Lamma Island

Lamma Island, with an area of 13.55 km2 and a population of no more than 7,000 people, is the third largest island in Hong Kong. It is located just 5 km southwest of Hong Kong Island. Hong Kong. Its proximity to the bustling center only emphasizes the harmony and meditative relaxation of the island. This is truly a paradise place for fans of quiet and measured rest. Lamma Island attracts tourists with clean beaches, trails designed for long romantic walks, scenic views and incredibly delicious food.

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Video: Lamma Island

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History of Lamma Island

As archaeological research has shown, the earliest settlements originated in the eastern and northern parts of Lamma Island. Scientists attribute the time of their appearance to the Middle Neolithic and Bronze Age, that is, to the 4th-3rd millennia B.C.

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The largest modern villages, where most of the population of Lamma Island lives, are named Yung Shu Wan and Sok Kwu Wan. There are also a large number of smaller villages, often abandoned. Among them is Yung Shu Ha. It is the first organized village and home to the Mongol-speaking population of China who lived here in the early 19th century.

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Origin of the name

When hearing the island’s unique name, many associate it with the cute animals of the camel family, but this is not the case. The name originated in the late 18th century, and quite by accident – as a result of a mistake made by Alexander Dalrymple, a famous geographer from Scotland.

Examining a map purchased from the Portuguese, the researcher found an obscure designation – “lama”. The word was written just to the west of the island, and therefore the geographer thought that this was its name. In fact, the record was a designation of the density of the seabed and translated from the Portuguese language meant “mud.”

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Over time, the enigmatic name was transformed into the Chinese “Lam a”, which translates to “south fork”. The English version of the name then transformed into “Lamma”, gaining another “m.”

Best time to travel

If tourists dream of searing heat, then planning a trip to Lamma Island should be planned for summer or early fall. This period is ideal for beach vacations. However, sometimes tropical storms occur at this time.

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The cooler weather starts in October. At this time, the island is dry and most comfortable to stay. Around late December to early January, the rainy season arrives.

What to see

Lamma is a unique island. Something amazing awaits tourists here at every turn, deserving of close attention.

Nature

The first thing that strikes every traveler who first arrives on Lamma Island is its incredible scenic beauty, mesmerizing natural views. A significant part of the mountainous landscape is occupied by luxuriant forests. Walking along the specially laid trails, you can admire:

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  • vaulted lantana – a tropical plant that changes the color of its inflorescences and exudes an incredibly sweet fragrance. It is this marvelous scent that attracts large numbers of giant butterflies (the size of birds);
  • Chinese terry hibiscus – the main decoration of all the beauties of China. Decorative plant with large flowers of juicy (red, white, yellow) shades is also called Chinese rose;
  • caesalpinia beautiful – an exotic plant with exquisite flowers, which is also found under the names red bird of paradise and peacock flower;
  • banana palms – trees with long, broad leaves and the familiar bright yellow fruit;
  • bamboo groves – truly magical and amazingly beautiful places that also have a calming effect.

Interesting places

Apart from the striking natural scenery, on Lamma Island, tourists will be able to see:

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  • a giant wind turbine with an exhibition center open for daily visits;
  • three Japanese kamikaze grotto caves, which now form an open-air museum;
  • a temple of Tin Hau, the patron goddess of fishermen, built in 1870. The building is adorned with two stone lions in the Western style;
  • Fisherfolk,s Village, where you can mend your net, participate in fishing, and have your boat repaired.”

Beach area

Some of the most amazing beaches on Lamma Island included the following:

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  • Lo So Shing Beach is one of the best swimming spots on the island with a length of 150 meters. It stands out with perfect golden sand, no stones, flat bottom, calm and clear sea. Entrance here is absolutely free;
  • Hung Shing Yeh – another popular place with clean sand, located in the central part of the island. The beach is equipped with everything you need, including separate barbecue areas;
  • Shek Pai Wan is a stunning bay in the southern part of Lamma, famous for its amazing inhabitants. It is here that rare green turtles lay their eggs and hatch their young from May to October.

The total length of the beach zone of Lamma Island reaches 15 km! All beaches conquer cleanliness, as well as developed infrastructure. There is everything for a serene paradise rest: showers, changing rooms, restrooms, separate rest rooms, cozy restaurants and barbecue areas. At the same time, visitors can not only swim and enjoy sunbathing, but also do sports: tennis, yachting, cricket and squash.

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Cafes and restaurants

Lamma Island attracts not only fans of long walks and outdoor recreation, but also real gourmets who dream of eating seafood. That’s why there are so many places with incredibly delicious seafood dishes.

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Among the best restaurants are noted:

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  • Lamma Rainbow is a huge waterfront restaurant that seats 800 diners! Guests of the establishment praise the large portions, pleasant view and, of course, the specialties: lobster, scallops, rainbow fish;
  • Bookworm is a favorite of all vegans and vegetarians visiting the island. In addition to delicious food, guests note the convenient location, relaxing music, and unique interior with many books, deep-thinking photos;
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  • Waterfront is a bar-restaurant with an open view of the harbor that serves not only seafood, but also Indian, Sri Lankan, and Italian dishes, as well as several vegetarian items.”

Transportation

Lamma Island is an abode of harmony, peace and quiet. That is why it is almost impossible to meet an automobile here. The exceptions are ambulances, as well as fire trucks.

The local population moves on foot and only in some cases – on special rural vehicles. These are fully open-topped vehicles used for transporting goods.

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For the convenience of travelers on the island are provided pedestrian paths. Bicycles or ATVs are also available to assist tourists. A boat can be rented to visit the remote coves of Lamma.

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How to get there

To get to Lamma Island, you need to use water transportation. The fastest available is a boat, which will take you to the island in just 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take a ferry to Lamma.

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Starting at 7:20 am, boats depart from the pier every half hour. The travel time will not exceed 35 minutes. However, tourists should be more careful – ferries bring passengers to two different parts of the island: the northern part, Yung Shue Wan Pier, and the central part, Sok Kwu Wan Ferry Pier. To avoid surprises, you should choose a ferry with a suitable route in advance.

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