Hong Kong is geographically divided into three main islands namely - Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, New Territories, and over 250 outlying islands, forming a scattered archipelago.

As a day-trip getaway, we ventured out to Lamma Island. It is also the third-largest island in Hong Kong with an area of 13.55 square kilometers.

To get to Lamma island, you need to take a ferry as there is no MTR station here. There is a good frequency of ferry services running from Central and Aberdeen. You can disembark either on the east coast at Sok Kwu Wan or on the northern side known as Yung Shue Wan. The northern area is more popular with most visitors, where you can stroll along the footpath that is Lamma’s ‘high street’ lined with alfresco restaurants and cafes.

*Lamma power station in the backdrop of Family Trail*

Elevation

112 meters

Distance

5 kilometers

Time Taken

2 - 2.5 hours

Difficulty Rating

Easy

Highlights of the hike

Views of the largest fish farming site in Hong Kong (Sok Kwu Wan)
Great seafood restaurants at the start and end of the hike
Day trip getaway spot from busy life in hong kong
Views of Lamma power station and Lamma Winds (long wind turbine)
Relaxing trail with numerous photo opportunities and a few sandy beaches along the way

Getting Here

Central > Sok Kwu Wan (our recommended route)

Take a ferry from Central Pier No. 4 to Sok Kwu Wan. It takes about 30 -40 minutes. The cost is HK$ 19.8 (Mon-Sat) and HK$28 (Sun and P.H.)

Central > Yung Shue Wan (another side of the hike)

Take a ferry from Central Pier No. 4 to Yung Shue Wan. It takes about 30 minutes. The cost is HK$ 16.1 (Mon-Sat) and HK$22.3 (Sun and P.H.)

You can find more details about ferry timetables here.

Below we will share the route from Sok Kwu Wan > Yung Shue Wan. You can start this hike from either side.

Here is a short video of our hike…

The hike that we started twice…

On a clear day, we took a ferry from Central heading to Sok Kwu Wan, and shortly after boarding the ferry, there were a few gray clouds at a distance. We were hoping they stay in Central and not ruin our hiking plan.

By the time we reached Sok Kwu Wan, the weather changed, and down came the rain.

At one point, we thought we should cancel our hiking plan and go back.

We always remember this hike as 'the hike that we started twice', after walking for a few minutes we had to come back to find shelter in the village, as the rain was pouring heavily...

But, then the second time we were lucky. I am glad we took some shelter near the temple and waited for a while (almost 45 mins), and started hiking after the sky became clear like it never rained!

So Kwu Wan signpost — *Almost change of weather - grey clouds approaching*

After the weather improved drastically and we started our hike for the second time.

Ferry to Lamma Island — *After the rains - ferry ariving from Central to Sok Kwu Wan*

*Restaurants as seen from Sok Kwu Wan pier*

You will also notice this beautiful mural on one of the village walls by artist Kate. If you would like to find, more such beautiful murals around Hong Kong, read our blog on street art here.

Tin Hau Temple at Sok Kwu Wan — *Tin Hau temple at Sok Kwu Wan*

Follow the signs, and you will arrive at this path after crossing the 150-year-old temple on your left.

Walk along the path shown below towards Sok Kwu Wan Lookout Pavilion. On your way, you will also pass some mudflats.

Once you arrive at Sok Kwu Wan Lookout Pavilion, rest a bit and look at the gorgeous view of the Sok Kwu Wan inlet.

*Aerial view of Sok Kwu Wan - fishing village*

Continue walking from here towards your Lamma hike, as it's mostly a paved path with some incline sections like the one below, but don't worry, we saw some older people and young children on this hike.

After walking for a while, you will arrive at another rest area/pagoda. As most of this hike is uncovered, it could be a challenging hike during the summer months, and glad for such pagodas where you can rest a bit.

*Aerial shot of Sok Kwu Wan village in the backdrop and resting area*

Walking along this path, you can already see the Lamma Power Station. These are the tall chimneys in the background.

*Lamma Power Station - three tall chimneys*

Now it's mostly downhill and flat until you reach Hung Shing Yeh Beach.

Another highlight of this hike is the Lamma winds turbine which we captured with our drone.

From the beach, you can make your way through many small villages. Each house looks unique. Some of these houses are selling sweet tofu dessert, corn cob, soft drinks, and handmade gifts too. There are many small cafes and retail shops on the high street (main street) - refuel and treat yourself here as you deserve it after the hike.

After spending some time at Yung Shue Wan, you can head to the ferry pier and make your way back to Central or Aberdeen.

Useful tips

As there are a few restaurants on Sok Kwu Wan, we suggest starting your hike from here and ending at Yung Shue Wan
More ferries are going to Central from Yung Shue Wan so there are more options
You can also rent a bicycle at Yung Shue Wan
Mostly uncovered hike and if hiking during summer months carry your caps, umbrellas, sunscreen and stay hydrated
Seats on the ferry are not assigned, try to grab a window seat if you can