Hong Kong Outlying IslandsAbout Hong Kong Outlying Islands
The Hong Kong Outlying Islands are the collection of islands within Hong Kong’s maritime boundaries excluding Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon peninsula. The group includes a wide range of islands from the large, developed Lantau Island to small, sparsely populated islets and scenic rock formations.
The islands offer diverse experiences - from major tourist facilities and the airport on Lantau to quieter fishing villages, beaches and hiking on islands such as Lamma and Cheung Chau. Outdoor recreation, seafood restaurants, cultural festivals and short ferry hops from Central or other urban piers are common attractions.
Historically the outlying islands were centers for fishing, salt production and coastal trade; many remained rural into the 20th century while a few experienced major development after World War II. In recent decades some islands became suburban or tourist-oriented while others were designated for conservation and recreation.
Geographically the islands are scattered across Hong Kong waters, from the Pearl River estuary in the west to the border with Guangdong in the east and the open South China Sea to the south. The nearest major urban center is Hong Kong Island and the Central business district, accessible by regular ferry services to many of the islands.
- Ferry access: Many islands are served by Hong Kong’s public ferry network, with frequent services from Central, Aberdeen, and other piers; several islands are car-free or have very limited vehicle access.
What to See#
- Lantau Island: The largest island in Hong Kong, covering about 147 square kilometers and home to Hong Kong International Airport, the Ngong Ping plateau and the Tian Tan Buddha statue.
- Lamma Island: A smaller, car-free island popular for seafood restaurants, short hikes and beaches; connected to the city by regular ferries from Central and other piers.
- Cheung Chau: A medium-sized island known for its annual Bun Festival, compact village streets, and a busy weekend culture of seafood restaurants and beachside recreation.
- Peng Chau: A small island with a tightly knit village community, light industry and local shops, located close to Lantau and Hong Kong Island with frequent ferry links.
- Po Toi Islands: A small southern group known for dramatic rock formations, exposed sea stacks and a reputation as the “alien rock” gallery of Hong Kong’s coastal geology.
Nearby Attractions to Hong Kong Outlying Islands
Best Time to Visit Hong Kong Outlying Islands
Aim for autumn (October-December) for the best combination of calm seas, clear skies and comfortable temperatures on the outlying islands.
Weather & Climate near Hong Kong Outlying Islands
Hong Kong Outlying Islands's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 10°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1931 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 11° - 17° | 14° | 25 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.7 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.8h |
| February | Good | 12° - 17° | 14° | 47 mm | overcast | 79% | 3.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.3h |
| March | Good | 14° - 20° | 17° | 72 mm | overcast | 81% | 3.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.9h |
| April | Good | 18° - 23° | 21° | 171 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.3 m/s | 1.4 high | 12.6h |
| May | Good | 22° - 27° | 24° | 285 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.1h |
| June | Good | 24° - 29° | 26° | 322 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.3 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.4h |
| July | Very Good | 24° - 30° | 27° | 282 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 3.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.2h |
| August | Very Good | 24° - 29° | 27° | 338 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.1 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.8h |
| September | Very Good | 23° - 28° | 26° | 219 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.2 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Excellent | 20° - 26° | 23° | 109 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 3.9 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.5h |
| November | Excellent | 16° - 22° | 19° | 33 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 10.9h |
| December | Excellent | 12° - 19° | 15° | 28 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.9 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.7h |
How to Get to Hong Kong Outlying Islands
The Hong Kong Outlying Islands (Lantau, Lamma, Cheung Chau, Peng Chau, etc.) are reached primarily by ferry from Central on Hong Kong Island: take the MTR to Central, then walk to the Central Ferry Piers where regular ferries sail to Cheung Chau, Peng Chau, Lamma (Yung Shue Wan/Sok Kwu Wan) and Mui Wo (Lantau). Lantau is also accessible by the MTR Tung Chung Line to Tung Chung station and by the Ngong Ping cable car to Ngong Ping on Lantau. Ferry terminals are typically a short walk from Central MTR exits; once ashore local buses or taxis serve the island towns.
Tips for Visiting Hong Kong Outlying Islands
- Catch the earliest ferries from Central, Tsim Sha Tsui or Mui Wo to popular islands (Cheung Chau, Lamma, Peng Chau, Lantau); weekday mornings are noticeably quieter than weekend afternoons.
- If you're staying on resort islands or at nearby hotels, use island-specific piers (for example Mui Wo for southern Lantau) or the smaller ferries/skylines (Skyliner/boat connections) to avoid the busiest tourist entry points.
- Don't focus only on the highest-profile islands: outside Cheung Chau and Lamma there are many smaller islands with fishing villages and short coastal walks where you'll find far fewer visitors - plan an island-hopping day and check local ferry timetables.