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Header images courtesy of Lily Valette
Spending a day—nay, just an afternoon—on Lamma Island is a perfect compromise between getting out of the city for fresh air and hiking without having to go too far (or too high). While there are some wonderful quick hikes on Hong Kong Island, the view of the skyline is always there in the background, reminding us of the large city. Now that’s where Lamma Island comes in—not only is it one of the most accessible outlying islands in Hong Kong, thanks to a short ferry ride from Central or Aberdeen, but it is also filled with nature, making it an ideal destination for a short outing, and a real break from the city.
While you will definitely break a sweat while hiking from Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan, it is an easy trail to tackle. The inclines are bearable, the path is paved, the way to go is clearly indicated, and the views are stunning!
While this guide indicates the way to Sok Kwu Wan, you can easily start from there instead and follow our instructions in reverse to end the hike in Yung Shue Wan. With piers on both ends of the trail, the way to go is entirely interchangeable according to your preference.
There is no real need to refuel before you begin as there are quite a few options for amenities along the way, and we would, in fact, recommend eating after the hike, but you could opt for a sit-down meal before you cross the island, too. Whatever you decide, there are many restaurants near both piers that you will encounter on this trail.
Distance: 5 kilometers approx.
Difficulty: Easy
Total time: 1.15 hours approx.
From Central, head over to Pier 4 and hop on a ferry to Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan, depending on where you want to start this hike from. Alternatively, from Aberdeen, head over to the Promenade and hop on the ferry to Sok Kwu Wan, its second stop.
The starting point of this hike is Yung Shue Wan Ferry Pier on Lamma Island. Beloved amongst locals for a weekend getaway, you might be carried by the crowd on your way out of the ferry and into the village. However, beach-goers and locals will eventually go their own way, and although there will be fellow hikers on the trail, it’ll clear out the more you advance. So, once you’ve arrived at Yung Shue Wan Ferry Pier, just start walking!
At first, you’ll walk along Yung Shue Wan Main Street, taking you through the village, where you will be surrounded by small shops. Pay attention to the signs as you make your way to Hung Shing Yeh Beach, following the concrete route. Gradually, you will see fewer houses, and more trees. This first section of the trail should take around 20 to 25 minutes.
Once you’ve taken in the beauty of the beach—and of Lamma’s signature power station views—you can find the paved Family Walk
by the Hung Shing Yeh Beach barbecue area.
This next section is the steepest of the whole trail, but also where you will enjoy breathtaking views of the hills and of the sea. Simply follow the trail straight for around 30 to 35 minutes, without making any sharp turns. You will eventually get a first glance of the finish line, Sok Kwu Wan fishing village, further on your left.
When you reach the Lo So Shing intersection, there’s only 15 minutes left till the end of your hike, with only the descent and flat routes to conquer. If you feel like prolonging your outing, make a short detour to the small Lo So Shing Beach for a break, or even a dip in the water!
If you are ready to go home, turn left and follow the trail towards So Kwu Wan. From there, you can catch the ferry back to Central or to Aberdeen.
Born and raised in the French countryside, Lily arrived in Hong Kong looking for an adventure. Passionate about books, she spent some time in Parisian publishing houses and is the author of an illustrated book about hair. Life in Hong Kong for her entails looking for seaside places to eat and a lot of hiking.
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