Day trips Tips for Hong Kong

Take the ferry from Central Pier 3 to Discovery Bay for a completely different side of Hong Kong. Fares are typically around HK$30-50 one way for ordinary ferries, and the journey takes about 25-35 minutes depending on the service you choose.

The ferry runs every 30-60 minutes (more frequent on weekends) and Discovery Bay has a massive beach, decent restaurants, and almost zero mainland tourists. Great escape from the city chaos and you can easily do it as a half-day trip.

Take a kaito boat from Sai Kung pier (HK$30 round-trip, 15 minutes) to Sharp Island. The water here is actually clear enough for decent snorkeling, which is rare this close to Hong Kong.

Best spot is Half Moon Bay on the island's north side. Bring your own gear — There's no rental on the island. The tombolo (land bridge) to Kiu Tau appears at low tide, which is worth timing your visit around.

Boats run regularly but check the weather. Rough seas cancel service. Pack water and snacks — There's only one small shop on the island.

Po Toi Island (accessible by kaito ferry from Aberdeen Pier on weekends and holidays only, HK$35 one-way, 45 minutes) preserves that vanishing fishing village vibe with maybe 50 permanent residents, a 150-year-old Tin Hau Temple, and dramatic coastal cliffs without a single tourist shop.

Tap Mun in the northeast reaches the highest spice levels — Take bus 74K from Tai Po Market MTR to Wong Shek Pier, then weekend kaito to the island (HK$25 one-way). The village has one small store, ancient rock formations, and incredible views of Mirs Bay. Bring your own food and water because facilities are basically zero.

Both islands offer that authentic glimpse of traditional Hong Kong fishing community life before development and tourism. Check kaito schedules carefully though — Ferries only run weekends and holiday periods, and if you miss the last boat back you're camping overnight with the fishermen.

This ferry route from Central Pier 6 takes you to the smallest inhabited island that still has regular service. Peng Chau is basically a village on a rock with narrow alleys, tiny temples, and locals who seem surprised to see visitors. 30-minute ride costs HK$15 weekdays. The island has one main street, a few seafood places, and hiking trails with views back to Hong Kong Island. No hotels, no tourist shops, just authentic island life. Ferry runs every hour so plan your return.