Explore the Islands in Hong Kong

Talking about Hong Kong, many of us will immediately think of the skyscrapers in the urban side. However, do you know that there are different islands in HK that worth your visit? In less than an hour, you can get access to the beautiful tranquil islands from the hustle and bustle of the crowded city.

Cheung Chau

Cheung Chau is located between Lamma Island and Lantau Island, which only takes less than an hour for you to get there by ferry. With only 30000 residents on the island, it shows the chummy and friendly community that you can’t find in other areas. There is no public transportation on the island that people usually travel around by bicycle or on foot. During weekends and public holidays, many locals and tourists will come into the island and enjoy the long-lost peacefulness. They love visiting the famous Cheung Po Tsai Cave, Kwan Kung Pavilion and the Mini Great Wall. Don’t miss the annual Bun Festival! It is between the fifth to the ninth days of the fourth lunar month. The festival includes Piu Sik (Floating Colours) Parade, lion dances, martial arts performance, etc. There will also be the unique Bun Scrambling Competition, in which participants climb a 60-foot bun-covered tower to grab the most lucky buns within 3 minutes.

How to get there?

Take the ferry from Central Pier 5 then you can arrive within an hour.

Check the Ferry Schedule here.

Image 1: https://coconuts.co/hongkong/features/cocobreaks-staycation-series-chill-out-cheung-chau/

Park Island

Park Island is located between Lantau Island and Tsing Yi. As it is primarily used as residential purpose, the island comprehensively has a supermarket, coffee shop, convenience stores and restaurants. Noah’s Ark, the world’s first full-scale Ark replica is also on the island, together with various specially designed attractions and workshops. Many tourists are fascinated by the Noah’s Adventureland and Noah’s Resort as it is unique for families, friends and couples.

How to get there?

Take the ferry from Central Pier 2 or Tsuen Wan Pier.

Check the Ferry Schedule here.

Image 2: http://parkislandhongkong.blogspot.com/2016/09/photos-of-ma-wan-sunsets.html

Lamma Island

Lamma Island is the third largest island in Hong Kong and the number of residents is only less than 10000. If you value the peace and sereneness of the rural area, Lamma Island will be a nice place for you to visit. There are a lot of seafood restaurants, cafes and bars for you to chill and enjoy. With natural beaches and the amazing hiking trails, it’d be great if you are a nature lover. Many are in love with the Hung Shing Yeh Beach, Kamikaze Cave and Ling Kok Shan Hiking Trail.

How to get there?

Take the ferry from Central Pier 4.

Check the Ferry Schedule here.

Image 3: https://www.stuckincustoms.com/category/travel/china/lamma-island/

Ngong Ping

Ngong Ping is a highland in the western part of Lantau Island. It was originally an idyllic area with limited access when there was only Po Lin Monastery nearby. After the world’s second largest outdoor Big Buddha was constructed in 1993, the area has attracted a lot of tourists worldwide to worship. Thus, the government has developed the land into an all-inclusive entertainment area. Ngong Ping Piazza, Wisdom Path, etc have become a must-go for the tourists and expats. To save time for breathtaking view, many will choose to take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to go up or down.

How to get there?

Click here for more info.

Image 4: http://www.gardenhostel.com.hk/NgongPing.html

Tai O

Tai O is the most famous fishing village in Hong Kong, located just next to Ngong Ping. What makes Tai O special is that there are stilt houses, for the existing Tanka people (fishermen) to live in. The houses are interconnected that forms a friendly community. There are diverse spots to visit in Tai O, namely the Local Market that sells homemade shrimp sauce, salted fish and other dry seafood, Yim Tin Mangrove Forest that showcases half of the Mangrove species in Hong Kong, Tai O Heritage Hotel that was transformed from one of the earliest police stations and the Tai O Rural Committee Historic & Cultural Showroom which brings you back to the centuries-old vibrant fishing village. The most exciting part will be the Boat Excursion, you can get a glimpse of the Chinese white dolphins if you are lucky enough! If you come during the Dragon Boat Festival, you can join in the Dragon Boat Water Parade to visit the local temples.

How to get there?

Get off at Tung Chung Station and take bus 11 to Tai O Bus Terminus.

Image 5: http://hdrhongkong.com/tai-o-fishing-village/

Hong Kong’s islands are accessible from MetroResidences‘ corporate serviced apartments. The apartments are located within few minutes walk from transport amenities, helping business travellers to cut down commuting time from home to work. Enjoy the islands in Hong Kong with just minutes away!

Locals’ Recommendations on International Supermarkets in Hong Kong

By Ann Chan | Essential Services, Everyday Living

Locals’ Recommendations on International Supermarkets in Hong Kong

There are diverse styles of supermarkets in Hong Kong: local, Japanese, British……You will never get dull for the variety of choices inside all these stores. For every kind of cuisine, you can always find the right ingredients in Hong Kong’s supermarkets. In terms of international supermarkets, Japanese-styled ones have been dominating the market due to the influence of Japanese culture back then in the 1980s. Here are the locals’ recommendations on international supermarkets in HK:

City’Super

Being recognized as the ‘mega lifestyle specialty store’, City’Super provides high-end imported products. You can find freshly delivered products every morning. If you are looking for A5 Wagyu Beef, Sydney Rock Oysters or Local Hong Kong Chicken, you can just go City’Super and get everything you want for dinner. Of course, it is a bit more pricey when comparing to other local supermarkets. The stores open 10am-10pm daily.

Store Addresses:

Gateway Arcade Level 3, Shop 3001, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui

ifc mall Level 1, Shops 1041-1049, Central

New Town Plaza 1 Level 2, Shops 204-214, Shatin

Times Square Basement 1, Causeway Bay

Image 1: http://www.timessquare.com.hk/eng/shop_detail.php?shop=86

ThreeSixty

ThreeSixty is the largest retailer of natural foods and organic foods in Hong Kong. It also offers earth-friendly household products, non-chemically based personal care items and wellness-related lifestyle products. If you are someone pursuing a healthy and carefree lifestyle, ThreeSixty will definitely be your favourite supermarket in Hong Kong. As its target customer is the middle class, the price will be higher than other supermarkets.

Store Addresses:

Shop 1090, 1/F Elements, Kowloon Station, Hong Kong (Opening Hours: 8am – 11pm daily)

Shop No. 203, Second Floor, Stanley Plaza, Ma Hang Estate, 23 and 33 Carmel Road, Stanley, Hong Kong (Opening Hours: 8am – 10pm daily)

Image 2: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HK_ElementsThreeSixty_20071001.jpg

Market Place by Jasons

There are approximately 40 Market Place stores in Hong Kong. They offer customers a combination of international and customized assortment of foods and various products. It is popular among locals, as well as expats who would like to shop under a comfy environment.

Store Addresses (Full list here):

LG/F, Nexxus Building, 77 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong (Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 08:00-22:00, Sunday and Public Holiday 09:00-22:00)

Shop 8, 2/F, Island Crest, 8 First Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong (Opening Hours: 08:00 – 22:00 daily)

Shop No. G02-03, G/F, Olympian City One, No. 11 Hoi Fai Road, Kowloon (Opening Hours: 08:00 – 22:00 daily)

Shop LG08-13 iSQUARE, 63 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon (Opening Hours: 08:00 – 23:00 daily)

S1&R7, G/F, Gold Coast Piazza, Tuen Mun, N.T. (Opening Hours: 08:00 – 23:00 daily)

Image 3: http://lionrise3.vela.hk/shop_details.php?mid=&smc=&shop_id=7&cat=5

Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer imports their products from the UK directly. They sell packaged food, as well as pre-prepared foods such as sandwiches, ready meals and various types of snacks. Many HongKongers will come to M&S for its authentic British products (After all, Hong Kong was a British Colony before 1997).

Store Addresses (Full list here):

Shop B&C, G/F, Kar Yau Building, 38 Queen’s Road East, Admiralty (Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 07:30 – 22:00 Sun 09:00 – 21:00)

130 CityPlaza, Taikooshing, 18 Tai Koo Shing Road, Hong Kong (Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00 – 22:00)

Unit G01 & UG66 Citywalk, 1 Yeung Uk Road, Tsuen Wan (Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00 – 22:00)

Shop G21,G22B & G23, G/F, Site 11, Whampoa Garden, Hung Hom (Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00 – 22:00)

2253B-2256A, Tuen Mun Town Plaza I, 1 Tuen Shun Street, Tuen Mun (Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00 – 22:00 Sat,Sun 10:30 – 22:00)

Image 4: http://shopsinhk.com/marks-spencer-stores-in-hong-kong.html

Sogo Freshmart

As a Japanese supermarket, it provides fresh and quality-assured ingredients for customers. If you would like to make your own Sukiyaki or Tonkatsu, you can buy all necessary ingredients here, and the most important point is: they are all of excellent quality! Many locals are fond of buying Japanese products as it has been classified as ‘High quality and of reasonable price’.

Store Addresses:

B2/F, SOGO, 555 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong (Opening hours: Mon-Thurs, Sun 10:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 10:00-22:30)

B1/F, SOGO, 20 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong (Opening hours: 10:00-22:00 daily)

Image 5: https://en.tripadvisor.com.hk/Attraction_Review-g294217-d8380142-Reviews-SOGO_Department_Store_Tsim_Sha_Tsui-Hong_Kong.html

YATA Supermarket

YATA is a recently expanded Japanese supermarket in Hong Kong. Again, it is a comprehensive supermarket offering a majority of Japanese products to local customers. It also has different themes for its branches of supermarkets, catering for various groups of target customers. If you want to enjoy the Japanese-styled service and atmosphere in Hong Kong, YATA will be your first choice.

Store Addresses (Full list here):

Hong Kong plaza, 188 Connaught Road West, Sai Wan, Hong Kong (Opening hours: 9:00-21:30 daily)

L3, MOKO, Mong Kok, Hong Kong (Opening hours: 10:00-22:00 daily)

LG, apm, 418 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong (Opening hours: 10:00-23:00 daily)

L2, East Point City, 8 Chung Wa Road, Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O (Opening hours: 9:00-22:30 daily)

G/F, V City, Tuen Mun Heung Sze Wui Road, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong (Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 9:00-22:00, Fri-Sat, eve of public holidays : 9:00 – 22:30)

Image 6: http://www.citygirlcitystories.com/2017/03/hello-kitty-supermarket-hong-kong/

Wanting to live near these supermarkets to make life easier? Check the available units out in the largest serviced apartment booking platform, MetroResidences! We afford the largest selection of stylish and affordable furnished apartments for 1 to 12 month stays.

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Definitive Guide on Renting an Apartment in Hong Kong

By Ann Chan | Housing

Definitive Guide on renting an apartment in Hong Kong

Puzzling out how to rent a decent place in Hong Kong? Worried that you will be scammed by the online agents or landlords? Here’s a quick yet definitive guide on renting an apartment in Hong Kong and you may take note on the following 2 points:

1. Condition

There are many buildings in HK are of over 50 years. Some of them are aged and worn that are lacking of renovation. If you want to ensure your living quality, it is recommended that the apartment you pick should be newly renovated. You may consult the agent or owner before you actually make the decision. Moreover, a fully furnished flat will be perfect for an expat or a busy family. You don’t have to worry about the price, the decoration, etc. More time can be saved for chilling. Remember to take note on the general structure of the building: they might be walk-up buildings that are not equipped with elevators! One suggestion is that you better do room viewing before you actually move in… Sometimes photos can’t really tell the truth. Check the furniture and electronic appliances carefully, if they are broken down, the landlord might charge you extra!

Image 1: http://www.teoalida.com/world/hongkong/

2. Size

Studio, 1 Bedroom, 2 Bedrooms…… With such variety of sizes, it highly depends on your budget to decide which one to rent. One essential point to note is that the sizes of every kind of apartment are all much smaller than those in your home country; while the rent is super high that with HKD 10000, you may only get a 100 sq.ft studio. Stay alert for the size that the agents tell you- it might be Gross Floor Area that includes Saleable Area plus common area of the public or just Saleable Area.

Image 2: https://www.hongkongfp.com/2015/07/27/the-unlivable-dwellings-in-hong-kong-and-the-minimum-living-space/

Image 3: https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/19/realestate/hong-kongs-tiny-apartments.html

Other than the aforementioned points, there are some common Q&As below:

What documents do I need to prepare before renting an apartment?

Normally, you will have to bring along your passport, HKID card (If you have) and letter of acceptance from your employer in Hong Kong (Monthly salary stated clearly) to prove that you are legal to stay in Hong Kong and able to pay for the upcoming rents.

What will I be required to do in order to secure my booking?

If you are booking via a local property agency, the agents will ask you to sign a tenancy agreement. In Hong Kong, it’s normally 2 years. However, both the landlord and tenant have the right to terminate after 1 year with a 2-3 months’ notice. You will also need to pay for the agency fee and stamp duty (0.5% of annual rental) respectively. Moreover, many landlords will require you to pay for the one-month holding deposit, as well as a security deposit which varies from 1-month rent to 3-month rent. It will be refunded if there is no breach of contract terms, e.g. loss of sofa, unreasonable tearing-off of wall papers. Therefore, you will need to be aware of the agreement terms before you sign it- Ask for clarifications and probably translations from the agent or landlord.

Can I rent an apartment for less than a year?

Technically yes as there is no minimum term for tenancy in Hong Kong. However, in reality, 90% of landlords prefer to rent their apartments to tenants for at least 2 years. Therefore, if you want to rent for a short period of time in Hong Kong, it is advised that you should consider renting a serviced apartment instead. There are various serviced apartments located at diverse corners of Hong Kong and the terms are relatively more flexible.

How much is the commission when renting an apartment?

The standard of Hong Kong’s commission is half month’s commission from the tenant and half month’s commission from the landlord. You will need to pay for the commission once the Tenancy Agreement is signed and agreed.

How much in total do I need to pay to rent an apartment?

In most cases, you will need to pay a total of 2-month rent as security deposit, 1 month rent in advance, half month’s estate agents commission, and stamp duty payable to the HKSAR government.

If there is a break down in one piece of equipment, do I need to pay for the repair?

A Tenancy Agreement should include a clause that states that any chattels included in the premises shall be maintained and be in a proper state of repair at the responsibility of the landlord. If there are any repair and maintenance issues, the landlord and the tenant must follow the tenancy agreement to determine the responsible party.

Therefore, when you are signing for the agreement, you will need to be aware of the terms written and further clarify with the landlord if you have any uncertainty on the interpretations of the specific terms.

Can Hong Kong apartments accommodate pets?

Depending on the Deed of Mutual Covenant of an apartment building in Hong Kong, pets may or may not be allowed in the building. However, it also depends on the landlord whether s/he will accept pets inside the apartment. Prior consent is needed from the landlord if you would like to bring a pet into the apartment and it should be clearly written on the tenant agreement as well, to prevent confusion.

Can I sublet the apartment or get a flat mate?

There is a standard clause in a Tenancy Agreement that states that a Tenant shall not assign, transfer, sublet or part with the possession of the Premises or any part thereof to any other person during the Term of Tenancy and the Tenancy shall be personal to the Tenant named in the agreement. If the apartment is sublet or rent to others without the landlord’s consent, it is regarded as a breach of the contract.

Is the Tenancy Agreement in Hong Kong legally binding?

Yes, it is legally binding and if it is signed under a mutually agreeable situation, it is accepted as evidence in court (including the Lands Tribunal) and it is enforceable against the related parties.

You may refer to this for more details regarding the tenant agreement.

Then, where can I find the right apartment?

Want to have a conveniently located, fully furnished, newly renovated and spacious apartment under a reasonable price? You may go for MetroResidences, which provides you with minimum property standards, that they ensure every apartment rented is a bargain for the guests.

Learn more via: https://metroresidences.com/hk-en/

Neighbourhood guide for Living in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai

By Ann Chan | Explore, Neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood guide for Living in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai

Talking about Causeway Bay, what will you think of? Shopping might be the first thing that crossed your mind. How about Wan Chai? Though Wan Chai may be notorious for its red light district, there are indeed more to explore.

Neighborhood Vibe

Being in the heart of Hong Kong, both Causeway Bay and Wan Chai are great for young couples or single travellers who are looking for fun and convenience. It’d be a wonderful place to stay in if you love shopping, hanging around in the crowded community and enjoy all sorts of entertainment. However, this might not be a family friendly neighbourhood as it will probably turn noisy at night that your kid won’t be able to sleep well. The streets are always busy even on weekdays and people are everywhere.

Where to Eat?

Causeway Bay

Tang Lung Street

Don’t know where to go for lunch? There are tons of restaurants on the street, famous for its variety of Japanese food and western-styled cafes. If you are craving for the best Ramen, sashimi, egg benedict or risotto in town, you will be able to find one here.

Image 1: https://www.pc426.com/d/105523/45

Paterson Street

Since 1980s, Paterson Street has become a famous spot for various restaurants to station. As there are no skyscrapers nearby, you can comfortably find some outdoor open-air tables to sit by and enjoy the airy environment, together with the decent meal. Numerous cuisines are available for you to select, namely Chinese, Japanese, Thai, American, etc.

Image 2: https://www.bigfang.tw/blog/post/44354344

Wan Chai

Swatow Street

Just located next to the Southorn Playground, the tranquil street has turned into a little food street recently. It’s now famous for the coexistence of diverse cuisines: Japanese, Portuguese, British, etc. Most importantly, they are authentic yet affordable. Many restaurants are originated from their home countries and relocated to Hong Kong, which provides a great environment for cultural exchange, and of course, food gatherings with friends!

Image 3: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nikonslave/24694706202

Ship Street

Being known as the street filled with decent restaurants, similar to Swatow Street, loads of fusion restaurants are stationed there. However, there’s actually more. At night, many foreigners will come to the street and go for the bars. Many renowned bars are located there as well, you may refer to this bar guide for more info.

Image 4: https://cn.nytimes.com/food-wine/20141212/t12hongkong/zh-hant/

Where to shop?

Causeway Bay

1. Times Square

As the most popular tourist spot in Hong Kong, there are over 230 famous brands in the building, ranging from reputable apparel brands to electronic chain stores. There is also a big international supermarket, CitySuper. You can buy all range of groceries here and cook a homey meal for yourself or family. You can definitely find what you want here. There is also a newly renovated cinema at the mall that without walking under the hectic weather, you can be entertained in any ways that you want. Other than the above, you can also find exhibitions at the ground floor of the Square, which stages cultural events and movie promotions, etc. At night, there is even local busking happening, why not come and support the local entertainment industry?

Image 5: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HK_CWB_Times_Square_Yue_Minjun_Art_Exhibition_2008_Street_Busking_Evening_a.jpg

2. Hysan Place

It is a brand new shopping mall, conveniently located at the heart of Causeway Bay. The mall contains over 120 international brands that you can shop till you drop. Another point worth noticing is that there is the First Eslite Bookstore in HK, one of the largest bookstores in Taiwan. As many shopping malls in Hong Kong do, there is a spacious supermarket selling fresh ingredients. If you don’t feel like cooking today, you can go directly to the top floor of the mall and order your desired dishes at the food court. If you are looking for a comprehensive shopping mall, this will be a good choice.

Image 6: https://hk.asiatatler.com/life/lifestyle-bookstore-eslite-opens-in-hysan-place

Where to walk around?

1. Victoria Park

Named after Queen Victoria, it is the largest park in the Hong Kong Island. During Sundays and public holidays, there are different stalls providing arts and crafts items, painting, photography and sketching services. You can enjoy your leisure Sunday here, away from the hustle and bustle.

Image 7: http://www.discoverhongkong.com/ca/see-do/great-outdoors/city-parks/victoria-park.js

2. Blue House

Named for its colour, the 4-storey building was built as a hospital in the 1870s. It has become a temple, a martial arts school and an osteopathy clinic respectively in the past years. The building is a Tong Lau (Buildings that are built in late 19th Century) and what makes it special is that it was designed with balconies, which is rare to find in Hong Kong nowadays. On the ground floor of the building, there is the Hong Kong House of Stories Museum for you to pore over Hong Kong cultural history in a deeper sense.

Image 8: https://www.heritage.gov.hk/en/rhbtp/ProgressResult2_Blue_House_Cluster.htm

3. Lee Tung Avenue

As a newly rehabilitated street in Hong Kong, it is the latest hotspot among the locals and tourists. This tree-lined side road has attracted a lot of cafes, foreign restaurants and famed fashion shops to station. Located at the middle of local community and revitalization, it is a showcase of Hong Kong’s vibrancy and co-existence of different cultures.

Image 9: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikemikecat/25052831862

Do you want to live near to these amazing spots? Come to MetroResidences and book the furnished apartment at your preferred location. It provides numerous quality options for you to choose from. Enjoy your stay with a stylish neighbourhood.

Top 10 apps that every local has installed to their phones

By Ann Chan | Everyday Living

Top 10 apps that every local has installed to their phones

Feeling lost when you are a newcomer to the city? Finding somewhere to chill and make some new friends? Wanna know what locals have in their hands? Here comes the top 10 apps that every local HongKonger has downloaded on their mobiles:

1. Openrice

It’s the local food app that gathers most of the restaurants in Hong Kong. Simply search for the district that you would like to dine in, plus the cuisine that you wanna eat tonight, then you can find the best option from the list. You can book your favourite restaurant in seconds and earn points for your next meal at the same time.

Image 1: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.openrice.android&hl=en

Download here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id310663323?mt=8 / https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.openrice.android

2. Citymapper

Being named as the App of the Year for consecutively 5 years from 2013 to 2017, it proves its prominent status of navigating all public transport in one single app. The MTR (Mass Transit Railway), buses, minibuses, trams and even UBER are on the app, that with the real-time update, you can get to your destination by the quickest and most convenient way.

Image 2: https://www.scmp.com/tech/apps-gaming/article/1852365/transport-app-citymapper-spreads-wings-throws-down-gauntlet-google

Download here: https://itunes.apple.com/hk/app/apple-store/id469463298?mt=8 / https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.citymapper.app.release&referrer=utm_medium%3Dweb%26utm_source%3Dcmweb%253Adesktop%253Ahome%253AappPanel&hl=zh-hk

3. Eatigo

Wanting to get as high as 50% off for your dinner bills? This app aims to connect empty stomachs with empty tables. Choose the restaurant and book it with discount. Enjoy your meal and save up more for your next one!

Image 3 : https://itunes.apple.com/nz/app/eatigo/id879030389?mt=8

Download here: https://itunes.apple.com/hk/app/eatigo/id879030389?mt=8 / https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eatigo&hl=en

4. HKTaxi – Taxi Hailing App

Feeling frustrated whenever you want to catch a taxi but you can’t? Wanting to have something legal and safe? Here comes the taxi hailing app, which is officially tested and verified by the Consumer Council in 2018. Consumer Council’s test states that during peak hours, HKTaxi achieves an order fulfillment rate of 94.4%, and a rate of 100% during non-peak hours. Now, you can even pay through the app with the Electronic Payment Service. Most importantly, it is available in both English and Chinese, expats will no longer be worried about the language barrier when using these local apps. There is also a 24/7 service hotline with real people answering to support your travelling needs. After the ride, you can rate the driver to recommend him or her to other users, as well as fostering the quality service offered by drivers.

Image 4 : https://appadvice.com/app/hktaxi-taxi-hailing-app/660232595

Download here: https://itunes.apple.com/hk/app/hktaxi-taxi-hailing-app/id660232595?l=en&mt=8 / https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cornermation.calltaxi&hl=en

5. My Observatory

If you don’t want to get soaked suddenly in Hong Kong’s summer, you can get yourself prepared for the chaotic situation. Check for the temperatures, rain and typhoon information and the 9-day forecast on the app. It also provides reminders for the location that you have selected for the weather change.

Image 5 : http://www.mywanderinglife.com/2018/06/typhoon-season-is-here.html

Download here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/myobservatory/id361319719?mt=8 / https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=hko.MyObservatory_v1_0&hl=en

6. HKTV Mall

Don’t have time to get fresh ingredients for dinner? Cannot communicate with sellers in the wet market? HKTV Mall provides you with a wide range of groceries directly from the traceable source. Every morning, suppliers will prepare those ordered items and deliver to the buyers’ homes directly. You can buy HK local spareribs, organic Green Amaranth or fresh Pompano here.

Image 6 : http://www.myappwiz.com/home/appdetail?platform=iOS&appID=910398738&refer=fromSimilar&name=HKTVmall+%E2%80%93+online+shopping

Download here: https://itunes.apple.com/hk/app/hktvmall-online-shopping/id910398738?l=en&mt=8 / https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hktv.android.hktvmall&hl=en_US

7. Klook

Planning to explore Hong Kong? The Hong Kong-based OTA can definitely help you out. You can find the the best price for your destinations and save cost for your transportation expenses. Install now and start saving!

Image 7 : https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/klook/id961850126?mt=8

Download here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/klook/id961850126?mt=8 / https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.klook&hl=en

8. Hong Kong Movie

Don’t know what to do in holidays? Perhaps a good movie will make your day.

By using the app, you can access to all movies that are showing currently in all cinemas in HK and to check for the available seats right at the moment.

Image 8 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gt.farm.hkmovies&hl=en_US

Download here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hong-kong-movie-香港電影/id303206353?mt=8

/ https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gt.farm.hkmovies&hl=en

9. Octopus

The Octopus app enables you to handle your everyday transactions. You can check your remaining value in the card and trace back what you have purchased! You can also make online payment for some stores, which makes life easier.

Image 9 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UvdkFMXHNc

Download here: https://itunes.apple.com/hk/app/octopus-八達通/id1114430602?l=en&mt=8 / https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.octopuscards.nfc_reader&hl=en

10. Enjoy Hiking

Do you know over ¾ of land in HK belong to the countryside? There are loads of good hiking spots in HK for you to discover. If you don’t know where to start with, this app will be a good fit for you. The app has provided you with various destinations with its difficulty level, you can start from the beginners’ one.

Image 10 : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hkgeopark.enjoyhiking&hl=en

Download here: https://itunes.apple.com/hk/app/%E9%83%8A%E9%87%8E%E6%A8%82%E8%A1%8C-enjoy-hiking/id405460254?l=en&mt=8 / https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hkgeopark.enjoyhiking&hl=en

Download these apps and become a LOCAL in town! If you want to take a good rest after exploring Hong Kong with the apps, come MetroResidences to find your ideal apartment here and build a home away from home.

Top 5 hiking spots in Hong Kong that you couldn’t miss

By Ann Chan | Activities and Events, Explore

Top 5 hiking spots in Hong Kong that you couldn’t miss

Do you know how many percent of Hong Kong belong to the country parks and protected areas? The answer is 70%. Quite shocking right? During weekends, other than shopping malls, there are still more spots that worth your visit.

1. Dragon’s Back

Being called as ‘Mong Kok’ in the hiking scope, it is undoubtedly the most popular hiking route in Hong Kong. Its name may scare you at the first place, but don’t get misunderstood, it is a route suitable for beginners. Just within 2 hours, you can get to the peak and enjoy the magnificent view from the top. You can have a panoramic view of Shek O and Tai Tau Chau and take some good pictures here. After the trail, you can get directly to the beach and enjoy the sunshine.

How to get there?

Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan Station to Exit A3 and get on Bus No. 9 at the Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus. After 11 stops, get off at To Tei Wan and then you can start the Dragon’s Back Hike.

Image 1: https://www.getreadyhk.com/leisure-and-fun/hong-kong-outdoor-activity/outing-spot/item/979-dragon-back-hiking

2. Lung Fu Shan to the Peak

Tired of being with the city views all the time in your expat life? Hong Kong is a small city that enables you to explore Hong Kong’s nature within 15 minutes of walk from city. Lung Fu Shan is located at the heart of the western side of Hong Kong and the beginning point of the trail starts from HKU. Because of its proximity to the urban area, it is welcomed by local kaifong, students or expats who live nearby. In an hour, you can reach to the top and connect yourself with the famous Victoria Peak. Again, the trail is a starter for beginners or those who want to have a leisure morning walk.

How to get there?

Take Bus No. 13 and drop off at Hatton Road stop. After an approximately 20-minute walk, you can arrive at the entrance of the Lung Fu Shan Country Park and start the trail. For the other way, you can get off at MTR HKU Station Exit A2. When you see the sign of HKU, just walk straight till you see the stairs. Walk down the stairs and the sign of Lung Fu Shan Country Park is just over there.

Image 2: http://www.discoverhongkong.com/uk/see-do/great-outdoors/hikes/peak-to-lung-fu-shan-country-park.jsp

3. Hong Kong Trail

Wanna visit somewhere recommended by the Lonely Planet? Hong Kong Trail might be a good option for you. The trail is divided into 8 sections and their difficulties vary:Image 3: http://www.walkonhill.com/hktrail-hk_en.php

How to get there?

Click here to see more details on the trails, as well as suggested starting points and ending points.

Don’t rush to try all sections in one day! Just enjoy the hike with underneath city views and the natural scenery from the walk!

4. Tai Tam Reservoirs

This is another route that has gained the hearts from local hikers. The trail is surrounded by various cultural heritage and historical constructions. For instance, Tai Tam Reservoir Road Bridge is built in 1888 and it is listed as the Grade I historic building and Declared Monuments in Hong Kong respectively in 1994 and 2009. If you are looking for somewhere cultural, this may be a good choice for you.

How to get there?

Walking from MTR Hong Kong Station Exit A, take bus No. 6 or 66 from the Exchange Square bus terminus, then you can get off at Wong Nai Chung Gap Road.

Image 4: http://www.penninghearts.com/%E5%A4%A7%E6%BD%AD%E4%B8%8A%E6%B0%B4%E5%A1%98%E6%B0%B4%E5%A3%A9/

5. Shing Mun Reservoir

The Shing Mun Country Park is located just next to the Reservoir. It is conveniently located at Tsuen Wan and it is an accessible hiking spot for families and expats. There are many famed spots inside the country park, including a tranquil road with Paper-bark trees and the magnificent Shing Mun Reservoir Bellmouth Overflow. However, you will need to be aware of the monkeys – they will eat whatever you have in hand!

How to get there?

Starting off from MTR Tsuen Wan Station Exit A1, you can walk to Shiu Wo Street and take mini bus No. 82. After taking for 20 minutes, you can arrive at Shing Mun Reservoir.

Image 5: https://www.getreadyhk.com/leisure-and-fun/hong-kong-outdoor-activity/outing-spot/item/1056-shing-mun-reservoir

Image 6: https://johnblog.phychembio.com/?p=4982

There are indeed more hiking spots than you imagine in Hong Kong. With the great help of the public transport system, just explore more with your group of expat friends and visit the beautiful villages and beaches outside the traditional city views of Hong Kong! Wanting to save time for more fun in Hong Kong? Rent an accessible apartment via MetroResidences to do so! We offer you with numerous choices of centrally located apartments and what you need to do is to just click a button to view them all!

What is the number that you should call when there’s an emergency?

By Ann Chan | Emergency and Disaster, Everyday Living

What is the number that you should call when there’s an emergency?

Emergency might seem scary, but indeed they inevitably happen somehow in life. What we can do is to only prepare for the worst, sometimes, especially when you are living in a brand new city like Hong Kong. To help you to cope with emergency, we have prepared the following list of emergency calls:

Emergency services (police, fire, ambulance)

999

This is the only phone number that you should remember, in case you can only remember one. This number connects you to all sorts of emergency hotlines, including the police, fire services department and ambulance, etc.

Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sprinter_416_new_HK.jpg

Police Hotline

2527-7177

It is an essential and direct hotline to get access to the police force. No matter you have witnessed a severe crime, or you are fed up with your neighbour’s unreasonably loud music, you can call the department directly to report or complain.

Image: https://www.police.gov.hk/info/doc/pledge/2016/html/OperationsWingENG.html

Fire Services Department

2723-0066

Who to contact when you see someone attempting to jump off from window, when a cat is trapped or when you see a fire? The answer with no doubts will be the fire services department. Call the aforementioned number for a direct and instant service.

Image: https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/1982638/hong-kong-should-establish-firefighters-day-salute

Ambulance Services

2735-3355

If you see someone who are seriously injured and need urgent treatment, the emergency ambulance service number will be handy for you. Call it only when it’s a real emergency, or else you will hamper those who are really in need of it.

Image: https://www.cpjobs.com/hk/article/hong-kong%E2%80%99s-fire-services-department-seeks-cool-heads

Emergency Number when there is no stable network

112

Everyone loves hiking, right? When you are in Hong Kong, there are just too many fab hiking choices to choose from. However, there are risks that you may get lost or even get injured. At that moment, what you can do is to call 112 for help, which will connect you to the outside world even if you do not have a stable network.

Image: https://topick.hket.com/article/1436981/%E6%96%B0%E5%A8%98%E6%BD%AD%E7%99%BC%E7%94%9F%E8%A1%8C%E5%B1%B1%E4%BA%BA%E5%A3%AB%E5%A2%AE%E6%B0%B4%E6%BD%AD%E5%8F%97%E5%82%B7%E8%A2%AB%E5%9B%B0

Consumer Council (Complaint)

2929-2222

If you have come across any unfair deal (e.g. goods or services not corresponding to descriptions, delay in delivery or dissatisfaction over service), while you fail to negotiate with the shop, you may lodge your complaints via the number.

Image: https://www.consumer.org.hk/ws_en/complaints_and_advices/how_to_complain/howtocomplain.html

Always remember, you will need to always prepare for the worst. Try to keep calm when you face any emergency, and contact the related department instantly to minimize the loss.

If you are an expat looking for a serviced apartment or furnished apartment in Hong Kong, check the available units out in the largest serviced apartment booking platform, MetroResidences! We afford the largest selection of stylish and affordable furnished apartments for 1 to 12 month stays.

The 5 Dai Pai Dong that you will miss after leaving Hong Kong

By Ann Chan | Explore, Food and Restaurant Guide

The 5 Dai Pai Dong that you will miss after leaving Hong Kong

What would you be reminded of when we talk about Dai Pai Dong? Our expat friends who are reading this article may not be familiar with such local Cantonese pronunciation. Dai Pai Dong refers to open-air food stalls and they used to be really common in the old 1920s-70s. Nonetheless, Dai Pai Dong has no longer be that vibrant nowadays. If you wanna trace back the glorious food history of Hong Kong, you can visit these surviving Dai Pai Dong in the following:

1. Sing Heung Yuen (勝香園)

Sing Heung Yuen is one of the oldest and most famed Dai Pai Dong in HK. A lot of local businessmen who work in Central would start their day with a juicy Crispy Buttered bun (HKD19) and an authentic cup of milk tea(HKD12). If you feel like you need more energy to confront with the Monday Blues, simply order a bowl of Beef Macaroni in Tomato Soup(HKD30), together with the ‘very local’ Salty Seven-up with Lemon (HKD20), then I’m sure you will be fueled up. The moment when tomato meets beef, it’s just paradisiacal. Just bear in mind that you might need to wait for more than an hour, under the extremely high temperature of summer in HK. If you are ready to queue up for the joy, a bottle of water and a pack of tissues might be necessary.

Image 1: https://thetasteoftwocities.wordpress.com/2014/01/21/sing-heung-yuen-%E5%8B%9D%E9%A6%99%E5%9C%92-hong-kong/

Address: G/F, 2 Mei Lun Street, Central (Nearest MTR exit: Sheung Wan station exit E1)

Operating hours: 08:00-17:00 (Mon-Sat); Closed (Sun)

2. Yue Hing (裕興咖啡)

Just next to Sing Heung Yuen, there is another inconspicuous Dai Pai Dong. When it’s so near to a HUGE competitor, it could still gain a prominent place in the market: Quality tells all. The signature dish of Yue Hing is the Sandwich Combo. You will definitely have difficulty in picking the ingredients: Tuna, scrambled eggs, spiced pork cubes, corned beef…… Every combo will be the best combo. The price is just around HKD35, inclusive of drinks. On weekends, you may need to wait for more than 30 minutes to get seated.

Image 2: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/334533078549845746/?lp=true

Address: Shop 82, Stanley Street, Central (Nearest MTR exit: Sheung Wan station exit E1)

Operating hours: 08:00-13:45 (Mon-Tue, Thurs-Fri); Closed (Wed, Sat-Sun)

3. Bing Kee (炳記茶檔)

You must visit here if you wanna try out the best milk tea in town! There are thousands and millions of restaurants selling milk teas in HK, yet you can hardly find one that is as smooth as Bing Kee’s (HKD16). Tourists love the Grilled Pork Chop noodles (HKD25) particularly, because of its perfect seasoning and texture. Other than its mouth-watering food, another element that we can’t neglect is the structure of the food stall. The stall is constructed in iron sheets, which again has nearly gone extinct in Hong Kong society. If you occasionally pass by Tai Hang or Causeway Bay, do pay a visit to Bing Kee- it won’t let you down.

Image 3: https://ywjoseph928.tian.yam.com/posts/99288807

Tips: When you are planning your visit, you can access to Bing Kee’s Instagram (Bing_kee) to check its actual opening hours!

Address: Next to 5 Shepherd Street, Tai Hang (Nearest MTR exit: Tin Hau station exit B)

Operating hours: 07:30-15:30 (Tue-Sun); Closed (Mon)

4. Lan Fong Yuen (蘭芳園)

Being the historical symbol of Hong Kong Dai Pai Dong, Lan Fong Yuen holds an eminent role in HK local food history. It is the first restaurant providing dry-stirred instant noodles (Lo Ding in Cantonese), which has become a well-known local food. If you wanna try the taste of pioneer, you have to try the dry-stirred instant noodles with grilled chicken fillet in spring onion, ginger and soy sauce (HKD55). Its Hong Kong-styled milk tea (HKD21) has also gained the attention from all foodies in HK- they are all appealed by its richness that can rarely be found elsewhere. Planning for a visit to learn more about HK food culture? Lan Fong Yuen will be the top on your list.

Image 4: https://fgblog.fashionguide.com.tw/3176/posts/53364

Address: 2 Gage Street, Central (Nearest MTR exit: Central Station Exit D2)

Operating hours: 07:00-18:00 (Mon-Sat); Closed (Sun)

5. Shui Kee (瑞記咖啡)

Where does French Toast come from? France? Or actually Hong Kong? If you get to try the French Toast (HKD23) in Hong Kong, you must visit Shui Kee. Its crispy surface and juicy favour have won hearts from the gourmet all over the city. Don’t forget about the iced bottled milk tea (HKD13)! You may have tried the hot milk tea in HK, but the iced one will never disappoint you. It is one of the few Dai Pai Dongs that are still serving the bottled milk tea. In the past, there was no ice inside a cup of milk tea. If you wanted to have a freezed one, you could only put it in the bottle and store in the fridge. Some epicure will also order the Beef and Egg Sandwiches (HKD16), for its freshly-made scrambled eggs with fresh minced beef. If you are looking for something local and affordable, Shui Kee will be your favourite option.

Image 5: http://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/09/shui-kee-coffee/

Address: Shop 17, 2/F Municipal Services Building, 345 Queen’s Road Central (Nearest MTR exit: Sheung Wan Station Exit A2)

Operating hours: 07:30-17:00 (Mon-Sat); Closed (Sun)

Again, Hong Kong is full of hidden decent food. Do explore yourself a bit more to create your tailor-made To-Eat-List!

Wanting to get access to all these tempting food within minutes? Come rent MetroResidences‘ serviced apartments! The apartments are located within a few minutes walk from transport amenities, helping you to minimize commuting time. Then you can save more time in exploring Hong Kong!

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Where to see a doctor in Hong Kong?

By Ann Chan | Medical Care

Where to see a doctor in Hong Kong?

https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/2057435/letters-editor-december-27-2016

Sometimes we just get sick. When you are in a new city, you may be unfamiliar with the medical system. That’s why we are writing this blog for you, to help you to get prepared for the unprepared.

There are 2 different medical systems in Hong Kong, namely public healthcare and private healthcare. The public healthcare system is way more affordable than the private one, if you hold a HKID card; while for the private one, if you have got a health insurance, it can be affordable as well. Other than the western-styled treatment, you may also go for the traditional Chinese doctors for consultation. In the following, the details of the different types of treatment and system will be covered.

Public healthcare (Western medicine)

In Hong Kong, the public healthcare system is very comprehensive. It includes hospitals, clinics and specialist care. For the most common one among public, it is the public hospital. Do you know how much does it cost for you to go consult a doctor there? It can be real cheap and real expensive at the same time: The controlling factor will be whether you have a HKID card or not. For instance, when it comes to a general outpatient visit, if you have a HKID card, it only costs $50 per attendance; if not, $445, which is even higher than some of the private clinics. However, if you do not have much time, we suggest you rather not to visit as usually you will need to wait for at least 4 hours, sometimes in peak season, you may even need to wait for the whole day for the consultation.

Here’s the list of some public hospitals for your reference:

Queen Mary Hospital, Pok Fu Lam, Tel: 2255 3838
Tsan Yuk Hospital, Sai Ying Pun, Tel: ‎2589 2100
Tung Wah Hospital, Sheung Wan, Tel: 2859 7626
Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Chai Wan, Tel: ‎2595 6111
Tang Shiu Kin Hospital, Wan Chai, Tel: ‎2591 6886
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Jordan, Tel: 3506 8888
Kwong Wah Hospital, Yau Ma Tei, Tel: ‎2332 2311
Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Tseung Kwan O, Tel: 2208 0111
Prince of Wales Hospital, Sha Tin, Tel: ‎3505 2211
Pok Oi Hospital, Yuen Long, Tel: 2486 8000

*Good for those who have time and HKID card

Private healthcare (Western medicine)

There are 12 private hospitals in Hong Kong that is under the Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Maternity Homes Registration Ordinance (Chapter 165). For outpatient visit, it costs $790-2210 per attendance. If you would like to visit a private clinic, you may visit this Private Clinic List for the one nearest to your home. The cost basically starts from $400, depends on the doctor and the medicine provided.

Here’s the list of private hospitals in Hong Kong:

Canossa Hospital (Caritas), Mid-levels, Tel: 2522 2181
Evangel Hospital, 6 branches in Kowloon, Tel: 2711 5221
Gleneagles Hong Kong Hospital, Wong Chuk Hang, Tel: 3153 9000
Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Stubbs Road, Causeway Bay, Tel: 3651 8888
Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Tsuen Wan, Tsuen Wan, Tel: 2275 6688
Hong Kong Baptist Hospital, 5 branches in Kowloon, 1 in the N.T., Tel: 2339 8888
Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital Limited, Happy Valley and Shau Kei Wan, Tel: 2572 0211
Matilda & War Memorial Hospital, 3 branches in HK Island, Tel: 2849 0111
Precious Blood Hospital (Caritas), Sham Shui Po, Tel: 3971 9900
St. Paul’s Hospital, Causeway Bay and Kwai Chung, Tel: 2890 6008
St. Teresa’s Hospital, Prince Edward and Kwai Chung, Tel: 2711 9111 2200 3434
Union Hospital, 4 branches in Kowloon, 6 in the N.T., Tel: 2608 3388

*Good for those who have packed schedule, have adequate money and probably without a HKID card https://www.qhms.com/centre/qh-gp-pc.aspx?lang=en

Chinese Medicine

For traditional Chinese way of treatment, it has divided into the public system and private system respectively as well. For public one, as the cost for each treatment varies, you will need to contact each clinic accordingly. For the full list of public Chinese practitioners, you may view it here and choose the one according to your available hours and location. For private, view it here.

*Good for those who wanna cure the disease and the symptoms at the same time

Don’t want to wait for the consultation for so long? Register for an insurance plan then you can enjoy the service at private clinics and hospitals at a lower price!

Do you know the majority of doctors will have their clinics at the city centre? If you don’t want to rush to other districts for the treatment when you are super ill, it is highly recommended that you should rent an apartment located at the heart of city. http://www.iso.cuhk.edu.hk/english/publications/CUHKUPDates/article.aspx?articleid=1810

If you are an expat looking for a serviced apartment or furnished apartment in Hong Kong, check the available units out in the largest serviced apartment booking platform, MetroResidences! We offer the largest selection of stylish and affordable furnished apartments for 1 to 12 month stays.