These articles below can also be found in the June 2009 issue of Serviced Apartment Guide:
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In its infinite variety, Hong Kong isn’t just a big city with bright lights. It’s possible to really get away from it all by heading out to the New Territories (north of Kowloon and accessible from the CBD by train, bus or taxi) or to the outlying islands (by ferry, and in the case of Lantau by MTR or the Airport Express Link).
Expatriates and locals, particularly those with families, can’t get enough of the New Territories because of its lush green mountains and beautiful beaches. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the surf, sun and sand at Clearwater Bay, Silverstrand Beach and Big Wave Bay, which are Hong Kong’s cleanest beaches by far. Sai Kung and its surrounding villages are a popular hub providing a real rural escape with housing options to suit every pocket book.
Tourists and city dwellers come to the New Territories for the fresh seafood alone, but the nature trails and country parks also keep visitors coming back for more. Sai Kung East and West country parks and Clearwater Bay Country Park provide numerous trails and have something to offer hikers, ramblers and those who simply want a little gentle exercise.
Well-heeled residents can also take advantage of the high-end recreation clubs on offer, such as Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club and Hebe Haven Yacht Club.
Visitors are often surprised that Hong Kong has over 200 outlying islands, with Lantau, Peng Chau, Lamma, Cheung Chau and Tsing Yi well populated. Lantau is the largest of the outlying islands, and here you’ll find Chek Lap Kok International Airport as well as one of the happiest places on earth – Disneyland. Lantau is also known as the lungs of Hong Kong courtesy of its dense forests, mountains and limited number of high-rise developments.
While national parks take up more than half of Lantau, there are also glorious beaches, and you can see Hong Kong’s pink dolphins off the coast. A popular tourist site is Tai O, a three-century-old fishing village on the north-west of the island, as is the Big Buddha (an 85-foot high bronze statue), now reachable by cable car from Tung Chung – a new town, in the north-west, with its own MTR line named after it.
Discovery Bay (DB), a thriving resort community situated on the north-east coast of Lantau, aspires to be The Hamptons of Hong Kong of sorts. The parks and beaches make it an ideal environment for families – and it has two residents’ clubs, plus a golf and marina club. In DB Plaza, a social hub complete with outdoor seating, you’ll find supermarkets, shops, al fresco restaurants and all amenities. Residents get around by golf cart (bus or hire car), which gives DB a Fantasy Island feel.
Lamma Island is the most populous of the outlying islands, after Lantau. Its unspoilt natural beauty and the fact that cars are prohibited make it a peaceful place to live. An arty crowd tends to reside here, and therefore it’s no surprise that there are many interesting stores selling handicrafts, clothes and green products. Visit one of the friendly pubs or excellent seafood restaurants to really get a feel for the other side of Hong Kong.
The other Hong Kong
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