Southside Family Guide 2015

PARTIES | DAYS OUT | EDUCATION | SHOPPING | EATING Southside Family Guide 2015

PARTIES | DAYS OUT | EDUCATION | SHOPPING | EATING

section

2 Southside Family Guide

what’s inside

4 / Welcome to the guide 6 / Outdoors We tell you where to go (nicely, naturally).

22 / Activities Arts & craft, drama, tuition, sports and other fun things to do after school.

42 / Kids’ parties Call in the professionals and let the good times roll.

46 / Food Pick-your-own farms, caterers and healthy food deliveries.

52 / Education Your guide to Southside schools.

62 / Shopping You know you want to...

74 / Health & beauty services Look good, feel better.

76 / Marketplace Cool stuff to buy and do.

80 / Useful numbers Essential local contacts.

Southside Family Guide 1

who does what

Editorial

Sales & Marketing

editorial@fastmedia.com.hk

ads@fastmedia.com.hk

Editor Callum Wiggins

Head of Sales & Marketing Karman So

Senior Consultant Editor Jane Steer

Business Development Manager Tristan Watkins

Managing Editor Hannah Grogan

Marketing & Comm. Manager Sharon Wong

Consulting Editor Adele Brunner

Sales Manager Oliver Simons

Editorial Assistant Cherrie Yu

Sales & Marketing Executive John Lee

Published by Fast Media Ltd. L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong

Printer Apex Print, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong

Sales & Marketing Executive Sara Tomovic

Design design@fastmedia.com.hk Art Director Kelvin Lau Graphic Design Setareh Parvin Graphic Design Evy Cheung

www.fastmed ia .com . h k

2 Southside Family Guide

Accounts Manager Connie Lam connie@fastmedia.com.hk

Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772 www.southside.hk

Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk

ads@fastmedia.com.hk @southsidemag SouthsideMagazineHK

Southside is published by Fast Media 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. Southside 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.

Southside Family Guide 3

Illustrations by Setareh Parvin

Welcome to Southside Family Guide Welcome to the first edition of Southside Family Guide. Whether you’re new to the area or long-time residents, we hope you and your family will find the guide useful. It is jam packed with information about services and activities for families living on the Southside of Hong Kong Island, from Pok Fu Lam to Shek O. In its pages, you’ll find details of places to go and things to do, including after-school activities, sports clubs, tutors, health providers, shops, day trips, junks and much, much more. We hope it helps you to enjoy living on the Southside as much as we do.

Picture: Mark Lehmkuhler

6 Southside Family Guide

Some of the most beautiful places in Hong Kong are right on your doorstep. Take the kids.

Southside Family Guide 7

Picture: Mark Lehmkuhler

outdoors

Mummy time at Repulse Bay beach.

Shore things

Here comes the sun. Grab your swimmers, sunscreen and shades and hit the beach.

Big Wave Bay

drinks and snacks and rents parasol, plus

Surf’s up! Big Wave Bay is Hong Kong’s

barbecue pits and clean changing rooms.

only officially designated surfing spot. It’s

How to get there: Taxi from Stanley or

smaller and more secluded than nearby

Repulse Bay, then down several flights of

Shek O, but has showers and a beach café

stairs, which might be tricky with a stroller.

for post-surf snacks. Boogie boards and other water toys can be bought or hired.

Deep Water Bay

How to get there: Take bus no.9 towards

Near the Hong Kong Golf Club and Ocean

Shek O, alighting at the junction of Shek O

Park, this pretty beach is not the quietest,

Road and Big Wave Bay Road. From there,

but it is quite long, easily accessible,

it’s a 10-minute walk.

popular for wakeboarding and has a couple of good restaurants to choose from.

Chung Hom Kok

How to get there: Bus 6X or 260 from

Slightly off the beaten track, pretty Chung

Exchange Square, Central.

Hom Kok Beach is surrounded by lush vegetation. There’s a shaded playground

Middle Bay

with a cool slide, a small kiosk that sells

Popular with the gay crowd at weekends,

8 Southside Family Guide

A fantasy sandcastle at Shek O.

outdoors

peaceful Middle Bay Beach is a bit of a hike from Repulse Bay Beach but worth the effort. Quiet and tree-fringed, it has changing facilities, barbecue pits and fastfood kiosks.

How to get there: A 15-minute walk along South Bay Road from Repulse Bay. Repulse Bay One of Hong Kong’s most accessible and busiest beaches, Repulse Bay was rebuilt in the 1980s – the original beach suffered erosion because so much sand was taken to fill sandbags during WWII. After years

On the rocks at Shek O.

of delay, The Pulse shopping centre now offers good shopping and beachside dining

Wan bus terminus (Shau Kei Wan

side of Stanley peninsula is popular for

for an even better day out.

MTR exit A3).

watersports. A watersports centre and the

How to get there: buses 6, 6A, 6X

Hong Kong Sea School is located at the South Bay

southern end of the beach.

Pretty South Bay is the perfect beach to

How to get there: buses 6, 6A, 6X or 260

Shek O

escape the crowds, with lovely views to

from Exchange Square to Stanley terminus,

Near Dragon’s Back hiking trail, Shek O is

Ocean Park, changing and shower facilities,

then walk down Stanley Beach Road.

many Hongkongers’ favourite beach. With

barbecue pits and a kiosk.

golden sands, beachside cafés, changing

How to get there: It’s a 30 minute walk,

St Stephen’s Beach

facilities and even a mini golf course, Shek

1.4km along South Bay Road from Repulse

Stanley’s “other” beach is ideal for a more

O is a great option for a fun and easy day

Bay. Alternatively, grab a taxi and be there

secluded afternoon. The cove is sheltered

at the beach. Summer weekends and

in five minutes.

by trees and offers a lovely view across

or 260 from Exchange Square, Central.

public holidays are busy and grabbing a

the bay to Chung Hom Kok.

secluded spot is difficult if you don’t get

Stanley Main Beach

How to get there: A 15-minute walk

there early.

Five minutes’ walk from Stanley Market,

along Wong Ma Kok Road, past St

How to get there: bus 9 from Shau Kei

this long, narrow beach on the east

Stephen’s College.

Winters and week days are peaceful on Shek O beach, but it buzzes with activity on sunny weekends.

Southside Family Guide 9

outdoors

Day trippin’ Family fun days.

Ocean Park Rollercoasters, marine conservation, wildlife enclosures and pandas are among the attractions of Southside’s much-loved theme park. Since opening in 1977, Ocean Park has expanded to become one of Asia’s premier tourist attractions. It is visited annually by more than seven million people and provides thrills and educational entertainment for the entire family.

The park is split into three sections accessed via the underground Ocean Express train, a monster escalator and the original cable car with breathtaking views of the park, the sea and Southside beyond. Thrillseekers will love the aptly named Thrill Mountain where rides such as Hair Raiser and The Flash will get hearts pumping. Take a break from the rides at the Grand Aquarium, which has Woohoo! All the fun of the fair at Ocean Park.

more than 400 species of fish, sharks and other marine critters. We love the Penguin Encounter at the South Pole Spectacular

lights go out. The artificial pitch is ideal for

where you can help with the feeding and

absorbing the rough and tumble.

daily care of the penguins.

After the match, players can chill

Single-entry tickets are $345 for

out in the common area and play on the

adults and over 12s, $173 for children aged

foosball and air hockey machines (minus

three to 11. Alternatively, buy a SmartFun

the bubble costumes, of course). The pitch

annual pass (adults $960, children from

can be hired for $2,500 for the first hour

$480) and visit as many times as you

and $1,500 for every subsequent hour. No

like for an entire year. Ocean Park Road,

walk-ins. Players are recommended to

Ocean Park, Aberdeen, 3923 2323,

wear suitable sportswear and trainers. 9am

www.oceanpark.com.hk.

until late. 5/F, Remex Centre, 42 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 3462 3318,

Bubble Soccer

www.bubblesoccer.hk.

Strap on a large plastic orb and bounce off your friends as you try to play soccer

Hong Kong Park

and score goals. Adding a new twist to

At the top of Hong Kong Park, one of the

the craze in this Aberdeen location are

biggest children’s play areas in town has

neon-coloured bubbles that glow when the

1,000 sqm of equipment on six different

10 Southside Family Guide

Reader’s tip Girish Jhunjhunwala, owner of Ovolo Hotel Group “In late October when the cooler weather starts blowing in, I really enjoy hiking with my daughter. We go at the weekends and two or three times during the week. The trails are so close, it’s great. We often start at the Pok Fu Lam riding stables first thing in the morning and hike up the Peak. I can be home by 8.30am.”

YOUR ONE-STOP SPORTS SHOP HAS COME TO REPULSE BAY! Here at Escapade, we want to help athletes reach their full potential by providing them with the best gear available. The brands that we carry and the sta at our stores are all available to help you achieve your performance goals.

Whether you do ultra marathons or triathlons, play rugby, cricket, hockey or netball, we understand that you take your sport seriously and train hard to be the best that you can be.

From now on we also serve you from The Pulse: Shop 110, Level 1, The Pulse 28 Beach Road t : +852 2395 2778 pulse@escapade.com.hk Step into our shop while you are at the beach and check out our great selection of sports gear!

Causeway Bay

Central

Clear Water Bay

1/F, Yee Hing Building, 19 Leighton Road

1/F, Merlin Building, 30-34 Cochrane Street

Shop No. 5, Level 8, Silverstrand Mart

t : +852 2891 1855

t : +852 2851 0769

t : +852 2705 9919

www.escapade.com.hk

ESCAPADE Sports Southside Family Guide 11

outdoors

levels that tumble downhill. Afterwards, play in the fountain or wander through the aviary, giant greenhouses and gardens.

19 Cotton Tree Drive, Central.

Dragon’s Back Southside’s favourite hike by a country mile, the Dragon’s Back ridge above Shek O suits hikers, kids and dogs alike. Hailed

by Time Magazine as Asia’s best urban hike, it’s a beauty. The final 8km eastern section of the 50km Hong Kong Trail takes walkers along the rugged, undulating spine of Hong Kong Island, where the earth is considered a living entity with lines of force known as “dragon’s veins”. There are breathtaking views of the distant Nine Pin Islands, Big Wave Bay, Tai Tam, Stanley and Red Hill. Start the hike at the To Tei Wan bus stop on Shek O Road and end Hiking the Dragon’s Back.

12 Southside Family Guide

with a slap-up meal in Shek O.

outdoors

Ryze Ultimate Trampoline Park With more than 40 trampolines covering an area of 7,000 sq ft, Ryze will have the children literally bouncing off the walls. Jump from one side of the room to the other, slam dunk into the basketball hoops and dive into soft foam pits. Special themed nights, trampoline dodgeball and neon and laser sessions for older teenagers keep the action going. $150 an hour, discounts for group bookings. 9am9pm Open Jump; 9pm-11pm Club Ryze (15 years and over). 3/F, 321 Java Road, Quarry Bay, 2337 8191, www.ryzehongkong.com.

A colonial-era cannon at the Museum of Coastal Defence.

Museum of Coastal Defence

the eastern harbour. It is one of the city’s

the fort’s grounds and the exhibits in the

The museum is located in the former

lesser-known treasures, containing historic

beautifully restored main redoubt, under its

Lei Yue Mun Fort, which was built by the

military memorabilia from the colonial

new sail-like roof. 175 Tung Hei Road, Shau

British in the 1880s on a knoll overlooking

period and earlier. Kids will enjoy exploring

Kei Wan, 2569 1500.

Southside Family Guide 13

outdoors

Perfect your signature jump off the top deck with Gweilo Concepts.

Junk it

It’s going to be a long, hot summer. Make it memorable aboard a junk.

Junks are easy to organise for groups of

watersports. Don’t miss its Boatzilla parties.

each accommodate 30 to 45 people

almost any size. Take your own food and

6038 4020, www.gweiloconcepts.com.

and there are several food and drink

drink or opt for a fully catered boat, or rent

packages available. 9704 4108,

an inflatable banana boat or wakeboard

Island Junks

boat for extra fun. Here are some of the

Island Junks’ fleet of teak boats can

best junk-rental options in town.

accommodate up to 50 guests with

Hong Kong Junks

add-on services including Thai massage,

This company has three types of junk for

Aqua Luna

sea kayaks and snorkels. The company is

hire, catering for up to 40 people. The

Operated by the Aqua group, the iconic

flexible with pick-up and drop-off locations

boats pick up guests from Aberdeen and

red-sailed Aqua Luna will take you and up

and open to requests. Food and drink

sail along Southside’s coast or across to

to 80 guests to your desired destination.

packages are available or take your own

Lamma Island. Your final destination can be

Dining and beverage options available.

food. You can even whip up a barbecue

organised ahead of time or on the day of

Departures from Victoria Harbour public

feast on board. 2877 5222,

travel. Extra activities and equipment are

piers. 2116 8821, www.aqualuna.com.hk.

www.islandjunks.com.hk.

available at an extra cost. 2840 1588,

Gweilo Concepts

Hello Hong Kong

Let the team at Gweilo Concepts organise

Hop aboard the traditional wooden junk,

Hong Kong Yachting

a bespoke junk package for up to 50

Dragon King, or white junk Bella Vita

For something a bit different, Hong Kong

people. Boats set sail from Central or Tsim

and sail from Aberdeen or Central along to

Yachting has a couple of “party boats”,

Sha Tsui, with optional catering, drinks and

Deep Water Bay and Po Toi. The junks can

including former Australian fishing boats

www.hellohongkong.com.hk.

www.hongkongjunks.com.

14 Southside Family Guide

outdoors Where to drop anchor Show off • South Bay • Middle Bay • Repulse Bay • Deep Water Bay • Clearwater Bay Get away from it all • Chung Hom Kok • Tai Long Wan, Lantau • Long Ke Wan, Sai Kung • Tai Long Sai Wan Seafood specials • Po Toi Island • Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma • Po Toi O • High Island, Sai Kung Aqua Luna pulls into Stanley (top) and a western-style cruiser moors up in Sai Kung.

Jungle Jane and Tarzan, complete with

Jubilee

catering, water skis and a speed boat can

inflatable slides from the top deck and a

Traditional wooden junks and Western-

be requested at an extra cost. 2165 4196,

floating lounge. The boats can hold up to

style cruisers for day trips, fishing and

www.sealagoon.com.

40 people and come with iPod systems.

squid trips. A wide range of watersport

The company also rents sailing boats, the

equipment for hire includes banana boats

Standard Boat

40ft Circus (for 10 people, plus crew) and

and wakeboards. Guests can be picked

This long-established company has a

60ft V1 (for 18 people, plus crew). Catering

up and dropped off at various piers. 3555

fleet of wooden junks, luxury motorboats,

is available. And, yes, you will be expected

5666, www.jubilee.com.hk.

yachts and even ferries available for hire.

to haul on a few ropes. 2526 0151, www.hongkongyachting.com.

A range of catering options can be Lazy Days

organised at an extra cost. 2570 1792,

Lazy Days’ sleek cruisers can be rented

www.standardboat.hk.

Jaspa’s Party Junks

with special junk packages of food,

Enjoy Jaspa’s legendary laid-back

drinks and customised options such as

Vikings Charter

hospitality as you sail around Sai Kung and

spa and nail treatments, massages and

Operating since 1989, Vikings Charters

neighbouring waters. The party starts the

wakeboarding lessons for a memorable

offers catered or non-catered junks

moment you step aboard, with canapes

day out with a difference. 3488 1534,

for up to 30 guests. After sailing from

and bottomless Sea Breeze cocktails (plus

www.lazydays.com.hk.

Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, Central and

beer, wine and soft drinks). After dropping

Aberdeen, Southside destinations include

anchor, staff cook up a delicious barbecued

Sea Lagoon

Repulse Bay and South Bay. Speedboats

lunch and even toss fresh drinks to guests

Sea Lagoon will take you for a sail along

for banana boating, water-skiing and

in the water. All you need is a towel. Each

Southside, accommodating any party from

wakeboarding can be requested for an

junk can accommodate up to 38 people.

50 up to 150 people. Standard facilities are

additional cost. 2814 9899,

2792 6001, www.casteloconcepts.com.

available on board and add-ons such as

www.vikingscharters.com.hk.

Southside Family Guide 15

outdoors

In the swim Dive into one of Hong Kong’s swimming pools.

Public pools

teaching pool and multi-purpose pool.

complex as well as an outdoor teaching

Pao Yue Kong Swimming Pool

Open Apr 1-Nov 30, 6.30am-noon, 1pm-

pool and toddlers’ pool on a deck that is

The only public swimming pool on

5pm and 6pm-10pm. Closed Wednesdays.

thoughtfully equipped with sun-loungers.

Southside has two 50m pools, two training

2 Sai Cheung Street North, Kennedy

Open year-round (closed May 11-June 30

pools and a leisure pool with slides

Town, 2817 7973.

for maintenance), 6.30am-noon, 1pm-5pm

and diving boards. It is tucked away in

and 6pm-10pm. Closed Thursdays. 7 Oi

Wong Chuk Hang and is close to Jumbo

Island East Swimming Pool

Kingdom for post-swim munchies. Open

On stormy days, head to this indoor

Apr 1-Oct 31, 6.30am-noon, 1pm-6pm and

pool complex filled with slides, rides and

Hotel pools

7pm-10pm. Closed Tuesdays. 2 Shum

games. There’s a 25m lap pool, leisure

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

Wan Road, Wong Chuk Hang, 2553 3617.

pool and baby pool to keep the children

With an unbeatable harbour view and

happy while lashing rain shuts down

tropical gardens, the 50m heated pool

Kennedy Town Swimming Pool

Southside’s swanky, private outdoor pools.

on the Grand Hyatt’s leisure deck is a

What wouldn’t private clubs give for a

Open year round, 6.30am-noon, 1pm-5pm

luxurious location. There’s a restaurant

location as enviable as this, right on the

and 6pm-10pm. Closed Wednesdays. 52

(with poolside waiter service for cocktails,

edge of Victoria Harbour in up-and-coming

Lei King Road, Sai Wan Ho, 2151 4082.

natch), waterfall and even a 400m jogging

Kwan Road, Wan Chai, 2879 5622.

track. A day pass is $550 and includes

K-Town? The Kennedy Town Swimming Pool has a 50m lap pool and a children’s

Morrison Hill

access to the outdoor pools, gym and

pool with a water playground. And that’s

An unlikely quiet retreat in the heart of

sauna. Advanced booking required. 8am-

just phase one. Phase two, due for

Wan Chai, near the end of Stubbs Road,

7pm. 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, 2588

completion in 2016, will include a Jacuzzi,

this public facility has a large indoor pool

1234, hongkong.grand.hyatt.com.

16 Southside Family Guide

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong’s pool with a view.

outdoors

Le Meridien Cyberport Non-guests can dive into the handy and oh-so-tempting pool at Le Meridien Cyberport for a daily fee of $300 (excluding weekends). Luxurious and indulgent, it has a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and waiter service from the neighbouring international restaurant, Prompt. Open daily 6am-10pm. 2980 7788, www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien.

Conrad Hong Kong The Conrad allows non-guests to book a day pass and enjoy the swimming It’s better wetter.

pool, sauna and steam room for $370, Mon-Fri, $480 at weekends. Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Admiralty, 2521

by skyscrapers, sun-loungers and lush

granting access to the pool, gym and

3838, www.conradhotels3.hilton.com.

greenery, the Island Shang’s 28m pool

locker rooms. Call ahead to avoid

makes a glamorous city retreat. Day

disappointment. Pacific Place, Supreme

Island Shangri-la, Hong Kong

passes are available on weekdays only

Court Road, Admiralty, 2877 3838,

A little piece of paradise surrounded

(excluding public holidays) for $600,

www.shangri-la.com.

Southside Family Guide 17

outdoors

Camp out

a campsite to suit. Choose from a basic

sq ft herb garden on lovely Cheung

four- or six-person tent in the private

Sha Beach, Lantau, each of the semi-

beachfront campsite, a luxury three-

permanent tents sleeps up to six people

metre safari tent with furniture and air

and comes with double airbeds, proper

conditioning, or the four guest rooms

bedding, table and chairs, air coolers

with private showers, air conditioning and

and mosquito screens. Showers and

Where to camp

wireless broadband access. Spend the

washroom facilities are available. Palm

There are 41 official campsites in Hong

day on the water – kayaks, surfboards,

Beach, Cheung Sha Lantau, 2980 4822,

Kong’s country parks, including 12 on

kiteboards, windsurfers, SUP and more

info@palmbeach.com.hk,

Lantau and 16 in Sai Kung but none on Hong

can be hired with instruction available –

www.palmbeach.com.hk.

Kong Island. We recommend these hassle-

or simply chill on the beach with

free campsites, which have pre-assembled

rented deckchairs, umbrellas, ice boxes

Teepee Village

tents and a whole bunch of fun activities so

and volleyball nets. 29 Lower Cheung

Grab your headdresses, pack your

you can make the most of your getaway.

Sha Beach, Lantau, 8104 6222,

warpaint and get ready for action at Palm

Happy camping!

www.longcoast.hk.

Beach’s Teepee Village. Eight handpainted

Long Coast Seasports

Palm Beach

four to 20 people, have been erected

Whether you’ve got a princess who

The 10 Safari Bush Campers at Palm

on an 18,000 sq ft lawn. The adjacent

doesn’t want to rough it or an adventure

Beach could have come straight from the

Palm Beach Watersports Centre offers

hound who does, Long Coast Seasports

Serengeti and are as stylish as camping

kiteboarding, surfing, windsurfing and other

on one of Lantau’s longest beaches has

in Hong Kong gets. Set in a 40,000

activities. Palm Beach, Cheung Sha Lantau,

Don’t forget the marshmallows.

teepees of various sizes, sleeping

18 Southside Family Guide

outdoors

restaurant. Sleeping bags, mats, coolers, charcoal, dishes and cooking equipment can also be provided. Advance bookings recommended. Pui O Beach, Lantau, 2984 8710, www.oohlala-hk.com.

Tsim Bet Tsui Organic Farm Not everyone is a beach babe. If you dread the thought of sand in your sleeping bag, stay in a Mongolian yurt at this farm in Yuen Long with spectacular views of the Mai Po marshes. The yurts can accommodate up to 10 people. The farm also has a petting zoo, a miniature train and barbecue pits. Lau Fau Shan, Yuen Long, 2980 4822, info@palmbeach.com.hk,

camping in ready-pitched tents behind its

www.palmbeach.com.hk.

beachside Mediterranean restaurant on

2472 6962.

lovely 3.5 km Pui O Beach. Spend the day

For a full list of campsites, maps and

Ooh La La

playing beach games, mountain biking,

getting-there details, visit the Agriculture,

Linked to Treasure Island educational

kayaking, surfing or simply sipping cocktail

Fisheries and Conservation Department

camps, Ooh La La offers private family

sundowners to lounge music at Ooh La La

website, www.afcd.gov.hk.

Southside Family Guide 19

outdoors

On the rocks Learn to climb in Hong Kong.

Indoors Da Verm Run by experienced climbers, Da Verm is one of few indoor climbing gyms in Hong Kong and the only one on the Island, with two climbing walls up to seven metres high. Routes change monthly to keep things interesting. G/F, 419G Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, 2803 0567, www.da-verm.com.

Go Nature This is perhaps the finest indoor bouldering wall in town. Go Nature is a popular spot with serious climbers and a good place to find a climbing buddy. It offers childrenonly courses as well as for parents and children, plus outdoor bouldering and abseiling. Unit C2, G/F, Wing Hing Industrial Building, 14 Hing Yip Street, Kwun Tong, 3563 7156, www.gonaturehk.com.

YMCA The YMCA has 266 sqm of indoor climbing wall. Children can learn the basics of rope work and climbing techniques through its indoor courses. Introductory classes for adults or private tuition are also available for members and nonmembers, The indoor wall can be hired for private groups and parties. 41 Salisbury Picture: Mark Lehmkuhler

Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2268 7099, www.ymcahk.org.hk.

Just Climb Just Climb offers climbing classes for children and adults, plus day, monthly and annual passes for non-coached climbing sessions. One-hour beginners’ classes Junior climbers learn the ropes at Shek O with Rockstars.

20 Southside Family Guide

teach basic climbing and bouldering skills.

outdoors

Scale the heights on an indoor or outdoor climbing wall.

Children’s classes (ages five-15) include

at 18m high and 16m wide. It can host up

a certificate. Shoe hire is available. G/F,

to 30 climbers at one time on 15 different

Prince Industrial Building, 706 Prince

routes with varying degrees of difficulty,

Edward Road East, San Po Kong, 3561

including some tricky overhangs.

7868, www.justclimb.hk.

22 Gascoigne Road, Yau Ma Tei (Jordan MTR), 2782 6682,

Rockstars

www.kpcc.ymcahk.org.hk.

Rockstars specialises in after-school climbing for children at Hong Kong

Tung Lung Chau

International School’s climbing wall in Tai

Little Tung Lung Chau Island is a mecca

Tam. The sessions are open to children

for local climbers with routes for all levels

over five years old from any school and

of experience. It’s a tranquil destination at

are available as 12-week courses, which

the eastern entrance to Victoria Harbour,

include two weekend bouldering trips to

reached by ferry at weekends only. On

Shek O – a popular bouldering destination

arrival, follow the signposts towards Tung

for experienced climbers. Rockstars

Lung Fort to a large boulder atop a small

can also organise birthday parties and

hillock. Kite Rock has half a dozen short

family climbing outings at HKIS or Shek

bolted routes of varying difficulty. Other

O including up to two hours of climbing.

popular sites (for the experienced) include

9484 3060, rockstarshk@hotmail.com.

Technical Wall, a 20m sea cliff, the nearvertical Sea Gully and the atmospheric,

Outdoors

60m Big Wall. For transport timetables,

YMCA King’s Park

visit www.td.gov.hk.

Get the gear • Climbing shoes: shoes with special rubber soles for maximum friction are available in Mong Kok at Chamonix Alpine Equipment, Hong Kong Mountaineering Training Centre (both at www.chamonix.com. hk), RC Outfitters (www.rcoutfitters. net) and The Overlander (www. overlander.com.hk).

• Comfortable harness: Black Diamond & Petzl are recommended brands.

• Chalk bags: chalk keeps hands sweat free and allows for a better grip, especially in humid Hong Kong.

• A climbing partner: join a club.

• Know-how: for climbing sites and route tips, visit www.hongkongclimbing.com.

The YMCA’s outdoor climbing wall at King’s Park is the biggest in Hong Kong

Southside Family Guide 21

activities

Arts, crafts & cooking

Junior cooks prepare to bake at Spark Studios.

Kids get creative.

Anastassia’s Art House

BZ Art Studio

artist with a range of drawing, sketching,

Budding artists will love Anastassia’s Art

This intimate studio keeps classes to

sculpture and performance art classes.

House. Hong Kong’s only Russian art

seven students or less to ensure they all

Frequent holiday camps and special

academy offers a wealth of classes for

get sufficient attention. The painting and

workshops are run during the year.

children aged three to 16. These range

drawing classes have termly themes,

Rm 108, Aberdeen Marina Tower,

from Art Discovery, which introduces

offering children a chance to learn, explore

8 Shum Wan Road, Aberdeen, 2580 5028,

young children to the joys of painting,

and understand different techniques and

www.colour-my-world.com.

printing, paper collage and modelling

media. The teen class, for ages 11 and up,

projects, to Art Appreciation for 12- to

takes an indepth look at oil painting and

Craft Hour Asia

16-year-olds. Children of all ages can

drawing skills, useful for those preparing

Children aged six to 11 can pick up lifelong

mess around with clay on the ceramics

for GCSE and IB art courses. Flat 905,

skills at classes in knitting, weaving,

and pottery course, and hip teens can

9/F, Hop Shi Factory Building, Lee

sewing, embroidery, clay crafting, beading,

design a comic book. 2/F, Stanley Plaza,

Chung Street, Chai Wan, 5411 1881,

paper crafts and decorative painting.

Stanley, 2104 3303; G/F, The Repulse Bay,

www.bzartstudio.com.

Courses comprise 10 to 12 lessons a

109 Repulse Bay Road, 2812 6465; www.arthouse-hk.com.

22 Southside Family Guide

term, each with a new and often seasonal Colour My World

project. Adults can get craft happy too

Inspire your children to release their inner

with courses of four-weekly lessons

activities

such as knitting basics and dressmaking.

Cooking classes

Crochet and scrapbooking classes are in

Mixing Bowl

the pipeline. The Repulse Bay Clubhouse,

Classes for children aged six to 14 are

109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay,

entirely hands on and student cooks are

www.crafthourasia.com.

taught special cooking techniques and food-presentation skills. Savoury and

Little Picasso

sweet dishes are made in each class.

Paint the town red (or green or blue or

Pizza and festive food classes are also

pink…) with Lindy Moran and her team at a

offered. 5 Shin Hing Street, Sheung Wan,

warehouse-style studio in Ap Lei Chau. A

2524 0001, www.themixingbowlhk.com.

high teacher-student ratio ensures children get the individual attention they need.

Playtent

Conversations about art news, history and

Fledgling cooks, aged two to seven,

books are sneaked into lessons and break

can join the Little Chefs course,

times. 21/F, Oceanic Industrial Centre, 2

which introduces children to the art of

Lee Lok Street, Ap Lei Chau, 3521 1046,

cooking, sieving, stirring and mixing. New

www.littlepicasso.hk.

ingredients are introduced each class

Reader’s tip Kylie Platt, owner of Mirth “As a family we love to go to Big Wave Bay. It is a great place to hang out in summer and winter. We take the kids’ surfboards as the waves are a good size for them to learn.

Afterwards we have pizza on the beach at the kiosk.

“All the trails leading up to or around Violet Hill and the Twins are great to get ‘lost’ in and get away from it all – the views back to the city are amazing and you feel like you could be anywhere in the world.”

and participants get to experiment with Starlit Art Space

a variety of textures, scents and flavours

include Asian savouries, Japanese treats,

This gallery and art centre aims to bridge

and learn about healthy lifestyles. Best

cookies and all things chocolatey. 3/F,

the gap between academia and visual art

of all, students get to eat everything they

Westlands Centre, 20 Westland Street,

for students aged three to 18. Courses

make. 18 Stanley Main Street, Stanley,

Quarry Bay, 2682 3411.

include painting, drawing, ceramics and

2276 0488, www.playtent.com.hk.

www.sparkstudiohk.com.

artists can choose from a wider range

Spark Studios

The Kidchen

of courses, including graphic design,

Not only do children aged five to 16 cook

Chef Kit Lin teaches children to make

sketching, Chinese art and calligraphy.

delicious dishes, they also learn about

dishes such as pizza, dim sum and

10/F, Universal Trade Centre, 3 Arbuthnot

table manners and how to be the perfect

cupcakes from scratch using tools and

Road, Central, www.starlit.hk.

dinner guest. Different cooking lessons

appliances designed for children. Private

decorative art for younger children. Older

group lessons and family cooking classes can also be organised. 1/F Sum Way Mansion, 1 Belcher’s Street, Kennedy Town, 9522 3003, www.bykitlin.com.

Whisked A studio that specialises in teaching children aged three to 10 how to bake, Whisked aims to develop cooking techniques through progressive stages while encouraging creativity and facilitating team work. Classes are taught in Chinese and English. Summer cooking camps are also available. 21/F, Xiu Ping Commercial Building, 104 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, 3460 3130, www.whiskedbaking.com.

Taking things literally at Colour My World.

Southside Family Guide 23

activities

Kids’ Gallery’s young performers take to the stage.

Performing arts Let’s do the show right here.

Drama clubs

with after-school and weekend sessions

Teenage girls with a passion for singing and

Faust International

in Central, Parkview and Hong Kong

a basic music background can audition for

Faust runs drama workshops for children

Academy. As well as born performers, the

Kassia Youth. Coached by Celia Leung, the

aged three to 18 at venues across Hong

club helps shy children build confidence

all-girl chorus performs a cappella works

Kong. It introduces children to the world

and find their voices. Classes are divided

from The Beatles to madrigals. Room 806,

of theatre and creativity through fun, lively

into junior, intermediate and senior students,

Arion Commercial Centre, 2-12 Queen’s

sessions, developing performance skills,

with a chance to take part in an open-day

Road West, Sheung Wan, 2575 3931,

theatre knowledge, teamwork, individual

performance every term. 9389 5880,

www.katterwall.com.

expression and confidence. Classes are

www.theislandgleeclub.com.

Reader’s tip

open to everybody, with no previous drama experience needed. It also organises

Katterwall

productions at Hong Kong theatres.

Hong Kong choir Katterwall runs several

2547 9114, www.faustworld.com.hk.

weekly clubs, giving children and teenagers a chance to sing and learn about music.

Island Glee Club

Hullaballoo is for children aged five to

Island Glee Club provides opportunities

seven while eight- to 11-year-olds can

for aspiring vocalists to collaborate with

join Singing S’Kool, which aims to build

professional singers and performers.

confidence and creativity while teaching

The club teaches singing and dancing,

singing techniques in different genres.

24 Southside Family Guide

May Nogoy, yogi at Soul Trends “My favourite thing to do in Southside is hula hoop and practice yoga on the waterfront in Cyberport. We live just up the road and love to connect with the neighbourhood vibes. What keeps us here is the peace and quiet and the charm of family life.”

Southside Family Guide 25

activities

Every child gets a chance to perform with Faust International. Below: classical ballet classes at the Southern School of Dance.

Kids’ Gallery

Starlit Voice uses drama, literature and

traditional and contemporary Irish dance.

This long-established children’s arts

poetry to ignite children’s imaginations,

The primary focus is fun but students also

centre offers after-school and weekend

improve communication skills, build

perform at special events throughout Hong

music and drama classes for children

confidence and have fun. Speech Festival

Kong. Classes are held at Delaney’s in

aged four to 18. Speech and drama

classes and interview training are also

Cyberport and the Repulse Bay Club as

classes include storytelling, improvisation,

available. Classes are held at international

well as other locations. 9093 2015,

physical theatre and acting skills. Face

schools throughout the territory, as well as

www.echoesirishdance.com.

Academy for eight- to 18-year-olds is

at Hong Kong Parkview and the Universal

a performing-arts programme in acting,

Trade Centre, Arbuthnot Road, Central.

Island Dance

musical theatre and dance that includes

2108 2182, www.starlitvoice.com.

With more than 14 venues across Hong

regular classes, specialist workshops and

Kong, Island Dance offers classical ballet

productions of all sizes. Private sessions

Dance

classes for children from 18 months to

available. Locations in Bel-Air, Central,

Echoes of Erin Irish Dancing

adults. Classes are available at all levels

Kowloon Tong and Yau Tong. 2501 4842

Children (and adults) can take classes in

from beginners to pre-professional.

www.kidsgallery.com.

Students perform in a number of local events, including the Lunar New Year

My Musical Studio

Parade, Hong Kong Sevens, flash mobs

Drama, music and dance classes for

and music and dance festivals. Disco,

children aged two to 17. As well as the

tap, creative dance, hip hop, jazz tap and

ongoing drama programme, dance

funk classes are also available. 2987 1571,

classes include hip hop, jazz, show dance

www.islanddance.com.hk.

and “cheernastics”, which combines cheerleading and gymnastics. Classes are designed to improve performance skills and help develop social and

Red Shoes Dance School With ballet, jazz, hip hop and contemporary dance to choose

emotional bonds with other children. All

from, this school should keep any little

classes are open to beginners. 3665 0700,

groover happy. Regular classes are held

www.mymusicalstudio.com.

throughout the year as well as holiday camps and one-off special workshops.

Starlit Voice

22/F Lee Fund Centre, 31 Wong Chuk

The only accredited exam centre in Hong

Hang Road, Aberdeen, 2117 9295,

Kong for the London Academy of Music

www.redshoedance.com.

and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) syllabus,

26 Southside Family Guide

Southside Family Guide 27

activities

Feeling the beat at Rock A Baby.

Southern School of Dance

Music

G/F-M/F, 147 Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy

This long-established dance school offers

Kindermusik by Catherine

Valley, 2894 9825.

classical ballet lessons and examinations for

Making music in Hong Kong since 1999,

preschoolers to teenagers. All children take

Kindermusik offers a range of classes for

Rock A Baby

part in annual shows for family and friends

children up to seven years. Classes are

Get little feet tapping with Rock A Baby’s

(don’t forget your hanky). Tap, modern

tailored towards learning to play music in

music nursery classes. Children learn and

dance and contemporary classes are also

an enjoyable environment. Children also

play through music, while building important

available. On Hong Kong Island, classes are

explore a variety of keyboard, string and

social skills. Mini Mozarts can be introduced

held in Wong Chuk Hang and the Hong Kong

woodwind instruments. Classes are held in

to a whole range of instruments through

Cricket Club. 2872 6917,

Central and venues including the American

private and group classes. Shop B102, The

www.southernschoolofdance.com.hk.

Club at Tai Tam, Aberdeen Marina Club,

Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 3586

Parkview and Hong Kong Football Club. 2518

3070. www.rockababy.com.hk.

Twinkle Dance Company

4840, www.kateskids.com.hk.

Tom Lee Music Academy

Budding ballerinas will have fun at classes leading to Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)

Perfect Pitch Music Centre

Part of a Hong Kong-wide group of music

examinations and performances. Summer

Singing lessons and classes for string, wind

schools teaching music to children of all

camps, dance-themed birthday parties, jazz

and percussion instruments for any age and

ages, with content specifically tailored to

and funk classes are also available. 6608

level of experience. Lessons are taught

developmental stages. Younger children

6689, www.twinkledance.com.

by fully trained and qualified instructors,

learn rhythm and storytelling through music

specialising in classical, modern and

while classes for older children include flute,

contemporary music. Preparation for singing

piano, ukulele and violin. 2/F, Site 2, Aberdeen

or instrument exams can also be organised.

Centre, Aberdeen, 2555 7808, www.tlmf.org.

28 Southside Family Guide

Bringing the wonderful world of theatre to the young people of Hong Kong since 1999!

Now taking registrations!

With qualified & experienced leaders, unrivalled resources and over 15 years of experience, we offer the best of drama & theatrical education Join us for drama workshops that develop self-confidence & teamwork in a fun-filled learning environment

Summer Programmes

29th June to 28th August 2015 Holiday Theatre & Creative Writing For ages 3 to 14 at our dedicated Faust Studios in Sheung Wan & Kowloon Exciting week long workshops with new themes, stories & content each week Also on offer: Christmas, Chinese New Year & Easter Programmes

Term Time Weekly Drama Workshops For ages 3 to 18 at venues across Hong Kong & Kowloon including the Faust Studio in Sheung Wan, Mid Levels, Stanley, Kowloon Tong, Repulse Bay & the Peak

“You have a wonderful programme that does a world of good for kids�

Faust Parent

Best After-School Activity Winner 2014 & 2015

Call 2547 9114 Email Info@FaustWorld.com Visit www.FaustWorld.com th

FaustHongKong

5 Floor, Nan Dao Commercial Building, 359 & 361 Queen's Road Central, Sheung Wan Southside Family Guide 29

activities

Young learners at ITS.

Language lessons & tuition Get a head start on learning a second language or brush up academic skills.

Languages

materials are produced in-house and are

songs and interactive communication. Très

British Tutors

taught by native language teachers in an

bien! 3/F, Man Lok Building, 89-93 Bonham

Individual or group lessons in a variety

interactive group environment. The centre

Strand, Sheung Wan, 3563 5263,

of languages including English, German,

aims to improve reading, writing, speaking

www.interactivefrench.hk.

Latin and Spanish can be held at home or

and listening with a focus on grammar and

online. Tutors are matched to each child’s

pronunciation. Classes run seven days a

KidsEdge

educational needs to form a better rapport

week and start at $400/hour. 9/F, Universal

Experienced native English-speaking

and match teaching to a child’s learning

Trade Centre, 3 Arbuthnot Road, Central,

teachers offer language tuition for children

style. Classes cover phonics, reading,

2530 9888, www.gaialanguage.com.

from age two in groups of up to four or

comprehension and creative writing.

in private lessons. Courses include Kindy

Interactive holiday workshops are also

Interactive French

Cambridge, public speaking, storytelling

available. Prices vary with location.

With tutors from French-speaking

and interview skills. Prices vary from $660

11/F, Ho Lee Commercial Building, 38-44

countries, this educational centre teaches

for two classes a week to $1,350 for five

D’Aguilar Street, Central, 8191 2252,

French to children of all ages in private or

classes a week. 2302 Universal Trade

www.britishtutors.com.

group lessons. French for Toddlers (aged

Centre, 3 Arbuthnot Road, Central, 2868

two to four) teaches young children basic

0636, www.kidsedge-education.com.hk.

GAIA World Language

sounds and vocabulary in familiar themes

Founded in 2013 by three mothers, GAIA

such as greetings, family, school and the

Les Petits Lascars

World Language offers classes in Chinese,

home. Classes for older children (aged

Catering to the needs of French families

English, Spanish and Latin for all ages. All

five to 12) involve lots of fun role-plays,

relocating to Hong Kong and wishing to

30 Southside Family Guide

Southside Family Guide 31

activities

raise their children in a French-speaking environment, Les Petits Lascars runs immersive French language classes teaching core language skills to children from just 12 months old. It also provides a help for future applicants to the French International School. 3/F, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, 2526 8892, www.lespetitslascars.com.

Miles International Academy This Repulse Bay preschool runs an after-school Mandarin Club for three- to six-year-olds. It takes an unconventional, contextual approach to learning that is led by the child. Putonghua and pinyin are taught through recreational tasks, learning about Chinese culture and through various excursions. B102, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 3586 3071, Tutoring starts early at Mentorhood Learning (above and bottom right of next page).

32 Southside Family Guide

www.milesinternational.com.hk.

Having fun with language at Southside Mandarin

Southside Mandarin

entrance. Its language tuition includes

Age-appropriate Mandarin classes for

Mandarin, Cantonese, English, French,

children aged six months to 12 years teach

Latin, Spanish and German taught by highly

the language through different activities,

qualified tutors. Prices start at $550. Tailor-

such as drama, art and music. Teachers

made, private tuition programmes and exam

are native speakers with experience in

preparation services for SAT, A-Levels,

early childhood and primary education. The

ACT, SSAT and more are also available.

language programme is devised to help

www.tuition.com.hk.

children practise their Putonghua while igniting their imaginations. One Island South,

Kumon

2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang,

Kumon is a tried-and-tested educational

3427 9619, www.southsidemandarin.com.

support system conceived in Japan. It is based on completing daily worksheets that develop the basic building blocks

Academic tuition

for core subjects, such as number bonds

International Tuition Services

for mathematics. Students are not split

ITS offers educational support for children

into groups by grade or age, but work at

of all ages. It places importance on finding

their own pace through the worksheets

the right school for each individual child and

provided in maths, English and Chinese.

offers continuity of service from admissions

Available across Hong Kong. 2890 6533,

to IB tutorial support and help with university

www.kumon.com.cn/KHK.

Southside Family Guide 33

activities Raising bilingual children Sylvette Bruwer, mother of two.

“I am French, my husband is German and we both are fluent in English. My girls speak both ‘mother’ and ‘father’ tongues as well as English and some Mandarin. Frank can speak French and, although I don’t speak German, I understand a little bit. When Zoe was four, she acted as a translator for me on holiday in Germany – it was surreal.

“The girls are happy to speak French and German and find it perfectly natural to swap from one language to another because it has always been like this for them.

There is, of course, the occasional mix-up of three languages in one sentence, which can be really funny.

We’ve found it pretty easy to raise our children speaking more than one language because so many families in Hong Kong do the same and we are not the odd ones out.

“My advice is to speak to your kids in your own mother tongue from birth, regardless of the environment, and stick to it.”

Classes are tailored to the individual at Sylvan Learning Centre.

Mentorhood Learning Center

PGEM

Sylvan Learning Center

Boasting a high teacher-student ratio,

For one-on-one support outside the

Maths, English reading and writing and

this Southside learning centre provides

classroom, PGEM’s professional tutors

homework help are all on offer, plus

academic tutoring in the International

offer online help in a wide range of

exam-preparation classes for the SAT and

Baccalaureate, British and American

subjects and with external examination

ACT. Assessments of new students are

curricula, as well as test preparations for

courses including IB, A-Levels and SAT.

only to identify each child’s strengths and

the IB diploma, MYP, IGCSE, A-Levels,

Learners can book slots with tutors

weaknesses so tailor-made programmes

SAT, AP, SSAT, TOEFL and IELTS. It

through the PGEM website for a personal

can be created to ensure the best

also offers consultations for university

session using interactive video calling,

improvement. The teacher-studio ratio is

preparation. Its International Maths

live chat and whiteboard facilities. Ask

1:3 with classes for students aged four to

Programme offers personalised tuition

questions, receive feedback and develop

18. 2/F, One Island South, Aberdeen; G209

for children in years seven to 13, and aims

a deeper understanding of academic

The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road,

to build a comprehensive foundation in

subjects from the comfort of home.

2873 0662, www.sylvanlearning.com.

maths ahead of international examinations.

Suite 3203, Central Plaza, 18 Harbour

Centres are on Ap Lei Chau and in Wong

Road, Wan Chai, 2877 9336,

Chuk Hang. 5160 1828, www.mentorhood.

www.paradigm-gem.com.

com.hk.

34 Southside Family Guide

Southside Family Guide 35

activities

Sports Exercise, skills, fairness, fun... every child can benefit from playing sports.

Learning silky skills with the Hong Kong Football Academy.

Basketball

programmes for talented players. Kinder

football coaching for boys and girls aged

Hong Kong Basketball Academy

Kicks offers a fun introduction to the

five and up as well as a special Tinytots

HKBA offers young girls and boys one-on-

game for children under four. Talented

soccer programme for little dribblers aged

one and small-group basketball coaching

players may be selected for squad

16 months to four years. Stanley Ho Sports

as well as summer camps. Group coaching

training and play in the Hong Kong Junior

Centre, 10 Sha Wan Drive, Sandy Bay.

is organised by age and coaches for

Football League and Hong Kong Football

3488 7724, www.bfa.hk.

individual sessions are chosen depending

Association Henderson League. APSS

on the areas the player wishes to improve.

also runs football-themed birthday parties

Hong Kong Football Club Junior Soccer

Training is available throughout the week

and “World Cup” parties at venues of your

HKFC’s Junior Soccer offers programmes

with six coaches at three locations –

choice as well as football camps during

for players aged five to 14, plus a Youth

Stanley, Aberdeen and Sheung Wan.

school holidays. Training locations vary.

Development Pathway for selected

www.hkbaallday.com.

2385 9677, www.apsoccer.hk.

players aged 12-18 and a programme for

Football

Brazilian Football Academy and

to be fun yet stretch players to their full

Asia-Pacific Soccer Schools

Tinytots Soccer

potential. Competitive matches take place

APSS runs soccer courses for boys

Five-time winners of the World Cup,

as part of the Hong Junior League and

and girls aged five to 13 at all levels of

Brazilians know how to play the beautiful

Hong Kong Development League. Older

ability, with girls-only sessions and squad

game. The BFA offers fun and competitive

players take part in matches in the Hong

players with special needs. Sessions aim

36 Southside Family Guide

activities

Kong Football Association Henderson

Kids Golf

Horse Riding

League. Coaching takes place on Saturday

Kids Golf runs a SNAG (Starting New At

Hong Kong Jockey Club Public

mornings in the club. Non-members

Golf) programme at several international

Riding School

welcome. 3 Sports Road, Happy Valley,

schools, including Quarry Bay School and

Giddy-up! Horse-riding lessons train riders

2830 9500, www.hkfcjuniorsoccer.com.

Hong Kong International School. Children

up to British Horse Society standards.

aged five-12 are taught with specially

Waiting lists can be long and classes

Little Kickers

designed clubs and balls to keep things

small, so book early. Helmets are provided

A fun-focused introduction to football,

interesting during the four- to five-month

but students must supply all other

FA-qualified trainers teach children from 18

course. 2663 3524, www.kidsgolf.hk.

equipment. The school is also home to the

months to seven years skills such as agility,

Riding for the Disabled Association, which

coordination, balance and confidence.

The Golf School of Hong Kong

has been helping disabled children and

Classes at numerous venues including

Led by a PGA professional, the Golf

their families for many years. 75 Pok Fu

Safari Kids International in Pok Fu Lam.

School of Hong Kong provides junior

Lam Reservoir Road, Pok Fu Lam, 2550

6772 5870, www.littlekickers.com.hk.

courses for children aged seven upwards,

1359, www.campaign.hkjc.com.

taking them from beginners to competent

Golf

players ready to hit the course. Venues

Ice Skating

Hong Kong Golf Association

include Sai Wan, Causeway Bay, Ma On

Cityplaza Ice Palace

The HKGA’s “Golf for Schools”

Shan and Tai Po. Divided into six modules

Tai Koo Shing’s Cityplaza Ice Palace is

programme introduces the sport to

each running for 12 weeks, the sessions

Hong Kong Island’s only ice-skating rink.

primary-school students, aged six to 12.

incorporate the basics of equipment

There are about 30 coaches offering

The programme is led by professional

and posture, course strategy and skill

private and group lessons. 18/F, One Island

golfers Robert Jan Derksen and Liang

enhancement, with exams and regular

East, 18 Westlands Road, Taikoo Shing,

Wen-chong, and is available at golf clubs

reviews. 2/F, 444 Des Voeux Road

www.icepalace.com.hk

across Hong Kong including Clearwater

West, Sai Wan, 9507 7277,

Bay. 2504 8659, www.hkga.com.

www.thegolfschool.hk.

Andrew Wright, 26 Coaching How to squeeze in school work, training and a social life.

Prioritise: Something has to give.

Being the best at school and sport will

Early-morning training = early to bed.

Think like a champion: The sooner

mean sacrificing social activities. Tell

you get your priorities right and start

Ask for help: Let your parents,

your friends what you’re doing and

thinking positively, the quicker this will

teachers and coaches know

why you might not be available.

translate into victories.

your schedule and how they can

Don’t waste time: Interruptions

help. Schools are proud to have

such as Facebook, texts and

good athletes so will hopefully

television can be seriously disruptive

accommodate the training needed.

to studying. Plan time blocks where

Set goals: If you don’t know your sporting and academic goals, you won’t be able to allot time efficiently.

disruptions are not a factor and get your schoolwork done.

Sleep: This should be your

Use a yearly planner to plot exam and

number one priority. Without at least

competition dates as well as intense

eight hours a night, recovery will be

training and study periods.

compromised and results will suffer.

Young triathletes compete in Hong Kong.

Southside Family Guide 37

activities

The Rink at Elements Mall Get your skates on and head over to the Rink at Elements Mall for regular group, private or semi-private figure skating and ice hockey sessions. G/F, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2196 8016, www.rink.com.hk

Rugby HKU Sandy Bay This busy, friendly club has one of the

Kids aged seven and up channel their inner Tiger at the Golf School of Hong Kong.

largest mini-rugby sections in Hong Kong.

Training is in English is on Sundays at the

Recreation Ground in Caroline Hill.

coaches who have competed nationally,

ocean-side Stanley Ho playing fields in

www.scaacwbrugby.com.

Specialised Elite Coaching offers athletics

Pok Fu Lam. www.hkusandybayrfc.org

training for kids aged six and up, plus Valley Fort

youth triathlon training and personal

Hong Kong Football Club

The long-established Stanley Fort Rugby

training. Sessions take place on Tuesdays,

Not surprisingly for a club with such a

Club combined with Valley RFU in 2002

Thursdays and Saturdays at Aberdeen

successful adult rugby division, HKFC has

to form Valley Fort for minis and colts,

Sports Ground and Athletics Track as well

friendly but competitive mini-rugby and

which now has 650 members. Training is

as Saturday sessions at Chai Wan

colts sections. Training is in English on

in English at a variety of grounds including

Sports Ground. 3909 4308,

Sundays at HKFC facilities in Happy Valley.

St Stephen’s, Stanley Fort and Hong Kong

www.specialisedelitecoaching.com..

Some teams tour internationally.

International School at Tai Tam.

www.hkfcyouthrugby.com.

www.valleyfort.com.

RugBees

Running

ABC prides itself on being a friendly club

A dedicated rugby-play programme

26 Coaching

and is heavily involved in every boating

for tots aged up to five years. Certified

Offering some of the best youth triathlon

activity imaginable, including sailing

coaches hold sessions at numerous

training on Hong Kong Island, 26 Coaching

and dragon boating, plus all the leisure

locations around Hong Kong, including Pok

aims to develop techniques and teach

activities you could want from a recreation

Fu Lam, Kennedy Town and Happy Valley.

children the importance of strength and

club. With a variety of options for

Class times vary. 2117 3055,

conditioning as well as performance. The

membership and moorings, boaties keen

www.rugbees.hk.

organisation offers running, track athletics

to join a club should explore this option.

and aquathlon training for children from

Open to non-members, sailing courses

SCAA Causeway Bay

age six. The Youth Aquathlon programme

for children aged seven-11 take place in

In 2011, Causeway Bay RFC became the

holds weekly sessions at Repulse Bay

Optimist dinghies, progressing to Toppers

rugby arm of the long-established South

Beach developing open-water swimming.

(age 10), Picos (age 11), Lasers (age 12) and

China Athletics Association with adults’,

26 Coaching also runs indoor bike

RS Feva (age 14). Courses are held over

colts’ and new mini-rugby teams. It is a

sessions for those with their own road

five half-days during school holidays. 20

bilingual club with training at So Kon Po

bikes to overcome the difficulty of

Shum Wan Road, Aberdeen, 2552 8182,

cycling on Hong Kong Island.

www.abclubhk.com.

Sailing Aberdeen Boat Club

www.26coaching.com.

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Specialised Elite Coaching Run by experienced

38 Southside Family Guide

Middle Island This long-established yacht club runs a sailing training programme as well as

Southside Family Guide 39

activities

private lessons for children from age six onwards. Open to non members, courses run during holidays and after school.

Middle Island, 2812 0365, www.rhkyc.org.hk.

Swimming Harry Wright International Founded in 1975, Harry Wright International teaches infant aquatics to children as young as four months to swim. Older children can learn to swim and join competitive swimming programmes.

Students are taught by highly qualified coaches and grouped by ability. Lessons

Novice sailors learn the ropes with Aberdeen Boat Club.

are held at various clubs and schools across Hong Kong, including venues in Pok

Multisports

Other

Fu Lam, Deep Water Bay, Aberdeen and

Flex Kids

Auskick

Causeway Bay. 2575 6279,

Hong Kong’s most dynamic instructors

Aussie-rules football is a great alternative

www.harrywright.com.hk.

get little ones moving in all kinds of ways,

to soccer and rugby, requiring some

including Pilates, Yoga, Twinkle Ballet and

similar skills and the May-to-September

Tennis

Funky Dance classes. Classes are divided

season slotting in perfectly with the rugby

ESF Educational Services

into age-appropriate groups. One Island

season. Training sessions are held at

The Australasia Tennis Aces provide

South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk

weekends at various locations including

tennis services for ESF Educational

Hang, 2813 2281, www.flexhk.com.

Hong Kong Football Club. Registration

Services, with classes catering for children

starts at $1,200 including a player’s kit with

from four years, and from complete

Multi-Sport

everything needed to get ready for the

beginners to advanced competitors.

Striving to “enrich life through sport”,

pitch. www.auskick-hk.com.

Children are required to bring their own

Multi-Sport puts kids aged three to 12

racquets and guidance will be given to

through their sporting paces. Swimming,

Girl Guides and Brownies

determine in which level of classes the

gymnastics, trampolining and many more

Generations of girls have earned badges

child participates. Group classes are

sports are ready to try. Its professional

and learned life skills with the Brownies

offered at various locations including

coaches are renowned for their motivated

and Girl Guides. English-speaking groups

South Island school and Kennedy School.

and enthusiastic approach, above all

meet on Fridays for both Brownies (4pm-

2711 1280, www.esf.org.hk.

making the sessions fun. 2540 1257,

6pm) and Girl Guides (6pm-8pm). New

www.multi-sport.com.hk.

Sandilands, 141 Wong Nai Chung Gap

Monster Tennis

Road, 2359 6877, www.hkgga.org.hk.

To make the game fun and easy to

Sport4Kids

pick up, Monster Tennis introduces

Sport4Kids offers a wide range of sports

Scouts and Cubs

young children to the game using

programmes for children aged from

Part of the international Boy Scout

low-compression balls, small racquets,

18 months to 16 years. Rugby, soccer,

movement, Cubs and Scouts learn skills,

colourful teaching aids and shorter court

swimming and basketball sessions are

play games, hold jamborees and have fun.

dimensions, tailored to children. Lessons

held at various locations. 2773 1650,

There are 16 English-speaking troops in

are held across Hong Kong including

www.sport4kids.hk.

Hong Kong, with groups at St Stephen’s

Happy Valley and Causeway Bay.

Chapel in Stanley, Kennedy and West

9662 8888, www.hkita.com.

Island schools. group.scout.org.hk/sjd.

40 Southside Family Guide

activities

Southside Family Guide 41

parties

Let the good times roll Call in the professionals then settle back and enjoy the party.

Party supplies

professionally trained entertainers keep

the website to create and send invitations,

Aeroporto

children smiling with comedy routines,

choose a wish list from the gift registry,

Aeroporto works on events of all sizes

games, songs and puppet shows, with

order party essentials for delivery to

and scales, transforming any space into

themes such as Princess and Prince

your door, book an entertainer and even

the theme of your choice with amazing

Charming, Robin Hood and Little John,

send thank-you notes after the event.

tensioned fabric sculptures and props

Jungle Jim and Jane, pirates and more.

Its handy directory offers email links to

created at its studio in Wong Chuk Hang.

One-hour shows for larger events include

entertainers, photographers, bouncy

Aeroporto will take care of all the details,

Aladdin and the Magic Lamp, Beauty and

castle suppliers, cake makers, caterers,

including finding a venue, invitations,

the Beast, Cinderella and Sherlock Holmes

party venues and more. Easy peasy.

flowers, catering, graphics, entertainment

in the Case of the Missing Bride. Chunky

www.eezypeezyparties.com.

and more, working within your budget.

Onion also offers comprehensive party-

2553 6310, www.aeroportodesign.com.

planning services. 2110 0014,

Jumping Castles

www.chunkyonion.com.

The ultimate themed bouncy castle

Chunky Onion

experience has arrived in Hong Kong.

Chunky Onion sends in the clowns – and

Eezy Peezy Parties

Choose from imaginative castles such

the puppets, magicians, comedy waiters

Take the stress out of your next children’s

as the Pirate Ship, the Dragon and Mega

or the cast of an entire children’s show. Its

party with this online one-stop shop. Use

Obstacle Course. The Jumping Castle

42 Southside Family Guide

parties

FunZone Popular indoor playground FunZone is an ideal party destination for kids bursting with energy. Under-12s can run free in 5,000 sq ft of slides, tunnels, ball pits and air balls. A miniature role-play town includes a supermarket, vet, diner and petrol station, and there’s a (real) café, with wi-fi, serving drinks and snacks. Party packages start at $2,500 for 10 children.

Shop 209, Marble Gardens Commercial, 33 Marble Road, North Point, www.funzone.com.hk.

Paintball HQ Tactics, teamwork and a whole lot of Clockwise from left: cake, friends, action; ball pools and bouncy castles are hits with small children; a birthday treat from A Piece of Cake.

energy are needed to hide and snipe at the opposing team and try to invade their camp. A range of games is available to

team will arrive an hour before the party

for people of all ages. Her services

sustain children’s interest. A minimum

starts to set up, then children can bounce

include budget planning, photography,

party of 10 is needed to organise a game

to their hearts’ content. Add a helium

entertainment hire, venue sourcing and

and players must be aged eight or above.

balloon party kit for extra fun. Large

handmade decorations, turning your ideas

Advance bookings are essential. After the

bouncy castle rentals start at $2,500 for

into reality. Contact the company at least

blasting, Paintball HQ can organise pizzas

four hours depending on castle

a month before the event. 2818 5870,

to be delivered. There’s also a large

choice. 9662 1747, www.jumpingcastles.

www.sweetsoireeshk.com.

room for cake cutting and refreshments

com.hk.

in between games, but you need to bring your own

Matteo Party

Activities

Whether it’s party supplies or full party

Director’s Club

services that you’re looking for, Matteo

Book the entire theatre for parties of

Party will entertain any little one. Buy

up to 16 for a children’s movie party.

costumes, balloons, piñatas, decorations

Choose from current releases, including

and tableware and book magician,

those suitable for young children, or

face painting and balloon twisting party

request an old favourite of your choice.

services. Shop 201C, Level 2, The Pulse,

Free-flowing popcorn, hot dogs and

2321 0812, www.matteoparty.com.

soft drinks are included. Parents can kick back in one of the cinema’s large,

Sweet Soirees

comfortable armchairs and relax

Specialising in bespoke parties, Sweet

making this is one of the easiest

Soirees helps plan a party from set up

parties to host. If you’re not full enough

to cleanup. Founder Lauren Roberts

on popcorn and fizz, Director’s Club

worked in London as an event planner for

offers extra catering and cake-cutting

celebrities and royalty before moving to

facilities for an extra charge. Book online

Hong Kong, where she puts her artistic

at www.uacinemas.com.hk. UA Cityplaza,

eye to good use, creating beautiful events

Tai Koo Shing.

Southside Family Guide 43

parties

supplies (including paper plates, cups, cutlery and drinks). G/F Po Lung Centre, 11 Wang Chiu Road, Kowloon Bay, 3106 0221, www.paintballhq.com.hk.

Pizza Express Pizza Parties For Junior MasterChefs in the making.

Children will look the real deal in a chef’s hat and apron as they set about making their own pizzas. Parties last about two hours and children can take their creations home to enjoy with their families. Pizza Express currently offers pizza-making parties at seven restaurants, including Stanley, and the minimum spend depends on each location. Parties can be booked online at www.pizzaexpress.com.hk.

Rumple the Clown and friends.

Sideways Driving Club

pumping at some of the most exciting race

Audi super cars, and sleek Formula One

Put the pedal to the metal in these virtual

tracks around the world in a variety of cars

models. There is no age restriction but a

race-car simulators. Get the adrenaline

including hot hatchbacks, Porsche and

minimum height of 150cm is suggested so

44 Southside Family Guide

parties

that pedals can be comfortably reached.

puppets, balloon twisting, face painting and

any birthday girl or boy.

LG/F, 1-2 Chancery Lane, Central, 2523

huge amounts of fun. A one-hour show

Select one of

0983, www.sideways-driving-club.com.

with Rumple the Clown starts at $2,200.

the fabulous designs or

www.rumpleandfriends.com.

suggest your

Party People

own. Vanilla chocolate and

Bricks4Kidz

Rachael’s Funhouse

chocolate orange are just two of

LEGO-based fun and games, with a party

Hong Kong’s leading Disco Diva for dance

the delectable flavours available. We

host, projects, free play and design-your-

parties, shows and children’s entertainers.

love the tasty superhero

own mini-figure options. A two-hour deluxe

One hour of party fun starts at $1,900.

cupcakes too. Cake

party package for 10 children starts at

2705 9556, www.funhousehk.com.

Temptations need

$2,250. www.bricks4kidz.hk.

two to three weeks

Cakes

notice – these cakes

The Cheese Brothers

A Piece of Cake

are seriously popular.

This pair of clowns have been lighting up

For a delicious twist on a birthday cake,

www.caketemptations.

children’s faces for years with slapstick,

customise your own Valrhona chocolate-

com.hk.

juggling routines, slow-motion racing,

coated cakepops for individual mini treats.

balloon modelling and lots more fun.

A minimum of 24 cake pops must be

Sweet Secrets

www.kids-party.hk.

ordered. www.pieceofcakehk.com.

Express next-day birthday cakes can be

Rumple & Friends

Cake Temptations

cupcakes are divine too.

Let them entertain you: magic, circus skills,

Awesome handmade 3-D cakes will thrill

www.sweetsecrets.com.hk.

ordered for collection or delivery. The

Southside Family Guide 45

food

Top crops Buy local produce direct from the grower at Hong Kong’s organic farms.

Rainbow Organic Strawberry Farm Pick your own strawberries in this 300,000 sqft field ($80 a pound, until the end of April). In season, visitors can also pick organic peanuts, choi sum, sweetcorn, cherry tomatoes and watermelons. There’s also a petting zoo with lambs and rabbits, and a barbecue area. Open daily 9am-6pm.

76 Hok Tau Village, Fan Ling, 9302 0258, www.strawberry-farm.com.hk.

Strawberry Farm Growing only strawberries, we stumbled on this open-air farm on the way to Rainbow Organics. It’s a working farm, with a daily harvest in season, where you can Pick your own at Rainbow Organic Strawberry Farm.

pick your own berries, or buy a punnet or two of delicious, fresh strawberries for

HKFYG Organic Farm

(pick your own for $60-$90 a pound),

$40 a pound. China Garden, DD85 Lau Shui

Run by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth

but it’s all about entertainment with a

Heung Road, Fan Ling.

Groups, this organic farm offers a range

playground, war games, bicycles, bouncy

of tours and lets visitors and volunteers of

castles, sports and farm animals. Visitors

Tai Tong Lychee Valley

all ages get their hands dirty planting and

can also bake cookies, barbecue and buy

Pick your own strawberries (all-you-can-

harvesting the crops. Free entry. Open

local honey and vegetables. Free parking.

pick for $120), then take a bicycle, pony

daily 9am-5pm. 1 Family Walk, Ho Pui

Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-10pm.

or ox-cart ride and enjoy the playground,

Reservoir, Pat Heung, Yuen Long,

Lot 109 Shui Tau, Kam Tin, Yuen Long,

barbecue area, food shops and even a

2838 4808, www.organicfarm.hkfyg.org.hk.

2442 0909, yl.com.hk/ktcc.

petting zoo with baby goats and rabbits.

Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden

Lions Nature & Education Centre

free parking. Open daily 9am-6pm. 11 Tai

The 148-hectare Kadoorie Farm runs

Visitors can’t pick the organic fruit

Tong Shan Road, Tai Tong Tsuen, Yuen

regular short courses on organic farming

and vegetables growing in this lovely

Long, 2470 2201, www.yl.hk/taitong.

and sustainable living (mainly in Cantonese).

34-hectare nature centre near Sai Kung

It’s a beautiful location, with gardens,

town, but at weekends there’s a stall

Zen Organic Farm

pavilions and waterfalls and exhibits of

selling organic produce grown in the New

Supplier of top-quality organic fruit and

local wildlife. Animal encounters are held

Territories. There’s also a dragonfly pond,

vegetables to local restaurants, including

most Sundays. Entry $20. Open daily

insectarium, turtle pond, 5,000 seashells,

the Four Seasons Hong Kong, Zen offers

9.30am-5pm, Lam Kam Road, Tai Po,

arboretum, picnic areas and dog-training

fruit and veg picking, educational tours

2483 7200, www.kfbg.org.hk.

park, and space to run. Free. Open daily

and activities such as runs bread- and

9.30am-5pm. Exhibitions open Wed-Mon

pizza-making. Free entry. Open Tue-Sun

Kam Tin Country Park Hong Kong

9.30am-4.30pm. Hiram’s Highway,

10am-5pm. Ping Che, Ta Kwu Ling,

This 100,000 sq ft park grows strawberries

Sai Kung, 2792 2234.

6692 2671, www.zeno.com.hk.

English maps available. Admission $30,

46 Southside Family Guide

Southside Family Guide 47

food

Caterers & food delivery

Culinart A caterer, private kitchen and cookery school in Wong Chuk Hang that caters for

Ding dong, dinner’s at the door.

events with handcrafted seasonal menus.

2580 0919, www.culinart.com.hk.

Delicious Take your barbecue to the next level with a whole lamb or pig roasted on a spit over hot coals. 2559 0144, www.delicious-hk.com.

Gingers Modern catering for parties, dinners or junks. Sashimi salad on pink macaroons with wasabi cream and pink peppercorns,

Secret Ingredient’s meals arrive chopped, prepped and ready to cook within minutes.

anyone? 2964 9160, www.gingers.com.hk.

Caterers

dinner party catering of up to four courses

Monsieur Chatté

Chez Patrick

or a six-course tasting menu. Children’s

French catering for any function, plus

Mouthwatering French-style canapés, buffet

menus available. 2527 2708, www.

cheese, baguettes and charcuterie.

dishes and junk-friendly options, plus French

chezpatrick.hk.

2515 0478, www.monsieurchatte.com.

48 Southside Family Guide

food Meal-delivery companies Paisano’s Think crowd-pleasing New York-style pizzas, homemade pastas and crunchy salads. 25 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2524 4445, www.paisanos.com.hk.

Prune Catering by Grassroots Pantry Peggy Chan’s high-quality, nutritious, plantbased dishes provide exciting catering. www.prunedeliworkshop.com/catering.

Relish Kitchen Exquisite canapés, casual and fine-dining catering – don’t miss its family barbecue packs. 3481 1924, www.relish-kitchen.com.

Shamrock The “caterer for all occasions” from weddings to children’s parties, including candyfloss, chocolate fountain and popcorn.

Dial A Dinner Delivering the best of Hong

that need only a few minutes in the

Kong’s restaurants to your

microwave. Plus fresh meat and fish

doorstep for a decade. Order

delivery. Orders placed before midday

online or by phone for gourmet

will arrive the next day. Mondays to

grub without getting off the sofa.

Saturdays, www.invisiblekitchen.com.

2598 1718, www.dialadinner.com.hk.

Secret Ingredient Food Panda

Same-day delivery of pre-prepared,

Order dinner online or via the mobile

restaurant-quality, healthy meals –

app from Hong Kong restaurants,

veggies chopped, meat marinated,

including healthy options such

limes squeezed – ready to pop

as Mana! and Healthy Chicken.

straight into the pan (no oven required).

www.foodpanda.hk.

Ingredients are all top quality and come with easy-to-follow instructions

Invisible Kitchen

for a home-cooked meal in just 10

Delivery of delicious chef-cooked

to 30 minutes. 2108 4000,

meals – Moroccan lamb tagine, beef

www.secretingredient.com.hk.

bourguignon, chicken tikka masala –

2547 8155, www.shamrock.com.hk.

Southside Family Guide 49

food

Online organic food stores Farmer’s Kitchen Launched by a couple of Australians with a passion for quality, naturally farmed produce, Farmer’s Kitchen brings prime beef and lamb from Australia to your door.

All its meat products are organic and produced without force-feeding or growth hormones, including dry-aged beef, wagyu, lamb and ribs. Order by noon for next-day delivery, Tuesday to Saturday, then fire up the barbie. 9301 7445, www.farmerskitchen.com.hk.

Greendotdot A good source of organic groceries, including Asian products such as Chinese

Homegrown Foods delivers harvest-fresh produce straight from the farm.

soups and seasonings. It also sells a range of frozen organic meats, including chicken,

China, working closely with family farms

labels here. Organic meat products include

pork, Iberian ham, sausage and sustainable

to avoid the use of chemicals and harmful

beef from Australia, chicken and pork from

seafood – even crocodile. 3181 4488,

toxins. Goods are delivered in pre-bundled

the US and mixed bags of organic fruit and

www.greendotdot.com.

baskets designed to last three days, or you

vegetables from Thailand or Tasmania, plus

can customise your own deliveries. 2671

sustainable seafood and cheeses from

2771 www.homegrownfoods.com.hk.

Classified and Neal’s Yard in Britain. 8135

Health Essential Formerly known as Health Gate, this store

1394, www.meatmarket.hk.

stocks more than 2,000 items, including

Kinoa

health foods, drinks, personal care, baby

Organic products certified free of

Pacific Gourmet

care, supplements and household goods. Its

genetically modified organisms (GMO),

Specialising in good-quality meat and

products are organic, natural and chemical

chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and

seafood, Pacific Gourmet’s range includes

free. 2545 2286, www.health-essential.net.

irradiation are mostly sourced from Europe

hormone-free chicken, grass-fed organic

and include rice, pasta, oils, jams, snacks

beef, lean kangaroo meat, Australian

Healthy Delight

and cookies, and baking supplies. 9409

oysters and Japanese scallops, plus organic

Launched by like-minded mums conscious

5190 www.kinoa-shop.com.

butter and cheese. 12/F Horizon Plaza, 2

of buying healthy and sustainable goods

Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2137 9985,

that benefit the whole family, Healthy Delight

Little Giant

has a range of carefully sourced food

Set up specifically for people with allergies,

products plus an abundance of family-

food intolerances and special dietary

South Stream Seafoods

friendly household goods. Parents of

requirements, this online “allergy store” sells

Co-owners Bradley White and Mark

newborns will love the wide selection of

a wide range of groceries free of allergens

Mowday have long made a commitment to

baby food and baby-care items. 2525 9128,

such as wheat, gluten, dairy, eggs and soy.

providing Hong Kong with the highest quality

www.healthydelight.net.

2573 3610, www.littlegiant.com.hk

food products. As well as responsibly

Homegrown Foods

Meat Market

has organic fresh and frozen meat and

Homegrown Foods specialises in locally

This online food-delivery store specialises

vegetables, eggs, groceries, drinks and

grown, seasonal, sustainable produce

in top-quality chilled and frozen meats at

household products, and a gluten-free

from farms in Hong Kong and southern

reasonable prices – no “previously frozen”

range. www.south-stream-seafoods.com.

www.pacificgourmet.com.hk.

sourced fresh and frozen seafood, it also

50 Southside Family Guide

eating

Southside Family Guide 51

education

Little learners at Woodland Pokfulam Preschool in Wah Fu Estate.

School daze Choosing the right school takes a bit of homework.

Preschools

“Inquire, think, learn” curriculum that

International Montessori School

Bebegarten

focuses on an inquiry-based integrated

The preschool section of IMS, Casa Dei

Boasting more than 10,000 sq ft of open

learning system. Each space and learning

Bambini is for children aged three to six, a

space, classrooms and dedicated activity

environment is referred to as the “third

critical stage in terms of nurturing curiosity.

areas, Bebegarten sets the standard high

teacher” and the school pays great

Montessori uses interest-based activities

for quality preschool education in Hong

attention to the look and feel of its

to encourage children to develop a love

Kong. The main focus is on using play to

classrooms. The Hong Kong campus in

of learning and to trust their own ability

motivate children to learn. Bilingual classes

Red Hill Plaza was chosen for its beauty

to answer their questions. Classes of no

in English and Mandarin are available and

and serene environment away from the

more than 25 students are all mixed-age

are open to all children from six months to

bustle of the city. It has spectacular

groups, with three-year-olds attending

six years. L3, One Island South, 2 Heung

views and plenty of natural light, an indoor

for half days and six-year-olds going for

Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, 3487 2255,

garden, tree house, community spaces

full-day programmes. Each class has two

www.bebegarten.com.

and facilities that engage and encourage

teachers, one speaking English and the

learning. 1/F, 102 Redhill Plaza,

other Mandarin. Phase III, Ma Hang

EtonHouse

3 Red Hill Road, Tai Tam,

Estate, Stanley, 2566 7196,

Established in Singapore in 1995,

www.etonhouse.com.hk.

www.montessori.edu.hk.

EtonHouse follows a child-responsive

52 Southside Family Guide

education

Activities at EtonHouse (left and top right) include art, pottery and music. Above right: exploring nature at Southside Kindergarten.

Little Dalton

classes for children from 18 months to six

aims to make learning appealing by

Little Dalton is modelled after New

years, young children can join the Rock-a-

exciting the imagination and focusing on

York’s world-renowned Dalton School.

Baby music and Mandarin club. B102, The

a child’s all-round development, including

The bilingual kindergarten (English and

Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, 3586

creativity, communication and motor skills.

Mandarin) aims to provide a pleasant

3071. www.milesinternational.com.hk.

The 10,000 sq ft school has spacious classrooms, a ballet studio, drama, dance

environment that allows children to develop confidence in their own

Parkview International Pre-School (PIPS)

and music facilities, and more than 3,500

intelligence and abilities, and to become

This preschool caters for children from

sq ft of play space. Available for children

happy, responsible and independent

ages one to six with English and bilingual

from six months to Primary 2. L101 Chi Fu

individuals. Little Dalton offers four classes,

(English and Mandarin) classes. The

Landmark, Pok Fu Lam, 2177 0001,

divided by age from playgroup to K3, as

maximum class size is 18 students, with

www.safarikidasia.com/hk.

well as after-school activities. G/F, Wah

two teachers a class. The spacious and

Sin House, Wah Kwai Estate, Pok Fu Lam,

well-equipped campus has 10 classrooms,

Southside Kindergarten

www.littledalton.com.

a music room, library, kitchen and lots of

Located in The Repulse Bay, Southside

outdoor space for games. It even has an

Kindergarten aims to provide a nurturing

Miles International Academy

organic garden complete with a pond.

and supportive environment for children,

Even “terrible twos” will love the nurturing

Tower 18, Parkview, 88 Tai Tam Reservoir

with play as an important aspect of the

and engaging environment of Miles

road, 2812 6023. www.pips.edu.hk.

learning process. Classes are taught in English, but several staff are fluent

International Academy. Letting every child explore their individuality and the

Safari Kid International Hong Kong

in Mandarin and Mandarin lessons are

world around them is a crucial part of this

Based on a curriculum developed in

available. As well as bright and cheery

preschool’s mission. As well as a range of

California’s Silicon Valley, Safari Kid

classrooms and art rooms, children have

Southside Family Guide 53

education

access to an outdoor playground and the staff regularly make use of the beautiful surroundings of Repulse Bay for outings.

G203, The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, 2592 7527, www.southside.edu.hk.

Sunshine House An accredited international preschool, Jamming at Safari Kid.

Sunshine House offers playgroups and bilingual and Mandarin immersion programmes for children from just nine

aged one to six years, including preschool

Stanley, St Teresa’s provides preschool

months old. The preschool provides a

and extracurricular classes in a choice

education for children up to six years old.

bilingual environment to motivate and

of Montessori and traditional teaching

Classrooms are bright and cheerful and the

prompt speech in a second language.

styles. Its classes are accredited by the

playground is equipped with swings and

Block A, Commercial Development, Pok

PreSchool Learning Alliance (London) and

slides. Teachers use a thematic learning

Fu Lam Gardens, Pok Fu Lam, 2551 3213,

follow the foundation stage of the British

approach, ensuring topics are fun and

www.sunshinehouse.com.hk.

National Curriculum. 2559 4855,

interesting, with lots of time for exploratory

www.woodlandschools.com.

play. There are also daily Mandarin activities

Woodland Pre-Schools

to give children a head start in learning

Woodland has nine preschools across

St Teresa’s Kindergarten

Chinese. 1 Tung Tau Wan Road, Stanley,

Hong Kong. It offers classes for children

Situated next door to St Anne’s church in

2813 8567, www.teresakinder.com.

54 Southside Family Guide

education

Life at the school gate: one mum tells it like it is I am a child of the 1960s, so you can probably make an educated stab at my age. I have never been one for spending time on my appearance and in my younger, more confident days had an arrogant disdain of women who weren’t out the door and ready for action in 10 minutes. It’s an attitude that hasn’t changed much – although my looks certainly have.

My appearance at the school gate is sweaty in summer and in winter I turn up in whatever clothes I happen to pick out in the dark, early-morning dash. No matter what the season, I usually look somewhat maniacal owing to caffeine overload or the after-effects of the night before.

One sticky summer’s pick-up,

Glam Mum made the mistake of giving me a hug, which didn’t last long as I slipped soggily out of her grasp. She had a struggle to hide her distaste. And I once made the mistake of arriving in day-glo trainers from an workout session.

Fashion Mum spotted them immediately and suffice to say spare footwear is now on hand.

But the definitive comment on mums at the gate came from my youngest offspring, strapped into his pram one hot afternoon as we waited for his siblings. I was in my usual damp state by the time I joined the assembled throng, where I watched Euro Mum make one of her elegant arrivals.

Euro Mum never perspires. Ever. She wears to-the-minute fashion with style, ease and just the right amount of makeup.

My son loves her. On this particular day, she floated down to the gate in a handkerchief of silk that plunged to reveal perfect Euro cleavage.

As she bent over Darling No.3 in his pram, filling his vision with flawless Euro decolletage, his face broke into an enormous beaming smile.

I returned to my car hot and defeated, knowing I would never be able to compete with this vision of Euro chic.

Later, telling the offspring’s father about the incident, I hoped for some reassurance that I, too, could bring a smile to a boy’s face. My husband turned to me with a nostalgic sigh.

“Lucky sod,” he said.

Mother-in-the-Middle

Southside Family Guide 55

education

All-through schools

but other nationalities are accepted.

technology. 36 Nam Long Shan Road,

Australian International School

www.aishk.edu.hk.

Aberdeen, 2525 7088. www.cdnis.edu.hk.

the school opened in Kowloon Tong on

Canadian International School

French International School

Australia Day (January 26), 1995; now

The school moved into its present 31,400

The history of Hong Kong’s French

there are more than 1,100 pupils from

sqm campus in 1999 and currently has

international school captures the

reception to year 12 (age four-18). AIS

about 1,850 students of 42 nationalities. It

pioneering spirit of the city’s expat

follows the Australian curriculum and

follows the International Baccalaureate’s

communities. The school has expanded

offers a wide range of activities such as

Primary Years’ (PYP), Middle Years’ (MYP)

with the city’s growing French community

netball, volleyball, swimming in the on-site

and Diploma programmes. Mandarin

from just 30 students in 1964 to 2,600

indoor pool, rugby, touch rugby, soccer

and French are taught as second

today. The primary school is split between

and the performing arts. Priority is given to

languages and the school prides itself

three campuses. The Jardine’s Lookout

Australian passport holders and siblings

on its strengths in the arts, sport and

location has three canteens, a hi-tech

Just 25 students were enrolled when

Top left: discussion time at the French International School: top right and above: learning outdoors at the Australian International School.

56 Southside Family Guide

education

auditorium that seats up to 360 people and two motoricity rooms, used by the youngest pupils to improve their mobility skills. The secondary-school campus in Happy Valley has a stunning view of the city from its terrace, which is used by pupils for studying during free periods and lunchtime. The curriculum is divided into international (English) and French streams. Its three primary campuses are: 34 Prince Road, Jardine’s Lookout, 2577 6217; 1 Cheung Man Road, Chai Wan; and 68 Gillies Avenue South, Hung Hom. Secondary campus: 165 Blue Pool Road, Happy Valley, 2577 6217, www.fis.edu.hk.

German Swiss International School Established in 1969 by German-Swiss parents looking for a bilingual GermanEnglish education, GSIS has grown into one of Hong Kong’s leading international schools. It provides education in two streams following the German and British school systems and has nearly 1,300 students. 11 Guildford Road, The Peak, 2849 6216, www.mygsis.gsis.edu.hk.

Hong Kong International School HKIS delivers an American-based curriculum to more than 2,600 children from reception to grade 12. The upper All aboard The Harbour School’s floating classroom.

primary campus is located in Repulse Bay while the lower primary, middle and high schools are located in Tai Tam. The

English immersion education with a global

students, and Kowloon Bay for primary

school emphasises Christian values in its

outlook. The school values the learning

and secondary students. Located in

teachings. Upper primary: 23 South Bay

environment and limits its primary class

Wah Fu Estate, the Pok Fu Lam campus

Close, Repulse Bay. Main campus:

sizes to 20 students and secondary to

has places for up to 483 students with

1 Red Hill Road, Tai Tam, 3149 7000,

22 students. ISF Academy is an IB school

a maximum of 23 students in each class

www.hkis.edu.hk.

authorised to offer the Middle Years’ and

from reception to year six. Established

Diploma programmes. 1 Kong Sin Wan

in 1976, the school has continued to

Independent Schools Foundation

Road, Pok Fu Lam, 2202 2000,

expand and in 2007 completed the sixth

Academy

www.isf.edu.hk.

phase of its development, extending the campus and upgrading facilities. Mandarin

Situated in Pok Fu Lam, the 24,400 sqm campus is divided into primary and

Kellett School Pok Fu Lam Campus

is compulsory for all students and French

secondary buildings, plus an annex. The

The British International School has

is offered as an option. Kellett confidently

independent school offers a Mandarin and

campuses in Pok Fu Lam for primary

follows a modified English National

Southside Family Guide 57

education

curriculum, which reflects its international setting, leading to I/GCSE and A-Levels in secondary school. All Kellett primary students are guaranteed places in the secondary section. 2 Wah Lok Path, Wah Fu, Pok Fu Lam, 3120 0700, www.kellettschool.com.

The Harbour School Nestled in a corner of Kennedy Town this small school does things a little differently.

Opened in 2007 with only seven students, THS now has 165 children aged four

and a co-teacher with a degree in a

have a view of Aberdeen Harbour that

(pre-kindergarten) to 14 (grade nine)

specialist subject. It recently introduced a

would impress even the most jaded

and follows an international curriculum

“floating classroom” aboard a 40ft sailing

Hong Konger. The school received IB

based on the American system. It takes

boat for environmental and marine studies.

authorisation in 2007, making it Hong

a structured approach to the core

2/F, 23 Belcher’s Street, Kennedy Town,

Kong’s first “through-train” IB World

competencies of reading, writing and

2816 5222, www.ths.edu.hk.

School for its 1,600 students. The

maths, and a “units of inquiry” approach to

primary section challenges its students

science and social studies. Each class of

Victoria Shanghai Academy

linguistically, with two teachers – one

about 15 students has a qualified teacher

From the classrooms of VSA, students

speaking Chinese and the other English –

58 Southside Family Guide

education

students are able to learn Chinese. 43C Stubbs Road, Hong Kong, 2574 8249, www.bradbury.edu.hk.

Kennedy School Kennedy School’s name gives away a little of its history. The school started life not in Pok Fu Lam, where it is now located, but in Mid-Levels as the Kennedy Road Junior School, which opened on From left: playtime at Kennedy School; in the classroom at Victoria Shanghai Academy.

September 16, 1961, with 44 students and two teachers. The school was started by

in each class of 28 students to immerse

ESF primary schools

the Hong Kong Government in response

them in both languages. As a private

Bradbury School

to the needs of the rapidly expanding

independent school, 80 per cent of VSA

Part of the English Schools Foundation

expat population, and became part of

students come from Hong Kong but

(ESF), Bradbury School uses the

the ESF stable in 1979. Today, Kennedy

the multicultural staff hails from Britain,

IB Primary Years’ Programme as a

School has almost 900 children enrolled

Australia, America and South Africa as

framework to deliver an inquiry-based

in 30 classes. It is an authorised IB World

well as Hong Kong and China. 19 Shum

approach to learning. Key to the school’s

School and follows the IB Primary Years’

Wan Road, Aberdeen, 3402 1000,

philosophy of developing children who are

Programme with elements taken from the

www.vsa.edu.hk.

inquisitive about the world around them, all

English National Curriculum and adapted

Southside Family Guide 59

education

to suit children living in Hong Kong, such as daily Mandarin lessons. (Fun fact:

The lowdown on debentures

Kennedy Road takes its name from Hong Kong’s seventh governor, Arthur Kennedy,

A debenture is the name given to a

if the employee leaves. In these

who introduced the Hong Kong dollar.)

loan agreement with an institutional

circumstances, some schools allow the

19 Sha Wan Drive, Pok Fu Lam, 2855 0711,

borrower, such as a school. For

child to stay while others insist the child

www.kennedy.edu.hk.

parents, this translates into a large

withdraws immediately once he or she

lump sum payable to the school on or

is no longer covered by the corporate

ESF secondary schools

before admission, Hong Kong schools

debenture. Children with a corporate

Island School

sometimes call debentures capital

debenture often receive priority at

Opening in 1967 with 237 students,

notes, nomination rights, a capital

admissions.

Island School was originally located in

contribution or capital levy, but they

the imposing red-brick structure of the

are essentially the same thing.

Refundable, non-refundable or depreciating?

former British Military Hospital on Borrett Road. In 1973, the secondary school

What is it for?

When a child leaves, some schools

moved across the street to its current

Debentures are a way for parents to

refund the full debenture, without

location in a purpose-built campus and

contribute to long-term funding. Many

interest and less any penalties. In

now caters for up to 1,250 students. The

schools (including some pre-schools)

others, the debenture depreciates over

building is due to be redeveloped soon,

require parents of new students to

a set number of years, sometimes to

and the school will move temporarily to

pay a debenture on admission. Others

zero. In a few schools, it depreciates to

two “decant” premises in Tai Wai. It offers

allow them to buy a debenture before

zero in seven years and parents must

a broad-based curriculum leading to I/

beginning the admissions process to

buy a new debenture if the child is to

GCSE exams in Year 11, followed by the

earn priority in the selection system.

continue at the school.

Learning Pathway in a wide variety of

What kind of debenture do I need?

What if I can’t afford a debenture?

vocational subjects. 120 Borrett Road,

Common types of debenture

Instead of a debenture, some schools

2524 7135, www.island.edu.hk.

include individual or corporate,

offer parents a capital levy, which

and refundable, non-refundable or

differs from a debenture in that it may

South Island School

depreciating. An individual debenture

be paid yearly and is refundable. It

South Island School focuses on more

applies to one child in a family and

may amount

than just maintaining its impressive track

cannot typically be transferred.

to the same

record of results. In addition to reaching

A corporate debenture is held

or more than a

their academic potential, students are

by a company to be used by an

debenture over

expected to follow the school motto,

employee’s child. The company may

the course of the

“Making a difference”, in both their own

decide to transfer this debenture

child’s schooling.

IB diploma in Year 13, or a special Applied

lives and in those of others. Established in 1977 as an annex of Island School, SIS moved to Causeway Bay and then in

50 Nam Fung Road, Aberdeen, 2555

and vocational education courses in

1983 to its current home, an impressive

9313, www.sis.edu.hk.

both the middle and upper years. It has a

Southside campus on Nam Fung Road

strong focus on the value of international

between Wong Nai Chung Gap and

West Island School

mindedness and the importance of

Wong Chuk Hang. Facilities include

Opened in 1991, West Island School is

community. Excellent facilities include an

a 25m indoor swimming pool, an

an inclusive, co-educational centre that

indoor swimming pool and a dance studio.

astro-turf pitch, sports hall and

caters for 1,200 students from more than

250 Victoria Road, Pok Fu Lam, 2816 7257.

classrooms equipped with the latest

40 nationalities in a modern building. The

www.wis.edu.hk.

interactive and digital facilities.

school offers IGCSEs, the IB diploma

60 Southside Family Guide

Southside Family Guide 61

shopping

Horizon Plaza How to navigate Ap Lei Chau’s vertical shopping mall.

By Sophie Sherrard and Callum Wiggins.

When it comes to shopping for furniture, discount designer fashion or baby essentials, one destination springs to mind: Horizon Plaza. Navigating the 23 floors of this vertical warehouse-turnedshopping centre on Ap Lei Chau can be overwhelming, but veterans confirm it’s worth the hike. Happy shopping!

Furniture heaven Tree Start at the top and swoon for Tree’s signature reclaimed and recycled timber furniture for living, dining and bedrooms.

There’s a tailor-made service, cool kids’ range and vintage and modern styles to

Kids has children’s bedroom and nursery

As well as substantial carpet, upholstery

choose from, plus a lovely café and a play

furniture, decorating bits and pieces, plus

and cushion-making services, there’s

area for children. Retail therapy that makes

a small range of Stokke products and

also a small area for kids and a Classified

you feel good? Yes, please. 28/F, 2870

children’s toys. Showroom 6/F, Outlet,

coffee shop. The outlet store brims with

1582, www.tree.com.hk.

10/F, 2555 0540, www.indigo-living.com.

sale items at discounts of 10 per cent-

Everything Under the Sun

Shambala

10am-7pm, weekends 11am-7pm; 1/F, 2877

This 16-year-old local company supplies

Shambala feels otherworldly with its

3295. Outlet open Mon-Fri 10am-7pm,

top brands of outdoor furniture for homes,

mixture of antique, vintage and Asian-

weekends noon-7pm; 17/F, 2518 3193,

hotels and clubhouses. Knowledgeable

influenced styles. Explore the store in the

www.tequilakola.com.

staff offer great advice on arranging

hunt for something different, then head

a comfortable and beautiful outdoor

to the Pacific Coffee concession and

Oriental Home

living space kitted out with everything from

adjacent children’s play area for a well-

A beautiful piece of handcrafted antique

awnings to barbecues, sun loungers to

deserved break. Open 9am-7.30pm. 2/F,

Chinese furniture is a real focal point

mist fans. 9/F, 2554 9088,

2555 2997, www.shambala.com.hk.

for any room. Oriental Home stocks

60 per cent. Showroom open Mon-Fri

www.everythingunderthesun.com.hk.

ornate cabinets, chairs, bed frames and Tequila Kola

many other items from all over China.

Indigo

People who arrive at Tequila Kola

The owners’ family connections in Tibet

Contemporary furniture and homeware

disinterested in furniture, leave inspired.

is evident from the range of traditional

with an Asian twist is set out in stylish

The main showroom boasts spectacularly

Tibetan furniture on display. 20/F,

living, dining and bedroom displays. Indigo

styled modern and vintage-style pieces.

3542 5336.

62 Southside Family Guide

shopping

From left: Everything Under the Sun and Organic Modernism.

Organic Modernism

of sizes and the correct (if not current)

Children’s essentials

Specialising in walnut and bronze furniture,

season. Most are nicely fitted out and

Horizon Plaza may not be a good place to

Organic Modernism’s range of eyecatching

many offer increased discounts when you

shop with children, but it’s great place to

pieces use only woods from sustainable

buy more pieces.

shop for them.

dining tables are exquisitely designed with

27/F

Bumps to Babes

affordable price tags. 8/F, 2556 9499.

The real star is Ralph Lauren with friendly

Parents come to Horizon Plaza just to visit

staff, big discounts, lots of sizes and last

this shop, with its knowledgeable staff and

26/F

year’s winter range. Also on this floor – and

huge stock of strollers, cots, carriers, car

This floor has three specialist furniture

all excellent – are Marc by Marc Jacobs,

seats, clothes, toys and food. It’s not a

stores: Ad Lib (2552 0222) has lovely

Saint Laurent, Imaginex, Hit Gallery and A.T.

sources in the US. Lighting, chairs and

Western and Asian antique and vintage pieces, Okooko (2870 1132) has beautiful

Big-label hunters

bedding and bedroom furniture, and Zense

Top-end designer bargains – we’re talking

(3904 3666) offers custom-made furniture

Alaia, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga –

by local designers.

can be found at the large Lane Crawford, Joyce and Pompeii outlets. Perseverance pays off, with discounts of up to 90 per

Discount fashion

cent on major labels in some stores.

Horizon Plaza’s fashion outlets boast

Armani and Pompeii, 22/F. Lane Crawford,

famous designer names, a wide range

25/F. Joyce, 21/F.

Southside Family Guide 63

shopping

For New York cool, try Organic Modernism (above and below right), but for an Asian vibe, go to Oriental Home (top right).

discount store, but it can feel like one. 21/F,

Pollux Books

take home, order large outdoor toys, such

2552 5000, www.bumpstobabes.com.

Specialising in children’s books, Pollux has

as trampolines, swings and playhouses.

wide aisles and easy-to-access shelving

19/F, 2836 0875, www.itoysclub.com.

Mothercare & Early Learning Centre

featuring good books for young readers.

Smaller than some of its other Hong

21/F, 2873 6962, www.polluxbooks.com.

Nursery and children’s furniture Tree: sustainable kids’ furniture that oozes

Kong stores, this British babycare brand has informed staff and a good range of

Toys Club

cool – at a price. 28/F, 2870 1582,

maternity, baby and toddler essentials plus

Child heaven, with a wide range of toys,

www.tree.com.hk.

educational toys. 19/F, 2518 0528, www.

games, books, dress-up and art and craft

Okooko: modern but sweet and cosy

mothercare.com.hk.

equipment. As well as plenty of fun stuff to

bedroom furniture for children. 26/F,

64 Southside Family Guide

shopping

Navigation aids • Pick up a shopping guide on arrival - it’s invaluable.

• Plan a route starting at the highest floor on your list and considering walking down.

• When it’s busy, take the stairs rather than the slow and convoluted lift system.

• Give yourself plenty of time.

There are no quick trips to Horizon Plaza.

• Don’t take the kids. There may be a few small in-store play areas, but there are no open spaces to run off a bit of energy.

• If possible, avoid weekends.

• Only the brave would attempt 2870 1132, www.okooko.com.

Indigo Kids: all you need for a nursery or

Nerd Kids for Living: desks, chairs and

children’s room in one place. 6/F, 2555

sofas for older children. 19/F, 3105 9887,

0540, www.indigo-living.com.

www.nerdkidsforliving.com.

to cover fashion and furniture in one day.

• Toilets alternate between men’s and women’s on each level in the

Inside: a small but cute kids’ range and

Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei

stairwells and aren’t bad, although

some furniture. 12/F, 2873 1795,

Chau. Drivers’ instructions: cross Ap Lei

staff smoke in the disabled toilets

www.inside.com.hk.

Chau Bridge, take the second left onto

with the baby-changing tables.

Flexa: hip furniture (bunkbed slide,

Lee Nam Road, second left onto Lee Hing

Tree (28/F) has changing table

anyone?) and soft furnishings for ankle

Street and the first left into Horizon Plaza

facilities.

biters. 11/F, www.flexaworld.co.uk.

car park.

Southside Family Guide 65

shopping

The Pulse What’s inside Repulse Bay’s new shopping centre.

Fashion, accessories and homeware

chandeliers. Shop 211, 2808 0303, www. farringtoninteriors.com.

DOMA International Lifestyle store stocking stylish electronics

Fink

and gifts: think stylish headphones,

Hailing from Germany, this stylish

bluetooth handsets and – handily for the

homeware store has elegant soft

beach – handheld fans. Shop 207A, 2557

furnishings, home décor, candleholders,

7822, www.doma.com.hk.

vases and more. Shop 218, 2608 9838, www.fink-shop.com.

Escapade Sports

The Pulse brings shops to the seaside. flip-flops from Havaianas, sand shoes from Superga and other beachbag essentials

Athletes need look no further for the best

Loveramics

from top brands. Shop 106, 2501 5355,

in sporting gear whether they’re running a

Choose and paint your own ceramics,

www.loversandfriends.us.

marathon or are more at home in the middle

which the store will fire in its kiln to be

of a scrum. Shop 110, 2395 2778,

picked up a few days later – the perfect

Spanish Shoes

www.escapade.com.hk

handmade gift for someone you love. Shop

Casual Spanish women’s and children’s

207, 2994 1289, www.loveramics.com.

footwear – espadrilles, menorquinas,

Farrington Interiors

ballerinas – plus a handy range of school

Fine European home accessories and

Lovers & Friends

shoes for girls and boys. Shop 201G, 3488

furnishings from napkin holders to

Get that Los Angeles beach-babe look with

0334, spanishshoes.hk.

66 Southside Family Guide

shopping

Tunique Add a bit of glamour to your day at the beach, with this selection of costume jewellery. Kiosk 2, Level 2, 2890 9399, www.tunique.com.

Children’s stores Brick Shop LEGO world comes to Southside in all its multicoloured, imaginative, timeless glory.

Shop 201D(1), 2811 1880, www.brickshop.com.hk.

Find balloons and other good-time essentials at Matteo Party in The Pulse.

Chickeeduck Founded in 1990, this popular chain offers a

with Matteo Party, which sells and rents

Star ThreeSixty Junior

selection of quality children’s fashion.

costumes and party supplies – including

Perfect for those active days by the beach,

Shop 201E, 2430 2187,

balloons, face paints, magicians, tableware

selling lifestyle active wear by bands

www.chickeeduck.com.

and photo booth props in a wide range

like Polo Ralph Lauren, Guess Kids and

of themes for children and adults. Shop

Heeleys. Shop 201G(2), 2779 6363,

201C(1), 2321 0812, www.matteoparty.com.

www.starthreesixty.com.

to 14, including knits with a cool Parisian

Seed Heritage

Repulse Bay Visual Art Museum

twist. Shop 201D(2),

Stylish but comfortable casual clothes

Dive into the deep or enter an intergalactic

www.julietandtheband.com.

for women, teens, children and babies, all

world with these fun 3-D paintings. Perfect

under one roof. Shop 201A & B, 2803 1677,

for the whole family. B104 & 305,

www.seedheritage.com.

2180 9321.

Juliet & the Band Chic French clothing for children aged two

Matteo Party Raise your game at your next event

Grab a bite to eat Limewood

love the frozen mockeritas as much

Classified

Fast becoming a local favourite,

as mums and dads enjoy the frozen

Gourmet coffee, handmade bread

Limewood serves the best barbecued

margaritas. Shop 103 & 104, G/F The

and speciality cheeses. The

and fresh seafood as well as classic

Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay,

European-style deli-restaurant brings

beachside cocktails. Mouthwatering

2866 8668. www.limewood.hk.

its popular concept to Repulse Bay.

dishes including jerked coconut

Shop 107, 2351 3454,

corn with Sriracha mayo and toasted

Coffee Academics

coconut, 24-hour charred beef ribs

Sunglasses? Beachside

with mango-infused barbecue sauce,

location? Iced coffee? Check,

Chicken on the Run

and roasted sea bass with charred

check, check. Sit back, relax

Fitting in with the sand and the surf,

limes and chimichurri are hard to

and enjoy the view. Look for

this quality fast-food joint provides

resist. Children won’t miss out either

the new grill menu for a little

Australian-style rotisserie chicken,

with the special kids’ menu featuring

barbecue-inspired food should you

plus treats and beer (naturally).

charred-corn fritters, fish tacos and

get peckish. Shop 108, 2511 1902,

Shop 112B, 2537 4569,

tasty chicken wings. Little ones will

www.the-coffeeacademics.com.

www.chickenontherun.com.

www.classifiedfood.com.

Southside Family Guide 67

shopping

The Repulse Bay Upscale stores in heritage-style surroundings.

Fashion & lifestyle

Itsie Bitsie Boutique

Bookazine

Resort clothing and swimwear from brands

Taking over the former Dymocks location

such as Vix and Melissa Odabash. G117,

with books, magazines, stationery, etc. Shop

www.itsie-bitsie.com.

G107 C-D, www.bookazine.com.hk Marketplace by Jasons Capelli

Popular supermarket with a deli and

OT&P

Upmarket hair salon that also offers hair-spa

fresh food. Shop G128, 2812 0340, www.

Full service, English-speaking doctors’

therapy and XBox games for kids. G211,

marketplacebyjasons.com.

practice. Shop G205, 2813 1978, www.

2592 9668, www.capelli.hk.

otandp.com.

Organic Baby

Indigo

Environmentally friendly clothing and gifts

Sense of Touch

Elegant, good-quality furniture and home

for babies and children. Shop G103, 2882

Award-winning day spa offering top-quality

accessories with an Asian twist. G111-112,

6548, www.organicbaby.com.hk.

pampering treatments. G211, 2592 9668,

2592 8721, www.indigo-living.com.

68 Southside Family Guide

www.senseoftouch.com.hk.

Reader’s tip

The shopping mall design is based on the old Repulse Bay Hotel.

Anja Thorbecke-Jones from Feine Cashmere “We love to spend an afternoon enjoying Hong Kong’s colonial grandeur at The Repulse Bay. It’s so nice to walk around and visit the little shops, which are ideal to buy gifts.

And the place is also perfect to let the kids play in a safe environment. We enjoy a delicious meal at Spices with an incredible sea view and fresh air on the terrace.”

Tiare

dame of Southside dining serves innovative

Effortless fashion and accessories from US

continental cuisine in a luxurious old world-

designers such as Graham and Spencer

style dining room with gorgeous views. Go

and Citizens of Humanity. G106, 2541 0155,

for brunch, afternoon tea, fresh oysters

www.shoptiare.com.

or signature dishes such as black-pepper

attractive dining room or under the stars on

steak. G/F, The Arcade, 2292 2822.

one of the most famous terraces in town.

Restaurants

Don’t miss the chargrilled satay skewers,

The Verandah

Spices

pomelo and crab salad or red duck curry.

Part of The Peninsula group, the grand

Authentic Southeast Asian cuisine in an

G/F, The Arcade, 2292 2821.

Southside Family Guide 69

shopping

Stanley Plaza

Stanley Market

Enter the air-con for Stanley’s coolest stores.

1+1 Co Think selfie sticks, “I heart HK” T-shirts, and a whole range of stuff you probably don’t need but will buy anyway. 5BD Stanley Main Street, 2813 5554.

T. Wong Art Gallery Look for owner T.Wong surrounded by his paintings and maybe even creating a new masterpiece. Portraits painted on request. 42A, Stanley Main Street, 2813 5211.

The plaza is popular for community events.

Bumps to Babes

Roomi

Hong Kong’s favourite superstore for

Stylish and beautifully crafted clothing, gifts,

pregnant mums, babies, toddlers and young

accessories and trinkets for around the

children. Furniture, bedding, clothes, nappies,

home. Shop 102, 2899 0945.

toys and a whole lot more. 2555 6318. www.bumpstobabes.com.

G.O.D Funky homeware and furnishing with a

BIVA

distinctly Hong Kong flair. Keep a look out

With playful, colourful and environmentally

for the latest kitschy cool accessories.

friendly products, concept store BIVA is a

Shop 105, 2673 0079, www.god.com.hk.

gem for children and parents alike. Shop 103, 1/F, 2696 9218.

Instyle Chain-store and designer fashion

Mama Kid

accessories. Shop 109, 2813 8801,

Smart and chic collections for children with

www.instyle.hk.

an eye for fashion as well as thoughtful accessories, toys and books. Shop 103A,

Island Wake

2331 8792. www.mamakid.com.

X-games fashion and gear by leading outdoor and watersports brands. Shop 111,

Mayarya

2352 0208. www.islandwake.com.

Blurring the lines between fashion and maternity functionality, fashion-forward

Book Buddy

mothers need not compromise with the

A wide range of books for children

well-curated international brands stocked

and young adults. Fiction, non-fiction,

here. Shop 104, 2968 0929,

educational books and more. Shop 202,

www.mayarya.com.

3197 0388.

70 Southside Family Guide

Dragon Souvenir Shop Shopowner Yip Yuk-zan has been serving souvenir hunters for more than 20 years. If it’s got a dragon on it, you’ll find it here. 5-5A Stanley Main Street, 2899 0813.

Lotus Village Traditional Chinese cheongsams and evening gowns. Expert tailors can fit the clothes to your size and customise your outfits. 2A-6A Stanley Main Street, 2813 1233, www.lotusvillage.com.hk.

Southside Family Guide 71

shopping

The Arcade What’s in store at Cyberport.

Wise-Kids Toys from international brands including LEGO, Brio and Playmobil. Kids will love the upstairs play area. Shop 201, 2989 6298, www.wisekidstoys.com.

Green spaces are the hallmark of Cyberport in Pok Fu Lam.

Woodmark Living

JM Style Furniture and Gallery

Ulferts

Exquisite American hardwood furniture

With a 6,000 sq ft showroom, JM Style

Stylish, luxurious and oh so European,

made in walnut, cherry, oak and maple.

takes inspiration from some of the most

Ulferts has been bringing the best of

Shop 404, 3621 0609,

influential and iconic European designs of

continental furniture to Hong Kong since

www.woodmark.com.hk.

the last century. Original art and design

1975. Shop 109 & 205, 2651 3398,

pieces and funky home accessories make

www.ulferts.com.hk.

Indigo Living and Indigo Kids

this a haven for budding interior designers.

Homegrown homeware brand for high-

Shop 312, 2377 9592, www.jmstyle.com.hk.

quality, beautiful furniture and interior ideas. Shop 316, 2989 6037, www.indigo-living.com.

When in Cyberport…

QiSiMu

Watch a film

Chinese classical rosewood furniture,

The cinema within the Arcade at

to enjoy on the outdoor

including chairs, tables, cabinets and beds

Cyberport is a lot less busy than most

podium area. As well as

made using traditional craftsmanship

other cinemas on the Island. Grab

toasted paninis, salads, freshly

techniques inspired by the Ming and Qing

some popcorn and make a last-minute

squeezed juices and expertly made

dynasties. Shop 311, 3618 6598.

decision about which film to watch.

coffee, it even supplies blankets. Level

Level 1, The Arcade.

4, Cyberport 2, 2668 3147.

A heavenly scented shop for everything

Go for a stroll

Fly a kite

from luxury soaps and candles to home

Cyberport is blessed with a lovely

A popular pastime with local residents,

fragrance diffusers. Home never smelled

waterfront promenade and an open,

who make use of the large waterfront

so good. Shop 313, 2989 6152,

grassy area by the Arcade. Popular

park to perfect their kite-flying skills.

www.omworld.net.

with dog walkers and families for

OMWorld

afternoon strolls.

Impression Books A one-stop bookstore for all your literary

Have a picnic

needs. Need something to read on the

Recharge Café prepares wonderful

beach? The latest children’s must-read?

picnic baskets for families and friends

Impression books has it covered.

Shop 301, 2613 8000.

72 Southside Family Guide

shopping

Southside Family Guide 73

health & beauty

Health & beauty services Who you gonna call?

Dr Christie Chan Metcalfe,

Hair Room

Dr Morgan Jenkins

3/F Yue Fai Commercial Centre, 22-28

Southside Family Health Centre, 6/F, One

Aberdeen Main Road, Aberdeen, 2552

Doctors

Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, 2592

9133.

Dr Agnes Tse

9000, www.southside.com.hk.

Hong Kong Sanatorium, 2 Village Road,

Wing Shing Medical

Midwifery

Happy Valley, 2835 8890.

Traditional Chinese medicine. Shop B, G/F,

Hafdis Runarsdottir, Annerley Midwives

Dr Ivy Poon, Dr Werner Pamuk,

Kong Kai Building, 184 Aberdeen Main

17/F, Tak Woo House, Wo On Lane, 17-19

Dr Tim Trodd

Road, Aberdeen, 2555 9929.

D’Aguilar Street, Central, 2983 1558,

OT&P, G205, The Repulse Bay Arcade,

www.annerley.com.hk.

109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay, 2813

Hair Salons

1978, www.otandp.com.

Capelli Hair Salon

Nails & beauty

Dr Gavin Chun Hung Lau, Dr Michael

G211, 1/F The Repulse Bay Arcade, 2592

Blanc Hair Spa

Jeffrey Back

9668, www.capelli.hk.

The Pulse, 109 Repulse Bay Road, 2149

Quality Health Care Medical Centre, Shop

Studio S

1886, www.facebook.com/BlancHairSpa.

406, 4/F, Stanley Plaza, Stanley, 2812 2392,

UG/F, 50 Stanley Main Street, 2851 6993.

Fung Foot City

www.qhms.com.

7/F, Goodview Centre, 12 Wu Pak Street, Aberdeen, 2580 5558.

74 Southside Family Guide

health & beauty

Nail Bar

Nanny agencies

8/F, Marina Tower, Aberdeen Marina Club,

Naturally Nanny

2814 5319, www.aberdeenmarinaclub.com.

9650 4976, www.naturallynanny.com

Pharmacy

Sabai Day Spa

Rent-a-mum

Stanley Pharmacy

12A, G/F, Stanley Main Street, Stanley,

2523 4868, www.rent-a-mum.com

Shop 303, 3/F, Stanley Plaza, 2813 7124.

2104 0566, www.sabaidayspa.com.

Sense of Touch

Naturopathy

G211, 1/F, The Repulse Bay Arcade,

Stanley Wellness Centre

Physiotherapy

2592 9668, www.senseoftouch.com.hk

Holistic practice, including acupuncture,

Byrne, Hickman & Partners

Slim Beauty

naturopathy, homeopathy, meditation,

Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre

Shop 413-414, 4/F, The Arcade, Cyberport,

sports nutrition and children’s heath. 120

Shop G206, The Repulse Bay Arcade,

3606 3006, www.slimbeauty.hk.

Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2372 9700,

2812 7231, www.byrne-hickman.com

Well Foot Health Care Centre

www.stanleywellnesscentre.com.

Podiatry

Shop J, G/F, Phase 5, Aberdeen Centre, Nam Ning Street, Aberdeen, 2873 1638,

Optician

Karlyn J. Harfoot

www.wellfoot-hk.com.

Grace Optical Centre

Matilda International Hospital, 41 Mount

Shop 305, 3/F, Stanley Plaza, 2899 0569.

Kellett Road, The Peak, 2849 0111, www.matilda.org.

Southside Family Guide 75

marketplace

Carpet washing & Repairs Professionals

Our Cleaning & Repair services are among the best in hong kong We also selling Persian carpets and rugs for your home

Free pickup & Delivery MR IQBAL Tel: 90180897 28513665

Email: iqbalhk@me.com website: iqbalcarpets.hk

76 Southside Family Guide

marketplace

Lights, Camera & Action!

Fun, Hands-on Filmmaking & Photography Workshop for kids 7yrs to 16yrs.

www.juniorsnappers.com juniorsnappershk@gmail.com tel: 9849 0050

Southside Family Guide 77

marketplace

Do you want to write for Here’s your chance!

Southside Magazine is currently looking for talented individuals to become members of our team. So if you’re a writer with something to say we want to hear from you!

We are looking for writers and correspondents for the following areas: • Shek O • Stanley • Repulse Bay • Cyberport • Pokfulam • Aberdeen • Wong Chuk Hang • Ap Lei Chau Interested? Think you are a true Southside local with a voice?

Contact us now. Send any writing samples or inquiries to: writer@fastmedia.com.hk

WE’RE LOOKING FOR INTERNS Do you want to learn about magazine publishing?

Fast Media Ltd is looking for editorial interns to work on our, Southside, Sai Kung and Expat Parent magazines.

You must: •B e a native English speaker •B e available for a full time two month internship •B e a university student or recent graduate •W ant a successful career in media •B e available immediately •B e ready to work hard Email us your CV and a cover letter telling us why you would be a good magazine intern. email: writer@fastmedia.com.hk

78 Southside Family Guide

distribution

Southside Family Guide 79

Emergency services Police, ambulance, fire

999

Useful numbers Emergency services

Hong Kong Tourism Board

Police, ambulance, fire: 999

Visitor hotline: 2508 1234

Police hotline: 2527 7177

Fire: 2723 2233 Rescue: 2735 3355

Public hospitals

Plumbers

Marine: 2803 6267

Grantham Hospital, 125 Wong Chuk Hang

Ah Choy Chan: 2555 2030

Road, Aberdeen, 2518 2111.

Ocean Electric and Drainage Works:

Car mechanics

Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pok Fu Lam

2832 9449

Auto Dynamics: 2858 7032

Road, Pok Fu Lam, 2255 3838.

Dah Chong Hong Motor Service Centre:

Tung Wah Hospital, 12 Po Yan Street,

Police

2808 6666

Sheung Wan: 2959 7500.

Website: www.police.gov.hk

Euro Prestige Motors Services: 2771 7557

Police hotline: 2527 7177

Hoi Kwong Garage: 2572 5093

Private hospitals

Aberdeen Police Station: 3661 1614

Hunter Motor: 2818 8484

Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospitals,

Stanley Police Station: 3661 1616

Sun Tong Fong Motors: 2111 0603

2 Village Road, Happy Valley: 2572 0211.

Happy Valley Police Station: 3661 1610

Canossa Hospital (Caritas),

Peak police sub-division: 3661 1604

Dry cleaning

1 Old Peak Road, Mid-Levels: 2522 2181.

Beluga Dry Clean and Laundry: 2873 1484

Hong Kong Adventist Hospital,

Post Office

Rainbow Laundry Co: 2832 5078

40 Stubbs Road, Happy Valley, 3651 8888.

Hong Kong Post hotline: 2921 2222

Stanley Dry Cleaning and Laundry:

Matilda International Hospital,

2813 2062

41 Mount Kellett Road, The Peak, 2849 0111.

Electrician/handyman

Kennels

enquiries: 2181 8888

Dr Fix it All: 2525 0055

Royal Pets: 6314 9887

MTR Train Service & Airport Express

Indo Handyman: 2578 1865

Take Success: 9302 1687

hotline: 2881 8888

Transport Hong Kong International Airport, general

Speedy Drainage Cleansing: 3625 6064 Winkle Workshop: 2554 1269

Taxis: 2574 7311 / 2527 6324

Locksmith

Taxi lost and found hotline: 3620 3744

Fai Kee Lock and Key Services:

Government departments Agriculture, Fisheries &

2552 3227

Utilities

Wing Hung Locksmith: 2893 6795

China Light & Power hotline: 2728 8333

Conservation Department

Hong Kong Electric hotlines: (English)

Man with a van

2555 4000 / (Chinese) 2555 4999

Health Department: 2961

Easy Van: 3975 8388

Towngas hotline: 2880 6988

8989

GoGoVan: 3590 3399

Water Supplies Department, customer

(call centre): 1823

Stanley District Council: 2875 5523

Hong Kong Observatory

services hotline: 2824 5000

Pest control Asia Pest Control: 2523 8855

Vets

Supreme Pest Control: 2814 7211

Animal Medical Centre: 2553 6003 Dr Eric’s Animal Clinic: 2893 2988

Website: www.hko.gov.hk

Phone directory enquiries

Happy Valley Veterinary Clinic: 2572 0977

General enquiries: 2926 8200

English: 1081

Home Vet: 9860 5522

Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal

Chinese: 1083

Stanley Veterinary Clinic: 2813 2030

Enquiries: 1828 200

Overseas IDD: 10010

Valley Veterinary Centre: 2575 2389

80 Southside Family Guide

Southside Family Guide 81