Lamma Island, Hong Kong.

Did you know that Hong Kong is made up of 260 islands? Unfortunately, many of them are not open for habitation and are instead rocky outcrops that you might pass over either by boat or by plane. If you are looking to strike out from Hong Kong island and have already visited Lantau, Lamma and its less famous neighbour Cheung Chau are slightly off the tourist track and well worth a visit. They were inhabited by Chinese settlers long before being colonised by the British and have a laid-back vibe that is sometimes hard to find in the big city. The beaches are open for sunbathing, but it is not recommended that you take a dip. High levels of pollution mean that the water is largely unsafe for swimming, however, if good food and a different pace of life is what you are looking for, then you might just find it here-but don't tell everyone!

Arriving in Lamma

Taking the ferry from Central is quite easy, simply look out for ferries to Yung Shue Wan departing from the Outer Islands Ferry Piers. Ferries run every day between 6.30a.m-12.30a.m and only take around 30 minutes, (make sure that you buy the tickets before you depart, either from the ticket offices or online).

What to see in Lamma

Yung Shue Wan, where the ferries dock, is a pretty village that remains largely unspoiled by tourism and this is also where most people living in Lamma have their homes. You can visit the Tin Hau temple, which dates back hundreds of years; this village is the perfect starting point to explore the island. If you are looking for somewhere to pitch your beach towel and relax on the sand then walk twenty minutes out of the village to Hung Shing Ye, which has a beautiful beach with access to plenty of shade; it also has a barbecue pit and a couple of restaurants. It is worth noting that the power station is clearly visible at the beach.

If you decide to pass on Hung Shing Ye, head for Lo So Shing, another small beach which is slightly better equipped for visitors, here you can find changing rooms, showers, kiosks and more barbecue pits. If you fancy seeing something in Lamma that is not beach life and demonstrates the flavour of Chinese influence on the island, then walk along to Sok Kwu Wan. Ferries also dock here, and the village harbour has some fantastic traditional fishing boats. The real draw of visiting here is the plentiful choice of fish restaurants that line the bay.

Where to eat in Lamma

Concerto Inn has a South East Asian flavour and a terrace overlooking a beach, it is on the pricier side, with mains starting from $180, perfect for a special occasion but if you want to eat somewhere that is cheaper, then try Lamma Seaview Man Fung which is right by the pier in Yung Shue Wan. They also have an outdoor terrace and specialise in seafood but also have a great selection of rice and noodle dishes for a fraction of the price. For more seafood options, try Rainbow Seafood which can also be pricy, but by no means extortionate. You can pick your seafood here and the deep-fried chilli squid comes highly recommended.

​Have you ever been to Lamma Island? Do you know of any other hidden gems to visit in Hong Kong? We would love to hear about your travels! ​