Wondering where to live in Hong Kong? It’s always good to talk to the neighbours! In our regular Street Talk feature, we get the inside scoop from residents of different areas. Here, we chat to STELLA ABRAHAM about living in Tuen Mun, Hong Kong.
The Specifics
Name: Stella Abraham
From: Hong Kong
Occupation: Real Estate
Where are you from? I was born and raised here in Hong Kong. I grew up around Jordan and Ho Man Tin but have been lucky enough to have lived in Sai Kung, Yau Yat Chuen, Kowloon Station, Wan Chai, Shiu Fai Terrace and now Tuen Mun.
What do you do here? I’m now in real estate, but I have also worked in the hotel and restaurant industry here in Hong Kong.
Where are you living right now? I’m currently at The Drake in Tuen Mun, close to the beach and close to Harrow International School where my son Callum just graduated from.
How long have you been here? 18 months.
Why this suburb? I moved here so that Callum could be closer to school for his final year at Harrow.
What transport is available in your suburb? The bus network (both the double-decker and mini buses) is extremely convenient. I love the fact that buses are now air-conditioned, no longer allow smoking and even give you a charging point!
TUEN MUN – A FACT FILE
- Tuen Mun probably means “door to the garrison”.
- Historical records indicate that Tuen Mun was perhaps an important trading port, with a garrison posted here from as early as the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907); the location of this garrison has been disputed, however.
- The area was once home to the boat-dwelling Tanka people from southern China.
- The British named the area Castle Peak after the 583-metre peak, Pui To Shan, that rises here.
- Tuen Mun is one of 18 administrative districts of Hong Kong and it has a population of around half a million people.
- Golden Beach was one of Hong Kong’s first artificial beaches; it was made using 74,000 square metres of sand, opening in 1995.
The Scene
When you walk out of your house, what’s the first thing you see? I see a local park with a friendly community, and if I hop the wall I get to access an undesignated beach, with Jojo our rescue dog!
What’s the closest store to your front door? The Gold Coast Piazza is about five minutes away, which offers a marketplace, a yummy coffee shop and restaurants. I can also get to a Fusion in five minutes.
What’s the unofficial uniform of your suburb? Hiking gear.
If a celebrity were to move into the neighbourhood, who would it likely be? Hopefully Brad Pitt!
What do you when you’re in need of a dose of culture? Thankfully, there are many temples around us, and I always find the Chi Lok wet market with the fresh vegetables, local tofu stall and flowers a welcome dose of real life.
What’s a mandatory stop for taking out-of-town guests? The beach that allows dogs.
What’s a common myth about your area? That it’s miles away. It can take 35 minutes to drive to IFC.
If something were to wake you up at night in your neighbourhood, what would it be? Thunder and lightning.
What would a massive late-night rager in your suburb involve? Watching the sunset and then finishing off the picnic.
The Superlatives
What’s your hands-down favourite neighbourhood joint? Green Common.
Where do you find the best local food? At the local Cheung Fan shop.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen in your neighbourhood? Nothing too strange, to be honest! Where are the best bargains in the neighbourhood? The local fruit and veg.
What’s your guiltiest local pleasure? Coffee at Heatos.
What’s one thing you’d never change? The community who meets in the park in the morning and who welcomes a newcomer no matter where you’re from.
If the city gave you HK$5M to soup up your area, how would you spend it? I’d donate it to Habitat for Humanity so that we can continue to better the interiors of Public Housing here in HK.
Do you love your neighbourhood?
Share it with others – just email us at info@expatliving.hk with “Street Talk” in the subject line. Include your name and street, and we’ll be in touch.
This article first appeared in the Spring 2022 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
