Showing all Fitness Blogs for Hong Kong

The modern-day culture of Hong Kong is really stepping centre stage into the global arena. There is a real growth in popularity of the arts emerging from Hong Kong, here we put together some of the biggest names from the music, film, and arts scenes to bring you up to speed. Singers. If you really want to become immersed in the music scene of where...

  Lamma Island, Hong Kong. Did you know that Hong Kong is made up of 260 islands? Unfortunately, many of them are not open for habitation and are instead rocky outcrops that you might pass over either by boat or by plane. If you are looking to strike out from Hong Kong island and have already visited Lantau, Lamma and its less famous neighbour...

If you are living in Hong Kong or simply travelling there with your family, you must visit Hong Kong Disneyland at least once. Often voted one of the best theme parks in Asia, if not the world, here is our definitive guide of what to do, how to beat the lines, and how to ensure your visit is the best yet.Disney, whether you love it or loathe it, on...

Getting a bespoke suit does not have to cost the earth. In fact, Hong Kong has one of the largest concentrations of low-cost suit makers in the world. From monogrammed bespoke shirts to designer copies, there are dozens of tailors and suit-makers to fit your style, needs and budget. Here is our list of the best that combine high-quality with value ...

Choosing the right school for your child can be a difficult decision at home, but when you are living and working overseas there seems to be much more to take into consideration in addition to all the normal 'choosing the right school' selection processes. With so many options and teaching styles available nowadays, how can a parent know what is th...

Quick question: What do you think of when Hong Kong is mentioned? Good food, people drinking in bars and yelling in Cantonese on the streets, and perhaps even adrenaline-fuelled police chases, courtesy of Hong Kong crime dramas (we’re looking at you, Infernal Affairs). You would be right, but there’s also more to the Fragrant Harbour than those! Without further ado, let’s take a look at the top 10 things that makes Hong Kong, well, Hong Kong!

1. Hong Kong’s public transportation is one of the world's safest, most efficient and frequent

There are a few ways of getting around Hong Kong, all of which are safe and trustworthy. When you arrive at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), you can either take the Airport Express into the city, the MTR, or hail a taxi. When you arrive downtown, you can either take the bus, ferry, tram, and train/subway. Keep in mind though that transportation on buses and trams requires the exact fare, so it’s highly recommended that you purchase on Octopus card—a smart card that allows you to store value for making electronic payments in online or offline systems in Hong Kong.

2. Hong Kong International Airport is also known as Chek Lap Kok Airport

To distinguish it from its predecessor, the closed Kai Tak Airport, locals have taken to calling the main airport Chek Lap Kok Airport. Did you know that HKIA is one of the biggest contributors to Hong Kong’s economy? The airport boasts the world’s busiest cargo gateway and one of the world's busiest passenger airports.

3. The exchange rate of the Hong Kong dollar (HKD) to the US dollar is about 7.75 HKD to 1 USD*

In Hong Kong, banknotes come in denominations of $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, and $1,000, while coins are available in denominations of 10 cents, 20c, 50c, $1, $2, $5, and $10. Interestingly enough, the Government issues coins while Hong Kong banknotes are issued by 3 commercial banks: HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank and Bank of China.

*At the time of writing 10/06/2020

4. The official languages of Hong Kong are Chinese and English

For a long time (from 1883 to 1974, to be exact), English was the sole official language of Hong Kong until the Chinese people (quite rightly) demanded equal status for their native language. The variation of Chinese that locals speak is Cantonese, although the older generations and the few living in the rural areas speak Hakka. According to expats who have lived in Hong Kong for a long time, you don’t need to learn Cantonese to survive in the country as English is everywhere, but you’ll definitely be missing out on a lot of the local culture!

5. Hong Kong has a vibrant and bustling nightlife

Hailed as the “sleepless city”, Hong Kong comes even more alive at night. The nightlife scene provides plenty of options for night owls, such as cultural performances, clubbing, night markets, and midnight runs—basically, everything opens late! If this is your first time in Hong Kong, Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo are good places to start, as they are packed full of bars and nightclubs. Fancy something more spectacular? Don’t miss the Symphony of Lights show every night at 8pm at Victoria Harbour—it’s an interactive light show that combines the lights of 45 key surrounding buildings with music. According to the Guinness World Records, it’s the world's largest permanent light and sound show.

6. Known as a place where “East meets West”, Hong Kong’s culture is uniquely diverse

Hong Kong city may be as modern as it comes, but its still steeped in tradition and culture. Most of the locals also have their roots in Mainland China, as well as from its time as a British colony, and you can find evidence of their cultural influence in the country’s language, food, and festivals. Take a walk down the streets of Hong Kong and you’ll find various places of worship, shops decorated with good luck charms; and locals burning offerings and joss sticks by the side of the road. Immerse your taste buds in local dishes like Dim Sum, Chiu Chow congee—a porridge-style dish that’s enriched with meaty baby oysters or the popular Hakka dessert deep-fried fresh milk, a famous Hakka dish that’s formed of a sweet dough wrapped in crispy skin, and many more.

7. That said, the char chaan teng culture is a unique, not-to-be-missed experience when you’re in Hong Kong

A char chaan teng is an important part of Hong Kong culture, established as a cheaper alternative to Western-style cafes. It literally translates to ‘tea restaurant’, and is known for its affordable prices and Hong Kong-style Western cuisine, such as Hong Kong-style milk tea, Yuanyang—a mixture of coffee and tea, macaroni in soup, Hong Kong-style French toast, sandwiches consisting of either egg, luncheon meat, corned beef or a mixture, and egg tarts. Fun fact: In April 2007, a Hong Kong officer suggested that cha chaan teng be listed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists because of its significant role in Hong Kong society!

8. Shopping malls in Hong Kong are built to cater to all tastes, and Causeway Bay is Hong Kong’s shopping mecca

With its reputation as an entertainment hub, Hong Kong is no stranger to branded items and the latest fashion trends. Causeway Bay is the embodiment of the country’s shopping scene, with options ranging from top-end designer boutiques to mid-price luxury goods to affordable fast moving fashion brands. Bear in mind that fashion is not the only thing to be found at Causeway Bay, you can also find shops specialising in beauty and skin care, electronics, computers, snacks, interior decor, and much more.

9. Hong Kong has its very own theme park, Ocean Park Hong Kong, which is better than Hong Kong Disneyland

Yes, you read that right. Hong Kong may have its very own version of Disneyland, but it pales in comparison with the island’s own original theme park, Ocean Park Hong Kong—not to mention that if you’ve been to Disney World or Tokyo Disneyland/DisneySea, you’ll find Hong Kong to be fairly small. Not only is Ocean Parkthe world’s 13th most visited theme park, it’s also the largest theme park in Asia! The theme park consists of an amusement park, a marine mammal park, an oceanarium, and an animal theme park, and more than enough attractions and rides to guarantee multiple visits!

10. The weather in Hong Kong can get humid

Hong Kong is one of the few Asian countries with 4 seasons and sub-tropical climate which mean frequent rain in spring (March to May), hot, humid summers (May to September), Cooler month of autumn (end of September to November) and cold winters (December to February). Spring tends to bring fog and drizzles, so be prepared with a light overcoat and sweaters, as well as raincoats. According to fellow expats, summers can get extremely hot and humid, so come prepared with lightweight and loose-fitting clothing and plenty of water. Autumn is arguably the best time in the country, as it is cool and dry—perfect for a stroll along Victoria Bay or excursions to Lamma Island or Lantau Island. Last but not least, winters in Hong Kong are dry and cool, though you will not see snow—if you’re used to freezing temperatures in the US or UK, you’ll find winters in Hong Kong bearable.

Do you have any advice for first timers visiting Hong Kong? We would love you to share your experiences in the comments below!

You might have seen the #MeToo hashtag all over social media and in the press recently. Drawing awareness to the plight of women who have suffered sexual assault, abuse, or harassment, it has spread like wildfire among women in the West. Independent of social class, profession, or personal circumstances, women united under a banner of support and to hold their attackers and aggressors accountable.
The force of the Women’s Day marches, protests and activities have augmented this and now the movement has captured essence of challenging unnacceptable power and unwanted sexual behaviours in Asia too, none more so than in South Korea. So let’s take a look at the reasons behind this and what South Korean women are doing to draw attention to their crusade.  

#MeToo in the entertainment industry

Hollywood was really the frontier for the #MeToo movement, and in light of the recent Oscars and several well-publicised scandals involving directors and actors alike, the wave reached South Korean shores. The South Korean entertainment industry means big bucks, with K-Pop idols and various actors and actresses enjoying a level of fame that often exceeds that of Hollywood standards. Yet when #MeToo gained traction, allegations of sexual harassment affected several high-profile characters. The movement has not been exclusive in it’s highlighting of men committing acts of sexual aggression against women. The female director Lee Hyun-ju was accused of sexual assault by a fellow female film director, which led to her retirement from film-making and her membership of the director’s guild revoked. Jo Min-ki was also alleged to have sexually harassed a number of his female students whilst teaching at a university. Most recently, Lee Young-taek also had to make a very public apology after a number of women accused him of assault.

#MeToo and growing popularity

One of the reasons may be that the movement has some high-profile accusations and is a way for many male dominated areas to be held accountable. A governor of Korean province publicly spoke out about the ‘male dominated society’ that has taken advantage of the ability to ‘manipulate power’. Shortly after, his secretary denounced him for raping her on several occasions. He later stepped down from office. But there must be more than simply a desire to name and shame those who have committed offences for #MeToo to be so important in South Korea. It may well be that alongside the high-profile accusations, there have also been some high-profile advocates. Seo Ji-hyeon, a public prosecutor, spoke out on television about her ordeal of sexual harassment and thus spurred a number of other women to step forwards and use the media as a springboard to draw attention to their plight.
 

Politics and change

Another reason behind the movement’s growth is that nowadays, South Korea is leaning towards a more progressive form of politics. After the very public downfall of the country’s corrupt president, and the public protests that took place insisting that she should be impeached, many South Koreans feel that their voices matter now more than ever. Change has been a long time coming but it is definitely there. The new government has implemented stricter penalties for workplace harassment and the new president has declared his support for #MeToo  and women’s rights in general. This public presence, even from the highest echelons of government may well mean that the #MeToo movement in Korea can go from strength to strength. Having political support, from the male president, to the more general shift from conservatism to activism in South Korea may well be the reason behind it’s growing popularity and success. Only the future will show if this can be transformed into a real arena for change.  

What do you think about the #MeToo movement where you are? Comment below with your opinions!

Hong Kong does not necessarily have to be all city slickers and high-end living. It is in fact a great city to explore with your children. Here is The Expat's rapid-fire guide of some of the best things to do in the great outdoors with the family.

 

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

Disneyland is probably pretty high up on most children's bucket list of 'things to do before I'm 14'! And a trip to the Hong Kong resort will not disappoint. The park has hotels set within the grounds of the vast complex for the ultimate experience (and expense), or tickets are available to visit as a day guest. The resort is divided up into seven zones that offer different themes and experiences. We have put together a comprehensive guide to visiting Disneyland, you can read more about the park here 

You might have missed this piece of news but now you can submit an e-report if you wish to inform the police of a crime. Visit the e-Report Room here or if you are in an emergency, do not hesitate to dial 999.

Yes, the number to call Hong Kong Police in an emergency is 999

 

What to do if you are burgled or experience a robbery

You should report the crime immediately, either by calling 999, notifying a police officer, visiting the police station or by phoning your nearest station. If you are on the premises, then check to see if the burglars are still in the building. If so, do not approach and call 999. You should also alert building security immediately. Once you are in your home, you should resist the urge to touch or move anything as this could tamper with evidence. Also, try not to find out what you are missing until the police arrive. Uniformed officers will arrive first and will be followed by detectives, and it is vital that you relate to them as much information as you can possibly remember in the lead-up to the crime. Forensics experts may arrive to take DNA swabs from anyone living the house as well as to take photographs, so do not be alarmed if you are suddenly inundated with strangers. Police may or may not require you to make a written statement depending on how serious the crime is. You may have to be interviewed numerous time by police during the investigation and Crime Prevention Officers may pay you a visit to offer advice how best to protect your home. Your missing property will be listed on the police database. Once an arrest is made, you will be expected to make an identification in a parade and to later identify your stolen property. The same process will also apply if you are the victim of a robbery, with the exception of calling an ambulance if you or another person need immediate medical attention.

 

What to do if you experience sexual violence

You should report the crime immediately after it has occurred, by dialling 999 or going to the nearest police station. Do not throw away any clothing or try to clean your clothes before being interviewed by police. It is essential to preserve as much evidence as possible. Try to remember as much information as you possibly can, especially details regarding the appearance of the assailant. Forensic investigators may take photos of the scene and of your injuries, if you have any, so be prepared for this, no matter how intrusive it may seem. Your belongings may be taken and you may have to submit your fingerprints. You will be asked to give a formal statement but you will be interviewed by an officer with the same gender as you. You may be asked to help with a composite sketch of the perpetrator or you may be asked to look at photographs of suspects. If any arrests are made, you will have to attend an ID parade, which will usually be held in a one-way viewing room. You may have to attend court, but this can be done by a live video recording, behind a screen or in open court. Officers will maintain contact with you throughout, in order to keep you notified of the progression of the case. You can find further information here at CEASE Crisis Centre or at the Victim’s Charter.   Remember, that the e-Report Room is only for non-urgent crime. If you find yourself in an emergency, call 999 right away.  

Have you ever experienced or witnessed a crime in Hong Kong? Comment below with your stories (anonymously if you prefer).

Whilst Hong Kong has often been criticised as being geared more towards the urban professional than those with a family, it must be said that there are a multitude of exciting and useful kids stores in Hong Kong. You might be looking to buy a special treat for your own children, or a gift to send back home that is a little out of the ordinary or a little more special than the products you would normally buy in the UK on the high street… or maybe you are looking for school supplies for the new term- whatever you need, you will definitely be able to find it in Hong Kong children’s shops.

Play

 This shop really is the go-to place if you want to buy well known and trusted brands for your children. Play is your one stop shop for educational and creative toys, home accessories, and swimwear and sports equipment. They stock the big brands like Lego, Hasbro, Playmobil, Zoggs, Camelback, Wilson, and many more. This is a great place to pick up all those familiar brands that your children love.

The Little Door

This shop is really quite special, as it makes good old-fashioned wooden toys that you don’t see that often anymore. The owner was born in Japan and after seeing a niche opening in the market she opened her own store stocking handmade, quality wooden toys. The products are all made from sustainable sources and are entirely safe for little ones. For toys and knickknacks  that hail from a simpler time, The Little Door has exactly what you need. 

 

As an expat in a foreign country, making investments should be the last thing on your mind. After all, who knows how long you’ll be here and what do you know about the foreign market anyway? Make no mistake; you should only consider investing if you have extra funds lying around, because as much as successful investments can double your wealth, they also come with huge risks. However, if you are interested in playing the investment game, then this guide will prove to be helpful to you in building your investment portfolio as it explains the different types of asset classes.

Putting together a good, if not great, investment portfolio is always a challenge, given that the global economic landscape is filled with uncertainty. Fortunately, our Finance Expert, IP Global’s Director Darren Mellis, is here to explain what you can invest in and why real estate investing is safer.

First, let’s start by looking at cash-based investments (Certificates of deposit (CD) and money market funds)…

Just a year or so ago, the Bank of England (and the Fed across the pond) announced that the public should get ready for a gradual return to “normal” interest rates. However, at present, we appear to be heading in the opposite direction, with rates dropping to as low as negative numbers in the eurozone and possibly in the UK soon.

The objective for investors is simple: Ensure there is a steady capital growth and income stream for any investment. There was a time when cash-based investments were safe, but not anymore – the odds of rates climbing back up to the Bank of England’s “normal” range of around three to four percent in the medium term appear extremely slim. As a result, even with the “high interest” rates from banks, your returns are always going to be disappointing, especially if the rates set by private institutions are linked to national central bank rates.

The value of cash investments lies in their security, as your money is not tied up while waiting for your investment to come to term, which means they can support your investment portfolio. However, if you want to see capital growth and generate a steady income stream, you need to look at capital markets.

Thanks to the huge Indian population in Singapore, there are numerous ways that you can celebrate the Festival of Light in the city. So if you want to celebrate this Indian tradition (it falls on 14th November this year), head on down to Little India and take part in some of the fun.  

Enjoy the lights

Simply taking a walk along the streets of Little India is enough to see some beautiful displays of lights. The real focal point are the peacocks at the beginning of Serangoon Road, and if you want to see the lights at their best, hang around until 7pm when the sun goes down and the whole street becomes electrified. The lights will be on until midnight and will last for a little longer than the five days of the festival of light.

Enjoy some authentic Indian food

The Song Of India is offering a special menu for Diwali and you will be able to see why they have earned a Michelin star. The tasting menu has four courses, including an ‘art palette’ that has seven different tastings. If that is out of your budget, then head to any of the Indian restaurants that dot the streets in Little India for some deliciously authentic food. 

 

Eat sweets until you feel sick

Indian sweets are addictive, sticky and sugary and once you start, you won’t be able to stop. Head over to Punjab Grill at Marina Bay Sands to buy their special Diwali sweet boxes. Look out for mango with white chocolate as well as green tea and pistachio. They also have plenty of dates and figs to celebrate without going into a sugar coma.  

Hong Kong has more than it’s fair share of weird food items, found in food stalls, restaurants or even in your local supermarket. Not sure what to try first? Here is our definitive list of the best!  

Bird Nest Soup

This is one of the most expensive delicacies you can find on the island and also, one of the strangest. Made from the solidified saliva of the male Swiflet bird, the soup (apparently) has a high nutritional value, as well as being extremely well sought after for it’s exclusivity. It can be prepared as a sweet or savoury dish, and will normally be served alone, so as not to ruin the flavour. The whitest nests are the purest and most expensive, and once cooked, will become gelatinous. They can be bought in specialty shops for around HKD $150-500 per gram. You can also try it here at: Tin Ngai Kam Bird Nest  Place, 210 Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei, $238 for a small portion. Shang Palace, inside the Shangri-La Hotel, $680-720 per person.  

Stinky tofu

If normal tofu doesn’t float your boat, then why not try stinky tofu? This is an extremely popular street food and can be found almost anywhere. Originating from mainland China but making it’s mark in Hong Kong and in Taiwan, stinky tofu is made from a fermented brine which itself comes from fermented vegetables, meat, and seafood. The tofu is then immersed in this brine and is then deep fried and served with hoisin sauce. It does not smell great and you might regret it, but make sure you try this street food snack at least once.

Century egg

Often topping lists of ‘most disgusting food in the world’, the century egg is not for the faint-hearted. Century eggs are also known as ‘one hundred year egg’ or ‘thousand year egg’ and is usually a duck, chicken or quail egg that has been preserved in a mixture of clay, ash, quicklime and ricehulls. If you don’t know the ingredients, all you need to know is that when they are mixed, it smells rather like urine. The eggs are usually served in congee, or with garlic, chili and vinegar. You can even find century eggs in local supermarkets, tinned or served in an egg box. If you need more encouragement, century eggs are supposed to be the best hangover cure.

 

Hong Kong boasts an incredibly wide range of cosmetics, from local brands to cheaper imports of designer brands from all over Asia, including Korean and Japanese favourites; So how do you know what to buy? Look no further!  

Jill Stuart

You might know her for her fame as a popular American designer but her premium cosmetics line you might not be so aware of. Only available in Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Japan and Taiwan, the range of candy-coloured, sweet-themed cosmetics is visually stunning. It can be found in SOGO malls all over the city.  

Charlotte Tilbury

Famous for being the makeup artist to the stars and having extreme success in Europe, Charlotte Tilbury can now be found in Asia. Try the Feline Flick eyeliner or a Luxury Eye Palette. With stores in the IFC mall and along Canton Road, you can now buy exactly what your favourite beauty bloggers have been talking about.  

GÜLSHA

This Turkish beauty brand draws inspiration from aromatherapy and their main ingredient is pure rosewater distilled from Damascus roses.Extremely popular for its whitening properties, their skincare products are also great for moisturising and toning the skin. Buy the Ultimate Rosewater, which can be used as a toner, face mist, or even as a face mask. You can often find these products used in spas all over Hong Kong, but now you can find them in Sasa stores all over the city.

Banila.Co

Banila.Co started off online but now it can be found in stores and you won’t be disappointed with how many products that they have. The brand can be found in Sasa outlets all over the city. Highly recommended is the CC cream, which is incredibly lightweight (perfect for Hong Kong summers) and Clean It Zero cleansing balm. Again, a staple for hot and humid weather and perfect for removing the build up of that can occur in a polluted city.  

Singapore’s desire to be a city in a garden is no better exemplified than the spectacular Gardens By The Bay. It can be difficult to know where to start, so here is our quick guide to the best way to make sure you don't miss anything. 

 

The gardens are divided into Bay Central Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay South Garden. Supertree Grove, the super-size man-made trees, are in the south garden. They are covered in trellises and are home to over 300 types of plants. Best seen at night, you can also take the Skyway, an aerial walkway that lets you walk among the canopies of the smaller supertrees. There is a particularly stunning light show, Rainforest Orchestra, which takes place at 7.45pm and 8.45pm.

In the south garden, you can also find The Cloud Forest and The Flower Dome. These work alongside the supertrees, and aim to project the vision of sustainability. Visiting the Cloud Forest means that you will come face to face with the Cloud Waterfall, which are over 35 metres high. Following the path, you can also see the different plant life found at different sea levels. The climate here replicated is that of Southeast Asia and South America, whereas the Flower Dome is more Mediterranean, as well as featuring the drier climates of Australia and South Africa. There is also a spectacular orchid display here, as well as flower arrangements which change with the seasons.

From here, head to the Heritage Gardens. This is a look at the diversity in Singapore, with Indian, Chinese and Malay gardens. There is also a water play area in the Far East Organization Children’s Garden, perfect for the humid summer months.

 
Where to find food on your walk

There are some food outlets at the Supertree Grove, but these are definitely catered to tourists. If you want something more local, head away from the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. You will eventually find Satay By The Bay, a fantastic hawker center with almost every type of food on offer. 

You can arrive at the Gardens by taking the Circle and Downtown Lines, the nearest MRT station being Bayfront. The park is open from 5am- 2am and admission is free. Opening times and admissions for the conservatories and other attractions may vary. You can visit the website for more information.  

 

Have you visited the Gardens by the Bay yet? What is the best attraction to see? Comment below with your experiences!

Why not treat yourself to a visit to one of Singapore's quaintest attractions? Find out all about this quirky little place below.

The history of the Sembawang hot spring

Found in 1903, this little spring was almost turned into a commercial venture. However, this fell through, mainly due to the fact that nobody knew where the water was coming from and if it was sustainable. However, more than 100 years later, the water is still running and is boiling hot! The spring was discovered by the son of Seah Liang Seah, the famous Chinese pioneer and namesake of many a steamboat buffet. A well was built by the spring, and it became popular with villagers who used the water for its healing powers. The spring became more and more famous, eventually attracting the attention of a soft drinks firm. They began to bottle the water but the flow was interrupted after being hit by a Japanese bomb during 1942. After conquering Singapore, the Japanese eventually began to build baths in the area. Interestingly, the spring was visited most frequently by gamblers, who took good luck baths before heading to the casino. Later, the Sembawang Air Base acquired the land but agreed to preserve the spring, due to its popularity.

How to get to Sembawang springs.

The spring is located on Gambas Avenue, between Sembawang and Yishun. Exit the Yishun MRT from exit C. If travelling by bus, take the 858 or 969 and get off 4 stops after exit C at Sembawang Road. Walk towards the overhead bridge and continue straight down the road. Take the left at the first junction where you can see the HDB Centre of Building Research. Keep going along the road until you see the two red signs. Enter through the gate and follow the path which will take you to the hot spring. The gate will only be open from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm daily.  

The spring itself

The spring is locked inside a concrete structure but there is access to the hot water from a tap. Many people collect water in buckets and fill a paddling pool in order to enjoy the spring. Some people even take a shower directly from the taps, there are more than one tap, so don’t worry if some are already in use. The spring is visited by all ages looking to feel the benefits of its supposedly restorative properties for skin complaints such as eczema and conditions such as arthritis.  If you ask the caretaker, he will provide you with a bucket and a towel to make your own foot bath. Some visitors even bring eggs to boil as a snack! Whilst the experience is not exactly like that of a first class spa, it is certainly much cheaper (free, in fact) and a lot more fun.  

Have you ever visited the hot spring at Sembawang? Comment below with your experiences!

Kampong Lorong Buangkok remains untouched by Singapore’s rapid expansion. Visiting this village shows just how much the city has changed over the last few years, and it can be seen as the last surviving link to Singapore’s past. Here is the story of the last kampong of Singapore. The land was first acquired by Sng Teow Hoon, a Chinese medicine seller, who rented out the land for people to build homes. The land later passed to his children, one of whom still lives there in the kampong to this day. The families that live there pay a small sum of S$30 in rent.
 

The kampong

Coming from the Malay, kampong etymologizes the English word ‘compound’, symbolizing a group of small houses that live together in close quarters to form a community. Singapore had plenty of kampongs until they were unilaterally destroyed to form high-rises to cope with the rising population. The survival of Lorong Buangkok really has been against the odds, even considering that it now rests on a swamp. The kampong as it stands today is home to 30 families, a mix of Malay and Chinese. Modern life has not infiltrated the community so much, amazingly. Families all know one another and take part in activities together, displaying the best example of ‘kampong spirit’ where people live together and survive together, without petty fallouts and consternation.
 

Visiting the kampong

There is not an awful lot here, so you can take your time to walk the streets. Rural life here has been beautifully preserved, and visitors can see plant life all around, encompassing shops, houses and even the local mosque. Take your time to walk around, but remember to be respectful. This is not a museum, and people still live here so be careful not to peer into too many windows. The houses are situated on dirt paths and are made of wood with zinc roofs that are distinctly weathered. There are no gates or barriers protecting the homes and if there are gates, they will usually be open. A rare sight indeed in Singapore. This is another representation of the kampong spirit that exemplifies this community. You will be greeted by dusty fake flowers, abandoned TV sets, ancient postal code signs and wooden clogs lined up outside the door. This perfectly exemplifies the olde worlde feel of the kampong. There are rumours that the kampong’s days are numbered much like the Bukit Brown cemetery in order to make way for new high-rises, so visit now whilst you still have the chance to appreciate a more rustic style of life.

 

How to get there

Take buses 70 or 103 from Serangoon MRT and ride 10 stops down the line to Church of St Vincent de Paul. Cross the road and walk towards the Shell petrol station. There is a flight of stairs next to the petrol station, which you need to walk down, cross the canal and walk straight. The kampong can be found on the left.  

Have you visited the last remaining kampong in Singapore? Comment below with your experiences!

It might seem strange to haggle for people from western cultures, but having some haggle skills is essential for shopping in many places around Asia. The fun part is that you can negotiate for almost anything, including hotel rooms, clothes to taxi rides. You might feel uncomfortable at first, but once you master the art, it will be a skill to serve you for life. Here are some tips for haggling effectively.  

Shop around first

By getting an idea of some of the prices on offer, you will be better informed about what to offer. It will also give you a bargaining tool if you know a nearby shop is offering the same item for less. Try to avoid buying what you want in the first shop you go to, as you will probably find what you are looking for in several others. In the same breath, avoid buying at the more tourist facing markets and malls as sellers have an eye for a profitable opportunity! Many of these places have had their prices inflated for tourist traffic and as so many tourists have just paid  the first price they were offered, haggling in these environments has becomes defunct.  

Arrive early

Sellers and market traders are more likely to offer good prices if you are the first sale of the morning. This is considered to be the lucky sale and it is more probable that you will get your goods for less. The same goes for night markets, so try to arrive as the trader is setting up for the night.  

Be friendly

Try not to confuse teasing with offense, and act shocked when the vendor tells you the first price. Be open and view it as a friendly interaction. The more you joke around but hold firm on your price, the more likely it is that the vendor will warm to you and offer the price that you are asking for.  

Act disinterested

Even if the item is something that you really want, try to act like you could live without it. Pointing out flaws and marks is also part of the game and will not offend the vendor. They fully understand that you can find the same item elsewhere so they will try to close the sale as quickly as possible.  

If the tropical temperatures are getting you down and no amount of poolside relaxation and cold showers are doing the trick, then why not take a trip to visit some of the most haunted places in Singapore?

The Yellow Tower at East Coast Park

An extremely popular place to visit in summer, East Coast Park has a rather incongruous yellow tower. Apparently the tower was the scene of a particularly brutal gang-rape of a young woman as she strolled around the park with her boyfriend. She was later murdered and her boyfriend left unconscious after a savage beating. The criminals were never found. Years later, many people have seen a lone female figure wandering near the tower, as well as hearing screams for help. Several ghost hunting groups have tried to communicate with the woman and some have allegedly succeeded.

 

Old Changi Hospital

What is it about abandoned hospitals that allows us to feel so scared? The hospital was originally occupied by the British before passing into Japanese hands during the occupation period before finishing with Commonwealth forces and the Singapore Air Force. Thanks to its reputation as a Japanese torture chamber, screams and shadows can be seen all over the hospital.

Brunei Hostel

Abandoned for 25 years, this hostel is the go-to for those looking for a paranormal encounter. The hostel was originally built to house students from Brunei who were in Singapore on a foreign study programme, before returning to their home country as qualified teachers. Nothing particularly gruesome happened here, but the building’s desolation has meant that many have heard strange noises and felt maleficent presences nearby.

We looked at some useful tips for avoiding common mistakes you may inadvertedly make in Hong Kong, but what happens if you are invited to a business lunch? This could be for networking, as a client, for investment, or for a job application. Whatever the reasons, dining out in Hong Kong can be a social battlefield, so let us guide you through some useful etiquette to impress your fellow dinner table guests.  

Be prepared to spend a lot of time eating

Business lunches or dinners in Hong Kong can be quite lengthy. Some lunches can be between ten and twelve courses, which is usually displayed on a revolving disc in the centre of the table. The host will serve you the food, so do not try to serve yourself as you may risk offending your host.  

Don’t eat before your host

Whilst you must wait for your host to serve you, you should also wait for them to begin eating before you start to tuck in. Try not to eat too quickly, as this can be seen a sign of an unwillingness to enjoy the food and a desire for it to be over with as quickly as possible. Take your time and really enjoy each course.

Do not move the fish

This might sound strange but fish is served with the head facing the host or guest of honour. The head is a delicacy, so in this case, try to avoid moving the fish unless explicitly told to do so. Keep it the way it was facing when it was served and do not begin to debone or cut the fish, as this will be done by the host or the server.  

Be prepared for new types of food

There will most probably be dishes on the table that you have never seen before. This could be abalone (a real delicacy), duck feet, snake soup, shark fin soup, or thousand year egg. You might not find it particularly appetising but try not to show this to your host as a mark of respect.