Lamma Island, also known as Pok Liu Chau, is a small and peaceful island located just a short ferry ride away from Hong Kong. With its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and abundance of hiking trails, Lamma Island is a popular destination for travelers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle that Hong Kong is known for!
One of the main reasons why I really enjoyed my day trip to Lantau Island is because you’re just able to breathe freely and walk around without having to feel on edge or being shoulder to shoulder with people.
It really is a welcome getaway if you are open to slowing down, immersing yourself in nature, and experiencing a different side of Hong Kong living!
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Table of Contents
What Is Lamma Island Known For?
Lamma Island is one of the three main islands that make up the territory, along with Lantau and Hong Kong Island. This picturesque destination is well known for its unspoiled nature, relaxing atmosphere and quaint villages!
The island’s main attractions include a variety of outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, camping and biking. The beaches on Lamma are some of the most beautiful in all of Hong Kong, offering stunning views out to sea. There are also some excellent seafood restaurants that serve up delicious dishes using freshly caught fish from local fishermen.
The nearby Yung Shue Wan village has several interesting sights including an old police station and a traditional Hakka walled village dating back to the Qing Dynasty period.
How To Get To Lamma Island
There are several ways to get to Lamma Island from Hong Kong. The most popular method is to take a ferry from the Central Pier on Hong Kong Island. Head to Central Pier 4 for Lamma Island.
Ferries to Lamma Island depart regularly from the Central Pier and the journey takes around 30 minutes. Just long enough to get a quick nap in! You can purchase tickets for the ferry at the terminal or online in advance.
Now when you get to the terminal, you’re going to notice multiple entrances to different ferries: Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan.
While both ferries will get you to Lamma Island, they don’t take you to the same ferry pier. Yung Shue Wan will drop you off at the northern part of the island and Sok Kwu Wan will drop you off in the middle of the island.
Here’s a map so you can have some spatial understanding of what I’ll tell you next:
If you plan on walking around as much of the island as you can, for simplicity’s sake, take Yung Shue Wan ferry. You can walk a very popular trail called the Lamma Island Family Trail which will eventually bring you to the Sok Kwu Wan area. From there, you can take the Sok Kwu Wan ferry back to Hong Kong Island.
You can find all the fare information and timetables for both ferries here.
To get on the ferry, simply scan your Octopus Card the same way you would at the subway station. Once you’re on the other side, wait for the ferry doors to open and grab a seat!
Once you arrive on Lamma Island, you can explore the island on foot (recommended) or by renting a bike or a scooter. There are also minibus services available for those who prefer not to walk or bike.
Overall, getting to Lamma Island from Hong Kong is relatively easy and convenient, and the ferry ride offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding islands!
Things To Do On Lamma Island
Enjoy The Seaside Views
Upon landing at the ferry port, you’re going to want to snap some pics! The walk over to Shue Wan Village boasts some of the best waterfront views of the entire island.
Strike a pose or two and admire all the lazily floating boats in the water before pulling yourself away and continuing on your Lamma Island adventure.
Walk Through Yung Shue Wan Village
Yung Shue Wan Village, located adjacent to the Yung Shue Wan Ferry Pier on Lamma Island, is a tranquil and picturesque village area perfect for strolling through.
From enjoying the views of the bay to perusing the local gift shops (such as Lamma Corner and Mush Store) to discovering delicious street food, there are plenty of little things to do in Yung Shue Wan that will keep you entertained for about an hour or so.
Since most of the restaurants are clustered in this area, if you haven’t had breakfast/lunch yet, this is a great place to sit down and enjoy a meal!
Eat Seafood
One of the main things that Lamma Island is known for is its seafood. The island is home to a number of seafood restaurants, many of which serve freshly caught fish, shrimp, and crabs.
Two of the most popular seafood spots on the island are Rainbow Seafood Restaurant and Tai Yuen Seafood Restaurant, where you can sample a variety of local delicacies, such as squid balls, fish balls, and fish soup.
Not interested in seafood? There’s a really good Indian restaurant on the island called Spicy Island Indian Restaurant & Bar if you’re looking for a change of pace.
Snack On Local Delicacies
Since fishing and seafood are so popular on Lamma Island, it’ll come as no surprise that even their most popular handmade snacks are seafood-related.
Upon getting off at the ferry port and entering Yung Shue Wan Village, we quickly started seeing stalls selling dried snacks, fishy sauces, and other dried goods (likely to be used for soups). And while these items can also be found on the mainland, why not try them on an island that specializes in this kind of stuff?
Pick up some dried shrimp and dried cuttlefish in Yung Shue Wan Village before continuing your exploration across the island. Even if you’re not hungry now, you’ll be able to save it and eat it along your hike.
And if you’re feeling famished anytime during your hike, you’ll be happy to know that you’ll encounter various snack shacks and super casual open-air restaurants along the way.
You can pick up an ice cream cone, smoothie, or even a cold/refreshing tofu pudding!
Hike Around The Island
If you’re looking for a more active day out, you’ll be glad to know that Lamma Island is home to a number of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding area. So when on Lamma Island, expect to do some walking!
The most popular trail is the Lamma Island Family Walk, which takes you through the island’s lush forests and past two of the main traditional fishing villages.
Along the ups and downs of this island-wide trail, you’ll have the chance to see a variety of local flora and fauna, including birds, butterflies, and wildflowers.
If you want to explore the island, this hike is very straightforward and very easy to follow. When in doubt, just follow the main path that all the other travelers are walking on!
You can start the hike by catching the Yung Shue Wan Ferry to Lamma Island, hike to the other side of the island, and take the Sok Kwu Wan Ferry back to Central or Aberdeen (Hong Kong Island). This means you won’t have to retrace your steps after your hike, win!
This main hiking path will take you through a Feng Shui forest to a paved coastal path, where you’ll find awesome vista points that overlook the scenic coast. You’ll continue hiking up a hill for views of the South China Sea’s shipping lanes, Lantau Island, and Cheung Chau Island.
Eventually, you’ll descend into the village along a bamboo path, encountering the 19th-century Tin Hau temple to a local sea goddess, pass by Kamikaze Cave, and arrive at Sok Kwu Wan Village, a waterfront village. This is another great time for a late lunch or early dinner before catching the ferry back to town!
Walk Around Sok Kwu Wan Village
At this point of your hike, you’ve reached civilization once again! You’ll be in Sok Kwu Wan, or Picnic Bay.
This area is less densely populated with shops and restaurants compared to Yung Shue Wan, but it’s still fun to stroll through nonetheless. If you’re looking for a real sit-down meal, the famous Rainbow Seafood Restaurant is on this side.
Looking to snack on stuff instead while at Sok Kwu Wan Village? Try the assortment of fish balls and mango mochi at Mango King! The mango was so sweet and juicy–it complimented the chewy mochi soooo well!
Hang Out On The Beach
Another thing that Lamma Island is known for is its beautiful beaches. Lo So Shing Beach and Hung Shing Yeh Beach are both popular spots for swimming and sunbathing, and offer a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the crystal-clear waters around the island.
Lamma Island: Essential Packing List
- Comfortable walking shoes – especially if you’re doing any hiking at all
- A packable puffy jacket or packable windproof rain jacket – because Lamma Island is, well, an island, it can get windy and breezy during certain seasons!
- Trekking poles – optional, and only needed if you have bad knees (the Lamma Island Family Trail does have some steep parts to it)
- Snacks and water packed up nicely in a daypack
- Lightweight travel umbrella – The weather in Hong Kong can be quite unpredictable during certain seasons, and rain is not uncommon. Make sure you pack a travel umbrellawhen visiting.
- A nice digital camera – I personally use the Sony a7 IV Full Frame Mirrorless Camera for all my international trips.
- Your trusty Octopus Card
- SIM Card – If you plan on using the internet for Google Maps, and even random internet searches when there’s no WiFi around,I’d highly recommend picking up aHong Kong prepaid SIM card. I did HK without a SIM card (just used T-Mobile’s free international roaming) and while Google Maps worked fine, even basic Google searches would take ages to load.
- Make sure to downloadGoogle MapsandGoogle Translateon your phone. That way, you can check bus/train schedules, access maps, navigate to your stops on foot, and read food menus easily.
Pro Tip: Once you get back to Central from Lamma Island, you’ll be right near The Hong Kong Observation Wheel Playground. If you’re interested in seeing a sweet view of Victoria Harbor (it’s great during the day or at night), hop onto the observation wheel! It’ll go around about 3 times and doesn’t cost very much to ride it. Walk around the area, grab a snack, and head home!
Hong Kong Travel Insurance
This is a no-brainer. When traveling internationally, be sure to get yourself some travel insurance.
I’ve heard of too many unfortunate experiences where friends and family have had baggage lost/stolen, hotels canceled, or have had unexpected medical emergencies while traveling where they’ve had to cut their trips short.
True story alert — in 2022, my partner even had his shoulder completely dislocated while surfing in Mexico, resulting in a $950 USD emergency room bill that we had to pay out of pocket for! Not fun and not cheap.
Without travel insurance, you would have to pay out of pocket for these mishaps. This is why I get travel insurance for all my international trips now!
One of the best budget-friendly travel insurances for those traveling outside their home country isSafetyWing.
SafetyWing Insurance provides coverage for unexpected illness or injury, including eligible expenses for hospital, doctor or prescription drugs. This means that if you get ill or injured, they will cover the medical expenses.
In addition, it provides emergency travel-related benefits such as emergency medical evacuation (much needed if you like to go hiking / trekking in the wild), travel delay, and lost checked luggage.
Click here to price out how much travel insurance would be for your trip.
Overall, Lamma Island is a great destination for a day trip from Hong Kong. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, hike through beautiful green forests, or sample some of the island’s delicious seafood, there’s something for everyone on this sleepy yet charming island!
Looking for more Hong Kong travel tips? You may also like:
Hong Kong Disneyland vs. Ocean Park: Which Is Better?
Lamma Island Day Trip From Hong Kong: Things To Do
The Perfect Lantau Island Day Trip Itinerary: 6 Stops You Can’t Miss
Where To Stay In Hong Kong: 4 Best Neighborhoods For First-Timers
Reservoir Islands Viewpoint Hiking Guide: Everything You Need To Know
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!
How do I get from Hong Kong to Lamma Island? ›The only way onto Lamma island is by boat: Ferries to Lamma Island leave from Hong Kong Central Piers to 1 Yung Shue Wan Pier ( 榕樹灣碼頭 ) ( Hong Kong Central Pier 4 ). Every 20-60 minutes Mondays to Saturdays adult fare HK$17.80 and on Sundays and public holidays HK$24.70.
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.
Why is it called Lamma Island? ›Lamma Island was named Lamma only because of a chart reading error by Alexander Dalrymple in the 1760s. He had acquired a Portuguese chart to the entrances to the Pearl River and, close to the west of the island, the Portuguese owner had written "Lama".
How long is the Lamma hike? ›Experience 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.
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 does the ferry to Lamma take? ›By taking a ferry, the travelling time between Central Pier 4 and Lamma is only 30 minutes.
What is the closest Chinese city to Hong Kong? ›Shenzhen is a city located in south-central Guangdong sheng (province) in southeastern China. It lies along the coast of the South China Sea and is located immediately north of Hong Kong.
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.
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 do I get to Llama island? ›
Ferries to Lamma Island from Central:
Head to Central Ferry Pier 4 where you'll find two ferry options to Lamma Island: Yung Shue Wan ferry – Which will take you to the livelier shopping and restaurant side of Lamma Island. Sok Kwu Wan ferry – Which arrives on the quieter side of the Island.
...
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 |
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.
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 does Lamma stand for? ›LAMMA Show is the United Kingdom's leading agricultural machinery equipment and service show. Since 1982 the LAMMA show (which stands for the Lincolnshire Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Association) has grown to over 900 exhibitors, with in excess of 40,000 attendees.
How many people go to Lamma? ›17th & 18th January 2024, NEC, Birmingham
LAMMA 2024 will be on Wednesday 17th January 8.30am - 5.30pm & Thursday 18th January 8.30am - 4.30pm at the NEC Birmingham. It is the UK's leading agricultural machinery, equipment and technology show attracting over 40,000 visitors.
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.
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.
How long is Castle Rock Walk? ›The 4.7 km (return) Castle Rock Trail in Porongurup NP starts at the Castle Rock picnic area and climbs through jarrah, marri and karri forest, past the fascinating Balancing Rock to the base of Castle Rock and the lower lookout.
How long is the walk up Castle Hill? ›Castle Hill is the most popular walking trail within Townsville City – boasting a number of walking trails it is a great way to get fit and be active. From the circular road (3.3km one way) to the more intensive Cudtheringa or Goat tracks Castle Hill is a great place to work out for any fitness level.
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.
How much does Green Island cost? ›Departing several times a day, the Green Island ferry from Cairns. Choose from a half-day or a full-day trip or combine the Island with the Great Barrier Reef. Prices start at $92 for an adult, $46 for a child or bring the whole family for $230.
How long is the Star Ferry ride? ›Passengers can enjoy views of Tsing Ma Bridge during the 45-minute journey on the luxury ferry World Star.
How long is videy island ferry? ›It takes only 20 minutes to reach the island so it is also a great option for families with young children. Enjoy the skyline of Reykjavik on one side and the impressive mount Esja mountain on the other. The ferry is quite small so we recommend booking the ferry tickets in advance.
How much is the ferry from Hong Kong to Macau? ›| HK (Sheung Wan) <-> Macau | ||
|---|---|---|
| Super Class | Economy Class | |
| Day Sailing (Weekdays) | $ 335 | $ 160 |
| Day Sailing (Weekends & Holidays) | $ 360 | $ 175 |
| Night Sailing (Weekdays,Weekends & Holidays) | $ 380 | $ 200 |
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.
What US city is closest to China? ›Seattle is the closest city to the Asian part of Russia, Eastern China, Mongolia...
How long is the train from Hong Kong to China? ›| Route | Duration | Second Class Seat Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong - Guangzhou | 43 - 113 minutes | CNY 215 |
| Hong Kong - Beijing | 9 hours | CNY 1,077 |
| Hong Kong - Shanghai | 8.5 hours | CNY 1,008 |
| Hong Kong - Fuzhou | 5.5 hours | CNY 339.5 |
It takes about 3 hours 25 minutes to fly from Hong Kong (HKG) to Beijing (BJS).
Do you need a permit to drive on Lantau? ›All roads on South Lantau are closed roads, motorists who wish to access the closed roads are required to hold a valid Lantau Closed Road Permit (LCRP).
Is Long Island accessible by car? ›
Air travel is also available through JFK and LGA Airports in Queens, a borough of New York City. Long Island is also accessible via the Long Island Rail Road, Ferry Service or by road.
Do you need a car to see Block Island? ›Getting Around Block Island
As mentioned, it's not necessary to bring a vehicle. The island is highly walkable and bikeable, and you can either bring your own bicycle or rent one on the island. Mopeds are also available for rent on the island and a fun way to zip around to its beaches, cliffs, and lighthouses.
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.
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.
Are there llamas on Lamma Island? ›Although I find the name Lamma quite cute and is close to llama that some part of me hope there are llamas on that island, unfortunately it is a no. As for the Mandarin name, people just simply called the island 丫 due to the shape of the island.
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 you get to Tung Lung island? ›Tung Lung Chau can be reached by a ferry (kaito) from both Kowloon side, and Hong Kong Island side. The ferry only runs on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays and takes about 40-45 minutes one-way. There are two ferry piers on Tung Lung Chau, Nam Tong Pier in the south, and Fat Tong Pier in the north.
Which is cheaper tunnel or ferry? ›Generally speaking the ferry is usually slightly cheaper, but whichever option you choose, make sure to shop around for deals and book well ahead of time to get the best-value fares.
Is Port A ferry free? ›The Free Port Aransas Ferry runs 24 hours, 7 days a week. The route runs up to six ferries a day and connects travelers on SH 361 a link across the Corpus Christi Channel between Aransas Pass, on the mainland, and Port Aransas, on Mustang Island.
How much is the Wall Street ferry? ›
How much does a ferry ride cost? It's the same as riding the subway: $2.75 for a one-way fare, and $121 for a 30-day pass.
Do you need a ticket to take the ferry back from Centre Island? ›Ferry boats go to three different Islands: Centre, Hanlan's and Ward's Island. The islands are all connected, so you can walk from one to another. The main attractions and majority of childrens' activities are on Centre Island. Ticket price includes your return trip - you don't need to show tickets on the way back.
How much are individual ride tickets at Centre Island? ›There is not entrance fee. You only need tickets if you're going on rides. You can also purchase individual tickets for $1.30 each. Each ride requires between 3 and 6 tickets per person.
How long do you need at Centre Island? ›How Much Time To Spend. Families will easily be able to make a day out of Centre Island; allow two hours minimum. Keep in mind the Centreville Amusement Park opens daily at 10:30am from June 1st to September 1st and all weekends in May and September, weather permitting.
Where is Golden Gate Ferry? ›From points south of Larkspur, travel north on Highway 101 and take exit 450B toward Richmond Bridge. Merge onto E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd. The ferry terminal is located on the right at the first light.
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 do you get to Lamma Island 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.
Which fishing village is best in Hong Kong? ›Tai O. Perched on the Western coast of Lantau, Tai O is known for its traditional stilt houses, forming an enchanting village erected on wooden stilts above the water. Once common across fishing villages in Hong Kong, Tai O is one of the few places where they still remain.
What is the famous fishing village in Hong Kong? ›Tai O is a fishing town, partly located on an island of the same name, on the western side of Lantau Island in Hong Kong.
How do you get to Sai Kung Falls? ›How to get there: From Sai Kung Town, take minibus 29R or a taxi to Sai Wan Pavilion, and take the clearly-marked concrete path winding downhill.
How long is the ferry ride to Cheung Chau? ›
There are two types of boats that run between Hong Kong and Cheung Chau: the fast ferry and the slow (or ordinary) ferry. The fast ferry takes 35 to 40 minutes while the slow's trip is about an hour.
How much is the ferry fare to Cheung Chau? ›Ferry Ticket Fare: HKD 13.4 for adults; HKD 6.7 for elders (aged over 65), children (aged between 3 and 12) and the disabled. Tips: Allowed to carry goods and pets. !
How do you get to Chang Mai? ›The two most popular ways to get to Chiang Mai are by car from Chiang Rai and take a flight from Bangkok. It takes around 25 minutes to drive to the city from Chiang Mai International Airport (IATA: CNX). There are more than 50 flights daily from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.