Hong Kong Is More Than Skyscrapers: Discover Lamma Island
When people think of Hong Kong, they often picture towering skyscrapers, neon lights, and busy shopping streets. But Hong Kong is much more than its skyline. Beyond the city’s modern buildings, you’ll find peaceful islands, fishing villages, and beautiful mountain trails waiting to be explored.
If you’re adventurous and would like to shy away from the usual tourist spots, a customizable private tour is a must. It allows you to slow down, explore local life, and experience a different side of Hong Kong.
One perfect example? A 5-hour private customized walking tour to Lamma Island.
A Relaxing Escape from Central
The tour began right from the guests’ hotel in Central. From there, they took a scenic ferry ride to Lamma Island — one of Hong Kong’s most laid-back islands.
What makes Lamma unique is that it has two main ferry piers:
Yung Shue Wan – the livelier side with cafes and small shops
Sok Kwu Wan – the quieter fishing village known for seafood
On this tour, they explored Sok Kwu Wan, a charming waterfront village that feels far away from the city’s fast pace.
Exploring Hong Kong’s Fishing Heritage
Sok Kwu Wan is one of the best places to understand Hong Kong’s deep fishing history. This area was once a major fishing hub, and even today you can still see traces of traditional life along the waterfront.
Visitors can expect to see:
Traditional wooden fishing boats still used by local families
Floating fish farms where seafood is raised in open sea cages
Nets, ropes, and tools used in daily fishing life
Small workshops that show how fishing equipment is maintained
One interesting highlight is the local marine life culture. In the waters around Lamma Island, you may learn about or even spot:
Horseshoe crabs (an ancient species often found in Hong Kong’s shallow coastal waters)
Groupers, snappers, and other reef fish commonly farmed in sea cages
Shrimp and shellfish raised in nearby aquaculture areas
This gives visitors a real sense of how closely the island’s lifestyle is connected to the sea.
Another cultural stop is the Tin Hau Temple. Tin Hau is the Goddess of the Sea, and many coastal communities in Hong Kong built temples in her honor. Visiting the temple gives you a deeper understanding of the island’s spiritual connection to the ocean and protection of fishermen at sea.
The Scenic Lamma Island Hike
One of the best things to do in Lamma is the Family Walk between Sok Kwu Wan and Yung Shue Wan.
Hiking time: Around 1.5 to 2 hours at a relaxed pace
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Views: Coastal scenery, small beaches, and rolling hills
The trail is paved and well-maintained, making it suitable for most people with average fitness levels. For seniors, it is generally manageable if they are comfortable walking for up to 2 hours with gentle slopes. However, there are some uphill sections, so taking breaks and walking slowly is important.
The reward? Beautiful sea views, fresh air, and a peaceful atmosphere you won’t find in the city center.
Seafood by the Waterfront
After the hike, many visitors enjoy dining at the famous Sok Kwu Wan seafood restaurants. Known for fresh catches and live seafood tanks, this area is one of the best places in Hong Kong for a seafood meal by the sea.
Popular dishes include steamed fish, garlic scallops, fried squid, and lobster — all prepared simply to highlight freshness.
Enjoying a seafood meal by the water is one of the best experiences on the island — simple, authentic, and relaxing.
Why Choose a Customizable Tour?
Lamma Island is easy to visit on your own, but a customized private tour adds so much more value:
Start directly from your hotel in Central
Learn about local history, fishing culture, and traditions
Adjust the pace for seniors or families
Discover hidden stories beyond what guidebooks say
If you’re looking to explore Hong Kong beyond the skyscrapers, Lamma Island offers nature, culture, and local life in one memorable half-day experience.
Final Thought
Hong Kong is not just a city of tall buildings — it is also a city of islands, mountains, and stories waiting to be discovered. Lamma Island is one of the best places to see this hidden side, where fishing heritage, sea life, and simple village living still exist today.