to see rubble being
poured on top of a pristine habitat, one of the last stretches of
wetlands left in Hong Kong. If you would like to understand more
or want to question the EPD about why this is being allowed to
happen, please email them at [email protected] (Director)
[email protected] (Principle Officer for Lantau).
During The Happiest Chinese New Year, the resort will offer
and greet guests, and to wish them all the happiest year filled
with endless bliss and prosperity. Don’t forget to take photos with
them for happy memories.
a wide variety of both traditional and innovative Chinese
delicacies for special family gatherings with guaranteed fun and
excitement. Hong Kong Disneyland has also prepared a range
of Chinese New Year-themed gifts including Disney-themed Lai
See Red Packets and Fai Chun, Chinese New Year apparel, plush
toys, confectionary, key rings and limited edition pins that are
only available during Chinese New Year!
LIFE ON LANTAU 33
AROUND LANTAU
AROUND LANTAU
Sponsored Content
What's Been Happening Around Our Island?
organiser for inviting them to join the
race as part of the local community.
According to information provided by local
community groups, there are estimated
currently 350 secondary school students
from the ethnic minorities, including
ethnicity of Southern Asian, African
and Northern European. We believe the
non-Chinese group would be significant
if adults and children were included. To
achieve racial harmony and equality,
integration of ethnic minorities into local
community should be facilitated.
A CHRISTMAS FAMILY DAY OF DANCING
Dance for Joy HK (DFJ), the dance fitness company based in Tung
Chung, brightened the community’s holiday season, and filled
it with joy and laughter when participants and their families
joined in grooving to the latest dance trends as they celebrated a
Christmas family day of dancing.
The DFJ’s annual Christmas bash showcased kids’ dance
performances. The 14 December Christmas Dance Bash, held at
Caribbean Coast Clubhouse, was transformed into an impromptu
dance concert by students, their teachers and parents. The party
The Color Run, popularly known as
the Happiest 5k on the Planet and a
celebration of health, happiness and
colour, was held at AsiaWorld-Expo
(AWE) in early December. To facilitate
collaboration in the local Tung Chung
community, as well as enhancing
communication with different sectors
to achieve a happy place to live, work
and play in Lantau and Hong Kong, we
were pleased to invite a group of ethnic
definitely put a smile on everyone’s face as people eagerly joined
in the energetic dance games with lots of grooving. Everybody
had fun, gained friends, received gifts and prizes and got some
exercise. The event was captured by the creative, digital eye of
Instaklik Photo booth, so the attendees could take home the
memories. www.danceforjoyhk.com
INTERNATIONAL FUN FAIR A GREAT SUCCESS
The International Fun Fair of YMCA of Hong Kong Christian
College (YHKCC) was held on 13 December at the school campus,
attracting a record of more than 4,400 visitors, celebrating with
great fun and excitement.
This year’s International Fun Fair ran under the theme of
“Underwater Odyssey”. NGOs were invited to join and help
spread the message of environmental protection. Students in
marine animal costumes led visitors through ethnic food, games
and shows. There were activities for everyone, with fabulous
ethnic foods, bazaar and face painting, photo taking with ponies,
bouncy castle, art fair and game booths and shows. It was a day
of colour, costumes, creativity and innovation, featuring dance
performances from China, India, The Philippines, Korea, Japan,
New Zealand, Spain, the US, and Nepal. Many talented student
singers and musicians from different countries performed a
variety of international music and songs.
“It was such a spectacular and meaningful event for us, and
the community as a whole.” said YHKCC’s Principal, Dion
Chen. “I hope that YHKCC’s International Fun Fair will be
transformed from an annual school function to a communitywide multicultural fiesta in Tung Chung and Lantau, to engage
everyone not only to enjoy but also to participate, making it an
anticipated event every year for the entire community.”
34 LIFE ON LANTAU
minority children from schools in Lantau
to join the event and spent a day with
loads of fun with us in AWE.
As reflected on the event day, they were
excited and extremely curious to be
participants in this race. This was their
first time joining such a big Hong Kongwide event, sharing the joy of teamwork,
sports and celebration with the other
16,000 Color Run-ers. They thanked the
Thanks to the participation of these
children, they have certainly added
more colour and vitality to the event.
T h e g e n e ra l p u b l i c i s s o m e h o w
oblivious of the underprivileged and
vulnerable groups in local community.
They are indispensable members in
building a dynamic and homogeneous
future towards our society. LaDA will
keep working closely with all parties
concerned to raise awareness of the
community towards ethnic minorities,
paving the way of long-term and
sustainable development in Lantau.
LIFE ON LANTAU CLASSIFIEDS
COMMUNITY
SERVICES
Lantau Life
SERVICES
SERVICES
TUNG CHUNG FACIAL & NAILS
the faces of our community
Facial $280 up
Aroma or Lymphatic Drainage
Detoxifying Massage $400 up
(2 hours)
CANDID PORTRAIT
PHOTOGRAPHY
Manicure $140
Pedicure $220
We have many treatments,
please contact us.
On location candid photos.
For full portfolio and rates,
email
[email protected]
or call 93136887.
Also shoots
family pictures
and events.
Daniel Wong.
RedJacq Photography.
For appointments:
Facials - Call 6080 3857 (Kit)
Nails - Call 9669 9433 (Denise)
COMPUTER
REPAIRS AND UPGRADES
For secondary school
students or adults
Minimum : 10 participants
By professional trainer in MuiWo,
with corporate and NGO background.
Trains in local universities
Fun experience, material provided,
unforgettable outcome.
Desktop PC and laptop repair/
upgrade services directly at your
home in Tung Chung.
Mention “LOL” for FREE initial
consultation (no “checking” fees)
Please call Bobby at 9425-3812 or
email [email protected]
FOR RENT RARE OPPORTUNITY !
Contact Christian: 94221347
http://peakcommunication.hk/contact
FRENCH CLASSES
All levels
beginners (A1) - advanced (C2).
By French native in MuiWo,
teaches in local universities.
For secondary school students
and adult professionals.
All documents provided, videos,
songs etc...
Contact Christian: 94221347
[email protected]
Caribbean Coast Tower 1 –
50 Floor – Full Seaview
Splendid fully renovated 1237 sq.ft
apartment with balcony.
Luxuriously furnished
& freshly repainted.
Huge 420 sq.ft Living Room
4 New Aircons +
New Curtains & Blinds
Huge Ensuite Master bedroom +
large 2nd bedroom,
both with built-in wardrobes .
2 big bathrooms –
one with bathtub
other with shower.
Maid’s room + Store room.
HK$ 25,000 inclusive.
Possibility Car Park at HK$ 2500.
Contact :
3161 6180 - 97435956 - 91982335
EMPLOYMENT
ARROW ACCOUNTING
SERVICES LTD
Do you need someone not only accounting the
numbers but also to give you an idea of how to
maximize your company’s profit?
We are an accounting firm offering corporate
services to small & medium sized enterprises
at a reasonable rate. For details of services
please visit us at www.arrowservicesltd.com.
Contact Ms. Raji on 6201 9710 or
email: [email protected]
Photos by Leah Ahmad
KIDS
PROPERTY
PUBLIC SPEAKING WORKSHOPS
36 LIFE ON LANTAU
HEALTH & BEAUTY
International & Domestic Moves
Air Conditioned Storage
Pet Relocations
Vehicle Handling
+852 2561 3030
[email protected]
www.relosmart.asia
JOB VACANCY
Receptionist required at small
TC vet clinic. MUST be computer
literate. Cantonese fluent, basic
English required. Some cleaning
duties. Friendly manner. Not
scared of animals.
Please fax CV to 23287729 or
phone 23287282
HAN XUAN – YAT TUNG
Learn English, the American way,
every Saturday!
Read & Comp or Grammar
$440/4 lessons
Phonics $460/4 lessons
English Discussion $480/4 lessons
Creative Writing $500/4 lessons
Interview Speaking
$1800/12 lessons
Homework Course for
Foreign students
(Mon to Fri / 19:00 – 21:00)
$1580 pm
Assisting & teaching students
all their homework.
Chinese, English & Math’s –
Dictation, Grammar, etc…
Revision exercises & Exam
Preparation
Call: 2666 5905
LIFE ON LANTAU DIRECTORY
LIFE ON LANTAU DIRECTORY
TUNG CHUNG
EMERGENCY – FIRE/POLICE/AMBULANCE – 999
North Lantau Hospital –
8 Chung Yan Road, Tung Chung
Tung Chung Fire Station –
3 Shun Tung Road, Tung Chung.
Tung Chung Police Station –
1 Shun Tung Road.
Tung Chung Ambulance Depot –
2 Shun Tung Road.
SOUTH LANTAU
3467 7000
2988 1898
3661 1694
2988 8282
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Public Library2109 3011
Public Swimming Pool
2109 9107
COMPUTER REPAIRS
Bobby Mirchandani9425 3812
EDUCATION
Discovery Mind Play Centre & Kindergarten
Discovery Mind Primary School
Greenfield International Kindergarten
Han Xuan Language Education Centre
Salala Kids’ House
Soundwaves English Education Centre
Sun Island Education Foundation
Sunshine House International Preschool
Tung Chung Catholic School
YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College
2987 8070
2915 0666
2162 5538
2666 5905
2611 9193
6204 7387
2420 1068
2109 3873
2121 0884
2988 8123
FOOD & RESTAURANTS
360 Flyers Sports Bar & Restaurant 2109 4360
Chef’s Express6504 4208
Essence Restaurant - Novotel Citygate
3602 8808
Handi Indian Restaurant 2988 8674
Hawk Organic Foods & Indian Groceries
2415 4777
McDonald’s Delivery 2338 2338
Melody Thai 2988 8129
Moccato Coffee Shop
3602 8838
Olea Restaurant - Novotel Citygate 3602 8818
Pizza Hut 3180 0000
Resto Restaurant 2886 3156
T Party Cakes 9276 5734
Velocity Bar & Grill - SkyCity Marriott
3969 2583
Yummilicious 6272 2682
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Max Beauty2162 5752
MTM Spa2923 6060
Om Spa2286 6266
Quan Spa3969 2192
Radha’s Place5374 7133
Tung Chung Facial & Nails
9669 9433
HOME REPAIRS & DESIGN
Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths
9625 1392 / 2109 2330
O-Live Decor8105 2588
Shun Yu Engineering 2988 1488
Tung Chung Handyman - Peter
9161 0348
Towner Interior Design
3113 4968
Wing Shing Interior Design
5403 0363
HOTELS
Novotel Citygate Regal Airport Hotel SkyCity Marriott KIDS
A Mother’s Touch Asia Pacific Soccer Schools
38 LIFE ON LANTAU
3602 8888
2890 6060
3969 1888
2851 9654
2385 9677
KIDS
AQ Prettiness9527 6202
Clement Art School
5360 0991
HK Dragons 2987 4274
Jumping Castles9662 1747
Kidznjoy 6273 7347
Kindermusik 6976 8867
Kinder Kicks Soccer
2385 9677
Sakura Kids6674 6194
Stepz Studio3152 7535
MEDICAL
Bayside Dental 2185 6550
Essential Health Family Clinic 2109 9396
Human Health Medical Centre 2109 2711
Quality Health Medical 2403 6623
Quality Health Physiotherapy 2403 6328
Raffles Medical2261 2626
Raffles Medical Emergency
9365 6693
PHOTOGRAPHY
Chris Coelho Photography 9258 0971
RedJacq Photography
9313 6887
RESIDENTIAL ESTATE CONTACTS
Caribbean Coast Club House Caribbean Coast Management Office Coastal Skyline Club House Coastal Skyline Management Office Seaview Crescent Club House
Seaview Crescent Management Office
Tung Chung Crescent Club House
Tung Chung Crescent Management Office
2109 9277
2109 9288
2179 6678
2179 6621
3473 8700
3473 8833
2403 6770
2109 1222
REAL ESTATE
Home Solutions 3483 5003
REMOVALS & RELOCATIONS
Akash Removals 2421 8088
FTC Relocations2814 1658
ReloSmart2561 3030
SwiftRelo2363 4008
SPORT & RECREATION
9 Dragons Fitness
2786 9699
Dance for Joy
9264 8597
Edge’n Pointe Dance Centre
6688 2167
Kip Movin6180 3256
Perun Fitness6443 6597
Pilates Plus9838 3937
Tennis lessons6025 7990
Ving Tsun5264 3149
Vision Pilates5132 3213
Zumba & Bollywood Dance
6497 8086
USEFUL NUMBERS
Alcoholics Anonymous
5668 2667
Arrow Accounting Services
6201 9710
Carpet washing, repairs & sales
2623 0499
Clarinet, saxophone, flute lessons
9413 0498
Dyslexia/Dyscalculia - Patricia Hamlin
6775 9735
Expat Living Hong Kong
6629 0181
Piano lessons9467 4633
Phoenix Wills3100 0101
VETERINARY & PET SITTING SERVICES
Royal Pets Ltd - Pet Sitting
Tung Chung Animal Clinic
Tung Chung Vet Centre
6314 9887
2988 1534
2328 7282
DISCOVERY BAY
ART & CULTURE
Flanhardt Galerie und Atelier (FGUA)
2882 3390
COMPUTER REPAIRS
Bill’s Computer Repair Services
9843 2075
EDUCATION
Buddhist Fat Ho College
Lantau International Kindergarten
Lantau International School
Little Owls Kindergarten
Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten
ToppTutor for Secondary School
2985 5150
2984 0069
2984 0302
2984 0006
3689 6709
2117 1870
FOOD & RESTAURANTS
Bahce Turkish Restaurant
2984 0222
Café Paradiso2984 0498
China Bear2984 9720
China Beach Club
2983 8931
Como Lake2984 0009
Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar
3484 3095
K’s British Original Fish & Pies
5594 0030
Lantana5465 5511
Loi Chan Frozen Meat Co.
9095 4543
Natural Plus6285 2233
T Party Cakes
9276 5734
Tai O Solo Café 9153 7453
The Gallery2980 2582
The Kitchen5991 6292
The Stoep2980 2699
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Dietitian - Patricia Castle
5690 0366
Spa Ambiance2984 2488
Spa Puretouch2984 0088
HOME REPAIRS & DESIGN
New Look Design
HOTELS
Mui Wo Inn
Silvermine Beach Resort
Tai O Espace Elastique B&B
Tai O Heritage Hotel
9783 5840
2984 7225
6810 0111
2985 7002
2985 8383
REAL ESTATE
Home Solutions3483 5003
Findley Leung2984 8334
RETAIL
Quay House2882 8710
SPORT & RECREATION
Vision Pilates5132 3213
Zumba Fitness9861 6657
TRANSPORT
New Lantao Bus Company
2984 9848
USEFUL NUMBERS
Alcoholics Anonymous
5668 2667
Dressmaker - Patricia Castle
5690 0366
Phoenix Wills3100 0101
VETERINARY SERVICES
SPCA Mui Wo
2984 0060
COMMUNITY
Club Siena2987 7382
DB Fire & Ambulance
2987 7502
DB Marina Club
2987 9591
DB Residents’ Club
2987 7381
DB Management2238 3601
DB Police2987 4052
EDUCATION
DBIS Kindergarten2914 2142
DBIS Primary School
2987 7331
Discovery College3969 1000
Discovery Mind Play Centre
2987 8028
Discovery Mind Kindergarten
2987 8088
Discovery Mind Primary School
2914 2202
Sunshine House International Preschool
2987 8143
FOOD & RESTAURANTS
Café Duvet2987 0966
Ebeneezer’s2987 0036
Hemingway’s2987 8855
McDonalds2987 1033
McSorley’s Ale House
2987 8280
Paisano’s2673 4445
Sopranos2987 2915
Zaks2987 6232
HEALTH & FITNESS
Curves2987 0772
Harry Wright Swim School
2575 6279
Kip Movin6180 3256
Movement Improvement
2987 5852
Sense of Touch
2987 9198
Spinworks5145 2776
The HIT Room
6621 7410
MEDICAL
Bayside Dental Practice
2987 0855
DB Medical Centre
2987 5633
Island Health2987 7575
Quality Health Physiotherapy
2473 6200
TRANSPORT
DB Golf Cart Services
2914 2727
DB Transit Services
2914 0186
DB Transportation Services
2987 7351
Hire Car Bookings
2987 6348
Limousine Rental5303 3489
USEFUL NUMBERS
Alcoholics Anonymous
5668 2667
Auberge Hotel2295 8288
Clarinet, saxophone, flute lessons
9413 0498
Discoveryland2441 0098
To see our updated distributor list please visit our website:
www.lifeonlantau.com/distribution
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/lifeonlantaumagazine
If you would like to be listed in our
directory page, please email us:
[email protected]
Join the Life On Lantau community!
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shop or clubhouse? Are you a distributor and have run out of
magazines?
Contact us at [email protected] to get our copies and be
listed in print and online.
It’s free and easy to support your community!
LIFE ON LANTAU 39
Step’n Out
Need to buy something but not sure where to find it? Heading out for
the day but not sure where to go? Looking for a great restaurant on
Hong Kong Island? Life on Lantau has teamed up with The HK Hub,
and we’re full of ideas for a fun and interesting day out.
Rabbithole - Its new cafe location in Wan
Chai offers coffee “classes” and lectures
for aspiring home baristas, which are a fun
way to meet fellow coffee lovers. 3 Landale
Street, Wan Chai
Barista Jam - not only good coffee, but great
pastas too, worth trying for lunch as well
as a coffee. Shop D, G/F, 126-128 Jervois
Street, Sheung Wan
Fuel Espresso - In need of a weekday pickme-up? Head over to IFC or Landmark for
one of the best coffees in town. Not always
the best service, but the coffee is fabulous
and the cakes good. Shop 3023, IFC Mall,
Central; Shop B47, Landmark, Central
Chasing a really good coffee? We’re not
talking about brews from Starbucks or
Pacific Coffee, but those hidden gems
especially for the connoisseurs among
us. Here are our top picks on Hong Kong
Island for those who believe the perfect
cup to be an important part of the day.
Coco Espresso – The staff at this familyowned and operated outlet include
winners and finalists in global latte art and
barista championships. Classes on how to
use your home espresso machine are also
available. G/F, 2 Anton Street, Wan Chai;
G/F, 197 Queen’s Road, Central
mymy caffe – Readers tell us the espresso
at this tiny standing room only coffee bar
in Sheung Wan is unbeatable. Opening
hours vary from day to day, so check its
Facebook page before setting out. Shop
C, G/F, 8 Cleverly Street, Sheung Wan
Holly Brown – Besides making a great
cup of coffee, this reader favourite is
also known for its gelato and famous
Honey Gelato Toast. Coffee courses,
ranging from basic to roasting your own
coffee beans, are available in English and
Cantonese. There are six locations in Hong
Kong including Central and Causeway
Bay. www.hollybrowncoffee.com
40 LIFE ON LANTAU
18 Grams - This cool Causeway Bay shop
was such a hit with coffee lovers that it
has recently added two new locations in
Kowloon. It has eight locations across Hong
Kong, including Sheung Wan, Wan Chai and
Causeway Bay. www.18grams.com
The Cupping Room - located on Queen’s
Road Central, the award winning baristas
pride themselves on creating the perfect
cup. Shop LG/F, 299 Queen’s Road Central,
Sheung Wan
The Coffee Academics - This coffee shop/
restaurant with industrial-chic styling is
a fantastic addition to Hong Kong’s coffee
shop scene. Four locations in Hong Kong
including 38 Yiu Wa Street, Causeway Bay,
and 35-45 Johnston Road, Wan Chai.
Hazel & Hershey - The knowledgeable
baristas at this quirky Peel Street cafe offer
helpful suggestions about which coffee brewed using specialty beans imported
from around the world - might best suit your
palette. Shop 3, 69 Peel Street, Central
Opendoor Cafe + Courtyard – Opendoor
offers coffee made with regular milk or
a number of dairy alternatives, such as
almond milk. Yummy fruit smoothies and
teas mean there are plenty of options for
kids or non-coffee drinkers. 120 Connaught
Road West, Sai Ying Pun
The HK HUB is your one-stop guide for all
things Hong Kong. Featuring insights on
everything from where to eat out, what to
do with your weekend, and where to shop;
whatever you are looking for, The HK HUB has
it covered. www.thehkhub.com