The Outlying Islands of Hong Kong
When people think of Hong Kong, they usually think of the bustling city center in Central, the busy markets in Mong Kong, or of course the delicious cuisine. While this is true for most of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, there is much more to this city than the towering metropolis. Hong Kong is made up of over 250 Islands, with some more populated than others. Once you step onto these Outlying Islands, it will feel like a completely new world. They offer a laid back, slower, and more relaxing lifestyle than the constant hustle of Central of Tsim Sha Tsui. Here are eight outlying islands of Hong Kong you must check out.
1. Cheung Chau
The most popular tourist Island in Hong Kong is Cheung Chau. Known literally as “Long Island” in Cantonese, Cheung Chau feels like a small island nation. Th e Main Street is filled with bars, small shops, and of course many seafood restaurants. Be sure to try the famous Cheung Chau mochi. They come in many different flavors, my favorite is the mango. On the south side of the island, you can find many rock formations as well as an old pirate cave. Take a very short hike and explore the beautiful coastline. If you are tired of all of that, you can simply relax at Tung Wan Beach. Cheung Chau is definitely worth a day trip to or even a short weekend getaway.
⛴ From Central Pier No. 5 (Ferry Time Table)
2. Peng Chau
If you want to the Cheung Chau experience with fewer tourists, head to Peng Chau . The layout of this island is very similar to Cheung Chau with the pier on the west and a sandy beach on the east. One of the most intriguing places on Peng Chau is the artsy junkyard next to the old Leather Factory. This narrow alleyway is painted with graffiti and decorated with seemingly random artifacts. But there is somehow a beauty to this chaos. If you don’t mind some extra calories for the day, head to Hoho kitchen and try their pineapple bun stuffed with ice-cream. If you feel guilty after that snack, burn off with a hike up Finger Hill. The streets of Peng Chau are filled with seemingly random artifacts. You can find weird decorations and graffiti at the artsy junkyard next to the old leather factory, and at Tai Lei north of the Island.
⛴ From Central Pier No. 6 (Ferry Time Table)
3. Lantau
The largest Island in the Island District is Lantau Island. Though larger in size than Hong Kong Island, only 170K people live on Lantau, compared to the millions on Hong Kong Island. Lantau is home to some of the most breathtaking natural sceneries in Hong Kong. I could make an entire video about places to visit on Lantau alone, but the most unique place on the island is Tai O Fishing village. Located on the western tip of Lantau, Tai O is the Venice of Hong Kong. The village homes are raised on stilts as if they are floating over the Tai O creek. Be sure to take a boat ride through the creek and out to sea, and maybe you will see one of the mysterious Hong Kong dolphins. At the heart of Lantau Island is the beautiful Sunset Peak. Just like the name suggests, this is one of the best places to watch the sunset on a clear day. The hike up the third tallest peak in Hong Kong is not an easy one, but the scenery is worth it. Of course, you can also visit Hong Kong Disneyland on the east side of Lantau, but that’s for another article.
Tai O: 🚌 – Bus 11 from Tung Chung Station to Tai O Bus Terminus
Sunset Peak: 🚌 – Bus 11 or 3M from Tung Chung Station to Pak Kung Au
4. Chek Lap Kok
North of Lantau is the small island of Chek Lap Kok, to home of Hong Kong International Airport. This island created by land reclamation has a spot many residents don’t even know about. The South Perimeter Road near the Aircraft Maintenance Area is a small stretch of road perfect for plane spotting. You can also sit on the rocks and take in the unobstructed view of the ocean. If you are lucky, you can see the sun slowly dip below the horizon line. On a weekday afternoon, this might be one of the most peaceful places in Hong Kong, when a giant 747 is not flying over your head of course. However during the pandemic, air traffic has decreased and through the fences you can see the sad sight of grounded Cathay Pacific aircrafts.
🚌 – Bus S52 from Tung Chung Station to Aircraft Maintanance Area
5. Lamma Islands
Southwest of Hong Kong Island is Lamma Island, home to around 7000 people. Lamma has two main villages. The village of Yung Shue Wan has many western restaurants and bars. Beware of the quadricycles that weave through the narrow streets, they might crash into you. Sok Kwu Wan on the other side of the Island feels more like a traditional Hong Kong fishing village. Lamma Island has many different scenic trails, but I suggest taking the 3km family trail. At the peak, you can see the giant Lamma powerstation in the background. When you need a break while on the hike, stop by at the Tofu Pudding stall or one of the many beaches.
⛴ From Central Pier No. 4
To Yung Shue Wan (Ferry Time Table)
To Sok Kwu Wan (Ferry Time Table)
6. Tung Lung Chau
Away from the Island District in the west, the outlying islands on the east side of Hong Kong are more famous for their unspoiled natural landscape. Tung Lung Chau located south of the Clear Water Bay peninsula is lush island perfect for a hike through nature or a camping trip. The island is mostly uninhabited, but you can still find small shops selling snacks and drinks. A popular hiking route on the island is the loop where you will find many rock climbing cliffs and camping grounds. Alternatively you can take the short hike north and visit the small lighthouse and fort ruins.
⛴ From Sam Ka Tseun (Ferry Time Table)
⛴ From Sai Wan Ho (Ferry Time Table)
7. Tung Ping Chau
The most remote island in Hong Kong is Tung Ping Chau. Only a few kilometers off the coast of Dapeng Peninsula, Tung Ping Chau is closer than Shenzhen than it is to any other part of Hong Kong. The island is part of Hong Kong’s UNESCO Global Geopark spread around the Sai Kung district. The island is famous of its sedimentary rock formations and wave-cut cliffs which are rarely seen in the rest of Hong Kong. The island is only open to tourists on the weekend, and there are only two ferry time slots from Ma Liu Shui pier near CUHK. If you miss the last ferry on Sunday, you will have to stay there for a week before another scheduled ferry ride. Tung Ping Chau is definitely worth visiting once during your stay in Hong Kong, but once is probably enough.
⛴ From Ma Liu Shui (Ferry Time Table)
8. Tap Mun
My favorite outlying island is Tap Man, also known as Grass Island. Located north of the Sai Kung peninsula, Tap Mun is a small fishing village with less than one hundred residents. In the past, the island was home to man Tanka boat people, but in recent decades, most of its residents moved away to be closer to the city. Tap Mun is a popular camping site, though you might have to share your space with the cows that roam free on the island. If you are only looking for a day trip, take a short hike around the island, but slow it down and enjoy the slow paced relaxing lifestyle. Have a picnic on the hills or a can of beer next to the pier while the sun goes down. If you are lucky, on the ferry ride back points directly at the sunset, and you can see the sky slowly turn pink.
⛴ From Ma Liu Shui (Ferry Time Table)
The fast paced city lifestyle might be exciting and convenient, but if you are exposed to it daily without an escape, it can be draining and tiring. For most of the people in Hong Kong the city is their home, but sometimes we all need that break. The pandemic has made it difficult to travel, but luckily in this city, you are never more than a few steps away from the vast ocean and all the wonders that lye out there. The Outer Islands and fishing villages of Hong Kong give this city a unique side that no other big city has. You are only a boat ride away from your next adventure.
