[exoticgal]

Hello, everyone. I have been reading the forum pages on this website for almost 3 months now, but only joined today. Anyone out there from Singapore too? BTW, have some questions to ask. Would really appreciate if anyone out there could help me.

1. We will be moving to Hk in Dec 05 and will be in HK in Nov 05 to look for some apartments. We are quite interested in the Belchers and Residence Bel-Air. Have read some of your responses and it seems that these two places are really far out. We are thinking of getting a car. Was wondering how long it would take to drive to Chueng Kong centre(next to Bank of China building)? We have a two year old toddler and prefer somewhere near the sea and away from all the hustle and bustle in Central. Any other recommendations for good apts with facilities? We want something new, with good view. Our budget is about HKD$40 000.

2. Can anyone out there recommend a gd billingual (Eng and mandarin) nursery or playschool on Hong Kong island for our two yr old son?

3. We are bringing our Indonesian maid along with us to HK. What are the necessary documents and things we have to do?

4. Are there any good gyms in HK island? I am more interested in going for exercise classes (yoga, kickboxing, etc). Not interested in big gyms like california fitness.

Thank You so much!!

[Electra]

Hi there! I have a few answers and solutions for you as i am a well experienced hong kong-er!
I have an apartment for sale/rent in Happy Valley. In general, it is a relatively old building yet we have put a lot of love and effort in renovating spending around 1 million in renovations. The net area is 1600 square feet with three bedrooms, two with ensuite bathrooms. The building has eight floors and only two apartments on each floor which makes a peaceful environment. The apartment building also has a 24 hour security service and a great carpark spot is also included aswell! Happy Valley and especially the area the apartment is located has lots of greenery with less air pollution compared to central and causeway bay. It is located atop of a hill and from a distance you are able to view the fireworks during special holidays!
In terms of schools, i used to be a Teacher at an ESF School called Bradbury School located very close to Happy Valley on Stubbs Road (around a 5-10 minutes drive). They have a very good reputation in Hong Kong.
I have used different gyms in Hong Kong and am a yoga fanatic too! California Fitness has everything one may need, but may be less exclusive and busy. A great Ladies gym is called Philip Wain. They have classes in Pilates and Yoga, do great facial treatments, and also have special spa treatments to lose weight! It's an awesome place to relax and stay young. There is also another yoga location that i enjoy called "hot yoga" (hatha yoga, in proper terms). It is located in Central and is run by a popular model in Hong Kong.
I hope i have helped you! Please feel free to ask me any additional questions you have about anything! and i would gladly lend my advice.

[KnowItAll]

>> What are the necessary documents and things we have to do?

Take a look at www.immd.gov.hk for basics on what needs to get done for a domestic helper.

Not sure how it works for transfers from Singapore, but the Indonesian consulate is pretty corrupt here and will not approve a contract unless it is put through an agency that obviously gives them a kick-back.

[lynncwy]

Hi,

I'm from Singapore and am working in HKG for the past 1 year+.
For me, I do my steps & combat in Califorina TST but I find sometimes so boring to travel to TST as my work place is in Kwun Tong.

Let me know what can I help and hope to meet u soon.
Keep in touch.

[exoticgal]

Thank You Electra, KnowItTAll and lynncwy for your replies. We are not too keen on the Happy Valley areas as we prefer the Western part of Hong Kong. Must check out the "Hot Yoga" place in Central. We will be going to Hk in two weeks time to meet our relocation agent and house agent. Hopefully, we would be able to find a place we really like and can afford. Let you guys know the outcome! Take Care!

[treasure]

Dear Exoticgel, if you are looking at the southside of the island, Pok fu lam is a popular place. The Belchers is just along from there, almost in Kennedy town district. but in the basement of the Belchers is a very well respected bilingual kindy/primary/secondary school called Victoria Kindergarten. The kindergarten kids are taught half the time in mandarin and half english. Victoria School says that the non-chinese kids will be able to speak mandarin at primary level at almost native-speaker level. It's a suggestion. Worth noting if you intend to be here forever is that they are also building a secondary school in Aberdeen -- opening 2010-ish -- which will automatically take their primary school kids. As for maids, i don't know.

[exoticgal]

Wow...thank you for your information, Treasure. We are leaving for HK tomorrow to look at the Woodlands Montessori at Caine Road. I will also ask about the Victoria Kindergarten. Will definitely take a look at The Belchers. Will let you guys know the outcome when we come back. We'll be also looking at Sorrento Towers, The Harbourside and Waterfront at Tsim Sha Tsui. Apparently, its very convenient as its built above the MTR. Anyone has comments about these apartments?

[lima1971]

We just moved here about a month ago from London with our 2 yr toddler. We live in the Belchers and I cant say enough about the place. My husband works in Central, it takes him about 20 mins to travel to work on the bus, the minibuses are faster. The complex itself has excellent facilities, especially for children as there are a number of outdoor play areas, and there is also a playgroup in the Club house. There is an outdoor swimming pool, indoor pool and jacuazzi, steam room/sauna, gym, tennis and squash courts...the list is endless. Also, right next to the Belchers is The Westwood shopping centre which has a Wellcome superstore in it so it is very convenient. I doubt very much you would need a car if you lived in Belchers as the transport is very good. Hope that helps.

[mong1972]

Hi
I am Singaporean and we moved to HK 3 yrs ago. We were living at the Mid Levels for about a yr but the air quality was so bad that we had to move out to Belchers, and we have no regrets so far. My hubby works in Central and he takes only 10 mins on a cab to work or 20 mins on minibus. I have 2 girls- age 6 and 2+. My younger one is at Victoria which has a bilingual curriculum. She has been there for about 3 mths and she is enjoying school. There is a Victoria Kindy just at Belchers itself. Very very convenient.

As for gym, Physical at Causeway bay offers great classes. Hope this helps.

[exoticgal]

Thank You for your replies...mmm. Belchers seem to be THE PLACE to be for families. I will definitely go have a look at it and hopefully find an apartment there. Will let you guys know which ones we might be choosing when I come back from HK next week...See You Then!