As you approach Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden – KFBG, as it is affectionately known – you can instantly feel the transition from the bustling Lam Kam Road outside to the calm ambience that welcomes guests into this green and serene oasis. 

KFBG entrance immediately opens out onto a spacious plaza that serves as a meeting point and a chance for visitors to get their bearings on the map before setting off to explore this once-barren expanse of 148 hectares, now transformed into a lush sea of greenery and vibrant wildlife. 

Established in 1956, KFBG began as a livelihood aid to train impoverished local farmers in the New Territories. Over time, it evolved to focus on a broad range of environmental issues, including the conservation of nature and protection of rescued wildlife, alongside educational initiatives to raise awareness about the environment, not only in Hong Kong but also in mainland China, Cambodia, and Laos.  

These days, KFBG also plays host to many workshops and programmes, ranging from natural woodcraft and crafting with clay, seeds and twigs to creating kalimbas (a type of musical instrument) from recycled wood. Special events, including guided breathwork, movie screenings, art exhibits, and inspirational talks, are also regular fixtures in the busy schedule.

It regularly hosts schoolchildren, youths, and the elderly – bringing communities closer to nature and giving them a chance to develop a deeper reverence for the environment. The importance of recycling, sustainability, and caring for wildlife are all key aspects of the programmes. 

In the spirit of giving back to the community in Hong Kong, KFBG has also recently started a wellness programme – “Connection to Nature for Migrant Domestic Workers in Hong Kong” – on Sundays for migrant domestic workers (MDWs). 

“We want to give domestic workers a fun day to relax, be closer to nature, and join in our wellness activities like yoga and Zentangle [a creative drawing method],” says KFBG Head of Communication and Partnerships, Angela Wong. “We know how hard they work during the week, so we want to give back to the migrant community and show them how much we appreciate them.”

There are almost 400,000 MDWs in the city, with most having only one rest day each week to run personal errands, meet friends, and de-stress. Getting enough rest during this time is important, as it reduces stress and chances of injury, decreases blood pressure, and boosts the body’s recovery.

Being immersed in nature is no doubt hills, a day out at the beach, or strolling through a forest – all these activities can induce a heightened sense of calm and serenity, both physically and mentally.

The “Connection to Nature” programme offers a fun and well-balanced day of activities for migrant workers at no cost at all to themselves; it includes free transportation, free admission, free activities, and a free lunch for all participants. The day starts around 10am, with a one-hour shuttle bus ride to KFBG from pick-up points in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the activity facilitators; depending on the activities scheduled for the day, they are led to either the Sky Room or the Mountain Room for the yoga and Zentangle art workshops.

At 1:15pm, guests gather in the Mountain Room, where a healthy and delicious vegan meal is served. Over lunch, friends old and new have the opportunity to catch up on the events of the morning and share stories about life abroad. “Ang ganda at ang lawak ng KFBG, nakakarelax talaga. Pagbungad palang namin sa plaza, ramdam ko na unti-unting nawawala ang aking stress”, [KFBG is so beautiful and vast, it is very relaxing. As soon as I stepped into the plaza, I could feel my stress slowly melting away], shares Ana, a member of the migrant group, Pangyaos, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary at KFBG.

“Enjoy talaga kami sa yoga. Halos lahat kami walang masyadong experience kaya naglalagutok yung aming mga kasukasuan, tawanan naman kami. Ang galing ng kanilang instructor”, [We really enjoyed yoga. The majority of us don’t have a lot of experience with yoga, so whenever our joints started making cracking and popping noises, we all laughed. The instructor was very nice and very good], laughs Boniel Morales, a long-standing volunteer moderator for Pangyaos. 

After lunch, the group returns to the plaza, where KFBG staff hand out booklets and provide instructions for a special treasure hunt. From 2pm until 3:45pm, participants are encouraged to stroll through the lower section of KFBG at their leisure, keeping their eyes open for the various landmarks detailed in their booklets and exploring their creative side through poetry writing, sketching, and pencil rubbings. 

So, what exactly is the “treasure” that KFBG is hoping their visitors will find? Here is a poem from the website that describes it best:

What is the treasure?

Treasure is not gold or material goods.

The real treasure in this activity, and in life, is the mystery and beauty of nature;

Realizing that you and nature are one;

and realizing that within you is all the happiness you could ever want.

Uncover these priceless treasures.

By 4pm, everyone gathers in the plaza to take the shuttle bus back to the city, all smiles and laughter, having bonded over their shared experiences. As they leave, they bring with them a sense of peace, a renewed appreciation of the environment, and happy memories to sustain them. Ready to face life and everything that comes with it, knowing that this green gem called Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden is here whenever they need a respite from the challenges of daily working life in the city.