Known for its seafood, laidback lifestyle and friendly community, Lamma Island is a great place to spend a day away from the city. A tranquil escape just 30 minutes away from Central, the slow-paced island feels a million miles away from the bustling business district of Hong Kong. If you’re visiting Lamma Island, we recommend taking a walk from Sok Kwu Wan to Yung Shue Wan, the two main villages on the island. The relaxing trail provides numerous opportunities for pit stops and takes in a number of sandy beaches for a great day out with the whole family.
Read more: Best hikes in Hong Kong
Getting there
Take the ferry from Central Pier 4. There are ferries arriving at Sok Kwu Wan on the eastern side of Lamma and Yung Shue Wan in the northwest. To follow our suggested route, you want to get off at Sok Kwu Wan. Ferries to Lamama depart less frequently than to some of the other islands so be sure to check schedules before you leave home. The most up to date information can be found online.
Start at Sok Kwu Wan
Disembark at the seaside village of Sok Kwu Wan for a morning coffee at one of the laidback bars around the bay. There are a variety of shops selling snacks, souvenirs and handmade clothing.
From Sok Kwu Wan, take the only path out of town, past a small temple on your left. The path turns right and continues uphill. From here you’ll take in stunning views across Hong Kong Island. Look behind and you’ll see the harbour town of Sok Kwu Wan fading into the distance, look ahead and you’ll spy a couple of small sandy beaches. This is where you’re headed.
The path becomes shaded by overhanging tree branches and the odd spider’s web. Watch your face, you may be alarmed by the size of the spiders here; indeed they are a common talking point for hikers along this route.
Lo So Shing Beach
After around 20 minutes, you’ll pass some public toilets which look oddly modern given the surroundings. You’ll also pass a sign for Lo So Shing Beach. For a refreshing break, head down to this pretty little beach for a rest and a swim. Here, there are more public toilets along with showers and changing rooms. The water in this area is relatively clear, despite views of Lamma Island Power Station, just a few kilometres away.
After cooling off at the beach, retrace your steps back along the path you came for around 150 yards. One you rejoin the main path, turn left towards Yung Shue Wan. Here, you’ll find the gradient is predominantly uphill, but the incline is not steep and there is plenty of shade provided by overhead trees. By now you are very much in the midst of the Lamma jungle!
Stop for a snack
You’ll come across a couple of small, rural villages with stalls run by locals selling cold beers and frozen pineapple on sticks. Keep on climbing and you’ll reach a beautiful pavilion jutting out over the sea. Take some time here to observe the route you have come from and take in more stunning views of Sok Kwu Wan.
From here you have the option to return the way you have come but in our opinion, it’s far more interesting to take in something new. Continue uphill. The route will take you past another pavilion on the west coast from where you can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding islands, the power station and two more beaches which lay in the bays ahead. From here onwards it’s mainly downhill. The path changes from smooth concrete to large granite cobbles and foot traffic picks up as you get closer to Yung Shue Wun.
Arrive at Yung Shue Wan
You’ll pass Hung Shing Yeh Beach, probably the busiest beach on the island. At the far end of this beach you can stop for lunch at Concerto Inn. The staff are incredibly friendly and the food is delicious and filling. We recommend the fish and chips. For dessert, we love the sweet tofu puddings from Kin Hing Tofu Dessert. After leaving Hung Shing Yeh Beach, the remainder of the walk should take around 20 minutes, you’ll continue through some seaside villages and reach your destination of Yung Shue Wan Ferry Pier.
