Lamma Island will be a hippie haven no more

For some reason, everyone in Hong Kong seems to think that Lamma Island is full of baked hippies.


It may have been last year's drug bust that cemented the image of an island full of crystal-carrying, spliff-toking, free-lovers, but that is certainly not the majority population.


As a two-year resident of Hong Kong's third largest island myself, I do think it is true that most of my neighbors have a hang loose attitude towards life. We value things like lounging on beaches and taking long leisurely walks up mountains more than stressing about getting a table at the latest trendy restaurant.


Besides, Lamma is moving up in the world. The pace of change is set to quicken over the next decade. The island is currently in the middle of a planned eight-year facelift that will thoroughly transform life as I know it. Construction projects will be continuous.


The Yung Shue Wan Main Street will become a pedestrian zone and a seaside promenade on reclaimed land is in the works. A new radio station will be installed. Already, rents are going up.


Hayri Ozen has lived on Lamma for five years and runs a business there: "When I first came I rented a house for HK$4,000, now the same house costs HK$8,000 to HK$9,000."


Partly due to inflation, the rise in property prices are also a reflection of Lamma's growing commuter population, who ironically mainly move to the island in search of a cheaper, community-driven life.


Karen Hui is a banker who moved to Lamma six months ago: "I love being able to escape from the city. Lamma is for people who want a slow pace and calm life."



Read more: http://www.cnngo.com/hong-kong/life/lamma-hippie-haven-no-more-598954

It's still 'Planet Lamma'. Anyone remember that old hippie 'Nick the book' who used to try and sell second-hand books whilst apparently high on some substance? Is he still there? How is he coping with the Lamma facelift?

Yup, Nick the book is still there and NOT a happy bunny re all the changes