Hong Kong is ranked among some of the most expensive cities in the world to live. It is also one of the most important financial capitals of the world. Hong Kong positions itself as the gateway to China, and indeed has benefited greatly from this position. Many international financial institutions have offices – and regularly place business managers at various organizational levels to be located here.
On first inspection, when one is considering a location, such as mid-levels, or for the most part any part on Hong Kong Island, the rental is indeed high where space is costed at a premium. People assigned to work in Hong Kong for the first time through their employers, are looking at the cost of deployment of their key qualified personnel.
Many employers find Discovery Bay on Lantau, a home from home – where familiarities to the lifestyles of their expatriate home country exist.
However! There is an alternative!
Lantau on its western side, hosts a wonderful alternative.
South Lantau offers a complete contrast to Hong Kong Island or Discovery Bay. Its villages and conurbations are spread across its southern shores, Mui Wo, Pui O, Chung Sha, Tong Fuk, with Tung Chung on the north, is situated very close to the Hong Kong Airport.
Rental prices in south Lantau can vary greatly. Around Cheung Sha there are executive gated subdivisions which are high end and priced HKD60 – 80k/mo. However, village town house flats, in Mui Wo, Pui O & Tong Fuk are much more reasonably priced and can be in the HKD10 - 15k/mo range. It is even possible to find studio accommodation in Mui Wo sub HKD10k/mo.
Public transport on South Lantau is excellent with several route services covering the entire needs of the island. The ferry service from Mui Wo to Central is also excellent. First Ferry has recently upgraded their fleet with a new generation of Jet-cats, which makes the 30 minute journey to Central a relaxing experience. Ferries to Mui Wo leave from Central Pier No. 6. They generally run every 30–50 minutes throughout the day, with more frequent services during some peak periods. The first regular ferry is at 6:10am from Monday to Saturday and 7:00am on Sundays and public holidays, while the last ferry is at 12:30am midnight. Current adult single fares are HK$33.50 from Monday to Saturday except public holidays and around HK$48.50 on Sundays and public holidays. The holiday return ticket, where the first trip must start from Mui Wo, is HK$57.20 for adults.
Lifestyle experience for South Lantau residents is also delightful with beautiful beached which are rarely crowded. Hiking and camping along the mountain trails are a breathtaking experience. Cycling is also very popular in Mui Wo and the surrounding villages. From Tung Chung there is the 360 - Cable Car which runs from Tung Chung along its 18,799 ft route up to the Ngong Ping Monastery and the giant Tian Tan Buddha. The fare price is HKD88 for adults and HKD45 for children. From Mui Wo there is a dedicated daily bus service to the Monastery of HKD20 (HKD37 weekend price).
All in All, South Lantau is a beautiful place to live with a very healthy lifestyle! A beach at your doorstep, mountains in the background, fresh air, tranquility and plenty of nature to share; with accommodation to provide choices, at whatever level is your budget allocation.
Places to eat on South Lantau.
There are no shortages of places to eat wherever you choose to visit in South Lantau and all are open during social hours. The list below are popular locations but there are more in Mui Wo (old town) and in close proximity to the Silvermine Beach.
China Bear Bar Restaurant – traditional English
Baan Rao Thai – Thai Restaurant
SaNe Thai – Thai Restaurant
Rome Restaurant – Chinese/Singaporean
Pui O
Bella Ciao – Italian Restaurant
Treasure Island (on the beach) – English
Aviator Bar Restaurant – Indian
Mau Kee Restaurant – Chinese
Cheung Sha Beach
Harbour Bar & Restaurant – English
Bistro Sun N Sand – Mixed Menu
Latana by Vicky – Italian, Mexican & mix
Ngong Ping
There is literally so many restaurants in the Ngong Ping complex, with every menu choice, Japanese, Chinese, Italian/Turkish, general menus.
