8 secret Hong Kong islands we're dreaming of

Sharp Island is located in the northeast of Hong Kong known for its pristine waters and interesting geological formations. Skip the crowded Half Moon Bay beach and take a hike to Kiu Tsui beach – it isn't nice and sandy like the former, but it's quieter and great for a spot of swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing. 

When the tide is low, you'll also discover a tombolo connecting Kiu Tsui beach to the nearby Kiu Tau islet. Keep your eyes peeled for interesting volcanic rocks, including huge boulders that look like pineapple buns, a beloved local snack. These are quartz monzonite, which have cracked after prolonged exposure to the elements. Have your fun on the tombolo, but remember to make it back to the main island before the tide comes back in!

Don’t miss 'Pineapple bun' rocks and a splash in the clear blue waters.

The craggy cousin of Hong Kong's island family, Tung Lung Chau is paradise for avid rock climbers. There are multiple routes of varying difficulty, including clusters in the north encompassing Technical Wall and Kite Rock. These steep cliffs are an exhilarating challenge, but not advisable for newbies.

No worries though, as there are many other things to see and do on Tung Lung Chau. Most people come here for the four-hour loop hike. It will take you past an ever-changing landscape that includes an ancient rock carving said to be over 5,000 years old, with optional detours to check out rock formations (Eagle Tooth Rock), hidden caves (Belly Button Cave) and historical sites (Tung Lung Fort). There's also a shady camping site that's near Tung Lung Fort, just a 20-minute walk from the ferry pier.

Don’t miss Ancient rock carvings, a charming lighthouse on the northeastern tip and camping.

The Soko Islands are a group of islands that lie to the southwest of the more famous Lantau Island. They were once home to farming villages and boating communities, but are now all but abandoned. You can make a day of it searching for the remnants of these ancient villages – abandoned houses and shrines are still scattered around. 

Consisting of Tai A Chau, Siu A Chau and several islets, the Soko Islands are also a favoured boating destination. You can truly get away from the bustle of the city here, surrounded by pristine waters, multiple bays for anchor, and untouched beaches all year round.  

Don’t miss The rare Chinese white dolphin and finless porpoises are known to make appearances here.

It’s incredible that only a few kilometres from the hustle of Hong Kong Island lies a place inhabited by people who have no official electricity or running water supply. This is Po Toi – a serene enclave that lies to the southeast of Hong Kong.

There’s one main path on the island, the Po Toi Country Trail. This loop takes in a photogenic lighthouse, as well as some dramatic and unusual rock formations – let your imagination fly as you spot the famous Turtle Climbing up the Mountain, Monk Rock and Palm Cliff. The other half of the path, consisting of a few steep and overgrown sections, takes you up the hill to a pagoda with rewarding views.

You can also wander to the Tin Hau temple. Perched on a rock to the far left of the village, it has great views over the island and surrounding ocean.

Don’t miss The rocks! Coffins, turtles, monks, palms and more – let your imagination run wild.

A 15-minute boat ride from Sai Kung, Yim Tin Tsai wins hands down if you’re into scouting out deserted strips of land. You can easily explore most of this tiny isle in a few hours – it’s only 0.24sq km.

Once you arrive at the pier, check out the nearby photogenic St Joseph’s Chapel, which was built in the Romanesque style in 1890. Next door is the Yim Tin Tsai Village Heritage Exhibition, which houses a modest collection of artefacts that demonstrate what daily village life was like during the last century.

You can follow the trail around, passing by a series of abandoned village houses. They offer spooky remnants of the previous inhabitants, such as radios, kitchen appliances, televisions, bed stands and crockery – all still and silent. The path circles abandoned salt pans and fish ponds before coming back to the pier, where a small kiosk sells Hakka sweets.

Don’t miss The mysterious and fascinating abandoned houses.

Tung Ping Chau is made out of ‘new’ sedimentary rock, resulting in a brightly coloured, multi-layered and photogenic landscape. Spend your day clambering cliffs or taking the 6km Peng Chau Country Trail before going for a dip in the island’s crystal clear waters, filled with vibrant ocean life. After all that exertion, fuel up at one of the restaurants that pop up on the weekends.

Camping is another must-try activity, especially since the island boasts some of the best sunrises in the area.

Don’t miss The incredible wave-cut rock platforms that border the island’s shores.

A popular spot for camping and kite flying, the 1.7sq km isle is composed of rolling, grassy hillocks complete with wandering cows. Spend an afternoon along the paved 2km footpath, which starts out at the fisherman’s village by the pier and ends up on the hilltop in the middle of the island. The path offers panoramic views and a refreshing breeze, even on the hottest day.

Once you’re all hiked out, head back to the village and observe the locals drying out fish on every available surface, before stopping by the island’s main restaurant, Sun Hon Kee, for your seafood fix.

Don’t miss The gentle, winding trail over the island, with its year-round cool breezes.

Lying close to China, this 2.4sq km isle is home to a few hundred people. Also known as Crooked Island thanks to its irregular shape, Kat O isn’t easily accessible, but its quiet and worn streets are worth the trip.

First, stop by Kat O Geoheritage Centre, which celebrates the island’s geology and cultural history. Then wander along the Kat O Nature Trail – this short path winds through the villages before ending at a pagoda. Look out for the ancient temples, ancestral halls and three corroded cannons along the way.

Don’t miss Kat O Geoheritage Centre.