Are you looking for a destination that offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, adventure, and entertainment? If yes, then you should definitely visit Lantau Island, the largest and most diverse island in Hong Kong. Whether you want to marvel at the majestic Big Buddha, soar over the scenic landscape on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, have a fun-filled day at Disneyland, or relax on the pristine sandy beaches, Lantau Island has something for everyone.
In this ultimate travel guide, we will show you how to get to Lantau Island, what to do, where to stay, and where to eat on this amazing island. You will also discover some hidden gems and insider tips that will make your trip even more memorable. So, let’s get started!
What to Do on Lantau Island
Lantau Island is a paradise for travellers who love nature, culture, adventure, and entertainment. There are so many things to do on Lantau Island that you will never get bored. Here are some of the best things to do on Lantau Island, categorized by theme:
1. Nature
Hike the Lantau Trail
If you are a hiking enthusiast, you should not miss the opportunity to hike the Lantau Trail, a 70-km circular trail that covers the most scenic and diverse parts of the island. You can hike the whole trail in 4 to 5 days, or choose a section that suits your ability and interest. Some of the highlights of the trail are the Sunset Peak, the Lantau Peak, the Shek Pik Reservoir, and the Pui O Beach. You can find more information on the Lantau Trail website.
Ride the Ngong Ping 360
If you want to experience the thrill of flying over the stunning landscape of Lantau Island, you should definitely ride the Ngong Ping 360, a 5.7-km cable car that connects Tung Chung to Ngong Ping, where the Big Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery are located. The cable car ride takes about 25 minutes and costs around HK$200 (US$25.7) per person.
Visit the Tai O Fishing Village
If you want to experience the traditional and authentic side of Lantau Island, you should definitely visit the Tai O Fishing Village, a quaint and charming village that is home to the Tanka people, who live in stilt houses along the water. You can also take a boat ride to see the pink dolphins, the Chinese white dolphins that are native to the area. The boat ride costs around HK$25 (US$3.2) per person and lasts about 20 minutes.
2. Culture
See the Big Buddha
The most iconic and impressive attraction on Lantau Island is the Big Buddha, a 34-meter-high bronze statue of the Buddha Shakyamuni, which is the largest outdoor seated Buddha in the world. The statue is located on a hilltop near the Po Lin Monastery, and you can reach it by climbing 268 steps or taking a shuttle bus. The statue is surrounded by six smaller statues that represent the six perfections of Buddhism, and it also houses a relic of the Buddha inside. The statue is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm, and the admission is free, but you can also buy a ticket that includes a vegetarian meal at the monastery and access to the museum under the statue. The ticket costs around HK$100 (US$12.9) per person.
Visit the Po Lin Monastery
The Po Lin Monastery is a Buddhist monastery that was founded in 1906 by three monks from Jiangsu Province, China. The monastery is one of the most important and influential Buddhist centers in Hong Kong, and it is also known for its beautiful architecture and gardens. You can visit the main hall, where you can see the three golden statues of the Buddha, the bell tower, the drum tower, and the hall of ten thousand Buddhas. You can also enjoy a vegetarian meal at the monastery’s restaurant, which is open from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm. The monastery is open from 9 am to 6 pm, and the admission is free.
Explore the Wisdom Path
The Wisdom Path is a wooden installation that features 38 giant wooden columns that are arranged in a figure-eight shape, representing infinity. The columns are inscribed with the Heart Sutra, one of the most important scriptures in Buddhism, in Chinese calligraphy. The installation is located near the Po Lin Monastery, and you can reach it by walking for about 15 minutes. The installation is open from 9 am to 6 pm, and the admission is free.
3. Adventure
Have Fun at Disneyland
If you are looking for some fun and excitement on Lantau Island, you should definitely have a fun-filled day at Disneyland, the first and only Disney theme park in Hong Kong. The park features seven themed lands, such as Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Toy Story Land, where you can enjoy various rides, shows, parades, and meet your favorite Disney characters. The park is open from 10:30 am to 8 pm, and the admission costs around HK$700 (US$90) per person.
Go Camping at Pui O Beach
If you are looking for some adventure and relaxation on Lantau Island, you should definitely go camping at Pui O Beach, one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on the island. The beach offers a long stretch of golden sand, clear blue water, and stunning views of the mountains and the sea. You can also rent a tent or a caravan at the beach, or bring your own, and spend a night under the stars. The camping fee is around HK$100 (US$12.9) per person, and you can book your spot online or at the site.
Try the Lantau Island Zipline
If you are looking for some adrenaline and excitement on Lantau Island, you should definitely try the Lantau Island Zipline, a 1.5-km zipline that runs from the Ngong Ping Village to the Tung Chung Town Centre. The zipline is open from 10 am to 6 pm, and the ride costs around HK$300 (US$38.6) per person.
How to Get to Lantau Island
Getting to Lantau Island from Hong Kong is easy and convenient, as there are several transport options available. You can choose from the following modes of transport, depending on your budget, time, and preference:
MTR: The fastest and cheapest way to get to Lantau Island is by taking the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) to Tung Chung station, which is the gateway to the island. From there, you can take a bus, taxi, or cable car to your desired destination. The MTR journey takes about 30 minutes and costs around HK$25 (US$3.2) per person.
Bus: Another option is to take a bus to Lantau Island, which is more scenic and comfortable than the MTR, but also slower and more expensive. There are several bus routes that connect Hong Kong to Lantau Island, such as E11, E21, E22, E23, E31, E32, E33, E34, E41, E42, and E11A. The bus journey takes about an hour and costs around HK$40 (US$5.1) per person.
Ferry: If you want to enjoy the views of the sea and the skyline, you can take a ferry to Lantau Island, which is more relaxing and romantic than the other options, but also less frequent and more limited. There are two ferry routes that connect Hong Kong to Lantau Island, one from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo, and the other from Central Pier 5 to Discovery Bay. The ferry journey takes about 40 minutes and costs around HK$30 (US$3.9) per person.
Taxi: The most convenient and flexible way to get to Lantau Island is by taking a taxi, which is also the most expensive and least eco-friendly option. You can hail a taxi from anywhere in Hong Kong and ask the driver to take you to Lantau Island, which will cost you around HK$300 (US$38.6) per trip.
Where to Eat on Lantau Island
Lantau Island offers a variety of dining options for travellers of different tastes and preferences. You can choose from the following categories of dining, depending on your budget, appetite, and mood like Chinese, western and Vegetarian.
Lantau Island is a wonderful destination that offers a lot of attractions and activities for travellers of all ages and interests. You can explore the nature, culture, adventure, and entertainment of the island, and have an unforgettable experience. You can also find a variety of accommodation and dining options on the island, that suit your budget and preference. We hope that this ultimate travel guide has helped you plan your trip to Lantau Island, and that you have a great time there.
