Officially part of the New Territories, the outlying islands of Hong Kong offer weary visitors a chance to escape after the urban hubbub has become too claustrophobic. Covering twenty percent of the land area of the territory but containing just two percent of the population, the islands offer a delightful mix of seascape, old fishing villages and relative rural calm, almost entirely free of motor vehicles, except for the taxis and buses on Lantau Island. The islands are conveniently connected to Central by plentiful ferries and other boats. By comparison with other areas, development has been relatively restrained, although the opening of the new Chek Lap Kok airport on the northern shore of the largest and emptiest island, Lantau, means that this is likely to change.

 

Although most tourists come on day trips, there is some accommodation on the islands, and restaurants of the fishy variety are also numerous.