Lamma Island is the third largest island in Hong Kong, just ranked after Lantau Island and Hong Kong Island. Surrounded by sea, the island has a range of hills with attractive scenery and also with particularly fresh air. The cultural sites, the scenery and the traditions of this ancient island offer a unique experience to visitors. There are many important archeological sites worth exploring. For those who enjoy hiking, the island offers hiking routes of varied lengths from 30 minutes to over 5 hours, and also of different levels of difficulties for amateurs and serious climbers.

Excursion Guide

This family trail was completed in 2000. Since the route is a little bit more challenging for climbing, it will take approximately 2 hours to finish. Up the hill and along the way you can see the famous "Ling Kok Rock" and the "Flying Boulder". When you look down from the top of Ling Kok Mountain, the South China Sea is at the south, Yung Shue Wan and Lantau are at the northwest. The famous Repulse Bay and Stanley are to your east; and to your west is Lamma's highest mountain - Yam Shan (also called Mount Stenhouse). On a clear day, you can see as far as Tsing Ma Bridge and Chuk Ko Bay where Disneyland will be built, and the nearby chains of small islands. You should not miss this magnificent view! For hikers and rock climbers who enjoy greater levels of difficulty, Mount Stenhouse should be an ideal choice because it is an unexplored natural reserve, spotted with war caves and cannon sites - from the Second World War.

This journey takes about 2 hours. Walking east from Sok Kwu Wan and up to a small hill, you will see the East Lamma Strait right in front of you. Every day, cruisers from all around the world enter Hong Kong through this Strait. On the farther end is south Hong Kong Island where the Peak can be clearly seen. Walking for another 20 minutes, you reach the several hundred year old Mo Tat Village. Strolling through the barren fields, you will approach the seaside. To the east of the sea is Stanley and Po Toi Island. To the south is the mainland China territory of Dan Gan Shan. Walking for a few minutes and passing through a woodland, you will reach Lamma's largest beach - Shek Pai Wan Beach, which is famous for its huge boulders and breath-taking view. Walking along the beach for another 10-minute, you will reach Tung O Village. Another 10-minute walk will take you to Sham Wan (Deep Bay) where green turtles will come for spawning during June to October every year. From Tung O Village, you can walk uphill for another 30 minutes before going back to Sok Kwu Wan. Scenic spots along the way are Shek Kei Lau, and Butterfly Lane, the natural education lane.

This is a very popular path on the island, a direct and concrete path lying between Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan. It takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes for walking at a normal pace. You can take the ferry to Yung Shue Wan in the morning. Yung Shue Wan is inhabited by foreigners who enjoy its natural scenery and its serenity. Along the main street you can explore numerous boutiques and specialty shops opened by them - an interesting display of Eastern and Western culture! Strolling through villages and pastures for about 15 minutes, you will arrive at the lovely Hung Shing Ye Beach where you may swim. Then walking uphill and looking afar you may see the islands of Cheung Chau and Lantau. Sometimes you can even catch the sight of fishermen at work. When you reach the top of the hill, then right under your feet is the spectacular view of fish rafts sprawling along the seashore. Walk straight ahead for about 20 minutes and you will reach Sok Kwu Wan where there are many restaurants which offer the best seafood on the island. Tourist attractions along the way are Shen Feng Cave, Tree Frogs Reserve, Lo So Shing Primary School, and the 200 year-old Tin Hau Temple.

Souvenirs and Specialty Food

In Yung Shue Wan, there are craft shops selling home-made arts and crafts. In Sok Kwu Wan, you may also find shops selling home-made delicacies and specialties for tourists. You are welcomed to take them home as souvenirs. Furthermore, you should not miss the local specialty food, such as baked egg rolls, local spices, shrimp cakes and salted fish while the sweet tofu custard and ginger flavored milk custard are also some of the most beloved desserts.

Traditional Festivals and Ritual Activities on the Island

During March to June every year, the temples on the island celebrate traditional festivals with performances and ritual activities as follows:

the 23rd day of the third month of the Lunar Calendar (usually in April for 5 days). Location: Yung Shue Wan Program: Cantonese Operas, Dragon Boat Race, Parades, Lion Dances and much more.

the 18th day of the fourth month of the Lunar Calendar (usually in May for 5 days) Location: Sok Kwu Wan Program: Cantonese Operas, Dragon Boat Race, Parades, Lion Dances and much more.

the first day of the fifth month of the Lunar Calendar (usually in June for 1 day). Location: Luk Chau Program: Dragon Boat Race, Parades, Lion Dances and much more