Outlying Islands
Despite their close proximity to the metropolis that is Hong Kong, the nearby islands of the South China Sea have a relaxed, almost tropical feel far-removed from the fast-paced lifestyle of Hong Kong. Indeed, the waters of the South China Sea are filled with islands large and small, some with fishing villages, while others are home only to isolated beaches and coves where one can swim, wake-board, and sunbathe for hours with not a soul in sight.
Particularly noteworthy sights include Lantau Island's Giant Buddha, among the largest of its kind in the world; windsurfing at Big Wind Bay; and exploring the outlying islands of Hong Kong aboard your own Chinese junk.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Junk Cruise
Spend the day exploring Hong Kong's outlying islands aboard your own luxurious, motorized Chinese junk — a type of boat traditional to the region. Dating back millennia and still in use today, the junk is a type of traditional wooden fishing boat whose innovative sail and hull designs would later influence Western shipbuilding.
Lamma Island
Spend the afternoon on Lamma Island, a traditional fishing island which doubles as an outpost for Hong Kong's creative, bohemian community. Explore the island's small communities which are linked only by a series of footpaths that cross lovely open hills with views over Hong Kong and the surrounding waters. End up in Yeung Shue Wan, where small boutiques, cafés and Western-style bars mix with traditional seafood and produce vendors.
Lantau Island
Spend time outdoors on Lantau Island, Hong Kong’s largest island, more than half of which is National Park land with popular hiking trails. A marine park off the north coast of the island was established to protect the water’s Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphins, which are more commonly known as Lantau’s “pink dolphins.”
Po Lin Monastery & Giant Buddha
While it was once but a small monastery tucked in the wilds of Lantau Island, Po Lin Monastery shot to prominence in 1993 after the construction of a giant Buddha statue, which measured 111 feet (34 meters). From the base of the statue, visitors can enjoy soaring views of the island and the surrounding seas; within the walls of Po Lin itself are a pleasant garden, as well as ornate Buddhist iconography.
Tung Lung Island
Stop on Tung Lung Island, which is largely uninhabited and protected as a special park region for its lovely landscape and great hiking and rock-climbing opportunities.
Windsurfing
From Tung Lung, sail up to Sai Kung peninsula and go windsurfing at the spectacular Big Wave Bay with its wide strand of beach and dramatic mountainous backdrop. Windsurfing is the only sport for which Hong Kong (independent of China) ever won an Olympic Medal, when Lee Lai-Shan took home gold from the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
Hong Kong Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
Multi-Country Specialists
Hong Kong Goes Well With
Why Remote Lands?
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Hong Kong for the Ladies – The Perfect Girl’s Getaway
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For ladies looking to combine glamour, style, and fun, a trip to Hong Kong has it all.
Welcome to the Jungle: Adventures in Borneo
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- Victoria Hilley
As the world’s third largest island and located in the heart of South East Asia, Borneo remains a wondrous destination for explorers, with an unspoiled paradise waiting to be rediscovered…
Coast and Kids: Thai Beach Holidays for the Family
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The tropical Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman coast aren’t just for the adults; the excitement, adventure, and adrenaline are ideal destinations for the whole family, full of amusement and amazement for kids of all ages.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
Family from Indianapolis, Indiana
This was our second trip with Remote Lands... On Java, our guide was excellent and we loved being the only people at Borobudur after the monument closed to the public.
Two Couples from Dallas and Denver
Remote Lands planned our fifteen-day, four-city China Singapore trip perfectly! They knew the ins and outs of Asia's first ever night-time F1 street race - no small feat.
