[samira]

I am planning to move to Hong Kong in the next few months so I started looking for an apartment.I like Discovery Bay but would prefer something more closer to Kowloon.I've seen as well nice and great prices apartments in Ma Wan, but I wasn't able to find any opinion of anybody that already lives there.Can somebody please help me?

Thank you all

[rani]

There are members who live on Park Island. Search the forums for "park island"

[sunniefaith]

What would you like to know about Ma Wan? There're 2 types of housing in Ma Wan. There's the village houses or the condo/resort style, Park Island. Feel free to ask me questions.

[samira]

Originally Posted by sunniefaith

What would you like to know about Ma Wan? There're 2 types of housing in Ma Wan. There's the village houses or the condo/resort style, Park Island. Feel free to ask me questions.

Well, we're a young couple, and my boyfriend will be working in Kowloon (Tsim Sha Sui) but he doesn't enjoy spending to much time on the road, so I was wondering how long it will take him.As well...we are addicted to european food products and I would like to know if there are any developments on this market...and also wondering how safe it is...You can replay me on the Park Island thread as I will be joining that, as I realized I can fnd there most of the answers.

Thank you again for the help

[HKChigger]

Originally Posted by samira

Well, we're a young couple, and my boyfriend will be working in Kowloon (Tsim Sha Sui) but he doesn't enjoy spending to much time on the road, so I was wondering how long it will take him.As well...we are addicted to european food products and I would like to know if there are any developments on this market...and also wondering how safe it is...You can replay me on the Park Island thread as I will be joining that, as I realized I can fnd there most of the answers.

Thank you again for the help

IMO working in TST would make Ma Wan kind of annoying. I would suggest going a little up East Rail to maybe Tai Wai or something. Just hop on the train for like 4 stops (10 minutes) and you are in the New Territories. It's more rural out there, Tai Wai isn't the best if you are looking for Village houses, but it will be good if you are looking for a place less congested than Kowloon, but quick commute. Going up the Ma On Shan train line is also a good idea, Ma On Shan itself has some decent places and has some expats living there.

That's my two cents. I rarely support islands or island feeling places, transport is generally not as fast and easy and you sure have problems during storms and typhoons.

[sunniefaith]

Originally Posted by samira

Well, we're a young couple, and my boyfriend will be working in Kowloon (Tsim Sha Sui) but he doesn't enjoy spending to much time on the road, so I was wondering how long it will take him.As well...we are addicted to european food products and I would like to know if there are any developments on this market...and also wondering how safe it is...You can replay me on the Park Island thread as I will be joining that, as I realized I can fnd there most of the answers.

Thank you again for the help

There are 2 ways to get to TST from Ma Wan. 1) Catch shuttle bus to Kwai Chung and then catch MTR to TST. 2) Catch ferry from Ma Wan to Central and then catch the Star ferry

Safety issues, Park Island is very safe in my point of view. I've caught the ferry back at 2 or 3 in the morning and it has been fine. Nothing has happened. In every block, there's a concierage or door person. You need a swipe card to get into the compound and into the block. There's also an emergency button in the master bedroom.

European food, well, the supermarket in Park Island is pretty crap. Normally if I want 'western' stuff, I'll go to City Super in IFC in Central and sometimes Park and Shop in Tsingyi may have some stuff too.

[psampras88]

Friend of mine lived in Ma Wan/Park Island for less than a year and had to move back to Kowloon - Transportation is painful (boat to Central only or bus to Tsing Yi; no after hours transport, no cars or taxis allowed in) and Ma Wan is right below the departure path of the aircrafts - very noisy....both ways (when airplanes take off toward KOwloon and other way round when they come down from Kowloon) - she just could not stand the noise anymore.

Also, rents or purchase prices are exagerately inflated - the property developer managed to sell the hype of 'living on an island' concept to careless buyers, and this is actually working...!

And this, in spite of bad fung shui: seen from a distance, the Tsing Ma bridge pierces Ma Wan: really bad omen from a Chinese tradition.

I, myself, am moving in a few weeks to Bellagio in Sham Tseng, a new development right across the bay from Ma Wan, on a high floor Tower 1 unit facing Ma Wan and the main bridge, and a wonderful 180 degree sea view from East to West, plus a bonus view of IFC/Sheung Wan on clear days...for a much cheaper rent than Park Island.

You may want to take a look there. Transport to any place in Kowloon is very convenient from Bellagio, and Central is within 30 min.

[goboad]

I have been living on the island for over 4 years and enjoy living there. Of course, it all depends on what you're looking for - convenience to work, shop and eat & community. It is the only place I found in Hong Kong with Resort like style of living. I have two kids and I am no worry to let them play on their own - thks to limiting vehicles access to the island.

Honestly, it is a chinese-oriented community and thus european foods might be limited. You may go to City Super and some decent restaurants serving european foods in Central. It takes around 25 minutes.

Check out some pictures on the island from my apartment. It's looking for tenant

www.gobotools.com/parkisland-geo

Hope it helps/Wong