Lively Lantau

Known as 'broken head' in Cantonese, Lantau is the largest of Hong Kong's islands. However, the island is home to less than 90,000 residents, compared to the 1.5 million residents on Hong Kong Island. Lantau is also the tallest island with its highest point twice the height of Victoria Peak. A whole day or even a weekend can easily be spent on the island visiting its numerous sights and hiking through its stunning terrain. Over half of Lantau is designated parkland, highlighted by the incredible 70 kilometre Lantau Trail that runs across Lantau Peak. If hiking is not your preference, another amazing way to experience the island's beauty is by riding the Ngong Ping Skyrail cable car from Tung Chung Town Centre to Ngong Ping, where the world's largest outdoor statue of a seated bronze Buddha sits atop the Po Lin Monastery. Other attractions on Lantau include Hong Kong Disneyland and Discovery Bay, home to a growing community of business commuters and trendy bars and restaurants. Lantau is accessible by MTR, ferries, and buses.

Traditional Peng Chau

Positioned within close proximity of Lantau is Peng Chau Island, which remains one of the most traditionally Chinese islands in the Hong Kong region. Wet markets, jam-packed housing estates, narrow walkways, and a variety of shops make up the area. However, although Peng Chau is densely populated, on weekends it does not swell in size, as this island is one of the lesser-known escapes. No cars are allowed on Peng Chau, and the entire island can be explored on foot within an hour. A must-see is Finger Hill, the island's highest point, which provides amazing vistas and access to the Fung Ping Pavilion. Be advised that the beaches in Peng Chau are not the most attractive for seaside lounging. Peng Chau can be reached by ferry or kaido (see box).

Laid-Back Lamma

Reached by intermittent ferry services, Lamma Island is an idyllic place to relax. Visitors can take in the rural, laid-back way of life that the approximately 8,000 residents of mostly local Chinese families, writers, hippies, professionals, spiritualists, and expatriates enjoy. Lamma inhabitants value the peaceful atmosphere of the island and seek to keep it that way. Yung Shue Wan is the main ferry port on the island. From here, take the four kilometre "Family Trail" to walk across much of the island in about an hour and a half. First, walk past the various seaside restaurants to reach the town centre. Keep your eyes peeled for Tin Hau Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the sea, and then continue to Hung Shing Ye Beach, a tidy beach with great views of the sea to Aberdeen. From this popular spot, carry on to Sok Kwu Wan (Picnic Bay) on the eastern shore of Lamma where more restaurants offer a lovely venue for a seafood dinner.

Charming Cheung Chau

Formerly a haven for pirates, the soul of Cheung Chau is the sea. The island's main harbour is dotted with Chinese junks and sampans that the Cheung Chau community uses for fishing. Some residents still live on these vessels. Ferries arrive in Cheung Chau Village, which lies on the thin middle strip of the island that connects its heavy two ends. Close by is the Pak Tai Temple, built in 1783, which hosts the infamous Bun Festival. Thrill seekers must try windsurfing in Cheung Chau, as the island is home to Hong Kong's only Olympic gold medal winner, Lee Lai-shan, who claimed victory for windsurfing in 1996. However, if you would rather take it easy by the water, head to popular Tung Wan Beach or to the more remote Afternoon Beach, Morning Beach, or Italian Beach. At the southwest tip of the island, check out the Cheung Po Tsai Cave, which was used as a hiding spot for pirates. If all the sightseeing has worn you out, a kaido can bring you back to the ferry docks.

Island- hopping off Sai Kung

Although not an island, the Sai Kung Peninsula in the New Territories is one of the most beautiful spots in Hong Kong. The hiking in Sai Kung is first-rate. Determined hikers should brave the 100 kilometre MacLehose Trail, which provides views of and access to some of Hong Kong's best beaches. Even better, the Sai Kung Peninsula works as a gateway to numerous tiny islands that are close by. The ideal way to island hop is to take up an offer from one of the several kaido owners from Sai Kung Village to bring you around by boat. Visitors can tailor their island explorations to their own personal preferences, as the kaido owners will give tours from one-hour to all-day. A local favourite is the beach at Hap Mun Bay on Kiu Tsui Chau (Sharp Island), but there are options galore with the surrounding Pak Sha Chau (White Sand Island), Cham Tau Chau (Pillow Island), and Yim Tin Tsai (Little Salt Field), and Kau Sai Chau.

Peculiar Po Toi

For a real getaway, escape to Po Toi Island, which is actually a group of islands located off the coast of Stanley. The islands are known for their beaches and fascinating rock formations. The most well known is a large rock resembling a snail, underneath which are rock carvings. Other rock formations are known as the Calligraphy of Ghosts, Buddha's Hands Rocks, and Monk Rocks. There is also a grouping of seafood restaurants near the island's main settlement at Tai Wan. Po Toi can be reached by hiring a junk on the weekend or by renting a kaido as a water taxi from Aberdeen or Stanley.

Kaidos

Kaidos, also known as sampans, are boats that act as water taxis or ferries. They are used throughout the Hong Kong territory to usher visitors and residents to, from, and around the multitude of islands. When renting a kaido, be sure to use your bargaining skills to get the best price.