Best Outlying Islands in Hong Kong to Visit
1. Lantau Island (大嶼山)
Why Go: Nature, hiking, beaches, cultural sites
Best For: Hikers, families, photographers
Highlights:
Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) – Iconic, 34 meters tall
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car – Scenic ride from Tung Chung
Tai O Fishing Village – Traditional stilt houses, salted fish, and shrimp paste
Mui Wo – Laid-back beach town with good bike trails
Pui O & Cheung Sha Beaches – Great for camping or relaxing
Getting There:
MTR to Tung Chung + bus or cable car
Ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo
2. Cheung Chau (長洲)
Why Go: Food, beach fun, traditional vibes
Best For: Day trippers, couples, festival-goers
Highlights:
Cheung Chau Bun Festival (May) – Unique event with bun towers
Pak Tai Temple – Local temple with colorful history
Mini Great Wall Hike – Easy coastal walk with sea caves and rock formations
Fresh seafood – Try the giant fish balls and mango mochi
Getting There:
Fast ferry (35 mins) or slow ferry (55 mins) from Central Pier 5
3. Lamma Island (南丫島)
Why Go: Chill, artsy atmosphere, seafood, scenic hikes
Best For: Casual hikers, creatives, foodies
Highlights:
Family Trail – Easy, picturesque hike between Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan
Hung Shing Yeh Beach – Popular and accessible
Seafood at Sok Kwu Wan – Fresh, waterfront dining
Lamma Winds – Wind turbine with a view
Getting There:
Ferry from Central Pier 4 to Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan
4. Peng Chau (坪洲)
Why Go: Underrated, quiet, artsy escape
Best For: Slow travel lovers, walkers, off-the-beaten-path explorers
Highlights:
Finger Hill – Easy hike with peaceful views
Art and upcycled installations – Local community vibes
Old-school shops and temples – Preserved heritage
Getting There:
Ferry from Central Pier 6 (around 30 minutes)
5. Po Toi Island (蒲台島)
Why Go: Wild nature, unique rock formations, ghost stories
Best For: Adventurers, weekend wanderers
Highlights:
Po Toi Rock Formations – Look for the "Palm Cliff" and "Buddha's Hand Rock"
Abandoned village and haunted house ruins – Spooky and photogenic
Seaweed soup at the island restaurant
Getting There:
Ferry from Aberdeen or Stanley (only on select days – check schedule)
Tips for Visiting Hong Kong’s Outlying Islands
Check ferry schedules – Some only run a few times a day or on weekends
Bring cash – Many small vendors don’t accept cards or mobile payment
Pack water and sunscreen – Especially if hiking
Weekdays are more peaceful – Weekends can get crowded
If you're looking for something even more remote, you might explore places like Tung Lung Chau for hiking and camping, or Sharp Island near Sai Kung for unique rock formations and beaches.
