COMMUNITY

Have Your Say – Denise Ho

Author/ Being Neighbourly
14 July 2024

Denise Ho has lived at several different locations in Mid-levels since 2002, her family having moved out of Repulse Bay while she was studying abroad and she says she hasn’t looked back since! Denise is in the BN Mid-levels Central & The Peak group and was the first person to request membership!

What’s so great about your neighbourhood?

The two things I appreciate the most about Mid-levels is the convenience and energy. On the other hand, I can find oases of calm easily, whether it’s a nook somewhere in HK Park or on a walk up to the Peak. – Mid-levels is the perfect fit for our family in our current stage of life, for all the reasons mentioned. I suppose we may consider moving closer to our kids’ school in the future, if needed. But, firstly, I need to think about tomorrow!

Why did you move here?

As much as we value convenient access to the city, my husband and I are big outdoor enthusiasts. So, access to trails was always quite important to us. We’ve spent time in Mid-Levels West – with access to Bowen Rd and Dutch Lane (荷蘭徑), as well as Upper Mid-levels – with access to the Peak and Cheung Po Tsai Ancient Trail (張保仔古道).

Best places to eat breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner?

I’m such a homebody these days but as part of my totally non-fancy, regular routine, I find myself always returning for: the Breakfast masala omelet at VEDA in Ovolo Central, Congee at Tasty Congee in IFC, Frozen Yoghurt at Yo Mama in IFC and hot dogs at Five Guys on QRC.

Best places to drink?

I like my drinks at Poppinjay’s in the Murray Hotel on Garden Road – it’s easily accessible from home, and I like having both the indoor and outdoor option.

Best unknown little gems?

Everyone knows of Bowen and Old Peak roads. But few know of Dutch Lane (荷蘭徑) or Cheung Po Tsai Ancient Trail (張保仔古道). Beyond being wonderful escapes from Mid-Level’s concrete jungle, both reflect interesting bits of Hong Kong history!

Cheung Po Tsai Ancient Trail (張保仔古道) is named after the (in)famous pirate Cheung Po Zai (張保仔), who was active in the early 1800’s and at his height is said to have 600+ ships and 50,000+ followers.

This trail is purportedly the route that Cheung’s men would use; from here, they could monitor movement in the harbour and avoid city patrols. Today, rock climbers use this path to access several climbing craigs; though the path is okay for non-climbers as well.