Dale Candela
Dale Candela––affectionately known as Carlos––is a favourite with residents and day trippers alike. The casual Spanish bar and restaurant has a small cosy indoor area, along with more spacious al fresco dining area, perfect for enjoying a sangria and some tapas bites after a day at the beach.
G/F, 23 Main St, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, facebook.com/DaleCandelaHK
Banyan Bay Café
This popular spot is the perfect option if you’re looking for hearty all-day breakfast dishes. The menu includes everything from full English or full American breakfast plates, to healthier and veggie options, lunch time bites and drinks. Secure a seat out the back and enjoy laid-back sea views.
67 Yung Shue Wan Main St, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, facebook.com/Banyan-Bay-Cafe
Lala Mama's Cafe and Grocery
Tucked away just off the main street in Yung Shue Wan, this charming restaurant is a popular brunch spot amongst Lamma Island residents and visitors alike.
You can’t go wrong with the all-day breakfast here, which comes with generous portions of eggs, stir fried mushrooms, diced potatoes, bacon, smoked salmon, baked beans and ciabatta—best paired with a rich and creamy cuppa. This is a place where you can spend hours reading books from the shelf and unwind in a cosy atmosphere.
No.27, Sha Po Old Village, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, +852 9759 2553, facebook.com/lala-mama
The Beer Shack
Specialising in high quality craft beers proudly brewed in Hong Kong, Yardley Brothers is a local brewery with a small taproom on the way to Hung Shing Ye Beach.
Open from Tuesday to Sunday, The Beer Shack carries local kombucha, coffee and a selection of nine craft beers with distinctive flavour profiles on tap—be sure to grab an award-winning “Machine Men Pale Ale” before heading to the beach.
10 Sha Po New Village, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, +852 6537 9046, yardleybrothers.hk
Ozen Corner
This unassuming Turkish restaurant can be found just up from The Beer Shack, on the way to Power Station and Hung Shing Ye beaches. Enjoy ample plates of tasty falafel salads, creamy hummus and baklava and be sure to check out the souvenir shop on your way out for some colourful Turkish bags, copper coffee mugs and more.
35A Sha Po Old Village, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, facebook.com/yushuewan
Olive Leaf
A hidden gem found in the leafy hills of Lamma, many don’t know about this private kitchen. Accessible either by a sampan from Aberdeen pier or a hike from Lamma’s main ferry pier in Yugn Shue Wan, the Pak Kok location is a relatively untrodden path, but once you arrive, your journey will be more than worth any efforts.
Run by Chef Ayelet Idan, Olive Leaf specialises in vegan Middle Eastern cuisine, with the spice offered for both cooking classes and private events. Along with the delicious food, the lush garden will make you feel worlds away from Hong Kong.
Pak Kok Village, Lamma Island, facebook.com/oliveleaf.hk
Rawsoever
As the name suggests, Rawsoever is a vegan cafe and grocery store for plant-based offerings. The dishes are simple and well executed, allowing the original flavours of the fruits and vegetables to shine.
The seasonal menu, prepared by Chef and owner Peggy Tsang, features creative vegan dishes made with the freshest ingredients, as well as decadent desserts including the raw vegan mousse cake.
Flat A, G/F, 18E Tai Yuen Village, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, +852 6136 1066, facebook.com/rawsoever
Bookworm Cafe
Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian, there’s something for everyone at this popular vegan restaurant. Serving an all-day menu of wholesome, meat-free delights, you can find everything from a veggie burger to vegan-friendly homemade cakes at Bookworm Cafe.
Another draw is its cosy ambience, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by books piled up wall-high. While you’re here, simply pick a book and read the day away in the laid-back atmosphere.
79 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, +852 2982 4838, facebook.com/bookwormcafehk
Hideout
While most visitors come to Lamma Island for its famous seafood, the island is also home to a few quirky cafes that are worth visiting.
For a cosy, friendly breakfast spot, head over to Hideout, where you can enjoy a satisfying breakfast before your hike, or simply embrace a slower pace of life sitting on their seaside terrace. Of all the egg dishes on the menu, the full English breakfast served with a side of fruit salad will not disappoint, or go for the waffles if you're in the mood for something sweet.
G/F, 77 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, +852 2982 4321, facebook.com/hideouthk
Andy's Seafood
What makes Andy’s Seafood stand out from its seafood counterparts is its alfresco terrace with incredible sunset views over the shore.
Here, you’ll only find the freshest fish and shellfish caught by hand on the day, which can be enjoyed steamed, deep fried and wok fried. The salt and pepper squid is a Cantonese staple, so are the steamed scallop with vermicelli and garlic and deep fried mantis shrimp. Be sure to call in advance for a table on the terrace for a seaside dining experience.
43 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, +852 2982 0210
Ah Por Tofu Fa
If you're entering Yung Shue Wan village after completing the Family Trail from Sok Ku Wan, be sure to make a pit stop at this simple stall. Serving tofu puddings and soya milk––with hot and cold versions available––the look may be rustic, but the traditional desserts prove to be popular as a post-walk pick-me-up.
Tai Yuen Village, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong
Where to shop
Above Photo: Pearl Yan/Tatler Hong Kong
Lamma Brand
Lamma Brand is not only a souvenir shop—it’s a shop full of character with locally-made products including T-shirts, baseball caps printed with creative “Lamma Island” icons.
Walk inside, there’s a lovely terrace where you can relax, read a book and enjoy the slow-paced island vibes.
No.75, Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, +852 6818 0181, lammabrand.com
Above Photo: Pearl Yan/Tatler Hong Kong
Mush Store
The first and only self-service store on Lamma Island, Mush Store can be easily spotted towards the end of the Yung Shue Wan main street with a glass door front that gives a peek of what’s inside—a colourful neon sign, a self-service checkout in the middle and T-shirts hanging around the room.
The tongue-in-cheek prints and locally designed graphics are fun to wear and all pay homepage to the island where Mush calls home.
No.91, G/F, Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, +852 6818 0181, mushfactory.com
Lamma Vinyl Record Store
Fans of records can spend an afternoon digging and browsing, or connect with other audiophiles at the Lamma Vinyl Record Store.
Specialising in vintage tunes from the '60s onwards, this second-hand record shop may be the hiding place of your favourite tracks.
1/F, 45 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, +852 2335 0601, lammavinyl.store
See also: 8 Record Stores To Visit In Hong Kong
What to do
Above Photo: Pearl Yan/Tatler Hong Kong
Above Photo: Pearl Yan/Tatler Hong Kong
Lamma Island Family Trail
Connecting Yung Shue Wan and So Ku Wan—with both able to be reached by a ferry from Central—the Lamma Island Family Trail has everything you need for a Hong Kong island getaway.
Whether you choose to start from Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan depends on the ferry schedule, your choice of activities and dining preference. We’d recommend starting the hike from Sok Kwu Wan, as the ferry schedule for Yung Shue Wan to Central is more frequent than that of Sok Kwu Wan. This also means you will have ample time to explore Yung Shue Wan where most restaurants, bars and shops are located after the hike.
The scenic trail is 4km long and filled with hidden gems along the way. Traversing through secluded beaches, refreshment stands, temples and attractions, the trail boasts unobstructed vistas of the island’s coastline. End the hike with a break at Hung Shing Ye Beach (or Lo So Shing Beach if you start from Yung Shue Wan) with some charcoal-grilled corn and sweet tofu pudding before heading to the pier.
Beaches
There are many beaches on Lamma Island to explore, from the easy-to-access to a little more far-flung, and several dog-friendly options too––so it's more than worth checking one or two out on your day trip.
If you still have energy after the Family Trail, take a quick diversion to visit Shek Pai Wan Beach—the longest beach on Lamma Island. From Sok Kwu Wan, walk towards Mo Tat Wan for around 25 minutes before you reach The Bay Restaurant. Take the stairs next to it to reach Mo Tat Wan New Village. From there, you’ll pass by a row of abandoned houses at Yung Shue Ha Village before arriving at Shek Pai Wan Beach.
Alternatively, you can take a kaito ferry from the Aberdeen Pier, which takes you directly to Mo Tat Wan Village.
Not that far from Shek Pai Wan Beach––about a 15 minute walk away––you can also visit Sham Wam Beach. Known as Turtle Beach, due to being the only green turtle nesting site in the South China Sea, the beach is closed between 1 June and 31 October, but when it is open it is often one of the least crowded options on the island.
Closer to Yung Shue Wan village, Hung Shing Ye Beach is one of the most popular options. It is one of the few with facilities such as changing rooms, toilets and cafes, but this also makes it more crowded. For a quieter option, head around the corner to Power Station Beach, so named for the close proximity to Lamma Power Station. Though despite the site casting a shadow over one side of the beach, the sand and water here are always clean, with the added bonus of being dog-friendly, along with a popular spot for water sports.
This article was originally published on March 6, 2020 and was updated on January 28, 2021.
Topics
lamma island island guide hong kong day trip weekend getaway island getaway hong kong guide hong kong islands hiking
FAQs
What is special in Lamma Island? ›
Lamma's multicultural and laidback vibe attracts numerous visitors, especially over the weekends, who come to dine at its restaurants, hike its trails, enjoy its beaches, and shop. If you ask me, Lamma Island is perhaps the most vivid and enjoyable outlying island in Hong Kong!
What is Lamma Island in Chinese? ›Lamma Island (Chinese: 南丫島), also known as Pok Liu Chau (Chinese: 博寮洲) or simply Pok Liu (Chinese: 博寮), is the third largest island in Hong Kong.
How many people live on Lamma Island? ›| 南丫島 | |
|---|---|
| Region | New Territories |
| District | Islands District |
| Demographics | |
| Population | ≈7,000 |
Discover this 3.1-mile point-to-point trail near Lamma Island, Islands. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 15 min to complete.
Do people live on Lamma Island? ›Amenities: with an estimated population of 6,000, Lamma caters to those seeking an off-the-beaten-track way of life. There are local grocery and curio stores, but no large scale commercial offerings.
How long does it take to get to Lamma Island? ›Just 25 minutes by ferry from the teeming streets of Central, Lamma Island (or Pok Liu Chau) swaps the cars, roads and high-rises of the city for mountains, beaches and village life.
What island is owned by China? ›The two major archipelagos are known as the Paracel Islands, controlled by China, and the Spratly Islands. The entire Spratly Islands are claimed by Taiwan, Vietnam, and China, while Brunei, Malaysia, and the Philippines claim part of the archipelago. Major international shipping lanes use the South China Sea.
What is the tallest mountain on Lamma Island? ›Mount Stenhouse or Shan Tei Tong (Chinese: 山地塘／陰山) is the highest peak on Lamma Island in Hong Kong, with a height of 353 metres (1,158 ft) above sea level. Mount Stenhouse is the mountain in the middle. Taken in July 2011.
How many Chinese islands are there? ›The South China Sea Islands consist of over 250 islands, atolls, cays, shoals, reefs and seamounts in the South China Sea. The islands are mostly low and small, and have few inhabitants. The islands and surrounding seas are subject to overlapping territorial claims by the countries bordering the South China Sea.
How long is the ferry ride to Lamma Island? ›Lamma Island is served by two main ferry terminals, Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan. Ferries between Central and Yung Shue Wan run every 20-30 minutes in the morning and evening, and every 45-60 minutes during the daytime. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
What is the history of Lamma Island? ›
History of Lamma Island
In historic times as far back as the Bronze Age there have been settlements on Lamma, though the details of these are not all clear. Certainly it has had fishing fleets operating out of its natural harbours and using the gentle beaches for hundreds of years.
By taking a ferry, the travelling time between Central Pier 4 and Lamma is only 30 minutes.
How much is ferry to Lamma? ›Ferries from Aberdeen
The fares are HK$11 per adult on weekdays and on Sunday are $16. They leave Aberdeen from the Promenade, near the Jumbo Seafood restaurants pier, and go to first Mo Tat Wan on Lamma, then to Sok Kwu Wan.
...
Sok Kwu Wan - Central Piers HK.
| Mondays to Saturdays | Sundays and Public Holidays | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | HKD 19.8 | HKD 28 |
| Children ( aged under 12) | HKD 9.9 | HKD 14 |
DO I NEED TO REGISTER TO ATTEND AND IS THERE A CHARGE FOR TICKETS? You will need to pre-register for attendance but there will be no charge for attending LAMMA.
Can you live in island? ›On most islands, especially the tropical ones, you will have to get used to the outside world coming into your home frequently. For nature lovers, this is no problem and may be one of the reasons you are choosing island living. This may be the number one reason why people vacation on islands and eventually move there.
Can people live on islands? ›Today, millions of people live on islands all over the world. Some even own them—islands are available for purchase just like any other piece of real estate. There are many island nations.
How do you get to Cheung Chau island? ›Cheung Chau can be reached by ferry from either Central or with the inter-island ferry from Peng Chau, Mui Wo or Chi Ma Wan. The one from Central departs from Pier 5 every half an hour or so. The timetable can be found on the NWFF website. The fast ferry takes 35 minutes while the slow one can take up to an hour.
Can you drive to Lamma Island? ›There are no vehicles or public transport here, except for service vehicles. It's either walking or bikes... a nice change of pace! The ferries from Central will bring you to either of two main piers in Lamma: Yung Shue Wan and.
What pier is Lamma? ›The Pak Kok Pier is located at the northern part of Lamma Island. Currently, the pier is the en-route stop of a ferry service between Aberdeen and Yung Shue Wan. The old pier was first built with funds pooled by villagers, and it was reconstructed in the 1970s and 1990s.
What pier is Lamma ferry? ›
Yung Shue Wan Ferry Pier is a ferry pier located on the waterfront of Yung Shue Wan in Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island, Hong Kong. There are two ferry routes provided in the pier.
What island is owned by 3 countries? ›Borneo is the third largest island in the world, after Greenland and New Guinea. Hark back to school geography and you may remember, however, that it is not one country, but an island split between three: Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.
Does China own property in Hawaii? ›China Oceanwide spent more than $500 million on real estate purchases in West Oahu during the last several years including a 424-acre adjacent to the 642-acre Ko Olina Resort. KITV4 has reached out to China Oceanwide and Tower Development for comment.
Why does the US care about Taiwan? ›The United States and Taiwan share similar values, deep commercial and economic links, and strong people-to-people ties, which form the bedrock of our friendship and serve as the impetus for expanding U.S. engagement with Taiwan.
What is the tallest point on Earth? ›Mount Everest's peak is the highest altitude above mean sea level at 29,029 feet [8,848 meters]. Mount Chimborazo's peak is the furthest point on Earth from Earth's center. The summit is over 6,800 feet [2,072 meters] farther from Earth's center than Mount Everest's summit.
What is the 7 tallest mountain in the world? ›The 'Seven Summits' are comprised of the highest mountains on each of the seven continents of the Earth: Everest, Aconcagua, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Mount Vinson and Carstensz Pyramid.
What is the 2 highest mountain in the world? ›2. K2, Karakoram, Pakistan/China – 8611m. The second highest mountain in the world is K2. The mountain took its name from the notation used by the Great Trigonometrical Survey of British India.
How do I get to Tai O Village? ›How to get to Tai O: Catch the ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo, then take bus 1 to Tai O. Alternatively, take the MTR to Tung Chung Station, then take bus 11 from Tung Chung Town Centre. There is also a ferry from Tung Chung New Development Pier to Tai O.
How do I get to Cheng Chau? ›Cheung Chau can be reached by ferry from either Central or with the inter-island ferry from Peng Chau, Mui Wo or Chi Ma Wan. The one from Central departs from Pier 5 every half an hour or so. The timetable can be found on the NWFF website. The fast ferry takes 35 minutes while the slow one can take up to an hour.
How much is the fare to Lamma Island? ›The fares are HK$11 per adult on weekdays and on Sunday are $16. They leave Aberdeen from the Promenade, near the Jumbo Seafood restaurants pier, and go to first Mo Tat Wan on Lamma, then to Sok Kwu Wan.
How long is the Centre Island ferry ride? ›
The Ferry Terminal is located in the heart of downtown Toronto and is very easy to get to. There are three different pedestrian ferries that take visitors to three different locations: Ward's Island, Centre Island, and Hanlan's Point. The ferry ride is approximately 15 minutes.
Can dogs go on Lamma ferry? ›Pets are allowed on all sailings (by fee) but pet carriers have to use the seats of the first two rows in main deck. Pets cannot occupy any seats and have to be carried in a secure container or suitably restrained and muzzled. Ferry schedule is subject to change without prior notice.
How to get to Lamma from Central? ›One of the most popular routes to Lamma Island is taking the Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry Holdings Limited (HKKF) ferry from Central to Lamma Island. The ferry route starts at Central Ferry Pier No. 4 to Sok Kwu Wan Pier (route). This route will take you to the eastern part of Lamma Island.