Big day out

Life on Lamma

Alan Shaw and family take a leisurely stroll from Sok Kwu Wan to Yung Shue Wan

GETTING THERE

Around half an hour by ferry from Central Pier 4, Lamma Island feels a million miles away from the bustling business district of Hong Kong. You can take a ferry to Sok Kwu Wan on the eastern side of the island or Yung Shue Wan in the northwest. Ferries depart less frequently than to some of the other islands so be sure to check ferry schedules before you leave home. The most up to date schedule can be found at hkkf.com.hk

FROM EAST TO WEST

Our route takes us from Sok Kwu Wan to Yung Shue Wan with plenty of rest stops along the way and a spot of lunch as we near the western side of the island. We disembarked at the seaside village of Sok Kwu Wan just in time Ferries run from Central Pier 4 and from Aberdeen. There are two ferry ports on Lamma Island, Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan. From Central, ferries take 27 minutes to Yung Shue Wan and 30-40 minutes to Sok Kwu Wan.

for a morning coffee at one of the laid back bars around the bay. There are also 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 the left. The path turns right and continues uphill. From here you’ll enjoy 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. Good news - 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.

TO THE 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 a cool 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!

FROZEN PINEAPPLE ON STICKS

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 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 my 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. Good news. 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.

HUNG SHING YEH BEACH

You’ll pass Hung Shing Yeh Beach, probably the busiest beach on the island. At the far end of this beach we stopped for lunch at Concerto Inn (concertoinn.com.hk). Daniel and the staff here are incredibly friendly and the food was delicious and filling (I’d recommend the fish and chips!) 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.

The walk from Sok Kwu Wan to Yung Shue Wan isn’t too strenuous, provides numerous opportunities for pit stops and takes in a number of sandy beaches. All-in-all, a great day out if you have kids in tow!

Alan and his wife enjoying lunch

Lamma’s eightlegged residents

Can you spot them all?

Golden combfooted spider

Golden Orb weaver spider

Banded argiope

Spitting spider