Daytripper: Lamma Island

By Ziyi Yuan, 2016-03-14 04:00:00

Daytripper is a regular column that aims to help people get the most out of their PRD experience by proposing fun excursions that can be made in a single day to explore the local culture and nature of the region.

Hong Kong weekend getaways are popular among Shenzheners, as evidenced by the mainland dwellers that swarm across the border during pleasant weather. If you are tired of the urban noise, though, the city offers a lot more (or less, if you will) beyond the glamour of shopping sprees and posh restaurants. 

The surrounding islands are havens for zen-ish tours where even another border crossing stamp in your over-filled passport won’t put a cloud over your head.

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Take Lamma Island, for instance. It is probably the closest you can get to vacation mood without dropping the big bucks on a plane ticket. It also sports one of the cleanest beaches in Hong Kong and affordable vacation rental prices (if you want to spend the night) – quite unusual for the pricey former British colony.

As spring is ready to burst into the city with finer weather, lots of sunshine and even some swimming possibilities for the not so faint of heart, head over to Lamma for some island living with a light touch of Hong Kong’s signature urbanism.

Yung Shue Wan is the very heart of Lamma Island. A small village mixing restaurants, residential properties and small shops in a bright, delightful mosaic, hotels and smaller private properties are abundant – and the deals get better as you venture further into the island away from touristy spots. 

One of the best things about staying on Lamma is that your pets won’t have to be missing you at home. Most hotels are pet friendly and more than willing to host your furry companion for the length of your stay. Just make sure you have all the needed Hong Kong papers in place (though that could take a while).

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Lamma is also one of those rare places where the journey is actually quite a pleasant process in itself. Think about it: a half an hour ferry from Hong Kong is way more relaxing than a bumpy ride on a cramped bus. You can spend the commute admiring the calming sea paysage or creating some artful photos for your Instagram report – whichever strikes your fancy. 

If you head over to the island later in the afternoon, you may even catch that precious moment when the reddish sun drops into the blue sea.

The island itself is full of Mediterranean flavors – and not just in the abundant fresh seafood. Sea views, quaint little houses, cozy sandy beaches and a laid-back pace are all the right ingredients for a complete recharge.

The finest way to end the day is to grab some light snacks from one of the local shops and see your short vacation off on the seaside. The natural symphony of waves hitting the rocks will set the mood for the trip back. 

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How to get there : 

Take either metro or bus to Central. Lamma is served by ferries from Central Pier 4 on Hong Kong Island and from Aberdeen on the south side of Hong Kong Island. There are separate services to both of the main villages on the island, Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan. The journey time is 27 minutes to Yung Shue Wan and 30-40 minutes to Sok Kwu Wan. Vessels are monohull and some of the boats have a small outside canopy-covered area at the rear of the upper deck.

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