Many people don't realize that departing from the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier, it takes just 40 minutes to an hour by boat to reach a world entirely different from the Kowloon city area—Hong Kong's outlying islands. These islands preserve traditional fishing village charm, serene beaches, and natural scenery untainted by excessive commercialization, making them the top choice for travelers seeking a temporary escape from the urban bustle.
Tsim Sha Tsui serves as a key hub for reaching the outlying islands, boasting a convenient transportation network. The Star Ferry Pier offers ferry services to and from Mui Wo on Lantau Island, with a sailing time of approximately 55 minutes and a fare of HK$48 for adults. Additionally, the MTR Tung Chung Line provides direct access to Tung Chung, where travelers can transfer to buses heading to various parts of Lantau Island, while the Central Ferry Pier also has vessels bound for Cheung Chau and Lamma Island. Via these water transport options, travelers can switch from a bustling city to a leisurely island getaway in no time.
Cheung Chau is one of Hong Kong's most popular outlying islands. Despite its extremely high population density, it exudes a rich traditional atmosphere. This island is famous for the Tai Ping Qingjiao Festival held annually on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month, featuring the rare "Bun Scrambling" tradition, which was inscribed on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2011. The island's seafood food street is home to numerous restaurants, where sea urchin fried rice and mango glutinous rice dumplings are must-try classic flavors. Travelers who enjoy outdoor activities can rent bicycles to tour the island, or soak up the sun at the two beaches of Tung Wan and Sai Wan. The Cheung Po Tsai Cave is a renowned historical attraction on the island—it is said to be where Zhang Baozai, a Qing Dynasty pirate, stashed his treasure. Although there is no treasure left inside the cave, the climbing experience is still great fun. All in all, Cheung Chau is ideal for family outings, with frequent ferry services on weekends, making transportation quite convenient.
Lamma Island is known for its laid-back pace, with no cars on the island—only hiking trails and cycling paths. It is a popular settlement for expatriates, and consequently hosts many cafés and restaurants with an exotic flair. Sok Kwu Wan and Yung Shue Wan are the two main villages; the former is renowned for its seafood, while the latter offers more artistic and cultural shops. It takes approximately one hour to hike from Sok Kwu Wan to Yung Shue Wan along the trail, with beautiful scenery en route, and you can also visit the Tin Hau Temple and Hung Sheng War Wan Beach. Accommodation options on Lamma Island are relatively limited, but this is precisely what has preserved more of its original character, making it ideal for backpackers who want to get away from overly commercialized environments.
For those wishing to experience Lantau Island's natural beauty, Mui Wo is a highly recommended destination. Here you'll find silver-white beaches and a serene village atmosphere, forming a stark contrast to the lively Ngong Ping 360 cable car experience. There are many family-style restaurants near the Mui Wo Ferry Pier, serving authentic Cantonese cuisine and seafood. A worthwhile stop is "Galaxy Fast Food" located beside the Mui Wo Ferry Pier—it is said that the owner once worked at the restaurant of the family of former Legislative Council President Regina Fang Xu-Litai. Char siu rice and water crab congee are both popular choices. From Mui Wo, you can walk or take a bus to other attractions on Lantau Island, such as the Ngong Ping Tian Tai Buddha and Tai O Fishing Village, making it ideal for a dual-destination day trip.
Discovery Bay is another unique presence—this community on the eastern side of Lantau Island boasts a British villa atmosphere, with Hong Kong's largest themed beach and outdoor adventure park. A ferry departs from Discovery Bay Pier every 30 minutes bound for Central, with a sailing time of approximately 20 minutes. International schools and churches in the area create an exotic ambiance, while the waterfront Discovery Bay Plaza features numerous restaurants and boutique shops. Adventure-loving travelers can experience rock climbing walls and windsurfing here, with hotel packages starting from HK$800, and weekends and holidays tend to be more crowded.
The final recommendation is the low-key but richly charming Peng Chau. This small island has a sparse population and preserves a strong nostalgic atmosphere—its arcade streets and seafood restaurants seem frozen in 1960s and 1970s Hong Kong. Peng Chau lacks the commercial bustle of Cheung Chau or Lamma Island, yet possesses a rare tranquility. The island's "Golden Flower Tu Di Temple" serves as the spiritual anchor for local residents, while the hiking trail up Finger Hill is ideal for travelers seeking a gentle hike. The ferry from Central to Peng Chau takes approximately 50 minutes, with fewer sailings—it is advisable to check the schedule before setting out.
Useful Information: Ferries to the various outlying islands can be purchased on-site at the pier or paid with an Octopus card. Crowds are heavier on weekends and public holidays—arriving at the pier early is recommended. Bicycle rental on Cheung Chau and Lamma Island costs approximately HK$20 per hour or HK$80 for a full day. Average spending at seafood restaurants is HK$150–250 per person, with a focus on fresh ingredients. Convenience stores and supply points are limited on each island—bringing sufficient drinking water and sun protection is advisable.
Travel Tips: Weather on the outlying islands can change quickly—particularly during summer when sudden showers are common—bringing lightweight rain gear is advisable. Hong Kong's outlying islands have become a popular destination for mainland Chinese tourists in recent years, particularly Cheung Chau and Lamma Island, which sees heavy crowds on holidays—for those wishing to avoid the crowds, visiting on weekdays is a better choice. Some ferries may suspend service during inclement weather—it is advisable to check announcements from the Hong Kong Marine Department before setting out. For travelers wishing to photograph scenery, the light in the early morning and at dusk is most ideal, with fewer crowds, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the original charm of these islands.
Hong Kong City Data
- Tourism Scale: According to statistics from 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 eating establishments across the city, with per capita restaurant density ranking among the highest in the world, and over 70 MICHELIN-starred restaurants.
- Cultural Status: Hong Kong is a major international metropolis in Asia, ranking fourth globally on the Global Financial Centres Index in 2024, attracting enterprises from over 90 countries to establish Asia-Pacific regional headquarters.
