Life on Lantau December/ January 2021 by Around DB Magazine

ISL AND -WIDE NEWS

LOCAL INFLUENCERS

L ANTAU DESTINATIONS

COMMUNIT Y SNAPS

H O L I D AY ED IT IO N

D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 / JA N UA RY 2 0 2 2

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Publishers in Lantau since 2002

INTERISLANDERS

myriem alnet , chun-kit chan and kai-chun yip

Wishing You A Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!

GREAT DRINK • GREAT FOOD • GREAT COMPANY

Address: E&F G/F, Seaview Crescent Plaza, Tung Chung, Lantau Island Website: www.atavola.hk Tel: 2321 5500

REASONS TO VISIT US: An amazing sunset, al Fresco Dining OUR POLYNESIAN CUISINE AND SERVICE Address: Shop G-12-G15, Sheraton Tung Chung No 9 Yi Tung Road, Tung Chung, Lantau Tel: 2777 8980, 2777 8982 Email: info@cabanabreeze.hk

THE UPPER DECK WEEKEND SPECIALS: LIVE BAND FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 9 PM BRUNCH MENU AND FREE FLOW CONTACT INFO Shop 101, 1st Floor, T Bay, Tung Chung, No 9 Yi Tung Road, Lantau. +852 2757 8889 info@theupperdeck.hk

CONTENTS

DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022

FEATURES 16

PERSONA

TUNG CHUNG SUPPLEMENT

HOME CHEF

DESTINATION

Inter-Island Festival founders Myriem, Kit and Chun

From sleepy fishing village to bustling new town

Eat, drink and be merry! 3 classic Christmas cocktails

Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre, Penny’s Bay

REGULARS

04 11 12

ISLAND-WIDE NEWS EVENT ROUND-UP LANTAU FACES

AGENDA 16

GIVEAWAYS

CLASSIFIEDS

LOCAL NUMBERS

16 ON THE COVER Festival founders Myriem Alnet, Chun-Kit Chan and Kai-Chun Yip

PHOTO BY Tal Shahar www.magnificent-hk.com

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YOUR GUIDE TO HONG KONG’S ‘GREEN JEWEL’

IN G

2019 / 2020

FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF FOOD & DRINK • LIVING • PETS • SPORTS • PASTIMES • EDUCATION • HEALTH • BEAUTY • SERVICES • TRAVEL & EXCURSIONS • COMMUNITY

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PH I L I P J AY Publisher/ Owner RACH E L AI N S L EY Managing editor rachel@baymedia.com.hk RACH E L SAD L ER Assistant editor rachel.s@baymedia.com.hk S AR AH M UI R HEA D Digital manager sarah@baymedia.com.hk S AR I N AL E Art director S AM M Y L O Graphic designer & IT sammy@baymedia.com.hk

T HE 17,373- SQUARE- FOO T S T ORE

C O N T RIB UTO RS Ray Au, Martin Lerigo, Samantha Wong

P H OT OGRAPHY TA L SH AH AR www.magnificent-hkg.com

P RIN T & P RO DUCTI O N C H AM P I O N DES IG N & PR O D UCT I O N C O L T D Flat C & D, 9/F Sing Teck Factory Bldg, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Rd, Hong Kong

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D I S C LAIMER

IKEA AT MARKET PLACE IN DISCOVERY BAY

ollowing two exciting openings at Mongkok’s Langham Place and Tuen Mun’s Gold Coast, a 17,373-square-foot Market Place is now in Discovery Bay North Plaza. The industry-leading supermarket places a special focus on Western cuisine, healthy food and pet supplies, and now also homeware through the world’s first IKEA Close to You. Spanning over 3,000 square-feet, IKEA Close to You stocks over 110 home furnishing products, plus a great range of Swedish delicacies (from meatballs to salmon), sauces and condiments. The store-within-a-store features a number of neat digital solutions designed to enhance the shopping experience and spark creativity. State-of-the-art devices include a 2-metre-high interactive screen that provides shoppers with home decorating ideas, and a Swedish Cooking Interactive Screen that dishes out tips and recipes.

The views expressed in Life on Lantau are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors. The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission.

Providing the ultimate one-stop shopping experience, Market Place’s products and seasonal produce are sourced both overseas and locally, and there’s a sensational range of freshly-made food on offer with everything from artisan pastries from chef Grégoire Michaud’s Bread Pantry to made-to-order sushi. For health-conscious shoppers, Market Place has teamed up with New Zealand healthy snacks brand Alison’s Pantry to provide a special self-service nuts bar. There’s also an Alison’s Pantry Dog Treat Bar stocked with nutritious snacks for our four-legged friends.

Market Place’s international selection of wines and spirits numbers over a thousand bottles, all carefully categorised and shelved in an easy-to-shop manner. Specialising in craft beer, Market Place stocks a wide range of hot-selling international labels, and has also actively partnered up with leading local brands, such as Young Master and Gweilo. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Market Place.]

ISLAND-WIDE NEWS |

FRANCE READY TO GO WITH ENZO

heung Sha resident Enzo Hilaire is all set to sing for France in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Paris on December 19. Representing France is a dream come true for the young French-born rapper, who is a self-described “lifelong Eurovision fan.” Enzo writes, produces and edits his own music videos, attracting hundreds of thousands of views, and he was a finalist on The Voice Kids France in 2020. “We are very happy to welcome Enzo into the big family of Eurovision,” says Alexandra Redde-Amiel, head of the French delegation to Eurovision. “His energy, his talent, his unique voice make him a superb representative of France. His song Tic Tac [written and composed by Alban Lico] is so catchy and lively, and it reminds us that life is to savour every second.” Stream Tic Tac now on Spotify. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Francois Hilaire.] EN ZO AT EUROVISION

GREAT PHOTOS FOR GOOD DOGS

he photographer behind Hounds of Hong Kong, islander Frankie Adamson has spent the last few years honing her talents in dog portraiture, and her primary aim is to capture timeless portraits of dogs as their owners know and love them. “Our dogs are only with us for a relatively short part of our lives,” Frankie says, “so I really hope to provide portraits of them that are lasting and impactful.” Hounds of Hong Kong is a bespoke service complete with planning meetings and shoot advice, and sessions are designed to allow plenty of time to craft the right shots. Frankie offers a range of packages to suit all budgets, with prints and gifting options available for Christmas and other special occasions. To find out more, visit www.houndsofhongkong.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Hounds of Hong Kong.]

HOU N DS OF H ON G KO N G

SOUTH LANTAU ILLUSTRATIONS

urrently based in the UK, Branwen Bindra grew up in Cheung Sha and graduated at Discovery College before going on to study at Savannah College of Art & Design in the US. She has carried a sketchbook around since she was 13, and sketches from observation to create her powerful, detail-orientated illustrations. Working in charcoal and black gesso paint allows her to plan out the negative and positive spaces, and emphasise the subject matter. Branwen returns to Hong Kong regularly to visit her father who still lives in Cheung Sha, and one of her most recent illustrations of South Lantau is pictured here. Branwen’s illustrations are available as NFTs on OpenSea @ branwenbindra, and she accepts commissions, email branwenbindra@ gmail.com. [PHOTO BY Flavia Catena.]

LOWER CHEUNG SHA WITH BUFFALO LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 7

ISLAND-WIDE NEWS |

DECK YOUR HALLS

avvy Lantauers ordered their Christmas trees back in October from Garden Plus in Mui Wo for delivery in the last week of November but if you’re lucky, there may be a few leftover trees available in early December at the store. The fresh-cut Nobles are flown in from the US, and will last for 25 to 30 days. There are five sizes available, from 3 to 8 feet; add-ons include a tree stand and disposal service. Garden Plus transforms into something of a one-stop Xmas shop at this time of year stocking traditional wreaths, fairy lights, baubles and candles, plus a good range of artificial trees that you can keep for years to come. If you’re too busy to head to Mui Wo, shop online at www.gardenplus.com.hk. B L UE- GREEN N OB L E FIR

VISIT WINTER WONDERLAND

siaWorld-Expo (AWE) is back on track with some super sounding events for the holiday season: Winter Wonderland, Hong Kong’s biggest European-style indoor Christmas market comes to town on December 13, and the Crazy New Year Sales Festival runs from December 31 to January 3. Bursting with unique treasures just waiting to be gifted, Winter Wonderland also promises to be a great place to spend the day. In the true spirt of Europe’s leading Christmas markets – Vienna, Salzburg and Nuremberg – there are plenty of activities on offer, including game booths, workshops and a Magical Ice Playland. You can also treat yourself to festive goodies (mulled wine, anyone?) as you shop. Families are invited to take selfies at Santa’s house and underneath the huge Christmas tree at the centre of the market. See for yourself at www.asiaworld-expo.com.

MAGIC AL ICE P L A Y L A N D

CELEBRATE IN PUI O

t’s all happening on Pui O Beach this Christmas, with Treasure Island kicking off the festivities at its annual Christmas Market on December 5 from 12pm to 6pm. The Treasure Island Beach Club Restaurant & Bar is open December 24, 26 and 27 serving up a special Christmas Party Menu. Family camping, cabanas and water-sports rentals are available throughout December, and Treasure Island’s five-day Christmas Adventure Camps are running for three weeks, from December 13 to 31. Kids, aged 5 to 16, enjoy various outdoor activities like kayaking, gorging, raft building and hiking. Lunch and snacks are included, plus one overnight under canvas for adventurers aged 7+. To find out more or make a booking, visit www.treasureislandhk.com. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Treasure Island.]

8 LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022

XMAS ON THE BEACH

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Seafood Towers | Oysters | Indoor & Outdoor Dining

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Our Services

• Arts classes for students & adults • Art Jamming for friends & family

• DIY Painting for birthday event • Art Fine Framework Services

Looking For Affordable Masterpiece For Gift?

We @bsartgallerystudio is a one stop shop to buy , learn & create art . We are inviting everyone to come for our upcoming First Solo Art Exhibition Show & Art Workshop at 103 , 1/F T-Bay , (Sheraton Seaside View in tung Chung ) 9 yi tung road tung chung N.T. Start Dec. 15, 2021 to Janaury 10, 2022 .We sell all kind of Art supplies , In a affordable price range starting from $1,000 to $50,000 hkd. The meaning behind B&S its a combination to their name. A Head Professor ,University Post Graduate of Master in Arts ,Drawing &Painting & A Gold Medalist Abstract Modern Art , A long with his Wife who is a Art Collector , Working with a Filipino Artist Group wayback in 2011 as an Assistant Artist Gallery owner located at Shangrila Hotel in Mactan lapu-lapu Cebu .

B&S Mission is our First Solo Art Exhibition,Displaying in December we will be sharing 30 % profit Sales to donate to the charity and it will direct to the family members being affected in risk illness.sharing with others is the most powerful blessing in our lives! To anyone who wants to buy a artistic Christmas gift with a meaningful message,this is your Sign to visit our Art Gallery to Surprise your loves once, for a precious memories! Come & Visit during Gallery hours 10:00 am - 10:00 pm.

WISHLIST |

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GILBERT – HK SKYLINE BALL (SIZE 5), ESCAPADE, HK$180 ESCAPADE.COM.HK

Eco Sunglasses, Resolar, HK$680 RESOLARSUNGLASSES.COM [Enjoy a special 25% off with code DBLANTAUSPECIAL, valid until December 31]

DESIGUAL BLOUSE, FELIX & MINA STORE HK$799 F

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DIY GINGERBREAD KIT, COMPLETE DEELITE, HK$268 COMPLETEDEELITE.COM

ALONG THE SOUTHERN BOUNDARY, BY LES BIRD, VIBE BOOK & MUSIC SHOP, HK$180 VIBEHK.COM

10 LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021/ 2021 / JANUARY JANUARY 2022 2022

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WISHLIST |

ADVENT CALENDAR WITH 24 JEWELLERY-STUFFED POUCHES, A NEW LEAF, HK$2,800 ANEWLEAFJEWELLERY.COM

SUPER LAST-MINUTE STOCKING FILLERS AND UNDER-THE-TREE PRESENTS YELLOW CHEESE MATURE ‘AMBER’, POLISH FOOD, HK$45 POLISHFOOD.HK

PREMIUM SMART BODY FAT SCALE WITH WIFI, RENPHO, HK$410 HK.RENPHO.COM

E.WEDEL CHOCOLATE WAFER CAKE, POLISH FOOD, HK$65 POLISHFOOD.HK

CHAMPAGNE COMBO (6X75CL), TWO MORE GLASSES, HK$1,738 TWOMOREGLASSES.COM

POLAR – GRIT X PRO PREMIUM OUTDOOR MULTISPORT WATCH, ESCAPADE, HK$4,480

GEMINI SILK DRESS, KLSV ONLINE STORE HK$1,999 INSTAGRAM.COM/KRSV_HK

ESCAPADE.COM.HK

LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 11

EVENT ROUND-UP |

12 LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022

t u o b Out & A

EVENT ROUND-UP |

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING!

HALLOWEEN AT TREASURE ISLAND P H O T O S COU R T E S Y O F Tr e as u r e I s l and

he team at Treasure Island in Pui O went all out on the creepiest weekend of the year providing a Pink Halloween Quiz Night in aid of Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation on October 29, a Scary Movie Night (plus trick or treating) on October 30, and a Scary Sunday Market on October 31.

LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 13

EVENT ROUND-UP |

HALLOWEEN WHIP OFF P HO T OS CO U R T E S Y O F A n g u s Q u i n to n

he first annual (and completely unofficial) Halloween Whip Off Jam Session was held at Mui Wo Bike Park Tunnel Jump on October 30. The event was organised by local MTB enthusiast Rob Garrett and Angus Quinton of Friendly Rides & Guides in Mui Wo, with support from Hilx eyewear, Double Haven brewery and Aitch’s Biltong.

14 LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022

LANTAU FACES |

COMMUNITY SNAPS FAMILIAR FACES FROM ACROSS LANTAU

PHO T OS BY Tal S h ah ar ww w. mag n i f i c ent - h kg .co m

16 LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022

GIVEAWAYS |

A NEW LEAF IS OFFERING ONE READER A PAIR OF SELF-LOVE FILIGREE EARRINGS (WORTH HK$470) From nature to treasure… A New Leaf’s selflove filigree earrings are hand-crafted by Thai artisans using precious metals and plants. The veins of rubber plant leaves are plated by hand in 24K gold as part of an intensive labour of love, which results in uniquely intricate filigree wire work. The earrings are 5cm in length and 3cm at their widest point.

HOW TO WIN! Life on Lantau prizes are incredibly easy to get your hands on, and you have until December 10 to apply. Simply scan the barcode, select the giveaway you want, and enter your details into the online form.

Previously known as Lantau Ren, A New Leaf results from years of living on Lantau. Being surrounded by nature ignites endless creativity within the brand owner and designer Shirley Johnson. Most importantly, Shirley has been able to incorporate purposes – to introduce sustainability and impact into her new jewellery designs. To view the collections and shop online, visit www.anewleafjewellery.com.

RESOLAR IS OFFERING ONE READER A PAIR OF ECO SUNGLASSES (WORTH HK$680) Every pair of Resolar sunglasses is made of recycled plastic bottles; the specially upcycled plastic frames are super-light, flexible, strong and durable. Polarised lenses provide full UV400 protection; the sturdy case is made from recycled paper and folds when not in use. Tong Fuk founders Charmain Kleu and Shirley Johnson donate 1% of all Resolar sales to international organisations working to combat plastic marine pollution. Resolar’s chic sunglasses, for men, women and children, prove that being eco doesn’t have to mean boring or uncool. Style is a priority, and as you check out the collections online you can try on different styles at the virtual mirror. Resolar is offering 25% off to readers with code DBLANTAUSPECIAL, valid until December 31. Shop online at www.resolarsunglasses.com. LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 17

PERSONA |

INTER-ISLANDERS Meet Myriem Alnet, Chun-Kit Chan and Kai-Chun Yip, the Peng Chau trio dedicated to celebrating and preserving island life RE P OR TI N G BY Ra ch e l Sadl e r P HO T OS BY Tal S h ah ar - w w w. m a g nif icent-hkg .co m

ucked down an alleyway on Peng Chau, Islanders Space is an officecome-shop-come-café, and it’s where you’ll find Myriem Alnet, Chun-Kit Chan (Kit) and Kai-Chun Yip (Chun), the founders of the Inter-Island Festival, pretty much 24/7. Kit and Myriem live above Islanders Space with their two-year-old daughter. It has morphed out of Sun Sat Store, which Kit opened in 2014 on moving to Peng Chau. Back then it was a place to pick up local handicrafts and vintage collectibles, now it’s also somewhere for locals to enjoy talks, music performances and some good old island gossip. It was here that store owner Kit, Myriem, a French-born urbanist, and Chun, an artist, curator and producer, dreamt up the Inter-Island Festival. The idea was to celebrate and help preserve the unique character of the outlying islands, specifically Lantau, Cheung Chau and Peng Chau, by introducing festivalgoers to their vibrant art forms and traditions. The first three-day Inter-Island Festival took place in March this year having been postponed from December 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. Whether or not the trio decide to put on a follow-up festival in 2022 (and we sincerely hope they do), what they achieved in March is worth revisiting. Something to celebrate at the end of a tough year. A definite highlight!

THE INTER-ISLAND FESTIVAL

Q: Where did the idea for the Inter-Island Festival come from? A: “When I took the Inter-Island Ferry for the first time, when I moved to Peng Chau in 2017, I got to see a very different side to Hong Kong, different from Victoria Harbour’s high-rises. I really enjoyed the journey. It got me thinking, since this ferry connects all these fascinating islands, it 18 LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022

PERSONA |

MYRIEM, KIT AND C HUN AT ISL ANDERS SPACE

would be very interesting to base a festival around it,” says Chun. A: “We wanted islanders (and visitors) to experience and appreciate island life from a different perspective. People jumped on the Inter-Island Ferry and made their way between Cheung Chau, Mui Wo, Chi Ma Wan and Peng Chau to take part in the festival. We brought together local performers, experts and artists, with activities going on at the four locations concurrently, and scheduled to match ferry times,” adds Myriem.” Q: How was the response from the general public and people looking to perform and provide workshops? A: “Around 10,000 people attended the festival over three days, and we worked with more than 50 collaborators, all islanders,” says Kit. A: “We told people to expect activities ranging from workshops and performances to tours but not to expect them to be big and loud. We planned activities that would blend with the insular island life and hoped festivalgoers would embrace their subtlety with us,” Myriem says.

ISLAND CULTURE

Q: Can you tell us about some of the Lantau workshops and volunteers? A: "The Lantau Society held a workshop, ‘The Story of Mui Wo Tofu Skins.’ In the 60s and 70s, Mui Wo was very famous for tofu-skin making. The tradition has since disappeared, so the Lantau Society gave a talk about its history and everyone got to make tofu skins together.

Then on Sunday, Mui Wo resident Virginia Chu led some of her friends and students in a Taiko performance, ‘Heartbeat of the Earth,’” says Kit. A: “Dried-leaf ink making is another Mui Wo tradition. Sap Fong, Jess Kong’s workshop introduced participants to picking up dried leaves and turning them into ink,” adds Chun. Q: Living on Lantau, we’re strongly connected to nature. Did many of the workshops highlight this? A: “Liane Yiu Yiu, a Mui Wo resident, is a visual artist who works with materials she takes from nature. Her workshop ‘The Art of Foraging’ had participants foraging, and then cooking a dinner using what they’d found,” says Kit. A: “There was also a workshop tour in Chi Ma Wan led by Miko Yeung, who lives in Pui O. Miko took us on a walk through Chi Ma Wan; she showed us the buffalo, and we found out about a ‘jail’ there that used to house Vietnamese refugees. There were many prison-like detention centres like this in Hong Kong in the early ‘80s,” says Chun. Q: And Chun, did you showcase any of your own artwork? A: “I had an open house; it was called Flat Gallery. My house was open on the Saturday and Sunday for people to view my visual arts installations. Around 100 people visited, limited to groups of four following COVID-19 guidelines. I wanted to give a point of view, so I recorded a guide for people to listen to as they walked around my house.” LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 19

PERSONA |

ISLAND CONSERVATION

Q: Concerns about development of the islands was another reason you held the festival? A: “We discussed the idea a while back, and acted on it in June 2019. People were concerned about the government ’s plans, principally about the Lantau Tomorrow Vision development project. Islanders felt worried and we felt like we needed to do something. We submitted the proposal to the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and were accepted,” says Chun. A: “Some residents are against Lantau Tomorrow, they believe it is damaging for the islands’ environment – pollution will go up and culture will also be lost,” says Kit. A:“Island life is unique and made by a diversity of people, and we wanted to bring everyone, islanders or not, together to appreciate this character. If they are deemed necessary, we hope plans to develop the islands will at least take the local specificities into account,” says Myriem. Q: So, it all points to the Lantau Tomorrow development project? A: “It ’s still so far away, but at the same time it haunts the islands, and some residents may leave. It looks very arbitrary, and it ’s government-funded so people feel hopeless. These plans for development have been threatening islanders’ way of life, since they were first proposed in 2014,” says Chun. A: “The government only discusses the damage it may cause to marine life, but we are also a special species living here, it is very important that we too don’t disappear,” Chun adds. Q: Were you aiming to encourage more Hong Kongers to move to the islands? A: “The festival should not create gentrification in a bad way; it was about showing the islands’ culture. It was a way to help people, who are moving to the islands, to choose to protect the environment and connect with the culture. We have concerns about gentrification, but we are not against change if it comes with respect for local culture, through participation and negotiation. Places are alive and therefore change, we cannot oppose that,” says Kit. Q: How has gentrification affected life on Peng Chau? A: “Some people think how can we give Peng Chau a new lease of life. For the new to grow and blend with the local culture is very important. If you can do this then actually, it is just a natural development. Most of the shops here, including Islanders Space, are still small shops; the Peng Chau way is quite slow. The island is small and you know your neighbours. So far, the changes seem natural,” concludes Kit.

20 LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022

❝ We have concerns about gentrification, but we are not against change if it comes with respect for local culture, through participation and negotiation. Places are alive and therefore change, we cannot oppose that - Chun-Kit Chan

- Coming Soon to Discovery Bay Pottery and Hand Clay Classes for All Levels of Adults and Children Pottery Parties Can Be Arranged Hand Building and Painting Classes For more information please email us at

clayatthebay@gmail.com

TUNG CHUNG SUPPLEMENT |

22 LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022

TUNG CHUNG SUPPLEMENT |

TUNG CHUNG

From sleepy fishing village to bustling new town P HO T O S BY Te r r y C h ow

o back just 30 years and Tung Chung hummed to the sound of nets being cast, fish being scoured and racked for drying, and fisherfolk swapping notes on where they might find the next big shoal. Wind the clock forward and the current soundtrack is one of over 90,000 people going about their everyday business – MTR commuters wending their way to Kowloon and beyond, cable cars swaying in the breeze and a gigantic serpent arching above the sea in the form of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. The new town, the first in the outlying islands, continues to expand and develop its own character as it does so. For now, traditional village houses and tiny temples rub shoulders with gleaming new malls and tower blocks. You can read more on the making of a metropolis on page 25. While many islanders have welcomed the changes development has brought to Tung Chung – MTR access to town, a hospital, first-rate schools and both private and public housing estates – others are less wowed by its ongoing gentrification, and there are inevitable concerns for the environment. Situated on the coast and surrounded by two country parks, Tung Chung remains ecologically rich – though it has fast transformed into a biodiversity hotspot in need of our protection, as outlined on page 28. One of the biggest and arguably brightest changes 2021 has brought to Tung Chung is the transformation of T Bay into a lively community hub, with a fresh outcrop of bars and restaurants all centred around the swanky new Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung. The hotel opened this time last year and has from the outset endeavoured to involve the community in its inventive F&B offerings and staycations. For some highlights, and a look at Xmas-themed dining options on offer at the hotel this month, turn to page 26. In fact, with Citygate decked out like a Christmas tree and poinsettias brightening up every flower stall, it’s incredibly easy to enjoy a traditional holiday celebration in Tung Chung. When it comes to making merry, the new town really does have a lot to offer. Bars and restaurants from Citygate to Seaview Crescent are pulling out all the stops, with festive menus complete with all the trimmings and fancy cocktails to get the party started. Happy Holidays!

A S T U DY IN CONTRA S T S

LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 23

TUNG CHUNG SUPPLEMENT |

AT A GLANCE IL L U S TRATI ON & PH O T O S BY S ar i n Ale

AIRPORT

TUNG CHUNG FERRRY SHERATON

COASTAL SKYLINE

THE VISIONARY

YING TUNG ESTATE

CARIBBEAN COAST

SEAVIEW CRESCENT

NGONG PING 360 CABLE CAR

CITYGATE OUTLETS

YU TUNG COURT

NORTH LANTAU HOSPITAL

LANTAU NORTH COUNTRY PARK

YAT TUNG ESTATE YU TAI COURT

TUNG CHUNG FORT TUNG CHUNG RIVER YMCA OF HONG KONG CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

LANTAU SOUTH COUNTRY PARK

LOCATION Tong Fuk is centrally positioned on Lantau’s northwestern coast, with Tai Ho to the east and Tai O to the west. It forms part of North Lantau New Town, which is just 10 minutes from Hong Kong International Airport. Tung Chung is surrounded by two country parks – Lantau North and Lantau South – which cover an area as large as Hong Kong Island.

AMENITIES At the heart of this new town, Citygate Outlets contains 500,000 square-feet of shopping, entertainment and food outlets spread across five floors. Seaview Crescent, near Tung Chung Waterfront Promenade, also has an excellent range of bars and restaurants. Tung Chung has both private and public housing, and there’s a hospital, library, swimming pool, sports centre and numerous schools, including YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College.

TRANSPORTATION Tung Chung is well served by MTR, road and ferry. The main road link, the North Lantau Highway connects Tung Chung to the rest of Hong Kong via the Tsing Ma Bridge. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge begins near Tung Chung, and the Ngong Ping 360 cable car provides easy access to the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. Tung Chung is also a hub for bus and ferry routes to the rest of Lantau.

URBAN CENTRE 24 LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022

TUNG CHUNG WHAT’S SUPPLEMENT HAPPENING |

MAKING OF A METROPOLIS RE P O R TI NG BY M ar t i n L e r i g o PH O T OS BY Ter r y Chow

t was just 24 years ago that first ground was broken in the opening chapter of Tung Chung’s amazing transformation. Phase 1 and 2 of North Lantau New Town were complete by 1997, in time for the opening of the new Hong Kong International Airport. Built to the north, on reclaimed land at Chep Lap Kok, the airport is a prize-winning feat of modern engineering. A population of just 20,000 at that time has mushroomed to around 98,000, while the planned population is 124,000. Upon completion of the proposed Tung Chung New Town Extension, the total population of Tung Chung will increase to around 270,000. Older folk, who have watched the canvas change from calm and uncluttered in their childhood to the Pollockesque kaleidoscope of today, must marvel at how it has all been possible in such a short space of time. The majestic Lantau and Sunset peaks now cast their shadows across a valley floor that once knew only small stilted shacks, long since replaced by Goliathan tablets of concrete and steel. All of this development is not without controversy of course. The government is billing Tung Chung as Hong Kong’s gateway to the Pearl River Delta, a centre for service and logistics that will help build centres of excellence for Asia’s world city. Some parts of the community welcome development on Lantau North and see it as a means to boost economic growth and prosperity. Others see many of the projects as a sop to the developers – white elephants that are not worth the money and are not in the interests of all Hong Kongers. As it stands, Tung Chung is a study of contrasts, old and new. While massive, modern housing developments and gleaming malls predominate, you don’t have to look far to find old-style village houses, dai pai dongs and ancient temples. Tung Chung Fort is a seldom visited and rather lonely relic of the town’s rich past. The fort dates from the 12th century Southern Song Dynasty. Its six remaining cast-iron cannons point directly at leviathan Yat Tung Estate, which towers in the distance, testament to the amazing change development has brought to Tung Chung. N EW T OWN LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 25

CHI MA WAN SUPPLEMENT |

SEASONS GREETINGS FROM THE SHERATON! R E P OR TING BY Ra y Au PH O T O S CO UR T ES Y OF S her a to n Ho ng Ko ng Tung Chung

ince it’s opening one year ago, Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung has turned T Bay into a vibrant new neighbourhood hotspot full of restaurants, bars and shops. With overseas guests thin on the ground, the hotel has reached out to Lantau residents by placing an emphasis on community involvement and positioning itself as an exciting place to eat, drink and staycation.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Of the many memorable staycations on offer this year, all designed to cheer us up at a time when overseas travel has been nigh on impossible, the Pilot for a Day Staycation stands out. Guests were invited to get airborne using an A320 flight simulator. There was also the Magical Mermaid Fitness Staycation, part of the hotel’s wellness programme, in which professional mermaid-dance fitness trainers taught guests to turn and flip in the water. (Tails were provided.)

Café Lantau’s Xmas offering kicks into gear later in the month with a seasonal lunch buffet December 25 to 27 and January 1, and dinner buffet December 24, 25, 26 and 31. We can expect a raclette cheese station, a cold cuts station with hand-carved Iberico shoulder, and a carvery serving up Australian grain-fed bone-in ribeye, butterball turkey with all the trimmings, turkey sliders and grilled Boston lobster. The dessert station, decked out like a snowy Alpine Village, provides traditional treats like gingerbread, mince pies and red bean wheel cake.

As the most global brand within Marriott International’s portfolio, sitting at the centre of hundreds of neighbourhoods around the world, Sheraton’s signature community experience is designed not only to attract locals to the hotel but also to support and involve local businesses. One of Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung’s focuses has been on the Lantau farming community, with a unique farm-to-table concept enabling diners to meet the local organic farmers who produce their food. 26 LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022

In the lead-up to the holidays, the fun has already started at Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung with a special afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge running December 1 to 30 (try the Strawberry and Mint Mousse Santa Hat) and a festive set lunch at Sunset Grill, weekdays December 1 to 24.

Meanwhile, back at Sunset Grill, the festive set dinner (December 24, 25 and 31) is packed with classic Christmas dishes. Starters include citrus-cured king salmon, Lobster Bisque and Foie Gras Torchon with Sauternes Jelly. The selection of main courses includes grass-fed beef fillet and whole line-caught wild Atlantic seabass in Beurre Blanc; for dessert there’s Baked Alaska.

TUNG CHUNG WHAT’S SUPPLEMENT HAPPENING | |

Sheraton’s signature community experience is designed not only to attract locals but also to support and involve local businesses

Sunset Grill’s Christmas Day Champagne Brunch is similarly gourmand, a feast to celebrate the season, with an optional two hours of free-flow Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin, cocktails, beer and wine. Christmas brunch starts with a seafood sharing platter, which includes Russian snow crab legs, Boston lobster and oysters; followed by sharing starters like Australian tenderloin steak tartare, Maryland sweet crab cake and confit turkey salad. For mains, there’s bone-in ribeye for two, New Zealand Lamb rack with Shakshuka eggs, turkey escalope, porcini and wild mushroom risotto, and seabass amongst others. The Christmas Dessert Bar includes Chestnut Buche de Noel, Red Velvet Cake, 64% dark chocolate mousse, blood orange panna cotta and of course, mince pies. Foodies should also note that Sunset Grill Party Menus are available for private celebrations. Options include beetroot and gin-cured gravlax salmon, signature steak tartare, seabass and bone-in ribeye. The celebrations continue into 2022 at the New Year’s Eve Countdown Party at Sunset Grill from 11pm to 2am on December 31. Tickets include two glasses of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin per person plus ‘free-flow’ canapés, and a live DJ to dance you into the new year. Considering spending the night? Check out the hotel’s Countdown Staycation Package which includes one night in a deluxe ocean-view room, free admission for two to the countdown party and buffet breakfast for two in Café Lantau. To find out more or make a booking, visit www.sheratonhongkongtungchung.com.

FES T IVE F EAS TIN G

LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 27

TUNG CHUNG SUPPLEMENT |

BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT R E P OR TING BY Ra y Au PH O T O S BY Ter r y Chow

espite ongoing construction, Tung Chung remains unexpectedly and importantly biodiverse. Much of Tung Chung Valley is forested with native trees and there are several Chinese geomantic woodlands, which have been planted by villagers to improve the feng shui in the area. Likewise, Tung Chung River, its estuary and coastal areas serve as a green lung for residents and provide varied habitats for precious flora and fauna. Tung Chung River largely retains its natural state from Lantau and Sunset peaks all the way down to the shallow estuary in Tung Chung Bay. It is one of the few rivers in Hong Kong with good water quality, and as such it is one of the major rivers supplying Shek Pik Reservoir. Moreover, Tung Chung River has high ecological value with many species of native freshwater fish recorded, including the Beijiang Thick-lipped Barb. The banks of the river are home to various endemic amphibians, like Romer’s Tree Frog and the Hong Kong Newt. Tung Chung Estuary, meanwhile, harbours mudflat, mangrove, saltmarsh and seagrass habitats. It’s home to various valuable plant and animal species, including two rare horseshoe crab species the Chinese Horseshoe Crab and Mangrove Horseshoe Crab. Crabs, seahorses, sea dragons and a number of commercially valuable fish species reproduce and nurse their young at Tung Chung Bay. The bay is also a foraging ground for some important wetland bird species like Swinhoe’s Egret and the Pacific Reef Egret. While Tung Chung remains biologically rich, it has fast become a biodiversity hotspot, threatened by human habitation. As the town continues to expand, there are hard choices to be made around the balance between conservation and development. To bolster protection of the area, green groups are calling for the expansion of the proposed Tung Chung River Nature Park as a public amenity for leisure, recreation and appreciation of nature.

28 LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022

H IGH EC OLOGIC AL VAL UE

HOME CHEF |

GET THE PARTY STARTED! Planning to entertain at home over the holidays? It’s time to skip the Prosecco and treat your guests to some truly festive Christmas cocktails PH O T OS CO U R T E S Y O F Ad o b e S t o c k

30 LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022

HOME CHEF |

FROZEN MARGARITA Serves 6

•HANDFUL OF CRANBERRIES •300ML TEQUILA •150ML COINTREAU •150ML LIME JUICE •90ML SUGAR SYRUP •FRESH ROSEMARY Place the cranberries in a blender and blitz until smooth. Blitz the remaining ingredients with a large handful of ice. Spoon a little cranberry compote into each glass and pour the alcohol on top. Garnish with additional cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 31

HOME CHEF |

MULLED WINE Ser ves 6

•1 BOTTLE RED WINE •2 ORANGES •2OZ DEMERARA SUGAR •1 DRIED BAY LEAF •GRATED NUTMEG •7 CINNAMON STICKS •60ML GIN (OPTIONAL) •FRESH ROSEMARY

Put the wine in a saucepan with the juice of one orange, the sugar, bay leaf, nutmeg and 1 cinnamon stick. Heat gently until the sugar has dissolved. Discard the bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Off the heat, stir in the gin if desired. Strain into heatproof glasses. Finish each glass with a cinnamon stick, a sprig of rosemary and a slice of orange.

HOT TODDY Ser ves 4

•200ML WHISKY •12TSP HONEY •3 CINNAMON STICKS (HALVED) •2 LEMONS •12 CLOVES •6 STAR ANISE •1 APPLE Whisk the whisky and honey together and split between six heatproof glasses. Add half of the cinnamon stick to each, then top up with 200ml boiling water and a splash of lemon juice. Finish with cloves, star anise and a slice of lemon or apple. 32 LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022

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LOCAL NUMBERS TUNG CHUNG EMERGENCY SERVICES 999 Tung Chung Ambulance Depot Tung Chung Fire Station Tung Chung Police Station

2988 8282 2988 1898 3661 1999

HOME & REPAIRS Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Mr Chan 24-Hour Handyman New Look Design Shun Yu Engineering So Nice Technologies

2109 2330 9343 3718 9783 5840 2988 1488 6206 3497

HOTELS Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Novotel Citygate Hong Kong Regal Airport Hotel Sheraton Tung Chung

3969 1888 3602 8888 2286 8888 2535 0000

LEARNING CENTRES Clement Art School 9757 9157 Discovery Mind International Play Centre 2987 8070 Discovery Mind Primary School 2915 0666 Greenfield International Kindergarten 2162 5538 Han Xuan Language Education Centre 2666 5905 KidznJoy 6273 7347 Little Stars Playgroup 6479 0390 Sakura Kid’s Preschool 6674 6194 Salala Kid’s House 2611 9193 Soundwaves English Education Centre 2164 7210 Sun Island Education Foundation 2420 1068 Sunshine House International Preschool 2109 3873 Tung Chung Catholic School 2121 0884 YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College 2988 8123 MEDICAL Bayside Dental Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre North Lantau Hospital North Lantau Physiotherapy Quality Health Medical Quality Health Physiotherapy Raffles Medical Raffles Medical Emergency Skyline Physiotherapy

2185 6550 2109 9396 2109 2288 3467 7000 2194 0020 2403 6623 2403 6328 2261 2626 2261 0999 2194 4038

REALTORS HomeSolutions 3483 5003 REMOVALS & RELOCATION Akash Removals 2421 8088 FTC Relocations 2814 1658 ReloSmart 2561 3030 SwiftRelo 2363 4008 RESIDENTIAL SERVICES Caribbean Coast Clubhouse Caribbean Coast Management Office

2109 9277 2109 9288

34 LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022

Coastal Skyline Clubhouse Coastal Skyline Management Office Seaview Crescent Clubhouse Seaview Crescent Management Office Tung Chung Crescent Clubhouse Tung Chung Crescent Management Office

2179 6678 2179 6621 3473 8700 3473 8833 2403 6770 2109 1222

RESTAURANTS & FOOD DELIVERY A Tavola Bar & Grill 2321 5500 Cabana Breeze 2777 8980, 2777 8982 Curry Lounge 2960 1977 Essence, Novotel Citygate 3602 8808 Handi Indian Restaurant 2988 8674 McDonald’s Delivery 2338 2338 Melody Thai 2988 8129 Moccato Coffee Shop 3602 8838 My Thai 2907 6918 Olea, Novotel Citygate 3602 8818 Pizza Hut Delivery 2330 0000 Resto 2886 3156 Skycity Bistro, SkyCity Marriott 3969 2500 Sunset Grill, Sheraton Tung Chung 2535 0025 Upper Deck 2757 8889 RETAIL FTC Apparel 2428 2566 Lantau Balloons 9733 5483 SPORT & RECREATION 4 Dimensions+ 9446 6013 Aqua Gym 2914 0658 Asia Pacific Soccer Schools 2385 9677 Dance for Joy 9264 8597 Edge ’n Pointe Dance Centre 6688 2167 ESF Sports 2711 1280 Fitness in Motion 9744 4736 HK Dragons 2987 4274 Kinder Kicks Soccer 2385 9677 KipMovin 6180 3256 Perun Fitness 6443 6597 Rugbytots 5307 6677 Sparrow Soccer School 6051 8196 Tung Chung Public Swimming Pool 2109 9107 Tung Chung Rugby Club 6079 0825 Tung Chung Sports Centre 2109 2421 VETERINARY SERVICES & PETS Bon’s Mobile Pet Grooming Royal Pets (Pet Sitting) Tung Chung Animal Clinic Tung Chung Vet Centre

9099 9959 6314 9887 2988 1534 2328 7282

WELLBEING & BEAUTY Max Beauty Spa OM Spa, Regal Airport Hotel Quan Spa, Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Tung Chung Nail Ninjas

2162 5752 2286 6266 969 21888 9551 6468

LOCAL NUMBERS |

SOUTH LANTAU EMERGENCY SERVICES 999 Lantau South Police Mui Wo Fire Department

36611696 2984 1570

HOME & REPAIRS New Look Design 9783 5840 Unitek 9156 0360 HOTELS Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

6810 0111 2985 8383

LEARNING CENTRES Ashville International Buddhist Fat Ho College Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten Silvermine Bay School

2109 9886 2985 5365 2984 0302 2980 3676 3689 6709 2984 0006

MEDICAL North Lantau Hospital

3467 7000

REALTORS Findley Leung HomeSolutions

2984 8334 3483 5003

RESTAURANTS & FOOD DELIVERY Bahçe Turkish Restaurant 2984 0222 Bathers 2504 4788

Cafe Isara Caffe Paradiso China Bear Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar Kebab Korner La Pizzeria Lantana Italian Bistro Le Jardin de Sophie Long Island Mucho Gusto Robert’s Market Solo Café The Gallery The Kitchen The Stoep @ High Tide The Water Buffalo Treasure Island Beach Club

2470 1966 2984 0498 2984 9720 3484 3095 6429 3507 2984 8933 5465 5511 2997 9070 2320 2001 6422 5009 9193 2937 9153 7453 2980 2582 5991 6292 2980 2699 2109 3331 5236 7013

REMOVALS & RELOCATION Akash Removals 2421 8088 FTC Relocations 2814 1658 Hon Kee Transportation 2984 8494 Lee Hing Loong 2984 2268 ReloSmart 2561 3030 SwiftRelo 2363 4008 RETAIL Lantau Base Camp Garden Plus Greenstyle Organic & Healthcare

Lantau Grocer Loi Chan Frozen Meat Co. Quay House Value Vigilantes VIBE Book & Music Shop

2702 0050 2984 8346 2882 8710 6132 9120 9088 2370

SPORT & RECREATION Long Coast Seasports Mui Wo Sports Centre Pause by the River Treasure Island Beach Club

2980 3222 2984 2334 9708 0187 2546 3543

VETERINARY SERVICES & PETS SPCA Mui Wo

2984 0060

WELLBEING & BEAUTY Pause by the Banyan Spa Ambiance Spa Puretouch Thai Palin Massage Thai Sa Baai

9708 0187 2984 2488 2984 0088 9062 0148 5228 6552

5463 6060 6547 2233 9802 0553

DISCOVERY BAY EMERGENCY SERVICES 999 DB Fire & Ambulance DB Lost & Found DB Management

2987 7502 3651 2345 2238 3601

HOME & REPAIRS Good Luck Engineering May’s Furniture & Curtain Design Rich Point Hardware Materials Well Supreme Laundry

2987 1313 2987 0222 2987 0789 2987 5151

HOTELS Auberge Discovery Bay

2295 8288

LEARNING CENTRES DBIS 2987 7331 DBIS Kindergarten 2914 2142 Discovery College 3969 1000 Discovery Mind International Play Centre 2987 8088 Discovery Mind Kindergarten 2987 8088 Discovery Mind Primary School 2914 2202 Discovery Montessori Academy 2812 9206 Discovery Montessori School 2987 1201 Epic Adventurers 2441 0098 Eye Level Education Learning Centre 9366 0000 HKILA 2416 3198 Mandarin for Munchkins 2480 3909 Mathemagic (home tutoring) 9135 4724 Mathnasium 2628 3362 SKH Wei Lun Primary School 2987 8608 Sunshine House International Preschool 2987 8143 REMOVALS & RELOCATION Akash Removals 2421 8088 FTC Relocations 2814 1658 ReloSmart 2561 3030 SwiftRelo 2363 4008

MEDICAL Bayside Dental Practice Health & Care Dental Clinic Island Health North Lantau Hospital Quality Health Medical Centre Quality Health Physiotherapy

2987 0855 2666 6183 2987 7575 3467 7000 2987 5633 2473 6200

REALTORS Headland Homes 2987 2088 Okay.com 2102 0888 Savills 2987 1919 RESTAURANTS & FOOD DELIVERY 22˚ North 2987 2298 Bones & Blades 2383 0792 Coyote Mexican Cantina 2987 2848 Epic Foods 2172 6111 Hemingway’s 2987 8855 Lekker Laa 6857 1620 McSorley’s Ale House 2987 8280 The Pier Bar 2520 2166 Uncle Russ 2840 1188 RETAIL Bookazine 2987 1373 felix and mina 2130 7013 P-Solution 2987 1777 She Creates Stories 9166 8077 Star Mart 2366 6534 Wing On 2987 9268 SPORT & RECREATION BMSE Community Centre Club Siena DB Golf Club DB Ice Rink

DB Pirates 9255 6133 DB Recreation Club 2987 7381 DMR 5210 7208 Future Stars Dance Academy 2987 6867 Greenwich Yoga School 9685 8366 HK Dragons Football Club 5322 5556 Harry Wright International 2575 6279 Island Dance 2987 1571 Kapuhala Train-in-Space 6101 8434 Tekkerz 9770 4548 The Beat 5721 3000 Yoga Bay 6704 9851 YogaUP 6805 4996 Yogika 6749 7836 VETERINARY SERVICES & PETS Island Veterinary Services My Pet Shop

2987 9003 2987 8873

WELLBEING & BEAUTY Afflatus Hair Workshop Bay Spa Freeda’s Ingredients of Wellness Maximum Care Nailed It! Sophia Essentials

2987 0283 9837 0969 2987 4555 9048 5425 2987 2060 2987 2266 2527 0118

2259 3422 2987 7382 2987 7273 2234 0187

LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 35

DESTINATION |

INSPIRATION LAKE RECREATION CENTRE R E P OR TING & PH O T O S BY Rach e l S adler

leisurely15-minute walk from Disneyland Resort MTR station, Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre is a glorious place to spend a day. It spans a full 30 hectares and at its heart is a 12-hectare artificial lake, the largest in Hong Kong, which serves both for recreational purposes and as a source of irrigation for Penny’s Bay. Entry to the recreation centre is free and it’s open from 9am to 7pm daily. There’s a boat and bike rental centre, an arboretum, a children’s playground and a 1,500-metre jogging trail with exercise areas. There are also lockers, shaded picnic tables and clean restrooms (including a baby-changing table) near the entrance. The lake itself features a cascading waterfall, as well as a fountain that can shoot jets of water 18 metres high. Nestled between rolling green hills, Inspiration Lake is too expansive to be appreciated at first glance or from just one angle. To admire it fully, your best bet is to get out on the water by renting a pedalo from the boat rental centre. You can hire a two- or fourperson pedalo for 30 or 60 minutes from HK$70. Alternatively, head left at the boat rental centre and follow the paved jogging trail around the water’s edge, stopping off occasionally to enjoy the view from a wellpositioned bench. The breezy arboretum beside the lake is home to some 4,800 trees and 430,000 shrubs, and it’s a lovely, shady spot for a picnic. Continuing along the path, you see elegant gazebos and cross a small bridge overlooking an artificial waterfall decorated with huge, man-made boulders. If you’re feeling really active, you can rent a two- or four-person surrey bike (for 30 minutes or an hour from HK$100) and pedal around the entire 30-hectare park. To enjoy a full day by Inspiration Lake, pack a picnic with plenty of food, and stock up on cold drinks and snacks at the onsite 7-Eleven. The centre gets busy at the weekend and on public holidays but the rest of the time you can have it pretty much to yourself. A VISION OF LOVEL IN ESS

36 LIFE ON L ANTAU | DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022

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