Hong Kong
Outlying Islands
The outlying islands are accessible by ferry from Hong Kong Island. Most are an hour ride away, and the islands are a great day out with kids in Hong Kong.
Lantau Island - Lantau Island, site of the new Chek Lap Kok International Airport, is bigger than Hong Kong Island, but is much less densely populated. Most of Lantau Island is devoted to the Lantau Country Park.
Po Lin Monastery - This is the spot to see the a Big Buddha, the "largest outdoor bronze Buddha in the world." This Buddha is quite impressive, all the more so because you have to climb up 260 steps to get to the base of the Buddha (which is over 200 tons). Close by is the Ngong Ping Tea Gardens, Hong Kong's only tea plantation, where you can also go horseback riding, biking and roller skating. Tai O - Tai O is a fishing village where the houses are built on stilts. Don't miss the hand operated drawbridges. To get to Tai O, take the bus from Mui Wo (Silvermine Bay) or on the weekends there are excursion ferries from Hong Kong Island.On the south coast, there are two good beaches, Pui O Beach and Cheung Sha Upper Beach. Lamma Island - On Lamma Island, no cars are allowed. Take the ferry from Hong Kong Island to either the town of Sok Kwo Wan, or Yung Shue Wan. At Sok Kwo Wan, take the path past the Tin Hau Temple to climb up into the hills for views. Lo So Shing is a nice sandy beach.
Cheung Chau Island - An hour's ferry ride from Hong Kong Island, Cheung Chau is a tiny island east of Lantau Island. The town of Cheung Chau is a charming village with fishing junks. Visit the Pak Tai Temple, another temple to the legendary warrior who defeated the Prince of Evil, and the Tin Hau temples. A good beach is Tung Wan Beach, not far the ferry pier. You can also rent bikes and explore the whole island.
