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| Lamma |
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 Lamma
is Hong Kong third largest of the outlying islands. However, it
is less well-known both to visitors and to Hong Kong residents.
Measuring 13 sq. km, the island is lavished with beautiful green
hills and attractive bays. Rocky and bare hilltops dominate the
island's grassy lower slopes; thus only a very small area is devoted
to farmland.
The main form
of occupation here is fishing. Of the 8,000 people in Lamma, a minority
is of European background who value the tranquility of the rural
lifestyle in the area. Like Cheng Chau, Lamma island is free of
the adversity of cars. A regular ferry service operates here, but
has remained undiscovered, much to the joy of those who have moved
out to the island's peaceful ambience.
At the northern
end of Lamma is one of the two ferry gateways to the island, Yung
Shue Wan. Its village is sought after by expatriates who wish to
escape the bustle and stress of city life. There are a few restaurants,
bars, shops, and fresh seafood stands available on this part of
the island.
A main street
past the village will take you to Lamma's countryside. Just after
the town's main intersection is a Tin Hau Temple, dedicated to the
goddess of the sea. A pair of stone lions guard this 100-year-old
temple. The main shrine holds images of the beaded and veiled Tin
Hau. The images are placed behind a red spirit stand with the purpose
of deflecting evil spirits.
Hung Shing
Ye Beach is along the most popular, well maintained walkway in Lamma,
which stretches past much of the island to Yung Shue Wan's sister
village, Sok Kwu Wan. The beach is long and clean and a path adjacent
to it leads up and down through hills and valleys. Hikers would
love the spectacular views out across the sea to the soaring skyscraper
edifices of Aberdeen and south of Hong Kong Island.
On the eastern
shores lies Sok Kwu Wan, also known as Picnic Bay, which is the
village nearest to Aberdeen. Picnic Bay is voluminous with floating
fish and shrimp farms, all tended by fleets of assorted boats. Hong
Kong attains most of its fresh seafood produce here. The village
itself has its own delectable seafood restaurants, even more charming
at night when each establishment is lighted up with bright neon
lights. Furthermore, the aromatic smells of fresh-cooked fish, shrimp,
lobster, and shellfish will surely entice any diner.
A favorite
spot for hikers who crave for adventure is Mount Stenhouse, a peak
that rises 353 meters from the head of Picnic Bay. Or take a half-hour
walk to Lo So Shing Beach, which is nestled in a small cove on the
other side of the island.
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