Side trip to Cheung Chau, Hong Kong: A 'Biyahe ni Drew' itinerary

If you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong, make a side trip to nearby Cheung Chau island for some great seafood and steamed buns.

Most people are familiar with Hong Kong’s mainstream attractions—the shopping districts, dim sum restaurants and colorful cityscape. But there’s quieter, less traveled side to Hong Kong that’s worth a visit, whether you’re a first-timer or a returning traveler looking for something new.
 

We’re talking about Cheung Chau, a tiny island home to great seafood and festivals dedicated to steamed buns—and just a ferry away from Hong Kong Island!

How to get there
 

Get yourself to Hong Kong. From Manila, you can fly from from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, or take an extra drive up to the Diosdado Macapagal Airport in Clark, Pampanga. While it’s a one-hour drive from Manila, the airport there is less crowded. To save on airfare, book with budget airline Cebu Pacific Air and follow them on Facebook and Twitter to stay update with the latest seat sales.
 

Take their airport express to the city instead of a taxi. It will just cost you HKD100 (P500), while a taxi will cost you thrice that amount.

From Hong Kong Island, take a 45-minute ferry to Cheung Chau Island.  The ferry to Cheung Chau costs HKD12 (P75) one-way, but we suggest getting first-class seats for HKD20 (P120) one-way. These first-class seats are located on the second level of the ferry, where you get a bayside view of the Hong Kong skyline.
 

Where to stay
 

Cheung Chau is just a side trip. We still recommend staying on the bigger islands of Hong Kong or Kowloon. That way, you stay close to the bigger attractions that you’ll visit anyway.
 

Hong Kong’s off-peak season is from June to August. During this time, a room for twi costs around HKD400 (P2,400) a night.

What to do in Cheung Chau
 

Life in Cheung Chau is quieter than the city side of Hong Kong. It’s also smaller—you can walk the island’s perimeter in two hours! There are also no cars or any motorized vehicles allowed on Cheung Chau. If you’re traveling as a family, you may want to try the pedicabs and bicycles for rent.
 

Eat at ‘Seafood Street’
 

Sang Hing Praya street
 

Like most fishing islands, Cheung has some plenty of fresh seafood. Garlic scallops, giant prawns, spicy squid—you name it! According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, this strip of al fresco restaurants is an eight-minute walk from the Cheung Chau ferry pier. Set aside around HKD100 (P550) so you can try two to three dishes.
 

Kwun Yam Wan beach
 

Near Hak Pai road
 

Entrance is free, biyaheros! Swim all you want. (Just don’t try it during winter and spring.)

Bun Festival
 

Held from April to May every year, this festival celebrates sweet steamed buns! Over 1,000 buns are made during this festival; these are stacked into a mountain of buns. The craziness starts with a contest: whoever brings home the most buns wins.
 

There are three flavors made for Cheung Chau’s bun festival: red bean, lotus seeds, peanut paste. You never know which one you’ll get, so be ready for a surprise! Not going during Bun Festival season? No problem. Cheung Chau bakeshops still sell the sweet, steamed buns. Set aside around HKD20 (P120) for a couple of buns.
 

Budget for a day trip to Cheung Chau
 

Per person, excluding airfare to Hong Kong and accommodations
 

Round-trip ferry: HKD40 (P240)
 

Lunch at Seafood Street: HKD100 (P550)
 

Buns for snacks or pasalubong: HKD20 (P120)
 

Beach: Free
 

Total: HKD170 (P965)
 

[Planning a whole trip to Hong Kong? Check out our main itinerary on Hong Kong Island and the other surrounding areas.]
 

–Cristina Tantengco/PF, GMA News