Lamma Island: A Perfect Place to Chill 南丫島
by KLL
Far from the maddening crowd and another popular outlying island is Lamma which mixes nature, serenity, old style traditions and a lively community.
The island continues to draw in visitors from both Hong Kong and abroad. The name, Lamma, when literally translated into Chinese means "Y Fork".
Visitors coming from Hong Kong Island can catch regular ferries to Lamma from pier number four which head to two main destinations, Yung Shue Wan (Banyan Bay) and Sok Kwu Wan.
Once visitors land at Yung Shue Wan, they can immediately head to the main street which has an unique mixture of traditional Chinese seafood restaurants as well as pubs and bars which serve an array of food from around the world.
Sha Po
Near to Yung Shue Wan is the village of Sha Po which combines both modern and old style homes. Inside the village lies an unique temple which is commonly known as the King's Temple.
Hiking
There are several hiking routes on Lamma (there are no cars!) and these include going from Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan (and vice versa) - both locations are obviously convenient for the ferry terminals as well.
Going from both starting points will lead to the same hiking trial known as the "Family Trail" which takes about one and a half hours to complete.
It is a paved hike and visitors will go past many scenic areas including Hung Sung Ye Beach while just off the path are the Lo So Shing and Hung Shing Yeh beaches which are both ideal for swimmers. Along the way, near both ends of the trial, are many small vendors selling tofu, drinks and other desserts.
The hike also encompasses Sok Kwu Wan Pavilion which gives walkers a perfect view of Lamma and the surrounding area. As you head towards the Sok Kwu Wan stretch of the hike, visitors will come across the 'Kamikaze' cave which dates from the Second World War and it was here, that Japanese forces intended to hide 'Suicide' boats which would launch attacks on allied ships; the war ended before the caves were fully completed.
Closer to the Sok Kwu Wan end of the hike, hikers will see both the temple dedicated to Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea as well as several famed Lamma seafood restaurants.
A sense of calm and serenity can be found at Sok Kwu Wan as it has a small population of only 300 people and has been in existence for about 300 years. "Sok Kwu" literally means to 'bring in the net' such was the livelihood of villagers which still persists till today.
Lamma Fisherfolk's Village
Further on from the Sok Kwu Wan pier is the Lamma FisherFolk's Village which is a tribute to the local fishing culture which still continues on the island.
Visitors here can try their hand at fishing, learn about the history of the island and the traditional fishing techniques and culture which have lasted for hundreds of years.
The village also has a dragon boat exhibition, a folklore exhibition as well as a moored authentic fishing junk. For marine lovers, there is also an ocean gallery. Young and old can also try their hand at net fishing and see how many fish they can catch.
Lamma Island Family Walk
If visitors to Lamma decide to undertake the Lamma Island Family Walk from Sok Kwu Wan to Yung Shue Wan then they will pass by this family run Tofu dessert restaurant.
It is located roughly ten minutes from Sok Kwu Wan ferry station. The venue specialises in Sweet Tofu and Taro Balls and the choices are relatively cheap.
Sweet Tofu is very popular and its ingredients include soy milk, sugar and gelatin. The syrup is added on top and is mainly brown sugar, plus water along with ginger slices. The syrup gives the dessert its distinctive taste.
Mo Tat Wan
Mo Tat Wan is a quaint, quiet, little hamlet on Lamma Island. There is a small beach at Mo Tat Wan as well as a series of residential buildings around it. There is one restaurant right on the edge of the beach known as "The Bay."
Mo Tat Wan is a leisurely twenty to thirty minute hike to Sok Kwu Wan and the distance is about 1.3 kilometres.
To access Mo Tat Wan, visitors can take a ferry from Aberdeen and the ferry ride is roughly 30 to 35 minutes. Once visitors to Mo Tat Wan are dropped off then the ferry continues onto Sok Kwu Wan and this trip takes about ten minutes.
Access - Getting There
How to get to Lamma: There are regular ferries from Central Pier 4 as well as from Aberdeen. Journey time is about 25 minutes by ferry between Central and Yung Shue Wan.
Books on Hiking in HK
Rambles in Hong Kong (Oxford in Asia Paperbacks)
Hong Kong & Macau (City Guide)
Other Hong Kong Islands
Gallery
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