Shek Kong Air Base

Tranquil island escapes just a ferry ride from the city.

The Islands District of Hong Kong encompasses Lantau Island, Cheung Chau, Lamma Island, Peng Chau, and dozens of smaller isles. Together they offer a striking contrast to urban Hong Kong, blending ancient fishing villages, Buddhist monasteries, sandy beaches, and lush hiking trails.

Lantau is the largest island and home to the famous Tian Tan Buddha and Ngong Ping village, as well as Hong Kong International Airport and Disneyland. Smaller islands like Cheung Chau and Lamma are car-free havens where seafood restaurants line the waterfront and narrow lanes invite leisurely wandering.

The district rewards slow travel: rent a bicycle, hike the Lantau Trail, or simply sit at a seaside cafe and watch fishing boats drift by. Crowds are manageable on weekdays, making the Islands feel like a genuine retreat from the city's intensity.

• •Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) — iconic 34-metre bronze statue with sweeping mountain views
• •Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car — scenic gondola ride over Lantau's forested peaks
• •Cheung Chau Waterfront — lively promenade lined with fresh seafood restaurants and local shops
• •Shek O Beach on Lantau — one of Hong Kong's most scenic and relaxed sandy shores
• •Po Lin Monastery — active and beautifully decorated Buddhist monastery beside the Big Buddha
• •Lamma Island Seafront Villages — car-free Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan for seafood and village charm

Getting around: Ferries operated by New World First Ferry and Outlying Islands Ferry services depart from Central Pier (Piers 4–6) and connect the main islands frequently throughout the day. On Lantau, the MTR Tung Chung Line and Airport Express reach the north coast, while buses and taxis cover inland areas. Cheung Chau and Lamma are entirely car-free, so walking and cycling are the only options on those islands. Rideshare apps like Uber operate on Lantau but have very limited reach elsewhere in the district.

Best time: October through December offers the most pleasant weather, with cool temperatures, low humidity, and clear skies ideal for hiking and sightseeing.

Local food: Try wind-dried sausages and buns from Cheung Chau's bakeries, fresh steamed fish and pepper prawns at Lamma Island's waterfront restaurants, and traditional dim sum near Po Lin Monastery on Lantau.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.