Hong Kong Information

DISTRICT: Mid Levels

Mid Levels stretches between the north coast of the Island and the upper area of the Peak. It is a wide area of residential properties which spans from Central in the north shore of the island and halfway to Victoria Peak on the south and the Wong Nai Chung roundabout in the east to Kotewall Road and the Hong Kong University in the west. It includes main residential roads such as Upper Stubbs Road, Bowen Road, MacDonnell Road, Kennedy Road, Conduit and Robinson Road as well as the Central Mid Levels addresses such as May Road, Old Peak Road, Tregunter Path and Albany. Residents are mostly locals and expat professionals.

Mid Levels is traditionally composed of high rise developments of various ages, quality and size, all of which have easy access by public transport to the Business Districts, either through mini-buses, double deckers or more recently the Mid Levels escalator which starts from Conduit Road down to IFC Building and the Ferry terminals in Central. 

A unique feature of Mid Levels is the existence of Hong Kong Park on the eastern side of Garden Road and the Hong Kong Botanical and Zoological Gardens on the western side of Garden Road. These parks together with the lush vegetation that surrounds the Ladies Recreation Club, creates small oasis-like green areas. Whilst these parks provide pleasant views for the buildings around the parks, it also helps to keep better air flow.

Some of the modern high rises offer beautiful harbour views whereas the older lowrises still have the charm and character but unfortunately miss out on the view which they enjoyed 15 - 20 years ago. 

SCHOOLS: There are many local schools in the area and the English School Foundation has one Primary Section on Hornsby Road and one Secondary section on Borrett Road.

SHOPPING: The two main supermarket chains in Hong Kong are located throughout Mid-Levels, MacDonnell Road, Kennedy Road (entrance via Hopewell Centre), May Road, Seymour Road and more in the denser populated areas, e.g.Caine Road and BonhamRoad.

DINING: Dining facilities are limited in the upper areas of Mid Levels and the closer you come to Central, you will find a greater choice of dining options.

DISTRICT: Happy Valley, Stubbs Road and Jardine Lookout

Situated above busy Causeway Bay and its extensive dining and shopping facilities, Happy Valley is best known for its race course. You can find interesting literature from the early days of Hong Kong’s recent history, e.g. How the Hong Kong Jockey Club was set up as a charitable and only legal betting organization. It is a busy and popular area with a generous supplied of supermarkets, open food and vegetable stalls and restaurants offering a huge array of international cuisines and ample transport. Many old as well as new high and low rises cluster around and beyond the race course circumference. There are a number of fully furnished and serviced apartments in this area.  With its easy accessibility to Causeway Bay and Central and its quaint suburb feel, Happy Valley is one of the more popular expatriate areas, particularly for young professionals. It includes areas such as Stubbs Road with Shiu Fai and Tung Shan Terrace as well as Tai Hang Road with Wang Fung Terrace. Branching off from Broadwood Road is Happy View Terrace. Sing Woo Crescent branches off from Sing Woo Road. All the terraces offer mainly low rise developments. Many high rise blocks are found on the roads leading from Happy Valley to the Peak via Tai Hang Road and also to from Wong Nai Chung Gap to the South side, all merging at the roundabout by the Adventist Hospital.

SCHOOLS: The French International School, French and International Section is located in Jardine’s Lookout, above Happy Valley and The Japanese International School is nearby.

SHOPPING: You find shopping in abundance in Happy Valley with wet markets, supermarkets, delicatessen, flower-& fruit stalls and other shops ranging from interior to fashion clothes. In Jardine’s Lookout there are two supermarkets and if you live in the Stubbs Road area, the closest supermarket is found in Happy Valley or for a larger choice, HK Parkview is not too far. Causeway Bay is only a short taxi, bus or tram ride, where you find extensive shopping facilities with delicates shops, eg City Super and other specialty shops.

DINING: There are many choices of local and international cuisines and many wine bars and pubs have sprung up around the tram track.

TRANSPORTATION: One of the oldest modes of transport is still going strong, the Hong Kong Tramways. Many buses pass through Happy Valley, both double deckers and mini buses as well as many taxis.

RECREATION: The Horse Racing is a hugely popular event, mostly on Wednesday evenings in the winter months between September and June. There is a track that can be used for running and a few public playgrounds. On Caroline Hill Road, the is a Club called South China Athletic Association which is more affordable than e.g. The Jockey Club on Shan Kwong Road, which requires a membership for entry. There are two types of membership, Racing Member or Full Member. At the Stadium, there is an annual event in March with Rugby Sevens and other events during the year. The Chinese Recreation Club, The Indian Recreation Club as well as The Craigengower Cricket and Tennis Club are in the vicinity of the race track.

DISTRICT: The Peak

The Peak was always considered to be the most prestigious address on the island with the peaceful surrounding, amazing views over Victoria Harbour and the South China Sea and the fact that it is not as densely populated as other residential areas on the Island. It is also a couple of degrees cooler than the rest of the Island, which is attractive, specially in the hot summer months.  Today, it is still considered to be one of the most desirable areas in Hong Kong having remained sparsely populated and having retained its beautiful green walks and parks.  Residences on the Peak include townhouses and lowrise “colonial” blocks, usually with balconies, high ceilings and sometimes fireplaces and a few high-end stand alone substantial residences.  Many of the newer lowrise developments offer recreational facilities with swimming pools and-/or tennis courts and gymnasiums.

The trip from the Peak to Central is a fifteen minute journey by car, minibus or double decker or alternatively by the famous and very popular Peak Tram which leaves from St. Johns Building on Garden Road, Central to the Victoria Peak.

SCHOOLS: English School Foundation Peak School (Primary)

SHOPPING-& DINING: The Peak Galleria, next to the Peak Tram offers an array of shopping and dining facilities (The Peak Café) with spectacular views. On Guildford Road, there is a smaller supermarket and a florist. The Lookout is a charming restaurant in an old colonial stonehouse at the beginning of Lugard Road. It is one of the few restaurants where you can bring your pet (e.g. after a walk), and sit in the outdoor area with other dog owners!

TRANSPORTATION: Mini Bus #1 goes from the Star Ferry in Central, large bus #... , The Peak Tram and plenty of taxis at the station.

RECREATION: There are plenty of trails from the Peak; from the top of the hill on Mt Austin Road to the 2.8 km walk around Lugard Road where you can enjoy 360 degree views of Hong Kong.

DISTRICT: Pokfulam

Conveniently located on the Southwest side of the Island, Pokfulam offers marvelous sunsets and views over the Lamma Channel as well as lovely mountain views.

The transportation is good particularly since the new fly-over connecting Pokfulam to Central opened and more recently the Western Cross Harbour tunnel with access to the new airport.  Older low rise buildings, small townhouse developments and high-rises are spread across the area from Kennedy Town to Aberdeen. There are many developments spread out in Pokfulam which were once tenanted by University staff and Civil Servants, they are owned by the University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Government and the condition may not be in line with privately owned properties

DISTRICT: Bel Air

Bel Air is a large new, up market residential development offering high standard residences with unobstructed seaviews. The Cyperport Commercial and retail complex services the residential towers. The Meridian Hotel and a selection of dining facilities is offered in this complex.

SCHOOLS: There are many local as well as international schools in Pokfulam. Beside the Medicine School (Research Centre) and The Hong Kong University, there are many other choices for  Primary and Secondary schools. The Kellett School (British Curriculum), The Independent School Foundation Academy in Cyberport, West Island (Secondary) School ESF, Kennedy (Primary) School ESF, The Canadian Internationals School is in Aberdeen and the Harbour School (Primary with a few new classes in Secondary School).

SHOPPING: Two large supermarkets service this area, one is located in one of the major developments (lower Baguio Villa) and a short bus ride takes you to an excellent fish market in the western district. There are smaller convenient stores in residences like Scenic Villa, Chi Fu Fa Yuen (near Kellet School) and by Queen Mary Hospital.

DINING: In the new development at Cyberport, there are a few Chinese, Japanese and European Restaurants, as well as cafeterias.

TRANSPORTATION: There are buses and taxis in abundance as Pokfulam Road is a main road from Central to Aberden and beyond.

RECREATION: The Stanley Ho Community Centre offers a membership, if you live in Pokfulam. There are many facilities, from a gymnasium to an Olympic size swimming pool. On the upper part of Pokfulam, there are many walking trails which take you anywhere on the Island. The Jockey Club has its riding school at 146-148 Pokfulam Road and riding is done mostly in the paddock area. There is a long waitlist to join the classes.

DISTRICT: Aberdeen

Aberdeen has traditionally been an area for industrial buildings and the fishermen “The Boat People” who live on their boats permanently. These boats would go offshore at night and come back with their catch in the early hours of the morning and sell their catch at the fish market, which is still active in the early mornings.

Today, there are still fishermen, but a much smaller number than in previous decades and the warehouses are becoming very popular with new businesses moving to Aberdeen, as the rentals and prices are more affordable than in Central or other business districts.

In Aberdeen harbour, which is one of the oldest settlements you find many junks, yachts and trawlers. The nearby Aberdeen Marina Club and The Boat Club have many boats.

SCHOOLS: Canadian International School, The Singapore International School, The Harbour School (Kennedy Town).

SHOPPING-& DINING: There are many small shops, wet markets, pet shops, small dining facilities and general trade. There is one supermarket and other convenience store. It a busy commercial district with smaller shops with many elderly and recently younger residents. The dining scene is more on a local level with noodle shops and dim sum restaurants.

TRANSPORTATION: There are many buses, both large and mini buses serving Aberdeen, as it does not have an MTR yet. It will however be built in 2015 when the Western Island Line will be extended from Central to Ocean Park. It is a 25 minute bus ride to Central.

RECREATION: Before the arrival of Disneyland on Lantau Island, Ocean Park had very little competition and it is one of Asia’s largest entertainment and amusement parks. It opened in 1977 and is connected with a cable car service and one of the world’s largest escalators. The recently re-opened atoll reef is a world class aquarium and you can walk in a glass tunnel to view the hammerhead sharks amongs all the other marine life.

ABOUT THE SOUTH SIDE

The South side districts Hong Kong Parkview, Deep Water Bay, Shouson Hill, Repulse Bay, South Bay, Headland Road, Chung Hom Kok, Stanley, Tai Tam Road and Redhill Peninsula in Tai Tam.

The “South Side” stretching along the southern coastline of the island, starting from the South Western end of Aberdeen, coming to the first beach of the South Side in Deep Water Bay and continues all along the coast past Repulse Bay, South Bay, the peninsular suburb of Chung Hom Kok. Stanley, Tai Tam Road and Redhill Peninsula in Tai Tam. Shouson Hill, Deep Water Bay and the upper-/and beginning part of Repulse Bay can be accessed from the Aberdeen tunnel or driving the ‘Mountain Way’ past the Hong Kong Cricket Club and the Hong Kong Parkview.

With the exception of a number of older high rises and more recent very modern high rise developments, the South Side living offers many low rise apartments or townhouse living with a Mediterranean feel and surrounding. There are beaches in most of the residential areas, with the larger beaches manned by life guards.

DISTRICT: Shouson Hill

Shouson Hill is surrounded by Deep Water Bay and the Golf Club on one side and Ocean Park on the other side. It offers a quiet and leafy environment with many low rise residential developments and townhouses with close proximity to the city. In 2011/2012, new townhouses will be completed and most likely on offer for Sale or for Rent. Being the closest to the Aberdeen tunnel, it takes approximately 10 minutes by taxi to Causeway Bay.

SHOPPING-& DINING: There is a small building on Shouson Hill Road with a supermarket. The closest large supermarket is either in HK Parkview or The Repulse Bay Complex. A relatively recent dining experience can be found in an old war bunker, The Crown Wine Cellars.

TRANSPORTATION: There are a number of taxis, but also minibuses serving the Shouson Hill area. Depending on where you are, the best solution may be to walk down to Island Road near The Country Club to catch one of the buses to the City.

DISTRICT: Deep Water Bay and Black Links

Deep Water Bay is situated between Shouson Hill at the exit of the Aberdeen tunnel and the Repulse Bay Road-/Island Road roundabout.  Mostly exclusive townhouses and single lot homes, there is a blend of semidetached townhouse developments and low rise apartment blocks on the hills, overlooking Hong Kong Golf Club and Deep Water Bay Many of the homes on the hill offer spectacular sea views.  

Blacks Link is set at the top of Deep Water Bay and below the Hong Kong Parkview with its own access road. These are houses that are mostly occupied by the owners and offer amazing views and easy access to the city.These two areas are very conveniently located with the Aberdeen Tunnel in close vicinity or the optional ‘Mountain Way’ to quickly access to commercial districts of Causeway Bay, Wanchai or Central. 

There is a beautiful walk that stretches from the beginning of Island Road, down the stairs past the Hong Kong Country Club and follow the coastline with your dogs and-/or pram and walk to Deep Water Bay beach and continue along the coast the whole way to the largest beach, Repulse Bay Beach. Along the way, you will find a couple of ‘low key’ restaurants by the beach in Deep Water Bay.

TRANSPORTATION:Most of the public transport serving the South Side of the Island would pass through Deep Water Bay.

DISTRICT: Repulse Bay, South Bay and Headland Road

Repulse and South Bay are nicked named the Mediterranean of Hong Kong Island.  It’s relative closeness to the hustle and bustle of the north part of the island, yet a total peace as you approach the area, makes it an attractive area to live.  South Bay Road continues along the coast leading to a dead-end road where you find Repulse Bay’s second largest beach, South Bay Beach. There are a couple of theories as to the origin of it’s name, one being that the pirates who used the bay in the early colonial days were ‘repulsed’ by the British Fleet; another theory is that they simply named the bay after one of the British fleets HMS REPULSE. A wide range of apartments and houses are located here, many of them enjoying great sea views. 

The Repulse Bay Hotel was demolished in early 1980, when the cost of restoration did not make sense and in turn, a replica of the old hotel was developed with the exact same stairs in the front part leading to the verandah. There are more restaurants inside the complex.

SHOPPING-& DINING: The Repulse Bay complex has a quaint and welcoming shopping facility which has been totally upgraded. There are kindergartens, as well as clinics, cafeterias, fine dining and supermarkets. More recently, “The Pulse” a second shopping complex is about to open up.  It is located on the southern tip of Repulse Bay Beach and will offer shopping and dining facilities.

TRANSPORTATION: Repulse Bay is served both by Repulse Bay Road and with buses from the Aberdeen/Wong Nai Chung Gap Road to Tai Tam. Many buses pass this area, numbers 6, 6A, 6X, 260 and minibuses 40 and 52. The express buses go via the Aberdeen tunnel and the longer and more scenic route goes via the ‘Mountain Route’.

DISTRICT: Chung Hom Kok

Located in between Repulse Bay and Stanley, Chung Hom Kok is a small charming residential area with low rise developments and houses only. There is a small shopping complex with one supermarket and a clinic next to the fire station and the nursery. About 20 years ago, an access road was built to connect Chung Hom Kok with Stanley which eases the traffic on the main road to Stanley. This area is less densely populated and has a beautiful beach at the end of Chung Hom Kok Road.

DISTRICT: Stanley

Stanley has for decades maintained a quaint village-like atmosphere and was originally a fishing village. Stanley is most famous for its market which is popular with tourists and Hong Kong residents alike.

Popular with expatriate families who prefer a small town feel, would prefer this village-style existence. Stanley, in recent years, has seen considerable development of very good quality homes, whether low rise apartments or townhouse developments.

The Murray House is a stunning Colonial Building, once a British Army Barrack named after Sir George Murray and originally built in 1844 where the current Bank of China HQ is located. The building was restored and rebuild stone-by-stone, at the current site in Stanley in 1999.

SHOPPING-& DINING: Facilities for residents are excellent and include The Stanley Plaza, good vegetable and fish markets, fresh bakery and wine boutique.  Stanley has one of the most popular beach front streets offering many pubs, restaurants and street side cafes.  Recently, an extended pavement opens at weekends for the enjoyment of the public.

TRANSPORTATION: Transportation in the form of mini-buses and double deckers is in good supply. At weekends, there is a junk departing from the Stanley pier and takes you to Central in less than 1,5 hour. This is a perfect way of seeing the Island from the sea.

DISTRICT: Tai Tam

Following the coast between the Stanley Peninsula and the Redhill Peninsula, is the Tai Tam area which has become a popular luxury high rise development and townhouses,  all facing the sea and the famous American Club. The proximity to Stanley and its shops and restaurants, means the area is very attractive to expatriates especially Americans who prefer to be close to the Senior section of HKIS (Hong Kong International School). Tai Tam Road all the way to Pacific View and The Manhattan has paved walkways to Stanley market. From Redhill Peninsula, there are no pavements, but most residents offer shuttle bus services to Stanley market.

SHOPPING: There is a small shopping centre next to the HKIS High School with one supermarket and other smaller shops and kindergartens.

TRANSPORTATION: Once you are at this end of Tai Tam, access to Central can either be via Chai Wan and The Eastern Island corridor via shuttle buses and-/or the MTR from Chai Wan or via Stanley, Repulse Bay through the Aberdeen Tunnel or the old “Mountain route” Stubbs Road. 

SCHOOLS ON THE SOUTHSIDE: Some of the International schools located on the South Side are:

The ESF Primary (Bradbury School) and Secondary Schools (South Island School).

The Canadian International School in Aberdeen.

The HK International School, Primary (Repulse Bay) and Secondary (Tai Tam).

For more regarding schools please see our section Living in Hong Kong/Schools 
 

SOUTHSIDE SHOPPING: In the residential development of HK Parkview, there is a large supermarket which is very popular amongst expatriate families, as it offers many of the products that we may not find easily in other places in Hong Kong. In “The Repulse Bay” complex, near the beach in Repulse Bay, there is another supermarket with delicatessen food, amongst other boutiques, beauticians and cafeterias. Stanley Plaza, which is undergoing a total refurbishment until late 2011/early 2012 will also have a large supermarket with life fish in aquariums and local vegetable. There are wet markets in Stanley and Aberdeen. Beside food, in the market in Stanley, you will find everything from ski clothes to bikinis. In The Pulse, once they open, there will be everything from high end jewelry shops to food outlets. 
 

SOUTHSIDE  DINING: From the Crown Cellars in Shouson Hill, The Veranda in The Repulse Bay to the many smaller restaurants in Stanley, there is no shortage of dining options on the South Side! 
 

TRANSPORTATION ON THE SOUTHSIDE:Many buses, double deckers and mini buses go from Central, Wanchai or Aberdeen via Repulse Bay to Stanley, e.g. Bus numbers 6, 6A, 6X, 260 and minibuses 40 and 52 to Stanley. Bus nr 14 and 314 from Stanley to Chai Wan. Minibuses 16M, 16X from Stanley to Chai Wan MTR and Shek-O. 
 

SOUTHSIDE RECREATION: Most Club House facilities, Swimming pools and tennis courts are usually part of the residential development which can only be used by the Tenants.  There may be short term solutions whereby you may be able to subscribe to weekday use of the residential clubs, but this may vary depending on policies from each large development.

The Victoria Club is a Beach Club on Deep Water Bay’s northern/beginning part.

The Boat Club and The Aberdeen Marina Club are both in Aberdeen (Sham Wan Road) and memberships are acquired through debentures. The Boat Club together with The Royal HK Yacht Club have small beach clubs on Middle Bay Island which can be accessed by a small boat from the Seaview Promenade, off Island Road.

The Hong Kong Country Club is another Members’ Club and membership is through debentures or Individual memberships (which may take over 5 years on the waitlist.)

The Hong Kong Golf Club on Island Road is an exclusive club with a very long wait list for joining the club. The main club is located in Fanling, New Territories with it’s three Championship courses.

The Cricket Club is located at the foot of Hong Kong Parkview, on Wong Nai Chung Road and offers most of the facilities that other clubs offer; except cricket which is their main sport.

Beside their City Club which offers mainly dining facilities and a gym, The American Club has a Country Club located in Tai Tam Road. It is very popular amongst families, particularly at weekends when it tends to become very crowded. Again, this is a membership Club and you may be able to find debentures for sale.

For more information and contact details to the Recreational clubs please see our section Living in Hong Kong/Recreation.