[Sleuth]

The whirlwind housing search continues--anyone have any opinions on Ma On Shan (Villa Rhapsody)?
Is it really only 15 minutes from Villa to Shatin KCR, or did they mean 15 minutes if there is no traffic and you run a world-record 100m from where they let you off to the KCR? They drop off at New Town Plaza.

[krf]

I just booked a place at the Horizon Suites. I've been out to the area three or four times already and it seems pretty convenient to me. I've taken the KMB bus between the university KCR to the Ma On Shan center (under the Ma On Shan KCR station) in both directions. Its 12 minutes each way on public double decker bus, so a direct shuttle will probably be a little faster (i've heard about 10 minutes on horizon suites shuttle bus)

From the looks of the map, the place you're talking about is a bit further out. But I can't imagine its that much longer to get to shatin than to get to university KCR (its mostly a highway, and I don't think there's ever traffic jams out here).

as far as speed goes, do you necessarily need to go to Shatin? if getting to KCR is your primary goal, taking the bus to University KCR or taking the new Ma On Shan rail line may be quicker. (taking the Ma on shan train to Tai Wo and transferring to Shatin could be less than 15 minutes too now that i think about it...)

good luck.

[Sleuth]

It seems as if all the various ways to get to the KCR are about equal, time wise. The train is 15 minutes to Tai Wai and a couple more to Shatin; the shuttle to Shatin is 15; bus to University is 12. I doubt I'll notice the 5 minutes since I have to cross the border every day and that will be where the time is lost.
Have you formed any opinions of the lifestyle out there? We are headed out to check out the New Town Center area.

[krf]

ahhh, you're headed to the north. well in that case the university station will be your best bet.

KCR is pretty quick (i made it from CUHK campus to CWB in ~45 minutes during rush hour last night and then back in only about 35 minutes after my movie.

I like the MOS area, based on my limited exposure so far. Its more about malls and bridges connecting developments than alleys and crowded sidewalks... you can see a lot of greenery, breath less exhaust...

apparently there are late night buses back from downtown too, i haven't tried them yet though.

[Sleuth]

Yes, headed into China everyday, whether I like it or not. And the greenery and air is a plus just like the size of the apartment for the money. Also closer to Sai Kung, which is nice.