Life on Lantau June/July 2022

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J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 2

CHILL OUT IN CHEUNG CHAU

BRIGHT MAN VIBE JUST TURNED FOUR AND GARY’S CELEBRATING!

EASY ENTRY THE ISL AND’S BEST AND MOST ACCESSIBLE BEACHES FOLLOW US

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Publishers in Lantau since 2002

TWIN PEAKS

HIKE THE LANTAU TRAIL (SECTIONS 1 TO 3)

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

The Only American Steak house in Tung Chung whom offer modern dishes and our SIGNATURE steaks with the perfect cocktion level and smoked flavour.

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

OUR NEW CENTRAL SHOP

BIGGER. CLOSER. MORE CONVENIENT. YOU TOLD US – WE LISTENED.

SO WE MOVED.

We were often told by our valued custo- We are happy and proud to present you mers that our Central store was hard to our new Central shop. find. And we agree: it was a bit tricky.

Escapade Sports CENTRAL 2nd Floor, VC House, 4-6 On Lan Street

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MORE TO CELEBRATE ESCAPADE SPORTS TURNS 20 Some of our now loyal customers were not even born when we opened our first store in 2002! Its time to say our big thanks for all the support and patronage.

Stay tuned and don‘t miss our special anniversary offers!

EST.2002

Landmark

SUMMER CAMP ASIA PACIFIC ADVENTURE

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2792 7160/28 Asiapacificadventure Asiapacificadventure WWW.ASIAPACIFICADVENTURE.COM/CAMPAPA/

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CONTENTS JUNE / J U LY 20 2 2

16

26

FEATURES 16

PERSONA

20

DISPATCH

26

TRAIL WALKER

36

DESTINATIONS

Gary Brightman celebrates four years at VIBE Book and Music Store

Lantau’s best and most accessible beaches are open for business

The Lantau Trail – reasons to hike sections 1, 2 and 3

Wild rock formations beyond Cheung Chau’s picturesque harbour

REGULARS

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ISLAND-WIDE NEWS

10

ACROSS HK

12

KIDS ACTIVITIES

30

HOME CHEF

Stuff to know in June

Tuen Ng Quiz

Summer camp round-up Frozen desserts

PLUS...

33 34

CL ASSIFIEDS LOCAL NUMBERS

ISL AND -WIDE NEWS

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LOCAL INFLUENCERS

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L ANTAU DESTINATIONS

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COMMUNIT Y SNAPS

KIDS’ ACTIVITIES ROUND-UP

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J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 2

CHILL OUT IN CHEUNG CHAU

BRIGHT MAN

Gary Brightman at VIBE Book and Music Store in Mui Wo

VIBE JUST TURNED FOUR AND GARY’S CELEBRATING!

TWIN PEAKS

HIKE THE LANTAU TRAIL (SECTIONS 1 TO 3)

EASY ENTRY THE ISL AND’S BEST AND MOST ACCESSIBLE BEACHES FOLLOW US

16 ON THE COVER

PHOTO BY Tal Shahar -

www.magnificent-hkg.com

FREE

Publishers in Lantau since 2002

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L O C A L

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L I F E S T Y L E

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P A R E N T I N G

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YOUR GUIDE TO HONG KONG’S ‘GREEN JEWEL’

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C O M M U N I T Y

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D I S COV ERY B AY ' S O R I G I N A L CO M M U N I T Y M AGA Z I N E - P U B L I S H ED S I N C E 2 0 0 2

THE JAZZ BIRDS

DB ALTRUISTS PUTTING FOOD ON PLATES

J U N E 2 0 2 2 | A R O U N D D B.CO M

COOL SUMMER CAMPS

Activities guide for Lantau kids

MEDITATION 101

2019 / 2020

Grounding exercises to get you out of your head

20

READY ABOU T!

DBYC COMMODORE NIKOLAUS VON DER LUEHE IS CHANGING TACK

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

What Character Strengths Do You See In Your Child?

Scan the QR code to learn more about our Character Strengths approach.

+852 2984 0006 silverminebayschool.edu.hk office@silverminebayschool.edu.hk

CONTACT US

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STUFF TO KNOW IN JUNE!

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PHIL I P J AY Publisher/ Owner R ACH E L AI N S L EY Managing editor rachel@baymedia.com.hk BE ATR I X M A L A N Digital manager beatrix@baymedia.com.hk SA R I N AL E Art director sarin@baymedia.com.hk

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ON COMPLETION IN 2028/29, THE SEWER WILL SERVE NINE VILL AGES

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D I S C LAIMER 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. © BAY MEDIA GROUP 2022

PUBLIC SEWERAGE SYSTEM FOR SOUTH LANTAU

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epresentatives of the Drainage Services Department (DSD) met with Living Islands Movement (LIM) volunteers in May to discuss the long-awaited public sewerage system for South Lantau, parts of which are now under construction.

As there is currently no public sewerage system available in South Lantau, most of the local premises are equipped with septic tanks or other private sewerage facilities. A public sewerage system for proper collection, treatment and disposal of sewage will result in more hygienic conditions in the villages and improved sea water quality, as ‘gray’ water will no longer flow in open channels to the sea.

“The construction of a new sewer treatment plant between Pui O and San Shek Wan is underway, as is the construction of a pumping station in Ham Tin that will serve the Pui O villages. The sewer network for the first village (Lo Uk) has also commenced, as has the construction of trunk sewers along South Lantau Road in this area. The completion of Phase 1 is scheduled for mid-2026,” says LIM Chair Louise Preston.

Phases 2 and 3 involve the construction of pumping stations in Shui Hau, Tong Fuk and Cheung Sha, sewer networks in these villages (and the remaining villages of Pui O not included in Phase 1), and 13 kilometres of trunk sewers along South Lantau Road. These phases are scheduled to commence in 2024/25 for completion in 2028/29.

“It is an ambitious and complex project – the hilly terrain requires pumping stations to push flows in rising mains to the treatment plant, and land resumption will be necessary to build the networks throughout the villages,” says Louise. To find out more, email info@livingislands.org.hk. [ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF Environmental Protection Department.]

ISLAND-WIDE NEWS |

ACTION X DBAY-LANTAU SPRINT

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he Sprints are back! Action Asia Events is hosting its perennially popular Action X SPRINT Trail Series, DBayLantau on June 12. The race starts and finishes in DB Plaza and you pick your distance: 12km (elevation gain 599m) or 9km (elevation gain 358m). The aim is to get runners off the main trails and into beautiful, secluded locations – beaches, coastlines, adventure trails – across Lantau.

Both races have a 4.5-hour cut-off; only the 12km course involves a mountain climb (Lo Fu Tau).

Action Asia Events has a no-cup policy, so runners are reminded to bring their own bottle or hydration system for refill at water stations. Anyone caught littering on the course will be disqualified. For more information and to enrol, head to www.actionasiaevents.com.

RUN THE LESSER -KN OWN TRAIL S

MUI WO ORIGINATOR

A

s an illustrator, art teacher and graphic designer, Kate Waterwood’s art portfolio is as varied as it is vibrant. The Mui Wo-based originator works in everything from watercolour and oil pastel to marker pen to produce hand-drawn artwork (flowers, food, landscapes), digital arts on iPad, family portraits, pet portraits and more. A graduate of London College of Fashion (University of the Arts), Kate also specialises in brand collaboration including fashion illustration, media design (logos and business cards), pop-up booth design and display artwork. In 2020, she created her own original character design brand (the Himi&Kimi collection) and the Lantau Diary illustration series.

You can view Kate’s illustrations @TeaGarden_hk and @HiminKimi. To view her entire portfolio or commission a personal or commercial illustration, email kate@katewaterwood.com. [ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF Kate Waterwood.]

HAND-DRAWN AR T WORK MADE IN L ANTAU

SHAKE SHACK IN TUNG CHUNG

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hake Shack in Citygate Outlets, which opened in May, is the New York fast-food chain’s seventh location in Hong Kong, and first in Lantau. The new 3,921 square-foot space has both indoor and outdoor seating, and features a Flying Chessinspired mural by local artist Bo Law. There are two new burgers on the menu, the Avocado Bacon Burger and the Avocado Bacon Chicken Burger, plus a Tung Chung Pop Trail concrete – vanilla frozen custard blended with salted caramel sauce, peanut butter and Shan Shau Jok peanut brittle topped with caramel popcorn – which is exclusive to the Citygate location. Shake Shack is donating 5% of sales from the Tung Chung Pop Trail towards the InspiringHK Sports Foundation, as part of its mission to Stand For Something Good®. [PHOTO BY Sarin Ale.]

OPENING DAY, MAY 9 LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022 7

ISLAND-WIDE NEWS |

SHIRLEY JOHNSON’S OBSESSION

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air to say, Tung Fuk resident Shirley Johnson has a thing about elephant poo. In her award-winning children’s book Saving The Planet With My Poo, she takes young readers on an adventure to discover how “large and majestic elephant dung can be made into odourless, organic, tree-free, biodegradable paper.”

You can’t use elephant-dung paper for digital printing (Saving The Planet With My Poo is printed on tree-free, cotton-rag paper) but, as Shirley has discovered, there are many other ways it can be utilised. Head to her online jewellery store, A New Leaf, to see the exquisite new line of earrings made from, you guessed it, elephant-dung paper. Purchase more than one pair of Self-Love Beautiful Me El ephant-Dung Earrings at www.anewleafjewellery.com and you get the book thrown in for free.

Saving The Planet With My Poo is also available on Amazon. [PHOTOS COURTESY OF Shirley Johnson.]

ELEPHANT -DUN G PAPER 101

AITCH’S BILTONG

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ith Aitch’s Biltong (www.aitchsbiltong.com), Upper Cheung Sha residents HP and Bessa Odendaal are bringing a genuine taste of South Africa to Hong Kong. The couple’s biltong (sliced or in slabs), chilli bites and droëwors are freshly made in Kwai Chung using Australian Wagyu beef. The business has recently expanded its offering to include a full range of quality chilled and frozen meat (try the Spatchcock chicken), plus four Kleijne Wijn Gezelschap (KWG) canned wines – perfect for a walk on the beach.

WAGYU BILTONG SLICES

“We sell in various stores around Hong Kong, including Market Place, as well as at markets like Treasure Island in Pui O, and the Discovery Bay Sunday Market,” HP says. “Or you can order online.” To do just that, head to neartail.com/hk/aitchs-order-form. Aitch’s Biltong delivers to South Lantau every Thursday, and to Tung Chung and Discovery Bay every Friday. [PHOTO COURTESY OF Aitch’s Biltong.]

THEO ROBINSON’S DESIGN MANTRA

D

iscovery Bay International School student Theo Robinson, 17, has come up with KaiJai, a feelgood yoga mat that’s eco-friendly, reasonably priced, durable, stylish… and selling like hot cakes. After six months’ research, Theo started small with an order of 120 5mm, cork-topped mats in July 2021. By January this year, he was back on the phone to the factory in Jiangsu ordering 200 easy-to-carry, 3.5mm mats, 100 topped in cork and 100 topped in polyurethane (PU).

“Our mats are made in China because that was the only place we could find a manufacturer who met our demands to create high-quality mats at affordable prices, while still staying eco-friendly,” Theo says. “We only use materials that are sustainably sourced.” Theo’s mats are available at Escapade Sports (www.escapade.com.hk) and through his company website (www.kaijai.store). KaiJia mats are thoughtfully marked up with alignment lines for those who are serious about their yoga. [PHOTO BY Richard Gordon -www.richardgordonphotography.com.hk.]

SUSTAINABLY SOURCED KAIJAI YOGA MATS

8 LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022

LANTAU FACES |

COMMUNITY SNAPS FAMILIAR FACES FROM ACROSS LANTAU

PH O T O S BY Tal S ha ha r www. ma g ni f i cent-hk g.co m

LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022 9

55!

ACROSS HONG KONG |

TUEN NG QUIZ We ’ r e c e l e b r a t i n g T u e n N g F e s t i v a l o n J u n e 3 t h i s ye a r . F i n d o u t h o w m u c h y o u k n o w a b o u t t h e h o l i d ay a n d i t s o r i g i n s P HO T OS CO U R T E S Y O F Pexe l s

1. When is Tuen Ng Festival held?

A. On the Summer Solstice B. On the Double Fifth C. On Grave Sweeping Day 2. It is a public holiday in which countries?

A. Hong Kong, Macau and China B. Hong Kong and China C. Hong Kong, Macau, China and Taiwan 3. What does the tragic story behind the festival involve?

A. A shipwreck B. Suicide by drowning C. A monster attack 4. Which food do we traditionally eat at Tuen Ng? A. Char Siu B. Chow Mein C. Zongzi 5. We fill our homes with which plant?

A. Rosemary B. Mugwort C. Jasmine 6. Which type of wine do we drink at Tuen Ng? A. Rice wine B. Realgar wine C. Fruit wine 10 LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022

ACROSS HONG KONG |

7. What do we wear around our necks?

A. Perfume pouches B. Red scarfs C. Tourmaline 8. What should we collect at Tuen Ng?

15. Why do we race dragon boats at Tuen Ng? A. To commemorate Qu Yuan B. To commemorate Du Fu C. To commemorate Confucius

B. Lucky red packets

16. In which year did dragon boating emerge as an international sport in Hong Kong?

C. Beer mats

A. 1976

A. Chinese medicinal herbs

B. 1982 9. How can we invite good luck at Tuen Ng? A. Party on a junk

C. 1997

B. Swim in the sea

17. When will dragon boats be raced in DB this year?

C. Eat fish

A. June 3 B. August 8

10. What shouldn’t we do before Tuen Ng?

C. October 9

A. Sleep outdoors B. Enter a Mark 6 draw C. Put away our winter clothes

18. Where are the DB dragon boat races held?

A. Nim Shue Wan

11. What happens 100 days after Tuen Ng?

B. Tai Long Wan

A. The northerly winds come again

C. Tai Pak Wan

B. Autumn turns the leaves to gold C. The sun rises in the west 12. At Tuen Ng, we do things associated with which number?

19. Dragon boaters across Hong Kong now ‘paddle without plastic,’ which local club kickstarted this initiative?

A. LBC Pirates

A. 5

B. Green Dragons HK

B. 8

C. Plastic Free Seas

C. 11 13. Which goddess do we honour at Tuen Ng?

20. In which Lantau village are deity statues put on sampans and towed by dragon boat?

A. Guanyin

A. Tong Fuk

B. Chang’e

B. Tai O

C. Tin Hau

C. Mui Wo

14. Tuen Ng is associated with which mythological creature?

A. Unicorn B. Dragon C. Pheonix

You can check your score at www.lifeonlantau.com/ acrosshongkong/dragonboat-quiz.

LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022 11

Summer @HOME

ART

BAKING

C OM P LE T E D E E LI T E

B & S A R T GA LLE RY

F LO U R

Complete Deelite’s customised DIY Cake Kits provide a perfect activit y for kids to enjoy at home over the summer. Inside each kit, children find everything they need to craft showstopping cake creations. There are plent y of design options for cupcakes, cookies and cake pops.

All materials are provided, plus instructions and access to a step by-step instructional video.

B&S Art Gallery + Studio’s kids’ summer programme runs from June 1 to August 31 at T Bay, Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung. In addition to 60-minute art classes for kids aged 3 to 5, 6 to 9 and 10 to 14 years, there are art jamming, fashion and digital art workshops. Classes focus on creativity, technical skill and having fun, and all materials are provided.

From July 12 to 14, FLOUR cake designer and primary school teacher Lan Hee Hong is bringing her popular Baking Science Summer Camp to EpicLand in DB. Junior bakers (aged 4 and up) bake and decorate delicious desserts and savoury treats to share with their family, and they learn about science through fun experiments at the same time. The threeday camp runs for two hours (am or pm sessions) with an additional two hours free play at EpicLand.

6468 7226 (WhatsApp) info@completedeelite.com

6085 3715 (WhatsApp) bs.ar tgaller ystudio@gmail.com

9386 5696 flourhk@hotmail.com

w w w.completedeelite.com

www.bsartgallerystudio.com.hk

www.facebook.com/flourhk

12 LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022

CHESS

DANCE

DANCE

CAISSA HONG KONG

DMR SCHOOL OF BALLET

BA LLRO OM B E E S

Caissa Hong Kong Chess Club is running eight five-day summer camps in DB Plaza from June 27 to August 19. The action-packed three-hour morning sessions are conducted

by Caissa’s popular World Chess Federation-licensed chess coaches. Caissa camps are fun and competitive, with a focus on tactics and strategy. Children of all levels, aged 5 years and up can join.

DMR is running two six-day dance camps for kids aged 6 to 12 years in DB North Plaza. The July 4 to 9 camp is based on Moana, the July 11 to 16 camp on Encanto!

The camps allow dancers to get creative with costume, prop and scenery design, choreography and some acting. There is also a mini-dance camp for dancers, aged 3 to 5, to learn new styles and fun movements, as well as creating artwork based on the theme of the lesson.

BallroomBees’ week-long Dance and Movement Camps are being held across HK (including in DB) from June 27 to August 27. Kids, aged 1.5 to 12 years, are challenged and stimulated with age-appropriate, high-energy, ballroom-based exercises, dance games and choreography to chart topping hits.

Camps finish with a Dancing with the Stars showcase so parents can see how much their kids have learnt.

6938 7603 contact@caissahk.com

5210 7208 (WhatsApp) info@dmr- hk.com

4622 3215 info@ballroombees.com

w w w.caissahk.org

w w w.dmr- hk.com

www.ballroombees.com

DANCE

FITNESS

FITNESS

DA N C E FO R J OY

K A P U H A L A S PAC E

THE BEAT

Held in Tung Chung, Dance for Joy’s summer programme comprises fun, energising performing arts classes for kids aged 2 and up. Students learn choreography and technique, while developing their understanding of rhythm, body awareness and selfexpression. Each week, from July 3 to August 27, students learn a new set of dance routines and combinations.

All levels are welcome.

Based out of the Kapuhala gym in DB North Plaza, Kapuhala’s Kids Summer Camp is one of the longest standing co - ed kids’ camps in DB. Children, aged 6 and up, sign up by the week and the fun fitness activities are held indoors and outdoors. The camps run for t wo hours a day in the mornings, Monday to Friday, throughout July.

At The Beat’s Ballroom Dance Introductory Summer Course, kids of all ages learn the basic moves of the Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba and Jive. Classes introduce children to rhythm, partnering, and music and movement. Kids who are interested in boxing can also head to The Beat to develop basic punching skills, power, speed, agility and coordination.

Classes are held in DB Plaza and DB North Plaza and the timetable is flexible.

9264 8597 info@danceforjoyhk.com w w w.danceforjoyhk.com

9120 0177 (WhatsApp) tribe@kapuhala.com w w w.kapuhalaspace.com

5721 3000 info@thebeat.com.hk w w w.thebeat.com.hk

LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022 13

LANGUAGES

MIXED

OUTDOOR

Y I FA N M A N DA R I N

ESF

AR K E DE N

At Yifan Mandarin’s weekly Mandarin-immersion programmes, children learn Mandarin through fun and varied, hands- on activities. The DB North Plaza summer camps, for kids aged 3.5 to 9 years, run from July 11 to August 19, Monday to Friday, 9.15am to 12.15pm. Week 1 is themed The Ocean, Week 2 The Sky, Week 3 The Human Being and Week 4 School.

ESF offers a range of full or halfday summer camps across HK, from categories such as sports, language, arts, STEM, workshops and online courses.

Kids from 6 months to 18 years, whether they attend an ESF school or not, are welcome. Full day camps engage children in multi-disciplinary classroom activities in the morning to strengthen language efficiency; and during the afternoon, kids are immersed in a range of sports games.

Ark Eden’s multi- day Summer Forest Camps bring out the adventurous, curious and compassionate side of children, aged 5 to 11 years.

Running from June 27 to August 26 in the Mui Wo hills, the camps are both fun and educational with different eco -minded activities, like treehouse building, campfire cooking and swimming in waterfalls on offer each day.

2486 9012, 9208 7611 (WhatsApp) learn@yifanmandarin.com

2711 1280 info@esf.org.hk

2988 5355 info@arkedenonlantau.org

w w w.yifancamps.com

www.esf.org.hk

www.arkedenonlantau.org

OUTDOOR

OUTDOOR

OUTDOOR

C A M P A PA Asia Pacific Adventure’s HK-wide summer programme Camp APA runs from June 20 to August 26. The themed day and overnight camps include Explorer, Adventurer and Navigator, plus a new Navigator paddlesports camp. Activities such as kayaking, SUP, snorkelling, coasteering, gorge hikes and cliff/pier jumps give children aged 7 to 15 the opportunity to learn useful life skills, challenge their comfort zone and make new friends.

F R I E N D LY RIDES & GUIDES

LE A R N W I T H D R AG O N F LY

Friendly Rides & Guides' five-day camp offers children of all ages a fun-filled, summer-holiday experience adventuring around HK. Designed for beginner to intermediate riders, the camp covers all of the fundamental skills for kids to safely progress and have fun on the trails. Camps run from the end of June into August and are filled with cycling adventures, waterfall exploring and educational activities.

From June 27 to August 26, Learn With Dragonfly is back with its popular outdoor adventure camps for children aged 7 to 11 years. Two-day, threeday and five-day options are available in Mui Wo, Cheung Chau and Sai Kung. Activities include kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, canyoning, coasteering, abseiling, search and rescue, and survival skills.

2792 7160 camp@apa.co

5117 0051 friendlyridesandguides@gmail.com

2111 8918, 5345 7235 (WhatsApp) enquiries@learnwithdragonfly.com

www.asiapacificadventure.com

www.friendlyridesandguides.com

www.learnwithdragonfly.com

14 LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022

Highly qualified and FIDE licensed coaches

5 da

ys p er (onl week 3 ine 2 h hou ours pe rs pe r r da day y)

on, calculati , y g e t a str d fun!

Tactics, lysis an a n a , y pla

Info & registration

Summer Camps 2022

* *

Discovery Bay: 7 morning camps starting from 27 June Sheung Wan: 10 morning camps starting from 13 June Online: 10 afternoon camps starting 13 June

Baking Science Summer Camp Discovery Bay July 12 - 14 Junior Bakers Age 4 + Science never tasted so sweet! Learn about science through fun baking and experiments.

Bake delicious desserts and savoury treats!

Venue: EpicLand Discovery Bay North Plaza Times: 11:00am-1:00pm / 2:30pm-4:30pm

www.facebook.com/flourhk flourhk@hotmail.com

5 days camps at DB or SW: 15 hours per week 3,300HKD 5 days online camps: 10 hours per week 2,600HKD

PERSONA |

16 LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022

PERSONA |

GOOD VIBES MUI WO’S WELL-LOVED SHOP AROUND THE CORNER JUST TURNED 4 – AND GARY’S CELEBRATING. Elizabeth Kerr REPORTS P HO T O S BY Tal S h ah ar - w w w. m ag n if icent-hkg .co m

F

or the record, Mui Wo resident Gary Brightman has an alias – Gary Brown. It’s actually his government name. No, he’s not wanted or in witness protection or anything like that. It’s just an artistic choice.

Like Archie Leach is better known as Cary Grant, or Arnold Dorsey is famous as Engelbert Humperdinck.

The movie and music similes are apt, as Gary has found a second wind as book and music shop owner, filmmaker, music promoter, podcaster and audiobook producer.

While he was making a living in banking and nascent IT, Gary’s brother moved to Hong Kong, to Mui Wo, compelling Gary to start what he calls “a long love affair with Hong Kong” in the 1980s. It was also in this period, 30 years ago to be exact, that Gary met his eventual wife, Stef, when both worked for Parisbas. They got married on Valentine’s Day five years after they met, which Gary jokes was a really dumb idea. True, neither he nor Stef forgets their wedding anniversary, but… “Good luck getting dinner reservations.”

“My grandfather was adopted and his parents gave him the name ‘Brown,’ so it’s only a couple of generations old,” explains Gary of his no-very-shady name origins. “My mum’s maiden name was Brightman and I loved her dearly, so when I left IT and started doing creative stuff, I took that.

There’s only three of us on social media that I can see.”

Just like that in 2009, they both quit their banking jobs and relocated to Hong Kong. “We’ve never looked back,” he comments. The pair is quite happily child-free in Wang Tong Village, with three dogs and a cat. “I come from a huge family with lots of nieces and nephews, which is plenty to keep me going, so we decided not to have children,” Gary says. “Every so often Esslin at TAILS drops a dog on us. We have lots of room for them so it’s great.”

So, we’ll obviously stick with Brightman. It’s more fitting for the youthful 62-year-old too, folded into his home’s Studio 114. On this day Gary is chatting via Google, and he’s happy for the distraction. Aside from sound production work on an audiobook (more on that in a bit), he’s busy with preparations for the fourth anniversary party of VIBE Book and Music Shop (www.vibehk.com), the little shop that’s very nearly visible from the ferry pier in Mui Wo.

THE BACKSTORY Looking back to VIBE’s founding in 2018, Gary says: “The local bookshop guy here told me he was leaving, to which my wife said, ‘Why don’t you run the bookshop?’ It was a place to work, I love books, I love film and I love music. It was easy to add DVDs and vinyl and music.”

And so, Gary dove into his second career as a book and music shop owner half way around the world from his hometown just south of London. “In 1977 I wound up with an IT job before it was a thing,” he says. “I fell into it by luck, but it wasn’t really me. It was a good career and good money, so for 38 years I did that and just waited until I could do something more creative.”

THE CREATIVE It was never Gary’s intention to be a shop owner. The idea was to be a filmmaker. After leaving banking and IT behind in 2013, he learnt filmmaking at the (now defunct) International Academy of Film and Television Hong Kong in 2014 and promptly set up his own production company, ManBright Films. Check out his IMdB page. He’s written and produced a number of Hong Kong-based documentaries, including GDJYB Eats Music (2014), a documentary following the local girl-band’s appearance at Clockenflap with the backdrop of Occupy Central, and Graham Street Market HK (2015), a short about the demise of Hong Kong’s oldest street market.

Gary’s prescient, 2017 six-part science fiction series, Transformed, about an alien infection that puts Hong Kong in panicked lockdown, is available to stream on Vimeo.

Perhaps unsurprisingly the film led to all manner of media.

It was only a matter of time before Studio 114 was born.

“I now have the capability to produce audiobooks and any LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022 17

PERSONA |

other voice-orientated work from Studio 114 in Wang Tong,” Gary says. He’s currently producing the audiobook of The Duel of the Sorcerers for local writer Patrick Dransfield, and he’s branched out into podcasting. Hasn’t everyone?

“Yeah, I guess so,” he admits with a chuckle, though VIBErations is less about Gary sermonising (“Do I have anything so say?”) than about giving an analogue store a bit of a digital presence and showing off what Lantau and its most interesting residents have to offer. Oh, and there’s a Facebook Live channel. Oh, and a YouTube channel, Live at Vibe HK. He wasn’t kidding about being creative.

THE LIGHTWORKER VIBE’S birthday bash on May 21 welcomed The Mutineers for live music, and Gary has decided to stretch the festivities out through June. On tap this month is a live set by Black Velvet Collective, a book talk with A Field Guide to the Snakes of Hong Kong author Adam Francis about his new volume covering turtles, a junk trip, and poetry readings courtesy of Peel Street Poets Society.

“I see us as a community service,” says Gary of VIBE, which in many ways explains how the shop has gone from used book store to much more under his direction. Amazon hasn’t sold just books in a long, long time. Why should Vibe limit itself?

Admittedly its scope expanded quite organically.

“At VIBE, we support local musicians, writers and artists to give them an outlet for their creativity,” Gary says. “I’ll play their music, sell their goods and hold book signings and lectures.

Very quickly people came out of the woodwork, people living on Lantau, asking if I’d run concessions on a book they’d written or play their music in the shop. We’ve diversified in that we support local people – local Lantau artisans. When they ask if we’ll sell or promote their stuff, we say yes.”

In the days before the pandemic, Gary would film the book talks and jamming sessions that he organised for local residents. (He says that going live really stepped-up VIBE’s Facebook game). “So, you know, the community told me how they wanted me to operate, and I willingly went along with the plan. But then I’ve further developed it as I’ve gone along. We became, I suppose, a content creator after becoming a shop – that was our add-on.”

Needless to say, VIBE enjoys a healthy turnover of locally produced books, goods and records. Outside of that, the shelves are packed with new and pre-loved books, as well as vinyl LPs, CDs, DVDs, record turntables, stationary, t-shirts and other “cool stuff.” Gary says, fiction, language books and biographies are the most popular. “We only sell about five vinyl records a week,” he adds. “But that’s enough to keep me happy. It’s my passion.”

VIBE’s collection of books (and music) encompasses many different languages, including Chinese. “What I didn’t want in setting up VIBE was a gweilo shop,” he says. “We’re probably at 60-40 in terms of expats coming to the shop.”

18 LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022

THE MC VIBE’s slogan is, ‘Love Literature, Love Music… Love Life!’ and Gary’s aim is to provide a relaxed space where residents can listen to music, browse books and settle in with a cup of tea or coffee. He’s turned VIBE into a local hang; a spot where readers and music buffs can just sit and relax and check out a book or record.

The shop got a revamp just prior to its birthday and VIBE version 2.0 includes what Gary describes as a “chill out room,” about the size of a phone box where browsers can listen to music, like people used to in music shops. A couple of DJ decks inject a bit more cred.

So, who is Gary’s cinematic avatar? Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail? The guardian of the gateway to hell in The Ninth Gate?

“I like Empire Records and High Fidelity,” he blurts before a brief pause. “You know, no one’s ever asked me that? I need to have one, don’t I? This is a bookshop but in my head it’s a music shop.” Whatever it is, it’s got a good vibe.

❝ The community told me how they wanted me to operate, and I willingly went along with the plan.

But then I’ve further developed it as I’ve gone along.

We became, I suppose, a content creator after becoming a shop – that was our add-on - Gary Brightman

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20 LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022

DISPATCH |

BESIDE THE SEASIDE WITH BEACHES OPEN AGAIN AND THE WEATHER HOTTING UP, SUMMER HAS OFFICIALLY STARTED! P HO T OS COUR TES Y OF Ter r y C h ow, Mar t i n Ler i go, An dr ew Spi r es & Duey Tan

W

e are fortunate indeed to have wonderful beaches here on Lantau, from big open bays replete with lifeguard towers and Coca-Cola stalls, to small, hidden gems tucked beneath rugged cliffs. In fact, many Lantau families have the beach as their back door, and treasure their privilege with a passion. Living here, you can be in a meeting amongst the skyscrapers at 9am and on a quiet beach sipping sangria by midday. This contrast is one of the great draws of island life.

While you may not get crystal clear seas, the water quality around southern Lantau is at some of the best levels in Hong Kong. The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) consistently rates the water at many beaches as ‘Good,’ the highest rating they have, meaning the lowest quantities of E. Coli bacteria. For weekly updates on the water quality off beaches throughout Hong Kong, visit www.beachwq.gov.hk/en/map.aspx.

Our three featured beaches this month – Silvermine, Pui O and Cheung Sha – are all family friendly (maintained by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department) and easily accessible. We love the way they each have their own unique charm and character: Silvermine is a slightly manic social butterfly – a people watcher’s paradise. Pui O is a rugged old statesman with plenty of gravitas – somewhere to contemplate the meaning of life. And Cheung Sha is simply schizoid with its untamed upper beach in complete contrast to its breezily commercialised lower beach.

It’s clear that you don’t have to venture far off the beaten track to discover fantastic Lantau beaches but if a desert island experience is what you’re after, our top pick is Tai Long Wan. Tai Long Wan, which translates as Big Wave Bay, actually boasts three beaches, the southernmost of which is Ham Tin, one of the most secluded and picturesque places in all of Hong Kong. After getting off a bus at Sha Tsui at the corner of Shek Pik Reservoir, follow Wang Pui Road (and the sound of crashing waves) through Tai Long Wan village to the beach. If you’re taking it easy, or have small children in tow, it may take up to 30 minutes to reach the beach from the road.

BIG WAVE BAY ( O P P O S I TE ) SILVERMINE BEAC H C HEUN G SHA BEAC H PUI O BEAC H

Once at the beach, chances are you will be entirely alone, on a completely deserted stretch of sand. There are no chairs, umbrellas or lifeguards on duty, and definitely no restaurants. Everything you will need for the day, you will have to bring yourself. This may seem like a drawback, but with the hectic lifestyles sso many of us lead here, the opportunity to get back to basics (with a few friends or family) is a real luxury.

LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022 21

DISPATCH |

A PEOPLE WATC HER’S PARADISE

SILVERMINE BEACH

A

perfect crescent of sand nestled below Ling Fa Shan peak and the spectacular Mui Wo basin, Silvermine Beach is busier than most on Lantau, largely because it’s somewhere you can enjoy the sand and sea without too much hassle.

That being said, the water is generally calm and the sand is soft and inviting. Considering that, and all the nearby restaurants to sample, Silvermine Beach is a great repeat destination for families.

This easily accessible beach has all the amenities – changing facilities, barbecue pits and toilets. The lifeguard hours in the summer, as with all beaches that are maintained by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), are from 9am to 6pm on weekdays, and from 8am to 7pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Silvermine Beach is deemed family-friendly, with relatively shallow drift and little by way of difficult currents.

Perched on the waterfront right next to Mui Wo Ferry Pier, The China Bear has become a Mui Wo institution, popular amongst hikers, beachgoers and locals for the past 20 years. Hunker down on the large outdoor dining area to spend an afternoon watching the ferries go by, or stay late and enjoy a moon rise over Hong Kong.

If you and your friends are the active sort, have a turn using the beach volleyball court nestled under a pair of trees just metres from the river Silver. Alternately, spend a night at Silvermine Beach Hotel and enjoy some of the myriad outdoor activities on offer – you can rent stand-up paddle boards, peddle boats and kayaks.

Always evolving, the menu at the Bear is mostly Mediterranean, with a few Asian favourites and Northern comforts thrown in. The emphasis is on value for money and tasty, yet unpretentious dishes. Check out the full breakfast weekend menu – Eggs Benedict, banana pancakes or full English.

It is worth mentioning, however, that the water quality at Silvermine Beach is on-average rated as ‘Fair’ by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), the grade below ‘Good,’ and the beach can get quite crowded on weekends.

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, with happy hour from 5pm to 9pm weekdays and breakfast at the weekend. Visit www.chinabear.com.hk.

22 LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022

HANG WITH THE LOCALS AT THE CHINA BEAR!

DISPATCH |

CHEUNG SHA BEACH

P

opular with day trippers and junk groups alike, Lower Cheung Sha Beach is a Hong Kong institution. The sand here is light and powdery, making it a favourite with kids, who build castles and fortresses that battle with the incoming tides. While full lifeguarding services are provided from April to October, be aware of some difficult currents at the western end of the beach.

Upper Cheung Sha Beach is just a short walk away, over an unassuming headland that barely reaches the coast. This beach is also maintained by the LCSD, and the lifeguard post at the western end has the regular showers, toilets and changing rooms. While the sand is soft, there are some rocks dotted around both in the water and on the beach itself, so be a bit careful where you set up, and where you swim.

Bring lots of water and snacks if you plan to stay the day, as Upper Cheung Sha Beach has less amenities and restaurants than its lower, busier counterpart, and there is very little shade.

This beach is best enjoyed under a portable umbrella, with a cooler full of drinks, sandwiches, chips and dips.

The main draw of Upper Cheung Sha Beach is its length; at 3 kilometres it’s the longest on Lantau. Walking here, you may well have the whole place to yourself, unless, of course, you’re lucky enough to come across the resident herd of cows sitting on the sands – a serene addition to an already idyllic backdrop.

FEEL THE HOLIDAY VIBE AT BATHERS! Situated a few steps from the sea on glorious Lower Cheung Sha Beach, Bathers is part fine dining restaurant, part laid-back modern beach club. The pillar-less dining area seats 120 and the mouth-watering menu is big on seafood and steak, fresh salads and small plates.

We love the sumptuous wagyu beef burger served with Emmental cheese, bacon, fried egg and smoked tomato relish, and the crispy salt and pepper squid with sweet chili. If you are dining as a group of six or more, go for the delicious Group Feast with its sharing starters and desserts, and a choice of mains. Needless to say, there’s also a full bar complete with draft beer and some seriously good wine.

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, and for breakfast at the weekend. Visit www.bathers.com.hk.

A HON G KON G INS TITUTION LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022 23

DISPATCH |

PUI O BEACH

A WILD PL ACE TO WATCH THE SUNSET

P

ui O’s environs are hard to beat. The route from the bus stop on South Lantau Road takes you past the quiet Pui O village, and through fields where water buffalo are often found grazing, or simply hanging out. Oftentimes, on a sunny day, the herd will stroll down to the sands after sunset to cool off in the sea. You’ll also spot gaggles of clam pickers at low tide, collecting the local delicacy which is often served up for dinner from the campsite stoves behind.

Pui O is a beach of two halves, one end well-cultivated with barbecue pits and a campsite, the other carefree and wild, with trees and mangroves down to the waterline. The ‘black’ sand is flanked by a rocky outcrop on the Chi Ma Wan Peninsula to the southeast, and Yi Tung Shan and Sunset Peak to the northwest.

Treasure Island continues to make a splash at the wilder end of the beach, providing kayak and board rentals, along with cabanas and tents should you choose to make a long weekend of it. Parents can set up shop on the terrace and watch the kids gallivant on the beach below. The group also offers beach chair rentals, as well as coolers and beach bags in case you prefer to pick up supplies and lug them across the sand.

The LCSD campsite on the other side of the beach is at most

24 LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022

50 metres from the sea (tide dependant), and there you’ll be rocked to sleep by the sound of the waves smashing the shore. Two tuck shops on the route to the beach rent tents, and sell most of the equipment you need to use the campsite’s barbecue pits.

PART Y AT TREASURE ISL AND! The breeziest hangout in South Lantau, Treasure Island’s Beach Club Restaurant, Sun Terrace and Bar is known for its stunning beachside location and party atmosphere. Eclectic DJ sets, ranging from Ibiza chillout music to popular dance hits, encourage beachgoers to stay on well past the glorious Pui O sunset.

The menu is packed with timeless beach club favourites, like fish and chips, pizza and fried chicken, alongside a good range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. There’s also a dedicated kids’ menu with treats like pasta and fish fingers to please young beachgoers.

Open Fridays 12pm to 10pm, Saturdays 10pm to 10pm, and Sundays and public holidays 10pm to 8pm.

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TRAIL WALKER |

LANTAU TRAIL HIKE: DAY ONE Determined to hike the entire Lantau Trail, C l a i r e S e ve r n t a c k l e s s e c t i o n s 1 , 2 a n d 3 w h i c h take her from Mui Wo to Ngong Ping, and up and ove r b o t h S u n s e t a n d L a n t a u p e a k s P HO T O S BY A n dr ew S pi r e s & c o u r tes y o f Uns p las h

"I

’ve had a great idea!” I said. “Let’s hike the Lantau Trail – all 12 sections!” I said. “I’ve hiked parts of it before, how hard can it be?” And so a plan began to hatch.

Beginning in Mui Wo, two eager Brits would set off on foot and see how far we got in a day. After resting our legs for a week or so, we’d simply pick up where we left off. This was going to be fun!

Fast forward a few days, and, backpacks at the ready, my buddy and I met early one morning, filled with energy and enthusiasm.

After a quick pitstop at Mui Wo Wellcome (the village eateries don’t open as early as we thought), we were finally ready to begin our climb.

One of the easier parts of the Lantau Trail, section 1 begins at Mui Wo Ferry Pier and follows a steady slope up the road back towards Tung Chung. There’s nothing really remarkable about this section – the biggest challenge we faced was dodging all of the buffalo deposits – but if it’s good for one thing, it’s a nice way to stretch out the legs before the challenge ahead. And boy, is it a challenge!

NAM SHAN TO SUNSET PEAK The hard work all began when we reached section 2. Setting out from Nam Shan, the path starts off gently, with a pleasant stroll through the trees, past a helipad and down towards a crossroads where you can either choose to take a left to skirt the side of the mountain (a good option with kids) or head straight on towards 869-metre Sunset Peak. On we went.

HEADIN G OUT FROM MUI WO 26 LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022

TRAIL WALKER |

MUI WO FERRY PIER NAM SHAN

SUNSET PEAK

PAK KUNG AU

SE

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THE LANTAU TRAIL A 70-kilometre loop starting and finishing in Mui Wo, the Lantau Trail is the third longest in Hong Kong, after the MacLehose Trail and Wilson Trail. The route is well marked with information boards and maps at junctions between each stage. Distance posts around 500 metres apart help hikers know where they are. At each turning, route signs give instructions about directions, place names, and the distances and times for hiking between various locations.

SECTION ROUTE

LENGTH

DISTANCE POSTS

1

Mui Wo to Nam Shan

2.5km

L000-L005

3

To Ngong Ping

4.5km

L018-L027

2 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12

To Pak Kung Au

To Sham Wat Road

To Man Cheung Po To Tai O

To Kau Ling Chung To Shek Pik

To Shui Hau

To Tung Chung Road To Pui O

To Mui Wo

6.5km 4km

7.5km 2.5km

10.5km 5.5km 6.5km 6.5km 4.5km 9km

L005-L018 L027-L035 L035-L050 L050-L055 L055-L076 L076-L087 L087-L100 L100-L113 L113-L122 L122-L140

S T ONE HUT S ON SUNSET PEAK AT THE SUMMIT OF SUNSET PEAK LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022 27

TRAIL WALKER |

At this stage, things start to heat up – the trees provide relief for a while, but soon the steps open up to a more barren landscape with little shade. What surprised us was how far we still had to go whenever we checked our location. Heading east, the route to the top is long and at times steep, but the effort is rewarded by beautiful views over the South Lantau coast. I soon lost count of how many times we said “Wow.” One of the most interesting features of the walk is around distance post L013, where 20 stone huts come into view, scattered across the hillside. Said to have been built in the 1920s by Christian missionaries, the eerie-looking buildings are now boarded and locked up, and appear both intriguing and spooky at the same time.

Not long after passing the huts, we found the path to the summit. The trail itself doesn’t actually pass over the very top of the mountain, however by taking the right-hand path when the trail splits, we soon spotted the black and white marker that said we’d done it – our first mountain was conquered!

After a short refuelling stop, we retraced our steps to get back to the trail and set off again downhill. Down is easy, right? By the time we reached Pak Kung Au, we certainly didn’t think so! Were our legs too tired to carry on? It was debatable, but knowing that we had 10 more sections of the trail to cover to complete our challenge, we decided to crack on with section 3. We crossed the road, and began the climb up Lantau Peak.

SCALING LANTAU PEAK At 934 metres, Lantau Peak is the second highest peak in Hong Kong, second only to Tai Mo Shan. Were we crazy to tackle it on day one? Looking back, yes, but at the time, oh the kudos!

I’d love to be able to report on the stunning vistas and incredible wildlife we encountered but by the time we were half way up the hill, all we could focus on was how to keep on going. It was truly exhausting; and it took a fair few Kit-Kat breaks to get us where we wanted to go.

The sense of achievement when we reached the top of Lantau Peak really was something. And the views are amazing, as long as you’re not stuck in a cloud. It’s just a pity you have to climb so many steps to get there – and to get down the other side! How our legs actually supported us as we navigated the giant steps down towards Ngong Ping, I’ll never know. Ask anyone who saw us for a week afterwards and they’ll still cry with laughter recalling our Bambi-like appearance on any downhill surface.

But we did it! 13.5 kilometres (with a maximum elevation of 934 metres) in 6 hours 20 minutes! Time for a welldeserved ice-cold beer at the foot of the Big Buddha. With the first three sections of the Lantau Trail under our belts, we’re already planning how to tackle the remaining nine.

So that’ll be a story for next issue...

28 LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022

L ANTAU PEAK T OWERS ABOVE AT THE SUMMIT OF L ANTAU PEAK THE BIG BUDDHA COMES INT O VIEW

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Chill eight glasses in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Scoop the ice cream and divide evenly among the chilled glasses. Top with the orange juice and club soda. Serve immediately. (Adult guests may enjoy these floats a whole lot more, if you top their glass with a splash of vodka or tequila.)

30 LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022

DESTINATIONS HOME CHEF |

LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022 31

DESTINATIONS HOME CHEF | |

BERRY WHITE POPS Makes 7

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Stir the sugar in hot water until dissolved. Mix in the wine, orange liqueur and lemon juice. Divide fruit (such as blueberries and thinly sliced strawberries) among seven 5-oz paper cups. Pour the wine mixture into the cups. Cover the cups with foil, and then insert a craft stick into the centre of each pop. Freeze for at least eight hours or overnight.

(For kid-friendly frozen pops, simply replace the wine and liqueur with berry-flavoured yoghurt).

32 LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 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

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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 2915 0666 Discovery Mind Primary School 2162 5538 Greenfield International Kindergarten 2666 5905 Han Xuan Language Education Centre KidznJoy 6273 7347 6479 0390 Little Stars Playgroup 6674 6194 Sakura Kid’s Preschool 2611 9193 Salala Kid’s House 2164 7210 Soundwaves English Education Centre 2420 1068 Sun Island Education Foundation 2109 3873 Sunshine House International Preschool 2121 0884 Tung Chung Catholic School 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 Coastal Skyline Clubhouse Coastal Skyline Management Office Seaview Crescent Clubhouse Seaview Crescent Management Office Tung Chung Crescent Clubhouse Tung Chung Crescent Management Office 34 LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022

2109 9277 2109 9288 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 Cafe lantau, Sheraton Tung Chung 2535 0021 Essence, Novotel Citygate 3602 8808 Funky Monkey 2427 1111 Handi Indian Restaurant 2988 8674 Jasmine Tung Chung 2162 8018 La Rosabelle Bar & Grill 2881 8788 La Vista 2368 6866 Lobby Lounge, Sheraton Tung Chung 2535 0023 Maison Du Mezze 2330 0131 Melody Thai 2988 8129 Mint & Basil 2762 8077 Moccato Coffee Shop 3602 8838 Moon Lok Chiu Chow 2116 8149 My Thai 2907 6918 Nha trang Vietnamese Cuisine 2234 9199 Olea, Novotel Citygate 3602 8818 Skycity Bistro, SkyCity Marriott 3969 2500 Sunset Grill, Sheraton Tung Chung 2535 0025 The New Chapter 2907 6988 The Tavern 2907 6822 Yue, Sheraton Tung Chung 2535 0028 2757 8889 Upper Deck RETAIL FTC Apparel 2428 2566 Lantau Balloons 9733 5483 SPORT & RECREATION 4 Dimensions+ 9446 6013 Aqua Gym 2914 0658 2385 9677 Asia Pacific Soccer Schools 2493 8895 B & S Art Gallery 9264 8597 Dance for Joy 6688 2167 Edge ’n Pointe Dance Centre 2711 1280 ESF Sports 9744 4736 Fitness in Motion HK Dragons 2987 4274 Kinder Kicks Soccer 2385 9677 KipMovin 6180 3256 Lantau yacht Club 2987 9691 9303 2996 MGK Fight club 6443 6597 Perun Fitness Rugbytots 5307 6677 Sparrow Soccer School 6051 8196 2109 9107 Tung Chung Public Swimming Pool 6079 0825 Tung Chung Rugby Club 2109 2421 Tung Chung Sports Centre 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 OM Spa, Regal Airport Hotel Quan Spa, Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Tung Chung Nail Ninjas

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 Pause Cafe 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 5267 5549 9193 2937 9153 7453 2980 2582 5991 6292 2980 2699 2109 3331 5236 7013

REMOVALS & RELOCATION Akash Removals FTC Relocations Hon Kee Transportation Lee Hing Loong ReloSmart SwiftRelo

2421 8088 2814 1658 2984 8494 2984 2268 2561 3030 2363 4008

RETAIL Lantau Base Camp Garden Plus

5463 6060 6547 2233

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

9802 0553 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

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 DBIS Kindergarten Discovery College Discovery Mind International Play Centre Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Mind Primary School Discovery Montessori Academy Discovery Montessori School Epic Adventurers Eye Level Education Learning Centre HKILA Mandarin for Munchkins Mathemagic (home tutoring) Mathnasium SKH Wei Lun Primary School Sunshine House International Preschool

2987 7331 2914 2142 3969 1000 2987 8088 2987 8088 2914 2202 2812 9206 2987 1201 2441 0098 9366 0000 2416 3198 2480 3909 9135 4724 2628 3362 2987 8608 2987 8143

REMOVALS & RELOCATION Akash Removals FTC Relocations ReloSmart SwiftRelo

2421 8088 2814 1658 2561 3030 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 Okay.com Savills

2987 2088 2102 0888 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 felix and mina P-Solution She Creates Stories Star Mart Wing On

2987 1373 2130 7013 2987 1777 9166 8077 2366 6534 2987 9268

SPORT & RECREATION BMSE Community Centre Club Siena DB Golf Club DB Ice Rink

2259 3422 2987 7382 2987 7273 2234 0187

DB Pirates DB Recreation Club DMR Epic land Future Stars Dance Academy Greenwich Yoga School HK Dragons Football Club Harry Wright International Island Dance Kapuhala Train-in-Space Tekkerz The Beat Yoga Bay YogaUP Yogika

9255 6133 2987 7381 5210 7208 2441 0098 2987 6867 9685 8366 5322 5556 2575 6279 2987 1571 6101 8434 9770 4548 5721 3000 6704 9851 6805 4996 6749 7836

VETERINARY SERVICES & PETS Island Veterinary Services 2987 9003 My Pet Shop 2987 8873 WELLBEING & BEAUTY Afflatus Hair Workshop 2987 0283 Ingredients of Wellness 9048 5425 Maximum Care 2987 2060 Nailed It! 2987 2266 Sophia Essentials 2527 0118

LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022 35

DESTINATIONS |

CHEUNG CHAU R E PO RT I NG BY J a s o n P a g l i a r i PH O T O S BY P e x e l s

F

eeling like a change of pace? Hop on the Inter-Island Ferry from Mui Wo and spend a day exploring lively and historic Cheung Chau. Best known for its bun festival (traditionally held in May), the island has plenty to offer – glorious beaches, wild rock formations, a pirate’s cave and, of course, incredible seafood restaurants.

If it’s seafood you’re after, you’ll find the most popular restaurants on the island’s west coast, on Praya Street – the waterfront road, right by the main ferry pier. As you sit down to your catch of the day, fishing trawlers and all sorts of smaller craft stretch as far as the eye can see, enhancing the fabulous sea views.

Most of Cheung Chau’s development is centred on a spit of land sandwiched between two hills to the north and south, and to make the most of your visit, you’ll want to venture beyond the main village, on foot.

Northern Cheung Chau offers up some glorious hiking country but if you’re looking for a leisurely ramble and excellent views, head south by way of the eastcoast beaches, which offer up full facilities and several windsurfing and kayaking centres.

To make your way to the south-side, turn left off the ferry, then right at Kwok Man Road and walk inland to the main beach, Tung Wan. Head towards and past the high-rise Warwick Hotel, with its excellent dimsum lunch menu, to the next beach, Kwun Yam Wan, perhaps the island’s finest.

From here, you can make your way along Cheung Chau’s Mini Great Wall – you’ll see signposts leading uphill through the jungle and past the Kwun Yam Temple.

This reasonably short stonework trail hugs the southeast coast passing various boulder formations, all with bizarrely fitting names such as Human Head Rock, Elephant Rock, Rodent Rock and even Zombie Rock. At the lookout at the end of the Mini Great Wall, you can either head back to the main ferry pier (turn left at the temple) and take a kai-to to the south coast or continue on foot, up a steep set of stairs.

Assuming you choose the latter, follow the coastal paths and turn left onto Don Bosco Road, towards remote and rugged Nam Tam Wan, with its large temple overlooking (inhabited) Wailingding Island.

36 LIFE ON L ANTAU | JUNE / JULY 2022

GLORIOUS BEAC HES, WILD ROC K FORMATIONS, A PIRATE’S C AVE AND THE PICTURESQUE HARBOUR

There are regular informational maps to guide you. From here, it’s a bit of a walk up and over Peak Road, past the meteorological station and crematorium, to the signposted trail that drops down into truly off-the-beaten-track Pak Tso Bay. This trail follows along the coast and up through a stunning boulder cavern towards gigantic Reclining Rock.

Next stop is Cheung Po Tsai Cave, named after the famous pirate who is said to have hoarded his loot here. Armed with a powerful torch (a phone flashlight won’t do it), you can squeeze vertically down through a narrow opening and pass through the cave to another entrance. From here, it’s a short walk over the hill to the Tin Hau Temple on Sai Wan, where you can take a kai-to back to the ferry pier... and order up that well-deserved plate of seafood.