Splash is a PADI 5 star dive centre based in Sai Kung, very near to the public pier…read more Splash provides diving courses, from beginner through to professional levels, a wide range of diving equipment, and Emergency First Response training to schools and businesses. The Splash Club also runs dive trips from the beaches around Clear Water Bay, or boats from Sai Kung, for those wanting to try fun diving in HK waters. What really puts Splash a cut above the rest is the expert tuition in English, as well as a number of other languages. Many of the dive schools in HK rely on Chinese instructors teaching in English. At Splash their staff instructors are primarily ex-pat native English speakers, which makes them the ideal place for those needing to learn in English. Splash are also incredibly flexible with tuition schedules and are able to accommodate most student needs, whether it is weekdays, weekends, evenings. The facilities are first rate, with pool sessions taking place in what most consider the best diving pool in Hong Kong, or at least the best hot showers in HK! Open water sessions are either conducted from a shared boat (with other dive schools), or from a private Splash boat on club days. Try and get on a boat on a club day as it is much less crowded (and the instructors always have a stash of post dive beers on board). When booking with Splash, best ask for Darren, the owner and course director. Darren is an expert diver with years and years of experience in the industry. Darren also hand picks and teaches his own instructors, so you know you will be getting the very best in tuition from all of his staff. You should also have a chat to Darren about equipment too, as he is often able to discount name brands, especially if you are already a student with Splash. Diving can be scary enough without having to wrestle your way through language issues, a million of other students or more experienced divers jostling for space in classroom or on a boat. Do yourself a favour and go to Splash for small class sizes, flexible schedules, and stress free diving fun.

Diving Express is the big daddy of dive operators in Hong Kong, and by this I mean they seem to…read morehave their hooks in most of the consumer market here. They are indeed big, I believe they own three boats, one overnight boat out two day boats. They also have a shop in TST, but judging by the setup of the shop, you would have thought they are a mom and pop store. Diving express is definitely known for their local dive tours and overseas by travel. Their local dive tours depart from Sai Kung, and every Sunday you can see the volume of customer throughput they have, simply by looking at the number of divers they jam onto each boat. There are many other dive operators in Hong Kong, but you may be surprised to find that most of them book their boat diving on the Diving Express boats. If you are interested in diving in Hong Kong, you are better off making a beeline directly to diving express, as you will invariably end up on one of their boats anyway. They also have a well stocked shop in TST. Like their boats, it is a bit of a cramped space with piles of diving equipment stack up on top of each other, but they do hold many products and most of the brands. The staff are knowledgeable (ask for Denny), most being divers themselves, and are willing to give advice as required. They also have a reasonable selection of diving camera accessories, which can sometimes be hard to find in Hong Kong. The dive kit is reasonably priced, and what they don't have can be ordered. As with many of these specialist dive operators, whether it be retail or travel, you are better off doing some research beforehand, or going with a buddy. Diving express unfortunately suffers from the sausage factory approach, which means as a novice diver you may be somewhat intimidated by crowded boats and shop. Take care, and dive safe.

Most people goes to Sai Kung for seafood but did you know there are a lot of boats by the pier…read moreoffering half-day to day trips to the geopark? It's a good activity for schools and companies groups alike - very healthy and suitable for all ages. (They cater to smaller groups as well so you can go with your friends or even by yourself if you want.) We stopped at Leung Shuen Wan (糧船灣) for a seafood lunch - some of my friends raved about the freshness of the seafood here but I thought it was only ok. There was a small beach at Leung Shuen Wan where you can go swimming (no lifeguard).

Who would have thought, volcanic rock islands in Hong Kong? Not me, even after visiting Sai Kung I…read morehad no idea these eight mini islands existed. It was not until a friend of mine invited me on an excursion did I witness them. It took more than a bit of persuading to get me up and out of bed early enough to enjoy a day out in Sai Kung but I hadn't been out of my cave in a while. We arrived in Sai Kung just after eleven in the morning, stuffed ourselves with a quick Subway sandwich then hurried along to the pier. Luckily for me my friend is a local Hong Konger meaning we didn't get ripped off! Now, from here there are a couple options. You can just as easily organize a group outing on a catered boat as rent a private little sampan, of course its more expensive the fewer wallets you have around but at the time it was just the two of us. We negotiated a reasonably fair price (I think) and hopped onto the rickety boat. The captain took as around the eight islands slowly enough for us to marvel at the volcanic rock structures, which were quite amazing even for a non-nerd. The coolest of the islands were off limits for humans but we managed to land on a smaller one and explore the beach and rocks from a closer perspective. Nothing to write home about. I think the captain took us there because it was closest to the pier, the other seven islands were about a hundred times more interesting. On the way back we found out that the Geo Park was not just the islands but included the coast opposite them, too. With enough time and motivation I'd go back and test some of the hiking trails in the area as I know there are a few hidden beaches lying around. Anyway, volcanic rocks - fun, beaches - fun, landing on the wrong island - not so fun.

This spot has to be one of the best oasis in Hong Kong...I had planned to go to Tai Long Wan with a…read morefriend who was visiting me but we made a last minute change of plans and decided to go to the pool. We still needed to pack food and water and wake up early anyway. We started our trip in Wan Chai and took the MTR to Tung Chung and then bus 11 to Tai O. That was all pretty smooth and as we got to Tai O village, we strolled around for a few minutes and got on our way quickly after buying some water. The hike to the pool is moderate difficulty wise but the humidity made it a little harder than expected (and the view of the infinite...flight of stairs) but it's enjoyable: the views are pretty amazing and it's peaceful. When the level of sweatness was reaching its peak (or an hour into our hike) we could hear the waterfall...! And finally, the pool! We spent a good four hours there, swimming, chatting, meeting new people, climbing. We also had our lunch sitting on the rocks and overlooking the landscape. It couldn't get any better! Be warned that there's no food or water available once you leave Tai O, so make sure you bring enough of those. As we were leaving, the sun, who had left us for a few minutes, came back! So we had yet another bath. This was around 5pm and although some people had already left, the pool was still busy. A note on that: the earlier you get there, the better, as the ground is all made of rocks and it's uneven and you may want to find a nice spot to eat and rest. It's a really cool place to go on a sunny day. Easy to reach but far away enough so that it's not overcrowded. I hope it stays that way. Now next stop Tai Long Wan!

I think I was the last one in Hong Kong to hear about this infinity pool. I'd hear tourist talking…read moreabout an infinity pool in Tai O on the Mui Wo ferry and I'd think, you've got it wrong, the Four Seasons is in Central! I got it wrong. I may be a little harsh with my rating of the pool mainly because I've seen some awesome waterfalls around the world (not trying to boast). For Hong Kong this place is amazing, were it not for the huge influx of visitors it'd be the first place on my list to bring friends visiting HK. The hike to the pool is not so bad. It would be better were it not for the fact I got lost and added another 30 minutes to it. 30 additional minutes of dodging spiders the size of my face is not fun, trust me. Be sure to google the directions first! The only challenging part being the stairs. It's great though (think positive!) because after feeling exhausted and on the brink of heat stroke there's a cold, freshwater pool waiting for you to collapse into. The pool itself is a decent size with enough rocks nearby to have a little picnic, soak up the sun and dangle your legs in the water. It also has a gorgeous view overlooking mountains and the sea. Behind the pool is a mini rock-pools under a giant waterfall, which is just as much an attraction as the infinity pool in my opinion. I spent much of my time getting a free massage from the cascading water. The hike back was much easier, and being later in the afternoon most of the spiders were gone. All in all I would highly recommend the place to any one. If you can avoid going on a weekend then do so and save it for a weekday. I went on a Monday and it was too full for my liking so I can't imagine what it would be like on a day off!

The pier provides ferry rides to lei Yu mun fishing village, which is a popular place to go for…read moreseafood. The ferry comes at 30 minute intervals and is really inexpensive (less than 10 hkd). It's a good experience to ride on the ferry and is one of the most cost effective ways to see Hong Kong on the Victoria Harbour. I suggest riding both during the day and evening. The view of the Hong Kong skyline is a completely different experience during the day and during the evening.

Given the ubiquity of private clubs in Hong Kong, it takes more than money and status to truly…read morestand out. Where the Aberdeen Marina Club (深灣遊艇會) does this by showcasing world class facilities, top dollar amenities, and the kind of waterfront living atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance between luxury and family-friend comfort. This is more than just a club, it's a destination. Since it's about 20 minutes away from the city, it feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle. There are lovely views of the Sham Wan waterfront and the neighborhood is riddled with international schools, luxury condos, and nice cars. English is widely spoken throughout the property and it's spacious in practically every direction. There are multiple restaurants on the premises, which starts with the Horizon (#1), a high end Cantonese establishment that might be their most legit option. The Deck is their international buffet option, with views from their terrace and plenty of variety. The Bar looks fancier than it is, but it is loaded with an international (#2) selection of whiskey. Thai food is at the heart of the Balcony, which is best enjoyed during their lunch menu hour. The Backroom is their version of an upscale but small'ish western lounge, with an emphasis on wine and a limited fine dining scene. Portside reminds me a little bit of Harbourside, with indoor and outdoor seating options and a buffet that focuses on western and eastern fare. There is the Marina Grill and Marina Deli, with the former offering seafood and upscale western, while the latter is more of a pastry station. Caffè Luna is their Italian option, which is bright and welcoming, and has Neapolitan style pizzas to offer. Their kids club is also so impressive that it reminds me of something one would find in a kid's museum. There are mini-versions of race cars, grocery shopping, construction, hospital, police cars, etc. and a whole dedicated space with limitless possibilities of a child's imagination. I've not seen a better space in Hong Kong, so this is one of their biggest amenities. All of the aforementioned things barely scratch the surface. There are events, swimming pools, yachting and boating opportunities, social gatherings + private events (a wedding here would be amazing), and corporate meetings. There are also a fitness centre, amski (#3), basketball courts, tennis and pickleball courts, and a number of classes for both adults and children. Elite private club memberships don't come cheap, as I'm told it's by invitation only. I would estimate based on secondary market prices (i.e. sold to others by current members) that it can be as high as several million HKD for annual dues. Elite private club membership is serious, so beware of the transfer fees. I would happily come back for any occasion. Whether it's lunch, a wedding, a tennis match, or just an opportunity to stare at the water, there is no occasion too unworthy to justify a visit. This place is outstanding. ____________ (#1) http://www.yelp.com/biz/IfYXK4cSkcMuY0ojFHig5g (#2) When in doubt, go Japanese. (#3) A skiing simulation (#4) Do not quote me.

The Aberdeen Marina Club is one of the more diversified "country club" types in HK. Compared to…read moreJockey Club, LRC, or American Club, it has significantly more facilities - basketball and badminton courts, ice rinks, kids' playgrounds, pools, its own harbor and more. They're all kept in pretty good condition and you can hardly tell that there's any wear and tear. Its restaurants range from an all you can eat buffet to some middling Thai food as well as a Chinese restaurant. The food is passable - solid, in other words. The service here is always great - sort of the silent, acquiescent type that doesn't ever get chatty. I'd prefer they spoke up more but I guess it's a policy here. Great for hosting gatherings and parties - if you book a private room they have karaoke! The fragrance in AMC is usually impeccable but I remember an occasion back in December where there was this pungent odor by the G/F elevators that just wouldn't go away. Overall, definitely recommend coming here either as a member or with a friend who is!

Chai Wan Poolside Garden is one of the earliest skateparks in Hong Kong -- in fact, it is the…read moresecond one built after Mei Foo Skatepark. It created a domino effect which started in 2004 and 10 years later, more than 8 skateparks are scattered across Hong Kong. A lot of people got introduced to skateboarding here, which sports an area of more than 6,700 square feet. Definitely bigger than your apartment. Like the skatepark in Fanling, Chai Wan's skate park has 3 areas of difficulty to cater to all skates regardless of skill. It's great to see the OG skateboarders work hand in hand with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department in bringing us parks like these. The facilities are all top-notch with quarter pipes, two fun boxes, sloped rails, and a kicker. What more could a skater ask for? Well, a bowl, but there's larger parks for that. While this park may be located in a busy industrial area such as Chai Wan, many a skater struggle to find this place. One only need to find Chai Wan Swimming Pool to get to this park. I've only been to this park a few times (prefer to go to the Mei Foo park more) but from what I've experienced is that it's a great place to skate in, especially when you live near the area. Besides, after skating, you might decide you want to take a dip at the public swimming pools next door. For those getting started on skateboarding, I recommend this park as it caters more to the beginners rather than the advanced skaters.

Ap Lei Chau is still one of those places with a sleepy-town vibe (but with the recent opening of…read morethe MTR, who knows how long that'll last), so it's no surprise that there are dedicated areas for people to walk around and relax--a rarity in Hong Kong. The use of the word 'park' for this place is somewhat misleading, as you won't find open fields of grass here. Nevertheless, there are recreational and fitness facilities located within the space. The main attraction is a "Wind Tower" shaped like a fishing junk--a little homage to the history of Ap Lei Chau, which started as a fishing village. There's a viewing platform at the top of the tower, which allows for great views of the Aberdeen typhoon shelter. At night, the tower lights up, although I've never really understood why this was necessary. The park is open 24/7, so make use of the jogging trail, or just sit out and enjoy views of the harbour.