Hong Kong's
secret gems:
The lesser-explored islands you'll want to visit
Lamma Island is full of beautiful beaches.
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Planning a trip to Hong Kong? A visit to one of its remote island gems is a must. Whether you’re admiring the majestic views of Lantau, savouring iconic lucky rice-flour buns on Cheung Chau or exploring the pristine beaches of Lamma, these tranquil spots offer the perfect getaway.
And start your trip right with Cathay Pacific. Not only is the airline all about wellness (think: shower suites and massage treatments available in their Hong Kong lounge), they’re one of the first airlines to invest in sustainable biofuel research and development and they’ve committed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The airline offers two daily flights to Hong Kong from Toronto and Vancouver.
Lamma Island
Known for its lush hiking trails, relatively secluded beaches and bohemian expat vibe.
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Lantau Island
Begin your adventure on Lantau, Hong Kong’s largest island, with a visit to the iconic 34-metre-tall Tian Tan Buddha.
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Cheung Chau Island
Then there’s Cheung Chau, just a 30 to 60-minute ferry ride from the Central Ferry Piers. Known for its vibrant cultural festivals and popular beaches, it’s a favourite spot for daytrippers.
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Lamma Island is just a 30-minute ferry ride from Central Ferry Piers.
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Lamma Island
Known for its lush hiking trails, relatively secluded beaches and bohemian expat vibe, Lamma Island is a quick 30-minute ferry ride from Central Ferry Piers, making it a convenient escape.
Begin your day with a hike along the five-kilometre Family Trail, which connects the island’s two quaint villages, Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan, bypassing small, charming beaches and gorgeous views of the South China Sea. Along the way, discover one of the island’s best-kept secrets: Tofu Garden (Ah Por Tofu Fa), a tarp-roofed café specializing in creamy tofu pudding.
For a more filling meal in Yung Shue Wan, head to the Bookworm Café, known for its eclectic-cool vibe, bright-green furniture and inviting wall of books; it’s the perfect spot to enjoy vegetarian brunch fare like avocado toast and fruit shakes. The village itself is a maze of narrow lanes filled with quirky shops and cafes, ideal for leisurely exploration.
After spending some time unwinding at Lo So Shing Beach with its clear waters and soft sandy shores, head to Lamma Winds, Hong Kong’s first wind turbine. The area features a scenic grassy spot, perfect for picnicking and watching the sunset, making it a peaceful place to cap off your visit.
Getting there: Ferries to Lamma Island depart from Central Ferry Pier 4. The journey to Yung Shue Wan takes about 30 minutes, while the trip to Sok Kwu Wan takes around 40 minutes. Once on the island, you can walk or bike to get around.
Lantau Island’s Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride provides panoramic views.SUPPLIED
Lantau Island
Begin your adventure on Lantau, Hong Kong’s largest island, with a visit to the iconic 34-metre-tall Tian Tan Buddha (known locally as the Big Buddha) perched atop Muk Yue Shan. Ride up to the village via cable car; its air-conditioned glass-bottom cabin provides breathtaking views of the island's verdant peaks and the shimmering South China Sea.
After climbing the long flight of stairs to the Big Buddha and back, it’s worth stopping by Po Lin Monastery not just for the magnificent Buddhist structures and tranquil walkways, but also for its vegetarian restaurant serving meals said to be made by the monks themselves.
Next, wander through remote Tai O, Hong Kong’s historic Tai O fishing village. With stilt houses lining the waterways and narrow lanes, Tai O is famous for its shrimp paste and dried seafood sold from street stalls, as well as the endangered pink dolphins still sighted in its waters.
For afternoon tea or dinner, head to the Tai O Heritage Hotel’s restaurant, an elegantly renovated former police station from 1902. (It’s also a charming place to stay the night.) Be sure to order the seafood fried rice with the famous shrimp paste, of course. This serene spot offers a glimpse into Hong Kong’s history as a sleepy fishing outpost.
Getting there: Take the MTR to Tung Chung Station, then the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to Ngong Ping Village for the Big Buddha and then bus 21 for Tai O. The entire journey takes about 90 minutes to two hours.
The bustling Cheung Chau waterfront.
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Cheung Chau Island
Then there’s Cheung Chau, just a 30 to 60-minute ferry ride from the Central Ferry Piers. Known for its vibrant cultural festivals and popular beaches, it’s a favourite spot for daytrippers. (But if you are looking to stay the night, there are some vacation rentals on the island.)
Start your visit with a stroll along Cheung Chau’s bustling waterfront. The island is famous for its annual bun festival, typically held in April or May, but you can sample traditional fluffy rice-flour buns year-round at Kwok Kam Kee bakery.
In the afternoon, unwind at Tung Wan Beach, perfect for swimming or kayaking along the island’s picturesque rocky coastline.
After you’ve worked up a new appetite, head to Pak She Praya Road, a street that’s lined with seafood restaurants. Choose the eatery that’s most appealing to you and then dine on everything from steamed fish to razor clams, while taking in stunning harbour views.
Getting there: Ferries to Cheung Chau depart regularly from Central Ferry Pier 5. The journey takes about 30 minutes on a fast ferry and up to an hour on a standard one.
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