5 Great Islands Around Hong Kong
What are the Most Beautiful Islands to Visit Near Hong Kong?
It’s easy to find a wonderful weekend getaway destination among the over 250 great islands around Hong Kong. Also known as the Outlying Islands of Hong Kong, these idyllic destinations are connected to Hong Kong Island by scheduled ferries services from the Central Ferry Piers.
Scheduled ferry services to outlying islands such as Cheung Chau, Lamma, Lantau, Peng Chau, and Ma Wan operate from the Central Ferry Piers on Hong Kong Island. No matter which island you choose to visit, you’re bound to find plenty of things to see and do. Some of the most popular activities include hiking lush mountains, relaxing on pristine beaches, soul searching at Buddhist temples, and savoring delicious seafood and Cantonese fare.
1. Lamma Island
A foodie and beach paradise
Good for: Food, Photo
Lamma Island’s close proximity to Hong Kong makes it possible to enjoy a convenient ferry ride over for a day away from the bustling mainland and Hong Kong Island. Mom-and-pop grocery shops, bars and local restaurants, some built out over water, will do wonders for your appetite.
The island is also known for its clear air and sandy beaches, green hills and quaint villages. A must-see is the hilltop pavilion at Hung Shing Yeh Beach, overlooking the natural landscape and surrounding islets.
Location: Lamma Island, Hong Kong
Lamma Island
2. Peng Chau Island
Ancient architecture and stunning vistas
Good for: Adventure, Food, Photo
Peng Chau offers leisurely strolls, time-worn temples and succulent seafood. Located between Hong Kong Island and Lantau Island, this small and peaceful oasis has a quaint local village.
From there, a 30-minute walk will lead you to the Phoenix (Fung Peng) Pavilion, located on top of Finger Hill. This vantage point offers panoramic views of Hong Kong and Tsing Ma Bridge (one of the world’s longest span suspension bridges). Peng Chau boasts several small beaches and natural areas, making it a good spot for outdoor activities and appreciating nature.
Location: Peng Chau, Hong Kong
Peng Chau Island
3. Tung Ping Chau Island
For nature lovers and scuba divers
Good for: Adventure, Photo
Tung Ping Chau has a relatively flat expanse of 1.16 sq km. The rather remote island is located closer to the mainland China border than Hong Kong Island. Tung Ping Chau’s coastline is among Hong Kong’s most beautiful, making it a burgeoning eco-tourism destination.
This rocky, crescent-shaped island is known for superior scuba dive sites. Not far from the pier, you’ll find over 60 types of coral and 35 species of algae in clear waters. Tung Ping Chau can be reached by ferry on weekends and public holidays.
Location: Tung Ping Chau, Hong Kong
Tung Ping Chau Island
4. Po Toi Island
Where to see historic rock carvings
Good for: History, Photo
Po Toi Island attracts hikers looking to explore its impressive rock formations and carvings that date back to the Bronze Age (around 1500–700 BC). Sometimes called “Hong Kong’s South Pole“, you can get to this island by renting a boat from St Stephen’s Beach in Stanley.
A hike on Po Toi Island often leads you to the Ngau Wu Teng Pavilion, where you can enjoy views of the South China Sea. Other must-sees include Palm Cliff (which has a massive hand-like carving) and Nam Tum’s prehistoric rock carvings (protected by a sheet of fiber glass).
Po Toi Island
5. Tsing Yi Island
Good for: Budget, Couples, Families
Tsing Yi is an urban island northwest of Hong Kong Island. Named after a type of fish that once was abundant in the surrounding waters, it has plenty of green hills, houses on stilts, lending it a resemblance to Tai O, and a pleasant nature trail.
Tsing Yi Island offers views of Rambler Channel, which separates the island from Kowloon peninsula. The island is connected to the mainland by several bridges as well as the Airport Express and the Tung Chung MTR line.
Location: Tsing Yi, Central New Territories, Hong Kong
Tsing Yi Island
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.