One would think that a traveler has already seen all of Hong Kong after touring all the famous shopping areas, having fun at Hong Kong Disneyland or Ocean Park Hong Kong and doing the rounds in the main tourist areas of this pulsating city.  But actually there is still so much to see.  Those who would like to escape the bustling streets of Hong Kong can hop over to another island where it is more peaceful and laid back.  I’m referring to none other than Lamma Island.

Lamma Island, located towards the Southwest of Hong Kong Island, is a pretty small and quiet island.  One can reach Lamma Island easily coming from any of the reputable hotels in Hong Kong like the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong.  This hotel sits strategically at the financial district and has a fantastic view of glistening Victoria Harbour.  From your hotel, proceed to the Central Pier Number 4 and take a thirty-minute ferry ride to Lamma Island.  You would have to determine on which bay you wish to dock before you can choose your ferry.    There are two bays on Lamma Island to choose from – Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan.  The former is peppered with good seafood restaurants.  Yung Shue Wan, on the other hand, has quaint shops and cafes.

One way to do the walk is to catch one of the earlier trips to Yung  Sheu Wan to make the most out of the visit.  Once you get off the ferry, follow the path towards the right and look for directional signs that lead to Sok Kwu Wan.  Make sure to grab a copy of the map of Lamma Island to guide you in your exploration.

Upon landing on this very serene island, depending on the time of your arrival at the Yung Sheu Wan Pier, you can either start by having breakfast or have your lunch in a nice yet inexpensive seafood restaurant.  After being energized by a good and filling meal, you can proceed to walk and follow the walking trails of Lamma towards the other bay,  Sok Kwu Wan.

Walking or hiking would have to be one of the more popular activities that one can do in the island.  Visitors who arrive during the weekend or during public holidays get to walk with quite a huge crowd of locals and tourists who leisurely make their way down the hiking path.  The main path of the hiking trails are paved pathways that are characterized by mild slopes that are not too tricky which make these perfect even for the older visitors.  Those who are in a better physical state can challenge themselves by going on a side trip and try to climb the two peaks of Lamma Island.  These two peaks can give a really nice view of the entire island and the sparkling blue South China Sea.

Walking from Yung Sheu Wan to Sok Kwu Wan is less challenging.  A relaxed stroll can last anywhere from one hour to two hours.  There are families who prefer this trail as well as those couples who are pushing baby strollers.  It is very easy to go around the island on foot guided only by a trail map.

The trail will lead you to the Tai Yuen Village at one point and this path also leads to the Lamma Winds.  The Lamma Winds are the only set of windmills that can be found in Hong Kong.  From the Lamma Winds, one can proceed to the impressive Pavilion and admire the breathtaking view of neighboring islands and vast sea.  This is also a lovely backdrop for souvenir pictures.

You can go back a little and turn towards the Hung Shing Yeh Beach and follow the trail towards Sok Kwu Wan.  The path will lead you on top of a hill where you can have another chance to savor the charming view.  After having your fill, you can continue strolling until you reach the Lamma Fisherman’s Village.  This is another interesting stop of the trail as you will get to see how the fishing folks of Hong Kong go about their everyday lives.  From your visit to the Fishing Village, the trail will lead you to a village where you will find Lamma’s Islands popular temple, the Tin Hau Temple.

This very relaxing and entertaining walking trail can end at Sok Kwu Wan.  Go inside a seafood restaurant, order some drinks and reward yourself with great food.  You will surely have wonderful memories of your walk around Lamma Island during your ferry back to Central and the wonderful taste of the delectable food that you just had will be lingering in your mouth.  Nyum!

Posted in Hong Kong, Things to do

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 14th, 2009 at 12:37 pm and is filed under Hong Kong, Things to do. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.