Lamma Island

Also known as Pok Liu Chau, this island is peaceful and tranquil with natural scenery in sharp contrast to Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

The island is where Asian film star Chow Yun-fat spent his youth. Chew grew up in the island village of Tung O in Yung Shue Wan. There is also a significant Western population here regarded by some as hedonists and "lotus eaters" because of their alternative lifestyles.

Although it may be a challenge to ride on the narrow streets and downward slopes between the tightly packed old buildings, the community's only means of transport is by foot or bicycle. Even police officers patrol by bike.

Start your bike journey at Tin Hau Temple, ride along the road passing Grandma's Bean Curd, Hung Shing Yeh Beach, Herboland, and all the way to Sok Kwu Wan Ferry Pier. Bike rental fee is HK$15-20 per hour.

Herboland, an organic herbal farm, was founded by two young green-living enthusiasts with the concept of an inspirational place to visit and experience the world of herbs.

Grandma's Bean Curd is a dessert tent run by a 70-year-old grandmother who has been in the business for more than 25 years. Bean curd is also known as douhua, a popular Chinese dessert made of very jelly bean curd and yellow sugar syrup. Prepared with homemade soy milk, the bean curd has a creamy textured sweetness.

You can also find some special shops on Lamma Island. In the Bookworm book store, you can read and taste Western vegetable dishes. There are many seafood restaurants from Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan Ferry Pier, which on average are HK$100 per person.

Just imagine the pleasure of sitting by the seaside, sipping a cup of tea or enjoying seafood and setting your mind free after hours of riding.

Transportation

Take the subway to Central on Hong Kong Island, walk through the International Financial Center to Central Ferry Pier No. 4, and take a ferry to Yung Shue Wan on Lamma Island. Fast ferry takes about 20 minutes and regular ferry takes around 35 minutes.

Tips

Holiday flats cost HK$300 to 400 per night, and early booking is recommended if you wish to spend holidays or weekends there.