UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES IN LANTAU ISLAND

Lantau Island (also Lantao Island, Lan Tao or Lan Tau) is the largest island in Hong Kong, located West of Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula, and is part of the New Territories. Administratively, most of Lantau Island is part of the Islands District of Hong Kong. Originally an island with fishing villages, it has been developed since the late 20th century with the construction of Tung Chung New Town on its north-western coast and the completion of several major infrastructure projects, including Lantau Link (1997), Hong Kong International Airport (1998), Hong Kong Disneyland (2005), and Ngong Ping 360 (2006). The Island has a variety of  attractions including the Lantau Peak and its hiking Trails, Wisdom Path, Lantau Island Beaches, Tai O Fishing Village, and much more. Lantau Island has a relatively low population density, however, settlements are scattered throughout the island and each has its own distinctive characteristics.  Mui Wo, Tai O, Tong Fuk, Sha Lo Wan villages, Pui O villages, Luk Keng Village, Nim Shue Wan Village, Pak Mong, San Shek Wan and The Sea Ranch are popular villages to visit in Lantau Island. Whether you're interested in culture, nature, or adventure, Lantau Island has something to offer for every type of traveler. 

Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car + Ngong Ping Village

Take a ride on the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car for breathtaking views of Lantau Island, the South China Sea, and the surrounding mountains. The cable car ride connects Tung Chung with Ngong Ping Village. The star attraction on Lantau is the 34-metre Tian Tan Buddha, known as simply the Big Buddha, which rests high up on a hilltop. The best way to get there? The Ngong Ping 360 cable car climbs from Tung Chung to tranquil Ngong Ping Village with stunning views of the Lantau landscape, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Big Buddha. The 25-minute, air-conditioned ride even has the option of a glass-bottom crystal cabin that offers a novel, unobstructed view straight down! The drop-off is just a 10-minute stroll from the foot of the 268 steps to reach the base of the statue. From the top of the stairs, not only do you get breath-taking views over Lantau’s verdant mountain terrain and across the South China Sea, you also get a bird’s eye view of the century-old Po Lin Monastery and its many colorful murals, which you can visit after descending the steps. You can purchase tickets for the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car on their Website, on Klook or GetYourGuide, as part of a guided tour. After getting off the Cable Car, explore Ngong Ping Village, a culturally themed village near the Tian Tan Buddha. Here, you can find shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions such as the Walking with Buddha exhibit.

Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) + Po Lin Monestary

Visit the Tian Tan Buddha, one of the largest outdoor seated Buddha statues in the world. You can climb the 268 steps to reach the base of the statue and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. This world-famous architecture is in fact named “Tian Tan”, and derives from another majestic religious building of China. Back in 1979, the abbot of Po Lin Monastery was invited to visit Japan and Taiwan. During the trip, the big Buddhas he saw inspired him to do just the same in Hong Kong. The name, however, stems from a different trip when the abbot visited The Temple of Heaven, Tian Tan (天壇) in Chinese or heavenward altar in English, in Beijing, China. Nestling on the summit of Muk Yue Shan (木魚山), the 26.4-metre-high statue has been captivating numerous visitors due to its dramatic design and placement. You have to climb 268 flights of stairs to reach the 34-meter tall Buddha and every bit of this experience is designed to humble you. Explore the Po Lin Monastery, located near the Tian Tan Buddha. This Buddhist monastery offers beautiful architecture, serene gardens, and a vegetarian restaurant.  Po Lin Monastery was known as the 'Big Thatched Hut' in the early days more than a century ago. In 1906, three Buddhist monks of the Ch'an School, Venerable Da Yue, Dun Xiu, and Yue Ming traveled from Jiangsu Province of China to Lantau Island to set up a site for practice. Since then, many members of the Sangha from all directions have been attracted to the place, marking the gradual rise of the Ch'an (Zen) School of Buddhism in Hong Kong. They copy the design of the temple’s foundation and name for the newly-founded Buddha to pay “tribute” to the original.  In 1924, the 'Big Thatched Hut' was renamed Po Lin Monastery and Venerable Ji Xiu became the first Abbot. Since then, Po Lin Monastery has developed into a world-renowned monastery and is now led by the eighth Abbot, Venerable Jing Yin. There are tours you can join to get to the Big Buddha, like this one from Viator.

Wisdom Path

Visit the Wisdom Path, an outdoor wooden path featuring large wooden columns inscribed with the Heart Sutra, a revered Buddhist scripture. The path offers a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by lush greenery. The Wisdom Path traces a series of 38 wooden steles (upright monuments) containing verses from the centuries-old Heart Sutra — one of the world’s best-known prayers revered by Confucians, Buddhists and Taoists alike.These steles display the Chinese version of the prayer, based on the calligraphy of famous contemporary scholar Professor Jao Tsung-I, and are arranged in a ∞ pattern, which represents infinity. Professor Jao's calligraphy and painting masterpieces are incorporated into the design of the commemorative plaque and the site map displaying his biography and academic achievements. 

Lantau Peak Hike 

Hike up Lantau Peak, the second-highest peak in Hong Kong, for stunning panoramic views of Lantau Island and beyond. The hike can be challenging but rewarding, especially during sunrise or sunset. Lantau Peak Hike on Lantau Island takes you on a steady and steep uphill journey to one of the best viewpoints of the Territory, followed by a similarly steep descent to the famous Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) — a must-see attraction in Hong Kong. This point-to-point hike is reversible and easily reached by public transportation. To start from Pak Kung Au and end in Ngong Ping, either grab a ferry from Central to Mui Wo and hop on the 3M bus to Pak Kung Au stop or hop in the MTR to Tung Chung station and onto the 3M bus going in the other direction, stopping at the Pak Kung Au bus stop. Out in the open for most of this hike, you’ll easily marvel at the scenic surroundings most of the way. Lantau Peak taunts you almost from the trailhead as you see the summit standing proudly in the distance. You’ll have to go over three hills before you reach the peak, giving your heart and legs a good workout on the way up. Once at the top of the rocky and majestic Lantau Peak, you won’t be able to suppress a huge grin from spreading across your face. The unobstructed, magnificent views are breathtaking and some of the most scenic in Hong Kong. You’ll be rewarded with a never-ending glowing sea, rolling hills and peaks from surrounding mountains, the impressive Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery nestled between verdant forest, and the snaking Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. Picturesque views keep unfurling in front of you on your sharp, steep, and rocky descent. Unless you’re dead set on taking public transport back to Hong Kong, it’s worth visiting the Big Buddha at the end of the hike, then hopping in the 360 Ngong Ping Cable Car for a relaxed, panoramic trip to Tung Chung MTR station.

Tung Chung Fort

Built in the 12th century of the Southern Song dynasty, Tung Chung Fort was erected to defend the realm from the attack of pirates and smugglers. Coupled with three hundred soldiers sent by the government, the fort kept out invaders and kept the area peaceful for the next hundreds of years.  Tung Chung Fort, referred to as the Tung Chung Suocheng (Tung Chung Battalion City) in the Qing dynasty, was the naval headquarters of the Right Battalion of Dapeng. The carved granite slab above the entrance gives the date of the Fort as 1832. When the British took control of Hong Kong in 1898, the fort was abandoned. During World War II, Japanese forces occupied it, after which it served as a police station and then a college. The fort today stands as a relic of a bygone era, complete with six old muzzle-loading cannons and Chinese archways. If you’re really into history, don’t miss the nearby Tung Chung Battery, too. Tung Chung Fort was declared a monument in 1979.

Hong Kong Disneyland

If you're traveling with family or simply love theme parks, consider spending a day at Hong Kong Disneyland, located on Lantau Island. Enjoy rides, and shows, and meet your favorite Disney characters. Hong Kong Disneyland is a theme park located on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. It is the first theme park located inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and managed by Hong Kong International Theme Parks. It is, together with Ocean Park Hong Kong, one of the two large theme parks in Hong Kong. The park has a daily capacity of 34,000 visitors before the expansion plan— the fewest of all Disneyland parks. After the expansion until 2017, as Iron Man Experience opened, the daily capacity increased to 50,000 visitors. Hong Kong Disneyland currently occupies 49.9 hectares (123 acres) and hosts 7.92 million to 8.92 million visitors annually. The park's capacity will increase to handle up to 10 million visitors annually over a 15-year expansion period. You can get tickets to Hong Kong Disneyland from their Website or on websites such as Klook.

Tai O Fishing Village

Tai O is hidden away at the far end of Lantau Island, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a step back in time as you explore the historic Tai O fishing village, home to the iconic Tai O Heritage Hotel, scenic hiking trails, traditional restaurant fare and street snacks. Keep an eye out for local Tai O souvenirs such as shrimp paste, salty fish and dried seafood. With roots tracing all the way back to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), Tai O Fishing Village oozes history and heritage. Home to the Tanka people, a community of fishermen who traditionally built their homes on stilts above tidal flats, the village is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Lantau. Boats navigate the channel between houses, stirring up the smell of the sea and offering great photo ops. Explore Tai O Fishing Village, a traditional fishing village known for its stilt houses, seafood market, and unique cultural heritage. Take a boat ride through the village's waterways to see the local way of life. A boat tour is arguably the best way to see Tai O’s stilt houses and canals. As you wander around the town, you’ll find vendors selling tickets for boat rides through the waterways. I would personally recommend the Pink Dolphin Boat Tour. You can buy tickets for this boat tour from the local vendors at the Tai O Ferry Pier or you can join this GetYourGuide Tour, which also includes Ngong Ping 360 and Big Buddha.

Mui Wo

One of the most scenic ways to reach Mui Wo is by taking a ferry from Central Pier 6 in Hong Kong Island. The ferry ride offers beautiful views of Victoria Harbour and takes approximately 30-40 minutes. You can also reach Mui Wo by bus from Tung Chung MTR Station, you can take bus routes 3M, 11, or 34 to Mui Wo. Alternatively, from the ferry pier in Tung Chung, you can take bus route 3 to Mui Wo. Mui Wo (Plum Nest) was Lantau’s largest settlement before Tung Chung was born. Mui Wo is a charming town located on the eastern coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Despite being relatively small, Mui Wo offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade near Mui Wo Ferry Pier. Enjoy views of the harbor, watch the boats come and go, and soak in the relaxed atmosphere of this coastal town. Relax and unwind on Silver Mine Bay Beach, one of the most popular beaches on Lantau Island. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking against the backdrop of lush green hills and clear blue waters. Explore Mui Wo Market, where you can find a variety of local produce, seafood, and souvenirs. The market offers a glimpse into the daily life of the local community and is a great place to sample authentic Hong Kong snacks. Take a short hike to Silvermine Waterfall, located just outside Mui Wo. The waterfall is especially impressive during the rainy season when the water flow is stronger. It's a serene spot to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Sample local cuisine at one of the many restaurants and cafes in Mui Wo. From traditional Cantonese dishes to international fare, there's something to suit every palate. Don't miss the opportunity to try fresh seafood at one of the waterfront eateries. Check out this Ferry timetable for the Schedule for the Ferry Running between Central (Pier 6) to Mui Wo.

Why Visit Lantau Island

Visiting Lantau Island in Hong Kong offers a multitude of compelling reasons. Lantau Island boasts stunning natural landscapes, including lush mountains, pristine beaches, and scenic hiking trails. It provides a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, allowing visitors to reconnect with nature and unwind in a serene environment. The island is home to several significant cultural and religious landmarks, such as the Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) and Po Lin Monastery. These sites offer insight into Hong Kong's rich cultural heritage and provide opportunities for spiritual contemplation and exploration. Lantau Island offers a plethora of outdoor activities for adventure enthusiasts, including hiking, mountain biking, and water sports. Whether you're scaling Lantau Peak for panoramic views or kayaking along its picturesque coastline, there's no shortage of exhilarating experiences to be had. The Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car provides a unique and scenic way to access Lantau Island, offering breathtaking aerial views of the surrounding landscape. The journey itself is an unforgettable experience, providing visitors with a bird's-eye perspective of the island's natural beauty. For families and Disney enthusiasts, Lantau Island is home to Hong Kong Disneyland, a magical theme park featuring beloved Disney characters, thrilling rides, and immersive attractions. It offers a fun-filled day out for visitors of all ages, making it a must-visit destination on the island. Tai O Fishing Village offers a glimpse into traditional Hong Kong life, with its charming stilt houses, bustling seafood markets, and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can explore the village's narrow alleyways, sample fresh seafood delicacies, and embark on boat tours to spot pink dolphins in the nearby waters. Lantau Island is easily accessible from central Hong Kong via the efficient public transportation system. Whether you choose to take the MTR, bus, or Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, getting to Lantau Island is convenient and hassle-free. Overall, Lantau Island offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and families alike. Whether you're seeking tranquility in nature or excitement at a theme park, Lantau Island has something to offer everyone.