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Tai
O
Lantau's main
town, Tai O, is located on the west coast and is the abode for aged-old
junks. The island's inhabitants are the Tanka boat people, who traditionally
lived on their boats near the shore but have now become semi-land
dwellers. A few of the larger junks have been transformed into three-story
permanent living structures.
Beyond Tai
O Creek are feeble homes on stilts over parts of the creek where
the water rises during tide changes. A hand-raised drawbridge connects
the traffic from Tai O to Lantau. It was previously rope-drawn ferries
that carried people back and forth both destinations. Nevertheless,
a few old women still hang around the bridge landings to offer short
boat rides up and down the scenic canals.
A walk on both
sides of the tidal creek offers a merit view of the boat people
and their unique way of life. Another location to observe these
sturdy old sea carriers is at Penny's Bay on Lantau's northern coast.
One of Hong Kong's best shipmaker is based there. Shipbuilders do
not only build junks, but also modern cruises.
Lantau
Mountain Camp
Anyone who
enjoys a peaceful and quiet retreat will definitely like the Lantau
Mountain Camp, at about 770 meter elevation of Sunset Peak (870
meter). The camp provides 20 small stone houses, which were built
before World War II as a rest haven for the British colony's Christian
missionaries taking time off from their work in China. The houses
are available for rent by civilians who book in advance.
Silver
Mine Bay
One of the
most popular beaches of Lantau is the Silver Mine Bay Beach. This
is the easiest accessible beach on the island, thus boosting its
popularity. A Silver Mine Bay Beach Resort is not far from the Silver
Mine Bay ferry landing.
The bus route
from Silver Mine Bay to Tai O passes through Pui O Village, a humdrum
village whose main claim to fame is the Tong Fuk Provisions Store.
The store, nicknamed Charlie's, is a restaurant serving both Chinese
and Western cuisine. It also boasts of ample provisions of wine
and cold beer.
Discovery
Bay
A major real
estate development area, the Discovery Bay is segregated from the
rest of Lantau Island. A housing and resort complex that includes
a golf course is available on this bay. Discovery Bay is one of
the better places to live in Hong Kong, as it is right by the beach
and is an organized community. It has its own rapid ferry system
to and from Central on Hong Kong Island.
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