Hong Kong is often seen as a bustling city filled with skyscrapers, luxury malls, and lively night markets. Yet, beyond the shimmering skyline lies a collection of over 200 islands, each with its own distinct charm and cultural essence. Island hopping in Hong Kong offers a refreshing escape from the city’s energetic pace, revealing tranquil beaches, fishing villages, and breathtaking trails. Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, or culture enthusiast, these hidden gems promise a side of Hong Kong that many visitors miss.
1. Lamma Island – The Laid-Back Escape
Lamma Island is one of the most popular destinations for locals seeking a relaxed weekend getaway. Just a short ferry ride from Central, the island welcomes visitors with its slow pace, lush hiking trails, and charming seafood restaurants by the sea. The Lamma Island Family Trail connects Sok Kwu Wan and Yung Shue Wan, offering panoramic coastal views and an opportunity to explore local life along the way.
What truly makes Lamma stand out is its car-free environment and bohemian spirit. From small art galleries to vegan cafés and craft shops, it’s a place that embraces creativity and calm. After your hike, you can unwind with a plate of freshly caught seafood while watching fishing boats drift across the horizon — a perfect contrast to the city’s bustle.
2. Cheung Chau – The Island of Festivals
Cheung Chau, meaning “long island,” may be small, but it’s rich in culture and tradition. It’s best known for the annual Bun Festival, where locals climb bun-covered towers in a lively celebration honouring the sea gods. Even outside of festival season, Cheung Chau is full of life, with narrow alleyways lined with snack shops, temples, and souvenir stalls.
The island is also a haven for beach lovers and adventure seekers. Tung Wan Beach offers soft sand and gentle waves, ideal for a sunny day out, while the nearby Mini Great Wall trail showcases stunning ocean views and granite formations. Cheung Chau gives visitors a nostalgic look into Hong Kong’s fishing village heritage — a must-see for anyone exploring the region’s islands.
3. Peng Chau – The Peaceful Hideaway
For travellers craving tranquillity, Peng Chau is the perfect choice. Despite being one of the smallest inhabited islands, it’s packed with cultural treasures. The Tin Hau Temple, built in 1792, stands as a reminder of the island’s deep-rooted maritime traditions. You can wander through narrow streets filled with local crafts, snack on tofu desserts, or visit the abandoned Peng Chau Match Factory for a touch of urban exploration.
The Finger Hill hike rewards you with sweeping views of nearby Lantau and Lamma islands, especially at sunset. What makes Peng Chau particularly appealing is its unspoilt authenticity — it feels frozen in time, a reminder of what Hong Kong used to be before modernisation took hold. It’s the kind of quiet retreat that allows you to reconnect with nature and simplicity.
4. Lantau Island – Nature and Culture Combined
Lantau Island is the largest of Hong Kong’s islands and one of the most diverse. It’s home to the famous Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) and Po Lin Monastery, both must-see attractions for spiritual and architectural splendour. Beyond these iconic landmarks, Lantau offers a range of experiences — from hiking along the Lantau Trail to visiting the tranquil Tai O Fishing Village, where stilt houses line the water’s edge.
For those seeking adventure, the Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride provides an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the island’s lush mountains and sparkling coastline. Whether you’re exploring hidden beaches, encountering wild buffalo in Mui Wo, or cycling through serene villages, Lantau is a true microcosm of Hong Kong’s natural beauty and cultural diversity.
5. Tap Mun (Grass Island) – A Hiker’s Paradise
Tap Mun, also known as Grass Island, is a favourite among hikers and campers for its rolling green hills and unobstructed sea views. The island gets its name from the thick grass that carpets its hillsides, making it ideal for picnics and stargazing. The Tap Mun Loop Trail offers a scenic walk through traditional villages, temples, and coastal cliffs.
What sets Tap Mun apart is its untouched landscape and slower rhythm. Local fishermen still lead traditional lives here, and the island’s tranquillity makes it feel worlds away from Hong Kong’s urban chaos. If you’re looking to disconnect from modern life and immerse yourself in nature, Tap Mun delivers a truly rewarding experience.
6. Sharp Island – A Geopark Wonder
Sharp Island is part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, famous for its volcanic rock formations and natural beauty. Visitors can walk across the tombolo — a sandbar connecting Sharp Island to the nearby Kiu Tau — during low tide, making for an unforgettable experience. The island’s beaches, such as Kiu Tsui and Hap Mun Bay, are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Beyond its natural appeal, Sharp Island offers insight into Hong Kong’s geological history. The hexagonal rock columns tell stories of volcanic eruptions from millions of years ago. This combination of scenic views and educational value makes it an ideal stop for both adventure and learning, offering something different from typical island getaways.
7. Tung Ping Chau – The Remote Marvel
Tung Ping Chau, located near the border with mainland China, is one of the most remote and unique islands in Hong Kong. Its sedimentary rock formations, shaped like layered pancakes, attract geologists and photographers alike. The clear waters here are perfect for snorkelling, revealing colourful marine life and coral reefs.
The island is also rich in heritage, featuring abandoned Hakka villages that tell tales of a once-thriving community. Hiking around the island takes you through scenic coastal trails and hidden coves, giving you a sense of exploration rarely found elsewhere. Tung Ping Chau’s raw beauty and remoteness make it a true gem for those willing to venture off the beaten path.
8. Po Toi Island – The Mysterious Rock Island
Po Toi Island, often called the “South Pole of Hong Kong,” is known for its striking rock formations shaped by the sea and wind. Famous sites include the Buddha’s Palm Cliff and the Coffin Rock — natural wonders that inspire curiosity and awe. The island also has an ancient rock carving that dates back more than 3,000 years, adding a layer of mystery to its rugged landscape.
For foodies, the local seafood restaurants near the pier offer some of the freshest catches in Hong Kong. The Po Toi hiking trail is relatively short but steep, rewarding you with panoramic ocean views. It’s a fantastic day trip for those who enjoy combining nature, adventure, and a touch of myth.
Island hopping in Hong Kong reveals a side of the city that most visitors never see. From tranquil fishing villages to remote geological wonders, each island has its own personality and story. Whether you’re chasing adventure, peace, or culture, these islands promise unforgettable experiences that go far beyond the city’s skyscrapers and shopping streets.
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And if Hong Kong is your next stop, consider choosing a Hong Kong tour package from Kerala that includes island excursions — the perfect way to explore both the city’s modern attractions and its serene, lesser-known isles.
