ESCAPING Hongkong's hustle and bustle usually involves an outbound flight, not an outlying island ferry. But there is far more to the territory's skyline than scaffolds and soaring rooftops.
The peaks rising from behind the tenements and the islands looming across the crowded harbour can offer a range of options for the weekend traveller with an adventurous spirit.
These retreats must be sought out with persistence and sometimes a bead or two of sweat.
The majority of these getaways are on islands. Hongkong has more than 230, a fact many forget. It should come as no surprise that they offer a selection of simple, austere dwellings.
The islands may range in size from Lantau to those barely larger than a bed of rocks.
For those who cannot do without their creature comforts, one or two of the islands offer hotels catering to your lifestyle.
