Islands in Hong Kong

The largest island of Hong Kong, Lantau Island sits at the heart of the Pearl River in Hong Kong. The highlights of the island are stunning Buddhist architectures, a famous theme park, long sandy beaches and large shopping outlets amidst greenery and flora.

Tucked 9.2 kilometres away from Central Hong Kong, Lamma Island is the third largest island in Hong Kong. Also known as the 'Y Island' or 'Pok Liu Chau', it highlights the laid-back and rural side of Hong Kong with its coastal scenery, quaint beaches, and walking trails amidst the tropical rain forest slopes with curvy hilly paths.

Cheung Chau or ‘The Dumbell Island’, nicknamed so because of its shape, is one amongst several islands comprising the landscape of Hong Kong. Lying at a distance 10 kilometres southwest of Hong Kong, it is only a ferry’s ride away from the Central ferry pier. Ranging from picturesque beaches to cycle rides and to the delicious seafood, Cheung Chau has everything for a perfect picnic spot.

Situated on the Lantau Island’s north-eastern coast, the small island of Peng Chau is a hidden jewel away from the tourist circuit. This tranquil spot is enriched with ancient temples, relics and a whole lot of positive vibes. It was a major industrial centre between the 70s and 80s, but now you can surrender yourself to the laid back way of life. Peng Chau Island is the perfect destination for a relaxing trip away from the monotony of the daily hustle.

Tung Ping Chau is a gorgeous sedimentary island covered in shale rocks. This colourful island has been added as a UNESCO certified Hong Kong Global Geopark and is a Museum of Geomorphology in itself. One of the island sides consists of a coastal bench which looks like a downward staircase. Also, home to two temples, Tin Hau and Tam Kung, Tung Ping Chau is indeed a fledged tourist attraction.

Also known as Green Island, Tap Mun is located towards the northeastern section of Hong Kong. Home to around 100 residents, Tap Mun also houses a handful of attractions and temples apart from the numerous tea stalls and a seafood dine-out. Some of the top tourist magnets on this island are the Tap Mun Cave, the King Lam School, Ngan See Dong, to name a few. Hilltop camping is one of the most frequented outdoor activities on Tap Mun.

Formerly known as Nam Tong Island or Nam Fat Tong, Tung Lung Chau is a predominantly unpopulated island situated at the tip of the Clear Water Bay Peninsula. Locally called as Tung Lung To or Tung Lung Island, this land mass is a great place for rock climbing. With two main climbing arenas at Technical Wall and Sea Gully Wall, Tung Lung Chau also houses the ruins of the Tung Lung Fort; once built to protect the island from pirates.

This once populated small island in the Sai Kung District is now a land of abandoned homes, salt pans and ruins. However, the beauty of the vintage town of Yim Tin Tsai remains through its attractions and antique remnants such at St. Joseph's Chapel and the Ching Po School which now is the Yim Tin Tsai Village Heritage Exhibition. Bracketed in mangroves, Yim Tin Tsai (translated to the Small Salt Field) also has a line of eateries and a connecting bridge to the neighbouring Kau Sai Chau golf course.

Po Toi, the largest and the main island of the Po Toi archipelago is a small but fulfilling visit. Lined in greenery, this former land of dried seaweed production, is now a land of unique rock formations such as the Buddha Hand Rock and the Monk Rock, rock carvings from the Bronze Age and nature trails and hikes. The island also houses a temple dedicated to Tin Hau. Besides the familiar course of tourist attractions, Po Toi also has a Haunted House known as the "Deserted Mansion of Family Mo". Travellers can reach the island via kaidos, water taxis, ferries and junks from Stanley and Aberdeen.

Known for its famous floating village and floating restaurants, Aberdeen is one of the more populous islands of Hong Kong. Stationed in the premises of the massive Ocean Park of Hong Kong, Aberdeen is home to breathtaking bridges and harbours apart from its wholesale fish market and the enticing Jumbo Floating Restaurant. The island also has a Tin Hau temple. The Dragon Boat Racing Festival hosted by the Aberdeen Fishing Village is a vibrant festival of the region.

Situated in the metropolitan section of Hong Kong, Tsing Yi is an island with an array of commute facilities including the convenient MRT system. Very close to Hong Kong Disneyland, this urbanised island of Hong Kong houses a swimming pool, promenade, sports ground and nature trails, to name a few. The Tsing Ma Bridge is one of the most visited tourist spots in the island.

Located in Port Shelter, towards the south of the Sai Kung Peninsula in Hong Kong, Ung Kong Chau sites one of the four largest sea caves with intriguing marine life and corals. Also known as the Bluff Island, this is a hot spot for diving, given its colourful aqua-life. Along with the Basalt Island and Wang Chau, Ung Kong Chau makes for the Hong Kong National Geopark. Fan Tap Pai is one of the most interesting coastal lines towards the south of the island.

Also known as Tiu Chung Chau, Jin Island is situated in the Sai Kung District. Best described as the 'Four Sea Arches' for its remarkable landscapes formed due to the winds and waves, Jin Island is home to the famous "Goldfish Wagging Tail" apart from other sea caves, arches and inlets. Locally known as the Kam Chung Ngam, this large and beautiful sea cave towards the bottom of the island looks like a goldfish when viewed from the hilltop.