Peng Chau

Peng Chau (平洲 Pìhng Jāu) is the smallest of the populated islands within the Outlying Islands of Hong Kong. The population of the island is only a few thousand, and so the lifestyle is considered sedate by Hong Kong standards. Peng Chau serves as a weekend getaway for many local Hongkongers who wish to take a pleasant stroll around quiet streets, or enjoy some easy hiking.

The island of Peng Chau seen from above.

8 km to the west of Hong Kong Island, Peng Chau has an area less than 1 km² (0.39 sq mi). As the Cantonese name suggests, it's mostly flat land.

Understand

Location of Peng Chau in Hong Kong

Peng Chau has a reputation for being dull and lacking in tourist attractions. Yet, if you go there expecting to see very little, you maybe pleasantly surprised. Restaurants here are cheaper than on the other islands and you get the feeling you are off the 'beaten-track' of mass tourism. Perhaps it is the place to go at the end of your holiday when you are weary of the fast-pace of the big city and just want to slow down, have a drink and chat with friends. From Peng Chau you can easily take the "kaito" ferry over to the Trappist monastery on Lantau island and hike for a couple of hours, along the hilly footpath to Mui Wo in one direction, or Discovery Bay in the other. From Mui Wo you can take another ferry back to Hong Kong island.

Get in

Most people take the ferry service from Hong Kong Central Pier 6 - next to the Central Star Ferry.

The fast ferry from Central pulling in to the pier at Peng Chau.

Day	Sailing Type	Ticket Type	Price
Monday - Saturday	Ordinary	Adult	$15.90
		Child / Elderly	$8.00
	Fast	Adult	$29.60
		Child / Elderly	$14.80
Sunday & Public Holidays	Ordinary	Adult	$22.80
		Child / Elderly	$11.40
	Fast	Adult	$43.50
		Child / Elderly	$21.90

The "kaito" ferry that runs between Peng Chau and Discovery Bay.

Alternatively you can arrive by boat from Discovery Bay on Lantau island (which is very close). The Inter Islands ferry provides 10 sailings a day starting from Cheung Chau and stopping at Mui Wo on the way to Peng Chau.

Origin	Sailing Type	Ticket Type	Price
Cheung Chau / Mui Wo	Ordinary	Adult	$13.40
		Child / Elderly / Disabled	$6.70
Discovery Bay	Ordinary	Adult	$6.50
		Child	$3.00

Get around

Part of the main area of Peng Chau where the ferry from central lets off.

There are no cars, buses or taxis on the island - that is the attraction. This is not a major issue as the entire island is only approximately 1km². You may see village vehicles driving around, but there are only for transporting goods and are not permitted to take passengers. The only full-sized vehicles permitted on the island are the ambulances and fire service vehicles. Visitors can hire bicycles at reasonable prices.

See

Temples

The island has eight temples, including:

The 16th century Tin Hau Temple at the end on the main promenade.

• 🌍 Tin Hau Temple (天后宮), 69B Peng Chau Wing On St, ☎ [phone]. The Tin Hau temple dates back to 1792 which houses a whale rib. Outside the Tin Hau Temple there is a stone monument warning about pirates. (updated Jan 2019)

Lung Mo Temple by Tung Wan beach.

• 🌍 Lung Mo Temple (龍母廟), 16 Wing Kwong St. One of the larger temples on the island that opens onto a beach. (updated Jan 2019)
• 🌍 Hung Shing Temple (洪聖古廟). (updated Jan 2019)

Do

Most tourists come to Peng Chau to walk around this car-free island. The island has many footpaths that you can safely explore.

Tung Wan Beach with Finger Hill in the background

• 🌍 Finger Hill (手指山). Head for Finger Hill which is popular for the panoramic views of the island, Disneyland and the Tsing Ma Bridge. (updated Jan 2019)
• 🌍 Tung Wan Beach (東灣). Don't miss the beach at Tung Wan, from there you can head north through the small farms until you reach the north shore of the island, that still retains 60% of its natural seashore. Around the coast there is a diversity of marine life, including Chinese white dolphins, and some of Hong Kong's few remaining coral reefs. (updated Jan 2019)

The walk along the northern stretch of coastline is less well-known and takes you past a couple of small beaches that are popular with swimmers and sunbathers.

Buy

Peng Chau is a good place to buy souvenir Chinese ceramics. There is a workshop and studio that makes various items. Another shop (not far from HSBC) sells hand painted ceramics such as plates and Chinese teapots. You can also try your hand at painting your own.

Most of the shops on the island do not accept credit cards or octopus card, so bring enough cash with you. If you need to withdraw more, the only ATM on the island is operated by HSBC and can be found beside the police station basketball court.

Eat

Choices of places to eat on the island are fairly limited if you don't speak Cantonese. Most eateries are small and sell traditional food aimed at local people. There are two Thai restaurants that are popular with tourists because they speak English and provide English menus.

The north end of Tung Wan beach has BBQ pits.

Drink

Alcohol

Beer is sold in some of the larger restaurants and cafes, most that sell beer will have a sign outside with the brand of beer they supply printed on it.

• 🌍 The Old China Hand, 75 Peng Chau Wing On St, ☎ [phone]. Mon - Fri, 4pm - midnight; Sat & Sun, noon - midnight. This is the one and only pub on Peng Chau. It serves draft beers and caters for the needs of most drinkers. Staff speak English, Cantonese, Japanese and Mandarin. (updated Jan 2019)

Sleep

Peng Chau does not have any official hotels or guest houses. There are no government campsites.

Connect

4G mobile internet is available over the whole island, although some black spots might occur along the hiking trails.

Go next

A ferry from Peng Chau can be taken to any of the following:

• Discovery Bay, Lantau
• Central
• Cheung Chau
• Mui Wo, Lantau