Sai Kung / Clear Water Bay

Lifestyle

Sai Kung and Clear Water Bay have a strong expat community, mainly families with young kids. Boat and nature lovers are also drawn to this area. It's a very friendly local community awash with great dining options, local pubs and coffee shops.

Sai Kung, once a tiny fishing village, is now a thriving town with a busy waterfront. Clearwater Bay is a little quieter and a little more upmarket. Despite its appeal this side of the Kowloon Peninsula remains low-density in terms of housing and it's characterised by lots of greenery and excellent scenery.

Weekends are busy since day-trippers head to the coast in search of a slower, more nature-oriented lifestyle. People particularly enjoy the cleaner air and the relaxed environment.


Housing

Housing in Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay traditionally comprises stand-alone villas and village houses. Many of these have been split into individual apartments (with or without a rooftop). Villas that have been renovated Western-style for a single family are sought after. Due to planning restrictions, there are very few high-rise blocks.

In general, homes in the area are larger than in other parts of Hong Kong. Modernised villas come with lock-up garages, swimming pools, gardens and excellent views.


Transportation

Though the MTR extends out to Clearwater Bay (Hang Hua), the commute to Hong Kong Island takes about 40 minutes.

From Sai Kung to Central, the commute is a little more than an hour, traffic depending. A number of minibuses operate from Sai Kung, feeding MTR stations like Choi Hung, Mong Kok, and Hang Hau. There are also bus services to Ma On Shan (East Rail) and Shatin.

Green taxis (exclusive to the New Territories) are plentiful, and red Kowloon taxis are also available but traffic can be very busy especially on weekends.


Schools

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is in Clearwater Bay, and there are a number of good international schools on Kowloon-side.

• Australian International School (Primary to Secondary)
• Japanese International School
• Norwegian School
• King George V
• Shatin College
• ESF Abacus International Kindergarten
• ESF Clearwater Bay School (Primary)

Entertainment

Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay attract all those with a passion for marine-based activities: kayaking, diving, snorkelling, sailing, kite surfing, windsurfing, fishing and wakeboarding. There's also a public golf course at Kau Sai Chau.

You can hire small boats and take a tour of the area, or hike around the scenic bays. Tai Long Wan (Deep Water Bay) just outside Sai Kung Country Park is said to be Hong Kong's best beach. The popular Maclehose Trail passes through the hills above Sai Kung town.

Fine dining options are numerous, ranging from local seafood restaurants to Mediterranean-style cafes, most of them with outdoor seating.


Shopping

In addition to the major supermarkets, Park 'n' Shop and Wellcome, there are a number of delicatessens and Western-type bakeries. As yet, you won't find any big shopping centres in the area or any brand-name shops.