Discovery Bay Knowledge Needed!

[kjg]

Hi
We are in the process of moving to Hong Kong late 2008/early 2009 from Australia and are considering Discovery Bay or Stanley/Tai Tam as the two most likely places to live? We have a large dog and a three year old daughter.
My husband needs to commute to work in Mong Kok. What would be the quickest way of getting to and from Mong Kok from DB? Can you catch a taxi in and out of DB? If not, is there an area close by to access a taxi? And where would be the closet place to DB to house a car? Any suggestions from DB residents would be great.
Also, for any parents in DB, how difficult is it to get children into Sunshine House DB and Discovery ESF and DB international school? Been reading other forums suggesting the ferry to the island, which I'd prefer not to have to do!
Thanks

[timklip]

take the Sunny Bay bus to Sunny Bay MTR, then train to Mongkok..there used to be a residents shuttle to TST, not sure if it still runs, or if it would drop off near Mongkok

more info from DB residents themselves at this site:

Discovery BayForum.com 愉景灣民民論壇

[Claire ex-ax]

The closest place to park a car would be Tung Chung, a 15-minute bus ride away. FYI, DB is on an island, so it's either a bus to the MTR, car parked in TC and drive over the bridge or the ferry.

BTW, have you looked at Sai Kung? You could get a house with parking/garden. Plus there's a minibus direct from SK to Mongkok.

[kjg]

Thanks for the discoveryforum link timklip, just took a brief look then, so will study it further once little one is sleeping!
Clare ex-ax, husband went to Sai Kung last week when he was in HK, and wasn't as keen on this when compared to the other areas, but I take your point about the travel time. Huge consideration. We were both hoping taxi might solve our problems to shorten the travel time.
Few friends suggested we check out Clear Water Bay which we haven't done as yet, so maybe we should? I suppose I am pretty conscious of all the comments on how bad the pollution is getting in HK and with a small child I was trying to find the "less polluted area" that is still not too far from Mong Kok. Not sure if this is achievable? Also looking for a social area as I will probably be home mostly as I don't have any contacts in HK.

[Skyhook]

G'day KJG,

I agree with Clare EX-AX regarding Sai Kung. Also Clearwater bay is part of the Sai Kung District.

In my opinion one of the best locations to live in the Sai Kung district is Marina Cove, and anywhere neighbouring Hebe Villa's.

If you have been considering rental properties in Stanley and Tai Tam, then you can afford to live in Marina Cove, in either a 2100 or 3000ft2 waterfront home, that includes 2 car spaces, a roof top terrace, a water front court yard with steps that lead to your own private boat jetty/pontoon. A typical view below of a Marina cove home...


Marina Cove is about 5 - 10 minutes drive from Hang Hau MTR, and about the same distance from Sai Kung Town. Travel times to Mong Kok shouldn't be longer than 25 minutes via the public light mini bus,( car accident/road work delays excluded ) taxi or a combination of mini bus and MTR ie Choi Hung or Hang Hau.

There is a very large Aussie, Kiwi and South African population in Sai Kung, on top of a fair percentage of long term pre-1997 British.

Socially you'll be pretty busy, just pop down to Steamers, or the duke of york etc etc, both located in Sai Kung Town, and meet the locals/gang.

Join the HHYC ( Hebe Haven Yacht club ) or the Clearwater bay country club, and you'll meet even more people, socializing won't be a problem in the area, that's a given.

Good luck cobbers...

[kjg]

Thanks skyhook for the information.
Any other area's you think worthwhile on HK Island for lower pollution, child/dog area's? Want to check out all the places all at once and make a decision. Lucky for me I have time before arriving in HK and a possible orientation next month in HK.

[Stirling]

Hi

Have now moved over here and had an orientation in June. We settled in DB after seeing all areas. Stanley was second choice. DB is lovely if you have small children and a dog - pretty flat to walk about with buggy and the hub is the plaza. Getting your daughter into Sunnyside nursery will be no problem but it would have to be afternoons 1-4pm. My daughter goes there and you can choose either 3 or 5 afternoons per week. Schools another story - both Discovery College and DBIS are mega over subscribed. However DBIS does have a fast track system and if your company are willing to pay 300,000 HKD your child will get immediate entry -if not, dont hold your breath the waiting lists are in the hundreds. This would mean finding your child a place on HK island which is a long commute for a younger kid.
We found DB the best of both worlds as its pretty safe and a bit 'stepford' but friendly and you have all your daily essentials here but you can jump on the ferry and be in HK within 25 minutes for the buzz and shopping etc. Another tip is if you are considering hiring a helper it takes approx 4-6 weeks to process their visas. Hope this helps
I found Clearwater bay a bit far out and isolating for a parent with small kids - and a bit dodgy with a lot of gated communities for security.

[kjg]

Thanks for the heads up regarding DBIS and Discovery College. Will check with husband's company about the fast track option to see if they might pay? If not, Sunshine House sounds like an option for the short term at least.
Hope you have settled in well to DB?

I haven't been to CWB yet, but was interested in your comments. I like the idea of everything being at your fingertips so am interested in seeing the layout of CWB. Also, what's with the gated community set up in CWB? Is it primarily for security or a sense of community?
Thanks again.

[Sleuth]

Whilst on the subject of DB, how does one go from the airport to DB?? And does that routing take you to the plaza or piazza or wherever they have that market on Sunday.

[Stirling]

There are very regular buses from the bus station beside the plaza to the airport and they stop off
all the way up to the tunnel.

Getting to the aiport is not a hassle -