Hong Kong has 235 outlying islands. Most are uninhabited, while those which are inhabited have a way of life that has remained unchanged for decades.

These islands are easily accessible, very inexpensive and frequent scheduled ferries provide transport to and from Hong Kong Island. A launch or junk to the islands is a great way to spend a half or full day if you feel like an unhurried island adventure away from the frenetic pace of Hong Kong and Kowloon.

Peng Chau and Cheung Chau are both islands with densely populated villages, where the streets are narrow and some are made of dirt.

On Cheung Chau you can see the fisherfolk working at their nets and visit the boat building yards, the fish processing factories and the island's famous Pak Tai Temple which was built in 1783. The beauty of Cheung Chau is that there are no vehicles on the island other than fire engines.  

There is a good swimming beach within easy reach of the ferry pier and booklets give detailed routes you can follow if you wish to walk around the island. One of Hong Kong's most famous festivals, the Bun Festival, is celebrated here each year, usually in April or May.

Lantau Island is twice the size of Hong Kong Island and is linked by a frequent ferry service which takes 40 minutes. From the town, a bus service runs to Po Lin Monastery which stands on a plateau dotted with small pagodas that house the remains of former abbots. The large and ornate temple is overshadowed by the world's tallest outdoor bronze Buddha who sits on the crest of the hills that split the island. The monastery also houses three smaller magnificent statues of Buddha. Nearby are the only tea gardens in Hong Kong.

Lantau Island has a number of fascinating walks and uncluttered beaches. Silvermine Bay is the main township and from here you can take a bus ride to Cheung Sha Upper Beach which is 3.2 kilometres long and famous for its white silky sand. Also from Silvermine Bay you can visit the Tung Chung Valley, a fertile farming area with small Buddhist temples. Tai O, once the centre of Hong Kong's salt panning industry, is worth a visit to see the houses which are built on stilts above the river.

Lamma Island is the closest of the outlying islands and is very popular with Hong Kong locals who visit for an evening fish meal at one of the many restaurants. The island has no roads and many beautiful hill walks. The main town is Yung Shue Wan where stalls selling dried fish, Chinese herbal medicines, incense and candles mingle with modern low-rise cafes and waterfront seafood restaurants.

Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma's second settlement is also famous for its open-air seafood restaurants. There are two beaches at Lamma which are ideal for swimming, fishing and barbeques. During the Tin Hau Festival, the bay near Yung Shue Wan throngs with junks flying gaily coloured flags.

If you want to go island hopping, be aware that ferries are very crowded at weekends during summer so it is best to go during the week and arrive at the ferry pier well in advance of departure to make sure you get on board.