The third largest of Hong Kong's islands after Hong Kong and Lantau, it is home to about 6,000 people who live mainly around peaceful villages of Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan.

There are also remote settlements. At Yung Shue Ha, members of the founding Chinese clan all have the same surname: Chow.

Lamma is a day trip haven from the big city: soak up the relaxed lifestyle of the locals, the idyllic beaches and the countryside walks. Life is simple here, with no cars on the island at all. There is a very special villagey atmosphere that makes it a spellbinding place to visit and charms both Chinese and expats who have set up home there.

The majority of the island is green and untouched: beautiful beaches such as Sham Wan are left untainted by developers and Mount Stenhouse dominates the south of the island at 353 meters high. But where there is life, the communities are vibrant.

Yung Shue Wan is home to a main street, running from a ferry pier, lined with shops and some curious bars and restaurants, a bank and a post office. For a day visit, this is a good place to begin. Stock up on water and snacks and set off on a gentle hike over to Sok Kwu Wan.

If you have time, explore other areas of the island. Take a towel and beachwear and find a beach to relax on or just make use of your hiking boots to get a feel for the coves and treasures. Like many others, you may find it hard to leave.

The SM Mall of Asia is the largest shopping mall in the Philippines and the 7th largest shopping mall in the world. In terms of gross floor size, it is next to the South Dongguan Mall, Golden Resources Mall, Central World Plaza, Seacon Square, Runwal Arcade - Mumbai.

The newly constructed and aptly named SM Mall of Asia has captured the imagination not just of Filipinos but also of tourists from around the world. The sheer size and uniqeness of it is enough to draw day tripper's curiosity.

The numbers can be mind boggling: 600 shops, 150 restaurants, 5,000 parking spaces and an Olympic size skating rink which is described as the biggest of its kind in Southeast Asia. Two elevated walkways from the second level of the mall that extend across an avenue towards the Manila bay. The result is a clear and wide ranging view of the most spectacular sunset in the world.

One of the mall's main attractions is the first ever IMAX theater in the country, along with a Director's Club Theater for intimate screenings, a Premiere Cinema, and the CenterStage Cinema which can used for live musical concerts and theatrical performances.

The Mall of Asia is far from just being a mall, it's an extension of the Filipino home for the rest of the world to see and visit.