Outlying Islands Travel Guide

There are 235 outlying islands, many of them little more than uninhabited rocks. However, Cheung Chau (Long Island) (2.5 sq km) has 22,000 residents and is fast developing into a mini Honolulu, although there is no big motorised traffic.  People usually get around by walking or with bikes. Attractions include the beaches and Cheung Po Tsai's Cave, the now abandoned hide out of the pirate Cheung Po Tsai, who lived back when Hong Kong was still a small fishing village.

Lantau, the largest of the islands (142 sq km/55 sq mi) has a population of 45,000, a 933m (3060ft) peak, and a 70km (43mi) walking trail, but has avoided many of the development excesses of other islands. It is home to several important monasteries, including Po Lin Monastery with its enormous bronze Buddha. Thanks to the newish airport development, Lantau is now connected by bridge to the mainland.

One of the smaller islands is Peng Chau which has a really old style feel to it and is so removed from the rest of the high speed Hong Kong lifestyle. Its authentic fishing village, pleasant walks and views from Finger Hill are amongst the attractions in this chilled out day trip.

Other islands worth visiting include Lamma, Peng Chau, Poi Toi and the uninhabited Tung Lung Chau. Most of these islands can be accessed by taking a ferry, most of which piers are in Central, near IFC (International Finance Centre and tallest building in Hong Kong.)