See & Do
Outlying Islands
Hong Kong Island is just one of many mountainous isles included in the SAR. All told, there are more than 230 of them. Many have been inhabited for centuries by fishing or farming communities and their traditions live on to the present day. If you visit at the right time, you may happen upon a temple festival, a fishermen’s dragon boat race or a Cantonese opera performance in a bamboo theatre.
Many visitors come not for culture but for sun and seafood, and the islands have plenty of both. Harbourside restaurants do a roaring trade catering to ferry passengers and weekend sailors. Although there are several beaches manned by lifeguards, a junk allows you to sail anywhere you please, and there are scores of deserted bays for you to drop anchor.
Another positive aspect is the absence of motor traffic. The air is clearer on the islands and you can let animals and young children run freely.
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. Links to timetables can be found below. Holiday apartments are available for rent on Lamma Island and Cheung Chau, so your visit need not end with the last ferry.
For Lantau, by far the biggest of all the outlying islands.
Residential
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 a more laid-back way of life.
Retail
Shopping opportunities generally come in the form of handicrafts. The main street of Yung Shue Wan on Lamma Island is particularly good for these.
Places of Interest
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 a popular destination for junk trips, and Siu A Chau has a nice beach.
Cheung Chau (map 13-B2)
Cheung Chau is the most populous outlying island, thanks to its long-established fishing industry. More than 20,000 people are somehow crammed into the tiny town. On arrival, the ferry passes rows and rows of deep-sea boats anchored in the island’s harbour. Their harvest is put to good use: dozens of alfresco seafood restaurants line the town’s waterfront.
In the north, the Pak Tai temple is Cheung Chau’s most famous, and was built in 1783. It is the site of the annual Bun Festival which usually takes place in May. Towers of steamed buns are erected in the forecourt, and competitors climb them to see who can get the highest bun.
South of the pier, the Hung Shing temple is a well-kept building hidden amidst a jumble of old-world streets. Uphill from here, the Kwan Kung Pavilion, a shrine devoted to the god of justice, is set in pleasant gardens.
The southwest corner of the island holds what is said to be the treasure cave of Cheung Po-tsai, the notorious pirate, but it is only a clammy fissure in the rock. Nevertheless, a nice trail leads along the southern coast. Start it by taking a sampan from near the main pier to Sai Wan, and then follow the signs along Peak Road back to the main town.
Access by ferry from Central, TST or Mui Wo.
Timetables: 2131 8181 or www.nwff.com.hk
Lamma Island (map 13-F3)
Lamma is the closest to Hong Kong Island and the most popular with expat residents. The main settlement, Yung Shue Wan, has a relaxed holiday atmosphere, with a good range of dining options. A cross-island trail leads south to Sok Kwu Wan, the other main village, which is well known for its seafood. Both places have ferry services and both have Tin Hau temples.
A power station behind Yung Shue Wan provides electricity to the whole of Hong Kong Island, and the ungazetted Tai Wan To beach beside it is popular with dog owners and volleyball players. It’s also a venue for occasional rave parties.
A circular hike can be made from Sok Kwu Wan which includes the old villages of Mo Tat and Tung O, a couple of sandy beaches and a climb up to a pass with great views. The bay of Sham Wan to the south is the only beach in Hong Kong which turtles still visit to lay eggs.
Access by ferry from Central or Aberdeen. For timetable information ring 2815 6063 or visit www.hkkf.com.hk. For the Aberdeen to Sok Kwu Wan route try 2375 7883 or www.ferry.com.hk.
Peng Chau (map 9-C4)
Nestling close to the eastern coast of Lantau, Peng Chau is a tiny island with a large commuter population. Reached by ferry from Central or Mui Wo, it boasts a few temples and old market streets. Its appeal has been damaged in recent years by the 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.
Timetables: 2131 8181 or www.nwff.com.hk
Poi Toi (map 14-F4)
Po 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. The bay is often full of pleasure boats.
Access by ferry from Stanley (Sundays only) or Aberdeen (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays).
Departures are not that frequent so check the schedule first at www.ferry.com.hk or by calling 2375 7883.
Tap Mun (map 1-F1)
Tap Mun, also known as Grass Island, is a 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 the 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.
Access by ferry from Ma Liu Shui, near University KCR station, or from Wong Shek Pier in Sai Kung. Call 2272 2022 for schedules or go to www.traway.com.hk.
Tung Lung Island (map 1-F4)
Tung Lung Island guards the eastern approaches to Victoria Harbour, and so it is no surprise that remains of a Qing dynasty fort were found there. It has become a popular place for rock climbers. The island has no permanent population but a few noodle cafes are operated on weekends.
Access by ferry from Sai Wan Ho (Hong Kong Island) or Sam Ka Tsuen (Kowloon). Call 2131 8181 for schedule details.
Tung Ping Chau (map 1-F1)
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 Mirs Bay. It is very close to the coast of China. Being distant from the rest of Hong Kong, it has 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 ghostly abandoned villages, while underwater there are coral reefs. On weekends, villagers return to run noodle shops. Some beds can be rented.
Access by ferry from Ma Liu Shui, near University KCR station. There are just two departures on Saturdays and one on Sundays so check www.traway.com.hk or call 2272 2022 before setting off.
Many visitors come not for culture but for sun and seafood, and the islands have plenty of both. Harbourside restaurants do a roaring trade catering to ferry passengers and weekend sailors. Although there are several beaches manned by lifeguards, a junk allows you to sail anywhere you please, and there are scores of deserted bays for you to drop anchor.
Another positive aspect is the absence of motor traffic. The air is clearer on the islands and you can let animals and young children run freely.
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. Links to timetables can be found below. Holiday apartments are available for rent on Lamma Island and Cheung Chau, so your visit need not end with the last ferry.
For Lantau, by far the biggest of all the outlying islands.
Residential
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 a more laid-back way of life.
Retail
Shopping opportunities generally come in the form of handicrafts. The main street of Yung Shue Wan on Lamma Island is particularly good for these.
Places of Interest
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 a popular destination for junk trips, and Siu A Chau has a nice beach.
Cheung Chau (map 13-B2)
Cheung Chau is the most populous outlying island, thanks to its long-established fishing industry. More than 20,000 people are somehow crammed into the tiny town. On arrival, the ferry passes rows and rows of deep-sea boats anchored in the island’s harbour. Their harvest is put to good use: dozens of alfresco seafood restaurants line the town’s waterfront.
In the north, the Pak Tai temple is Cheung Chau’s most famous, and was built in 1783. It is the site of the annual Bun Festival which usually takes place in May. Towers of steamed buns are erected in the forecourt, and competitors climb them to see who can get the highest bun.
South of the pier, the Hung Shing temple is a well-kept building hidden amidst a jumble of old-world streets. Uphill from here, the Kwan Kung Pavilion, a shrine devoted to the god of justice, is set in pleasant gardens.
The southwest corner of the island holds what is said to be the treasure cave of Cheung Po-tsai, the notorious pirate, but it is only a clammy fissure in the rock. Nevertheless, a nice trail leads along the southern coast. Start it by taking a sampan from near the main pier to Sai Wan, and then follow the signs along Peak Road back to the main town.
Access by ferry from Central, TST or Mui Wo.
Timetables: 2131 8181 or www.nwff.com.hk
Lamma Island (map 13-F3)
Lamma is the closest to Hong Kong Island and the most popular with expat residents. The main settlement, Yung Shue Wan, has a relaxed holiday atmosphere, with a good range of dining options. A cross-island trail leads south to Sok Kwu Wan, the other main village, which is well known for its seafood. Both places have ferry services and both have Tin Hau temples.
A power station behind Yung Shue Wan provides electricity to the whole of Hong Kong Island, and the ungazetted Tai Wan To beach beside it is popular with dog owners and volleyball players. It’s also a venue for occasional rave parties.
A circular hike can be made from Sok Kwu Wan which includes the old villages of Mo Tat and Tung O, a couple of sandy beaches and a climb up to a pass with great views. The bay of Sham Wan to the south is the only beach in Hong Kong which turtles still visit to lay eggs.
Access by ferry from Central or Aberdeen. For timetable information ring 2815 6063 or visit www.hkkf.com.hk. For the Aberdeen to Sok Kwu Wan route try 2375 7883 or www.ferry.com.hk.
Peng Chau (map 9-C4)
Nestling close to the eastern coast of Lantau, Peng Chau is a tiny island with a large commuter population. Reached by ferry from Central or Mui Wo, it boasts a few temples and old market streets. Its appeal has been damaged in recent years by the 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.
Timetables: 2131 8181 or www.nwff.com.hk
Poi Toi (map 14-F4)
Po 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. The bay is often full of pleasure boats.
Access by ferry from Stanley (Sundays only) or Aberdeen (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays).
Departures are not that frequent so check the schedule first at www.ferry.com.hk or by calling 2375 7883.
Tap Mun (map 1-F1)
Tap Mun, also known as Grass Island, is a 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 the 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.
Access by ferry from Ma Liu Shui, near University KCR station, or from Wong Shek Pier in Sai Kung. Call 2272 2022 for schedules or go to www.traway.com.hk.
Tung Lung Island (map 1-F4)
Tung Lung Island guards the eastern approaches to Victoria Harbour, and so it is no surprise that remains of a Qing dynasty fort were found there. It has become a popular place for rock climbers. The island has no permanent population but a few noodle cafes are operated on weekends.
Access by ferry from Sai Wan Ho (Hong Kong Island) or Sam Ka Tsuen (Kowloon). Call 2131 8181 for schedule details.
Tung Ping Chau (map 1-F1)
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 Mirs Bay. It is very close to the coast of China. Being distant from the rest of Hong Kong, it has 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 ghostly abandoned villages, while underwater there are coral reefs. On weekends, villagers return to run noodle shops. Some beds can be rented.
Access by ferry from Ma Liu Shui, near University KCR station. There are just two departures on Saturdays and one on Sundays so check www.traway.com.hk or call 2272 2022 before setting off.
