Hong Kong Outlying Islands

Hop on a ferry out to the Outlying Islands of which Hong Kong has over 260,
For some wholesome fun and an outdoor workout. at the three most popular islands - Lantau, Lamma and Cheung Chau - you and your family can go on nature walks, watch wild dolphins, check out temples, caves and forts, or simply splash on some suntan lotion and relax on the beach. Many visitors come out not for culture but for sun and seafood, and the islands have plenty of both

Several different ferry companies run services and fares are low. Journeys typically take between 20 minutes and an hour, apart from the route to Tung Ping Chau. Holiday apartments are available for rent on Lamma Island and Cheung Chau, so you visit need not end with the last ferry. For Lantau, by far the biggest of all the outlying islands.

Outlying Islands Housing and Shopping

Housing is all village style, i.e. modern three-storey villas. Lamma island Cheung Chau and Peng Chau have become popular residential areas for expats who appreciate cleaner air, a quieter environment and more laid-back way of life. Shopping opportunities generally come in the form of handicrafts. The main streets of Yung Shue Wan on Lamma Island is particularly good for these.

Outlying Islands Attractions

With a variety of islands in all shapes and sizes there is plenty to explore; from secret beaches, challenging walks, raves and great seafood, the choice is yours. Also worth a mention are the Soko Islands, an uninhabited archipelago off the south coast of Lantau Island. They are popular destination for junk trips, and Siu A Chau has a nice beach.

Lantau Island

Lantau Island is famed for its Giant Buddha that sits upon Ngong Ping Plateau at the Po Lin Monastery. At 26m high and weighing in at 202 tonnes of bronze, it is the world’s largest seated outdoor Buddha. Monks prepare vegetarian lunches at the monastery for visitors.

Tanka boat people who live in traditional stilt-houses at the fishing village of Tai O can be visited. The island also boasts the white sandy beach, Cheung Sha, and the amazing Shek Pik Reservoir Dam. Day trips to Lantau and tours can be arranged from Hong Kong Island.

Lamma Island is renowned for its seafood and there are many restaurants and cafes along the sea front. The walk to the village of Yung Shue Wan provides a wonderful hilltop vista of Hong Kong’s distant skyline.

Numerous other islands can be visited as a tranquil alternative to the frenetic energy of the rest of Hong Kong.

Cheung Chau Island

Cheung Chau and Peng Chau are still traditional fishing islands with simple temples and unspoilt beaches. Cheung Chau holds an annual Bun Festival in celebration of Pak Tai (a god that influences good sailing and fishing). Bamboo towers covered in steamed buns are constructed as an offering to the god.

Cheung Chau is the most populous outlying island, there are lots of outdoor activities to indulge in and picturesque spots to visit. On arrival the ferry passes rows and rows of deep-sea boats anchored in the island's harbour. Dozens of alfresco seafood restaurants line the town's waterfront.

In the north Pak Tak temple. Built over 200 years ago, the temple is dedicated to the god of the sea and features unique architectural details. Some the historical relics kept on site are over 800 years old. It is the site of the annual Bun Festival.

South of the pier, the Hung Shing Temple is well-kept building hidden amidst a jumble of old-world streets. The island's probably best-known for being the home of champion sailor Lee Lai Shan, a 1996 Olympics gold medalist.

Lamma Island

Lamma is the closest outlying island to Hong Kong Island and the most popular with expat residents. Peaceful and laid-back about sum up Lamma Island, a cosy community of small villas and a diverse expat community.

Lamma beaches are pleasant and the restaurants and bars simplicity personified while the southern harbour village of Sok Kwun Wan boasts seafood served on open-air stilt terraces. The main settlement, Yuen Shue Wan has a relaxed holiday atmosphere with a good range of dining options.

Get off ferry pier at Yung Shue Wan and get on the well-paved walking trail that links to Sok Kwu Wan. This refreshing 1.5 hour walk ends at a seafood restaurant. Dine on prawns before taking the ferry back to Central.

Peng Chau Island

Nestling to then eastern coast of Lantau, Peng Chau is tiny island with a large commuter population. Reached by ferry from Central or Mui Wo, it boasts a few temples and old market streets.

Peng Chau's appeal has been damaged in recent years by construction of needlessly high sea walls, but the easy climb up Finger Hill still gives good views of the Western harbour and its islands, and of the Tsing ma Bridge.

The Green Peng Chau Association has published a beautiful hand-drawn map of the island's attractions.

A 'kaido' (village ferry) service covers the short distances between Peng Chau, Discovery Bay and a pier near the Trappist Monastery on Lantau Island.

Poi Toi Island

Poi Toi is found to the south of Stanley. The steep, round island has a small village with beachside seafood restaurants, and some rock formations to the south which are popular with Chinese tourists.

Po Toi Bay is often full of pleasure boats. Access by ferry Stanley (Sundays only) or Aberdeen (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays).

Tap Mun Island

Tap Mun, also known as Grass Island, is very old-world place at the entrance to Tolo harbour, its fishing villages are pleasingly free of modern buildings.

A simple circuit of the island can be made, taking in its Tin Hau temple and grassy eastern coast, and finishing at the island's seafood restaurant near the pier. There are no night-time ferries so make an early start for this expedition.

Tung Lung Island

Tung Lung Island guards the eastern approaches to Victoria Harbour, and so it is no surprise that remains of Qing dynasty fort were found there.

Tung Lung has become a popular place for rock climbers. The island has no permanent population but a few noodle cafes are operated on weekends.

Tung Ping Chau

Tung Ping Chau (also known as Ping Chau) is the furthest-flung of all Hong Kong's outlying islands, way out in the northeast corner of Miss Bay. It is very close to the coast of China and features a different geology. Sedimentary rock is revealed in layers which glitter when wet, and erosion has created rock towers on wave-cut platforms.

The island and its waters are protected as country and marine parks. On land you'll find ghost villages while underwater there are coral reefs. Weekends find villagers returning to run noddle shops. Some beds can be rented.

Access by ferry from Ma Lui Shui, near University MTR (formerly KCR) station. There are just two departures on Saturdays and one one Sundays.

 

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