Sunday, July 7, 2013

Lamma Island - July 7, 2013

Lamma Island is located just a few Kilometers south of Hong Kong Island. It consists of a few small, car-free fishing villages, lush mountains, beaches, and trails. We spent a Sunday afternoon exploring the island, and were not disappointed!


The ICC Tower - Hong Kong's tallest skyscraper. Our trip began at the Hong Kong Central Ferry Terminal #4. Lamma Island was quite the contrast to this!


My traveling companions - on the ferry for Lamma Island.


Yung Shue Wan - The largest town on Lamma Island. This view is from the dock where we arrived. 


The map on the Yung Shue Wan dock.



Bicycles seem to be the most common mode of transportation here, besides walking.


 Lots of unique seafood to be had. Vegetarian? Not to worry! So am I. Lamma Island is Hong Kong's hippy, ecofriendly community. There are several organic-only, vegan stores and resturaunts, as well as vegetarian options on many menus. 


Main Street in Yung Shue Wan. 




We were temporarily waylaid due to a huge downpour that lasted for quite a while. Usually such storms blow through quickly, but rain continued this time for over 45 min. During a lull, we left our shop and headed for lunch. After lunch, we purchased some plastic coverings for ourselves and kept walking! 

The two largest villages on the island are connected by the 4km Lamma Island Family Walk. This trail took us past a beach, through the hills, and gave us some beautiful views!


Hung Shing Ye Beach. A popular beach with a shark net. In the background is the Lamma Power Station.


The Family Walk. Prepare for a few hills, but don't be deterred from this great way to see the island!


Views from the Family Walk include seeing many other islands that surround Hong Kong.


The small fishing village of Sok Kwu Wan. It was from here that we caught a ferry to Aberdeen, Hong Kong Island. 


Near Sok Kwu Wan, the Family Walk passes two "kamikaze caves". The story goes that when the Japanese occupied Lamma Island during World War II, these caves were built to house speed boats loaded with explosives which could be sent into the side of Allied ships.


Tin Hau Temple as we entered Sok Kwu Wan. 


Downtown Sok Kwu Wan is a long row of shops, including many seafood resturaunts, along the small bay. The bay includes many floating docks and moored boats.


The ferry we took from Sok Kwu Wan to Aberdeen, Hong Kong Island. Here it is docked in Aberdeen, backdropped by high-rises. You won't find anything like these high-rises on Lamma Island (unless you count the single windmill or the smoke stacks at the power plant). Buildings are just a few stories high. 




Lamma Island is a great getaway, a chance to experience a more quaint Hong Kong environment without sacrificing too much travel time or expense. I highly recommend a visit!



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