lemiDiscover more essentials about Hong Kong, China including capital, population, languages, and travel practicalities.
A Day Tripper's Island Getaway
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is made up of more than 200 outlying islands. Bridges and ferries connect them all, making it easy to go beyond the city’s frenetic urban jungle. Discover a simple lifestyle within quiet towns nestled between lush rolling hills. Delight in leisurely treks, intense rock-climbs, or carefree beach-bumming! Beneath the surface, these isles are also rooted in history, freely available to visitors looking to dig a little deeper into local culture. There are a bunch of activities to choose from, and we’ve narrowed HK’s most interesting islands for you to enjoy on your next day trip!
Lantau Island is Hong Kong’s largest outlying landmass—even bigger than Hong Kong Island itself! It attracts hordes of devout pilgrims for two reasons: Tian Tan Buddha (a.k.a. Big Buddha) and Disneyland! Surrounding areas, like Ngong Ping Village, have become a tourist hotspot replete with shops and restaurants. What few know about, though, is that there are a lot more things to do on Lantau apart from its most popular attractions. Discover Tung Chung Fort, a citadel that defended the area against pirates. Watch endemic pink dolphins just off the coast; then, spend the rest of the day convening with nature at one of the many campsites, trails, and waterfalls.
Hong Kong
Immerse yourself in the olden days of Hong Kong’s fishing industry on Lamma Island! Learn from firsthand experience at Lamma Fisherfolk’s Village as you’re taught to catch fish, use fishing nets, and weave rope. The various exhibits on this floating museum honor the fishermen and the trade that helped make Hong Kong what it is today! Just a few minutes away, Tin Hau Temple calls for a visit. The religious structure is dedicated to Tin Hau, the Chinese Goddess of the Sea. She is a crucial part of local culture since she is believed to protect seafarers. On the way, you’ll pass a number of Sok Kwu Wan’s renowned seafood restaurants. Follow your gut and feast to your heart’s content!
Hong Kong
Much of Tai O has been frozen in time from its heyday as a fishing village. Some houses still hover above the water on stilts, channels have remained busy with boats, and the smell of fish ever pervades the air. Part of the town actually extends onto Lamma Island since both are connected to each other by two bridges. Proceed to Tai O Viewing Point and Fu Shan Viewing Point for a little alone time. Across the island, away from the busy village, it is just you and a view of the boundless sea.
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Hong Kong
On Cheung Chau, seafront strolls, the Mini Great Wall, and cherry-blossoms at Kwan Kung Pavilion offer a change of pace throughout the year. However, the local Bun Festival is truly its main attraction. When Buddha’s birthday rolls around, tall towers are erected and covered with homemade buns. Witness festival-goers scale up to several stories high on a harness in a competition snatch as many buns as they can! The Cheung Chau Bun Festival began as an occasion for locals to pray for protection against pirates and plague brought by evil spirits. That is why Pak Tai Temple, dedicated to the Taoist God of the Sea, is the eye of the storm during festivities.
Hong Kong
Life is unhurried in quaint and quiet Peng Chau, a complete turnaround from just a few decades ago (in the 1970s and 1980s) when it was an industrial powerhouse. Get lost along streets lined with abandoned factories, a forgotten cinema, and rustic temples. These sights make up the Peng Chau Heritage Trail, an hour-long stroll guided by signs. Ease into the rest of your lazy day by binging on the day’s catch on Wing On Street! Hoi King Seafood Restaurant is popular with tourists and locals alike. Prices are cheaper than in the big city, though expect a lack of English menus.
Hong Kong
Flex your rock-climbing muscles at Tung Lung Chau where granite cliffs and volcanic rock carve out the landscape. Beautiful waters form a dramatic backdrop to your ascent and a rewarding view once you’ve finished. There are options available for varying levels of difficulty. The Technical Wall is a single-pitch climb, meaning the route can be finished in one go! It is also by far the busiest wall, especially on weekends. Favor Sea Gully, Big Wall, and Kite Rock when you’re feeling a little more solitary. They’re just as scenic and bear interesting challenges for climbers.
Clearwater Bay, Hong Kong
Mangroves have taken over the former salt-farming town on Yim Tin Tsai (鹽田仔). It used to be inhabited by the Hakka people, migrant families who settled here from Guangdong. Now, the settlement remains deserted, slowly reclaimed by nature. Rows of townhouses, a schoolhouse, and a Roman Catholic church once catered to the island’s population. It makes for a pretty atmospheric hike frequented by day-trippers looking for a little lore and history. Head to Ching Po School for a more educational approach to the village’s heritage!
Hong Kong
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Pitch a tent on the flat peak of Tap Mun (also known as “Grass Island”)! A large patch on the highest hilltop was cleared for a campsite equipped with a water source and toilets. There are even small family-owned restaurants nearby, so you’ll have everything you need for a carefree day! Kick back and take in the panoramic views. Rekindle that childlike joy and fly a kite in the breeze. Cows like to graze in the area and might even mingle with you! Several walking trails wrap around the island, ideal for stretching your legs. Along the way, you’ll encounter rocky beaches jutting with interesting columns, isolated piers, and untouched woods.
Sai Kung, Hong Kong
Spot imaginative granite formations and rock carvings on Po Toi Island! Soon as you hop off your boat at the pier, you’ll see Conch Rock. Follow the paved path and look out for the others: Monk Rock, Turtle Coming Up the Mountain, and Palm Cliff! Take a break at Nam Kok Tsui Lighthouse to admire the South China Sea stretching out to the blue horizon. You’ll know you’ve reached the end of the route when you’ve found the time-old patterns (estimated at 3,000 years old!) etched on the side of the cliff—Indiana Jones, watch out!
Hong Kong
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Take a dive just off of Tung Ping Chau to come face-to-face with undersea beauty! These waters are home to 60 different kinds of coral species and colorful fish! The island is known to be Hong Kong’s best diving site, a Marine Park and a part of UNESCO’s Global Geopark Network. Above the water, the waves cut the island’s shale rocks in the most interesting way. The land seems to be emerging from the sea in shingles of sedimentary rock. Keep your eyes peeled for fossils! Be mindful of the ferry schedule, though; they only operate on weekends and public holidays.
Hong Kong
About Hong Kong, China
