Outlying Islands Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, safety and health, and transportation options in Outlying Islands, Hong Kong.


Introduction to Outlying Islands

Outlying Islands is a cluster of 234 islands in Hong Kong. Surrounded by the South China Sea, these islands offer a stunning natural landscape, charming local culture, and a tranquil escape from the bustling city life of Hong Kong. Some of the most popular islands to visit in Outlying Islands are Lantau Island, Cheung Chau, and Peng Chau.

List of Places to Visit in Outlying Islands

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Po Lin Monastery - home to the famous Giant Buddha statue of Hong Kong and the temple is a Buddhism pilgrimage destination.
  2. Tai O Fishing Village – a fascinating place to visit where stilt houses and narrow alleys, old temples, dried seafood and of course, fresh seafood are the main features.
  3. The Hong Kong Disneyland - a fun, family-friendly themed park complete with attractions, entertainment, and adventure rides.
  4. The Heritage Museum - showcases the history and heritage of Tung Chung and Lantau Island, including a vast collection of traditional artefacts and antiques.

Natural Attractions of Outlying Islands: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Sunset Peak - the third highest peak in Hong Kong, Sunset Peak is popular among hikers and offers stunning views of Lantau Island and the South China Sea at sunset.
  2. Lantau Trail – a 70-kilometer-long walking trail with eight sections explores Lantau Island’s nature and heritage.
  3. Cheung Chau Beaches – Cheung Chau’s beaches offer a relaxing escape from the city. Tung Wan Beach, Shek Pai Wan Beach, and Kwun Yam Beach are the three most popular.
  4. Peng Chau Island - a well-known destination for its scenic bike routes and hiking trails. Peng Yu Path, Lung Mo Pai, and the Family Walk being popular trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Outlying Islands

  1. Lantau Trail - one of the most popular and accessible hiking trails in Hong Kong.
  2. The Tung O Ancient Trail – highly recommended for those that are looking for a hardcore hiking trail. The trail is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding.
  3. The Peng Chau Family Trail – a popular family fun trail and great for biking too. The path runs through the island offering scenic views of the beach and the island’s charming alleys.

Best Things to Do in Outlying Islands: Activities and Tours

  1. Surfing at Big Wave Bay
  2. Visiting Tai O Fishing village
  3. Watching fireworks from the beach
  4. Take a sunset cruise around the islands

Week-Long Itinerary for Outlying Islands

Day 1 Arrival, Explore Tung Chung village and visit the Heritage museum
Day 2 Visit Po Lin Monastery, hike to the Big Buddha
Day 3 Head to Tai O Fishing village, take a boat tour.
Day 4 Take a day trip to Disneyland or Ocean Park
Day 5 Hike or bike around Peng Chau Island
Day 6 Visit Cheung Chau Island or get a Sunbathing session at the Beach
Day 7 Enjoy the sunset view from Disneyland or head off to see the Symphony of Light show.

Food and Drink Scene of Outlying Islands

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Steamed seafood - seafood is the local specialty in Outlying Islands.
  2. Lantau Beef Noodles - a must-try dish on Lantau Island.
  3. Sweet tofu soup – a sweet and tasty dessert soup.
  4. Chiu Chow-style oyster omelet – a delicious omelet made with fresh oysters and scrambled egg.

Local Beverages

  1. Hong Kong-style milk tea - a popular beverage across Hong Kong.
  2. Pomelo tea- a refreshing tea with the grapefruit flavour.
  3. Sugarcane juice – a sweet and refreshing drink.

Where to Stay in Outlying Islands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong - a luxury hotel situated in a natural setting that aims to offer a relaxed, fun atmosphere while providing exceptional quality of services.
  2. Disney’s Hollywood Hotel - this hotel offers Disney-themed guestrooms with excellent amenities and a range of facilities for guests’ entertainment.
  3. Seaview Holiday Resort - a budget-friendly family option that offers spectacular views of the South China Sea.

What to Buy in Outlying Islands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Dried seafood - The village of Tai O is famous for it.
  2. Lantau Island coffee – a must-buy for coffee lovers.
  3. Chinese tea – you’ll find many varieties of tea here.
  4. Handmade ceramic crafts – the best place to shop this is in Cheung Chau.

Local Culture and Customs of Outlying Islands

Like Hong Kong, Outlying Islands celebrates a wide variety of holidays throughout the year. Cheung Chau Bun Festival, Tai O Dragon Boat Festival, and the Hong Kong Lion Dance Festival are some of the most popular celebrations in the Outlying Islands. In general, the inhabitants of the Outlying Islands are friendly and approachable, and they enjoy sharing their traditional customs with visitors.

Best Time to Visit Outlying Islands

The best time to visit Outlying Islands would be during the cool, dry season, which starts in November and ends in February. The weather during this period is very comfortable, and it is the peak season for tourists. However, if you are looking for cheaper accommodations and less crowded attractions, then visiting during the offseason between March and October would be ideal.

Do’s and Don’ts of Outlying Islands

Do:

  1. Respect the culture and customs of the locals.
  2. Dress conservatively while visiting religious sites.
  3. Explore the lesser-known islands around Outlying Islands.
  4. Try the local food and beverages.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or pollute the environment.
  2. Try to pet or touch the wildlife, including monkeys.
  3. Take photographs of locals without their consent.
  4. Haggle over prices in local shops, usually marked as fixed or negotiable.

Safety and Health

Safety in Outlying Islands

Overall, Outlying Islands are safe for tourists. However, it is advisable to take common precautions like being aware of pickpockets, keeping an eye on belongings, and avoiding deserted places at odd hours.

Health in Outlying Islands

Outlying Islands have excellent healthcare facilities, and medical services are available readily. However, travelers are advised to carry their medication and first aid kit for emergencies.

Getting to Outlying Islands: Transportation Options and Logistics

Hong Kong International Airport is the main gateway to Outlying Islands. Ferry boats serve as the primary means of transportation between islands, providing a quick, comfortable, and affordable way to get around. Visitors can either book a private water taxi or can use the public Ferry.

Airports Near Outlying Islands

  1. Hong Kong International Airport - located on Lantau Island, reaches both by high-speed boat, bus or taxi

Bus Stations Near Outlying Islands

  1. Bus Station in Tung Chung - takes you to the islands on the same day, reaches 2 hours before the final ferry at Mui Wo.

Other Options

  1. Public Taxi - visitors can hire a taxi to reach to Tung Chung, followed by a bus or ferry ride.
  2. Private transportation - visitors can rent private transportation.

How to Get Around in Outlying Islands

There is no road transportation available. Consequently, pedestrians and cyclists, particularly during good weather, are the main modes of transportation. Visitors could rent a bike or get around on foot.

Where to Go Next from Outlying Islands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After visiting Outlying Islands, some of the nearby destinations travelers can visit are Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and The New Territories.

Conclusion

Outlying Islands are a fusion of natural beauty, culture, history, and adventure. The islands offer something for everyone, from scenic hiking trails to delicious seafood. It’s an exciting place to explore, and it deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

Peng Chau offers an unpretentious and less hectic experience than other islands. Peng Chau offers an unpretentious and less hectic experience than other islands.


    Cheung Chau
    Peng Chau