Cheung Chau is popular with locals for good reason: the island boasts beautiful beaches, bungalows, delis, cafes, and boutiques. Weekends are the best when spent with family and loved ones touring the island on bikes or munching on regional snacks like the famous giant fishball, charcoal grilled squid, and fresh mango mochi, followed by a seafood feast at the promenade.

Located on Lantau Island, Tai O is one of the oldest fishing villages in Hong Kong. Inside this quaint village you’ll find rows of antique fishing shacks built by the Tanka boatmen. Be sure to shop for locally-prepared delicacies, such as homemade preserved fish, salted egg yolks, and shrimp pastes.

A short ferry ride away from Central, Lamma Island exudes laid-back island vibes. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow alleyways to find an array of seafood restaurants, craft workshops, bookstores, cafes, and tiny temples. There are two ferry piers on the island: Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan, which are connected by the Lamma Family Trail.

The island of Peng Chau is less than an hour‘s boat ride away from Hong Kong Island, has easy walking trails and has a laid-back island vibe that’s perfect for a peaceful getaway. One of the most popular attractions on the island is the Fook Yuen Leather Factory. Established in the 1930s, the factory has been revitalised and is now a Grade 3 historic building with a highly Instagrammable art space. Here, visitors can also join ceramic workshops that offer a glimpse into the once-thriving ceramic handicraft industry in Peng Chau. Discover the island’s unique medley of abandoned factories, beautiful beaches, temples and vibrant graffiti art for ‘Insta-ration’!

Po Toi Island is Hong Kong’s southernmost island and is known for its unique geological formations and panoramic views of the South China Sea. Enjoy the stunning ocean views while gazing at the bizarre forms of rocks, and then finish your hike with seaweed dishes at nearby restaurants and eateries.

Located in north-eastern Tai Po, Tap Mun is surrounded by rolling, grassy hills overlooking the sea. Its magnificent views make it a hot destination for camping, kite-flying, stargazing and sunset watching. After a day of activities, saunter down the paths of the fishing village and refuel with the famous sea urchin fried rice and deep-fried calamari balls.

There are three reasons why this easternmost outpost, Tung Ping Chau, is also known as “flat island”. First and foremost, it’s flat, with the highest point just 48 metres above sea level. Flat also refers to its smooth horizontal sedimentary rock and calm surrounding waters. To distinguish it from Peng Chau, the island is called “Tung” Ping Chau. Tung Ping Chau features many geosites with thinly bedded sedimentary rock (shale).

Sharp Island, just two kilometres from Sai Kung town centre, is the most accessible Hong Kong Geopark attraction for hiking or water activities. Start off with a swim, snorkelling trip, or canoe ride at Half Moon Bay; then, a hike towards Kiu Tau islet will take you past a beach and a tombolo.

Low tide at the tombolo will reveal natural sand embankments and ‘pineapple bun rocks’ — granite boulders with cracked tops that resemble Hong Kong’s iconic snack.

Yim Tin Tsai, a small island in Sai Kung, has a rich history of salt farming and trading. There’s no permanent population on the island, but the well-preserved villages, salt fields, and iconic St. Joseph’s Chapel are reminiscent of its glory days. The Yim Tin Tsai Heritage Exhibition Centre and Salt and Light Preservation Centre promote the history and ecology of Yim Tin Tsai. You can do salt-making workshops from time to time and buy some in the souvenir shop.