RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS
nights) within the waters of Hong Kong. The ship can accommodate 60 youngsters on day trips and 50 on overnight voyages.
'Disciplined Entertainment' is the main theme of the training. Once on board, participants are regarded as members of the ship's crew and take part in the operational routines. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, they are trained to face new challenges and participate in team spirit building activities.
The training programmes have been devised to cope with various weather conditions and the special requirements of children of different aptitudes and backgrounds. The Adventure Ship project has created new horizons for many thousands of young people, enabling them to enrich their experience while visiting and discovering the beautiful scenery in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Youth Hostels Association
The Hong Kong Youth Hostels Association (HKYHA), founded in 1973, is non- profit-making, non-political and non-religious. It has promoted the health, education and recreation of young people through the provision of budget (but comfortable) hostel accommodation in their travels both in Hong Kong and overseas. The HKYHA is managed by an Executive Committee comprising responsible and highly motivated members of the local community. It currently runs seven youth hostels in scenic rural locations: Ma Wui Hall in Mt. Davis, Hong Kong Island; Bradbury Lodge in Tai Mei Tuk, North-East New Territories; Bradbury Hall in Chek Keng, Sai Kung Country Park; Pak Sha O Youth Hostel in Pak Sha O, Sai Kung; Sze Lok Yuen in Tai Mo Shan; and, on Lantau Island, the S.G. Davis Hostel at Ngong Ping and the Jockey Club Mong Tung Wan Hostel.
Through the provision of simple hostel accommodation, the HKYHA aims to help all, especially young people, to understand, love and care for the countryside and places of interest. The association is a member of the very popular International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF), an international non-profit-making organisation that aims to promote cultural exchange and international understanding by enabling young people of limited means to see the world.
The IYHF has a global network of around 5 000 youth hostels in over 60 countries. Every year more than 4 million people see the world through this youth hostel network and hostellers contribute over US$15 billion to tourist revenues annually. The modest HKYHA subscription fee allows young people in Hong Kong to enjoy comfortable and safe accommodation in all the 5 000 global youth hostels of the IYHF network.
Provisional Urban Council Parks
Zoological and Botanical Gardens
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens occupy a 5.35-hectare site overlooking the Central District, and form the oldest public gardens in Hong Kong. They were established between 1861 and 1871. Divided by Albany Road, the eastern or 'old' garden houses an extensive bird collection while the western 'new' garden opened in 1871 is home to mammal and reptile exhibits. The botanical section is mainly in the old garden.
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