CLEAR WATER BAY, ON the south-eastern tip of the New Territories, is one of Hong Kong's most secluded residential areas. Situated around the stunning natural beauty of the bay, the area is noted for its excellent beaches and its green ambience. Before the Eastern Harbour Tunnel opened, Clear Water Bay was considered inaccessible. It is still relatively remote, although the new tunnel and cross-harbour MTR link have brought the area closer to town. Surprisingly enough, Clear Water Bay's two beaches can be refreshingly empty, even on sunny days. This kind of peace is one reason the area has proved so popular among retirees, keen to escape the bustle of city living. Not that Clear Water Bay is dull. If you like the outdoors, then there is plenty to do, from hiking to sailing and windsurfing. A number of attractive islands dot the bay, including Tung Lung Island, Kei Chau and Trio Island. You will not find here the high-rises so beloved of Hong Kong developers. Instead, most properties are three-storey Spanish style villas and while prices can be cheap, some of the properties on offer befit their top-dollar status. Silverstrand, on the northern tip of the peninsula, is where most of the upmarket developments are situated. Properties here often have spectacular views, across Port Shelter, of Sai Kung. Silverstrand is pricey and has good reason to be. The beach is one of Hong Kong's best and the area has the only supermarket for some distance. Of the many developments, one of the most stylish is the Bella Vista, which was constructed in 1981. A 2,000 square feet house in this development, with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, garden, terrace, roof and two covered parking spaces will cost around HK$70,000 a month. Facilities include a swimming pool, a tennis court, jacuzzi and a children's playground. The more modern Casa Bella, at 5 Silverstrand Beach Road, comprises 11 blocks of four storeys, containing apartments and duplexes. A 2,000 sq ft duplex apartment with three bedrooms and two bathrooms will rent for HK$40,000 a month. The obvious advantage of Silverstrand is its relative proximity to both Choi Hung MTR station and the Eastern Harbour Tunnel. Progressing further south along Clear Water Bay Road, however, brings you to what one resident termed 'the real Clear Water Bay'. After passing the Star TV headquarters, there come a collection of pretty villages scattered around the peninsula. It is in this heartland where you will find the attractive prices for which Clearwater Bay is famed. Sheung Sze Wan is one such area. An upper floor two-bedroom 700 sq ft apartment can be purchased for as little as HK$2.1 million, inclusive of a parking space. A 2,000 sq ft three-bedroom affair in nearby Pik Uk is on the market for HK$4.5 million. Villages such as these are popular with expatriates and locals alike. One resident of Sheung Sze Wan believes the mix of people is one reason why many residents stay in the area. 'There's a nice community atmosphere,' he said. 'It's a nice, quiet area.' Many of the village residents own cars and it is generally considered too difficult to survive for long in the area without one. Indeed, the nearest supermarket to these parts is the ParknShop in Silverstrand. Otherwise the only option is to drive to the large shopping mall in Tseung Kwan O, a good 15-minute drive away. Clear Water Bay Road also has a reputation for daredevil motorists. Speed limits, according to local inhabitants, are regularly flouted by drivers who appear more keen to execute high-velocity manoeuvres. 'People drive like maniacs,' said the Sheung Sze Wan resident. 'I'm amazed there aren't more accidents.' There are few restaurants in the area, although Sai Kung and its famous seafood restaurants are a 20-minute drive away. Schooling is also limited. There is an international pre-school and a primary school - the nearest Chinese schools are in Tseung Kwan O. The biggest bugbear for Clear Water Bay residents appears to be the transportation links. While some may see it as a boon that the area is difficult to reach, others believe that the area warrants an extra Citybus or KMB route. At present, the only ways to reach the peninsula by public transport are by taking a minibus from Choi Hung or Kwun Tong, or the No 91 KMB from Choi Hung. One of Clear Water Bay's major attractions, for those that can afford it, is the prestigious Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club. Considered to be one of the world's most beautiful courses, non-members are allowed to play, but at exorbitant prices. Next week: Diamond Hill Graphic: pro18gwz
