Job Discussion Forums

powderfinger303 · Joined: 14 Nov 2006 Posts: 28

Hi, I am moving to HK soon. After reading up a bit, I figure that that Sai Kung area would suit me fine in terms of lifestyle (although just where in Sai Kung is another question).

I would like to know a few things about the area. First, what sort of place could I get for around 8000/month?

I would also like to know if anyone knows of a short term stay apt. maybe for 1 month that is located in Sai Kung that is worth checking out when I first get there.

Finally, I am wondering how realistic it would be to get a scooter or motorcycle to get around, especially to/from the metro. Is it rare for foreigners to get around this way? Are they prohibitively expensive?

Thanks in advance,

Tinseltown Rebellion · Joined: 02 Jun 2009 Posts: 44

Powder Finger, I have never seen a Westerner on a scooter or motorcycle in Hong Kong, but then I've never seen many locals on such modes of transport either. My guess as to why is simply that it is too dangerous and/or that it is simply unnecessary. The minibus drivers are known locally as kamikaze pilots and crashes and fatalities are far from uncommon. If you'll going from Sai Kung to the nearest MTR then you'll be going to either Choi Hung or Hang Hau, neither of which is more than around HK$7 by minibus.

Depending on which part of Sai Kung you want to live in, HK$8,000 will either get you a duplex (the top two floors of a three-storey village home) or just the one floor. Most Westerners go for the top, i.e., second floor as then you get the roof, too, though some go for the ground floor so as to get the garden. In most villages this would be no more than HK$6,500 a month, though up in the Clear Water Bay area this could set you back as much as HK$60,000 a month. My advice would be to try one of the many villages on and long the Sai Sha road between Sai Kung town and Ma On Shan.

However, one big problem with living in a Chinese village in Hong Kong is the sheer noise. You must be able tolerate dogs barking � loudly � all night long.

For the one-month short term deal, try the hotel/serviced apartment suites in Ma On Shan:

http://www.horizonsuitehotel.com/eng/index.html

powderfinger303 · Joined: 14 Nov 2006 Posts: 28

Thanks for all the great info. A very helpful post.

I was surprised to hear about the noise, but I suppose the dogs make sense. Where I am now, the noise comes from scooter alarms, honking and shouting.

Thanks again,

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

I have known several Westerners who use motorbikes to get around Hong Kong and they find it very efficient and economical. Bikes here aren't too expensive either.

saroq · Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 77

Sai Kung is a great choice of a place to live but consider that it takes a bit of time to travel from there to any major transport connection point. I'd be prepared to travel up to 60 minutes to work so that I could live in a nice enviornment like Sai Kung but a lot will depend on where you're working.