The
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region consists of the Kowloon peninsular region, the busy
Hong Kong Island and inland New Territories . There are approximately 234 smaller
Outlying Islands , including
Lantau Island and
Lamma Island
The largest islands are listed here according to size :
- Lantau Island is the largest with an area of 146.38 sq. km. It is located in the Pearl River Delta and is part of the Islands District of Hong Kong . The population density is low. Tourist Attractions like the Disneyland and the Giant Buddha at Tian Tan are located here. Lantau's geography is mostly mountainous and about half of the island's area is dedicated to National Parks and interesting hiking trails. Rare Chinese White Dolphins can be seen in a marine park to the north of the island. The Chek Lap Kok International Airport is located on a nearby island. Lantau is accessible through the Tsing Ma Suspension Bridge and 3 other bridges which make up the Lantau Link . The New World First Ferry and water taxis called walla walla , travels back and forth to different destinations.
- Hong Kong Island is located to the south of Hong Kong . This was the original British settlement and remains a major hub of business and commerce. The area is 80.4 sq. km. The city of Victoria is the oldest and largest in the map of the Hong Kong Island . Along with Kowloon , Hong Kong Island is the most developed and urbane area in the region with a very high population density. The skyscrapers and main urban development is in the North. The vital trade port of Victoria Harbor is located on the southern shores. The Victoria Peak is a scenic location and draws many tourists every year. The area is accessible by rail links and numerous highways. The Star ferry service and the Hong Kong Ferry Service connect Hong Kong Island to Kowloon .
- Lamma Island is the third largest island with an area of 13.55 sq. km. It is also known locally as Pok Liu Chan. The name Lamma is derived from way the island is shaped. The terrain is rugged and population is scarce. Buildings above three storeys are not allowed and inland transportation is restricted to bicycles, open roof vehicles and quaint public service trucks. Hiking is also a popular option. There is a thriving community of artists and writers. An abandoned plastics factory at Banyan Bay on the northern side has now become a busy recreational center with shops, cafes and restaurants. The Lamma power station at Po Lo Tsui in the southern half of the island provides power Hong Kong Island and Ap Lei Chau . There are regular ferry services to and from Hong Kong Island . Because of its reclusive nature, the Lamma Island is the breeding ground of Green Sea Turtles at Sham Wan Sanctuary. Sham Wan is also an important architectural site.
- Chek Lap Kok is the site of the ritzy Hong Kong International Airport platform, the total area is 12.70 sq. km. This is located to the South Western side of Hong Kong , near Lantau . The airport was built by joining neighboring islands of Lam Chau and Chek Lap Kok . The area was officially home to a fishing community which has since been relocated. This area was also the home of the finger sized Romer's Tree Frog who have been moved to Lantau . Aside the enormous superstructure, the island is being developed further to accommodate shopping malls and hotels.
- Tsing Yi Island was named after a type of fish. The name is translated to mean Green Clothes. The Area is 10.25 sq. km. Historically, this island was a base of the Ming Navy, who vanquished many pirates in the area. The terrain is hilly and green. There was earlier a small self-sufficient fishing community in the region. It is now a thriving industrial township. The infamous Wok Tai Wan was a famed nudist beach in the 1950s.
- Kau Sai Chau island is famous as the location of the Hong Kong Jockey Club and has an enormous golf course. The island area is about 6.69 sq. km.
- Po Toi island is accessible from the opposite busy Stanley Harbor . It is a rocky island and is famous for the different species of sea birds that can be seen here. The island has an area of 3.69 sq. kms and is the site of an open air seafood joint.
- Cheung Chau Island is a quaint fishing village just off Hong Kong . This island is only 2.45 sq.kms in area. There is a beautiful temple here at Pak Tai . The island is famous for the traditional Bun Festival held in May.
- Tung Lung Chau is a quaint round island with an area of just 2.42 sq. kms. A haven for adventure sport mavericks, this island has steep rocks ideal for mountaineering .
- Crooked Island or Kat O is 2.35 sq. km in area. There is a marine park in Yan Chau Tong and the island is known for it's scenic landscape.
- Hei Ling Chau is an L shaped island with an area of 1.93 sq. km. There is a famous Rehabilitation center here and an ill fated prison which was closed due to public objection.
- Tap Mun Chau or Grass Island is 1.69 sq. km in area. Mostly agrarian in nature, there are plenty of cattle grazing on the grasslands. The island's beach is famous for its camping sites . There are some small food joints here selling local specialties like ice-less ice tea and boiled squid.
- Ap Lei Chau is located south of the Hong Kong Island . The name can be translated to Duck's Tongue Island . The area is about 1.30 sq. km and is the most densely populated island in the world with over 68000 people to a square kilometer! The Hung Sing Temple is now located on the premised of the erstwhile Aberdeen police station and marked with dragons and stone lions since the area supposedly have excellent feng shui.
