When it comes to travelling in Hong Kong, most travel sites and KOLs recommending iconic attractions within the city such as The Peak and Victoria Harbour, or spots for the Best Egg Waffles and Hotpot in Hong Kong. Beyond the skyscrapers and crowded streets, it’s also worth visiting Hong Kong’s outlying islands! Take a day trip to one of 263 islands here and enjoy pristine beaches and scenic hiking trails, just a stone throw away from the city. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best outlying islands in Hong Kong and what makes each one unique.
Tung Ping Chau
Tung Ping Chau Island is a small island located in the north easternmost part of Hong Kong. The island is known as being the most remote island in Hong Kong, as well as for its unique geology and beautiful scenery. You can explore the island’s rocky coastline, which is home to several interesting rock formations, such as the Elephant Trunk Rock and the Devil’s Fist.
How to get there: Take a ferry from Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier to Tung Ping Chau Island.
Lamma Island
Lamma Island is one of the most popular outlying islands in Hong Kong, known for its laid-back atmosphere and picturesque scenery. The island is home to plenty of beautiful beaches, such as Hung Shing Yeh Beach and Power Station Beach, where you can relax and soak up the sun. The island also has many beginner-friendly hiking trails like Family Trail that offer beautiful views of the sea and the surrounding hills. Both ends of the island, Yung Shue Wan in the north and Sok Kwu Wan in the south, offer ferry services to/from Central.
Best time to visit: Anytime of the year
How to get there: Take a ferry from Central Pier 4 to Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan.
Cheung Chau Island
Cheung Chau Island is a small island located just a 35-55 minutes ferry ride from Central. This dumbbell-shaped island is famous for its seafood and is home to several traditional Chinese seafood restaurants. Explore the island’s narrow streets and alleys to find cute little shops and cafés. The most popular spot is perhaps the Cheung Po Tsai Cave, where legend says the famous pirate kept his treasures. Cheung Chau is also a popular destination for water sports, including windsurfing and kayaking.
Best time to visit: Anytime of the year. The traditional Cheung Chau Bun Festival takes place in May
How to get there: Take a ferry from Central Pier 5 to Cheung Chau.
Lantau Island
Lantau Island is the largest island in Hong Kong. Home to famous tourist attractions like the Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery, which can be reached by a 25-minute scenic ride on the Ngong Ping 360 gondola, it’s also recommended to visit the natural side of the island. From beautiful beaches like Cheung Sha Beach, camping at Pui O Beach, to hiking the Sunset Peak, there are so many ways to experience its natural beauty.
Best time to visit: Anytime of the year. Autumn and winter are the best for camping and hiking
How to get there: Take the MTR to Tung Chung or a ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo.
Peng Chau
Peng Chau is a small island located between Lantau Island and Hong Kong Island. While it doesn’t have any major tourist attractions, for those interested in a laid-back island vibe, this is the place to go. Wander between the small village houses to get a taste of the local life and find temples like Tin Hau Temple and Kwan Yin Temple, or hike up for the panoramic views of the surroundings.
Best time to visit: Anytime of the year
How to get there: Take a ferry from Central Pier 6 to Peng Chau.
Tai O
Tai O Island is a small fishing village located on the western side of Lantau Island. It is best known for its houses built on stilts above the water, which earned its name “Little Venice of Hong Kong”. Once home to a thriving fishing industry, you can get a taste of its history by sampling dried seafood and shrimp pastes from the small shops in the narrow alleys. There are many ways to explore this island: take a boat tour and head to some modern cafés at the stilt houses and enjoy the view; or better yet, buy a ticket and join a pink dolphin tour to visit these endangered species.
Best time to visit: Anytime of the year. Tai O Lantern Festival takes place in September or October
How to get there: Take the MTR to Tung Chung and then take a bus or taxi to Tai O
Tung Lung Chau
Located on the eastern part of Hong Kong, Tung Lung Chau is a small, rural island for outdoor adventurers. Families and beginners can hike the Tung Lung Chau Trail and the Chiu Keng Tam Trail to enjoy the beautiful coastline and cliffs. Along the way, you’ll discover an ancient rock carving depicting a dragon overlooking a bay. For the brave ones, there are rock climbing sites along the shoreline for you to take on a challenge while enjoying the sea breeze. On clear nights, it’s also a great spot for stargazing!
Best time to visit: Spring and summer are the best seasons for rock climbing
How to get there: Take a ferry from Sai Wan Ho Ferry Pier to Tung Lung Island
Po Toi Island
Po Toi Island is a small island located just south of Aberdeen. The island is known for its unique rock formations and beautiful, rugged scenery. Visitors can explore the island’s rocky hills to find fascinating natural formations like the Tortoise Climbing up the Mountain and the Monk Rock. The island is also home to three circular hiking routes. The best part? This island is far from the city’s light pollution, making it a great spot for capturing the galaxy!
Best time to visit: Anytime of the year
How to get there: Take a ferry from Aberdeen Ferry Pier to Po Toi Island
Grass Island
Grass Island is a small island located in the northeastern part of Hong Kong. Called Tap Mun in Cantonese, the island is known for its tranquil atmosphere, being one of the more remote outlying islands — but don’t worry, there are regular ferries going from Ma Liu Shui. Whether you’re interested in fishing, swimming, or camping on its open lawn, you can fully embrace nature in your own way.
Best time to visit: Autumn and winter is the best time for camping
How to get there: Take a ferry from Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier to Grass Island
Sharp Island
Sharp Island is a narrow island located at the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. Best known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful coral reefs, this is a popular destination for snorkelling and diving in Hong Kong. During summer times, people like to relax on Hap Mun Bay Beach and other smaller beaches here. Better yet, it’s the most accessible spot inside Hong Kong Geopark, which is merely 15 minutes by ferry from Sai Kung Pier.
Best time to visit: Anytime of the year. For snorkelling and diving, visit in summer and autumn before the water temperature drops
How to get there: Take a ferry from Sai Kung Pier to Sharp Island
Ap Chau
Ap Chau Island, also called Robinson Island, is located in the northernmost part of Hong Kong and is one of the city’s least populated islands. Ap Chau means ‘duck head’ in Cantonese, with some calling the above-pictured portion of rock that has been carved out by waves over time the ‘duck eye’. Spanning just 0.04 sqkm, come for a peaceful getaway surrounded by the nature, and head to the island’s small village to enjoy fresh seafood caught by local fishermen before you leave.
Best time to visit: Anytime of the year
How to get there: Take a ferry from Wong Shek Pier or Ma Liu Shui Pier to Ap Chau Island
Soko Islands
The Soko Islands are a group of 11 islands located south of Lantau Island. The islands are known for their pristine beaches, clear waters, and a vivid marine life. Largely untouched by man, enjoy snorkelling and diving, or simply relax on the many beaches and soak up the sun. It’s also a great docking spot for junk boat parties!
Best time to visit: Anytime of the year
How to get there: Take a ferry from Aberdeen or Sai Wan Ho Ferry Pier to the Soko Islands
Yim Tin Tsai Island
Yim Tin Tsai Island is a small island located off the coast of Sai Kung. The island was once a thriving salt farming community and is now home to historic buildings, including a 300-year-old abandoned Hakka village and a restored church, St. Joseph’s Chapel. The natural salt pans (called yim tin) are UNESO-listed historical sites that are open to the public. After exploring the island’s cultural heritage, you can either hike on the Yim Tin Tsai Nature Trail or relax on the island’s small beach.
Best time to visit: Visit in spring or autumn, especially if you’d like to check out the Sai Kung Hoi Arts Festival
How to get there: Take a ferry from Sai Kung Pier to Yim Tin Tsai Island
Header image credits: Ching Ching Tsui via Wikimedia Commons
