The Star Section: Lifestyle Ad Value: RM 23,552 31-Jul-2021 Size : 468cm2 PR Value: RM 70,657 THE ISLANDS OFF HONG KONG BECKON WHAT comes to mind when you think of Hong Kong? Like most Malaysians, we link THE ISLANDS OFF HONG KONG BECKON this travel destination to a fast­ paced hustling city; skyscrapers, neon lights and of course, the Taste the village life or take a walk down history at the smaller islands food. But did you know that there are some 263 outlying islands across Hong Kong? These gems offer relaxing retreats with outdoor sights from hills to islands that are waiting to be explored, like Peng Chau, Lamina Island and Po Toi Islands - each with its own unique take on slow living. Since the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the world over espe­ cially with its impact on the travel industry, many countries are look­ ing into a bilateral agreement to ease travel restrictions for those who are fully vaccinated. While we wait for the good news, building a travel wish list Lamma Island has two main villages that are connected by a can be beneficial. scenic 5km hiking trail. Enjoy the view from Lamma Winds, So the next time you are in where the wind turbines stand and touted the island's breeziest Hong Kong, you could tick these lookout point. outlying islands off your list as the (Pic left) Peng Chau is a small 1sqkm island that offers a perfect day-trip to experience the outdoors amidst an island city. relaxing retreat with easy trails and a taste of real village life. Historical and serene: den”，another perfect spot for Hipster land: Lamma Island Kwu Wan and sample the fresh rock formations and natural sculp­ instagrammable backdrop with seafood served in classic tures -Monk Rock and Tortoise Peng Chau Island artistic graffiti and creative instal­ Another day-trip destination is Cantonese style at one of the many Rock - and large carvings dating Less than an hour's ferry ride lations made from chairs, bottles the third largest outlying Hong restaurants along the bay. back to the Bronze Age, which hik­ from the central business district and tyres. Kong island, which is known for Notable pit-stops along the ers can enjoy along the Po Toi of Hong Kong, Peng Chau - also History buffs would relish in its 6,000-year fishing history. island include Tin Hau Temple, Country Trail while experiencing known as flat island-is a small the knowledge that some business Lamma Island has two main vil­ historical WWII kamikaze caves breathtaking views of the sea to Isqkm island that offers a relax­ activities on this island dated lages Yung Shue Wan and Sok and Lamma Winds. boot. ing retreat with easy trails and a back to the Qing Dynasty (1644­ Kwu Wan that are connected by a Take a break from nature and taste of real village life. 1911) and in some corners of the scenic hike trail - Lamma Island Rocks and haunts: head down to the village, where a The charming island is dotted island, time seemed to have stood Family Trail - of some 5km. reportedly haunted joint along the with Instagram and photo-ready still. Popular amongst hipsters and Po Toi Island eerie streets - due to the low pop­ spots - from remains of an old Be sure to check out the easy creative souls, Yung Shue Wan has just a 30-minute ferry ride from ulation -serves up popular des­ factory, quirky antique shops, trail of Finger Hill that overlooks fresh seafood, white sandy beach­ Stanley Blake Pier or one hour serts at Mo's Old House attracting beaches and temples, to street art the Tsing Ma Bridge and Hong es and is lined with indie bou­ from Aberdeen Pier, Po Toi Island daring adventurers to explore. that adds vibrancy to this tranquil Kong Disneyland and embrace tiques, craft stores and quaint is dubbed the South Pole of Hong community. the scenic views from Ngan Chau cafes. Kong. It is the southernmost island To find out more about Hong Kong's Be sure to drop by the former Tsai Pavilion known locally as the On the other side of the trail, which lends to its enticing nature. day-trip destination islands, follow Leather Factory that has been edge of the sky and corner of the you can indulge in the fishing vil­ With a population of less than Discover Hong Kong on Facebook transformed into a "secret gar­ sea. lage culture and history at Sok 200, Po Toi is known for its unique (www.facebook.com/.