Deep Dive into Hong Kong’s Outlying Islands: Lantau, Lamma, Cheung Chau 🌴
Hong Kong’s outlying islands offer serene escapes from the city buzz. From Lantau’s giant Buddha to Lamma’s seafood feasts and Cheung Chau’s vibrant festivals, this guide has you covered. Save it for an unforgettable adventure 📝!
🌍 Lantau Island | Big Buddha, Tai O Village, Ngong Ping Cable Car
🚶 Suggested Route:
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car ➡️ Ngong Ping Village ➡️ Big Buddha ➡️ Po Lin Monastery ➡️ Tai O Village ➡️ Return by cable car or minibus
✅ Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car (5.7 km, 25 mins)
- Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (9:00 AM–6:30 PM on weekends/holidays).
- Vibes: Soar over Lantau’s lush hills, with distant views of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge.
- Options:
- Standard Cabin: HKD 195 one-way/HKD 270 round-trip; opaque floor, great for heights-wary travelers.
- Crystal Cabin: HKD 235 one-way/HKD 350 round-trip; transparent floor for thrilling sea-and-mountain views.
- Private Cabin: HKD 395 one-way/HKD 520 round-trip; fully transparent, perfect for epic photos.
✅ Ngong Ping Village
- Snap pics with graffiti walls and the cable car, then walk 10 minutes to the Wishing Bodhi Tree.
- Browse quirky shops and pose with Big Buddha at Ngong Ping Plaza.
✅ Big Buddha & Po Lin Monastery
- The 34m bronze Buddha has an exhibition hall inside its base, featured in Infernal Affairs.
- Stroll 15 minutes to Po Lin Monastery to light incense and soak in spiritual vibes.
✅ Tai O Village
- Take a boat tour (HKD 40/person, all ages) to feel the fishing village’s charm.
- Shop for dried seafood (fish, shrimp, scallops) at Tai O Market.
🌷 Tips:
- Check weather forecasts—clear skies make cable car views magical.
- Book tickets online for discounts and carry some HKD cash for small purchases.
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🏝️ Lamma Island | Hiking & Seafood
✅ Getting There
- From: Central Pier 4 to Sok Kwu Wan or Yung Shue Wan (30 mins).
- Fares: Sok Kwu Wan HKD 27.5, Yung Shue Wan HKD 22.1 (pay with Octopus).
- Ferry Frequency: Every 30–60 mins.
✅ Hiking Route (1–1.5 hours)
Sok Kwu Wan Pier ➡️ Fisherfolk’s Village ➡️ Kamikaze Caves ➡️ Hung Shing Yeh Beach ➡️ Windmill Hill Lookout ➡️ Yung Shue Wan (Pier)
✅ Prep Checklist
- Hong Kong-Macau Pass, Octopus card, roaming data, mosquito repellent, sunhat, comfy hiking shoes.
✅ Must-Visit Spots
1️⃣ Sok Kwu Wan: A tranquil fishing village with a historic Tin Hau Temple and seafood street—dining by the sea is unbeatable! Catch the Tin Hau Festival or dragon boat races if you’re lucky.
2️⃣ Fisherfolk’s Village (HKD 80/person): Walk on floating fish farms, meet starfish and crabs, feed fish, tour vintage boats, or try dragon boat rowing for a taste of old Hong Kong.
3️⃣ Hung Shing Yeh Beach: Crystal-clear waters and fine sands, ideal for swimming. Offers restrooms, changing rooms, a snack bar, and a boardwalk.
4️⃣ Yung Shue Wan: Stroll Yung Shue Wan Main Street, lined with seafood restaurants, craft shops, bookstores, and cafés, for a laid-back island vibe.
🦐 Food & Souvenirs
- Book seafood restaurants in Sok Kwu Wan a day ahead for free ferry pickups from Hong Kong piers, saving on fares.
- Try local treats like Kin Hing Granny’s Tofu Pudding, shrimp crisps, shrimp paste, or rice cookies—great as gifts.
🚴 Cheung Chau Island | Cycling & Bun Festival
✅ Getting There
- From: Central Pier 5 to Cheung Chau (slow ferry 55–60 mins, fast ferry 35–40 mins).
- Ferry Frequency: Every 30 mins; last return at 11:00 PM.
- Payment: Octopus or Alipay at gates.
- Luggage: Store bags at IFC Mall (1/F near Minyao St., per-item fee).
✅ Cycling Loop
- Bike Rental: HKD 40/3 hours + HKD 150 deposit at food stalls right of the pier.
- Route (10 km, ~2 hours): Sun Yat-sen Memorial ➡️ Chung Shan Park Rd. ➡️ Sham Keng Bridge ➡️ (clockwise loop) ➡️ Ocean Dragon Lion Dragon Boat Park ➡️ Shan Shui Yacht Pier ➡️ Yacht Base ➡️ Riverside Bikeway ➡️ Chik Kan Bridge ➡️ Julong Bay St. ➡️ Julong Bay St. 1 (sunset spot) ➡️ Whampoa Military Park ➡️ Anxin St. ➡️ Sham Keng Pier ➡️ Golden Peak House ➡️ Back to start.
- ⚠️ Tip: Follow the island’s coast; at Chik Kan Bridge (linking University City), detour via Jinzhou South Rd.
- 🌇 Sunset: Ride to Julong Bay Rd.’s bend for open river views, with CBD skyscrapers and bridge traffic across the water as the sun dips.
- Nearby: Post-ride, visit Urban Agricultural Park for family fun—its big lawn has paid kid-friendly activities.
Hong Kong’s islands are your ticket to nature, culture, and fun! Share your fave island in the comments!
Search 🔍 Hong Kong Local Guide for more insider tips.
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