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Outlying Islands (traditional Chinese: 離島) is groups of islands surrounding mainland New Territories and Kowloon, and Hong Kong Island within the territories of Hong Kong. There are 236 islands in Hong Kong. Large majority of them is under Islands District of the south and southwest, Sai Kung District of the southeast and Tai Po District and North District of the northeast. The term outlying is not strictly defined and sometimes some islands very close to the mainland Kowloon and New Territories, and Hong Kong Island are not considered as outlying islands.
The outlying islands are with sparse human habitats and remained largely rural. In the past, majority of population are in towns of Lantau Island, and Peng Chau, Lamma Island, Cheung Chau and Tsing Yi Island. During transportation inconvenience, its development was relatively late compared other parts of Hong Kong. Tsing Yi Island became part of Tsuen Wan New Town in late 1970s and Tung Chung, a new town in the north Lantau Island, is developed in late 1990s.
Rural habitats are popular spots for recreation during holidays and Sundays for urban dwellers. Ferry services to outlying island are provided in piers of Central, Sai Wan Ho, Ma Liu Shui, Tuen Mun and Wong Shek, depending on destinations. For destinations of Lantau Island and Tsing Yi, they are reachable by combinations of rail and road transport.
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