Did you know that Hong Kong is not just one island, but several islands? I believe so. But if you weren’t sure, believe that it is made up of other islands such as Lamma Island, Lantau Island and Cheung Chau. Each of them has its own unique character and attractions.
I decided I absolutely had to explore the epic island of Lantau. Basically, everyone who flies to the island will visit it. Because this is the island where the airport is located. Many people think Hong Kong is full of skyscrapers. Yes, that’s true, but it only applies to Hong Kong Island. On the other hand, Lantau Island is not home to Hong Kong’s most beautiful scenery.
So if you’re going to be here for more than one day, I recommend including this island in your itinerary and making a day trip to it. Especially if you like hiking and being outdoors. There’s fresh air, perhaps all kinds of greenery, and most importantly a calming view of the ocean.
TRANSPORT TO THE ISLAND
There are several ways to get to Lantau Island in terms of public transport. The whole system is very well designed, dynamic and efficient, making it easy to get from one place to another. First, however, you will have to get to Tung Chung. You can find your way completely at ease using Google Maps. They are accurate. Then choose the mode of transport that suits you.
There are several options to get to Lantau Island without any hassle:
METRO
The MTR is the most reliable and easiest way to travel. That’s what I chose. Whether you’re on the Kowloon side or coming from Hong Kong Island, all you have to do is find the nearest MTR station and arrive at Tung Chung MTR station. I opted for this on my return trip when I was leaving the island. There is no subway between the airport and the Tung Chung MTR station, so the best option is to take the bus. It’s very quick and you’re there in no time.
BUS
My other favourite mode of transport in Hong Kong is buses. Although I was afraid of them at first, after all, they run on the left side. However, they are reliable, on time and efficient, and if you miss one, the next one will be along shortly. Direct bus service is available on almost all major routes from downtown Hong Kong. Buses are comfortable and affordable in Hong Kong. You can pay on the bus with your Octopus card or cash.
If you are travelling from Hong Kong Airport, the best way is to take a bus, as there is no subway between the two areas. The most common buses are the S1 and S56 and many others that run to Tung Chung 3-4 times every hour. Several hotels near the airport also have a free shuttle service to Tung Chung, so be sure to ask.
FERRY
If you plan to take the ferry to Lantau Island from the city centre, Central Ferry Pier 6, keep in mind that you will arrive in Mui Wo instead of Tung Chung. There are slow and fast ferries here, so be sure to check the Lantau ferry schedule to see which one best suits your timing.
NGONG PING 360 CABLE CAR
If you have enough money, the fastest way and also a lot of tourist attraction is the NGONG PING 360 cable car. It’s kind of the most efficient way to get to the top. You will have amazing views of Hong Kong. The price for a one-way cable car ride to Lantau Island is HK$195 (better check the price, it may change). The cable car will take you directly to this picturesque Ngong Ping Village.
MY TIP:
CARD OCTOPUS
Buy and pay with your Octopus card. You can buy it right at the airport. Pay and charge in cash. You don’t have to worry about losing the money you don’t spend. The advantage is that you can use it not only in transport, but also in almost all restaurants. They don’t take normal cards and will ask you for this card. The advantage is that you can pay everywhere with it. Charging them and buying the card is cash only. The card can be purchased at any station, at stores like 7-Eleven.
You can do like I did, buy it right at the airport so you can use it right away and when I flew back I returned it and they refunded me the unspent money along with the deposit. The downside is that you then have Hong Kong dollars, which are useless, so you have no choice but to spend it at the airport.
WHAT TO VISIT?
Basically, you can just wander around the island. There are several trails through the island. If you decide you want to see something, I recommend visiting a few of the attractions the island is known for.
NGOR PING VILLAGE
The village can be reached either by cable car or directly by bus. There are shops lined up, including souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants and other antique shops. And why do I mention this place, not perhaps to do some shopping, but right here from Ngong Ping Piazza, you can go to the Big Buddha.
THE BIG BUDDHA (TIAN TIAN BUDDHA)
The Big Buddha, also known as Tian Tian Buddha, was built in 1993 and is one of Hong Kong’s most famous tourist attractions. It is also one of the tallest outdoor bronze Buddha statues, located on top of Mount Muyu. It weighs 202 tonnes and measures 34 metres with the pedestal.
It is said that such a unique feature is that it represents the union of man and nature. The Buddha sitting on a large lotus flower is a symbol of purity. If you have been to Batu Caves in Malaysia, the climb up is relatively similar. To see the statue up close, you will have to climb 268 stone steps. It’s not horrible, but you’ll sweat in the heat. 🙂
When you reach the top, take a breath and enjoy the view. Then walk past the Big Buddha on the balcony. There are other small statues all around. These actually represent the Offering of the Six Devas, each offering flowers, incense, lamps, ointment, fruit and music to the Buddha.
These represent the six perfections, which include generosity, morality, patience, zeal, meditation and wisdom. All these qualities are necessary for the attainment of enlightenment. At the base of the statue’s pedestal is a small museum dedicated to the Buddha’s teachings. I find it a bit strange that such a building hasn’t been standing for centuries, which I kind of expected. Actually, it’s only been here since the 1990s.
MONASTERY PO LIN
Directly opposite the Great Buddha is the Po Lin Monastery. This is where I immediately thought of Po from Kung Fu Panda. When I saw the courtyard of the monastery, I couldn’t help but imagine Po practicing his Kung Fu moves there. The advantage is that you can see the monastery for yourself.
There are several rooms and halls in the monastery. But the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas attracts the most attention. Photography is forbidden there. The reason for its name is that there are ten thousand Buddha statues all over the walls of the monastery. The statues are also in various meditation positions.
The monastery is huge, with several parts that you can visit, such as the garden. You can visit the Great Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas. But besides the Buddhas, I admired the beautiful colorfulness of the place from the roof, the doors, the colors used and the small decorations.
Another thing I really liked was the large number of orchids. They looked so perfect that they seemed plastic at times. But they weren’t.
LANTAU TRAIL
A lovely way to enjoy the day is to take a trip. You can go the route between Tung Chung and Ngong Ping. This is an 8 km long hiking trail. Along the way, you’ll be able to see a 360-degree view of the island as the trail rises in the middle. Much of the trail is made of wooden planks that follow the same path as the Ngong Ping cable car. This hike is probably not for beginners, you will have to negotiate an endless amount of steps. So think before you go.
Or you can take the path from the Great Buddha to Tai O village, as I did. The path is almost all along the road and you walk on the pavement too.
The wind was blowing in my hair the whole time. But it’s not unpleasant. On the contrary, in this heat, it’s beneficial. Since there is no natural barrier nearby, there is always a strong wind blowing over the ridge. What’s amazing, however, is that from the high cliff, you have a magical view of the ocean and the forested mountainside.
As there are no shops, food stalls or water on the way, make sure you have everything you need on hand.
FISHING VILLAGE TAI O
Tai O used to be a small fishing town famous for its stilt houses. The locals have lived there for generations. You can still see fishing boats around the village. The village is quite small , so it is not a problem to explore it on your own even in a few hours.
This formerly isolated and peaceful corner of the island is known for its unique atmosphere that remains true to its cultural roots. It is home to a community of people who continue to live and work here, following the old traditions and way of life. The village is home to the Tanks, a traditional fishing community.
The history of Tai O dates back to the Ming Dynasty, when the village was founded by fishermen who settled in this remote location because of its favorable conditions for fishing and nature conservation. Over the centuries, the village has evolved but never lost its traditional character. In its golden era in the 19th century, Tai O was one of the most important fishing ports in Hong Kong. Many locals made their living by fishing, fish processing and trading in seafood.
The island is famous for its “water houses”, i.e. wooden structures built on stilts directly over the water. This unique type of architecture has become a symbol of Tai O. However, you will not only find houses on stilts, but also large metal boxes. Villagers usually sell their local products here, including dry fish, dry squid and various sea creatures.
However, the village is famous for another delicacy. This is salted fish, which is definitely worth a taste. It’s a popular way of preserving seafood. Right on the pier, but in the streets, you can observe market women actively preparing their daily catch to be salted and dried.
Such a nice Instagram landmark of the village is the rope bridge. It also serves the important function of connecting the two main parts of the village. If you time it right, you can watch as the bridge is raised for the larger boats that enter the village harbour. Unfortunately, during my visit, none large enough to merit raising the bridge passed through.
Since it was very hot, I, like the locals, went through the shops selling dried fish, pickles, oils and fermented things that I have no idea what they are. You can find several local restaurants that also sell fresh seafood.
But if I can give you any advice on how best to enjoy this island, just hang out and relax. There’s not really much to do, but there’s a lot to take in.
Once you get tired of that, you can take bus number 11 to Tung Chung. It’s a long way back. Or you can go back to Ngong Ping and take the cable car back. It’s up to you.
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