ENG-1980 — Page 297

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SA WAKIK JAW di zamia

Sea, sky and serenity

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Sai Kung provides a striking change to the clamour and crowds of urban Hong Kong. With its refreshing lack of con- formity, in a place more usually renowned for its dynamism and industry, this beauti- ful eastern part of the New Territories has become increasingly synonymous with leisure, tranquillity, and getting-away- from-it-all. Extending for over 200 square kilometres of breathtaking vistras, quiet mountain trails and picturesque villages, the region forms a natural back garden to the throbbing streets of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. On weekends and holidays it is a magnet, drawing pleasure-seekers to a variety of popular sites for picnicking, hiking, climbing, camping, swimming wind-surfing, sailing and canoeing. Nearly 50 per cent of its land area now lies within two country parks, and for enthusiastic walkers there is the start of the 100- kilometre MacLehose Trail. Yet, 10 years ago, Sai Kung was largely a forgotten place: two mountainous peninsulas and an assortment of islands; sparsely inhabited, and served by the narrow roads, few facilities and simple ferries required by a dwindling rural population. The develop- ment of High Island reservoir was the. catalyst for major change. Local, and world, attention was suddenly focused on the carving of a huge freshwater reservoir from the sea. Better access roads and amenities followed, and the hinterland was rediscovered by a population thirsty not only for water, but for recreational outlets and low-density housing. With the excep tion of peripheral Junk Bay - already the site of Hong Kong's heaviest industries and next 'new town' - Sai Kung has been zoned to retain its individuality, and its role as a natural counterbalance to an increasingly urbanised lifestyle. r-

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Previous page: From the air, rehousing for villagers displaced by high Island Reservoir gives Sai Kung town an unusually uniform appearance. Left: A boatman navigates Sai Kung harbour; deserted Sheung Yiu village in quiet decay; youngsters pass the time tadpoleing at Wong Chuk Yeung vallage.

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