<BGSOUND SRC="ladynred.mid"LOOP="infinite">

Hong Kong Island is only one of 236 that the Territory calls its own, anchored in the South China Sea. Although some of these islands are no more than large, barren rocks, in Hong Kong you learn not to discount anything too quickly, especially large barren rocks. The major islands are linked to Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula by ferries of all types and sizes, including airconditioned, three deck vessels, hovercrafts, sampans, inter-island junks, and water taxis. It is also possible to hire a boat on your own, for relatively little cost, and go island hopping at your leisure.

The largest of the islands is Lantau, famous for its Buddhist and Trappist monasteries, both of which provide excellent destinations for day hikes. Lantau is largely undeveloped and makes for a refreshing contrast to the fast pace of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Lantau’s unspoiled vistas make hiking, biking, horse back riding, beaching and exploring out-of-the-way temples and villages, ideal pursuits. It is also soon to be home to Asia’s largest statue of Buddha.

Cheung Chau Island, with its twin peaks, resembles a Mediterranean port. The promenade of shops and cafes is a tempting spot to spend a lazy hour watching the sea birds soaring above the junk-filled harbour, before or after exploring the infamous pirate caves. This island has tradionally been a haven for artists and writers. Each spring, Cheung Chau celebrates the Bun Festival in honor of Pak Tai, God of the Sea, for continuing to keep the community plague-free. Festival activities include Chiu Chow opera, lion dances, stilt dances and a colourful parade featuring the island chilren. At the end of the three day festival, (before it was deemed a safety risk), the children used to race to the top of the three bun towers and collect the buns for good luck. But traditions evolve, and nowadays the buns are distributed by the priests. Within sight of Hong Kong Island, and to the south, lies Lamma Island. Lamma can trace its roots back to the stone age, courtesy of a Neolithic settlement. It’s easy to catch a ferry, or hire a sampan in Aberdeen, and arrive before you know it in one of Lamma’s harbours, and make a selection of lobster, clams, prawns and fresh fish, for a fine seafood feast.