More often than not, however, the territory is thought of in terms of crowded streets, gleaming high-rises and the hundreds of millions changing hands on the stock market each day. Because of the steep, rugged terrain, development is concentrated in a gray fringe along the coast. That has left a largely untouched green heart, much of it protected as country parks.
Dirt tracks wind past bamboo groves, leafy woodlands and across tumbling watercourses.
Up precipitous slopes, trees along the paths thin out to reveal panoramic views across dusky peaks or to the outlying islands. It is a spectacular contrast of mountains and water. Of course, the island will never be a destination for eco-tourists. As the photographer points out, it is possible to get away from the bustling business districts to luxuriant tangles of vines and fan palms by walking just 10 minutes uphill. Stokes helped set up the organization in 1997 to promote awareness through photo-led environmental reports.