Hong Kong's largest island has mountains, hiking trails, and fishing villages. Home to the 34-meter Tian Tan Buddha statue and the traditional Tai O stilt houses.
Lantau Island, Hong Kong's largest island, stretches from sandy beaches to the 934-meter Lantau Peak. You'll find a 34-meter bronze Buddha sitting atop a mountain plateau, walk through a 300-year-old fishing village where houses perch on wooden stilts above the water, and trek along 70 kilometers of mountain paths. The island includes Hong Kong Disneyland and several beaches where you can swim and surf along the southern coast.
Getting to Lantau Island
You can reach Lantau Island from Hong Kong's Central district by MTR or ferry. Take the MTR orange line to Tung Chung station on the north side, or catch a ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo on the eastern coast. The ferry takes 55 minutes and runs from 5:55 AM to 23:30 PM on weekdays, with fewer services on weekends.
Exploring Ngong Ping and the Big Buddha
The Ngong Ping 360 cable car takes you on a 25-minute ride from Tung Chung to the Ngong Ping plateau. Walk up 268 steps to reach the Tian Tan Buddha, a 34-meter bronze statue overlooking the South China Sea. Inside Po Lin Monastery, built in 1906, you'll see three bronze Buddha statues representing past, present, and future. If you want to skip the cable car, take bus 23 from Tung Chung.
Walking Through Tai O Village
In Tai O, on Lantau's western edge, wooden houses stand on stilts above the water, connected by narrow walkways. Watch local fishermen dry fish in the sun and make shrimp paste using methods passed down through generations. The village's former police station now operates as a boutique hotel.
Hiking Lantau's Peaks
The Lantau Trail splits into 12 sections covering 70 kilometers. You'll walk through bamboo forests, along exposed ridges, and past secluded beaches. The climb to Lantau Peak (934 meters) takes about two hours and ranges from moderate to challenging difficulty. For sunrise views from the summit, start climbing around 4:30 AM. Signs mark connecting paths to other trails across the island.
Beaches and Swimming
South Lantau's coastline includes Cheung Sha Beach, stretching for 2 kilometers, and Pui O Beach with its waterfront restaurants and cafes. The water temperature suits swimming from April to October. During summer months, rent surfboards, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards at Cheung Sha and Pui O beaches.
Transportation on the Island
New Lantao Bus company runs routes connecting Mui Wo, Tai O, and Po Lin Monastery. Most of Lantau's roads restrict private cars, making cycling practical in the southern areas. Rent bikes in Mui Wo town center or near Pui O Beach. Blue taxis serve the populated areas, but they don't travel to remote hiking trails or beaches.
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