Peng Chau, Hong Kong's underdog island

When it comes to island destinations in Hong Kong, Peng Chau rarely finds itself on the tourist agenda, making it the perfect place to get away from all those people trying to get away from it all.


Instead of mainland Chinese tour groups and partying teenagers, you will find old temples, a rustic beach, affordable restaurants and streets often completely devoid of people, noise, pollution.


Here is a memorable day spent exploring Hong Kong’s most overlooked island.



Read more: http://www.cnngo.com/hong-kong/play/peng-chau-hong-kongs-most-underrated-island-escape-510599

Shh, keep it secret!

Well, I went to Peng Chau today to see what the fuss was all about, and to be honest, I was far from bowled over...


It is indeed quiet, calm. The few old temples are there, although they don't look that much different from the ones in Cheung Chau or anywhere else.


The village itself is certainly 'rustique', but far from a tourist attraction. It could be very charming, but little effort is made to render it so.

The beach was a disaster. It looked good from the top of Finger Hill (nice views up there), but upon closer inspection, it was almost entirely covered in garbage, absolutely filthy and useless.


The touristic amenities are almost inexistant. There are a couple of trails that take you through the island with nice sights. The atmosphere in the village is relaxing, lethargic, even. A bit depressive, given that most buildings look shabby and in need of TLC. Many are abandoned.

There are no interesting shops, food stalls, and we kept on looking for a half-decent restaurant to eat at but failed miserably (the french bar looks decent, but does not serve food). Many shops were closed, on a beautifully sunny saturday...

There is nothing there to really attract tourists, nor is an effort even made to try and make the island more appealing and popular. But then maybe that's the way the dwellers want it.


So if you ask me: Few tourists, yes. But underrated? No.

I don't regret going there, as I had never been in the few years I've been in HK, but I won't make it an alternative to Cheung Chau or other more popular villages around Lantau.


That said, it is rather nice to be able to go somewhere in HK day that isn't swarmed with tourists on a nice weekend day, even if it's just for a stroll.