These hostels are among 5,000 worldwide, run by about 60 youth hostel associations (YHAs) that are affiliated to the International Youth Hostel Federation.

YHAs are non-profit-making organisations which promote youth travel and international understanding through the provision of budget accommodation that is comfortable and safe.

Every year, more than four million people travel using the youth hostel network. For $110, you can obtain membership to the Hong Kong Youth Hostels Association (HKYHA). Your card gives you access to facilities everywhere.

Not all the 5,000 hostels are unusual, of course. The more conventional ones offer a wide selection of city accommodation in convenient locations for as little as US$6 (HK$46) a night.

And you can book. More than 300 city hostels on five continents are hooked up to a computerised international booking network.

At the HKYHA head office in Shekkipmei, you can book overseas hostels up to six months ahead.

But you don't have to go abroad to enjoy the youth hostels' experience. The SAR has seven hostels, mainly in the countryside.

Ma Wui Hall at the top of Mount Davis in Western District is the closest to the city.

Then there's S G Davis Hostel in Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, which is ideal for visitors to the nearby Big Buddha, and for hikers to Lantau Peak.

Also on Lantau is the Jockey Club Mong Tung Wan Hostel on Chi Ma Wan Peninsula.

Bradbury Lodge in Tai Mei Tuk, next to the Plover Cove Reservoir, offers family rooms, while Sze Lok Yuen on Tai Mo Shan is a favourite of hikers.

The other two hostels are in Sai Kung - Bradbury Hall is at Chek Keng, while Pak Sha O Youth Hostel is near Hoi Ha.

All Hong Kong citizens aged five or over can join (no upper age limit).

Call Hong Kong Youth Hostels Association on 2788-1638 or fax 2788-3105 for details.

Practice Listening will appear in tomorrow's Young Post.