What to see in Hong Kong: Lamma Island. Travel to Lamma Island, Hong Kong Paradise thirty minutes from the metropolis

When all the most popular attractions in Hong Kong have already been visited, and there are still a couple of free days left, it’s worth heading to Lamma Island.

This place is suitable both for those who love an active holiday with long walks and beautiful views, and for those who prefer to lie on clean sandy beaches, swim in the sea, and then taste fresh seafood at a nearby restaurant.

How to get to Lamma Island

Lamma Island is also attractive because it is very easy to get to. From pier No. 4 of the central pier, ferries depart to the island every half hour. Travel time is about 30 minutes.

Pay attention! There are two main piers on Lamma Island, so ferries go in different directions. Yung Shue Wan Pier is located in the northern part of the island near the power plant. To the south (almost in the center of the island) is Sok Kwu Wan Ferry Pier. It is better to decide in advance which part of the island you want to see and choose the appropriate ferry.

From one pier to another you can walk along a hiking trail along the hills. It will take a little over an hour.

Family trail route

We chose the route along the family trail in the southern part of the island. It started and ended at the Sok Kwu Wan pier. It is here that Lamma Island's famous seafood restaurants are located, as well as a fishing village where various sea creatures are bred.

After getting off the ferry, we headed to the left along the road that runs along the coastline. After about half an hour's journey, a path departs from the main road leading to Mo Tat Wan beach. The beach is cozy, but the sandy area is quite narrow. There are several restaurants on the shore, but since we were there during the low season, none of them were open.

Then the family trail goes through the village of Mo Tat. At first you are greeted by new houses, well-kept gardens, sometimes even local residents, but the further you go, the more deserted and abandoned the area becomes. This is an old village, now almost no one lives in it.

On the outskirts of the village of Mo Tat there is a picturesque banana grove, through which the family trail continues its route.

Along the way you come across destroyed walls of houses entwined with vines - the remains of one of the first settlements on Lamma Island.

And now the road leads us to another half-empty village of Yung Shue Ha, located on the large sandy beach of Shek Pai Wan. Here we are incredibly lucky: in one of the houses an old Chinese man cooks noodles with sausages and fries eggs for us for absolutely ridiculous money. We are full, satisfied and can continue on our way.

The most amazing place in the southern part of Lamma Island is undoubtedly Sham Wan Beach. This stunningly beautiful bay is famous for being a nesting site for rare green sea turtles in the summer. That is why from May to October the presence of tourists on this beach is strictly prohibited.

After relaxing on the Sham Wan beach, you can get ready for the return trip. The family trail begins to climb the mountainsides and leads you to a pavilion where you can sit and admire panoramic views of the sea and neighboring islands.

We didn’t get a chance to admire it because it started to rain and we rushed at a brisk pace down the path to Sok Kwu Wan. The trail ends near the Tin Hau Temple. From here it is a 5-minute walk to the pier through seafood restaurants. The prices in restaurants are decent, so we just admired the animals in the aquariums and went on the ferry.

The whole path along the trail with sightseeing, breaks and snacks took us about 4 hours. If you have enough time and energy, you can walk to the Yung Shue Wan pier and take the ferry there.

Some factual information about Lamma Island:

Lamma Island is located 3 km southwest of Hong Kong Island. It is the third largest island in Hong Kong. Its length is 6 km, and its width at its widest point reaches only 2.5 km. In 1972, a power station was built on the island, supplying electricity to both the island and Hong Kong Island. The population of Lamma Island does not exceed 5,000 people. Most of them live in the two large villages of Yung Shu Wan and Sok Kwu Wan, located near the piers. The remaining villages are very small, many of them abandoned. The highest point of the island is the peak of Mount Stenhous in the south (353 m). There are no cars on the island, only bicycles, motorized carts and miniature special vehicles.

Here, it’s really up to you to decide whether to go to this island or not. It depends on what you expect from this trip. If you're a sightseeing enthusiast, then don't. You won't find them there. If you want to see with your own eyes the contrast between the noisy and bustling Hong Kong and the peace, tranquility, and solitude of Lamma Island, then feel free to hit the road. In addition, here you can relax on the cleanest beaches and swim.

Lamma is considered the third largest island in Hong Kong. The correct Chinese name for the island is Pok Li Chau, which means “southern island with a cape.” However, for some reason the British heard or did not hear enough and began to call the island Lamma. Locals call this place the island of ghost teachers. Strangely enough, a huge number of English teachers live here. And the second word comes from the careless name for white people - “guailou”, that is, ghosts. And so it stuck - the island of teachers - ghosts. In fact, there are much more English people living on the island than Chinese. Europeans chose it because of the silence and proximity to nature. In addition, there was an opportunity to buy a plot of land right next to the house, and for children there was a great opportunity to walk in the open air and swim without restrictions.

You can get to Lamma in 30 minutes from Hong Kong by fast boat. You can sail to the island at one pier, and then, after taking a walk along it, return back from another pier, located on the opposite side of the island.

Lamma Island is a very idyllic place. Cars and houses higher than 3 floors are prohibited on its territory. There are many fish restaurants on the island, run mainly by the Chinese. But all the bars and cafes are run by the British. Peace and tranquility reign on the island, there is absolutely no crime here, although quite a lot of European hippies live on the island. Obviously, they chose this place because they can quietly buy weed here. Probably due to the large presence of hippies, not a single reputable institution in Hong Kong hires people from Lamma Island.

During the Second World War, the island's territory was located directly on the caravan route. Therefore, during the occupation of the island, the Japanese command came up with a crazy idea and dug several dozen tunnels on Lamma. In theory, kamikaze samurai on mini-submarines were supposed to hide in them and, jumping out unexpectedly, attack passing enemy ships. But the war soon ended, and this idea was never fully realized. All that remains as a souvenir are the dug tunnels.

Lamma is perfect for a Sunday stroll. In two hours you can overcome the picturesque pass and go down to another pier on the opposite side. There will be very nice pavilions scattered along the entire route, where you can relax and have a snack if you wish.

Lantau Island is the largest island in Hong Kong, with an area twice the size of Hong Kong Island. It is located two kilometers from Hong Kong, but is very different from it. The main attraction of the island is the world's largest statue of a seated Buddha.

Until recently, there was no civilization on Lantau Island; only after the construction of the international airport (in 1998) the island began to be actively developed. Now there are many temples on it, so the unofficial name of the island is “island of prayers.”

The island has many amenities for tourists: trails with signs, free campsites, stands with maps. Some sections have steep climbs providing stunning scenery. Here you should definitely visit the traditional fishing village of Tai O, where the Tanka people live.

Po Toi Island

Po Toi Island is a small uninhabited island located south of Hong Kong. It attracts wildlife lovers with its winding paths and unusually shaped rocks.

Having reached the island by ferry, you can visit the temple, the path to which lies through the rocks. Although there is no electricity on the island, there is a restaurant that is sometimes open to visitors.

This place is often visited by adventure seekers, rock climbing and caving enthusiasts to try their hand at Coffin Rock and Palm Cliff. The island is a great place to interact with wildlife and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Lamma Island

Lamma Island is just half an hour's ferry ride from Hong Kong's central piers. It is the direct opposite of its noisy neighboring city: leisurely life on the island encourages pleasant relaxation and achieving a state of mental peace.

For most of its history, Lamma stood firmly on the sidelines of tourist routes, until the local paradise was noticed by “hippish” youth. Since then, an atmosphere of eternal celebration has reigned here, in which waves of love and brotherhood cover all new arrivals.

There are no high-rise buildings here - the tallest buildings are three-story. It is prohibited to build taller houses on Lamma. There are virtually no cars, with the exception of a few electric vehicles. Residents of Lamma Island travel on foot or by bicycle.

Most of all, a trip to Lamma Island will appeal to lovers of nature and hiking, as well as photographers, for whom there will be no shortage of unique shots on the island. There are not a large number of temples, museums and other architectural buildings here, so people usually go to Lamma to take a break from the metropolis in the fresh air, in silence. Tourists going to Lamma should take care of the comfort of their shoes - most likely they will have to walk a lot. Gorgeous coastal landscapes, clean sandy beaches and a gentle sea are the main attractions with which Lamma welcomes its guests. And if you are tired and hungry, you can always stop by one of the family restaurants located near the sea and taste delicious seafood delicacies.

Lamma Island

A wonderful place to relax. A favorite vacation spot for Hong Kong Chinese.

Cheng Chau Island

Cheng Chau Island (“long island”) is a small, densely populated island where the locals have preserved their traditional atmosphere and culture.

An ancient Pak Tai temple was built here, which houses valuable historical religious shrines. Every May, the temple hosts an exotic festival of steamed buns - sacrifices to the God of the Sea, who is the patron saint of fishing and sailing.

This is a traditional fishing island with picturesque pristine beaches. For a long time, the island was a refuge for pirates, so now many tourists visit the caves in the hope of finding pirate treasure.

From Hong Kong you can get to the island by ferry in half an hour.

Tap Moon Island

Tap Mun Island is one of many small islands surrounding Hong Kong. Due to the beauty of the landscapes and the lack of crowds, it is a favorite destination for tourists.

The area of ​​the island is just over one and a half square kilometers. It is almost uninhabited, with a current population of only about 100 people. Tap Mun is known as a popular tourist spot. Firstly, there is an interesting and uncomplicated terrain and beautiful nature. Gentle green hills slope down to the sea, creating enchanting sea views and many convenient camping spots.

In addition to nature, the island has a noteworthy temple complex, some of the buildings of which were built in the first half of the 18th century. The complex is a historical building and is undoubtedly worth a visit. An interesting side of island life for observers is the activities of fishermen. There is even a special restaurant on the island where you can taste dishes from the fresh catch.

Lantao Island

Lantau Island is the largest island in Hong Kong. It is remarkable because you can find both quiet beaches for a secluded holiday and crowded entertainment centers, such as, for example, the only Disneyland in Asia.

The island has been cut off from mainland China and Hong Kong Island for centuries. It received its new life in 1997, when the colossal multi-tiered Sing Ma Bridge and the international airport were built here.

You can get to the island via a 5.7 km cableway - the journey will not be long, but very impressive. Leaving behind areas filled with modern high-rise buildings, you will find yourself in a completely different Hong Kong - filled with greenery and nature. Hong Kong's historical monuments await you here, such as the Po Lin Monastery and the ancient fortress from the Qin Dynasty. In the vicinity of the monastery you can see the world's tallest bronze statue of a seated Buddha. Nearby is the path of wisdom, where the text of one of the most revered prayers by Buddhists, the Heart Sutra, is written on wooden columns. From the monastery it is very close to the village of Tai O. This small village has long been famous for its dried fish and seafood. By hiring a boat, you can explore houses built on stilts and, if you're lucky, see pink dolphins.

For those traveling with children, Mickey Mouse and his friends await in the magical world of fairy tales and adventures called Disneyland.

Sights of Hong Kong

Yesterday my friends and I went to the third (out of 200) largest island in Hong Kong - the protected island of Lamma (emphasis on the first syllable). In fact, in Chinese it is called completely differently, but this is how the British heard the Cantonese “Pok Li Chau”, which meant only “southern island with a cape” and now this island is called “Lamma” in all documents.

In local slang, the island is euphemistically called "The island of the ghost teachers", due to the unusually large number of English teachers living on the island and the local derogatory name for white people, "guilo" (which means ghost).

By the way, there are even more British “Guailou” living on this island than the Chinese. Many Europeans choose this island because of the silence, proximity to nature, and because they can afford to buy a plot of land next to their house, and children have a place to walk and swim.

Swim GymTested, Approved and Recommended...

Lamma Island is just half an hour by fast ferry from Hong Kong's central piers (Pier 4, HK$20 one way).

...literally 5 minutes after departure the ferry sails past the Green Island prison island

...in the outer waters of the container port of Hong Kong there is a constant bustle - ships that do not fit in the port are being unloaded. By the way, Hong Kong container port is the second largest in the world - only the port of Shanghai is larger.

Lamma Island is an idyllic place. Houses higher than 3 floors and cars are prohibited here.
Along Yung Shue Wan Pier you will see countless fish restaurants run exclusively by the Chinese and a variety of bars and cafes run exclusively by the British.

The extent of crime on the island can be judged by this police station. Last year, the last high-profile incident happened - the bicycle of one of the “guailou” went missing. Then it turned out that this European simply parked his bike at the bar and forgot about it in the morning.

just a 25-minute walk from the outer pier of Yung Shue Wan (or a 1.5-hour walk from Sok Kwu Wan (Picnic Bay)) and you will find yourself on a picturesque beach surrounded by restaurants and bars. There are places to eat, change clothes and shower after swimming.

despite the fact that it’s already November and the sharp temperature drop to +26C - the water is still warm
on the beach there are about 50/50 - Europeans and Chinese

A Chinese woman who came to Hong Kong from Canada for the weekend tells us about how her parents lived in this former British colony.

There are only 5 electric cars on the island. One of them is an ambulance (more like just a stretcher), another is a fire truck (practically a large pump on wheels) and 3 trucks used mainly for garbage collection.

Many European hippies live on the island and this is perhaps the only place on the islands where you can quietly buy “weed.” For example, as friends told us, they actually buy a completely different product from this gray-haired bookseller, which he tries not to particularly advertise.

There really are a lot of European hippies here - that’s why many banks and serious organizations do not accept resumes from Europeans when they see that their home address is Lamma Island.

The island is located right on the caravan route, so during the occupation the Japanese had a crazy idea - they dug several dozen tunnels in which samurai-kamikazes were supposed to hide on mini-submarines and suddenly jump out, attacking passing enemy ships. But the war ended with the surrender of Japan and it never came to kamikaze.

One of the caves dug for kamikaze submarines

Lamma is a great place for a Sunday afternoon walk through the scenic pass. From one pier to another it takes about 2 hours. I would recommend sailing to Lamma at Sok Kwu Wan (Picnic Bay), which is located approximately in the middle of the island, and sailing back to Hong Kong from Yung Shue Wan (translated as Banyan Tree Bay), which is located in the northwest of Lamma Island.

The third largest island in Hong Kong, Lamma Island (Bolyaozhou, or Pok Liu Chau, Pok Liu Chau) lies just 5 kilometers southwest of the coast of Aberdeen (Hong Kong Island). It is forbidden to build buildings higher than three floors here, there are practically no cars, and the population by the standards of overpopulated Hong Kong is simply ridiculous - about 7 thousand inhabitants. Therefore, it has long been turned into a quiet seaside resort, where there are no large hotels and fumes of exhaust gases (there is indeed a thermal power plant, but in the near future that will be closed), but there are about 15 kilometers of beaches, several dozen sports grounds, a huge number of boats and pleasure boats.

Attractions of Lamma Island

The main attraction of Lamma is the Kamikaze Caves near the village of Sok Kwu Wan in the very middle of the island. These tunnels, 30 meters long and about 10 meters wide, were dug by the Japanese during World War II, supposedly to house mini-submarines for suicide bombers - so it would be more correct to call these dungeons “Kaiten Grottoes,” although most likely they were simply intended to store ammunition. However, the Japanese never had time to take advantage of this refuge, and now tourists are taken here, and in the sea not far from the entrance gate there is always a dance of fish around the oyster cages, which attracts snorkeling fans. Here, in the western part of the bay, there is a whole floating town of fishermen’s boats moored - Lamma Fisher Folks, turned into a small theme park Fisherman Village, on the shore there is a picturesque viewing platform Lo So Shing Sitting-Out Area, and to the east, in the village itself Soguwan (Songnuwan, Sok Kwu Wan), contains the best seafood restaurants (the place is famous as the largest shellfish plantation in Hong Kong).

Also very popular are three temples dedicated to the heavenly patroness of sailors and fishermen Tin Hau (Tin Hau - annual festivals are held here in late April or early May), the archaeological site of Sham Wan in the very south of the island - settlements of people from Neolithic times were discovered here (this is also the most important egg-laying site for endangered green turtles, so access here is prohibited from June 1 to October 31), Hung Shing shrine between the villages of Yung Shue Ha, Yung - Xueha) and Tung O (Tung O) in the southeast, the "Mountain Pavilion" over the western bays, as well as several well-equipped hiking trails winding throughout the island.

But the main wealth of the island is, undoubtedly, its beaches - the sandy Hung Shing Yeh near Hongshengye in the northwest is considered the most popular and protected (during the season, shark nets are installed, there are changing cabins, toilets, showers and several restaurants); Lo So Shing, located at the narrowest point of the isthmus, has the status of the most beautiful, in addition, there are two viewing pavilions in the traditional Chinese style, through which one of the excellent walking trails passes - the Family Trail; Mo Tat Wan Beach, located on the northern shore of the green eastern peninsula, is famous for its cleanliness and few people, and the numerous “wild” shores in Shek Pai Wan Bay are attractive to nudists and fans of outdoor activities - there are always good winds here, and small fish are constantly crowding around the rocky peninsulas.