By Lawrence Casiraya
INQUIRER.net

On a recent trip to Hong Kong, I visited a good friend of mine who lives with his family in Lamma Island, about 20 minutes by ferry from the mainland.

It was my first time there and I had this wild guess that Lamma (not Llama as I earlier thought) is filled with somewhat luxurious beach houses for vacationing Hong Kong residents. As pictured above when I boarded down the ferry, it looks more like a quiet and peaceful fishing village, away from the hustle and bustle of mainland Hong Kong.

Walking along the narrow and somewhat crowded streets, it reminded me of Sabang Beach in Puerto Galera. I learned that Lamma is famous for its restaurants. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo paid Sampan restaurant a visit during a recent trip to Hong Kong.

Lamma Island is third largest island in Hong Kong, and is haven to artists and the rest of the bohemian crowd, hence its reputation as an enclave for hippies, which have attracted a lot of expatriates in Hong Kong who want to live somewhere tranquil.

Residents aren’t allowed to own cars or other motorized vehicles, except for this one which is owned by the local government and obviously a utility vehicle.

My friend and his family live in housing communities like the photo below, which reminded me of UP Bliss. The buildings don’t look much different from each other. I learned that a lot of Filipino architects have settled in Lamma after finding work in Hong Kong.

But the main attraction on Lamma is the beach. I went there on a Saturday and there was a huge crowd. I was there for only a few hours so I didn’t go for a swim.

Hopefully, next time I’m there for much longer I can. Also go trekking or ride a junk boat and take a tour of around Lamma and other nearby islands. Lamma should be worth your while if you ever find yourself bored with all the shopping in the mainland.