Explore Lantau Island, A Must-Visit Destination in Hong Kong

Lantau’s reputation as the biggest island in Hong Kong is amplified by its never-ending natural beauty, vast breathtaking coastline, and magnificent peaks. While Chek Lap Kok Island serves as the gateway, home to Hong Kong International Airport, Lantau Island’s diverse landscape and lush greenery provide a stunning first glimpse of Hong Kong to Travellers. With its breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage, Lantau Island promises diverse experiences and things to do, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Hong Kong.

From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, exploring Lantau’s many attractions is considered one of the best things to do in Hong Kong. Explore the magical world of Disneyland Hong Kong, pay your respects to the Tian Tan Buddha, discover the traditional fishing village of Tai O, or relax on the pristine sands of Pui O Beach.

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From mountains to beaches: Top things to do in Lantau Island, Hong Kong

The Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery and Ngong Ping 360

The Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery are two iconic spiritual landmarks on Lantau Island, offering visitors a glimpse into Hong Kong’s rich cultural heritage. The journey to these sacred sites is as memorable as the destinations themselves.

The Ngong Ping 360 is a picturesque gondola ride that offers 360-degree views of the nature and ocean surrounding Lantau Island. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Lantau Island’s lush greenery and the sparkling ocean below. The 5.6-kilometre journey from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping takes approximately 25 minutes and costs HKD 270 for a round trip. Other tourist attractions include the Ngong Ping Village and Ngong Ping Viewing Platform.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the majestic Big Buddha, one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world. Its imposing presence is a testament to the island’s spiritual significance. Nearby, the Po Lin Monastery offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere as one of the most beautiful temples in Hong Kong.

Timings: Po Lin Monastery is open from 9 am to 6 pm; Tian Tan Buddha is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm; Ngong Ping 360 is open from 10 am to 6 pm.

How to reach: Catch the Ngong Ping 360 from Tung Chung Terminal or take the Lantau Bus #2 or #21 to reach the top.

Check the Google Maps location. 

Disneyland Hong Kong

While it may be the smallest Disneyland in the world, Disneyland Hong Kong packs a powerful punch. Located in a reclaimed part of Penny Bay on Lantau Island, this theme park is the largest of its kind in Hong Kong.

Spend your day riding the Hyperspace Mountain, Jungle River Cruise, Mad Hatters Tea Cups, or watching the “Festival of the Lion King”, “Mickey & Friends Street Celebration” and more! The park is divided into themed areas, including the first and largest Frozen-themed land in the world. Fans of Elsa, Anna, Sleeping Beauty, and other beloved Disney characters will find themselves in a magical wonderland.

Besides Disneyland, there are several other exciting theme parks in Hong Kong that you can explore.

Timings: The park is open from 10 am to 8:30 pm.

How to reach: Connect to the Disneyland Resort MTR Line from Sunny Bay Station on Tung Chug Line.

Check the Google Maps location. 

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Tai O Fishing Village

This charming fishing village is tucked away on the western coast of Lantau Island. Home to the Tanka people for centuries, this quaint community offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Take a boat tour to explore the silt houses and canals, witness the Tai O Lantern Festival (until September 22), or take in the picturesque views of the Tai Chung Bridge and Sun Ki Bridge.

How to reach: Take the MTR to Tung Chung Station and take bus 11 to Tai O.

Check the Google Maps location. 

Discovery Bay

 

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This iconic resort town on Lantau Island may be a residential neighbourhood, but it promises a beautiful coastal heaven! The no-car zone provides a calm and eco-friendly escape from Hong Kong’s fast-paced life! Enjoy the pristine beauty of Tai Pak Beach, challenge yourself at the Discovery Bay Golf Club, or have fun at the EpicLand amusement park. Explore the DB Plaza for shopping and dining options. For nature lovers, Discovery Bay offers several hiking trails that wind through the island’s lush landscapes.

How to reach: Sunny Bay MTR Station on the Tung Chung line, and the Disneyland Resort line is the closest to Discovery Bay. There are ferries from Central Pier No.3 to Discovery Bay Pier as well.

Check the Google Maps location. 

Lantau Trail

Lantau Island’s mountainous terrain is ideal for all sorts of trekking and hiking adventures. The Lantau Trail is a great example, offering a 70-kilometre-long loop footpath through Mui Won, Sunset Peak, Lantau Peak, Pui O Beach, and beyond. The hike is divided into 12 parts for different difficulty levels, giving the freedom to choose between an easy and tough hike. It is important to know that the entire Lantau Trail cannot be covered in a day.

The 12 parts of Lantau Trail:

1. Mui Wo to Nam Shan
2. Nam Shan to Pak Kung Au
3. Pak Kung Au to Ngong Ping 360
4. Ngong Ping 360 to Sham Wat Road
5. Sham Wat Road to Man Cheung Po
6. Man Cheung Po to Tai O
7. Tai O to Kau Ling Chung
8. Kau Ling Chung to Shek Pik
9. Shek Pik to Shui Hau
10. Shui Hau to Tung Chung Road
11. Tung Chung Road to Pui O
12. Pui O to Mui Wo

You can start your hike on the Lantau Trail from any of these points.

Wisdom Path

Embrace nature and History through the Wisdom Path, where over 38 giant wooden columns contain the Heart Sutra text inscriptions. The foothills of the Lantau Peak are where you can find these artefacts etched with this precious calligraphy donated by Professor Jao Tsung-I, who transformed the outdoors with this calligraphy. This natural hike is ideal for History buffs who love to explore the outdoors.

How to reach: The Wisdom Path can be reached from the Ngong Ping Terminal or Lantau Bus #2 or #21. The Wisdom Path is also connected to the Lantau Trail.

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Check the Google Maps location. 

Pui O Beach

Tucked away in the rural village of Pui O, the beach is one of Hong Kong’s hidden gems. Its soft golden sand and clear waters offer respite to weary travellers. What’s wonderful about Pui O Beach is that you experience a different side of Lantau Island through the village, which welcomes you with wetlands, mangroves, and water buffalos. The beach is lined with restaurants and bars, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal with stunning water views.

How to reach: Bus 3 M takes you from Tung Chung Station to Lo Uk Tsuen stop in Pui Wo. Or, take a ferry to Mui Wo and hop on Buses 1, 2, 3M or 4 to Lo Uk Tsuen stop.

Check the Google Maps location. 

Cheung Sha Beach

Head to Hong Kong’s longest Cheung Sha Beach for some fun in the sun. This three-kilometre-long beach is divided into two parts, Lower and Upper Cheung Sha Beach, each known for its unique charms. The Lower Cheung Sha Beach is more touristy, with more options for waterSports and restaurants, while Upper Cheung Sha is quieter and less crowded.

How to reach: The closest is the Tung Chung Station, catch Buses 11, 11A or 23 to Cheung Sha Ha Tsuen bus stop or the Upper Cheung Sha Beach bus stop.

Check the Google Maps location. 

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(Feature image credit: 攝影 札記, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

This story first appeared Travel+Leisure Asia.