Lamma Island Family Walk Loop Hike: Easy, Scenic and Perfect for Kids
Contents
- Essential Information
- Hike Highlights
- Google Route Map and GPX File
- How to Get There
- Quick Route Summary
- From the Ferry to the Stairs
- The 20-Minute Uphill Section
- The Optional Detour Up to Shan Tei Tong
- The Descent to Tung O
- Shek Pai Wan - The Best Beach of the Hike
- Mo Tat Village
- Hiking Back to Sok Kwu Wan Ferry Pier
- Getting Back
Essential Lamma Family Loop Hike Details
- District: Lamma Island
- Duration: 2 hours (2.5 hours with children)
- Distance: 6.6 km
- Highest Elevation: 110ish meters
- Difficulty: 1/5
- Facilities: It's best to use the toilet and stock up on water at the ferry pier. You might be able to find drinks at one of the villages later in the hike.
Why Hike the Lamma Family Loop?
Lamma Island is a wonderful reprieve from the frantic pace of Hong Kong's urban chaos. The island is easily accessible from Central Pier and only takes about 30-40 minutes to get to, though it feels like a world away. The peace, quiet and slower pace of life makes for a wonderful daytime escape even if you don't fancy a hike.
If you do end up hiking, then the Lamma Island Family Loop is probably one of the best options as it starts and ends directly at the ferry pier. I'd recommend tackling the hike's only major uphill section first - especially if you have kids. This part of the hike has stairs and is a bit of a sharp climb, so strollers will have to be carried.
Since the path is paved, young children should be able to manage if you take it slow and steady.
After the uphill section, you'll head down toward the beaches and villages on the opposite side of the island. This part of the hike is mostly flat, extremely scenic and super peaceful.
There are several great spots here for surfing, swimming or just enjoying a family picnic by the beach.
Finally, you'll loop back around to the ferry pier, where you can head back home or enjoy a meal and sunset at one of the many restaurants nearby.
*If you want the beach views without much hiking, go left from the Sok Kwu Wan Ferry Pier and follow the green sign pointing to 'Mo Tat'.
Google Route Map and GPX File
How to Get to the Lamma Island Family Walk Loop Hike Start Point
Get the ferry from Central Pier Number 4 to Sok Kwu Wan on Lamma Island. Do not take the Yung Shue Wan entrance or else you'll arrive on the other side of Lamma Island.
A Quick Summary of the Lamma Island Family Walk Loop Hike
- Take the ferry from Central Pier 4 to Sok Kwu Wan
- From Sok Kwu Wan Ferry Pier turn right and walk through the row of restaurants
- You will soon arrive at a sign that says 'Sok Kwu Wan First Street' and an open square with the Sok Kwu Wan Tin Hau temple
- Look for the stairs heading up into the trees just past the temple (there'll be a silver sign with a blue arrow about 10 steps up)
- Begin the only uphill of the hike, following a mixture of stairs and concrete paths for about 20 mins
- At the top, you will see a hut-looking structure and three different paths to take.
- the right path goes up to a little pavilion with awesome views, the left path also offers really cool ocean views and the straight path will head downward and continue the hike
- Whether you choose the right or left detours, you'll eventually have to take the straight path down
- Follow the path downwards for about 15 mins before arriving at Tung O, a small, partially abandoned village
- From here on out, it's impossible to get lost. Just stay on the concrete path as it goes through green fields and stunning beaches
- You'll eventually walk through Yung Shue Ha Village
- At the end of Yung Shue Ha Village, look for the green sign pointing to 'Mo Tat Wan'
- You'll go past some abandoned houses beside the sign and begin a very short uphill section.
- Keep following the 'Mo Tat Wan' and 'Mo Tat Village' signs until you arrive at Mo Tat Village
- At the end of the village, look for a path going right and follow it all the way back to Sok Kwu Wan, which takes 30-40 mins
From the Ferry to the Stairs
The 20-Minute Uphill Section
The Optional Detour Up to Shan Tei Tong
I'd say it's totally worth taking this detour since it only takes a few minutes to get to the top and you'll be rewarded with amazing ocean views out to the horizon.
Moreover, the path is still paved and simple to navigate, meaning you won't be tired out even if you attempt this short climb.
The Descent to Tung O
The descent to Tung O Village Takes only 10-15 minutes, but you'll be treated to some great scenery along the way. This is where you can really begin to enjoy the fruits of your labor since there are no more tough uphill sections for the rest of the hike.
Most of Tung O Village is abandoned today, though there are a few houses that are still in use.
Shek Pai Wan - The Best Beach of the Hike
This section of the hike has some of the most varied scenery in a short span of time. Shek Pai Wan quickly became one of my favorite beaches in Hong Kong.
Yung Shue Ha Village is also an awesome blend of quaint and intriguing. You'll find a mix of village homes, outdoor patios to enjoy a simple meal and open beachside areas for a picnic.
You'll also be able to explore abandoned homes and ruins, which is pretty cool!
Mo Tat Village
This entire section takes about 20 minutes to complete - even at a slow pace. The trail is flat pretty much the whole way through, save for a gentle slope or two.
Hiking Back to Sok Kwu Wan Ferry Pier
