Every time I stand at the Star Ferry Pier in Tsim Sha Tsui, looking across Victoria Harbour at the Hong Kong Island skyline and the distant island outlines, visitors frequently ask: "Can you travel to the outlying islands from Tsim Sha Tsui?" The answer is a resounding yes—though Tsim Sha Tsui itself is located on the Kowloon Peninsula and is not an outlying island, departing from here is precisely one of the most convenient starting points for exploring Hong Kong's outlying islands. This article organizes the main outlying islands reachable from Tsim Sha Tsui, recommended touring methods, and practical information to help you experience Hong Kong's "都市以外的另一面" (another side beyond the city) within limited time.
Why Explore the Outlying Islands from Tsim Sha Tsui?
Tsim Sha Tsui enjoys a prime location—the Star Ferry Pier connects to the MTR Tsuen Wan Line and West Rail Line, while the East Rail Line's cross-harbor extension allows travelers from New Territories East to arrive directly. While ferry services here are less frequent than in Central, the routes to Ngong Ping on Lantau Island and Peng Chau are highly convenient. More importantly, outlying island tours departing from Tsim Sha Tsui can easily be combined with attractions on the Kowloon side such as the Avenue of Stars and Hong Kong Cultural Centre, forming a complete "city + outlying island" day trip itinerary.
Featured Highlights
Hong Kong has over 20 inhabited outlying islands, forming a stark contrast to the bustling Kowloon downtown area. These islands preserve traditional fishing village charm, a slow-paced lifestyle, and natural landscapes untouched by excessive commercial development. Among the islands reachable from Tsim Sha Tsui, the following are most worth visiting:
The first recommendation is Lantau Island—Hong Kong's largest island. Take the MTR from Tsim Sha Tsui to Tung Chung Station (approximately 40 minutes), then transfer to the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to reach Ngong Ping Plateau, home to the Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. Following the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort's new "Frozen" world district in 2024, Lantau has become the top destination for family travelers. Notably, due to tensions in China-Japan diplomatic relations, Japanese visitors to Hong Kong in 2024 decreased significantly, while local and Mainland travelers' interest in Lantau island tours continues to rise.
The second option is Peng Chau—a tranquil island dubbed the "Kowloon's backyard garden." Take a high-speed ferry from the Central Ferry Pier (25 minutes only, but requires first traveling to Central from Tsim Sha Tsui). The island's riding school and handmade candle workshop are unique attractions. Covering just 0.98 square kilometers, Peng Chau is perfect for a half-day leisurely exploration. The island has only one public bus route connecting Tung Wan and the town center with sparse schedules, so renting a bicycle is recommended.
The third recommendation is Cheung Chau—the outlying island with the most traditional fishing village character. The ferry ride from Central takes approximately 35-55 minutes depending on the vessel. Here you'll find the famous Cheung Po Tsai Cave, pirate treasure legends, and the annual Bun Festival (Taiping Qingjiao) floating processional held on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month. The island is lined with seafood restaurants offering fresh catches at affordable prices, with lunch costing approximately HK$80-150 per person. The handmade fish ball stalls near the pier are a must-try street food, with a bowl of fish ball noodles starting at just HK$25.
The fourth option is Lamma Island—the "foreigner-most Hong Kong island." The ferry from Central Ferry Pier takes approximately 30 minutes to reach either Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan. The island hosts many expatriate residents and creative boutiques, with the power station wind turbine becoming a landmark. Walking from Sok Kwu Wan to Yung Shue Wan takes about 1.5 hours, passing by the Tin Hau Temple and scenic coastal views. Many photography enthusiasts consider its sunset views the most beautiful among Hong Kong's islands.
Practical Information
In terms of transportation, there are two main ways to reach the outlying islands from Tsim Sha Tsui: take the MTR to Tung Chung Station for Lantau Island (Ngong Ping 360 cable car one-way at HK$135, round-trip at HK$220), or take the MTR to Central Station and transfer to ferries to Peng Chau, Cheung Chau, and Lamma Island. Regular ferry tickets cost approximately HK$14-22, high-speed ferries approximately HK$22-36. Simply scan your Octopus card at the gate—no queuing for tickets required.
Regarding ferry schedules, regular ferries to Cheung Chau depart approximately every 30 minutes, high-speed ferries every 20 minutes; regular ferries to Lamma Island's Yung Shue Wan depart every hour; regular ferries to Peng Chau depart every hour. It's advisable to avoid weekend and public holiday crowds, as ferry schedules are relatively more relaxed on weekday mornings.
The Ngong Ping 360 cable car operates from 10 AM to 6 PM, with Wednesdays typically closed for maintenance. Admission to the Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery is free, but the monastery's vegetarian restaurant serves lunch at approximately HK$50-80 per person.
Travel Tips
When planning an outlying island day trip, it's recommended to visit city attractions first (such as the Avenue of Stars or Hong Kong Space Museum) and head to the islands after lunch to avoid morning ferry crowds. The islands feature mostly concrete roads and mountain paths, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Hong Kong's spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) offer cool, pleasant weather—perfect for island strolls. Summers are hot and humid with frequent rain, but the seawater visibility is highest, making beach activities a viable option.
Additionally, Hong Kong's outlying islands have been actively developing ecotourism in recent years, with Cheung Chau and Lamma Island both designated as "coastal parks." Visitors should adhere to environmental regulations and avoid catching or damaging marine life. For first-time visitors to Hong Kong, an outlying island tour departing from Tsim Sha Tsui is an essential part of experiencing the "Hong Kong story"—allowing you to feel the city's diverse and rich character between the bustling metropolis and the humble fishing villages.
Hong Kong City 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 citywide, with one of the highest restaurant densities globally. The city boasts over 70 Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Cultural Status: Hong Kong is a major international metropolis in Asia, ranking fourth in the Global Financial Centers Index 2024, with headquarters of companies from over 90 countries established in the region.
