Board a ferry from Central Pier, and Hong Kong's island life can be reached in just a few minutes. These islands scattered outside Victoria Harbour retain a slow pace and warmth that stands in stark contrast to the city. Below, we've compiled five of the most distinctive island destinations—from traditional fishing villages to exotic atmospheres, there's always an island that's right for you.
Cheung Chau Island: The Most "Authentically Hong Kong" Outlying Island
Cheung Chau is one of Hong Kong's most popular outlying island destinations, taking about 35-55 minutes by ferry from the Central Ferry Pier. This small island preserves a rich traditional fishing village atmosphere, where you can still see bamboo poles for drying fish and fishing boats docked at the pier throughout its alleys.
Tung Wan Beach on the island is the main beach, with water quality quite good in summer—perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Strolling along the waterfront, you'll pass by many seafood restaurants, including some long-established venues operating for decades. A must-try is the Ping On bun—a traditional Cheung Chau specialty said to bring safety to those who eat it, and especially sought after during the annual Bun Festival.
In recent years, Cheung Chau has seen an increasing number of特色小店 run by young entrepreneurs, with cafes and boutique shops in the alleys adding a touch of artistic flair to this traditional island.
Lamma Island: A Paradise for Ecology and Hiking Trails
From the Central Pier, you can choose to disembark at Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan. Well-maintained hiking trails connect the two ends, with walks taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Lamma Island is Hong Kong's third-largest island, and its relatively intact natural environment makes it a popular destination for weekend getaways.
The most renowned establishment on the island is Rainbow Seafood Restaurant, claimed to be the largest seafood stall in Hong Kong, often with lengthy queues on weekends. To avoid the crowds, consider exploring the island's other small restaurants or the food stalls along the beach.
The mangrove area near Sok Kwu Wan Pier serves as a habitat for waterbirds and holds significant ecological value. The Tin Hau Temple stands as a symbol of the island's traditional faith, built in 1918, and continues to be a spiritual anchor for local residents.
Peng Chau: The Tranquil Island Forgotten by Time
Peng Chau is one of the few islands that has retained its old-world charm in relatively intact form, accessible by ferry from Central Pier in about 30 minutes. The island has no commercialized beaches or bustling restaurant districts—yet it is precisely this that has preserved its rare tranquility.
The island's "Cattle Depot" is a must-visit destination—this lime kiln factory built in the 1950s has been transformed into a cultural space, hosting exhibitions and workshops on an irregular basis. With fewer than 3,000 residents who all know each other, this strong sense of community is something that can hardly be found in urban settings.
When visiting Peng Chau, we recommend slowing your pace and spending an afternoon wandering through its alleyways, immersing yourself in the simple, authentic lifestyle of old Hong Kong. The island's only beach lies at the foot of Finger Hill—modest in size, yet sufficient to offer an escape from the crowds.
Mui Wo, Lantau Island: A Natural Sanctuary
Mui Wo is located in the southeastern part of Lantau Island, about a 50-minute ferry ride from Central Ferry Pier. Unlike the bustling atmosphere of Lamma Island, Mui Wo offers more expansive mountain and sea views.
Silvermine Bay Beach is the main beach in Mui Wo, where many families come forpicnics and swimming on weekends and holidays. The island's hiking trails lead to various parts of Lantau Island, with easier routes reaching the pavilions in Lantau Country Park, offering panoramic views of Mui Wo Bay.
The Mui Wo Market is a great place to experience local life, with market days held every weekend, selling local agricultural products and handcrafted items. In recent years, expatriates have also opened cafes and restaurants here, bringing a multicultural dimension to the island.
Discovery Bay: An Exotic Resort Atmosphere
Strictly speaking, Discovery Bay is located on the northern part of Lantau Island. However, accessible by ferry or bus from the Central Pier, it offers a distinctly different atmosphere—European-style architecture, a yacht club, and a waterfront promenade, making visitors feel as if they've stepped into a Mediterranean town.
The beach near Discovery Bay Pier is one of Hong Kong's rare "private beaches," and it's well-maintained. The island's restaurants primarily serve Italian and Western cuisine, with an average spending of HK$150-300 per person, making it more affordable than Hong Kong's urban areas.
If you're looking to experience a different side of Hong Kong, Discovery Bay offers a truly relaxing getaway option.
Practical Information
Transportation:
Central Pier offers multiple ferry routes to various islands. Regular ferries accept Octopus cards with fixed schedules; speedboats cost more but have shorter journey times. Be aware of the last ferry departure times for each route to avoid missing the return trip.
Ferry Fare Reference (Regular Ferries):
Cheung Chau: HK$14-22
Lamma Island: HK$13-20
Peng Chau: HK$12-18
Mui Wo: HK$22-32
Discovery Bay: HK$50-60 (Speedboat)
Operating Hours:
Ferry services typically operate from 6:00 AM to midnight, with departures ranging from every 15 minutes to an hour.
Travel Tips
1. Avoid weekend crowds: Cheung Chau and Lantau Island attract many visitors on weekends and public holidays. For a quieter experience, visit on weekdays.
2. Bring cash: Some small shops on the islands do not accept Octopus cards or credit card payments.
3. Check the weather: If traveling in summer, use sun protection. During typhoon season (June-September), check the Hong Kong Observatory's updates before heading out.
4. Wear comfortable shoes: The islands are best explored on foot, so travel light.
5. Be environmentally conscious: Some islands lack comprehensive waste management facilities. Please bring your own trash bags and help keep the environment clean.
Hong Kong Urban Data
- Tourism Scale: According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong welcomed 34 million visitors in 2024, with total tourism revenue exceeding HK$100 billion.
- Dining Density: Hong Kong has over 15,000 licensed food establishments, with one of the highest per capita restaurant densities globally, and more than 70 Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Cultural Status: Hong Kong is a major international metropolis in Asia, ranking fourth in the 2024 Global Financial Centers Index and home to亚太区总部来自90多个国家。
