5 Secret Islands In Hong Kong Worth Exploring

Hong Kong comprises a total of 263 islands, leaving plenty of lesser-known gems to explore. Venture out to these stunning hidden islands that’ll take your breath away!

While we love munching on mango mochis at Cheung Chau, seeking the hippie life at Lamma Island and stepping back in time at the sleepy village that is Tai O, these popular islands can also get pretty touristy and crowded. For those seeking the routes less travelled, these hidden islands in Hong Kong will satiate your appetite for adventure – some of these secret islands are only accessible via private boats or kayaks!

A lot of these islands have little to no shade, and also may not have kiosks for refreshments so please remember to bring ample water, snacks and sunscreen!

Read More: 8 Places To Go Kayaking In Hong Kong

Ninepin Island – A group of islands with stunning volcanic rocks

Locally known as Kwo Chau Islands, Ninepin Island gets its name from British sailors who found the volcanic rocks’ resemblance to the game of nine-pin bowling. With a total of 23 islands, it’s hard to explore the whole area so plan beforehand of points you want to hit. North and South Ninepin Island are doable but perhaps leave out East Ninepin as it’s farther.

You might be required to get on all fours to climb your way around or take a plunge and swim around the island – we recommend waterproof bags for this.

The waters around the Ninepin Islands are prone to swells, strong winds, and rough tides so play it safe and only go during May to September. The safest mode of travel is with a tour, you can easily find on at Sai Kung Ferry Pier, which you’ll need to pre-book (reach Wiwit by WhatsApp 9218 4832); they leave at 8am in the morning and drop you back at 5pm.

Po Toi – Dubbed as Hong Kong’s South Pole

Hong Kong’s southern-most island comes with beginner-friendly hikes, a popular seafood restaurant and best of all, it’s quite accessible! Given its remote location, expect cellphone services to be off (good reason to unplug!). Take your time to hike around the island to spot the peculiar-shaped rocks and abandoned houses but do bear in mind there’s absolutely no shade on the island, so it’s best to avoid during peak summer.

To get to Po Toi, you can either hop on a ferry from Aberdeen or Stanley, both have limited timing so be an eye out if you don’t want to be stranded! See ferry details here.

Read More: 6 Instagrammable Rock Formations To Visit In Hong Kong

Tung Lung Chau – A rock climber’s paradise

Previously known as Nam Tong Island or Nam Fat Tong, Tung Lung Chau is located off the tip of the Clear Water Bay Peninsula and is largely uninhabited. Suitable for the thrill seekers and leisurely hikers alike, suit yourself to rock climbing, cliff diving or even zip-lining! Spare a good four hours to get around the island, and to get there, check the schedules of ferries departing from Sai Wan Ho or Lei Yue Mun.

Jin Island – Spot the Goldfish Tail, caves, cliffs and more

This Insta-worthy gem hasn’t been too off the radar lately but we’ll still say it’s worth checking out! To get there, charter either a speedboat or kayak at your own pace. The docking point for Jin Island is Tai Wong Wan, from there we recommend hiking up to spot the famous “Goldfish Tail” and then go for a dip and snap more photos! Expect the entire journey back and forth to take about 9 hours.

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Sha Chau – The lesser-known Sharp Island

The lesser-known (and clearer) cousin to Sharp Island, Sha Chau is a group of four islets with a sandbar connecting Siu Sha Chau to Tai Sha Chau. This is also a good spot for rich marine fauna and flora given the low salinity level, quite a rarity in Hong Kong! And if you’re lucky, you might also spot the Chinese white dolphin!

Read More: Tung Ping Chau Island Guide – Ferry Schedule, Things To Do & More