Design Anthology - Asia Pacific Edition
Island Living
Hong Kong may be known for its towering skyscrapers and swanky shopping malls, but little over 100 years ago, what is now a thriving metropolis was a quiet backwater of sleepy fishing villages, rural hamlets and tropical, mountainous terrain. And much of this can still be experienced not far from the city.
Sai Kung, a district in the eastern part of the New Territories, makes for an adventurous escape, with its pristine beaches, scenic trails, UNESCO Geopark and two UNESCO-merited landmarks. Urbanites often begin their journey on Sai Kung’s waterfront, where fishermen sell their catches to the adjacent row of seafood restaurants. Here, old ladies peddle tickets for sampan rides to nearby islands like Yim Tin Tsai, a small offshore isle that was a thriving Hakka settlement and salt farming community some three centuries ago. Another highlight is Tai Long Wan. A tempting option in the summer, this beautiful bay is accessible by foot or speedboat, and comprises four interconnected white-sand beaches, secluded far from civilisation and fronted by charming local-run seaside restaurants. There’s no accommodation here, so you can either trek back through the country park, take the speedboat back or camp out on the beach.
Opened in 2018, The Pier Hotel is the first boutique hotel in the Sai Kung area. The intimate 40-room accommodation is a private refuge that embraces Sai Kung’s slower pace and breathtaking scenery. Take time to soak in the serene sounds of the ocean from the rooftop terrace or stylish pool before hopping on a sampan from the pier below for another island excursion.
On the western side of Lantau Island, life stands still at the sleepy fishing village of Tai O, where stilt houses are suspended over scenic waterways, and where you can catch occasional sightings of pink dolphins. Steeped in history, the nine-room Tai O Heritage Hotel makes its home in a converted century-old marine police station that was once used to fend off pirates. Overlooking the idyllic fishing village, the historic UNESCO-awarded property preserves the building’s unique colonial character, with details like cannons, corner turrets and cells serving as reminders of its heritage. The architectural style echoes early 20th-century design, with its Chinese tiled roof, granite steps, classical French windows and arched facade.
A 40-minute ferry ride from Central, Cheung Chau is a colourful island getaway that’s a favourite for its plethora of street-food stalls, quirky hipster shops run by local craftspeople and art jamming workshops, all tempered with the aroma of the ubiquitous fish balls. This vibrant foodie hub is permeated by its community spirit and long-standing history, including the annual Bun Festival, a tradition that dates back to the 18th century.
Closer to the city, barefoot beauty Lamma has long attracted a mix of bohemian expats and local villagers to live a simple lifestyle that’s in stark contrast to the nearby CBD. The mix of beachfront houses, swathes of jungle and quiet beaches attracts a nature-loving set, and there’s not a chain restaurant or even a 7-Eleven in sight, let alone a car. The island’s emphasis on supporting local businesses is obvious from the rows of restaurants, bars and craft stores that line its main streets.
Established with the aim of preserving and celebrating this abundant island life, the Interisland Festival is a three-day event that covers the islands of Peng Chau, Lantau and Cheung Chau, with more than 50 local collaborators working together to encourage visitors to dive into village life and foster connections during this annual ode to Hong Kong’s islands.