5 Great Islands Around Hong Kong

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. 

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). 

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.

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 fibre glass).

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.