Hidden gems | Outlying Islands to visit in Hong Kong

Are you looking for islands that are more tranquil and less jam-packed for a weekend getaway? Klook is here to provide you with 8 hidden islands that haven’t been saturated with tourists and visitors. Whether you want to get some sunlight on the beach, or take some photogenic photos during a hike, these islands are perfect for you!  

Located towards the east of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, Tung Lung Island is a great destination for you to experience numerous activities. There are lots of famous landmarks on the island, including Tung Lung Chau rock craving, Tung Lung Ford, etc. With its unique landscape formation, the island is synonymous with rock-climbing, camping, star-watching and kite-flying. If you are in the mood for an adrenaline rush, feel free to try the challenging Cliff Ziplining and Abseiling! 

Take a ferry at Sai Wan Ho Ferry Pier (approx. 45 mins). 

Another name for Tap Mun is “Grass Island”, as the whole island is covered with a big piece of grassland. On the grassland, you could stay in the Seaview pavilion and appreciate the seaview from a 180 degrees angle.  Remember to say hello to the cows that pass by you!

How to get there?

Take a ferry at Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier (approx. 1 hour) or Sai Kung Wong Shek Pier (approx. 25 mins).

The island gets its name from its appearance when looking from a bird’s-eye view. Its entire shape looks like a sunny-side up, with the green middle part resembling an egg yolk. There is a small beach on the island with crystal-clear water and soft sand, which is really suitable for water sports and snorkeling.

How to get there? 

The Po Toi Islands are a small group of islands with a population of around 200, south-east of Hong Kong Island, off Stanley. Po Toi is notable for its interesting rock formations and open-air restaurants. It is also a popular destination for hiking-lovers out there. Remember to try the seaweed lunch meat instant noodle and seaweed green bean soup if you have a chance to visit here! 

How to get there?

Take a ferry at the Blake Pier in Stanley (approx. 30 mins). Ferries are only available on weekends and public holidays.

Only 0.04 square kilometres in size, Ap Chau is one of the smallest inhabited islands in Hong Kong. Literally translated as “Duck Island”, Ap Chau takes its name from its shape when viewing from the north, which looks like a duck. Although this island is a bit remote, it has the rarest geographical features that you should not miss! From reddish-brown breccia to the eastern sea arch, this island will not let you down.

 How to get there?

Take a ferry at Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier.

6. Tung Ping Chau 

This crescent-shaped island is sitted in Mirs Bay of the northeastern waters. Measuring 600 metres long and 2000 metres wide, it is renowned for strange rock formations. “Ping” in Chinese means “flat”, representing the “Three Flats and One Wonder”- flat sea, flat island, flat stone and shale here in Tung Ping Chau. 

How to get there?

Take a ferry at Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier (approx. 1 hour 30 mins). 

7. Peng Chau 

I know this name is so similar to the island that I have just introduced above! Yet, they are two completely different islands. Peng Chau is located on the western side of Hong Kong island and only takes a short ferry ride to get there from the city. As Peng Chau was once an industrial town, you could see traces of industrial factories buildings and vintage stores here. These special landmarks promise you with high-quality Instagrammable photos! 

How to get there?

Take a ferry at Central Ferry Pier (approx. 30-40 mins).

Most visitors come here for the low tide at Tombolo, witnessing the emerging promenade that connects the nearby Kiu Tau islet. Moreover, dozens of giant boulders are scattered on the tombolo beaches, looking bizarrely like the local snack ‘pineapple bun’, which looks quite cute! Other typical volcanic rocks found on Sharp Island include volcanic breccia and rhyolite, the former containing angular pyroclasts while the latter’s surface is adorned with lava flow bandings. How unique!

How to get there?

Take Kai-to at the Sai Kung Pier (approx. 15 minutes).