Hong Kong hidden islands ep.2
Peng Chau Island
When people think of Hong Kong, they usually imagine skyscrapers, dim sum restaurants, and the famous skyline at Victoria Harbour. However, Hong Kong is also home to many small islands that offer a completely different atmosphere.
If you're looking for a quieter and more local side of Hong Kong, Peng Chau Island is a great destination to explore.
Smaller and less crowded than Cheung Chau, this island offers peaceful beaches, short hiking trails, and charming village streets.
Getting to Peng Chau Island is quite simple. From Central Ferry Pier, you can take a ferry directly to the island. If you're unsure where the pier is, just head toward IFC Mall in Central — there is a walkway that leads directly to the ferry terminal. The ferry to Peng Chau departs from Pier No. 6.
Direct ferries run throughout the day between Central and Peng Chau. On weekdays, a standard ferry costs around HKD 16.6, while the fast ferry is about HKD 31. The journey takes roughly 30 minutes. Because Hong Kong is made up of many islands, ferries are part of everyday life. Some locals even commute between islands and the city by ferry. You can find more detailed information on the website.
新渡輪服務有限公司
我們使用 Cookies 來為您提供最佳的瀏覽體驗。如您繼續瀏覽本網站內容，即表示您同意我們使用Cookies。 我接受 Cookie
www.sunferry.com.hk
For convenience, travelers should consider getting an ⭐️Octopus Card⭐️(strongly recommended). It works not only for transportation but also at convenience stores, restaurants, and cafes across Hong Kong.
After arriving at Peng Chau, the first thing you'll notice is how different it feels compared to central Hong Kong. The island is small, quiet, and full of local charm. Cars are not allowed in many areas, so people mostly travel by bicycle or on foot.
Peng Chau is small enough that you can walk across the island in a relatively short time. Some of the main attractions include:
- 🌊Tung Wan Beach
- 🏮Lung Mo Temple
- ⛰️Finger Hill viewpoint
All of these places can easily be reached on foot from the ferry pier.
The main reason my friend and I visited Peng Chau that day was actually to go swimming in the sea. Hong Kong summers are incredibly hot and humid, so a beach escape sounded perfect.
Tung Wan Beach has a very different atmosphere compared to Cheung Chau. The sand and water remind me slightly of Korea's west coast, although the water here is a bit clearer. While Cheung Chau is a popular destination for both tourists and locals, Peng Chau is noticeably quieter. That peaceful atmosphere is one of the island's biggest charms.
The beach feels natural rather than heavily managed. There are plenty of shells and pebbles along the shore, but it’s surprisingly clean and free of trash.
We laid out a mat on the sand, played music through a speaker, and spent time swimming and relaxing. Looking back toward the beach from the water, I noticed rows of seaside houses that looked almost like penthouses. It made me wonder what life would be like living here and commuting to Hong Kong Island by ferry every day.
While exploring the island, you'll also come across several temples. Two notable ones are Tin Hau Temple and Lung Mo Temple. Tin Hau Temple was built in 1792 to honor the Goddess of the Sea. Since many island residents historically relied on fishing and maritime work, temples like this were built to pray for safety at sea.
Lung Mo Temple is the largest temple on Peng Chau. It honors a water goddess worshipped by fishing communities. The temple is more elaborate than Tin Hau Temple and is one of the island's cultural landmarks. According to local folklore, touching the goddess's bed is believed to bring luck in marriage and fertility.
Peng Chau also has some interesting artistic spots. One of them is the Fook Yuen Leather Factory located along the island's main street. Originally built in the 1930s, the factory has been transformed into an outdoor art space sometimes called the Secret Garden.
Today, the area features graffiti murals and creative installations made from recycled materials like chairs, bottles, and tires. It has become a popular photo spot for locals looking to capture unique Instagramable shots.
If you enjoy short hikes, don't miss Finger Hill, the highest point on Peng Chau. Standing at about 96 meters, the hill offers a scenic viewpoint overlooking the island. The hike takes about 15–20 minutes, making it an easy and rewarding climb.
Along the trail, you can already enjoy great views of the island and the surrounding sea. However, be prepared for a few steep sections and plenty of stairs along the way.
At the top, you'll find a small pavilion where you can rest and take in the panoramic view. One of the best things about this spot is how quiet it is — unlike many crowded viewpoints in Hong Kong.
Peng Chau Island is one of those places that shows a completely different side of Hong Kong. Instead of busy streets and shopping malls, you’ll find peaceful beaches, small temples, and relaxing island scenery.
Although I didn't try the local restaurants during this visit because we brought our own food, Peng Chau is definitely a place I would love to return to — especially on a cooler day. If you're planning a Hong Kong trip and want to explore beyond the typical tourist spots, Peng Chau Island is a hidden gem worth visiting.