travel
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’ ve never been completely sold on the idea of camping . To be honest I ’ d rather stay in a hotel than in a tent . So when I suggest visiting a campsite for two nights ( two nights ?!) my family and friends are understandably surprised .
I ’ ve set my sights on Saiyuen Camping Adventure Park , located on the island of Cheung Chau and probably the closest thing to ‘ glamping ’ I can find in Hong Kong . This is no ordinary stickyour-tent – up-in-a-field campsite .
There ’ s something about taking off on a ferry that makes it feel like we are really going on holiday ( or maybe that ’ s just the ridiculous amount of luggage , and the fact that we ’ ve not been overseas for what feels like years ). When we arrive in Cheung Chau there ’ s a different vibe compared to other parts of Hong Kong ; bicycles take the place of cars , making the pace of life seem slower , and stalls sell dried fish along the seafront . All of this helps enhance that holiday feeling .
After a spot of lunch at one of the seafood restaurants ( the squid is generally very good in Cheung Chau ) we take the short sampan trip and 10-minute walk to reach the campsite .
Saiyuen is hidden behind high walls and a big red gate ; but the expanse of green grass that welcomes us has the kids whooping with delight . There is space . There is real grass . There are trees to climb . And there are activities to enjoy .
Saiyuen has a range of tents inspired by different parts of the world and to
suit different group sizes . There ’ s the African Safari Tents which come in three sizes ; the Mongolian Ger ; the Native American Tee Pee , the Star Gazing Geodesic Dome and the Sunset Vista – which appears in lots of photo shoots but seems to always be booked . You can also pitch your own tent in specific areas within the grounds .
We stay in a large African Safari Tent ; after all , it ’ s the closest I ’ ll get to an African Safari anytime soon . The tent is set up with two double and two single camp beds , complete with bed linen and pillows . There are two ceiling fans , lights and there ’ s even an air conditioning unit . There ’ s a sink outside and a picnic bench . It surpasses all expectations . The XL Safari Tents have a bathroom , like a portacabin , attached to the rear of the tent . Guests of the Medium and Large Safari Tents , and American Tee Pees use the shower and toilet cubicles located nearby , but they are clean and work well . It ’ s not too much of a challenge to use them . The shower block is clearly the place to be for the local mosquitoes , though , so be ready to swat !
Each of the three Mongolian Ger have their own small garden with fairy lights and a BBQ , but for the African Safari , Tee Pees or pitch your own tents you ’ ll need to rent a BBQ . Arguably this should be part of the overnight accommodation package . It ’ s also worth noting that the BBQ won ’ t be
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