Visiting Hong Kong: Top Things to Do On Lantau Island

The lush and relaxing landscape of Lantau Island. Source: Trip.com

Lantau Island was a fishing village and is one of the largest Hong Kong islands. However, during the late 20th century, it became highly developed due to the completion of many major infrastructure projects.Find a haven on Lantau Island with gorgeous beaches, kid-friendly adventures, green trails, and yummy restaurants. Be excited about the unique experiences that the place has to offer.

Step away from the hustle and bustle of the densely populated Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island. Instead, enjoy the slower pace of Lantau Island, Hong Kong, which has windier roads and hilly paths to take a step back. Find little bliss of peace and quiet even if it is adjacent to Hong Kong International Airport. Spend a few days enjoying the island before you fly to your next destination.

Where is Lantau Island located?

Lantau Island / Source: Trip.com

You can find Lantau Island west of the Kowloon Peninsula. However, most of the island belongs to Hong Kong's Islands District, but its northeastern part belongs to the Tsuen Wan District. Lantau Island is Hong Kong's largest island, with a few high-rise residential developments, but it still leaves a large portion of the indigenous forest intact. It has 14.16 square kilometers of land mass, twice as big as Hong Kong Island.

And if you are a nature person, you will love the mountainous terrain it has to offer, including Lantau Peak, Hong Kong's second largest mountain, Sunset Peak, Nei Lak Shan, Lin Fa Shan, and Yi Tung Shan. Children and the not-so-young will love Lantau South Country Park, Hong Kong's most prominent country park, including Lantau North Country Park.

How do you reach Lantau Island?

Do you know that the Hong Kong International Airport is located on Lantau Island? However, travelers often leave the island the minute they land and explore elsewhere in Hong Kong, only to return when they have to take the next flight back home.

Therefore, you will notice the significance of the routes as you can have several options to and from Lantau Island, HK. It won't be too hard to find.

From Hong Kong Island

• Reach Mui Wo by taking the ferry from Hong Kong's Central District. You can go to Central Pier #6 by riding the MTR or taxi.

• If you are not in a hurry, take the slow ferry and go to the open deck to enjoy Hong Kong's harbour sights. Otherwise, ride the fast ferry in an enclosed air-conditioned sitting area for your enjoyment.

👉 Check out the New World First Ferry website for ticket prices and schedules.

• You will reach your destination in 20 minutes because of the high-speed trains on the Tung Chung Line. Get off the shopping complex through Exit B.
• Walking takes only two minutes if you are heading to the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car. Then, ride it to reach Big Buddha's summit and enjoy the island's magnificent views for 30 minutes.
• You may also take Exit B and walk to the town center. If you prefer to take the bus, look for New Lantao Bus 23 to bring you to the Big Buddha. However, expect the trip to last at least 45 minutes.

From Tsim Sha Tsui

If you are coming from Tsim Sha Tsui and heading to Mui Wo, ride the Star Ferry at Pier #7 to cross Victoria Harbour. Then, walk to Pier #6 to take the ferry that will take you to Mui Wo.

From Kowloon

• Use the Tsim Sha Tsu instructions in Kowloon's southern part. On the other hand, if you are in the eastern or northern regions, you should ride a taxi to Kowloon MTR station.
• One word of caution, though, is to avoid taking the Kowloon East MTR station. Instead, ride the Tung Chung Line and take Exit B to ride the Ngong Ping cable car.
• On the other hand, ride bus #23 to reach the Po Lin Monastery.

Top 3 Attractions near Lantau Island

Be at the happiest place on Earth – Hong Kong Disneyland

The dreamy Disney Land on Lantau Island. Source: Henry Lai@Unsplash

Meet your favorite characters at the ample Hong Kong Disneyland theme park. Be a true Disney fan and try to ride as many fun rides as possible. Book the premier package to avoid standing all day for one ride.

Let your inner child inside be free as you experience Hong Kong's largest theme park. Then, go on a mysterious adventure at Mystic Manor, the private museum and home of Lord Henry Mystic, an eccentric adventurer and explorer. Embark on the exciting adventure of Grizzly Gulch, a western gold rush township, to experience the Wild Wild West!

Next, have fun in Andy's backyard of the Toy Story films, where you can explore the six big attractions. Get inside the magical kingdom of Fantasyland to meet your favorite princesses and fairy godmothers. Then, pilot a spaceship or take a high-speed rocket ride in Tomorrowland. Go on an exotic expedition aboard a river raft. Explore the African savannah or Tarzan Island. Embark on a Jungle River Cruise and be captivated by the joyous vibe of the Lion King live performance.

Lastly, experience Main Street, USA, at the turn of the 20^th century. See artisans at work, vintage cars, and an authentic steam train. One-day admission costs HKD639 per adult and HKD475 per child. However, you can only experience so much in one day, so it's better to take the two-day admission for HKD825 for adults and HKD609 for children.

Hong Kong Disneyland information

Hong Kong Disneyland opens daily, from 10:00 to 20:00. The most convenient way to reach the Happiest Place on Earth in Lantau Island is to take the MTR from the Sunny Bay station on the Disneyland Resort Line. Spend a 30-minute MTR ride from the Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong, and Kowloon stations to the destination of happiness.

Examine the Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha)

The bronze Big Buddha near Po Lin Monastery. Source: ian@Unsplash

Lantau Island is home to the Big Buddha or the Tian Tan Buddha. It is a vast bronze structure reaching a height of 34 meters (around 111.55 ft.). The Tian Tan Buddha sits on a lotus atop a three-level platform within the Po Lin Monastery premises. You can see it anywhere in Hong Kong, but you must climb 268 steps to have a closer look.

Some might say that the path to the top is like a holy pilgrimage to true enlightenment. People can witness Hong Kong Island's spectacular views, but do bring a light jacket with you, as it can get chilly at the top. Meet the six Bodhisattvas statues on the first level, while the third floor houses the wreath of lotus leaves. Sandwiched between the two stories is a small museum of religious paintings.

Experience divinity away from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong's city life. The journey to the top might be exhausting, but that is also the pathway to leave a small part of you on Lantau Island and take a small piece of the island with you wherever you go.Another site to behold is the Po Lin Monastery housing a lovely patch of orchid garden and a tea plantation. There are teahouses, prayer halls, a lotus pond, and several restaurants within the facility, so this is a great place for travelers to kick back and relax. Join a 7-day meditation retreat to learn about Buddha's teachings. Then, meditate with the senior monks and have a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual enlightenment. Pay HKD78 to enter the Po Lin Monastery and Tian Tan Buddha. You can visit any time from 8:00 to 18:00 all week.

How to get to Tian Tan Buddha?

To get to Tian Tan Buddha, ride the Ngong Ping cable car from the Tung Chung MTR station. It will cross Tung Chung Bay and the Lantau Island hills. Get off at about a kilometer away from the statue's base. If you want to avoid queuing for tickets, then try to book them online in advance. Some large international hotels also sell tickets for them, so you can access there much easier.

• Sail away the fast ferry from Pier #6 from Central. Get off at Lantau Island's eastern shore, Mui Wo. Then, ride Bus 2 to Big Buddha.
• You can also take the MTR Tung Chung line from Kowloon or Hong Kong station. Alternatively, use the Airport Express line, but alight at Tsing Yi and ride the Tung Chung line.
• You can take the Ngong Ping cable car from Tung Chung station, hike, or hail a taxi, or take bus 11 or bus 23.

Appreciate stunning views by riding the Ngong Ping Cable Car

Riding the cable car at the first light of dawn. Source: Artur Kornakov@Unsplash

Begin your Lantau Island adventure with a 25-minute Ngong Ping cable car ride from the Tung Chun MTR station. Enjoy an unobstructed view through the glass bottom. Treat yourself to an aerial view of Tung Chung town in the northern part of Lantau Island. Look down to see Tung Chung Bay and witness people clam-digging and fishing.

Have a wide-angle view of the Hong Kong International Airport from mid-air. Notice the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge amidst the blue sky and vast ocean. Train your eyes to Lantau North Country Park, a popular weekend hiking destination. Pass by Nei Lak Shan. If you are lucky and experience the sky is clear, you may even see Macau from a distance. Get off at Ngong Ping Village for interactive and multimedia attractions. Then, take a bite of the local snacks and buy unique gifts from its numerous shops.

Ngong Ping Cable Car Ticket Price

Tickets cost HKD360 for adults and HKD235 for children aged 3–11. Seniors get discount tickets at HKD280. If traveling with up to nine companions, you can hire a private cabin for HKD2,850. In addition, you can ride the Ngong Ping cable car daily from 10:00 to 18:00.

Hong Kong Travel Tips

What's the best time for paying a visit?

• Before embarking on the trip to that beautiful lush paradise, it would be better to plan your Hong Kong trip from September to November for some mild weather. Moreover, you can get reasonable room rates around these months.

Transportation after landing

• After landing at the Hong Kong International Airport, get the Octopus Card to pay for your transportation fares for Airport Express, bus, and MTR rides.

Sort out your money problem

• Exchange your US dollars for HK dollars in an adequate amount before taking off, and you can also withdraw HK dollars from ATMs after landing. Before embarking on your scheduled trip, you should notify your bank that you plan to use your ATM card in Hong Kong. You can also use international credit or debit cards. Have at least HKD5,000 as your pocket money. The maximum amount of cash allowable in HK is HK$120,000. Any amount surpassing that number will be subjected to custom inquiry for your intent of carrying that much cash. So it would be a good idea to sort out your money problem before departure.

Where should you book your stay?

• For first-time visitors, book your hotel accommodations on Hong Kong Island or Kowloon, near the harbour, to take advantage of the efficient MTR system.

What language do the natives speak?

• Speak slowly and use simple English words when talking to natives. In addition, you should learn some basic Cantonese phrases to facilitate better understanding.

Table manners

• Learn to use chopsticks because most restaurants do not provide spoons and forks. Moreover, observe proper etiquette when using chopsticks.

Things to look out for:

• Beware of pickpocketing. The hotel safe might be your best option for keeping your valuables safe to some extent.

Should I pack light or heavy?

• Always pack light. But do bring some extra clothing because of Hong Kong's unpredictable weather. Also, remember to pack an umbrella or buy one during your stay.

How can I get to my destinations?

• Use Google Maps to help you locate places of interest.

How long should I stay to get a better picture of Lantau Island?

• Spend at least five days roaming around Hong Kong.

Lantau Island - FAQ