Peng Chau Island - Old Hong Kong
On Peng Chau, an hour-glass shaped, mildly hilly island located in the elbow of Lantau Island, life slows. The island oozes relaxation. Most residents meander slowly and seemingly follow the same routine that they will follow tomorrow. The island can be comfortably walked in 3-4 hours which is good because it is the only form of transport – taxis and buses have thankfully yet to arrive. Peng Chau does have a small ceramics industry and a few temples but unlike neighboring islands it does not contain notable tourist attractions, many people or neon-encrusted seafood restaurants – which provide the perfect reasons to visit.
The hub of the island is a small village, actually a road (Lo Peng Street) located near the main pier. The village/street comes complete with old ladies sitting on stools, narrow alleys selling fruits, vegetables and discount knickknacks and a large Wellcome (Supermarket, not a stout, friendly greeter). A walk along the Family Trail to the east quickly brings one through a retirement community, past a cement graveyard, around an organic farm (dismissing the claim that there are no farms left in Hong Kong) and to Finger Hill, the highest point. The 10 minute, relatively steep climb to Finger Hill brings spectacular views of the crescent moon shaped bay on the island’s north side as well as open views of Lantau and Cheung Chau Islands. Peng Chau’s views of the western imports on Lantau Island such as HK Disneyland and Discovery Bay (a residential district designed for those longing to live in an American suburb) and limited tourists provide a welcome relief the crowds and noise that envelop most of Hong Kong.
Following the Family Trail to the western part of the island leads one past a large temple facing Tung Wan Beach. The smattering of listing fishing boats dotting the placid bay hint at a more active past. Continuing to the western peninsula reveals paths that meander randomly through thick jungle foliage, sporadic farms and less sporadic people. To visit Peng Chau and its approximately 8,000 residents, take a 25 minute ferry ride from Central Ferry Pier.
