HONG KONG
FAMILY GUIDE 2021
HONG KONG Family Guide
2
Editor’s letter
18 A place to call home
Meet the team behind the Hong Kong Family Guide 2021
4
Pregnant in a pandemic
23 Home & Living
Four mums share their Covid birthing story
6
Healthy living
Public and private healthcare in the city
8
Be insured
A look at local insurance policies
10 Childcare & hiring a helper
We all need a little helping hand sometimes
12 Family days out
2021
The best neighbourhoods for families
10
Decorating your home
26 Join the club
Hong Kong’s most exclusive membership clubs
30 Stepping into school
Understanding the education system
12
31 Education
An international school directory
36 35 fuss-free family activities
Keep the kids busy
Hikes, activities and fun days out for everyone
16
16 Dining with the tribe
The best family-friendly restaurants in town
23
26 “Ohana means family and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten” ~ Lilo and Stitch Hong Kong Family Guide | 1
who’s in charge? Editorial editorial@hongkongliving.com Editor-in-chief Nicole Slater
Senior Writer Charmaine Ng
Editor Gemma Shaw
Editorial Assistant Cheyelene Fontanilla
Design vicky@hongkongliving.com Graphic Designer Vicky Lam
Graphic Designer Yankee Tsang
Sales & Marketing talk@hongkongliving.com Director of Content Hilda Chan
Sales & Partnership Manager Debbie Ky
Partnership Manager Elaine Li
Events pranali@hongkongliving.com Event Manager Pranali Gupta
Editor’s letter Enjoying Hong Kong as a family is more important than ever this year. With travel restrictions in force at the time of writing, most of us are staying put for now but luckily Hong Kong has a lot to offer. Planning a move? Check out our neighbourhood guide (page 18) which details Hong Kong’s most familyfriendly areas to live, from Stanley to Sai Kung. If your family is growing and you’re in need of an extra pair of hands, we cover everything you need to know when hiring a helper (page 11), plus childcare services (page 10). Malvern College Hong Kong Headmaster Dr Robin Lister shares his advice on Hong Kong’s international school system (page 30) and for some downtime, consider joining one of Hong Kong’s excellent private members clubs (page 26). If we’re staying put in one place for a few more months, it’s safe to say that Hong Kong has us families covered. Happy exploring.
Publisher matt@hongkongliving.com Matt Eaton matt@hongkongliving.com
Founding Director tom@hongkongliving.com
Contributors
Tom Hilditch tom@hongkongliving.com
Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 | Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, LG1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong
HONG KONG hongkongliving.com Family Guide is published by Hong Kong Living Limited. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Hong Kong Living cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
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Aude Camus Born and raised in Paris, Aude Camus gave birth to her little girl Noa amidst the pandemic. She shares her thoughts and feelings about the unique situation and offers some advice for expecting mums in our baby section.
Dr Robin Lister Hong Kong’s international school system can be complicated, but Malvern College Hong Kong’s Headmaster Dr Robin Lister offers information about the application process in our education section.
Max Roberts The artist behind this year's wonderful cover is Max Roberts. Illustrating in his spare time, Roberts enjoys designing graphics and creating abstract illusions on his instagram page @maxrobertsillustrations.
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hk baby
Giving birth in Hong Kong during a pandemic Four mums share their experience giving birth in public and private hospitals
Marie-Hélène Farrelly & Elise Delivered at: Matilda International Hospital
Aude Camus & Noa Delivered at: Queen Mary Hospital After giving birth during a pandemic, I pretty much feel that I can tackle anything that is thrown my way. This gives me so much hope and joy. I wouldn’t say that my pregnancy was particularly impacted by Covid. In some ways, it made things slightly easier for me. My job is very social and due to distancing, most events were cancelled so at least I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. I chose to deliver at Queen Mary Hospital. The nurses were so kind and answered all my questions (I had many). The only thing I wouldn’t recommend is the food - have someone deliver your meal and ask for a bed by the window if possible, the view is heavenly. I was lucky in that when I got into the delivery room, I was
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handed a phone and told to inform my partner he could come in for the birth. It was such a relief as I fully anticipated giving birth without him due to Covid restrictions. I would have hated for him to meet his little girl in the hospital car park. When she is able to understand, I will tell Noa that she was a ray of sunshine for our friends and family in what has been some of the most challenging years of our lives. Advice to mothers: Giving birth is stressful enough, without the complications that Covid brings. Trust the hospital staff, try not to think about what would have been, and focus on the positives. Soon you will meet your baby, and believe me when I say: nothing else will matter the minute you meet them.
The pandemic had two main impacts on my pregnancy: firstly, it added a lot of stress and secondly, it made what (in my mind) is meant to be a joyful, sociable time, quite lonely. Concerns about the virus made me more cautious than I would have otherwise been and therefore, day-to-day activities were subject to a cost-benefit analysis. I delivered at Matilda International Hospital. Other than the additional mask requirement, my actual birth experience wasn’t really affected. My husband was present for the delivery and afterwards. I was lucky in that my health insurance covered the cost of a private hospital room which meant that I had the privacy (and extra safety from a virus perspective) of a room on my own and I could also have one
additional visitor at any one time. Post-Covid, there will most likely be a new normal way of living so, when Elise is older, I will be regaling her with stories of what the old days were to be like - spontaneous trips abroad, large gatherings of families and friends and no constant temperature checks or covered faces. Advice to other mothers: Take reasonable precautions but try not to get too worked up as you could drive yourself crazy with worry. I believe that getting out and about is beneficial, both physically and mentally. I’d also suggest joining a due date WhatsApp group. As we all know, it takes a tribe to raise a child so you need to keep building your tribe.
pregnant in a pandemic
Kirsty Howard & Rory Delivered at: Queen Mary Hospital Rory was born the day before Hong Kong recorded its very first Covid case. I was very lucky in that I went into labour three weeks early. If Rory had arrived on his expected due date, hospital restrictions would have been in place meaning that my husband Nick wouldn’t have been present for the delivery. I had a lot of anxiety over Covid during the weeks that followed because Rory was so little and vulnerable. We were anxious about where we went and who we spent time with. If we took him out we felt guilty and were paranoid about any potential exposure.
It is hard having a first baby without any family support on the ground. In saying that, there is a great support network particularly in Discovery Bay where we live so we are very grateful for close friends and we’ve been able to meet many others in the same situation. We feel incredibly lucky to have had him to focus on during this difficult time. Advice to other mothers: Focus on you and your baby and forget about what you cannot control. Although it’s tough being away from family, there are plenty of ways to get support remotely.
Erin Kennedy & Reece Delivered at: Queen Mary Hospital We opted to go through the public system and were aware from the beginning that Jason, my husband wouldn’t be allowed in for the birth or to visit throughout. Despite this, my hospital experience was amazing. The staff were very supportive and helpful from the moment I arrived. The nurses eased my nerves and once I was in the labour room they gave me a landline phone so I could keep Jason updated. I am sad for him because he missed the birth of his first child. We've also missed the support of both of our parents during this time and they've missed out on meeting their first grandchild.
But, we’ve been able to spend time at home together in our little family bubble and we’re so grateful for this. We’ve been given the space to figure out and navigate our own way through parenthood, 100 percent on our own terms. One day Reece will read about the pandemic in history books and we’ll remind him of all the special time he got to spend with his mum and dad. Advice to other mothers: Be prepared to throw your plan out the window. It’s less stressful and easier to be flexible. Accept that whatever happens, it’s all in the interest of keeping your baby and you as safe as can be.
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healthcare
Healthcare & hospitals Keep your family’s health in check with Hong Kong’s large selection of private and public hospitals
In a time where healthcare is of utmost importance, residents can feel secure in Hong Kong’s healthcare system. With top-of-the-line facilities, modern machinery and tentative staff, our hospitals are some of the most advanced in the world. There is a large selection of both private and public hospitals for residents to choose from, each offering efficient treatments regardless of budget. We’ve rounded up some of the best public and private hospitals across the city and share the pros and cons of each option.
Private hospitals Matilda International Hospital This century-old hospital lets you experience some of Hong Kong’s colonial grandeur. The hospital is a popular choice for expecting mothers, with experienced nurses and midwives on hand and balcony rooms overlooking Victoria Harbour. matilda.org
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Adventist Hospital
HK Baptist Hospital
Located on Stubbs Road, Adventist Hospital is one of two Seventh-day Adventist Hospitals in Hong Kong. The hospital offers 24-hour services for cardiac catheterisation and interventional procedures, carries out a variety of minimally invasive and complex surgeries and offers comprehensive treatment for cancer patients through customised plans. hkah.org.hk
Celebrating its 58th anniversary this year, HK Baptist Hospital focuses on the physical, mental, social and spiritual needs of its patients and practices holistic healing throughout its treatments. As a non-profit organisation, Baptist Hospital is committed to giving back to the community and provides free health checkups to those in need and health education to the public. hkbh.org.hk
health is wealth Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong Gleneagles Hospital based in Wong Chuk Hang offers an incredibly modern and spacious environment for long and short-term patients. Its 24-hour outpatient and emergency service is renowned across Hong Kong, providing residents with efficient and high quality treatment in emergency situations. The hospital is also well-known for its accessible healthcare services as well as transparent pricing. Throughout 2020, Gleneagles offered a popular capped-fees package to provide a solution for parents who didn’t want to take the public route during the pandemic. Gleneagles is also the only private hospital in Hong Kong to join the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative which promotes and supports breastfeeding. gleneagles.hk
Public hospitals Details of all public hospitals can be found on the government website: ha.org.hk Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital, Sandy Bay: 2817 7111 Queen Elizabeth, Kowloon: 3506 8888 Queen Mary, Pok Fu Lam: 2255 3838 Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern, Chai Wan: 2595 7920 Prince of Wales, Sha Tin: 3505 2211 Ruttonjee, Wan Chai: 2291 2000 Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Tseung Kwan O: 2208 0111
Private • Private hospital means private, semi-private or shared rooms with a maximum of four people
• Going private isn’t cheap so check your insurance covers your costs
• One-on-one support from nurses
• Private hospitals aren’t equipped for emergencies and will transfer patients to the nearest public hospital
• Luxury amenities on hand such as slippers, dressing gowns ect • English is spoken in all private hospitals • International food served
Public • Public hospitals are the best place for emergencies
• Strict appointment times
• They are larger and have more clinical expertise and equipment on hand to help
• Patients who don’t have emergencies or time-sensitive illnesses may have appointments rescheduled
• Registration is quick, and Hong Kong ID card holders pay just $100 per day for treatment
• You aren’t guaranteed to see the same doctor
• Low costs for appointments and medication
• Canteen-style Chinese food is served
• A public hospital can’t turn you away
• Some medical staff might not speak English
• Rooms contain numerous beds (between three and 10)
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insurance
Be insured A handy checklist to help you navigate Hong Kong’s insurance industry
Know your options and make the right choices There’s never been a more important time to consider insurance for yourself and your family. With Covid-19 still a real concern in the community, there’s even more reasons to dive in and navigate the plethora of options that are available. One thing you should know right from the start is that insurance in Hong Kong can be tricky at the best of times. It’s an
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ultra-competitive industry with options that can leave you bewildered and quickly out of pocket. But insurance, be it medical, home, personal accident, income protection, life insurance or critical illness is well worth having, if only for peace of mind in today's increasingly complex world.
Do your homework It will come as no great shock that
healthcare in Hong Kong is among the most competitive industries in town. The likes of HSBC, AIA, FWD, Cigna, Bupa, AXA, Zurich, Manulife and Prudential are just some of the many options around for families. Depending on what level of coverage you are looking for, pricing can range wildly - as do the types of insurance packages that are available. Our number one tip is to do your homework, understand the finer
checklist details or talk to a broker to get the best information.
What’s out there? There’s no shortage of options, but it’s critical that you decide early what’s best for you and your family. You don’t want to get yourself locked into an expensive insurance package filled with things you don’t need. In the past year demand for health and life insurance has surged. We hear demand has become so great that some of the bigger international groups have sold out of their key life insurance packages and won’t take new customers.
Medical insurance Expensive medical treatment due to illnesses or hospitalisation can have a disastrous impact on your financial resources and medical insurance can save you from this. But unlike the US where healthcare costs are high and health insurance is extremely beneficial, Hong Kong gives us the option of a much cheaper and reliable government system. Yes, private health coverage will give you access to some of the most stunning hospital rooms in the
world, but private hospitals often rely quite heavily on the public system, especially for emergencies.
Covid-19 coverage As the coronavirus pandemic took hold, insurers across Hong Kong stepped up to offer a range of protections, most of them free for existing customers. FWD has one of the cheaper yearround protection packages at just $147 and includes up to $1,000 daily cash benefit in case you are diagnosed with Covid-19 and subsequently hospitalised. AXA offers a 24-hour customer service hotline as part of its offering, which also comes with a travel cancellation element. Cigna will cover you for up to $10,000 over three months if you are hospitalised.
Wealth accumulation One of the more interesting facets of insurance in Hong Kong is that many will offer an aggressive savings and wealth accumulation plan as part of their offering. Whether you are saving for your child’s education or building wealth for retirement, the likes of Manulife, HSBC, AIA and Zurich offer
attractive, stable and sometimes lifetime guaranteed interest rates.
Pre-Existing conditions Unfortunately most insurers in Hong Kong will discriminate against pre-existing conditions. Some may ask for medical history going back as far as seven years. Others require more. If you have been sick you might find yourself on a waiting list for up to two years until your coverage is approved. In worst case scenarios you may not be insurable at all.
Tracking and monitoring Like many industries, insurance is moving with the times and understanding customer data has become a top priority for the insurance industry giants. Many will now offer incentives and rewards for customers who take good care of themselves. Some, like ManulifeMOVE and the newly-launched HSBC Live Well+ will offer additional benefits to those of you who go one step further and track your fitness, sleeping patterns, how you eat and the number of calories you burn. So if synching your insurance plan to personal data is cool, then there’s options around. Welcome to the age of data collection.
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childcare
A helping hand With children spending more time at home, call on these trusty services when you need a little time for yourself Family-friendly hotels Grand Hyatt Located in the heart of Wan Chai, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong is home to one of the best hotel outdoor play areas for kids. With a specified outdoor pool for children, parents can be assured their children keep safe while having a splashing good time. Each hotel room also comes with a rollaway bed and can sleep up to four people. hyatt.com Four Seasons Hotel Well-known for its babysitting services, the Four Seasons Hotel offers a range of complimentary children's activities from nail art to cooking classes to keep the little ones entertained. For those with younger children, the hotel provides infant amenities including diapers and blankets at no extra cost. fourseasons.com
Nanny & Me Run by a team of expats with extensive childcare experience, Nanny & Me understands that no two families are the same. It provides a range of services including full and part-time nannies, maternity nurses and even babysitting, to cater to every family's needs. nannyand.me
Facebook: Hong Kong Teen Sitters This group is specifically for under 18-yearolds who have an interest in childcare and are looking for babysitting jobs, who have the energy to run around and entertain the kids. Availability limited around school hours. facebook.com/groups/TeenSitters
Babysitter.hk
Mumz
One of the largest childcare networks in the city, Babysitter.hk has over 3,000 professional full time and part time nannies along with tutors on call every day, especially in an emergency. It also offers a childcare support scheme for low-income families. babysitter.hk
For parents that miss swiping, this Tinder-like app helps you find your tribe. Scroll through the app and make friends with Mumz (or Dadz) in your area to create your own play dates. The app was created by Ekta Tejwani who also runs a Facebook group: Meet Mumz. meetmumz.com
Rent-A-Mum A professional childcare service offering English speaking nannies on a temporary or permanent basis for all ages. Ideal for an evening of babysitting or for mums returning to work, it even offers maternity services such as 24-hour maternity nurses and sleep troubleshooting for first-time parents. rent-a-mum.com
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Safari Kid International The first international unaccompanied day care centre for children under the age of two in Hong Kong. Childhood programmes are offered in Mandarin, English and Cantonese at its Happy Valley and Repulse Bay campuses. safarikidinternational.com
Ritz Carlton Partnering up with Junior Aviator Academy (JAA), The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong is offering a Fly High Dream High Junior Aviator Program for younger guests. Children can experience a flight simulator, try on pilot uniforms and attend an aircraft model making session. This experience is available until April 15. ritzcarlton.com The St. Regis The St. Regis Hong Kong offers the highest level of personalised five star luxury in the heart of Wan Chai. Children are thoughtfully considered with the hotel currently offering complimentary breakfast for under 12’s. Rooms are stocked with high-end amenities such as Mustela baby products and a chargeable outside babysitting service is also available. stregishongkong.com
domestic help
Hiring a domestic helper We can all do with a helping hand every once in a while and Hong Kong’s domestic helpers are some of the best
The majority of residents, particularly those with children, usually hire a domestic helper. Local helpers can be hired on a part or full-time basis. Foreign domestic helpers (typically from the Philippines or Indonesia) can only legally be employed full time on a two-year, live-in contract.
Who can hire a helper? A Hong Kong resident with a monthly household income of no less than $15,000.
How do I find a helper? It is best to do so by word of mouth. There are specialist helper recruitment agencies but many have come under fire for disreputable practices. Either way, you must enter into a binding Standard Employment Contract (ID407) and apply to the Immigration Department for an employment visa for the helper.
How much will a helper cost me? The Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) for a full-time live-in helper (at the time of writing) is $4,630 per month, but many people pay above this depending on years of duty and level of experience. Employers must also provide food, or a food allowance of no less than $1,121 per month; suitable accommodation with access to cooking and bathroom facilities; insurance and medical care; pay all hiring-related costs and airfares for an annual trip home leave.
Things to be aware of • Employers must give their helpers a full day of rest every week. • Helpers are entitled to 12 statutory paid holiday days as well as annual leave (seven days per year in their first two years of contract). It is up to you whether you also wish to give your helper extra time off such as all general public
holidays or an extended holiday. • A special application must be made should you need your helper to take up driving duties, for which they also need a valid Hong Kong driving licence. • It is illegal to employ a full-time foreign domestic helper who doesn’t live in your home.
Domestic helper interviews Interviewing a domestic helper may seem daunting as you will probably feel under pressure to get the right fit for your needs and family dynamics. View the interview as a general conversation about who they are and what work experience they have had (eg. What is your current daily schedule? Can you cook? Do you have experience with children?) and remember that the helper will likely be as nervous as you are. Don’t feel you have to hire on the spot or after one meeting and if possible, get references from a previous employer.
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family fun
Let the adventure begin Unique and fun days out for the whole family 12 | Hong Kong Family Guide
days out
Create a masterpiece Get your creative juices flowing with a family art jamming session. With paint, brushes and canvases provided, all you have to do is show up with a picture in mind. Kids will enjoy Rhythm and Rhyme, Messy Jam and Busy Hands Playgroup while adults will love Oscary Art’s BYOB art sessions.
Host a teddy bears picnic With spring around the corner, there is no better time to lounge the afternoon away in some of the city's most popular parks. Some we recommend are Victoria Park, West Kowloon Cultural District and Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park.
Hang out in a farmyard Located in Sai Kung, Nature’s Harvest is an organic farm and wellness getaway that offers a true farmyard experience. Within its picturesque site, you’ll find a large piece of farmland with goats to feed and vegetables to pick.
Hire a row boat Inspiration Lake is part of the Disneyland Resort, but offers free admission. With grassy areas to play and paddle boats for hire, there is plenty for everyone to do. Don’t forget to pack a picnic as the area has limited food stalls available.
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outdoors
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days out
Pitch a tent We all know that the best family bonding time is when you’re all shoved in a tent together for 12 hours, so why not spend the night on some of Hong Kong’s hidden beaches. The longer the hike, the less complaining there’ll be, so it's a win-win for everyone.
Go strawberry picking With a 200,000 square-foot field, Long Ping Strawberry Grape Farm in Yuen Long lends itself as one of the best places to go for strawberry and grape picking. It has garnered much attention in recent years with its offers of Japanese fruit varieties, such as the Shine Muscat grapes and Kyoho grapes. The farm is free to enter, but if you want to leave with your fruit, then a small fee must be paid. yl.hk/lpsb
Look out for dolphins The Chinese white dolphin (also known as the “pink dolphin”) was first recorded in local waters as early as the 1600s, although the population has been in decline since the mid-1990s. Hong Kong Dolphinwatch offers regular trips around Lantau Island on a luxury cruiser, with a detailed presentation on the dolphins by experienced guides. Each trip is approximately four hours long depending on dolphin sightings and sea conditions. hkdolphinwatch.com
Hikes for tykes Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens Right in the middle of Central is Hong Kong’s oldest park, which HongKongers have been enjoying since 1871. Divided into two parts connected by a pedestrian subway, the eastern side is mainly home to a large children’s playground, aviaries and a greenhouse. The western side of the park houses a range of animals including monkeys, orangutans and giant turtles. Parkview to Tai Tam As one of Hong Kong’s popular stroller walks, this trail is mostly downhill with pavement throughout. Starting at Parkview, head down to the left until you come across a black and white barrier, preventing traffic access. Once through the barrier, follow the signs for the waterworks trail where you’ll find yourself at the picturesque Tai Tam Reservoir. Hop on a bus to Stanley at the end of the trail for a well deserved lunch.
viewpoints of Hong Kong’s stunning skyline. The route has many seating areas and grassy patches to run around throughout, making it a great stroll for the whole family. If you really want to stretch your legs, hike to the start from either the Morning Trail or up Old Peak Road. Trio Beach A scenic stroll with the promise of a swim at the end is the perfect excuse to get the kids out and about in nature. The hike starts off paved but gradually becomes more rural, so be wary of loose ground. The hike only includes one hill, keeping the complaints to a minimum.
Peak Circle Walk On an entirely paved route, this walk is smooth riding for little ones (perfect bike and scooter territory) and offers
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dining
A table for four? Enjoy fuss-free dining at these family-friendly restaurants La Camionetta This husband-and-wife-run pizzeria is a welcoming venue for family pizza nights. It even has a personalised combi-van that acts as the bar whilst adding to the character of the cosy restaurant. Share some antipasti before digging into its 11-inch pizzas with classics like the margherita or a creative pie topped with burrata.
Fini’s The family-style restaurant has a cool and
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contemporary New York-come-Italian vibe that makes it a fun night out for the whole family. With various changing promotions like kids eating free Monday to Fridays from 4-7, a pizza passport and seasonal specials, there is always something going on at Fini’s. Watch your kids' eyes pop as huge pizzas get served on giant metal saucers. finishk.com
Campsite This rustic cafe transports diners to the woodlands for a glamorous camping
family-friendly
Burger Circus Designed to look like the inside of a train carriage, Burger Circus has an old-school American diner vibe that children will love. Parents will love the selection of freshly ground burgers, which include fish, chicken and vegetarian alternatives. Wash them down with a delicious house-made milkshake or candy shake and finish with a Circus Sundae, complete with a cherry on top. burgercircus.com.hk
The Pawn A classy affair is sometimes needed and The Pawn has made it easily enjoyable for kids and parents. Its special kids brunch menu includes favourites like mac and cheese, sausage and mash with a range of milkshakes and smoothies. What’s best is the kids' play area where they can roam around whilst you sip on free-flow wine. thepawn.com.hk
Yum Cha experience. The menu also takes inspiration from campfire food and includes cheesy campfire nachos, mac and cheese and a novelty campfire classic s’mores. campsite.com.hk
Dim sum is a fun and social dining experience for families and Yum Cha has made it even more exciting. Taking Chinese classics like barbecue buns, hot custard buns and sausage rolls and transforming them into adorable faces and animals. Poke a chopstick into the filled
egg bun and watch your kids squeal in delight as the filling oozes out the surprised face. yumchahk.com
Frites With a large selection of Belgian beers, Frites is popular with families, particularly during lunch and brunch times. Its newly opened location on Queens Road features high ceilings and colourful stained glass windows. Parents will enjoy the selection of comfort classics including mussel pots, roast chicken and burgers, while kids have their own special menu with five main course options, including bangers and mash and mini burgers. The restaurant is also available for kids’ parties. frites.hk
Bathers Finish your day at the beach with a meal sat by the seaside. Bathers offers children's favourites like cheeseburgers and homemade sausages along with brownies and ice cream to finish. Indulge in fresh seafood with pan-fried sea bass, grilled octopus and salt and pepper squid. A special breakfast menu is available on the weekends with french toast, eggs benedict and avocado toast. bathers.com.hk
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neighbourhoods
Welcome to the neighbourhood Hong Kong’s most family-friendly neighbourhoods Stanley This scenic neighbourhood offers a picturesque promenade and British era architecture attracting a healthy number of local and overseas visitors. Spend a day lazing at one of Stanley’s sandy beaches, shop til you drop at the street market and for those with kids, the International
Montessori School is in close proximity to the town and is a popular choice for expats.
Sai Kung Referred to as the city’s back garden, Sai Kung’s mountainous backdrop will have you wondering if you’re still in Hong Kong. The seafront town offers a range of local businesses and a unique community, attracting many families and young couples wanting a laid back lifestyle. With Hong Kong Academy on its doorstep, children can avoid the town's notorious rush hour traffic.
Clearwater Bay For a higher-end experience whilst retaining the seaside tranquility of Sai Kung, look no further than Clearwater Bay. With sweeping views over the port shelter and plenty of lush greenery, this
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neighbourhood is perfect for those looking for a spacious home. Children can enjoy Clearwater Bay School and Hong Kong Adventist Academy’s picturesque campuses, while parents can easily hop on the MTR to the island.
Tai Mei Tuk Tucked away at the Eastern tip of New Territories,
where to live
Stanley
Tai Mei Tuk is a popular outdoor neighbourhood where visitors flock to ride bikes and BBQ. While the area makes for the perfect day trip, many families also reside in the seaside location. With five international schools in the area including American School Hong Kong and Malvern College, children won’t have to travel far to receive a top education.
The Peak Once exclusive to wealthy residents, most of whom would be carried up to their homes in sedan chairs, The Peak is a high-end neighbourhood with stunning views over the city. Today, properties in the area are accessible to anyone with the means to buy and are in close proximity to German Swiss International School and Peak School. The area is also home to major tourist attractions such as Victoria Peak and the Peak Tram.
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neighbourhoods
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where to live
Discovery Bay
Mid-Levels
Happy Valley
In the centre of all the action, Mid-Levels is home to many international restaurants and bars, including the infamous Lan Kwai Fong street. Homes here offer fabulous urban views, convenient transportation around the city and great hiking trails. The neighbourhood is also home to ESF’s first school, Island School.
Ironically named for being the home to Hong Kong’s first Christian cemetery, Happy Valley has grown up around the central and iconic Happy Valley Racecourse. It has its fair share of modern high rises but low-rise developments are also available. The further up towards Jardine’s Lookout you go, the larger and more expensive the apartments become.
Repulse Bay Famously referred to by Forbes magazine as, ‘the most expensive real estate per square foot in the world’, Repulse Bay is home to one of Hong Kong’s longest beaches and a range of beachside bars and restaurants at The Pulse. ESF’s second campus, South Island School is not too far away either.
Pok Fu Lam Situated southwest of the Peak area, Pok Fu
Lam offers fabulous views of the sea and Pok Fu Lam Reservoir. This historic area was home to Hong Kong's first dairy farm and Pok Fu Lam Village, which was included in the 2014’s World Monuments Watch. The neighbourhood has multiple private housing estates and is in close proximity to Kennedy School and West Island School.
Discovery Bay DB or as some might refer to it, dogs and babies. Although this area has quite the reputation for being the subject of location related jokes, this neighbourhood is perfect for families and expats looking to settle down. Grab a pint and overlook the white sandy beach at D-Deck seaside plaza or hop on the 30-minute ferry to Central. Discovery Bay International School and Discovery College are convenient options for children.
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family health
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home & living
Make a house your home Where to buy furniture and homeware in Hong Kong Design tips for small spaces 1. Space is tight in Hong Kong so look for multi-purpose furniture, whether it’s a sofa with a hidden compartment, or a bench with open storage. 2. Mirrors create the illusion of space. A large, decorative floor mirror can really open up your space and make it brighter. 3. Love her or hate her, Marie Kondo knows a thing or too about small spaces. Follow her lead and consider whether you actually need every item in your apartment. 4. Don't assume you need small furniture in a small space. A large rug coupled with a feature sofa can make the room feel airy and luxurious. Oliver Corrin, Regional Director of CADA Design
Furniture Indigo Living Known for its stylish selection of home furnishings across Asia and the Middle East, Indigo Living provides built to last, beautiful and versatile pieces for your home. The store also offers flexible furniture rental solutions and a full range of interior services including home styling and renovation. indigo-living.com
Tequila Kola
outdoor furniture at wholesale and outlet prices. With regular showroom pop-ups, customers are able to test out the products before making a final purchase. decor8.com.hk
take away, and a play area for little ones. tree.com.hk
TREE
BoConcept
TREE’s flagship store occupies the entire 28th floor of Horizon Plaza and is packed with reclaimed and recycled timber furniture, colourful chairs and accessories. It offers kids, vintage and modern styles to choose from. It also has a lovely cafe serving drinks and food to
Founded in Denmark in 1952, BoConcept has opened nearly three hundred stores across the world. The lifestyle brand stocks a range of contemporary designs for the modish urban dweller and offers interior design services. boconcept.com
Well-known for its unique range of furniture and decor, Tequila Kola was founded by Michelle Koller in 1991 and offers striking one of a kind pieces including sofas, dining tables, ottoman benches, chaise lounges and lights. tequilakola.com
Decor8 If you prefer to purchase your furniture online, Decor8 offers budget and high-end indoor and
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family health
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home & living organic bedding to help ease her daughter’s skin irritation. Following an unsuccessful search, she decided to take matters into her own hands and created Naked Lab. The company specialises vegan bamboo silk sheets and bedding sets for adults and children. nakedlab.me
Homeware Francfranc Founded in Japan, Francfranc offers a selection of modern and feminine home products including pillows, bedding, glass and tableware. With a focus on minimalistic design, the brand also has a wide range of storage solutions for apartments. hk.francfranc.net
Wau Wau Designs Bring a Hong Kong touch to your home with Wau Wau Designs' unique and colourful prints featuring local landmarks such as the Mid-Levels escalator and Choi Hung Estate, along with prints of popular buildings. wauwau.bigcartel.com
Thorn & Burrow Homeless This quirky furniture and decor store offers modern and cutting-edge products for adults and kids, including items imported from Scandinavia, Europe and Asia. With eight locations across Hong Kong, you are guaranteed to discover knick-knacks you never knew you needed. homeless.hk
Founded by local resident Tamsin Thornburrow, Thorn & Burrow sells a range of unique rugs, vases and candles to add the finishing touches to your home. Supporting local businesses, the store also stocks Hong Kong themed artwork from Louise Hill and decorations from Lion Rock Press. thornandburrow.com
Naked Lab After her daughter Pia was diagnosed with eczema in 2018, Joyce Lau went on the hunt for
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clubs
Membership clubs A look behind the velvet curtain of Hong Kong’s most exclusive private members clubs
Private clubs have long been ingrained in Hong Kong’s society. Historically catered to the society’s elite, now everyone with an interest in sports, socialising and even creating can sign up.
Maggie & Rose Dreamt up by Maggie Bolger and Rose Astor back in London in 2006, Maggie & Rose is a modern family private members’ club which offers a unique and creative space for children to play, in surroundings that appeal to grown ups too. Since its opening, Maggie & Rose has grown to include two Hong Kong locations – Repulse Bay and Causeway Bay. Kids are spoilt for choice with an outdoor play area, movie room, soft play and creative classes which include cooking with real
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get social
chefs, listening to jazz and getting messy on canvases. hk.maggieandrose.com
Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club Founded in 1890, this is one of the largest
yacht clubs in the world and is the only Hong Kong club to keep the ‘Royal’ in its title post-handover. Training programmes are open to all abilities and ages. Membership is contingent on an interest in rowing or sailing. rhkyc.org.hk
Aberdeen Boat Club Known as the ‘friendliest club in Hong Kong’, ABC has been a key location for film shoots with scenes from movies including Enter the Dragon (1973) starring Bruce Lee. The club also offers great watersports including dinghy and keelboat sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, dragon boating, SUP, fishing and scuba diving, as well as land-based activities include golf, karate and yoga. abclubhk.com
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clubs
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get social
Hebe Haven Yacht Club This friendly Sai Kung-based club is ideal for boating, yacht racing and watersports enthusiasts, offering easy access to some of Hong Kong’s best sailing waters and beaches. It actively promotes youth sailing at its sail training centre and runs regular sailing courses for adults too. hhyc.org.hk
Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club Established in 1982, this prestigious country club is the perfect place to bond with fellow Clearwater Bay residents. With a 18-hole golf course, outdoor swimming pool and two restaurants, the club provides a great space to relax and socialise. cwbgolf.org
Hong Kong Golf Club Established in Happy Valley in 1889 by 13 golfing enthusiasts, the Hong Kong Golf Club has a nine-hole golf course in Deep Water Bay as well
as three 18-hole golf courses in Fanling. Home of the Hong Kong Open since 1959, the waiting list for this exclusive golf club is said to be about 20 years. The club prides itself as having the largest ladies golf section of any club in Hong Kong with over 500 women playing. hkgolfclub.org
Hong Kong Football Club Sports and recreation are the lifeblood of the HKFC, fantastic facilities make it one of the best sports clubs in the region. While football and rugby continue to be core sports, other sports include netball, field hockey, tennis, lawn bowls and squash and also offers a good range of leisure facilities. The Club presently has approximately 3,300 members and sports membership is open to individuals who are able to play sport at a team level. hkfc.com.hk
offers a small taste of home to Americans (the burgers are particularly good), with membership options for non-US citizens as well. Patrons can visit two clubhouses, one in Central and one in Tai Tam, both providing luxurious dining, fitness centres and a country store with products shipped in from America. The renovated bar in Central is actually a 130-year old bar brought from the first family-owned restaurant in New York, which hosted patrons including Marilyn Monroe. americanclubhk.com
The American Club Founded in 1925, this member-owned club
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education
How to get a school place Malvern College Hong Kong's Headmaster, Dr Robin Lister, shares his advice on Hong Kong’s international school system introduces the school, its history, ethos and offering). Whilst facilities are important, they should not be the top of the list in a parent’s decision making; it is the feeling of a school, the ambience, the way in which the children behave. Generally, I always think you can know what a school is like within the first ten minutes.
Could you share some tips for the interview process? The most important advice is not to prime your child. Rehearsed answers do not do you, your child or the school justice. Children and young people need to gain the confidence to be themselves and demonstrate their personality. Those that interview have years of experience engaging with children of all ages and can see through rehearsed answers. The need is to see the genuine child. Some tips for children and young people would be to dress smart, smile and try to give the impression that you are enjoying the process (not easy). If a question is difficult to answer, say so. Do a little online research on the school to demonstrate the seriousness of your application.
What would you suggest for pupils wanting to change during the academic year? Could you tell us about the application process? Hong Kong’s international school landscape is not only highly competitive but also quite complex with over 50 international primary, secondary and through-schools (primarycum-secondary). In addition, there is also a handful of Private Independent Schools which are technically not international schools but are often appealing to the international community due to their non-local curriculum and profile. All have their own applications and admissions policy with different application timelines, age cut-off dates and admissions priority criteria. Most of Hong Kong’s international and Private Independent Schools are selective and interview applicants prior to making an offer.
What should parents consider before applying? First, they should enquire as to the educational programme that is on offer
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and find out as much as possible about, for example, the differences between an IB approach and other curriculums. For the IB, something that Malvern offers, the emphasis is on inquiry and learning by experience; it is as much skills based as it is content driven. This is true for all levels of the IB: PYP, MYP and DP. Secondly, parents should find out more about the school’s offering beyond the core curriculum: does the school offer an afterschool activities programme, are there sports clubs, music, arts and drama activities? Tuition fees and debenture structure (if any) are important decision making factors, too.
What advice would you give to parents starting the application process? Prior to an application it would be best to try to take advantage of any information sessions a school has on offer (such as Malvern’s socalled Malvern Meets where the Headmaster
Speak to the school that you would like to transfer to; discuss the implications (if any) of a mid-year intake at particular times. Usually this is not so difficult and generally reflects a transient, international community such as Hong Kong where there is movement all the time.
schools
Kindergartens
Les Petits Lascars by Hong Kong Kids Academy
Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong
Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong
Age: Pre-nursery (2-3 years), Kindergarten (3-6 years) and Playgroups (12-24 months) Curriculum: French stream - French International Preschool curriculum, bilingual French and English with option of Mandarin. English stream – International Early Years Preschool curriculum, bilingual English and Mandarin with option of French Location: Central and Tseung Kwan O Website: petitslascars.com
Age: 3 to 5 years Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Location: Tai Tam and Sai Kung Website: nais.hk
Age: 3 to 11 years Curriculum: English National Curriculum Location: Tseung Kwan O Website: shrewsbury.edu.hk
Malvern College PreSchool Hong Kong
Malvern College PreSchool Island West
Sunshine House International Pre-Schools Hong Kong
Discovery Montessori School
Age: 2 to 5 years Curriculum: UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Location: Southwest Kowloon Website: malvernpreschool.hk
Age: 2 to 5 years Curriculum: UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Location: Sai Ying Pun Website: malvernpreschool.hk
Woodland Pre-Schools Age: 6 months to 6 years Curriculum: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with two campuses following the Montessori approach Location: Mid-Levels, Aberdeen, Happy Valley, Kennedy Town, Pokfulam, Repulse Bay Beachside, Repulse Bay Montessori and Sai Kung Website: woodlandschools.com
Age: 1 to 6 years Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Location: Clearwater Bay, Discovery Bay, Tung Chung Website: sunshinehouse.com.hk
Age: 1 to 6 years Curriculum: AMI Montessori Location: Discovery Bay, Central Website: dms.edu.hk
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education
Primary
Mount Kelly Hong Kong Age: 6 months to 13 years Curriculum: The English National Curriculum, British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Location: Jordan, Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui Website: mountkelly.edu.hk
The International Montessori School
Wycombe Abbey Schools Hong Kong
Discovery Montessori Academy
Age: 2 to 12 years Curriculum: Montessori DualLanguage Programmes Address: Mid-Levels, South Horizons, Stanley, Aldrich Bay Website: ims.edu.hk
Age: 5 to 14 years Curriculum: National Curriculum for England Location: Aberdeen Website: wycombeabbey.com
Age: 3 to 6 years Curriculum: IB PYP & AMI, Elementary Montessori Address: Discovery Bay Website: dms.edu.hk
Discovery Bay International School
Canadian International School of Hong Kong
Age: 5 to 11 years Curriculum: British International School Location: Discovery Bay Website: dbis.edu.hk
Age: 3 to 18 years Curriculum: IB, Ontario Secondary School Diploma Address: Aberdeen Website: cdnis.edu.hk
Secondary/All-through schools
Delia School of Canada
Renaissance College
Age: 4 to 18 years (Taikoo Shing), 5 to 15 years (Kwun Tong) Curriculum: Ontario program (Tai Koo Shing) and Alberta program (Kwun Tong) Location: Tai Koo Shing, Kwun Tong Website: delia.edu.hk
Age: 5 to 18 years Curriculum: IBPYP, IBMYP, IBDP, IBCP Location: Ma On Shan Website: rchk.edu.hk
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schools
Victoria Shanghai Academy Age: 6 to 18 years Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP & DP) Address: Aberdeen Website: vsa.edu.hk
The Harbour School Age: 4 to 18 years Curriculum: American curriculum Address: Kennedy Town and Ap Lei Chau Website: ths.edu.hk
Malvern College Hong Kong Hong Kong Academy
Kellett School
Age: 5 to 18 years Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP & DP) Address: Pak Shek Kok Website: malverncollege.org.hk
Age: 4 to 18 years Curriculum: English National Curriculum Location: Pok Fu Lam (Preparatory), Kowloon Bay (Preparatory and Senior) Website: kellettschool.com
Age: 3 to 18 years Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP & DP) Location: Sai Kung Website: hkacademy.edu.hk
Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong
Yew Chung International School of Hong Kong
French International School
Age: 6 to 18 years Curriculum: English National Curriculum, IGCSE, IBDP Address: Lam Tin Website: nais.hk
Age: 6 months to 18 years Curriculum: International; Bilingual Address: 8 campuses in Kowloon Tong and 1 campus in Tseung Kwan O Website: ycis-hk.com
Age: 4 to 18 years Curriculum: French National Curriculum or English National Curriculum: IGCSE & IB Location: Happy Valley, Chai Wan, Jardine’s Lookout & Tseung Kwan O Website: fis.edu.hk
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education
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German Swiss International School
Creative Secondary School
Norwegian International School
ICHK Hong Lok Yuen
Age: 2.8 to 18 years Curriculum: GSIS is a multi-language school operating two parallel streams and teaching two curriculums, from Kindergarten to Secondary School and prepares for the German International Abitur (GIA) and the International Baccalaureate (IB), following IGCSE examinations in Year 11. Location: Kindergarten – Pokfulam Campus Website: gsis.edu.hk
Age: 12 to 18 years Curriculum: IBMYP; HKDSE/IBDP Location: Sai Kung Website: css.edu.hk
Age: 2 years 8 months to 11 years Curriculum: International Primary Curriculum & International Early Years Curriculum Location: Tai Po Website: nis.edu.hk
Age: 2 years 8 months to 18 years Curriculum: IB Primary Years Programme, IGCSE in Year 10 and 11; IBDP in Years 12 and 13 Location: Hong Lok Yuen, Tai Po (Kindergarten and Primary), Sha Tau Kok (Secondary) Website: ichk.edu.hk
Han Academy
Chinese Academy
Hong Kong International School
Japanese International School Hong Kong
Age: 5 to 18 years Curriculum: Intergrated curriculum with IBDP, A-Level, IGCSE, Chinese National Curriculum Location: G/F-2/F, 33-35 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen Website: hanacademy.edu.hk
Age: 6 to 18 years Curriculum: Bilingual immersion globalised curriculum, inquirybased learning. IB MYP and DP in secondary school Location: Causeway Bay Website: caps.edu.hk
Age: 4 to 18 years Curriculum: American curriculum; Advanced Placement (AP) courses available in High School Location: Repulse Bay, Tai Tam Website: hkis.edu.hk
Age: 4 to 11 years Curriculum: Authorised I.B. World School - PYP, since 2007 Location: Tai Po Website: es.jis.edu.hk
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backpage
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Ride a pedal boat around Inspiration Lake. Situated right by Hong Kong Disneyland, it’s a great place to take in nature without trekking too much Take a day trip to Lamma Island. Pop into the eclectic stores, buy a load of affordable cheese at Lamma Gourmet, hike the trails and hit the beaches Bike around Mui Wo. Friendly Bicycle Shop is just one of the places you can rent a bike for the day and delve into the beauty of island-living Hit the Hong Kong Museum of Art. Take your family to see the stunning array of exhibits available Play at Quarry Bay Park. With playgrounds, courts and running tracks, this spot will keep everyone in the family busy Head to Nomads Mongolian Restaurant. This spot lets diners create their own recipes, and is a great way to get your kids to play chef for a couple of hours Shop your way through Stanley market. There are shops for people of all ages and plenty of sights to take in here Venture through Hong Kong’s hiking trails. From Dragon’s Back and Aberdeen Country Park to Monkey Mountain, there are plenty of family-friendly treks to try Capture family photos with the backdrop of Hong Kong’s skyline at Central Harbourfront Watch the Symphony of Lights at the Tsim Sha Tsui Harbourfront.
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no-fuss family adventures They play music that’s synced to the lights, at 8pm nightly Have a picnic at Tamar Park. With plenty of lush green, you’ll be sure to find a spot for your family to enjoy a meal Ride the Star Ferry from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui. Once you’re there, grab dinner at one of the seaview restaurants at Ocean Terminal Venture out on the Waterfall Bay walk. This is by Cyberport, so you can pair this trek and swim with a picnic
Hang out at K11 Musea and the promenade. There are plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants and viewing spots here Rent standup paddle boards in Sai Kung. Soak in the sun, play around in the water and escape from the hustle of city life for a while Bounce around at Ryze Trampoline Park. If you haven’t tried this one yet, take the whole family and make an afternoon of it Feed alpacas at Go Green Organic Farm in Kam Tin. That’s right, actual alpacas
Indulge in a staycation at one of Disneyland’s themed hotels. You’re sure to feel the magic on a getaway at (or near) the happiest place on earth
Camp at Tai Long Wan. You can either hike the trail or take a boat from Sai Kung pier
Explore the Geoparks. We suggest Sharp Island and Kau Sai Village
Go for a ride on the Hong Kong Observation Wheel. It’s great for the novelty of seeing Hong Kong’s skyline from that perspective
Eat your way through Mong Kok food stalls. Munch on egg waffles and gulp down some bubble tea
Rent a junk boat for the day Participate in a beach cleanup
Visit Discovery Bay for an afternoon. Have lunch, sit at a seaside cafe and take in the sights Take advantage of the photo ops at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel for the day
See the fish and water features at Hong Kong Park Stroll through the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens Take a night hike up to Victoria Peak
Head to the IKEA in Sha Tin. There’s a sit-down restaurant and a play gym for the kids Visit the Big Buddha and its beautiful temple. You’ll have a chance to learn a bit about the history of Buddha as well Explore the 12,000 square-foot Lingnan Garden. It’s stunning and steeped in history
Surf the waves at Big Wave Bay Watch a family-friendly play or musical. Tons are lined up for later this year so keep an eye out Go plant-shopping at the Flower Market in Prince Edward
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