When thoughts of Hong Kong arise, most people envision the captivating skyline surrounding Hong Kong Island or the urban expanse of the Kowloon peninsula. Yet, equally fascinating but often overlooked are the 234 Hong Kong’s outlying islands. While we won’t delve into the specifics of all these islands, in this post I’m going to focus on the top 10 Hong Kong outlying islands that are most popular.

Whether you seek a serene picnic spot, wish to cycle around, or desire to explore stunning hiking trails, delve into Hong Kong’s outdoor realms by venturing to the islands dotting its vicinity.

So, what exactly are these outlying islands that compose the archipelago of Hong Kong, and are they worth a visit? Without delay, here are the best 10 Hong Kong outlying islands for island hopping.

Alongside the swath of mainland territory adjoining Kowloon and extending to the Chinese border, the New Territories encompass 234 outlying islands.

While many of these islands are diminutive, sparsely inhabited, or uninhabited, there exist several significant islands that are easily reachable and ideal for day trips from Hong Kong.

With plenty of things to do in Hong Kong outlying islands, the initial four can be conveniently accessed via ferry from the Outlying Islands Ferry Piers located adjacent to the Star Ferry terminal at Central Ferry Pier.

Best 10 Hong Kong Outlying Islands For Island Hopping

1. Lantau Island

Lantau Island surpasses Hong Kong Island in size, standing as the sole outlying island to achieve this feat.

A quarter of a century ago, tranquility reigned throughout the island. However, the establishment of Chek Lap Kok (Hong Kong’s International Airport) in 1998 transformed North Lantau beyond recognition.

While the South Lantau villages and beaches continue to exude a peaceful ambiance, they are best accessed by ferry.

The airport connects to East Kowloon via a four-lane highway and the iconic Tsing Ma Bridge, counted among the world’s longest suspension bridges.

Stretching along the island’s western coastline, land reclamation efforts have paved the way for the Hong Kong Express railway.

This railway trip from the airport to Central takes just over thirty minutes.

Noteworthy developments on Lantau include the HK Disneyland and Tung Chung New Town.

The MTR line concludes at Tung Chung, while the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car offers breathtaking views of the Lantau hills en route to the Giant Buddha, Wisdom Path, and Po Lin Monastery.

Central Lantau boasts a rugged terrain, predominantly left undisturbed except for hikers and visitors to the Po Lin Monastery.

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The island is crisscrossed by a winding road and another route tracing the southern coast.

It links the ferry terminal at Mui Wo (Silvermine Bay) to the historic village of Tai O, renowned for its stilt houses, prawn paste makers, and a colorful history of smuggling.

Mui Wo features the Silvermine Beach Resort, a handful of guesthouses, assorted shops, and a supermarket.

Outdoor dining venues also serve as bicycle rental hubs, while a small low-rise housing enclave and a pristine beach lie nearby.

A leisurely bus or taxi ride along the southern road leads to locales like Cheng Sha or Tong Fuk, retaining a tranquil village vibe with select shops and eateries. Cheng Sha Beach, in my view, stands out as one of the premier beaches in the area.

How to Get to Lantau: Take the MTR to Tung Chung or catch a ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo.

Things to Do on Lantau Island

Lantau boasts some of the finest hiking trails in Hong Kong. Among them, two stand out for their breathtaking vistas:

• The coastal route from Tung Chung to Tai O;
• The uphill journey from Ngong Ping to Lantau Peak.

At 934 meters tall, Lantau Peak represents the island’s highest point and serves as a popular spot for witnessing the sunrise.

Some adventurers opt to spend the night in Ngong Ping 360, immersing themselves in an incredibly picturesque setting.

The ascent typically requires around 2 hours, with an additional 2 hours allocated for the descent.

For those inclined towards shopping, a visit to Citygate Outlets—Hong Kong’s premiere and largest Outlet Shopping Mall.

2. Lamma Island

Lamma Island ranks high among my preferred weekend getaway spots, merely a 20-minute ferry ride from Central Pier No. 4. This gem is easily discernible from the southern side of Hong Kong.

Lamma Island allures seafood enthusiasts and hiking aficionados, serving as a sought-after day trip destination.

The absence of motor vehicles on the island enhances its tranquil charm, offering a delightful 4 km coastal walk and accommodating two ferry terminals.

Embark on a ferry journey to Sok Kwu Wan, trek to Yung Shue Wan with a refreshing swim en route, and relish the ambiance of Sok Kwu Wan, a bustling fishing village.

Indulge in delectable seafood at the outdoor restaurants, and conveniently catch a return ferry without retracing your steps.

Despite the presence of a somewhat unsightly power plant, Lamma Island showcases Hong Kong’s inaugural wind turbine and Lo So Shing Beach.

Navigating the third largest island in Hong Kong is straightforward. Simply traverse the Lamma Island Family Trail from Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan or vice versa.

This leisurely journey typically spans around two hours. If you opt for a continuous walk, completion in less than an hour is feasible.

A single main road connects Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan, with clear signage ensuring you stay on course.

Revel in the picturesque vistas of Lantau Island and Cheung Chau, and keep your camera handy for memorable snapshots!

How to Get to Lamma Island:

Take a ferry to either Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan from Central Ferry Pier 4 (just a five-minute stroll from MTR Hong Kong Station). The voyage lasts approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

3. Cheung Chau

Cheung Chau, resembling a bone in shape and stretching around 10 kilometers long, lies an hour away from Central Pier No. 5 via a standard ferry or a swift 35-minute journey on the fast (hover) ferry.

The island, housing approximately 23,000 permanent residents, boasts a significantly denser population compared to Lamma.

Visitors often opt for day trips or choose to stay overnight in one of the myriad holiday accommodations available, including The Warwick, a three-star hotel.

Renowned for its array of school camp options, Cheung Chau hosts several seminaries and religious retreats.

Similar to Lamma, cars are absent, yet slender cycle rickshaws maneuver through the narrow lanes, transporting goods, luggage, and construction materials.

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The vibrant harbor surrounding the ferry pier bustles with activity, featuring bustling fishing vessels and esteemed seafood eateries.

A mere ten-minute stroll from the harbor leads to multiple beaches equipped with changing facilities and lifeguards during the summer months.

Kwun Yam Beach, also known as the “Afternoon” Beach, offers a splendid sunset viewing spot, as designated by the colonial era.

The island’s peripheries and viewpoints offer excellent walks, steeped in a history intertwined with smuggling and piracy.

Each May, Cheung Chau transforms into a captivating hub during the week-long annual Cheung Chau Bun Festival. It draws visitors for its lion dances, parades, drum performances, and the riveting bun scramble. An event where young men race up bamboo towers to retrieve Chinese buns.

This centuries-old festival originated as a thanksgiving to the sea god, Pak Tai, for sparing the island from a severe plague. The festival’s highlight includes bamboo towers erected outside the ancient Pak Tai temple.

Embracing an array of picturesque locales, Cheung Chau beckons exploration with sites like Cheung Po Tsai Cave, Pak Tai Temple, and ancient rock carvings.

A leisurely stroll along the Mini Great Wall reveals stunning coastal panoramas alongside natural rock formations.

Opting for a bicycle rental stands as a prime mode of island traversal, with numerous rental shops located a brief walk from the ferry pier, offering affordable hourly or daily rates.

Best Time to Visit Cheung Chau:

Anytime throughout the year, with May highlighted for the Cheung Chau Bun Festival coinciding with Buddha’s Birthday, featuring elaborate parades and festive celebrations.

How to Get to Cheung Chau:

Take the ferry to Cheung Chau from Central Ferry Pier 5 (a mere five-minute walk from MTR Hong Kong Station). The journey typically lasts around 35 to 60 minutes.

4. Peng Chau

Peng Chau is the fourth island accessible via ferry from Central Pier No. 6 (Western Pier). It stands out as the smallest and most serene among its counterparts.

Home to approximately 6,000 residents, the island is renowned for its temples, seafood eateries, and the delightful Tung Wan Beach.

Navigating the compact Peng Chau is best done on foot or by bike.

For a brush with nature, embark on a leisurely hike up Finger Hill. This is the island’s highest vantage point. It offers a panoramic view of the charming town below and a mesmerizing sunset vista.

Peng Chau presents an array of activities to engage visitors.

Embark on the Peng Chau Heritage Trail to delve into the island’s rich history.

Explore SunSat Store to acquire antiques and vintage items such as old watches, cameras, suitcases, telephones, and typewriters.

A visit to the local eateries and shops evokes a nostalgic journey back to 1950s Hong Kong.

It’s remarkable to ponder that this tranquil Hong Kong outlying island thrived as a bustling industrial hub until the 1980s.

How to Get to Peng Chau:

Catch the ferry to Peng Chau from Central Ferry Pier 6 (merely a five-minute walk from MTR Hong Kong Station). The ferry journey typically spans 25 to 40 minutes

5. Sai Kung Islands

Located in the eastern region of the New Territories, Sai Kung town shares its name with an expansive country park.

Historically renowned as a significant fishing village, Sai Kung still preserves remnants of its fishing heritage through the presence of small fishing boats.

Sai Kung attracts tourist groups, often hailing from Mainland China, causing the town to bustle with activity during weekends.

Formerly utilized for fishing, many sampans and kai-tos now engage in the profitable business of ferrying visitors to and from the islands nestled within Sai Kung’s waters.

Several islands are accessible from Sai Kung Pier including Yim Tin Tsai (Salt Island). On Yim Tin Tsai you will be surprised to see a Catholic church – St Joseph’s which was founded in the 1880s by an Austrian missionary.

Explore the ancient salt pans, remnants of a flourishing industry that shaped the island’s nomenclature, while embarking on a scenic circular island walk spanning just over two kilometers.

A stone’s throw away from Sai Kung Pier lies Kui Tsui Chau. Also known as Sharp Island, it boasts sandy beaches renowned for the pristine waters enveloping them.

Hap Mun (Half Moon) Bay, a mere fifteen-minute jaunt from its namesake pier, showcases remarkable volcanic rock formations.

Along the waterfront adjacent to the ferry pier, fast hover ferries frequently shuttle back and forth.

These ferries belong to the Kau Sai Chau shuttle service, catering to golfers accessing Hong Kong’s sole public golf courses.

Kau Sai Chau, the sixth largest island in Hong Kong, saw the inauguration of the first of its three golf courses in 1995.

Funded and overseen by the Hong Kong Jockey Club as part of a community outreach initiative, these courses aim to democratize golf access.

Best Time to Visit Sai Kung Islands:

For an optimal experience, plan your visit to Yim Tin Tsai during the spring and autumn seasons.

Notably, the Sai Kung Hoi Arts Festival is scheduled for autumn and winter this year. Find further details about the festival here.

How to Get to Sai Kung Islands:

Route 1: Board minibus 1A from MTR Choi Hung Station Exit C2, traveling to the final stop at Sai Kung Public Pier.

Route 2: Hop on bus 92 from MTR Diamond Hill Station, alighting at the Sai Kung Public Transport Interchange, situated adjacent to the Sai Kung Public Pier.

Upon Reaching Sai Kung Public Pier:

Upon arrival at the Sai Kung Public Pier, locate the ticket office and reception for ferry services to Yim Tin Tsai.

Ferries from Sai Kung New Public Pier operate from Tuesday to Sunday, with the journey typically lasting around 20 minutes. You can return to Sai Kung Town using the same ferry service.

6. Tap Mun Chau

Tap Mun Chau, also known as Grass Island, holds a special place in my heart.

Nestled in the northeastern region of the New Territories, this island is characterized by grassy hills and verdant fields.

Accessible via a small kaito service from Ma Lui Shui pier near the Chinese University at Tai Po, Tap Mun exudes a tranquil atmosphere that can make you momentarily forget you are in bustling Hong Kong.

The island offers delightful walks, kite flying opportunities, and the occasional sight of feral cattle.

Exploring the 400-year-old Tin Hau temple and indulging in Tap Mun Chau’s delectable seafood are experiences that truly enrich the visit.

Tap Mun is home to wild cows that roam freely. Hence, it’s advisable to keep food items and plastic bags out of their sight.

Best Time to Visit Tap Mun Chau:

Consider visiting Tap Mun Chau during the mild seasons of spring or autumn for an optimal experience.

How to Get to Tap Mun Chau:

Option 1: Take a taxi from MTR University Station Exit B towards Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier, followed by a kaito ride to Tap Mun. The journey typically spans around 1.5 hours.

Option 2: Board bus 94 from Sai Kung Town Centre to Wong Shek Pier, then embark on a kaito journey to Tap Mun. The ferry ride usually lasts about 35 minutes.

7. Tai O Island

Tai O Island, a quaint fishing village situated on an island bearing the same name, graces the western side of Lantau Island.

Renowned for its stilt houses perched above the water and its deep-rooted traditional fishing practices, the village exudes a unique charm.

Visitors can meander through the narrow alleys, adorned with small seafood and souvenir shops.

Moreover, the village hosts various temples venerating sea and fisherman deities, including the Kwan Tai Temple and the Tin Hau Temple.

To delve deeper into the local lifestyle, visitors can partake in a boat tour to witness the famed stilt houses of the village.

Best Time to Visit Tai O:

Tai O Island welcomes visitors throughout the year. Notably, the Tai O Lantern Festival coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival in September or October. It offers a splendid showcase of handmade lanterns.

How to Get to Tai O:

Board bus 11 from MTR Tung Chung Station heading to Tai O for a journey lasting approximately 50 minutes.

8. Tung Lung Island

Nestled in the eastern region of Hong Kong, Tung Lung Island stands out for its picturesque landscapes.

It offers an array of hiking trails like the Tung Lung Chau Trail and the Chiu Keng Tam Trail, alongside intriguing historical landmarks.

Notable features include an ancient rock carving portraying a dragon overlooking a bay, a World War II gun emplacement, and the formidable Tung Lung Fort, constructed to safeguard the island against pirate incursions.

Visitors can also revel in exploring the island’s rugged coastline and hidden gems like Tung Lung Beach.

How to Get to Tung Lung Island: Embark on a ferry journey from Sai Wan Ho Ferry Pier to reach Tung Lung Island, where a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue awaits

9. Po Toi Island

Positioned just south of Aberdeen, Po Toi Island entices visitors with its distinctive rock formations and breathtaking rugged landscapes.

Explorers can traverse the island’s rocky hills to discover intriguing natural wonders such as the Tortoise Climbing up the Mountain and the Monk Rock.

Additionally, Po Toi Island offers three circular hiking routes for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in its scenic beauty.

How to Get to Po Toi Island: To reach Po Toi Island, board a ferry from Aberdeen Ferry Pier, leading you to a realm of unique geological formations and captivating vistas.

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10. Tung Ping Chau Island

Situated in the northeasternmost region of Hong Kong, Tung Ping Chau Island stands out as the most isolated island in the area, celebrated for its distinctive geology and captivating landscapes.

Visitors can venture along the island’s rocky coastline. It hosts a variety of intriguing rock formations like the Elephant Trunk Rock and the Devil’s Fist.

How to Get to Tung Ping Chau Island: Begin your journey to Tung Ping Chau Island by boarding a ferry from Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier, granting access to a realm of unique geological wonders and scenic beauty.

Final Thoughts on 10 Best Hong Kong Outlying Islands For Island Hopping

There are numerous other Hong Kong outlying islands for island hopping as well. I hope this glimpse into some of the main ones has piqued your interest.

Hong Kong has a wealth of offerings for the discerning traveler, promising a plethora of sights and activities, especially for those willing to venture off the beaten path.

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