Sai Kung Magazine June 2014

Family | Food | Home | sport | Living

June 2014

Sai Kung opera

Backstage at the bamboo theatre Cliff diving Into Sheung Luk Stream Summer camps for kids

265

things to do

Skateboarding in TKO

june 2014

PEOPLE 4 Snapped!

Sai Kung’s social life.

THE PLANNER 6 Happening in June Dragon-boats and more.

LETTERS 10 Have your say The latest from our readers.

COUNTRY PARKS 12 Questioning the U-turn News from the green front.

NEWS 14 What’s going on?

In your backyard.

LOCAL 16 Pythons in the park Snake attacks in Sai Kung: peril or paranoia?

VINES IN SAI KUNG 18 Here come the vandals The Kuk’s latest manoeuvres.

FEATURE 20 Summer camps for kids Where to have fun in the holidays.

28 A night at the opera Backstage in the bamboo theatre.

EATING 32 Meet the chef Rocking the kitchen at OneThirtyone.

EDUCATION 34 Moving schools Tips on relocating the family. outdoors 36 Skate of the art Tseung Kwan O and other Hong Kong skateparks.

BIG DAY OUT 38 Cliff jumping Plunge into Sheung Luk Stream.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY 56 All you need to know Numbers that make life easier.

HEALTH & BEAUTY 42 Bikini ready Dare to bare.

ON PATROL 58 Take to the hills Top cop Janet Chan says hike safe.

PETS 44 Puppy getaways Where to stash your pooch.

CREATURE FEATURE 45 Elusive adjutant dragonfly Brand new wings.

MARKETPLACE 46 Your guide to shops and services Cool stuff to buy and do.

CLASSIFIEDS 52 Loads of random useful local stuff.

Cover shot by Hannah Grogan, see page 28.

“Some of the best memories are made in flip flops.” – Kellie Elmore

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people Snaps from Sai Kung

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Pictures: Cherrie Yu, Sophia Ho and Jodee Fong

say cheese

Share your event photos with us at photo@fastmedia.com.hk. Get snapping!

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planner JUN 1 Sai Kung Sunday Market

A monthly market of gourmet food, craft beer, organic goods, clothes, jewellery and more.

Last market until September. 11am-5pm. Hong Kong Academy, Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, saikungmarkets@gmail.com.

JUN 1 Paddle for the Planet

Join this global paddling event to raise awareness for marine conservation, followed by a barbecue. Entry $50 on the day, kayaks available. Noon, Victoria Recreation Club, Emerald Bay, Tai Mong Tsai, events@ victoriarecreationclub.com.hk.

JUN 2

Dragon-boat Festival Public holiday. Races take place all over Hong Kong, including Sai Kung Waterfront (from 8am), Stanley, Aberdeen and Cheung Chau.

Until Jun 8 Sai Kung Summer Exhibition

The first exhibition of its kind in Sai Kung includes work by 22 local professional and amateur artists – one just 14 years old. Sascha Camille Howard Artist Studio, Lot 787 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 9254 8803, www. saschahoward.com.

JUN 4, 18 Quiz Nights

Testing times at Hebe One O One. 8:30pm, 112 Pak Sha Wan, 2335 5515.

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JUN 4 Tiananmen Square Anniversary

It’s 25 years since the crackdown in Beijing.

Join the candlelight vigil in Victoria Park, 8pm.

Teams of six test the grey matter.

8pm, Agua Plus, 72 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2791 2030.

Ooh la la! The annual celebration of French arts, opera, music, theatre, fashion and more. Details at www.frenchmay.com, 3752 9959. Tickets from www.urbtix.hk.

Art installations, drawing competitions, workshops and tours based around the popular French children’s book. Part of Le French May. Olympian City 2, 18 Hoi Ting Road, West Kowloon, www.frenchmay.com.

Food, drinks, musicians, arts, fashion and more.

Free entry. 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, www.pmqnightmarkets.org.

JUN 5 Agua Plus Quiz Night

UNTIL JUN 28 Le French May

UNTIL JUN 2 The Little Prince

JUN 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22 PMQ Night Market

UNTIL JUN 14 The Faust Festival

Faust International Youth Theatre celebrates its 15th anniversary with more than 60 shows by its young performers. McAulay Studio, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai.

Tickets from $80 at www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999.

JUN 5 Sai Kung Sampler

Monthly pop-up market for deli goodies, gifts and more. Last market until September. 6pm10pm, upstairs at Steamers, 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, 2792 6991.

happening in june JUN 6 HHYC Caribbean night

Ay caramba! Soul food, salsa lessons, and prizes for the best dressed and best dancer. Members $388, guests $428, including drinks and barbecue buffet. 6.30pm, Hebe Haven Yacht Club, Hiram’s Highway, Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung, www.hhyc.org.hk, 2719 7915.

JUN 6-7 The Mirror by Théâtre des Asphodèles

A theatrical circus, with elements of Chinese opera. In French and Mandarin, with English surtitles. Part of Le French May. Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tickets $180-$280 from www.urbtix.hk.

JUN 6-8 Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Carnival

More dragon boats, this time with teams from around the world. Tsim Sha Tsui East, www.discoverhongkong.com.

JUN 6-8 Rapunzel

Let your hair down at this inventive live musical version of the classic fairy tale by British children’s theatre troupe, Tutti Frutti Productions.

Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai.

Tickets $195-$495 from www. hkticketing.com, 3128 8288. See News, p.14, for a chance to win tickets.

JUN 7 & 14 Garage Sale

Rummage for bargains at this popular sale of secondhand treasures.

Funds raised go to a summer camp for underprivileged children.

9.30am-3pm, LG3 Car Park, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clearwater Bay, 9045 5942, gujean@ust.hk.

JUN 8 & 22 Splash ’n’ Dash Aquathons

Swimming and running races for adults and kids around Repulse Bay. Entry $155-$780 at www.revolution-asia.com.

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planner JUN 12-JUL 13 FIFA World Cup

Gooooaal! A perfect excuse to be wildly patriotic in living rooms and venues across Hong Kong.

First up: Brazil vs Croatia.

JUN 14 Strum One, Strum All

Take your ukulele to join the Big Jam, courtesy of the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation.

Performances, workshops, singalongs and picnic. Free; registration recommended for workshops. 12.30pm-4.30pm. The Space, South Island School, 50 Nam Fung Road, Aberdeen, 2561 3201, www.hkyaf.com.

JUN 13-21 The Horse Exhibition

An exhibition of photographs by Gail Turner and paintings

by Sascha Camille Howard celebrating the year of the horse. Opening reception on June 14. Sascha Camille Howard Artist Studio, Lot 787 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 9254 8803, www.saschahoward.com.

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JUN 13 Thomas Enhco Jazz Trio

The award-winning French jazz pianist performs as part of Le French May. Hong Kong City Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central. Tickets $180-$380 from www.urbtix.hk.

JUN 14 Wine Walk

Try fine wines and other treats at a dozen restaurants in the annual TimeOut Wine Walk.

Tickets $150 at Alfresco Lane, Tsim Sha Tsui East Waterfront. Details at www.timeout.com.hk.

JUN 15 Father’s Day

JUN 21 International Go Skateboarding Day

Hong Kong joins the annual international skateboarding event with a competition and exhibition. 2pm-8pm, Tseung Kwan O Skatepark, Po Hong Road (next to the velodrome and Hang Hau MTR).

JUN 26 Transformers 4: Age Of Extinction

Be extra nice to Daddy.

International premiere for the summer blockbuster, which was filmed right here in Hong Kong. Coming to a screen near you.

JUN 19-21 Brad Upton at the Takeout Comedy Club

JUN 28-29 Hong Kong Inter-City Athletics Championships

Laughs with the winner of the Las Vegas Comedy Festival. 9pm. Tickets $300 from www. takeoutcomedy.com. 34 Elgin Street, Central, 6220 4436.

More than 100 athletes from across Asia compete in track and field events. Free. Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground, 109 Po Hong Road, 2504 8215, www.hkaaa.com.

Best annual event in Sai Kung?

Tell us in our Readers’ Choice Awards for the chance to win great prizes. Vote now at www.saikung.com.

planner

Book now Jul 11-13 Dora The Explorer Live

Help everyone’s favourite explorer find her missing teddy in the City of Lost Toys. Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $135-$650 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Aug 12 Ellie Goulding

She’s gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn... Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $540-$640 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Sep 24-Oct 22 Mamma Mia!

All your ABBA favourites plus a big fat Greek wedding. Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai.

Tickets $395-$896 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Sep 23-28 Potted Potter

All seven Harry Potter books and a live Quidditch match in 70 minutes. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai.

Tickets $395-$550 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Nov 19-23 A Midsummer Night’s Dream

The timeless comedy performed by Shakespeare’s Globe. Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $355-$795 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Oct 9-12 Dr Bunhead’s (Don’t) Try This At Home

Wacky experiments with the Blue Peter and Brainiac science guy. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $195-$435 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Oct 17-19 Stick Man

The favourite children’s book live on stage.

Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $195$435 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Mar 18 One Direction On The Road Again

Brace yourselves for 1D mania when the boy band hits Hong Kong. AsiaWorld-Arena, Lantau. Tickets are $998-$3,488 and go on sale on June 11 at www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Got an event? We can publish the details for free. Email editor@saikung.com.

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letters

No to Hoi Ha visitor centre I refer to Robin Bradbeer’s letter (Letters, May 2014). I completely disagree with her assumption there is a necessity for a visitor or education centre to be built 500m from Hoi Ha village in what is a barbecue site.

Her description of the site conjures up a picture the complete opposite of reality. This barbecue site (pictured) is particularly pretty and provides a picture-perfect spot for those entering Hoi Ha. It’s a sad commentary that

because something is not swarming with people it should be concreted over.

As most visitors arrive by coach, revamping the Visitor Centre at Pak Tam Chung or the government building on Hoi Ha Road could provide most of the amenities Hoi Ha lacks at a fraction of the cost of a new centre, which is $19 million. There would be money left over to improve and maintain the walkways, add informative signage, stop the fishing in the marine park, provide a first-aid post on the beach, etc.

Whatever schoolchildren need to learn prior to a visit could be taught in their own classroom. When they come to Hoi Ha it should be a special experience for them out in the field, experiencing nature firsthand, not stuck in another classroom.

Ann Davy-Hou We don’t need no education centre With regard to the proposed Hoi Ha visitor centre (Letters, May 2014), we have been liaising with AFCD for 11 years on this. They have ignored all recommendations for a scheme that is 20 years behind the times. Modern

Summer holidays at

environmental education takes place outdoors, not in a classroom.

Hoi Ha is already an outdoor classroom.

Why look at a photo of a mangrove in a visitor centre when you can see the real thing, covered in insects and snails? All that is needed is boardwalks with education materials.

The [AFCD’s] only interest in the Hoi Ha river valley is to develop it. They refused to incorporate Hoi Ha into Sai Kung Country Park and have refused to have the woodland valley and streams zoned as Conservation Area. Why aren’t they jumping up and down, fighting to protect Hoi Ha from plans to develop it that will destroy the marine park?

The irony is they will end up with a visitor centre 500m from a marine park that is dying from the effects of removing the forest from the valley floor and from toxic waste from dozens of septic tanks sited unlawfully within 100m of the marine park waters.

You would never guess there was a “C” in AFCD and that we had a government department responsible for conservation.

Nicola Newbery Friends of Hoi Ha

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have your say Lemon aid Our five-year-old daughter, Scarlett, recently set-up a homemade lemonade and brownie stall outside our home in Sai Kung to collect funds for Typhoon Haiyan Relief. Residents on Chuk Yeung Road were very supportive and she sold out within an hour. Some people mentioned they had not seen a homemade lemonade stall since they were young. It was such a success we may have to do it again.

Scarlett raised $700 thanks to the generosity of the local community. The funds were donated to Crossroads Typhoon Haiyan Relief. This was Scarlett’s own choice of where the funds should go. We are very proud of what she achieved at such an early age.

Lawrence Denvir Disgust at horseshoe crab picture I take this opportunity to voice my disgust at a photograph in the May issue (People, p.5). It portrays a delighted family gazing on a cast of horseshoe crabs slowly suffocating on the Sai Kung waterfront promenade.

The family is not to be blamed because to see an animal that has not changed in roughly

450 million years on the sidewalk is both thrilling and captivating. It is done by the restaurant proprietors to grab potential customers’ attention in hopes that viewing such a remarkable blueblooded animal (that is akin to a spider and highly regarded by biomedical scientists for its medicinal qualities) will pull them in.

The photograph is both alarming and irresponsible. It is wrong for your magazine to glamorise an animal’s unnecessarily slow and excruciating demise. I assume this was not considered by your photographer.

I would ask you to now do a cover article on the life-cycle, evolutionary history, habitat and amazing facts of the mangrove horseshoe crab so when someone walks by another cast on the promenade they will maybe ask the proprietors to throw them back, and maybe not eat at that restaurant after all.

Jason Bogart

Government-developer farce The builder of what we are told will be 20 new houses in O Tau Tsuen, off Sai Sha Road, has employed contractors to do site clearance.

They have knocked down a fence and laid metal tracks across a lovely stream that meanders through the village. It’s known as Monty’s Stream after the village python.

The contractors moved earth-moving equipment across the tracks to the developer’s site.

The Government erected a warning sign.

The contractors went over it and around it.

The Government came along and laid six blocks of concrete supporting “Government Land” signs in the stream, wrecking the area’s beauty.

Like the American colonel talking about a Vietnamese village, our officials would say, “We had to destroy the environment in order to save it.”

This morning the contractors got a big truck with extended stabilisers and a crane to move the blocks of concrete out of the way so they can deploy more earth-moving equipment.

Gilbert & Sullivan couldn’t do better.

Roger Medcalf

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save our country parks

news from the green front

Questioning the U-turn Paul Zimmerman finds the government strangely silent as 30,000 object to development in the enclaves.

Tai Long Wan, which disallowed the expansion of Ham Tin in Sai Kung. And in 2013 the government said it was better to incorporate Tai Long Sai Wan in the country park.

Could it be because of secret meetings with the Heung Yee Kuk? More than 30,000 people objected to small house developments in the country-park enclaves, leading to a meeting last month between the Town Planning Board and green groups, legislators, ecologists, geologists and lawyers.

Government policy since 1991 and reconfirmed in 2010 is to protect the enclaves – 77 areas of privately owned land surrounded by country park – from development. This was reflected in the 2004 Outline Zoning Plan for

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But last year came a surprise announcement from the AFCD that it did not want to incorporate the enclaves within the parks. It said, “private land... can make the provision of country-park facilities and daily management difficult”.

Soon after, the Town Planning Board published plans for three enclaves – Hoi Ha and Pak Lap in Sai Kung and So Lo Pun in Plover Cove – with large areas “to make provisions for future Small House development”.

At the meeting, the green lobby explained an increase in population and small houses would

expose the parks to possible water pollution, fire, poaching, demand for roads, dumping of waste and light pollution. Sadly, the AFCD, whose job is “to protect the vegetation and wildlife inside country parks”, remained silent.

What is the explanation for the government’s recent irrational behaviour? Could it be because of secret meetings revealed in recent Legco papers? It emerged that “communication and consultation with Heung Yee Kuk (HYK) about the proposed measures for protecting country park enclaves were conducted on 21 June 2011 and 8 November 2011”.

See our presentations to the Town Planning Board at: www.countryparks.hk.

Paul Zimmerman is the CEO of Designing Hong Kong, a Southern District Councillor and the co-convenor of Save Our Country Parks alliance.

news Blazing Paddles win The Sai Kung women’s dragonboat team, Blazing Paddles, blasted to victory at an international event last month.

The team won the 500m Women’s Plate competition at the eighth annual Hill Dickinson Lamma International Dragon-boat Festival, competing against 64 teams from Australia and around Hong Kong.

“What a fantastic day and what

Big fish

a fantastic win!” captain Annabel Adams said. “We’ve worked hard for this and it’s great to add some silverware to our trophy cabinet.”

Blazing Paddles, sponsored by Paisano’s, train Saturday mornings at Sha Ha Beach. See them on June 2 at the Sai Kung races.

Divers have spotted eight Sabah giant groupers off Sharp Island in Sai Kung. They are believed to have been released, possibly to celebrate Buddha’s Birthday.

However, environmentalists are concerned the non-native fish, which can grow up to nine feet long, may damage the ecosystem with their immense appetites.

Meanwhile, a chef swimming off Pok Fu Lam was bitten by a twofoot grouper, leaving a 15cm gash.

Seeking new quiz master

Sai Kung’s best paintings

Agua Plus is looking for a new quiz master for its popular monthly brainbuster. Current quiz master Kevin McNamara, who has run the event since 2010, is leaving Hong Kong after his final quiz night in July.

“It does take a fair bit of work to compile the 100 or so questions.

You need to be a fairly organised sort of person with good timemanagement skills,” he says.

Have you got what it takes? Please contact Agua Plus on 2791 2030.

Kevin’s final quizzes will be held at 8pm on June 5 and July 3.

Sai Kung’s first Summer Exhibition will feature 37 works by 22 young, emerging and professional artists who live in Sai Kung or Clearwater Bay. Organiser Sascha Camille Howard and Sai Kung Magazine’s Hannah Grogan selected the pieces from more than 150 impressive entries in a wide variety of media. The youngest exhibitor is just 14 years old, but her work holds her own among established artists. The exhibition will run until June 8 at the Sascha Camille Howard Art Studio, Lot 787, Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, www.saschahoward.com.

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in your backyard

Irish dancers win gold

Lounge at the Hive

Hong Kong’s Irish dancers have returned victorious from the European and world championships with more than 150 medals and trophies.

Representing Asia, Echoes of Erin School of Irish Dance took three wins in the European Championships and placed second, sixth and ninth in the World Championships solo competition. Well done!

See them in action at the third Hong Kong International Rince Feis and Premierships on June 8, 9am-7pm. Hong Kong Academy, Sai Kung.

Tickets $200 at the door. For details, email info@echoesirishdancing.com.

To accommodate those who like to get out of the house to work or cruise the web, the Hive Sai Kung has introduced a new Lounge Membership.

For $300 a month, Lounge members can cosy up on the armchairs and squishy sofas in the coffee shop or alfresco deck of the shared working space and invite up to three friends to join them for a delicious freshly ground coffee at discounted rates. Lounge members can visit Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm, and Saturday mornings. 5 Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung, 2780 5844, www.thehivesaikung.com.hk.

The nitty gritty on men at work Get to grips with people on the street in journalist Nicole Chabot’s new book, Street Life Hong Kong. It is filled with in-depth interviews and black-and-white photographs of outdoor workers from scaffolders to lifeguards. It goes on sale in major bookshops this month, with Chabot signing copies at the official book launch on June 22, 2pm-4pm, at Commercial Press Book Centre, B1/F Miramar Shopping Centre, 132 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.

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local Editorial Jane Steer jane@fastmedia.com.hk Hannah Grogan hannah@fastmedia.com.hk

Pythons in the park Following attacks on two dogs in Sai Kung, is the python a peril or are we paranoid? By Hazel Knowles.

Cherrie Yu cherrie@fastmedia.com.hk Art Director Kelvin Lau kelvin@fastmedia.com.hk Graphic Design Evy Cheung evy@fastmedia.com.hk Po Tsang po@fastmedia.com.hk Business Development Manager Jackie Wilson jackie@fastmedia.com.hk Sales & Marketing Angela Tsui angela@fastmedia.com.hk Rica Bartlett rica@fastmedia.com.hk Digital Content Editor Sharon Wong sharon@fastmedia.com.hk Accounts Manager Connie Lam connie@fastmedia.com.hk Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk Contributors Adele Brunner Carolynne Dear Sally Andersen Sophia Ho Stephen Vines Paul Zimmerman Hazel Parry Steffi Yuen Jodee Fong Kelly Li Printer Gear Printing Room 3B, 49 Wong Chuk Hang Road, (Derrick Industrial Building), Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong

Businesswoman Katie Heyring has spent many happy hours walking in the hills above Sai Kung over the past two years. But a deadly encounter with a five-metre python that killed her pet dog, Charlie, has convinced never to take one trail again.

The attack has left her haunted by a chilling thought: what if it the snake had attacked her children?

“The snake was colossal,” said Heyring, 41, an art dealer and swimming coach. “Since it happened, I keep thinking, what if Kaspar [her son] had been in front? What would the snake have done to him? It is too horrible to contemplate.”

The attack on Charlie, a 28kg mongrel, occurred on a trail that veers off from a family walk at Pak Tam Chung up into the hills towards Yan Yee Road. It happened in full view of Heyring’s two youngest children, Kaia, seven, and Kaspar, five, and her four other pet dogs.

Heyring tried to rescue Charlie, hitting the snake repeatedly with a walking stick, but the python was too strong.

“It was terrifying,” she recalled.

“The kids were screaming and the other dogs were barking… After

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Katie Heyring with her dogs. Her 28kg mongrel, Charlie, was killed by a five-metre python last month.

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about a minute, Charlie stopped squealing and I knew that was it.

There was nothing I could do. I had to get the kids and the other dogs away.”

The attack on May 18 has sent shockwaves through the Sai Kung community with many residents posting comments online. Most expressed sympathy for the family, others pointed out the right of the snake to roam free, while some expressed pure panic.

The attack occurred just two weeks after businesswoman Courtney Link and her husband, Pete, managed to rescue their 24kg dog, Dexter, from another fivemetre python that attacked during a walk on the Wan Tsai peninsula in Sai Kung Country Park.

Different snakes are believed to be responsible for the two attacks, which were 10 kilometres apart.

But the attack on Charlie happened in the same area as three other python attacks on dogs in recent years, one of them fatal, raising the question that it could be the same snake getting bigger and more ambitious.

The Burmese python is a protected species in Hong Kong and can grow up to six metres long.

It usually feeds on small mammals such as wild boar or deer.

In the past, pythons that strayed too close to people were captured and sent to a “suitable nature reserve” in China. However, this changed in 2010 as a result of pressure from animal-welfare groups worried about the fate of pythons in China and the effect that removing the predators would have on the ecosystem.

So the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) began a pilot project, microchipping captured pythons and releasing them in Hong Kong, in “remote countryside with suitable habitats for pythons”. It was

hoped the project would help the AFCD manage the snakes while maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

It also promised insight into the behaviour and movements of the python population, believed to be in the thousands, and answer the question about whether a snake removed from an area close to human habitation would eventually

it’s sss-snake season

Left and above: Sai Kung snake catcher Dave Willott captures a python.

in 2012, and 169 in 2013. So far this year, 14 pythons have been caught.

At least seven have made their way back to human habitations to be captured a second time, and one has been captured three times, raising the possibility that a removed python will return to the same feeding grounds.

Sai Kung snake catcher and python expert Dave Willott, who is currently tracking captured and released pythons in Hong Kong in a separate study for the AFCD, said he was concerned people would associate the attacks on dogs with the microchip and release policy. However, he believed it was probably coincidental.

Willott said although it was possible the same snake could be responsible for more than one attack, the answer was not to hunt it down and remove it.

“My opinion is to leave it alone, but I don’t think the public will like that idea,” he said. “If the snake is taken away you are just leaving a gap for another big one to come in.

“When there’s a conflict between people and animals, it’s always the animals that come off worse. We need to change that way of thinking. People are going to have to understand that in some places the animals rule. We have to learn to live with them. That

nightmare of a big snake coming for your kids, it only happens in movies,” he said.

Charlie was attacked in an area with signs warning of a python and recommending dog walkers keep their dogs on leads.

“I’m not blaming the python and I’m not blaming the people with dogs,” Willott said. “But, seriously, if you don’t want your dog to get taken by a python you have got to keep it on a lead.”

In response to the attacks, the AFCD said it would consider installing more signs warning about pythons in appropriate locations and would cut the grass regularly along maintained footpaths as Burmese pythons spend most of their time hidden in vegetation.

“People and pets should avoid less obvious trails and staying around dense vegetation to minimise the chance of snake encounter,” a spokesperson said.

She added that snakes tended to stay away from humans but, in the event of an encounter, people should stay calm and slowly move away to give the snake a chance to flee.

It was terrifying.

The kids were screaming, dogs were barking...

return to the same place.

In the first three years of the project, the AFCD captured 440 pythons ranging in length from 50cm to 4.2 metres. Of these, about 380 were released back into Hong Kong, while the remaining 60 either died or were euthanized owing to ill health. The number of captured pythons has increased steadily: 116 pythons were captured in 2011, 147

Willott has additional advice for dog owners worried about pythons, which involves a small bottle of isopropyl alcohol and fearlessness.

Pouring the alcohol into the python’s mouth, nostrils or windpipe, which protrudes from the corner of its mouth so it can breathe while swallowing its prey, is an effective way to get a snake to release its grip. Otherwise, the best approach is to grab the python by its tail and pull as hard as you can.

“You’ve got to go for the tail and start yanking and pulling it,” he said. “The snake might tighten up at first but it doesn’t like the idea of not being anchored down. If you’re aggressive enough and you get its tail and start walking backwards and pulling, it will let go.”

Python’s previous July 2006: A huge python kills Esther Leender’s 22kg husky on a walking trail close to Sheung Yiu Family Walk in Pak Tam Chung.

September 2007: In the same area, dog owner Catherine Leonard frees her 20kg mongrel from a python by kicking and punching the snake.

May 2010: Sixty-year-old teacher Robert Stearns rescues his 15kg dog from a four-metre python by beating it with an umbrella and prising open its mouth in the third attack near Sheung Yiu Family Walk.

May 2014: Courtney Link rescues her 24kg dog from a five-metre python, 10km away on a coastal walk on the Wan Tsai peninsula, near Hoi Ha.

Are you for or against the expansion of Hiram’s Highway?

Tell us in our Readers’ Choice Awards for the chance to win great prizes. Vote now at www.saikung.com.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 17

vines in sai kung

stephen says...

Here come the vandals Forces are mobilizing in the country parks, warns Stephen Vines.

Fill them enclaves with concrete The struggle to save the country parks is entering a crucial stage. The government is contemplating revising Outline Zoning Plans to permit a new raft of so-called Village Type Development in the enclaves that are excluded from the general prohibition on erecting buildings in the country parks. Sai Kung looms large in these plans as park enclaves in Hoi Ha, Pak Lap and So Lo Pun are threatened.

The Heung Yee Kuk and its allies are being fully mobilized to ensure the loopholes in the country-park system are exploited to the full. Preservationists are also moving to urge the government to resist these attempts, but as recent Town Planning Board hearings have shown, officialdom is in cahoots with the cement-loving vandals.

Such is the influence of these vandals that they feel confident in flouting planning laws without fear of redress. They have literally ploughed ahead with land clearance in the enclaves, making them ready for development.

A recent World Wildlife Fund report found 12 of the 77 country-park enclaves have already been vandalized in this way. Property developers have been buying land in the country parks because they anticipate the tactics will work and tasty profits will ensue.

The Kuk claims to represent the rights of indigenous people by insisting on villagers’ property rights and it repeats that these rights are enshrined in law. However, the Kuk only bothers about the law when it suits themselves.

Anyone who thinks the powerful countrypark vandals will be satisfied with building a few tasteful village houses is clearly taking one of those substances that produce a new sense

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of reality and are occasionally found being cultivated in the parks.

Rights of no way Meanwhile, as Paul Zimmerman highlighted in the last issue of this magazine, there is a growing problem of villagers – or property owners, to be more precise, as few of them actually live in these areas – blocking public access to country-park villages.

They have literally ploughed ahead with land clearance Near where I live in Pak Tam Chung there is a small peninsula that is home to Wong Yi Chau village. A gate has been erected at the village entrance and a sign in Chinese declares it is private property with no public right of way. This is a downright lie. However, when entering the village with a small squad of canine bodyguards, I have been asked why I am there. Fortunately, being Western, I can pretend not to understand a word of Cantonese.

(Expectations of gweilo linguistic abilities are low and so my claim is convincing.) What follows is a bit of swearing, which I understand quite well, a look at my dogs and then a shrug of the shoulders.

The obstruction to entry of this village, which contains publicly financed paths, lighting and other amenities, has been reported to the authorities. It comes as no surprise that these reports have been ignored.

A better vision: Sai Kung in outsiders’ eyes To forestall accusations of using this space purely to peddle gloom, let me report the experience of accompanying two longtime Hong Kong residents on a visit to Sai Kung.

Seeing it through their eyes was quite a treat because us Sai Kung residents can get a bit blasé about our wonderful home patch.

Like me, they are avid walkers and were impressed by the easy access to country trails.

After our hike we needed to be fed and watered, which involved heading for Sai Kung town.

Well refreshed, we sat in the town square and watched the world go by: families, dogs, people wearing wildly inappropriate clothing and others wearing a bare minimum. The visitors were amazed by how many people seemed to know each other, but I took for it granted.

We had accessed the square via the old town, which seems to be evolving by the day.

They kept asking why the government hadn’t ordered its demolition, like elsewhere in Hong Kong where the government’s master plan for conservation is to build new shopping malls.

They could hardly believe there were so many independent stores offering a welcome break from the monotony of the ubiquitous chains.

I earnestly implored them to keep quiet about what they had seen, because you know what happens in Hong Kong when news spreads of people enjoying themselves without adding to the tycoons’ profits.

Stephen Vines is a journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur. He is the former editor of the Eastern Express and Southeast Asia correspondent for The Observer.

We see the individual.

Hong Kong Academy’s Class of 2014 are ready for the future, academically and socially. As an IB World School, HKA’s graduates are well-prepared to continue their journeys as life-long learners.

Enthusiastic about their next adventures, they are ready to embrace the challenges of a dynamic and diverse world.

HKA educates students ages 3 to 18. To learn more about our school community or to arrange a tour, please call 2655-1111 or visit www.hkacademy.edu.hk.

learning, growing, understanding

feature

Fun sun in the

Summer camps for kids.

By Carolynne Dear.

Surf Hong Kong’s camps at Tai Long Wan go beyond the waves.

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get busy

Dragon-boating is just one of the watersports for kids at Blue Sky’s Wet & Wild summer camps.

Wet and wild Ark Eden The environmental group is running Eco Adventure camps on Lantau Island every Monday, Wednesday and Friday throughout July and August. Catch a ferry from Central to spend the day farming, tree planting, swimming in waterfalls, island hopping, hiking, meeting Charlie the pig and eating barbecue. Details at 6110 9293, www.arkedenonlantau.com.

Blue Sky Kids try a range of watersports at Blue Sky’s three- or five-day Wet & Wild Camps, with options for overnight camping or home sweet home at the end of the day. Based at the Sai Kung Water Sports Training Center near Sha Ha Beach, days are spent swimming, SUP, kayaking, snorkelling, wakeboarding, surfing and dragon-boating. Details from Bryan Ng on 9468 1684, www.bluesky-sc.com.

Hebe Haven Yacht Club Children aged seven to 12 will love the Watersport Adventure Weeks – sailing, raft building, beach Olympics, junk trips, barbecues and more – while older kids and more serious sailors can take part in Hong Kong Sailing Federation certificate, Optimist and racetraining courses. Open to all, with discounts for

members. June 30-August 29. Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung, 2719 0926, www.hhyc.hk.

Surf Hong Kong Wake up on the beautiful beaches at Tai Long Wan in Sai Kung Country Park with Surf Hong Kong. Its overnight three- or five-night surf and wilderness camps run June 30 to August 22, and are divided into Groms (eight-12 years) and Surfers (13-17 years). Pick up and drop off from Sai Kung. Details at www.surfhongkong.com.

Treasure Island Hong Kong’s biggest surf camp runs every week from June 23 to August 15 at beautiful Pui O Beach, Lantau. The camp welcomes kids aged five to 18. Beginner “Grommet” classes focus on learning to surf and water safety, plus beach games and arts and crafts. Older kids can surf, hike, mountain bike, kayak and sleep under canvas. Details at 2984 8710, www. treasureislandhk.com.

Sporty Asia Pacific Soccer School Kinder Kicks classes for children aged one to five will run in Sai Kung four days a week, with Thursday sessions in Hang Hau and Fridays at Clearwater Bay Country Club. Details at www. kinderkicks.hk. Older children can join morning

camps at Hong Kong Academy from July 7-18, or camps in Jordan and Australian International School. Enroll at www.apsoccer.hk.

ESF Educational Services Popular multi-sport camps will be held at Renaissance College, the Australian International School and South Island School.

Or join specialist clinics for soccer, basketball, swimming, gymnastics and tennis. Sign up by June 17 for a discount at www.esf.org.hk.

Hong Kong Junior Golf Learn to pitch and putt or improve your swing at golf camps for kids aged three to 18. Beginners play at Golf Waterfall Range in Olympian City, Tai Kok Tsui, while more experienced golfers walk the fairways of Nine Eagles Golf Course, Chek Lap Kok. Maximum of six students a class with instruction in English and Chinese. Details at 2271 4953, www.juniorgolf.com.hk.

Sport4Kids Kids aged three-12 can work on their skills at Sport4Kids’ Multi-Sports Camps. Basketball, soccer, rugby, gymnastics and athletics are covered in three-hour, week-long camps from July 21-August 15 at venues across Hong Kong, including Hong Kong Academy in Sai Kung. Details at 2773 1650, www.sport4kids.hk.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 21

summer camps Art & Craft Anastassia’s Art House This year’s summer camps focus on International Folk Art from Native Americans to Russian and African cultures. For children from age three.

9 Hoi Pong Street, Sai Kung Old Town, 2719 5533, www.arthouse-hk.com.

Bricks 4 Kidz The LEGO-based activity centre is hosting week-long summer camps in Sai Kung. Themes include junior and advanced robotics, stopmotion film-making, animal “grossology”, extreme expeditions, space adventures and a girls-only camp. The five-day, three-hour camps run June 30-August 15. Details at 2791 0007, hk.bricks4kidz.com.

Kids’ Gallery This long-established children’s arts centre is running loads of summer workshops including drawing, cooking, dance, theatre, candlemaking, book illustration and more. Suitable for children aged one to nine at venues across Hong Kong, www.kidsgallery.com.

Performing arts Circus School The circus is coming to town! Actor and director Matt Coombes, a teacher at the National Centre for Circus in London, is teaching juggling, plate spinning, acrobatics, clowning and more at two-hour, five-day camps on June 30-July 4 and July 7-11, at the Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wan Chai. Call 9471 1192 or email matt.mainstage@me.com.

Echoes of Erin Irish dancing camps will be held throughout the summer at venues all over Hong Kong, including venues in Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay. Tiny dancers aged three to teens will be high kicking with world- and European-ranking dancing instructors. Details at 9093 2015, www.echoesirishdance.com.

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Improve your technique at Asia Pacific Soccer Schools’ summer camps.

Faust International Youth Theatre Faust’s Holiday Theatre includes week-long courses developing drama skills, with an open session on Fridays for parents. Students are grouped by age, with classes for children aged four to 14. Creative-writing classes are also available in Sheung Wan. 10am-12.30pm, or 2pm-4pm. Details at 2547 9114, www.faustworld.com.

Music Horizon A host of music and art courses will run all summer in the heart of Sai Kung, including ukulele, pop guitar, drumming and band training. A Mandarin and art course is also

available. Most classes are an hour a week, with three to six students per course and prices vary ($1,280 for 10 lessons in ukulele; $550 for four band-training sessions). 188 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2791 7676, music-saikung.com.

Red Shoe Dance School Ballet, jazz, hip hop and contemporary dance and musical theatre will keep kids aged five and up bopping from July 2-6. Morning sessions for beginners and afternoons for more advanced dancers. From July 7-11 , over-sevens can explore street dance. Studios in Aberdeen and Central. For details, call Jacqui on 9813 0079, www.redshoedance.com.

summer camps RockABaby Family days and more than 10 creative workshops for children aged nine months to 10 years from July 7-August 16, including dance jam, drum jam, mini theatre, paint a story and more. 6/F, 244-248 Des Voeux Road, Sheung Wan, 3685 3071, www.rockababy.com.hk.

Starlit Voice Drama and theatre courses and public-speaking workshops. 10/F 3 Arbuthnot Road, Central, 2108 2182, www.starlitvoice.com.

Time for Action Film school for kids teaching all aspects of filmmaking. There are two summer camps: for children aged 11-16 on June 30-July 4, 9amnoon at Hong Kong Academy; and for children aged nine-12 on August 12-15, 9am-2pm at Adventist College, Clearwater Bay. Call Matt at 9455 8512 or visit www.timeforaction.com.hk.

Language and learning Easy Peasy Services Summer bootcamps in Sai Kung help kids brush up on “personal” skills, such as school readiness, friendships skills and organisation, in one-hour, week-long classes for kids aged

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En garde at YWCA, which is running a huge variety of camps and classes this summer.

five-13. Details at 6387 4749, www.easypeasyservices.com.

ESF Educational Services Science, beginners’ Spanish, debate and presentation, science, cooking and drama courses at ESF schools. Suitable for all ages.

For details, visit www.esf.org.hk.

ITS Educational Services Courses about Hong Kong during World War II, including visits to the Wong Nai Chong Gap Trail, and intensive writing for years three to six.

Details at 2116 3916, www.itseducation.asia.

Lighthouse Playroom Children aged three to six can improve their

Mandarin with fun activities. 9.30am-12.30pm, Monday-Thursday, July 7-August 14.

183B Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2791 2918, www.lighthouseplayroom.com.

YWCA There’s dawn to dusk action at the YWCA this summer, with a huge variety of camps including Mandarin, writing, maths, science, personal growth, arts, cooking, dance and soccer. For children aged one to 17. 1 Macdonnell Road, Central, 3476 1340, www.clle.ywca.org.hk.

28-August 8 (Mandarin). Tickets are $140 a session in advance. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 11 Pak Tam Chung Village, Sai Kung Country Park, 2791 1540, admin@leapfrogkindergarten.org.

It’s going to be a splashtastic summer at Leapfrog

For the smalls Garden House Help in the garden, take care of rabbits and fish and have fun with the paddling pool at play-based summer classes for children aged two to seven. Activities include arts and crafts, gardening, nature studies, cooking, stories and circle time. 9am-noon, or 9am-2.30pm, 7 Silverstrand Beach Road, Clearwater Bay, 2358 1177, www.gardenhouse.hk.

Lighthouse Playroom Weekly Happy Friday parties for children aged three and up have themes such as Teddy Bear, Pyjamas and Chef. Super Tot Summer Pre-school will help two- and three-yearolds about to enter kindergarten to cope with school life without a caregiver. In English and Cantonese; 9.30am-11.30am or 2pm-4pm, Monday-Thursday, July 7-August 14.

183B Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2791 2918, www.lighthouseplayroom.com.

Leapfrog Pre-school It’s going to be a splashtastic summer with sprinklers, paddling pools and art and craft sessions for children aged one to five. Open daily, 9am-11am, July 7-25 (English) and July

RugBees Rugby-inspired activities – catching, passing, kicking, balancing, teamwork, agility and more – plus the regular “Fun in the Farm”-themed classes will run in July

and August. Suitable for children from walking to four years old at venues across Hong Kong.

Details at www.rugbees.hk.

SKIP Paint & Play for children aged one to five years, accompanied by an adult. There will be lots of messy and water play, arts and crafts, circle time with stories, singing and dancing every weekday morning from July 7 to August 15. Some afternoon sessions are available in August. Sessions cost $150 each and tickets must be bought in advance. Sai Kung Preschool, 159 Che Keng Tuk Road, Sai Kung, 2791 7354, www.skip.edu.hk.

Woodland Pre-schools Bigger and better than ever, this year’s summer camps will run for seven weeks for children aged six months to six years at Woodlands Pre-schools across Hong Kong. There is also a programme entirely in Mandarin. Marina Cove Shopping Centre, Sai Kung, 2813 0290, www.woodlandschools.com.

Best children’s activity in Sai Kung?

Have your say in our annual Readers’ Choice Awards for the chance to win great prizes. Vote now at www.saikung.com.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 25

E T O V Awards 2014 Go to saikung.com, vote for your favourite things in Sai Kung, and win great prizes. Results out in August.

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feature

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greasepaint & glitter Yan Fei-yin prepares for her role as the female lead in Sai Kung’s annual Cantonese opera to celebrate Tin Hau Festival.

A night at the opera Backstage in Sai Kung’s bamboo theatre.

Words and pictures by Hannah Grogan and Cherrie Yu. WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 29

feature Back in the day, villagers would drag their chairs or sofas to sit around the stage

It’s Saturday night and Sai Kung’s bamboo opera theatre is filling up. Families are gathering to take their allotted seats, their names hand-written on labels attached to the seatbacks. Outside, people mill around temporary market stalls set up opposite Steamers selling balloons, jewellery, snacks and desserts. We are escorted through the growing crowd and led backstage. Tonight we are getting a privileged peek behind the scenes into the tradition-bound and beautiful world of Cantonese opera.

For a few weeks in early summer, Sai Kung town is transformed. Traffic is rerouted, the basketball court is cleared and a huge bamboo theatre springs up across Yi Chun Street. The opera is in town.

Thousands of people turn up for the five days of performances, some sitting enthralled for hours, others standing for just a few minutes, fanning themselves furiously or nipping out to chat with friends. It’s one of Sai Kung’s biggest annual events.

The opera is part of the Tin Hau Festival and has been a Sai Kung tradition for more than 60 years. It’s usually held up to a month after the festival for entirely practical reasons: to limit traffic problems and to ensure the organisers can hire the best crew.

The bamboo theatre takes 10 days to construct and five to remove, and is built without a single nail. Instead, thin bamboo shavings are used to lash the struts together.

Overseeing the construction is female bamboo master Cheung Shuet-ying of Wai Yip Scaffolding, who has been building temporary theatres for more than 40 years. She says the main difference with the modern constructions is that they are covered in tin sheeting instead of flammable dried straw mats.

“Locals still prefer to go to the bamboo theatre,” she says. “They love watching Cantonese opera while eating their favourite food and chatting with their neighbours.”

One self-confessed opera addict is Li Fuk-hong, chairman of the Sai Kung Kai Fong Committee, which organises the event and has an office in the Sai Kung Tin Hau temple. He says this year’s event was among the biggest yet.

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Candy Wai Chun-fai checks her makeup.

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a night at the opera

Clockwise from left: an assistant dresses Wai for her (male) role; costumes backstage; slippers are the last thing the performers put on; taking the stage.

“The past few years we have introduced a 1,000-seat structure with raising seats in the back for better viewing,” Li said. “Everything was much simpler back in the day. Villagers would drag their chairs or sofas to sit around the stage. Elders tell me that, during the festival, villagers would call friends or relatives who work in Sai Kung and sleepover at their homes or even sleep in the audience area.”

It costs up to $1.2 million to build the bamboo theatre and pay the actors and crew.

With no government funding, the event is entirely funded by the local community through donations and ticket sales. Tickets are sold in sets of six, starting at $2,000 for one session.

This year more than 80 per cent of tickets were sold ahead of the event.

“We really appreciate the villagers, who are very supportive when the festival time comes around. Everyone pitches in [money] to enjoy the opera,” Li says. “There is no need to advertise; people simply come to the office and donate. It’s tradition.”

Daytime shows feature rising Cantonese opera performers, but the evening shows attract some of the biggest names in Cantonese opera.

Even so, Li says, interest is waning and the Kai Fong Committee is thinking creatively about future events.

“It is less popular with local Chinese people, especially with the lack of interest from the younger generations,” he says. “But there is a growing popularity with foreign residents, so we are planning to add a few shows sung in English with everything else remaining the same.”

Venturing backstage is a shock to the senses. Like a cross between an elaborate street market and a travelling circus, it’s busy, gaudy and beautiful. We are transfixed by the colours, sights, sounds (sort of) and the sheer spectacle of it all. Costumes dangle from the ceiling and fill the corridor. There are irons and hangers everywhere.

Backstage is divided into three sections: the curtained-off main performers’ dressing rooms containing their personal chests and photos, a corridor filled with props and supplies, and a group dressing room. Assistants help performers with their hair and layers of clothes, but each actor does his or her own makeup – it’s an essential part of their training.

Tonight Candy Wai Chun-fai is playing the leading male role. A popular performer in the local Cantonese opera scene, she has been performing for around 30 years.

“Sai Kung is simply a fantastic location. I have performed a few times here and each stay is like a holiday for us all,” she says fondly,

before turning away to finish getting ready.

Behind the scenes, there’s a last-minute rehearsal between the leading cast members Franco Yuen Siu-fai (an opera child prodigy), Yan Fei-yin and Wai Chun-fai. The chaos pauses momentarily as they practise their staged movements. Moments later the performers don shoes and hats ready to go onstage, and we scurry away to take our seats. Curtain up.

Cantonese opera Learn more Yau Ma Tei Theatre is a dedicated Cantonese opera theatre, presenting performances yearround as well as courses. English options available. 6 Waterloo Road, Kowloon, 2264 8108, www.lcsd.gov.hk.

Coming up If you missed the Sai Kung opera, look out for the bamboo theatre at Pak Sha Wan in mid-July. This annual event celebrates Kwun Yam festival and, instead of selling tickets, visitors are encouraged to come along for free.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 31

eating Behind the kitchen door Sophia Ho grills chef Brendon Chadwick at Sai Kung’s laidback fine-dining restaurant, One-Thirtyone.

Clockwise from left: Tiny One-Thirtyone has an idyllic location; chef Brendon Chadwick; the restaurant’s herb garden helps inspire the seasonal menu.

I come from Perth, Western Australia, and I now live in Tai Tung Tsuen Village, Sai Kung.

I have a newborn son and I thought Sai Kung would suit us better.

I was a prawn fisherman for two years, when I was about 17 years old, around Shark’s Bay in Western Australia. We worked all night and would be on the boat for 28 days, have three days off a month during the full moon when the prawns don’t come out, and work eight months a year. We saw dugongs, swam with dolphins… it was fun. After two years, I thought I should get a real job.

I wanted to be a mechanic, like my father, but I broke my back while I was welding. Afterwards I wasn’t sure what to do and thought I’d try cooking. It was something we did as a family, and I’d cooked on the boats to earn more. I thought it would be better for my back… it’s not!

I’ve had 15 years’ experience as a chef. I trained in Fremantle and worked on Hamilton Island in Queensland, Doha, and the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean cooking for

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We’re here to make people happy celebrities such as Roger Federer, Bono and David Beckham. Federer likes to fly down there when he loses.

At One-Thirtyone, the cuisine is contemporary European and the menu is updated every season with new, fresh and creative ideas.

That’s our biggest challenge – to do what we do here takes a lot of work.

Most of our produce is from France and we grow parsley in our garden, as well as different types of mint, marigold, pineapple sage, fennel, rosemary and thyme, and so on.

We like to use second cuts, for example, Wagyu beef cheek, and slow cook it so that it melts in your mouth. It’s not something you can easily do at home. That’s how I think dining should be: either you go out for

something quick or something you couldn’t get at home.

We rely on word of mouth, so sometimes even local residents won’t have heard of us. We like the casual atmosphere – people can bring their kids and dogs and run around outside. We do a lot of private events and even weddings.

Customers tend to be more local since the opening of Hong Kong Academy in Sai Kung.

I like to come out and introduce the courses. It feels more personal and would be difficult to do in a bigger restaurant.

One guy who visited recently with his wife said it was one of the best meals he’d ever had.

It’s comforting to hear because that’s why we’re here – to make people happy and bring them not only good food, but a whole experience.

The best part of being a chef? Eating! You can’t just pick up some of these things at Wellcome.

131 Tseng Tau Village, Shap Sze Heung, 2791 2684, www.one-thirtyone.com.

what’s cookin’?

Nibbles ($168 for two) or arroz gordo ($95 for two). It also offers salad, pastas, sandwiches and desserts.

43-45 Hoi Pong Street, Sai Kung, 2392 3123.

Portuguese favourite pork loin is a Flavor speciality – order a day in advance.

Flavor of Portugal Michael Franco, former general manager at Hebe Haven Yacht Club, has opened a new Portuguese restaurant in Sai Kung. Located near Cheung Kee on the old-town waterfront, Flavor Casa de Portugal has alfresco tables and a contemporary-style dining room. The menu features Portuguese-style tapas (think bacalhau and Portuguese chorizo), garlic prawns ($248), African piri piri chicken ($188) and sharing dishes such as oxtail in port wine

It’s asparagus season Seasonal delicacy white asparagus is on the menu at Berliner and Cafe Deco this month.

Berliner dishes include apple wood-smoked salmon with white asparagus, celery-root remoulade and pumpernickel crumble ($108) and tiger prawns, white asparagus, baby green peas and truffle risotto ($198). Berliner has branches in Wan Chai, Olympian City and Discovery Bay. Cafe Deco is serving a three-course asparagus menu for $346. www.cafedecogroup.com.

Coffee for dad It’s Father’s Day on June 15. If your family guy loves a decent cuppa, treat him to an ecoconscious coffee gift. Agnès B has teamed up with local charity, The Hummingfish Foundation.

From now until June 26 pop into participating

Agnès B cafes to purchase a specially created gift for dad. Each set contains 100gm of freshly roasted Maubere Mountain Coffee and a limited edition coffee mug. $198 per set. For details, visit www.hummingfish.org.

New chilled-food delivery service New online company Food Factory delivers live seafood – lobster, clams and mussels – as well as fresh fish, fruit and vegetables and chilled rather than frozen meat. Delivery is free with purchases of more than $500 ($50 otherwise) across Hong Kong, Mon-Sat. For details, visit www.foodfactory.com.hk.

Here comes Gordon F-word Ramsay British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is to open a restaurant in LKF Hotel on Wyndham Street in September. Part of the Dining Concepts group, It will be on the mezzanine floor in the space formerly occupied by Balalaika. No word yet on the cuisine.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 33

sponsored column

Starting a new school ITS Educational Services offers tips on relocating with children.

Relocating with children is always challenging. As a parent you want the best for your child when you move to a new city and finding the right school is even more important than finding a new home.

Relocating changes many things for a family such as friends, schools and extracurricular activities, but it does not have to be traumatic. Communication is the key to making a move a positive experience for the whole family.

Advance planning is very important especially when children are involved.

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Before looking for a school, it is a good idea to have a clear picture of what is really important to you. The first step is to prepare a list of your wishes for the perfect school.

Then decide where you could

34 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

own child, who may have entirely different interests and personality to your child.

Remember that comments from people who do not have children in a school will be based on hearsay, not solid evidence. As parents, you know your children best and only you can decide.

Once you’ve devised a wish list, look at the schools available and make a shortlist of those that seem to meet your requirements. It is worth visiting as many schools as possible, so you can compare them and cross off the ones you don’t like. Only by visiting a school will you know if it is the right choice. compromise and where you could not. If you have more than one child, consider their general needs first then the specific needs of each individual. Be open to change and don’t be afraid of considering different schools for your children.

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Please visit www.nais.hk or call 3107 8158 for details.

outdoors

The new Tseung Kwan O skatepark is the biggest and among the best in Hong Kong.

Skate of the art Jodee Fong flips for the 852’s half-pipes.

It’s not quite Bondi Beach’s skating bowl, but it sure looks like it. Tseung Kwan O’s new skatepark opened on April 30 with a replica of Sydney’s famous skate pool, complete with shallow end, as well as a street area with pyramids and ledges and an L-shaped park bowl ready for shredding. (We’re not quite sure what that means either, but we like the sound of it.)

The largest skatepark in Hong Kong is specifically designed for skateboarding and aggressive inline skating with three half-pipes and bowls of varying levels of steepness and difficulty for skateboarders of all abilities, says the LCSD. Part of the Tseung Kwan O Velodrome, near Hang Hau MTR, the park was designed with help from prominent local skateboarder Warren Stuart, who runs the 8five2 skating shop and blog and was also involved in the popular skateparks at Fanling, Tung Chung and Mei Foo. Like Fanling skatepark, it was built by Aussie specialists Convic.

Stuart believes the new park offers some of the best facilities in Hong Kong, giving it the thumbs up for its abundance of open space,

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spectator stand and greenery, although he wishes it had more BMX facilities.

It’s part of a 5.3 hectare park that includes a huge central lawn (yes, you can walk on the grass), sport climbing wall, jogging track and playground next to the indoor velodrome.

Open daily 8am-10pm. Po Hong Road, Tseung Kwan O. Outdoor skateparks Fanling Skatepark Located in a mainly industrial area, Stuart at 8five2Shop voted it “the BEST skatepark in Hong Kong” when it opened in 2011, citing the super-smooth (read: super-fast) hand-poured concrete and professional design by Convic. It cost a cool $51 million, but had Stuart “feeling like a kid in a candy store”. Open daily 9am11pm. On Lok Mun Street, Fanling.

Mei Foo Skatepark Until TKO opened, this was the biggest skatepark in Hong Kong. Mei Foo Skatepark opened in 2004 following a petition with 446 signatures from the local skate community. It

Get the gear The Phat Shack Sai Kung’s skateboarding, surfing, wakeboarding and fashion retailer, is the best-stocked longboard shop in Hong Kong, with handmade boards and top skateboarding brands. Open daily 10am7pm. 1/F, 5 Tak Lung Back Street, Sai Kung, 2359 3836, www.thephatshack.com.

8five2Shop Street fashion and skateboard shop also has an outlet at the Vans Sk85IVE2 indoor skatepark. Open daily noon-10pm. 8/F, 506-508 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay, 2573 9872, shop.8five2.com.

X Game Hosts events and courses, as well as selling gear and accessories at three stores. 1/F, 198-200 Portland Street, Mong Kok, 2264 3088, www.xgamehk.com.

rad is divided into three sections for beginners, intermediate and expert skateboarders, with facilities including half-pipes, quarter-pipes, kickers, rails and fun boxes. Open daily, 7am10pm. Lai Chi Kok Park, Lei Wan Road, Lai Chi Kok, 2307 0429.

Tung Chung North Park Hong Kong’s first bowl park (with a few fun boxes) was designed in conjunction with 8five2Shop and built by Convic in 2010 on a 700 sqm site next to the Novotel and Citygate Outlets. Open daily 7am-11pm. 29 Man Tung Road, Tung Chung, 2109 3423.

Chai Wan Poolside Garden This 2,000 sq ft skatepark has ramps, a mini half-pipe, fun boxes and rails. Open daily 7am10pm. Sun Ha Street, Chai Wan, 2546 2539.

Morrison Hill Road Playground One of the oldest skate and bicycle parks has a basic run in a city location, which makes it popular despite its limited space. Open 24/ seven. Sung Tak Street and Morrison Hill Road, Wan Chai, 2879 5602.

Morse Park Skateboard Ground A small skatepark opened in 2010 with a few wellbuilt pipes and fun boxes. Open daily, 7am-11pm.

30 Heng Lam Street, Wong Tai Sin, 2338 3047.

Indoor skateparks Vans Sk85ive2 Indoor Skatepark The city’s first indoor skatepark was opened by 8five2Shop in conjunction with Vans shoes in a former factory. The 3,000 sqm park features a granite floor (for those who remember skating in malls), slick wooden ramps and quarter pipes for skaters of all abilities, plus a shop. Entry $80 for two hours for members only. (Membership is $300 a year or $600 for a lifetime.) Open MonFri 11am-8pm, weekends 11am-6pm. 7/F, 185187 Wai Yip Street, Kwun Tong, 2344 3982.

Checker Sports & Arts Academy Indoor inline skating venue with courses for kids and adults. Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat

Go Skateboarding Day The international skateboarding day on June 21 is being celebrated with an event at Tseung Kwan O skatepark, including games and mini competitions for local skateboarders, with prizes from sponsors such as Vans and 8five2Shop. Catch the action from 2pm-8pm. Run by the All Hong Kong Skateboards Association (AHKSA).

10am-9pm, Sun 10am-7pm. 2/F Galaxy Plaza, 2 Mong Lung Street, Shau Kei Wan, 2977 5128, www.csaa.com.hk.

YMCA King’s Park Centenary Centre Indoor inline skating with group and individual courses for kids and adults. Open daily 8.30am10.30pm. 22 Gascoigne Road, Yau Ma Tei, 2782 6682, www.kpcc.ymcahk.org.hk.

Are you for or against the expansion of Hiram’s Highway?

Tell us in our Readers’ Choice Awards for the chance to win great prizes. Vote now at www.saikung.com.

WWW.SOUTHSIDE.HK | 37

big day out

geronimo!

The waterfalls and swimming holes of Sheung Luk Stream make it a hotspot for couples and cliffjumpers.

Cliffjumpers and rock hoppers Jodee Fong cools her heels at Sheung Luk Stream

Summer is here. It’s too hot and too bright for comfort. But instead of curling up in an airconditioned bubble, I decide to take the plunge and cool off at one of the finest freshwater spots in Hong Kong: the swimming holes and waterfalls of Sheung Luk Stream in Sai Kung Country Park.

Sheung Luk translates as “double deer”, but it should be double dare (as in “I double dare you…”), because the waterholes are famous among thrillseekers who take turns jumping off the eight-metre cliffs into the pools.

It’s not just about testing your nerve, however: it’s also a good place for romantic picnics, rock-hopping and swimming with the kids and chilling out with friends.

38 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

The stream tumbles down the hill above the swathes of golden sand at Tai Long Sai Wan. Getting there involves catching a cab from the country park gate at Pak Tam Chung to Sai Wan Pavilion, then hiking 40 minutes, mostly downhill, on a paved path that joins the MacLehose Trail Stage 2.

Fresh grass scents the air and the trail literally hums with life. Stunning views of High Island Reservoir segue into equally glorious scenes of Tai Long Wan and its beautiful beaches. For a city-dweller, it’s hard to believe this is still Hong Kong.

After dropping down the steep hill to Sai Wan, follow the path through the village. You may find it hard to walk past the beach at this

The falls Want to be alone? Experienced hikers can keep scrambling up Sheung Luk stream for 40 minutes to a couple of hours to find far less busy pools and waterfalls with evocative names such as Thousand Silk Falls, Black Deer Pool, Well Bottom Pool, Rumbling Recess (Ming Yau) Falls and Reindeer Pool.

Swimming is prohibited in some of the more tempting pools, however, because they are in water-catchment areas. For details, visit www.hkwaterfall.net.

GIVING LIFE SHOULDN’T BE SO DEADLY Ramatoulaye, who lives in Burkina Faso, was about to give birth to her fourth child, but the boatman was nowhere to be found. Unable to get to the health centre across the river, she gave birth alone on the river banks.

Maternal health is a human right — join Amnesty International to defend human rights for women like Ramatoulaye.

Learn more at www.amnesty.org.hk.

© Anna Kari

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big day out point – it’s among the loveliest in Hong Kong – but keep going to the stone bridge in the far northwest corner of the beach. This is Sheung Luk Stream.

The path to Luk Wu Hiking Trail is marked by a sign that says “Caution, deep water”.

Scramble upstream (junk-trippers beware: you will need decent shoes on the sharp rocks) for a few minutes to find the first of the waterfalls and freshwater pools.

With the roaring waterfalls, clear pools, weird insects, exotic plants and young couples indulging in public displays of affection, it’s very zen.

One minute you’re steaming hot, the next you’re jumping into cool refreshing water Sheung Luk Stream crosses Sai Wan beach and empties into Tai Long Wan.

In front of me is a large, glimmering pond of turquoise water and a cascading waterfall surrounded by thick forest. There are lots of adventure seekers who have made the journey ahead of me for a free dose of adrenaline. The secret is out about this place, which features on numerous blogs, YouTube, TripAdvisor and

40 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

even CNN. Jumping off the cliff has become a Hong Kong rite of passage.

The eight-meter cliff looks deceptively low from the bottom, but peer over the edge at the sparkling water below and suddenly it seems very high indeed. Looking down gives me the shivers, my stomach flip-flops and I retreat from

the edge. My place is soon taken by bronzed Tarzans who dive, jump and somersault into the deep green pool. I’m no Jane, however, and decide not to join them.

Later, experienced cliff diver Dominic Brettell says he also had a panic attack when he first jumped.

big day out plunge if you’re not ready. Brettell recommends beginners jump from the smaller rocks, working up in height. And Action Asia’s editor-in-chief, Steve White, advises practising on swimming pool diving boards of different heights before cliff jumping. He does not recommend doing flips or tricks while cliff jumping as it adds unnecessary risk.

When to go One of the biggest and most popular streams in Hong Kong, Sheung Luk is busy at weekends from May to September. The round trip takes approximately five hours.

What to pack You will need a couple of litres of water to stay hydrated, swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, camera, a change of clothes, hiking shoes, sunblock, mobile phone.

Taking the plunge: jumping off the eight-metre cliffs has become a Hong Kong rite of passage.

“It lasted seconds, then my friends counted down to one and shouted ‘jump’. I had nothing in my mind except what they were saying,” he says. “One minute you’re steaming hot, the next you’re jumping into the cool, refreshing water. It washes over your face and it’s just… amazing.“

Diving tips Climbing and jumping off cliffs is dangerous, particularly when it’s wet and slippery. Wash sunscreen off your palms before climbing, check the water is at least two to three metres deep and that no one is below you before jumping. Don’t be pressured into taking the

How to get there From Sai Kung, minibus 29R goes to Sai Wan Pavilion at 8.30am, 9.15am, 11.30am and 3.30pm. If you miss the minibus, take Citibus 94 or 96R to Pak Tam Chung and catch a cab.

From the pavilion, follow signs to Sai Wan Village. Alternatively, catch a speedboat from Sai Kung waterfront to Sai Wan for $120 a head. For details, call 9800 3601.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 41

health & beauty Beauty and the beach Cherrie Yu gets bikini ready.

Best spa in Sai Kung?

Tell us in our Readers’ Choice Awards for the chance to win great prizes. Vote now at www.saikung.com.

Beach accessories All you really need for a bikini body is a bikini and a body. Whether you prefer to keep it itsy-bitsy, boy-short, tankini or a one-piece,

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itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny you’ll find it at Ozzie Cozzie, 5/F Tak Woo House, 1-3 Wo On Lane, 17-19 D’Aguilar Street, Central, www.ozziecozzieco.com.

Get the glow Buff your body with the Elemis exotic lime and ginger salt glow spa at Sense of Touch. The treatment includes exfoliation,

light body brushing, warm oil polishing and exotic flower body balm, leaving the skin smooth and glowing. $580 for 90 minutes.

Sense of Touch, G/F, 77 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2791 2278.

Hair Keep your hair in shiny tip-top condition even on the beach with the new Goldwell Keratin Treatment from Tala’s Hair

& Beauty. The customizable treatment keeps hair smooth for up to three months. From $2,200, including consultation. 56 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 23351694.

Nailing it Prepare for open-toe season with a 45-minute pedicure ($570) at Sabai Day Spa. 2/F, 10D, Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2791 2259.

Wax Get rid of strays with a bikini wax at Sabai Day Spa $230-$450.

Tanning Glow before you go with a spray tan at California Beach Club. Face tans start at $188, with full-body tanning from $458. 3/F Jade Centre, 98 Wellington Street, Central, 2851 3357.

Firm and Tone Bye-bye stretch marks. Allure’s radiofrequency firming technology smoothes and tones from $280 for 20 minutes. Shop 67, Sai Kung Town Centre, 22-40 Fuk Man Road, Sai Kung, 2792 2123.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 43

pets Doggy away days Sally Andersen offers tips on holiday homes for dogs.

Long and lazy summer vacations are great. But for those of us working in dog rescue, Hong Kong’s multitude of public holidays means there’s always a reason to put off adopting.

With summer, Christmas, Lunar New Year, Easter and all the festivals in between, there’s always a potential getaway looming.

Ideally, when thinking about adopting a dog, there should be a settling-in period when everyone is around and there’s minimal disruption. Responsible new owners delay plans to jet off and leave the dog in kennels, unless they employ a live-in helper that can be trusted to take care of their new pet. But with so many holidays throughout the year that might mean some people never find the right time to adopt an animal. So let’s look at what’s available in terms of boarding or home care for pets.

Fortunately Hong Kong now has a lot of options, including reputable boarding kennels and home-style facilities where dogs can have

44 | WWW.SAIKUNG.COM

Some in-town ‘dog hotels’ offer pampering and spa treatments

fun holidaying with other four-legged guests.

Do your homework. Ask rescue organisations, friends and other dog owners for recommendations, and choose the type of place that is best suited to your dog. Some in-town “dog hotels” offer pampering and spa

treatments, but they really only cater for smaller breeds who don’t need a lot of exercise. If your dog loves to be around other dogs and enjoys countryside hikes, look at the home-from-home boarding options. While dogs that like their own space may prefer more traditional kennels.

Avoid pet shops that offer boarding because your dog will just be stuck in a cage, and in any case, these places aren’t licensed to keep dogs in this way.

The best places get booked up early during popular holiday periods so plan ahead and make sure you have a reservation in good time.

do you ken(nel)?

creature feature Elusive adjutant dragonfly aka Aethriamanta brevipennis

Whatever you decide, your dog will need to be fully vaccinated against infectious diseases such as bordatella (kennel cough), and up to date on his regular heartworm and flea/tick prevention. Many facilities won’t accept young puppies, and in any case it’s not fair to leave a puppy in kennels while it still needs consistency and training.

If you’re happy with the way your dog has been looked after, try to use the same place every time you go away so it becomes familiar to your dog and therefore less stressful. You can enjoy your holidays much more if you don’t have to worry.

Sally Andersen is the founder of Hong Kong Dog Rescue, a charity that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes unwanted or abandoned dogs.

Where to find them in Hong Kong: Hong Kong Wetland Park, Sha Tau Kok, Lam Tsuen Valley.

In 2009, 115 species of dragonfly were recorded in Hong Kong. The elusive adjutant is a relative new bug, first recorded in Hong Kong Wetland Park in 2008. The species can also be found in Cambodia, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Like other dragonflies, the elusive adjutant is an aggressive carnivore. These small dragonflies have bright red abdomens.

Adult males grow up to 19mm long with a wingspan of up to 24mm; adult females can be 16mm long with a wingspan of 25 mm.

Dragonflies undergo incomplete metamorphosis, transforming from eggs to larva to adults. They spend most of their lives as larvae in water, moulting up to 17

times. When they’re ready to emerge, the larvae climb a plant stem to moult.

Adult dragonflies regulate their body temperature by moving their abdomens, raising them towards the sun on hot days to minimise the body surface area exposed to direct sunlight. On cold days, they bask on rocks or bare soil to warm up.

To mate, the pair form a heart-shaped wheel. Eggs are laid in water; some dragonflies dip their abdomens into water, others use a “dive-bombing” technique.

Steffi Yuen

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 45

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marketplace www.russianballetschool-hk.com

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classifieds LOCAL PROPERTY Detached House with Seaview HKD $13,800,000 Seaview unit at Tsam chuk Wan. 2100 square feet. House has a rooftop with 5 bedroom, maid room, private garden and parking place outside the house. Takes 1 minute to walk to the main road and 5 minutes to drive to Sai Kung City Centre.

SOLE AGENT: LEO’S PROPERTY AGENCY C-041854; CALL: 25776652, 82099030, 82099029 ALICE OR JOHNNY. CO-OP ARE WELCOME !!

Lovely Semi-detached Hse at Ho Chung HKD $78,000 3 story semi-detached villa located at the corner of a gated, private complex with a good degree of privacy and more open views compared to others. The house has been very well maintained, decoration and fitting looks like brand new. Landlord prefer to lease the house without furniture (except built-in fixture and appliances), but is open to further negotiations. Call Doris 98886101.

Detached Garden Villa HKD $100,000 Ref-SK200 Beautifully Renovated, Huge Private Garden, Shared Pool. 4 Bedrooms, Fabulous Designer Kitchen. Great Helper’s Q. Mountain Views. 2 c/p Good Management. Convenient for Shops & Restaurants.

SOLE AGENT www.thepropertyshop.com.hk 27193977 | C-027656 Heart of Silverstrand HKD $70,000 Ref-CWB366 3 Bed Family Home with Terrace & Roof Garden. Spacious Floor Plan, Fitted Kitchen. Popular Location, Convenient for Beach, Shops & Public Transport. Sea Views, Shared Pool, Garage & Good Management. www. thepropertyshop.com.hk.

27193977 | C-027656 Great Value ~ Must See! HKD $58,000 Ref-SK488 Attractively Renovated 4 Bedrooms Detached.

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A fully furnished two bedroom apartment near Sai Kung Town. Rental from HK$650 per night. Minimum two weeks stay. Email to: wing_lin8898@yahoo.co.uk.

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STROLL TO SAI KUNG TOWN HKD $ 90K Ref~SK123 Beautifully Renovated Family Home in an Attractive sought after Development. 4 Bedrooms (2 en-suites), Fabulous Kitchen, Spa style Bathrooms, Large Terrace, Shared Pool, Covered Car-park. www.thepropertyshop.com.hk.

27193977 | C-027656 GARDEN HOUSE HKD $ 63K/20.88M Ref~SK560 4 Bedroom Family Home.

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27193977 | C-027656 Village Block Next To Town HKD $20M 2100sf village block. Will consider selling each floor separately. Located 5mins walking distance from Sai Kung town in a quiet and peaceful area. Welcome and Fusion 2mins away. Reluctant to sell, only due to moving abroad. Fui Yiu Lane property rarely up for sale.

For more details please contact: Canaan Property Agency LTD (C-012503), Samuel Yeung Mobile: 90352683 Tel: 27923678

PROPERTY FOR RENT SAI KUNG LUNG MEI HOUSE FOR RENT HKD $55,000 Lovely warm 2100 sq ft semi detached house in Sai kung for rental from end May available on market. Sea view with 2 ensuites, 2 bedrooms, 1 storage room, 1 helper ensuite, 2 carpark space, and landscaped garden. House is nicely decorated with wooden floors with both hot and cold AC. Water heater by Stiebel Eltron. 15 minute walk to Sai Kung Town. Please call owner if interested at 90490978.

SAI KUNG NAM SHAN HOUSE FOR RENT HKD $60,000 Smart looking house located mid-levels of Sai Kung for rental from end July available on market.

Seaview with 3 ensuites, 1 helper ensuite, high ceiling living room, open kitchen, 1000 sq. ft. garden space, 2 car park spaces. Water heater by Stiebel Eltron and AC includes both hot and cold. Convenient 15 minute walk to Sai Kung Town. Contact Owner at 9049 0978 Fenny Tsang.

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SAI KUNG THREE FATHOMS COVE FOR RENT HKD $22,500 Three Fathoms Cove 7A (Kei Ling Ha Lo Wai 7A) house for rent! Lovely apartment located in a piturisque and unusual location. Seaview house is 1000 square feet and includes 1 ensuite, 1 bedroom, 1 shower/ toilet, 1 storage room, living room, conservatory, big western kitchen and indoor garage. Contact Owner at 90490978 Fenny Tsang.

CARS & BOATS BMW 5 Active Hybrid for Sale Private sale at 688,000 only.

March 2013, 6000Km – Navi - Telephone, ++.

Brown exterior and Leather - excellent condition. Call 2318 888 during office hours VW Golf 1.4L GT for Sale quick sale at $158,000 2011, 20,888km, original VW Telephone, Navigation, rear view cam, body grey, brown Leather seats.

Owner leaving HK. Call 9090 5173.

2005 VW SHARAN MPV HKD $65,000 Very good condition.

Silver - automatic transmission, leather seats, built in child seat, ABS, etc. Only owned by one owner. Contact Rowena 9484 5987.

2003 BMW 745Li HKD $78,000 4.4 ltr, 6-Speed Auto V8, 3 owners, Service History, 98,000kms. Titanium Grey with Beige Leather interior.

Protective matting front and rear, with unspoiled original carpeting beneath. Completely new interior roof lining.

Valid MOT until June 2014. Fantastic condition inside and out, a joy to drive. Contact on 9869 3986.

SERVICES PET HOME-STAY SERVICE Planning to send your dog to cage in a pet shop or kennel while you are travelling? Your dog will be able to walk around freely inside the house as well as the enclosed rooftop in a pleasant environment, taken care of on a 24 hour basis, well fed and walked twice a day. I am a pet lover with over 25 years’ experience in taking care of dogs and cats.

As a Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay resident, my home is a convenient place for your pet to stay in. For more information, please call Kristy at 6377 5567.

random but interesting QUEEN’S CASTLE ORGANIC DAY SPA HKD $480 New day spa in Sai Kung Clear Water Bay area with FREE indoor car park and provides affordable, conveniently located organic aroma therapeutic massage. Our mission is providing high-end therapeutic massage services in a caring, upscale, professional environment. Location: Dairy Farm Shopping Centre, Razor Hill Road, Clear Water Bay.

about connecting people with people who have the knowledge and can provide the support they need. From nannies to maternity nurses, our team of professionals have skills and experience to help your family and childcare needs. Address: 23/F, On Hong Commercial Building, 145 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai.

Email: hello@thenannyexperts.hk

Concorde Travel Leisure Travel and Cruise specialists since 1978. www.concorde-travel.com. Call 2526 3391 License No 350343.

Clean 9 Cleanse Detox Clean 9 is a 9 day plan whereby your body is gently cleansed of harmful toxins and built up waste matter. The plan enables you to safely lose around 7-14lb, although results vary from person to person. It is endorsed by doctors/ nutritionists as a sensible safe plan. The best part is, you’ll feel amazing after! Full of energy and life, your skin will glow and you’ll feel ‘clean’. You’ll achieve a new attitude towards food and dieting plus, the weight will stay off thanks to it not being a crash diet. Call Mel on 9180 9308 or email foreverclean9hk@gmail.com.

The Nanny Experts, Professional Nannies, Maternity Nurses & Experts HKD $180 The Nanny Experts specialises in the placements of professional nannies, babysitters and maternity nurses to families in Hong Kong. We are a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate

The Jeet Kune Do fighting Arts School HKD $400 Jeet kune do (way of the intercepting fist) is a martial art created by Bruce Lee during the 1960s. Neither a system nor a method, Bruce Lee didn’t consider his art a style but an aggregate of principles for developing the street fighter mind and body. Bruce

NATIONAL HARBOUR RENOVATIONS Home and office reno upgrades. Plumbing, electrical and handyman services. Call Charles 90851886. info@nationalharbour.com.hk. www.nationalharbour.hk

Guided Geopark Tour HKD $180/120 This tour will take you first to Yim Tin Tsai, Jin Island, Kiu Tsui Chau and Kiu Tau. Minimum 8, maximum 20 participants.

Advance booking recommended. For more information, please visit www.hikingtours.hk.

All 4 Kids Summer Fun! HKD $150-300/ hour Offering a wide range of classes and exciting workshops for children including Art, Drama, Dance, Sports, Storytelling, Playgroups, and Outdoor Picnic Family Fun Day! Held 16 June – 31 Aug for kids 6 months to 10 years old. Phone 2117 1348. Email info@all4kids.com.hk. www.all4kids. com.hk. Special discount offer - Early Bird discounts and Multiple Enrolment discounts up to 20% off!

Cambridge Weight Plan – Nutritional Weight Loss Plan CAMBRIDGE WEIGHT PLAN is in Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay. Balanced and nutritional weight loss plan with support and motivation.

Contact Jean 9045 5942 Jean@cambridgeweightplan. hk or Alison 9618 1777 alison@cambridgeweightplan.hk

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Lee liberally borrowed from other fighting styles: wrestling, fencing and western boxing and etc.

Call 5603-2409.

FREE LOCAL ADS • Jobs • Motoring • Furniture • Sai Kung property • Smartphone ready • No item too big or small

Visit www.saikung.com.

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 53

classifieds Computer Services Apple & Windows. Onsite Troubleshooting and support for Apple, Windows computers & peripherals. WiFi Networks & Extensions, Data Transfer Window, Mac, Windows to Mac, Data Recovery, connect iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iCloud, etc. Email: chrisk@netvigator.com or Call: Christopher Krishnan: 91470230 HEADSHOT PORTRAIT HKD $2000 Offering full service professional photography studio. We do any kind of commercial photography work - product, jewellery, weddings and events are our specialities. We offer competitive rates and top notch service. Contact White Box Photography on 2834 3200.

Party Magic Andy Ko HKD $2600 Andy Ko’s Children Magic Show is popular among local celebrities, Expats and Japanese family.

Frequently performs in HK Gold Coast, Saikung, Discovery Bay, HK American Club, HK Football Club, HK Disneyland. http://kids.koandy.com. Email: info@koandy.com.

Tel: 97002469 (Available in Fluent English, Cantonese & Simple Japanese.)

One-On-One Piano Lessons HKD $2600 Experienced tutor offers an inspired & creative lessons for kids, especially aged 2.5 or above.

Location: Clearwater Bay/ Silverstrand/ Sai Kung Language: Cantonese/ English/ Mandarin ﹣STUDENT ANNUAL RECITAL ﹣ABRSM PIANO EXAMINATION ﹣PIANO COMPETITION. Should you have any enquiries or to book a trial lesson, please contact us: Tel:(852) 6014-9389 Email: mschanpiano@yahoo.com

TUITION

Swimming Lessons Experience: Swim Australia Teacher & Hong Kong Open Medallist. Are you looking for effective swimming lesson? Well-qualified instructor to help you learn to swim effectively or improve swimming techniques. Swim lessons for kids (5+ years old).

Adult lesson is also welcomed. 1:1 Private and Group lessons are available. Contact Gary Fong at klgf@ hotmail.com or Whatsapp 9750 9679 for more details.

Advanced Photography/ Private Lessons from World famous American Photographer A renowned American Photographer with experience in career as an editorial and commercial photographer in 50 countries is accepting applications for private teaching--anywhere in Hong Kong. One-to-one lessons are offered to creative individuals. Participants may also enter less expensive small group lessons. Call 94115472 for details and pricing.

German Tutor Native German provides private tutoring in German as a foreign language. Travel to all HK-places.

Phone 64324172, e-mail: sabine_dlu@web.de.

Scarlett’s Cake LabCustomized Cakes and Cupcakes Customized cakes and cupcakes, created out of homemade loving care.

DOMESTIC HELPER SEEKING WORK Mature and experienced helper with calm and patient nature. Have 6 years experience with same employer.

Available immediately. Contact Girlie on 6140 0237.

PART TIME HELPER AVAILABLE Available 10AM to 5PM everyday. Capable to do all household chores and baby sitting. $70/hour. Contact on Sheila on 6718 8751.

FURNITURE NATIVE US EXPERT TUTOR- ENGLISH, WRITING, PHOTOGRAPHY Native American expert English Tutor, Writer, Publisher and Photographer offers to tutor students and adults at their homes anywhere in HK. Please call Scott for more information at 9411-5472.

TENNIS TUITION Maple Leaf Tennis is back! Children, Minitennis, Beginner & Advanced adult lessons in Sai Kung, Ma On Shan, TKO. Certified Canadian female tennis pro teaches in English or French CONTACT Liz at 53213663 mapleleaftennis@hotmail.com

Apollo Learning - Your Lifelong Education Partner!

HKD $350 Looking for good tutors? Don’t want to travel so much for tuition lessons? We have offices in Asia, including Hong Kong and Singapore. We could teach you through Skype/in-person so you could take the classes with our high quality teachers regularly and produce better results than you would have done on your own. We have high-quality tutors for general tuition, exam tuition, university tuition, and overseas university applications. www.apollo-learning.com

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

Learning Cantonese HKD $200 We provide tuition on Cantonese, which range from primary and secondary students, expatriates working in Hong Kong, or others who are interested to learn Cantonese. We teach in line with student’s ability and can go to their residents for the tuition. Please feel free to call 9779 7342 or email ritaf_sshh@yahoo.com. hk for further information.

REAL FRENCH FINE DINING IN SAI KUNG HKD $350 Private parties, romantic, friendly or business diner in an elegant environment in Sai Kung? We offer you outside and inside sitting, selection of handpicked French wines and classic French cuisine. We even

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do private parties. Opening at 7.00 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Lunch can also be offered on booking. Chez Raymond de Paris Booking number: 64841400 - We are just next to “The Light House” kids playing center, 2 minutes from Honey Moon” desserts.

HANDMADE MUNG HONEY Good for: Facial cleanser, Facial scrub, Facial Mask, Acne & eczema relieving and more. Details: sites.google.com/site/ munghoneyac/home

Furnitures for sale (cabinets & mattress) Mattress : Queen Size 2 metres long x 1.5 metres wide.Hardly use, $5000.

Chest Cabinet 0.81m high x 0.91m wide x 0.46m deep. Inside have 2 shelves $700. Glass Cabinet : 2.0m high x 0.66m wide x 0.46m deep. $1500. Stand up Cabinet : 1.8m high x 0.9m wide x 0.66m deep. $3000. Call 91046495.

Wooden Wine Rack FOR SALE !! $180 for 1/ $300 for 2 Can be sold as just one or both together.

Self pick up in Sai Kung Area. If interested, please Whatsapp me on 66364332.

Ikea Poang Chair HKD $700 2 Ikea Poang chair in black & red colour. Call 96400353.

Health and Wellbeing Outcall Masage HKD $500 ITEC qualified Hostistic Massage Therapist offering customized treatments in the comfort of your home/ hotel. $500/90mins. Please contact Pamela on tel. : 6695 3518 (whatsapp / line).

random but interesting Philips Induction Cooker HKD $300 Email hmd.sadeghi@ gmail.com or call 59189488.

MISCELLANEOUS NEW 7’ 4” Fiberglass Surf Board for Sale HKD $1400 7’ 4” fiberglass surf board for sale. (88 x 21”). Never used, never waxed. Fin detaches for easy travel.

Wood look. NO dings, perfect condition. HKD1,400 or best offer. No leash or bag comes packed in it’s original factory shipping carton. Call Mark 91546294.

Navy Blue Limited Edition Nintendo DS Lite HKD $500 No charger. Second hand, good condition Fijifilm camera, although a few scratches on the edges.

Comes with a case and strap. Very simple to use.

Has a battery charger, but no USB cord. Email alya.francis@gmail.com MacBook Pro 13” Paul Frank Neoprene Sleeve HKD $400 Paul Frank monkey/heart design. Soft inside and neoprene outside. Email alya.francis@gmail.com.

FUJIFILM FINEPIX Z10 FD CAMERA HKD $100 Second hand, good condition Fijifilm camera, although a few scratches on the edges. Comes with a case and strap. Very simple to use. Has a battery charger, but no USB cord. Email alya.francis@gmail.com.

2011 Apple MacBook Pro 13” HKD $100 Good condition. Has CD port, 2x USB ports and SD card port. Email alya. francis@gmail.com.

Jewelries for sale We do free delivery within Hong Kong EXCEPT Hei Ling Chau, Cheung Chau, Discovery Bay, Lamma Island, Lantau, Ma Wan, Peng Chau, Po Toi Island, Soko Island, Sunshine Island and Park Island.

Call 97322072. www.yinmankee.com Xbox 360 Kinect 200 GB for sale HKD $2500 Xbox 360 Kinect with 200 GB. This xbox will come with 7 games, forza motorsport 3, Call Of Duty Black Ops 2, Alan Awake, Halo Anniversary, Fifa 12, Grand theft Auto 5 and the Kinect Adventures Game! Throwing in 4 xbox wireless remotes, a manual wifi cable in case your wifi is weak and a microphone for online gaming! Text 62992797.

Books for Sale HKD $300 Get Reading Right (Altogether 36 books)Series 2 plus Camera Books. Whatsapp 91974826

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Beyond Empty Nest- An Interactive Workshop HKD $600 As parents, you prepare your children for Independence and to face the world on their own. Yet when they leave the nest, you may experience mixed emotions such as joy, sadness, relief, worry, anticipation and anxiety…

Share and explore your unique story and feelings. Email kei.coaches@gmail.com.

How to place your free ad in five minutes?

1.

go to www.saikung.com, click Classifieds

2.

Click on

Post an Ad 3.

Fill out the form and publish!

Pets and Pet Products Cats Looking for Home Help us save Ming and Mung! Two beautiful and highly bonded cats ‘Ming & Mung’ have been living happily in a car park in the Mid levels area for years now. They are a joy to watch and are inseparable, walking with their tails intertwined, always playing, eating and sleeping together. Please call Karen on 94747 581.

IKEA PS Wardrobe Tidy Black HKD $100 Packed and ready to be picked up! Email hmd. sadeghi@gmail.com or call 59189488.

To advertise, email: ads@saikung.com or call 2776 2772

ZENA & ZETA are very unique tricoloured 10 month old girls. Up to date with all required, health checked and deemed healthy.

Contact Kirsten on 5595 1933 or info@kirstenszoo. com to see them!

it’s on saikung.com!

WWW.SAIKUNG.COM | 55

business directory Events

Food & Beverage

Dora the Explorer LIVE! 3128 8288 www.doralivehk.com www.hkticketing.com Tap Dogs May 20-25, HKAPA 31 288 288 | www.htticketing.com

Sports & Fitness Advanced Tennis Performance 6135 7606 | atpltd.tennis@hotmail.com www.advancedtennisperformance.com Everfine Membership Services Limited 2174 7880 | enquiry@evergolf.com.hk www.evergolf.com.hk Hong Kong International Tennis Academy 9048 2810 | lea.lai@hkita.com www.hkita.com Liberty in Yoga 6112 1826 | www.libertyinyoga.com Sai Kung Stingrays www.saikungstingrays.org Sport4Kids 2773 1650 | info@sport4kids.hk www.sport4kids.hk Teeter Hang Ups 3575 9332 | inversion.com.hk

Health & Beauty Allure Beauty 2792 2123 Bronze Mobile Spray Tanning 6234 8594 bronzemobilespraytanning@yahoo.com.au King’s Healthy & Beauty 23020289 10 Tak Lung Back Street, Sai Kung Na Mo Tibet Medicinal Foot Steaming 2792 3922 Queen’s Castle Organic Day Spa 2719 4444 Still Point Osteopathy 9634 5848 | www.stillpointdrja.com evolveatstillpoint@gmail.com Tala’s Hair & Beauty Centre 2335 1694 | talashair@biznetvigator.com www.talashair.com

The Australian Shop 5509 7993 info@theaustralianshop.hk

Everything Under the Sun 2544 9088 www.everythingunderthesun.com.hk

Hebe One O One 2335 5515 | info@101.com.hk www.hebe101.com

Expert-Transport & Relocations Warehouse 2566 4799 | www.expertmover.hk

HK Caffe www.hkcaffe.com Sai Kung LifeStyle 5990 2588 | saikunglifestyle@gmail.com The South African Shop 9457 0639 info@thesouthafricanshop.com Thiackery Group 5990 2588 | thiackery@gmail.com

Children’s Toys & Supplies Bumps to Babes

2552 5000 (Ap Lei Chau Main Store) 2522 7112 (Pedder Building Branch) www.bumpstobabes.com

Pets & Vets Homevet 9860 5522 pets@homevet.com.hk www.homevet.com.hk Animal Behaviour Vet Practice 9618 2475 | cynthia@petbehaviourhk.com www.petbehaviourhk.com Animal Emergency Centre 2915 7979 | www.animalemergency.com.hk Ferndale Kennels 2792 4642 | boarding@ferndalekennels.com www.ferndalekennels.com

Motoring & Boating Hebe Haven Yacht Club 2719 9682 Kwong Hing Motorworks 2791 4949 | enquiries@khmwhk.com www.khmwhk.com

Home & Interiors

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Hazel Ltd 5316 1456 | saleshazel@biznetvigator.com www.mcl-sources.com Home styling 9673 9443 | email@thehomestyling.org www.thehomestylist.org Indigo Living Ltd. 2552 3500 | info@indigo-living.com www.indigo-living.com Indo Handyman 2578 1865 | sales@indohandyman.hk JCAW Consultants 2524 9988 | jcawltd@biznetvigator.com Opus Design Ltd 97337328 www.opusdesign.com.hk Patio Mart 2555 8988 | patio@kh-group.com www.patiomart.com.hk Pure Swiss Limited 2358 3998 | admin@e-pureswiss.com www.e-pureswiss.com

Food & Beverage South Stream Seafoods Units 202-204, Lai Sun Yuen Long Centre, 27 Wang Yip St East, Yuen Long, N.T. Hong Kong 2555 6200 fish@south-stream-seafoods.com www.south-stream-seafoods.com

Home & Interiors

Brooks Thompson Ltd 2851 3665 | iqbalhk@netvigator.com Eco Living 2792 7998 askus@ecoliving.hk www.ecoliving.hk

Sai Kung Marketplace 5503 0369 www.saikungmarketplace.com Smiling Winds Landscape & Maintenance 60569010 | smilingwindslandscape@gmail.com

Education ITS Education Asia

2116 3916 es@tuition.com.hk www.itseducationasia.com English for Asia 2392 2746 bianca@englishforasia.com www.englishforasia.com ESF Educational Services 2711 1280 Sports Programme Sports@esf.org.hk www.esf.org.hk Everest Education 6013 7827 | mdrin1998@yahoo.com Hong Kong Academy 2655 1111 | office@academy.edu.hk www.hkacademy.edu.hk Jumpstart Mandarin Learning Centre 2791 4838 jumpstart@netvigator.com www.jumpstartmlc.com Nord Anglia International School 3107 8158 www.nais.hk

handy Education Norwegian International School 2658 0341 office@nis.edu.hk www.nis.edu.hk Sai Kung International Pre-School 2791 7354 skip@skip.edu.hk www.skip.edu.hk Woodland Pre-Schools Sai Kung 2813 0290 | saikung@woodlandschools.com www.woodlandschools.com Yew Chung International Children’s House/ Kindergarten 2338 7106 | enquiry@hk.ycef.com www.ycis-hk.com

Community Services The Mandala Group 9634 5848 themandalagroup.org SPOT Centre 2807 2992 | contact@spot.com.hk www.spot.com.hk

Parties & Entertainment Eezy PeezyParties www.eezypeezyparties.com

Real-Estate

Extracurricular Lighthouse Playroom 2791 2918 | info@lighthouseplayroom.com www.lighthouseplayroom.com Russian Ballet School 5467 4674 rbssaikung@gmail.com Sai Kung Tutors 5321 4400 | info@saikungtutors.com www.saikungtutors.com

Services and Professionals

Onsite Computer and Internet Services Co 23976418 | enquiry@microtechhk.com www.microtechhk.com Anna Massage 9354 7606, 6622 5398 ALFA Design Limited 9536 2324 alfamail@alfadesign.hk.com www.alfadesign.hk.com Annerley www.annerley.com.hk Biocycle 3575 2575 | info@biocycle.hk www.biocycle.com.hk Centro Car Wash 2543 9288 | promo@centrocar.hk www.centrocar.hk Crown Relocations www.crownrelo.com/hongkong

OKAY.com

2102 0888 | support@okay.com www.okay.com Hong Kong Sotheby’s International Realty 3108 2108 www.hksothebysrealty.com

Financial Services Infinity Financial Solutions Ltd 2815 5828 | hongkong@infinitysolutions.com

Easy Peasy Services 2468 3749 ask@easypeasyservices.com www.easypeasyservices.com Marco the Contractor 6190 8051 Professional Wills Limited 2561 9031 | www.profwills.com Rumple and Friends www.rumpleandfriends.com Sunkoshi Gurkha Security Ltd 2199 7774 www.sunkoshigurkha.com Tri Style - Fitting Models 9777 2486

Extracurricular Bricks 4 Kids 2791 0007 info@bricks4kidz.hk www.bricks4kidz.hk Grand Piano Ltd 9222 2064 www.grandpiano.hk

Village Holdings Insurance www.villageholdingsinsurance.com

Hotels & Private Clubs The Country Club at Hong Lok Yuen 2675 8899 | enquiries@cchly.com www.cchly.com

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on patrol...

how to hike safely

Walking disasters

The hills are alive with search-and-rescue patrols, writes Janet Chan.

Take a map, friends, water, compass and a mobile phone when hiking.

Summer is here and with it come the visitors, drawn to Sai Kung for water sports and hiking.

Already we have been receiving calls requesting search-and-rescue assistance in the hills.

The reasons for calling for help vary. One group of hikers, who did not know where they were going, simply tagged along after other random hiking groups and wound up lost on Sharp Peak after walking for hours. They had been unable to maintain the pace of the other hikers and lost their way in the dark.

Fortunately, one of their mobile phones had reception and they were able to dial 999.

Others, hoping to avoid the worst of the heat, started walking in late afternoon and

enjoyed the sunset, but had underestimated their route. Hiking in the dark, they were frightened of getting lost and called for help.

In order to fully enjoy a day in nature, we recommend hikers plan their route, take a map, and carry a compass and mobile phone.

Other incidents involved hikers who had twisted an ankle owing to inadequate footwear.

Sai Kung’s hiking routes are graded by level of difficulty. Proper equipment is important – wear suitable hiking shoes that can protect you from unnecessary injuries.

Heat stroke is another risk at this time of year. Fortunately, most hikers affected are with friends who take care of them while waiting

photo competiton Submit your shot We love receiving beautiful pictures of the area from our readers. Each month we publish our favourite. To enter, simply email your best shots of Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay, along with a brief description, to photo@fastmedia.com.hk.

This month’s winner: Irene Rong.

“The ecosystem in Ho Chung River is recovering. Two egrets search for fish in the river after a storm.”

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for assistance from police, firemen or the Government Flying Service (GFS).

Besides those who are in real need, others simply enjoy hitching a ride in a helicopter and expect to be flown to the city every time they call for help. I am going to dispel that myth.

The helicopter service is provided only in an emergency. If the GFS decides your case does not merit a helicopter, we will accompany you back to the main trail or a safe location.

June 2 is the dragon-boat festival, which attracts many visitors to Sai Kung Pier to cheer on the teams. Police will be conducting crowd management, so please follow their directions to ensure safety. And take care of your personal belongings: zip up your bag, keep it in sight and, if possible, do not carry valuable items.

Others simply enjoy hitching a ride in a helicopter Finally, we would like to recruit more ambassadors for the Sai Kung Neighborhood Watch Scheme. Ambassadors are mainly responsible for collecting and disseminating crime information. If you are interested, please email skdiv-ops-room@police.gov.hk for an application form. We look forward to welcoming you as a new ambassador.

Janet Chan is the ADVC OPS for the Hong Kong Police Sai Kung Division, tel: 3661 1630

shoot for it