I think every one of my strongest early memories of Hong Kong revolves around water.
My first trip on the Star Ferry was a knockout, of course – taking in those views of precipitous highrises and hills for the first time. (As a backpacker, it helped that I was paying next to nothing for the privilege!) Sitting at the front of the top deck on the bus from Central to Stanley was another eye-opener – and for me it happened to be an intensely blue-sky day. Just wow. I’ll also never forget my first “proper” boat adventure, pulling into deserted coves and beaches for swimming and wandering, followed by a late lunch and cold beer at Yau Ley.
My only bad memory of water in Hong Kong is absentmindedly forgetting to take a bottle of the stuff on a long Maclehose hike in the middle of summer. To this day, I worship that vending machine at Pak Tam Au like a god.
As you might be able to tell from our cover, this issue celebrates Hong Kong’s hotter months with an aquatic theme. We slap on the sunscreen and head out with some of the best junk companies and caterers – and give you the chance to win your own junk trip with 20 mates. If you prefer swimming in a stylish hotel pool, we’ve also rounded up some great summer staycation offers – and, again, the chance to win one.
Elsewhere, you’ll find a feature on 20 of the best ways to have fun in, on and around water in HK, a glimpse at living by the sea at Tseung Kwan O, insights from a school that treats the beach as another classroom, and a review of some booze-free drinks if you happen to be the one driving the boat.
Finally, if you’re like me and you tend to forget water when it’s most needed, you’ll also appreciate our look at the easiest indoor plants to keep alive in Hong Kong!
There’s plenty for landlubbers to enjoy too: a buying guide for sprucing your living room, a taste test of Middle Eastern treats, a pregnancy and maternity special, and a look inside readers’ homes in Lantau and on the Peak.
And, if somehow none of all that takes your fancy … we’ve also got pictures of cute puppies.
Have a great summer.