Lantau Island is the largest island in Hong Kong, the tenth largest in China, and nearly twice the size of Hong Kong Island. It sits to the west of Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula, mostly belongs to the Island District. Lantau Island is relatively undeveloped compared to Hong Kong Island, with mountains, forests, and beaches. It’s been named the “Back Garden of Hong Kong.”
In the past, lacking the means of transportation made it little-known among visitors. But these days, there are a variety of options that will easily take you to the many tourist attractions on Lantau Island, such as the Big Buddha, Ngong Ping 360, Hong Kong Disneyland, and the Tai O fishing village. Visiting Lantau Island is definitely one of the top things to do in Hong Kong.
Fast Facts about Lantau Island
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- In Chinese: 大屿山岛
- Location: Southwest Hong Kong, Island District
- Recommended Visit Time: at least one day
- Best Time of the Year: October till December when the weather is cool and dry
- Suited to: nature lovers, culture seekers, anyone who wishes to see a different side of Hong Kong
What to See and Do on Lantau Island
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car & Ngong Ping Village
The world famous Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car connects Tung Chung city center with Ngong Ping and takes you straight to Ngong Ping Village. This 25-minute ride is not just a unique way of transportation, but also one of the world’s top 10 cable car experiences. On this ride, you’ll have the best view of Lantau Island, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the Big Buddha, as well as the ocean below.
Ngong Ping 360 will drop you off at Ngong Ping Village, which has traditional Chinese architecture and tea houses. Here, you’ll find the tourist center, souvenir shops, restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines.
Tian Tan Buddha & Po Lin Monastery
The greatest landmarks of Ngong Ping, as well as Lantau Island, are the Big Buddha statue and Po Lin Monastery. The 34-meter-tall (112 feet) Tian Tan Buddha is the world’s tallest and second largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha. It sits on Muyu Peak of Lantau Mountain. Ascend 268 steps to reach the base of the statue and be rewarded with an amazing view of Lantau Island.
Head to the nearby Po Lin Monastery after visiting Tian Tan Buddha. It is a century-old ancient temple known as the Buddhist Kingdom in the Southern Heaven. It has been a popular place for religious practice among locals and visitors for many years. You’ll see halls, shrines, gardens, and a scripture library with Chinese architecture and enjoy the Buddhist vegetarian dishes served here.
To complete your spiritual journey on Lantau Island, make a stop to the nearby Wisdom Path. It’s a large outdoor group of 38 wooden steles with calligraphy of verses from the Heart Sutra, arranged in the shape of the infinity symbol.
Tai O Fishing Village
Tai O Fishing Village is one of the oldest and the most famous fishing village in Hong Kong. It is known as the “Venice of the East” for its intricate network of waterways and floating huts. Away from the busy city life, Tai O still retains the life of early Hong Kong. It only has about 2,000 permanent residents, mostly Hakka, who make a living by fishing. Walk about the village and experience the simplicity of their lifestyle.
Tai O Fishing Village has been an essential stop of Hong Kong tours for many foodies and photographers, because of its unique waterside lifestyle, well-preserved local culture, and gorgeous scenery.
Take a boat ride through the distinctive stilt residences above the water. Explore the village to find century-old temples like Guan Yin Temple, Guan Yu Temple, Yang Hou Temple, as well as cultural sites such as the old Tai O Police Department and schools. You can also visit exhibitions of historical artifacts mostly donated by villagers.
Yong’an Street in Tai O Fishing Village is one of the best places to eat on Lantau Island. You’ll find both fresh and dry seafoods that you might bring home as gifts. Traditional salted fish and shrimp paste are the signature here. The view of the ocean is absolutely stunning, especially at sunset. You can also go out to sea to look for the rare pink dolphins that inhabit the waters around Tai O.
Lantau Trail & Sunset Peak
Hiking is another popular activity on Lantau Island. The famous Lantau Trail, divided into 12 sections, cuts across the island. They vary in difficulty and length, so choose what suits you the best. The trail will lead you to Sunset Peak, the third-highest peak of Hong Kong at 869 meters (2,851 feet). As its name suggests, you’ll get the best view of the sunset, as well as greeneries and seas of grass during your hike.
Cheung Sha Beach & Pui O Beach
Cheung Sha Beach and Pui O Beach are the two most famous beaches of Lantau Island, HK. Cheung Sha Beach is the longest beach of Hong Kong, and Pui O Beach is named one of Hong Kong’s most beautiful beaches. You can rent equipment in the stores nearby for water activities. And you’ll find public barbeque sites on Cheung Sha Beach.
Hong Kong Disneyland
The world-famous Hong Kong Disneyland is also situated on Lantau Island. Visiting it is one of the best things to do with kids. The park is divided into eight themed areas, including Adventureland, Fantasyland, Toy Story Land, Marvel Land. Have fun with exciting rides, shows, parades, fireworks, plus the chance to meet your favorite Disney characters.
How to Get to Lantau Island
By Air
Hong Kong International Airport is on Chek Lap Kok Island, adjacent to Lantau Island. There are a lot of options for getting to Lantau Island depending on where you’re heading, including metro, buses, and taxi.
By Ferry
Board a ferry at Central Ferry Pier No. 6 for 35-55 minutes (depending on the ferry type) to Mui Wo on Lantau Island.
From Tsim Sha Tsui or Kowloon: Take the MTR to Central Station, either on Tsuen Wan Line or Tung Chung Line. Then walk to Central Ferry Pier No. 6 to take the ferry.
By MTR
Take the Tung Chung Line to Tung Chung Station on Lantau Island. It’ll take about 30-40 minutes. If you’re heading to Hong Kong Disneyland, transfer at Sunny Bay Station for the Disneyland Resort Line to Disneyland Station.
From Kowloon: around 30 minutes on the Tung Chung Line
From Tsim Sha Tsui: Take the Tsuen Wan Line (Red Line) from Tsim Sha Tsui Station to Lai King Station. Then transfer to the Tung Chung Line. It’ll take 40-50 minutes.
By Bus
There are a number of buses running between most of the attractions on Lantau Island. Travel time is between 20 and 40 minutes.
By Taxi
Grab a taxi from either Mui Wo or Tung Chung to different parts of Lantau Island. You can also take a taxi from Hong Kong Island, but the fares will be higher due to the distance.
Accommodation Options on Lantau Island
You have many options when it comes to accommodation on Lantau Island. From high end beach resorts to budge friendly inns. In general, Tung Chung is convenient for transportation to the airport or Hong Kong Island. Mui Wo is close to the beaches. Staying in Tai O will give you a more cultural and authentic experience. Discovery Bay has many resorts and dining options. Ngong Ping is close to the main attractions.
Here’re some recommendations:
- Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel in Disneyland Resort, Sunny Bay
- Auberge Discovery Bay in Discovery Bay
- Tai O Heritage Hotel in Tai O Fishing Village
- Silvermine Beach Resort in Mui Wo
- Novotel Citygate Hong Kong in Tung Chung
- YHA Ngong Ping SG Davis Youth Hostel in Ngong Ping
- Espace Elastique B&B in Tai O Fishing Village
Attractions nearby Lantau Island
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge, connecting Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macao.
Jao Tsung-I Academy showcases the life and works of Professor Jao Tsung-I, including his calligraphy, paintings, academic achievements, and cultural activities.
