[expat1]

Hi guys,

I know I have already posted regarding renting in mid levels, but there is one other thing I wanted to get peoples opinions on.

I have totally fallen totally in love with Lamma Island and am seriously considering renting out there.I will be working in Central but the commute is fine ( as all us ex-londoners know - anything under 1 hour is a bonus!!)

The only thing I am worried about is that I might be a bit isolated .
Is it a common place for single expats to live ? Is it a family / couples scene in the way DB is ?I am coming to HK alone , so I dont know if it would be a lonely place for me to choose.

Cant decide !??! After seeing it - think Lamma island is a lot more me then the shopping / entertainment complex that HK island appears to be . I do really enjoy that stuff but I dont think I want it on my doorstep 24x7.

The village atmosphere of Lamma Island appeals to me a lot more.As does the beautiful scenery and the walks and beaches. And I think its got a few decent bars and coffee shops which are really all I need.

What do you guys think of of Lamma Island for a 29 yr old female - if i were to live there it would be in the main village - as close to the ferry / pier as I could get.

Dis-regarding the price factor - I know it would be lots cheaper to rent out there - but thats not really a factor in this decision .. In fact its so cheap to rent in Lamma Island - it actually has me concerned
! If its as great a place as I think - why does no one else want to live there ?????????

Thanks for any help ... its much appreciated

[nemrac]

Sounds like you've already made up your mind.

I would vote for mid level - I travel almost 1hours 15 min to work everyday so spend 2.5 hours on the road. It's not ideal when you have to work till late at night and half of the evening is gone by the time you get home.

[nina_70]

Honstly you have to go with what you like. Personally, I love to live right in the middle of things and would feel isolated on Lamma. Other people love the peace and quiet, and enjoy "getting away" from the city at night. I don't know too much about Lamma, but I haven't heard anything bad or negative about the place. Go with what you like is my advice.

[donabel_beltran]

I like Lamma, too, for all the reasons you enumerated, expat1. Plus, you can have a dog with you, unlike in most apartment buildings in HK or Kowloon island. One thing you have to consider, though, is the weather during the rainy season. An officemate (a local) informed me that during severe typhoons, the ferry schedule is cancelled, stranding residents in the island (which can be kinda good. "Lost" reality-show!); or leaving them longing for home at the Hong Kong ferry.

:-D

[mangoflower]

My first and second time out to Lamma, I thought it was terrific and thought it would be a great life out there and get away and retreat after a day in the city. I weighed it out endlessly and in the end decided on TST. It close to the office and I go into China and the ease of coming out of China after a week there and living in TST is a huge plus.
One of my colleagues bit off the move to Lamma and loved it at first, and also raved about it, however, many times, he was taking up hotel room in TST when he had to work late, or the weather was too rough for the boats. Also, keep in mind their is a great deal of humidity there, you will need a dehumidifier or you will be swamped with mold. Then there is the the hauling your provisions and creature comforts if you want them.
As far as the experience and the bohemian feel of the place, fabulous.with the fresh air and beautiful views, and layback life.....
For me I rather be in the city, something to be said for convenience and getting home at a reasonable hour after along day at the office or a week in China.
Good Luck and Enjoy whatever you chose!

Originally Posted by expat1

Hi guys,

I know I have already posted regarding renting in mid levels, but there is one other thing I wanted to get peoples opinions on.

I have totally fallen totally in love with Lamma Island and am seriously considering renting out there.I will be working in Central but the commute is fine ( as all us ex-londoners know - anything under 1 hour is a bonus!!)

The only thing I am worried about is that I might be a bit isolated .
Is it a common place for single expats to live ? Is it a family / couples scene in the way DB is ?I am coming to HK alone , so I dont know if it would be a lonely place for me to choose.

Cant decide !??! After seeing it - think Lamma island is a lot more me then the shopping / entertainment complex that HK island appears to be . I do really enjoy that stuff but I dont think I want it on my doorstep 24x7.

The village atmosphere of Lamma Island appeals to me a lot more.As does the beautiful scenery and the walks and beaches. And I think its got a few decent bars and coffee shops which are really all I need.

What do you guys think of of Lamma Island for a 29 yr old female - if i were to live there it would be in the main village - as close to the ferry / pier as I could get.

Dis-regarding the price factor - I know it would be lots cheaper to rent out there - but thats not really a factor in this decision .. In fact its so cheap to rent in Lamma Island - it actually has me concerned
! If its as great a place as I think - why does no one else want to live there ?????????

Thanks for any help ... its much appreciated

[jameso]

sold! it's time for a change of pace. and a dog!
so where is the best place to look for apartments on lamma? any good resource online?
also, anyone know where one could moor a boat (junk) full-time on the island?
am i going to actually have to get off my lazy online behind and go down there to answer these questions?
any pointers appreciated thanks!

[expat1]

Thanks for the replys everyone . The info really helped.

[wongsg2005]

If you like Lamma Island, why not also consider Park Island? Formerly, it was a fishing village on Ma Wan Island with a small population. Now the whole island has been re-developed by SHK Properties into a modern housing project, fringed by re-built village houses, plus a forthcoming shopping mall and visitors parks (like new Stanley). You may enjoy not only the beautiful landscapping and club-house facilities in the housing estate but also the green and fresh surroundings, and the sea view too, if you choose a suitable unit, particularly one with balcony.

PI is conveniently served by 24-hour ferry service to Central (25 min. at $11 per trip) and Tsuen Wan (close to West Rail) and shuttle bus to 2 nearby MTR stations. Airport is not far away from Tsing Yi. So, no worries that you can't get home late or during typhoon.

Most importantly, rentals of PI flats are very reasonable, not much higher than Lamma, but perhaps half of those units in mid-levels with comparable facilities.

Why not check with any property agents or geoexpat classifieds for any suitable units of PI estate (high-rise) or re-built village houses?

[yorweb]

As someone who has lived on Lamma now for 4 days, I recommend the place.

[sunniefaith]

Wongsg2005,

Do you know how much is the rent at Park Island for a 2 bedroom unit?