Sai Kung: cool and yummy

Views of Hong Kong by some Brits may have become clouded in recent years, but Sai Kung is a winner in the eyes of a British magazine.

Its scenery has earned it ninth place in an annual ranking of Time Out's 49 coolest neighborhoods in the world. Highlighting Sai Kung's "idyllic beaches, picturesque hiking trails and well-preserved country parks," it says: "No wonder Sai Kung is so often dubbed the "'back garden of Hong Kong.'"

Also earning high marks was Sai Kung demonstrating "a strong commitment to sustainability" with its organic farms, health food shops, zero-waste stores and environmental community groups like Friends of Sai Kung. To show cool Sai Kung is, the magazine provided a guide on spending a "perfect day" there: "See the sun rise over the High Island Reservoir and take in spectacular views of the clear turquoise lake wander along the pier and top up on caffeine at Little Cove Espresso browse artisan candle store BeCandle, dine at Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant Loaf On, and try traditional desserts at Miss Hui Homemade Steamed Bun."