Holiday travel tips and experiences: Hong Kong Lamma Island

Welcome to Lamma Island

Hong Kong Lamma Island (Chinese: 南丫島) is the third largest island in Hong Kong. It is also known as Pok Liu Chau (Chinese: 博寮洲) and is no doubt one of the top Hong Kong tourist attractions.

Lamma public library near the Yung Shue Wan pier

With an area of 13.55 km² and an estimated population of 6,000, Lamma Island is accessible via the northern pier Yung Shue Wan or the eastern pier at Sok Kwu Wan by the Lamma Island ferry and is only about half an hour away. The island has a significant Western and international population with its very relaxed atmosphere.

Serene scenery

Map of Lamma island

Hong Kong Lamma Island is peaceful and tranquil and you will not find buildings higher than three storeys as these have been prohibited. Also there are no automobiles save for diminutive fire trucks and ambulances, as well as open-back vehicles used to transport construction materials. Moving around by foot or bicycle is the order of the day.

Tons of bicycles at the Yung Shue Wan pier - the main mode of transportation

View of Yung Shue Wan village from the pier

Being close to Hong Kong town, Lamma Island makes a great weekend getaway with its golden beaches, yummy seafood and great hiking trails.

Yung Shue Wan has handicraft shops along the main street as well as some western-style restaurants and bars.

Cake Buddy - alas, it was closed when we were there

Bookworm

Handicraft shop

Yung Shue Wan Village

Back Street

About a mile from the Yung Shue Wan ferry terminal, we finally managed to find the much acclaimed Lamma Island Ah Por soya beancurd which we had heard about and read on various websites whilst researching on Hong Kong tourist attractions before even arriving in Hong Kong.

In a little makeshift tent with some tables and plastic chairs, we saw Ah Por, the stall's owner, and confirmed that this is the stall we were looking for from the signboard at the side of the stall. You can see a magazine clipping of an interview with Ah Por and check out the secret to Ah Por's beancurd. :)

Lamma Island Ah Por soya beancurd

Road directions at Ah Por tofu

After enjoying the bowl of smooth and light soya beancurd or tofu as it is otherwise known, we continued on our journey and came across a beautiful area known as the Hung Shing Yeh beach.

Hung Shing Yeh Beach

The beach

From Hung Shing Yeh beach, we continued walking and before we knew it, we were already half way between Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan. We then decided to go all the way to Sok Kwu Wan and treat ourselves to some great seafood at one of the various seafood restaurants over there.

Along the way, we took some time to enjoy the beauty of nature as well as the lovely sunset views on Lamma island.

Flower in bloom

Unusual flower

A huge spider waiting for its prey

Odd looking pod

Berries

Another beautiful sunset view from Lamma island

A steep drop

Sunset on Lamma Island

Herb garden

Walking from one village to the other on Lamma Island is a great way to enjoy nature. And we had the pleasure of admiring one of the most beautiful sunset as well lovely views.

Lo So Shing Beach

View of the Sok Kwu Wan area

View from Lamma island

Located between the two villages is Sham Wan (another beach area), the only site in Hong Kong where green turtles regularly lay their eggs.

After almost two hours, we were finally close to Sok Kwu Wan. Here, we took a break at the Pavilion before the home run.

Holiday Travel Tips:-
Do give yourself at least 2 to 2 1/2 hours for a slow walk from Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan especially if you are out of exercise. Wear proper footwear for the walk and walk in the cooler hours of the morning or evening during summer.

The Pavilion

As it was getting dark by then, we managed to get some nice pictures of the night view of Sok Kwu Wan area. This is one we like best. The colours from the Rainbow Seafood Restaurant signboard are reflected on the water.

Night view of Sok Kwu Wan

Sok Kwu Wan is most well known for its row of seafood restaurants by the sea. Here you can see tanks and tanks of fresh seafood to choose from for a great seafood dinner.

Someone I know highly recommended Rainbow Seafood Restaurant on Lamma island, thus that was the place that we picked to enjoy our seafood dinner.