Junk Tripping

ICON-GUIDE

Everyone thinks of Hong Kong as a city, but in fact it is a sprawling archipelago of 260 islands. If you never see their rugged coastlines or deserted coves, and if you are never buffeted by the salty sea wind as it blows full pelt across a surging prow, then you will not know very much of Hong Kong at all.

To see the place as it must have appeared to generations of fishermen and pirates, hire a "junk" (the term formerly applied to traditional Chinese fishing boats now refers to any motorized pleasure vessel). Load a picnic and a cool-box of beer and wine, and set off through the scattered islets. Drop anchor somewhere remote and dive off the deck for a swim.

Though the word "junk" traditionally refers to Chinese wooden sailboats dating back to the Han Dynasty -- still used in Hong Kong's natural harbors and islands -- these days it's a catch-all phrase that refers to any Hong Kong boat charter.

Today's junk boats come with modern luxuries and, this being Hong Kong, food and drink are central to the experience.

There are various locations that junks depart from, including Central, Causeway Bay (Noon Day Gun), Aberdeen and Sai Kung. You can usually ask for a certain destination, but it depends on the junk company the captain and the volatile Hong Kong weather as to where you end up. However, if you do get a stay in your final destination, we recommend Lamma for seafood, Deep Water Bay for those that love the beach, Sai Kung, Clearwater Bay, Turtle Cove and Stanley Bay.