Aberdeen

Aberdeen

 

            Some 200 years ago, Hong Kong's Aberdeen district was a haven for pirates. Located on the southern shore of

            Hong Kong Island, it is home to the Tanka boat people and has become a popular tourist destination where visitors

            can experience on hand the traditional lifestyle of boat dwellers and sample fresh seafood. Aberdeen is a lively

            marina crammed with junks, sampans, water taxis (kai do), cruisers and yachts. The fishing harbour is a wonderful

            way to experience the activity of life on water. Tours along Aberdeen's watery stretches can be enjoyed onboard

            one of the many sampans offering half - hour trips around the harbour and the sensory delights of Hong Kong

            cuisine can be experienced within the unique environment of the famous Jumbo Floating Restaurant.

            Address: South District, Hong Kong Island; Transport: Bus No.7 or No.70 from Exchange Square in Central

           

 Lantau

 

            Lantau is the largest of the 235 outlying islands in Hong Kong, being almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island. It

            is better known for its walking trails and beaches and provides a pleasant respite from crowds and shopping. The

            main arrival point to the island by ferry is at Mui Wo (Silvermine Bay). The finest beaches are located along the

            west coast, most notably Cheung Sha. Besides beaches, Western Lantau is the location of the Po Lin Monastery,

            the largest temple in Hong Kong. Beyond the doorstep of this vast temple is the world's largest outdoor Buddha.

            Aptly named Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha), the bronze statue sits contemplatively from the reaches of Ngong Ping

            Plateau. From the monastery buses will transport one to the quaint fishing village of Tai O. Here little wooden

            houses perch on stilts and much of life flows from the fishing industry that sustains it. Lantau's north shore is

            predominantly a farming region. The main attraction here however is the historical Tung Chung Fort, which was

            built in the early 19th century as part of a short- lived attempt to suppress the opium trade and defend the coastal

            area from pirates. Six old Qing Dynasty cannons dating back to 1832 stand on the ramparts. Development has

            changed the landscape of the Northeastern stretches of Lantau, known as Discovery Bay. Here upmarket housing

            complexes, shopping malls, yacht clubs and golf courses promise to provide the ultimate designer lifestyle at a

            price.

            Transport: Ferry services are provided by New World First Ferry between Mui Wo and Central. Transportation time

            is about 30 or 50 minutes, depending on the vessel. There are also several smaller inter - island ferry services

            linking neighbouring islands and the mainland. One can also travel by a tradtional water taxi, usually from nearby

            Cheung Chau Island

            Cheung Chau Island