Nearby Islands – Lamma and Lantau

In order to get to Lamma Island, I would recommend getting the ferry from central pier to either Sok Kwu Wan Pier or Yung Shue Wan Pier, which are the two most popular piers on Lamma. They are oppositive sides of the island conveniently. Typically it takes around 20 minutes to get there, although it depends which ferry you get, and costs between 10 and 30HKD each way based on the ferry company and day you are travelling.

There is a 5km family walk from one pier to the other, cutting straight through the centre of the island, with stunning views of the whole island and beyond. This walk is relatively simple and close to each piers has some shops and restaurants. There is lots of local restaurants, in particular serving fresh fish and seafood, however plenty of other options are also available. During the summer, while the weather is nice, the beaches are very popular and Lamma is a perfect location for water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding. This island is vastly different from Hong Kong island, and gives a lovely view of quaint local life here.

When travelling to Lantau Island, you can also get the ferry if you like the views, however the easiest and cheapest way to visit is taking the MTR to Tung Chung Station. From this station it is a short walk to reach the bottom of a cable car network (Ngong Ping 360 cable car) that carries you up to the infamous Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha statue) and attractions with it. You don’t necessarily have to take the cable car up, there are a few hiking trails that will lead you there but it is a fairly long and challenging hike there.

The Big Buddha you find there is very impressive standing at 112ft tall. Lots of information surrounding its construction and Buddhism as a whole is available there and its definitely worth taking some time to look around. The Big Buddha is located at the Po Lin Monastery which has some impressive building such as the Main Shrine Hall of Buddha and the Hall of Bodhisattva Skanda. There is food for sale at the monastery, however there are only vegetarian options. A set meal for 150HKD is available which includes multiple courses; I would recommend this over the vegetarian cafe found there.