[goleoboy]

Hi guys, i'm now 'starting' to look for a place in HK. My parents recommended park island and i know some of you mentioned that on here as well. Honesly, how convenient is it over there. Since we got 2 small dogs, that may be the best place for them. But I'm concerned it may be too far from civilization.

I guess bottom line, is there a shopping area on Park Island itself (eg. Park N Shop / 7 eleven etc)? Are there any places to eat around there? Or is everything only accessible via shuttle / ferry? Also, how does one go home after a late night out clubbing?? What's the cab fare from Central? Many questions before decision-time... any help would be very much appreciated.

[sunniefaith]

There is a Park and Shop, 2 7-11s, a Mannings and maybe about 4 restuarants in Park Island itself and maybe about 5 restaurants or more in the village. Yes, the island is only accessible by shuttle bus and ferry. The ferry to central and shuttle buses to Tsingyi and Kwai Fong is 24 hrs. Cab from Central to the pier is about HKD20 to 30, depends whereabout in Central you're in. Hope this is helpful.

[HKChigger]

Originally Posted by goleoboy

What's the cab fare from Central?

Cars are not allowed to drive on Ma Wan (Park Island) without permit. So you can't take a cab from Central. You need to take either ferry, or find your way to Kwai Chung/Tsing Yi for the shuttle.

[goboad]

Let me try to summarize it up as there might be some misunderstandings from those answers.

- the best way to understand how accessible the island is to visit yourself. It has several ways to the island - shuttle buses from Tsing Yi(AirExpress Station), Tsuen Wan(MTR), Kwai Fong (MTR) as well as a will be route from the Airport. For ferry, two pick up points at Tsuen Wan(nearly KCRC West Rail station) and Central (next to Discovery Bay)

- there is a supermarket (Park 'N shop) and three convenient stores on the island.

- totally around 9 - 10 restaurants with different recipe like Shanghai, Taiwan, traditional Hong Kong Style restaurant but all of them are relatively small ones. For decent foods, I suggest IFC.

- For Major Shopping Malls - Tsing Yi, Kwai Fong & IFC (central)

It will not be too easy for night hangers for living on the island as you could imagine. The schedule of shuttle buses as well as ferry is not too frequent - you have to wait nearly 30 mins - one hour if not well planned. As mentioned, no Cab is allowed to get into the island. Otherwise, it will not be that cheaper living here with the decent environment.

Check out some classified posts as well as there are some pictures on the island.

If you prefer nite life every nite, stay away from there.

Hope it helps/Wong

[philippe]

I considered moving there after learning about that place from a Geo member.

I recently made a trip there (I took the ferry to go and came back by shuttle+MTR to try both ways) to visit a flat but decided that Park Island is not going to work for me.

Here are a few comments:

1. How far is it? Roughly One hour from Central/Wanchai/Causeway Bay possibly more to go to TST/Star Ferry. Transport is one of the not so good point IMHO. Also I boycott the MTRC as much as I can and quite like riding buses/minibuses all the time. Last but not least taking a taxi home after midnight is not possible.

2. The place is big, quite modern and somehow quiet. It is build by Sun Hung Kai the best developper you can fin in HK. The most impressive part is the bunch of sport facilities/club houses. Yet, since it was built recently the flats are "small" compared to what I am used to.

3. I did not have time to check the supermarket but I know that if I can't find what I need there I would have to go all the way to the MTR station to get it. This does not work for me either. If I want some French bread it would not be worth the trip (time/money). Also going around with a bunch of groceries bags is not something I do.

Not sure how the residents are dealing with these "issues". Please enlight us.

[goleoboy]

Thanks guys, I think I know the answer. I'm sure it's a great place to live esp with dogs, but the convenience factor... not sure about that. It's not like we're night owls and wanna party all the time, but knowing the apt will not really be that big - we would likely go out on weekends and evenings for dinner - would like to live somewhere where there are more options. :-) Thanks guys!

[psampras88]

I like to recommend to people interested in renting in Park Island to consider Bellagio on the other side of the bay, in Sham Tseng.

For similar budgets, you get full sea/bridge view apartments and a much more convenient commute to Central by bus and mini bus in 35 min (via the Kowloon highway and the Western Tunnel). You also to get to take taxis any time of the day....or drive your private car with very inexpensive car park spaces (max HKD 2k / mth)
Any place in Kowloon is also well served by mini buses.

Bellagio is still a little unknown and I see few foreigners living there but so far I have been delighted to move there.

Park Island is really not convenient with the ferry, and aircrafts taking off and landing pass right over the island, making the place terribly noisy.