When it comes to Hong Kong tourism, most people's first reaction is the shopping malls on Hong Kong Island or the street food in Kowloon. But savvy travelers know that the city's essence lies out at sea. Departing from the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier, you can reach a laid-back island that's a world apart from Causeway Bay in just half an hour. No shopping malls, no Michelin-famous hotspots—just sea breeze, sunsets, and a luxury called 'time slowing down.'
Tsim Sha Tsui is not an island, but it's the most important transport hub for reaching Hong Kong's main islands. The Star Ferry Pier offers multiple ferry routes connecting popular destinations like Cheung Chau, Lantau Island, and Peng Chau, with single-trip fares starting from HK$14. Extra services run frequently on weekends, making it quite traveler-friendly. If you're staying at hotels near Tsim Sha Tsui (such as K11 ARTUS or InterContinental Hong Kong), you can check out and head straight to the pier with your luggage to start your island adventure—the most seamless route for a Hong Kong trip.
Cheung Chau is the star of this ferry route. There are two types of ferries: regular and fast, with fares of approximately HK$14 and HK$28 respectively, and travel times of about 35-55 minutes. Regular ferries run more frequently and are economical; fast ferries suit those in a hurry, but seats are limited, and during holidays you may need to queue for over half an hour to secure a ticket. It's recommended to avoid the ferry rush on Saturday mornings, when the sea looks as bustling as a marketplace with tourists and locals alike doing their shopping runs.
The charm of Cheung Chau lies in its 'underexplored' character. The guesthouse cluster near Tung Peng Kui is a favorite among backpackers, with double rooms around HK$300-600 per night, and can even be negotiated down to HK$250 during off-season. At the end of Tung Wan Road, just right from the pier, you'll find the famous 'Ping Kee Sticky Rice Rolls.' The mango glutinous rice rolls, plump and perfectly filled, are only HK$15 each—with thin skin and generous filling, you'll understand what 'the understated king of Hong Kong desserts' means. Walking along the promenade to Cheung Chau's Sai Wan, sitting on the sea wall at sunset watching fishing boats return to port, you'll feel 'this is a different Hong Kong.'
If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten-path option, Peng Chau is worth recommending. Accessible by ferry from Central Pier in about 40 minutes (departing from Tsim Sha Tsui requires taking the Star Ferry first to Central), this small island has only five thousand residents and even fewer local Hong Kong visitors. The island's 'Bai Hua Lin' café is hidden deep in the alleys—the owner hand-roasts lemon rosemary scones that are absolutely divine, paired with hand-drip Ethiopian coffee, an afternoon here costs only around HK$80. There's also a hand-knitting studio called 'Slow Living Knits' whose works are full of Southeast Asian flair; a hand-woven shawl costs around HK$300-500, a low-key choice for gifting or personal use.
Lantau Island presents yet another vibe. This is where expatriates congregate, and the main street in Sok Kwu Wan is filled with foreign restaurants and bars, with Hong Kong-style seafood stalls sitting alongside Italian cuisine. Starting from Sok Kwu Wan and walking along the Café Lover's Trail to Tai O takes about an hour, the path is gentle, and along the way you can see the massive Wind Tunnel and WWII-era air-raid shelter ruins. Island accommodation is primarily guesthouses; sea-view rooms with good views go for HK$800-1,200 in peak season, with room for negotiation during off-season. In recent years, some restaurants on Lantau have started implementing reservation systems due to the expected tourist influx during the 2026 World Cup period, so it's recommended to call ahead for bookings.
In terms of practical information, the most recommended route departing from Tsim Sha Tsui is: Star Ferry (towards Central) → Transfer to ferry at Central Pier. Ferries run approximately every half hour on weekdays, with extra services on weekends and public holidays. It's important to note that Octopus cards now fully support all ferry routes—just tap and board, which is more convenient than buying single-trip tickets and saves the hassle of preparing Hong Kong dollars. If you're planning a day trip and return, it's strongly advised to check the last ferry time before evening; the last ferry from Cheung Chau is around 11 PM, but fast ferries stop earlier—if you miss it, you'll only have the option of taking a taxi back, which can be costly.
Finally, a secret known only to locals: every Wednesday, Cheung Chau has traditional 'Kai To' services—these private small ferries connect Cheung Chau with the scattered smaller islands around Peng Chau, for only HK$10 one way, with a journey of about 20 minutes. Foreign travelers rarely know about this, but local veteran captains say this route offers the most pristine coastal scenery in Hong Kong—no tourists, just reefs, seagulls, and occasionally flying fish leaping out of the water.
