Ecotourism

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Lamma Island is just a 40 minute ferry ride from central Hong Kong and tends to be a favorite among locals and expats alike. It is known for its no car policy and bohemian atmosphere, not to mention the best seafood I have ever had!
This island is the third largest island in Hong Kong spanning 14 sq. km. "Lamma" in Chinese means the southern tree branch, which is similar to the shape of the island. In 1931 a priest discovered several stone containers, believed to have been produced in the new stone age. Most historical pieces found in Hong Kong, most having to do with the ocean and fishing industry, were found on Lamma Island. It is believed that early human settlements were found on the island even in ancient periods. There are two small villages on Lamma where most of the population dwells. Upon arrival to the first town, Yung Shue Wan we jumped off the boat and walked into a row of seafood restaurants all with huge tanks filled with a variety of sea creatures. Everything ranging from live eel, shrimp, grouper to shark, lobster and some undistinguishable creatures. Most places on Sunday morning serve Dim Sum similar to an american Sunday brunch. After a rocky boat ride, due to stormy weather on Hong Kong island, shrimp dumplings and breakfast tea were in order, to settle our stomachs.

Following breakfast we began the easy walk down the 1.5 hr coastal path on the peaceful island en route to the second town of Sok Kwu Wan. The path named the Lamma faimly trail, winds around the small island and faces many different directions on the way south, giving 360 views of surrounding islands and passes several beaches, non of which were very clean. Along the path we encountered several points of interest, some being cultural while others environmental. While walking through the area you encounter countless butterflies, mostly Painted Ladies but several other species are seen as well. The diversified ambiance of the surroundings are peaceful, except for the view of the Lamma power plant in the distance.

There are many variations of plant life that we came across, from the succession of pioneer plants to strangling plants and regenerated forests, all the way down to the importance of mudflats. The most impressive environmental finale was the multitude of Wood Spiders ( Nephila Maculata) nestled off the path, a reassuring distance away. It is recognizable by the pattern on its body that resembles a human face not to mention being a humongous arachnid, just the body measuring up to 15 cm long. Its webs are large multidimensional configurations.

Nearing the end of the trail we noticed the Kamikaze Grottos, where during the Japanese occupation, tunnels were carved into the mountain side to store equipment, boats and also used as shelter. Arriving to Sok Kwu Wan we discovered a Tin Hau temple over a hundred years old in which the mascot was a rare enormous sea monster truly caught off of the islands coast. This creature is an Oar Fish (Regalecus Glesne) and legend has it that one glimpse of this fish will ensure eternal happiness.

At the end of the trail we sat down for a well deserved seafood lunch at one of the local harbor side restaurants that had great meal choices and the price included the ferry ride back to Hong Kong Island! A great ending to a wonderful day!

This holiday weekend has been full of exploration and green surroundings. Begining with a wonderful not too streneous hike up the famous Dragons Back which is stage 8 of the Hong Trail. The Dragons Back has been hailed by Time as Asia's best urban hike "the city's finest and most surprising ramble". Located on the Southeastern part of Hong Kong Island, it is 8.5 km long and takes a little under 3 hours to complete. There are the most fantastic views from the ridge of the coast and sea, including the dynamic south coast of the Hong Kong peninsula. Starting from Tei Wan, passing between Pottinger Peak and Mount Collision with the trail ending at Tai Long wan. The name Dragons Back derives from the shape of the ridge that rolls up and down like the back ridge of the legendary beast. When the northeast monsoon is blowing, Dragon's Back is popular with paragliders who climb up with their heavy packs, then launch themselves from grassy slopes, hang in the air, and eventually drift down to a beach at Shek O. And birds of prey like the rising air currents too - you can often see Black Kites here, and could spot a White-bellied Sea-Eagle. The path takes you through bamboo forests to areas with trees that are covered with Painted Ladies, the local butterfly.
At the end of this trail you are on the beach, you exit at Big Wave Bay a popular surfing spot or further south at the well known, preferred by the locals beach called Shek O. In the past a fishing community, Shek O is now quite mixed with luxury houses. For amazing views and a great ending, this is the hike for you!

Oriental Travel
19/F Keen Hung Commercial Building 80 Queens Road East, Wanchai HK

The office where I work is very small and consists of 4 people plus me. The owner Mr. Ngai who I have not met, Fred my supervisor, Noelle and Esther the ladies who hold down the fort and keep it together. The focus of this travel agency is to promote inbound travel to China. Which by 2010 will be the most visited country in the world surpassing the current leader, France. The target market is travelers from the U.S. and Canada. The work environment is wonderful and the views from the office are spectacular. Located in the heart of Wan Chai it is a short walk from the MTR station. Wan Chai (Little Bay) had a reputation during the vietnam war as the anything goes red light district, but today it is mainly a centre for shopping, business and more upscale entertainment. I have been given a refreshing amount of freedom to come up with the project that I will work on, and I have chosen eco-tourism in Hong Kong. The island of Hong Kong - total area 1,098sq km, 40% is protected country park, 40% rural land, 20% urban. With hundreds of peaks, the highest being 965m. 230 islands surrounded with clear jade water, coral, sea caves & arches and powder white beaches it definitely is worth marketing to other ecotourism lovers! So my idea is to come up with a guide and maybe a few different itineraries for Hong Kong's green areas so as to appeal to different travellers. It has been exhilarating so far, I have learned so much about this destination I can even boast knowing more background info than some expats who have lived here for a few years! Any creative ideas? Writing tips hints and suggestions are always welcome!
http://www.orientaltravel.com/