The Lamma Island Family trail is a beautiful, popular hike that usually ends up at The Sok Kwu Wan fishing village at one of the many sea food restaurants. On weekends and holidays the trail is crowded but still worth the adventure. Most people start by taking a ferry from Central Pier 4, on Hong Kong Island, to Yung Shue Wan on Lamma Island. The trail starts from the ferry pier, is paved, and well-marked in both English and Chinese. We hiked another hour or so, through tiny villages until we ended up on the other side of the island. We’ve been out there a few times and rarely see anyone else. Which is a pity because I find it to be the most beautiful, rugged landscape on the island. The contrast of fluid water and huge stone outcroppings reminded me of The Baths, but with fewer people. The water is darker, and appears to be an ideal spot for hungry sharks or sea monsters to hide in. 
When we approached the boulders, there were a few stray dogs sunning themselves on the rocks. As we got closer they trotted off and hid themselves in the brush. We climbed up and over and explored mother Nature’s magnificent work.
We had brought our snorkeling equipment and slid into the water from a steep section of stone. The water was deep and dark with currents pulling us this way and that. From beneath the surface, the water truly looked like an ideal spot for hungry sea monsters so after a nervous 20-minutes snorkeling adventure, we got out-alive and well.
We stopped at the little homespun café along the trail for a drink and a bowl of mango pudding. Then we hiked back to Sok Kwu Wan for a proper lunch at the famous Rainbow Seafood restaurant. It was pretty quiet on that Tuesday afternoon and I found it hard to believe it was the same place that was bursting with people over the weekend. Hong Kong is so densely populated it is a joy to find beautiful, tranquil places without a lot of people. The trip to the other side of Lamma Island is definitely worth the hike.
