Hong Kong Outlying Islands & Hong Kong Disneyland
Beyond the skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon lies a world of escape: the Outlying Islands offer a serene contrast of fishing villages, hiking trails, and sandy beaches, while Hong Kong Disneyland delivers a dose of magical family fun. Together, they make for a wonderfully varied side trip from the city's urban core.
Highlights & What to See
- Lantau Island – Ride the Ngong Ping 360 cable car for sweeping views of the South China Sea, visit the towering Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) at Po Lin Monastery, and explore the fishing village of Tai O with its stilt houses and sampan rides.
- Hong Kong Disneyland – Immerse yourself in themed lands like Mystic Point and Toy Story Land, catch the parade and fireworks, and meet Disney characters with a unique Hong Kong twist.
- Cheung Chau – A car-free island famous for its bun-snatching festival (if you time it right), seafood restaurants, and scenic walks to the Mini Great Wall and Pak Tai Temple.
- Lamma Island – Hike between Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan past beaches and wild boar, then reward yourself with a seafood dinner overlooking the harbour.
- Peng Chau – A tiny, laid-back island with a quirky Finger Hill hike, a former porcelain factory, and peaceful seaside promenades.
Suggested Time to Spend
Dedicate at least two full days to do justice to both experiences. Spend one day exploring Lantau Island (combining the Big Buddha, Tai O, and a short hike) or choose one of the smaller islands like Cheung Chau for a half-day trip. Reserve a full day for Hong Kong Disneyland to enjoy the rides, shows, and atmosphere without rushing. If you're short on time, a single day can cover a morning on Lantau (cable car and Buddha) and an afternoon at Disneyland, but you'll miss the island's deeper charm.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Hong Kong Island – Take the ferry from Central to the Outlying Islands; explore Victoria Peak and the bustling streets of Sheung Wan and Wan Chai.
- Kowloon – Combine with a stay in Tsim Sha Tsui for harbour views, the Star Ferry, and the vibrant markets of Mong Kok.
- Macau – A high-speed ferry trip away, offering Portuguese colonial heritage, casinos, and world-class dining.
- Shenzhen, China – Accessible via the MTR border crossings, for a taste of mainland China's tech and theme parks.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Hong Kong Disneyland Guide — kevgibbo / CC BY 2.0
- Lamma Island — Public domain
- Hong Kong Island — Sergeant Paul Shaw LBIPP / OGL v1.0
- Macau — Xi King Pang Williams / CC BY-SA 4.0