Lantau Island Hong Kong – A Day Trip Planner

Many people associate Hong Kong with urban landscapes and towering skyscrapers. However, those who have lived in the city for a while know that it has much more to offer. In addition to the bustling city life, Hong Kong boasts breathtaking natural beauty, including mountain trails and stunning islands. One such island is Lantau Island, which is worth exploring. In this article, we will delve into the highlights of Lantau Island.

How to get there from Hong Kong Island

If you're looking to explore Lantau Island in Hong Kong, you have a couple of options to get there. One way is to take the MRT Train from Hong Kong Station and follow the signs to the orange Tung Chung or Disneyland Line. The journey from Hong Kong Station to Tung Chung Station usually takes around 50 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take a ferry from Hong Kong Island to Lantau Island.

To reach Lantau Island by ferry, you can board from Central Pier 6 and expect a one-hour journey. The ferry ride will take you to the Mui Wo, a charming coastal township on Lantau Island. From there, you can conveniently hop on a bus to explore other popular attractions on the island.

When arriving at Tung Chung Station, you can easily access several popular destinations by following the signs to exit B. This includes the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, the Public Bus terminal, and City Gate Outlet Mall, all located in the same area.

Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car

To reach Ngong Ping Village, which features The Tian Tian (Big) Buddha and Po Lin Monastery, take the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car from the Cable Car Terminal. The terminal is visible from the station exit and is marked with signs. The cable car ride spans approximately 6km and takes 25 minutes, offering stunning views of Lantau Island, including the Chep Lap Kok Airport, Monastery, Tian Tian Buddha, and other Outlying Islands. For a one-way trip, adult tickets cost $105HKD and children's tickets cost $53HKD.

Adults have the option to purchase a return trip ticket for $150HKD. However, it's important to note that if you plan on visiting other areas on the island, you can also take a bus back to the ferry terminal or Tung Chung Station.

If you are looking for an alternative way to reach Ngong Ping Village, you can take a public bus from Tung Chung. The bus terminal is located behind the City Gate Outlet Mall and to the right of the Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal. You can board bus number 23, which will take you to Buddha and Po Lin Monastery and drop you off at Ngong Ping Village. The fare for this bus ride is $17HKD. During the journey, you can enjoy picturesque views of the mountains as the bus navigates through the hilltops.

Ngong Ping Village is a popular tourist destination with a bustling street of cafes, souvenir shops, and street vendors. It also offers picnic areas, public toilets, and many tourists. While exploring the area, visitors can browse through gift shops; however, it's important to note that prices here are higher than those in the city shops. From Ngong Ping Village, visitors can easily access the Tian Tian Sitting Buddha. Directional signs and maps are available throughout the village, and the Buddha can be viewed from any location in the area.

The Tian Sitting Buddha is a colossal statue of Buddha, towering at a height of approximately 35 meters. It faces north, towards the Chinese mainland and is a popular attraction for visitors from all over Asia. The statue took more than 12 years to construct and cost an estimated $60 million HKD. Climbing up the 250+ steps to reach the Buddha's top base provides visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the Po Lin Monastery and its surrounding mountains.

The Po Lin Monastery is a significant Buddhist Monastery in Hong Kong, located just a short walk away from the Tian Tian Buddha. Established in 1906, the Monastery is referred to as the Buddhist World in the South. Currently, the Monastery is home to many devoted monks. Visitors can explore the Main Shrine Hall of Buddha, the Hall of Bodhisattva Skanda, and a large Vegetarian Restaurant. To dine at the restaurant, visitors must purchase a ticket at the base of the Tian Tian Buddha and inform the staff about the size of their group. It's worth noting that the restaurant closes at 4:30 pm.

The Wisdom Path is a serene and picturesque nature trail situated a brief stroll away from the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island. It boasts of 38 wooden monuments, each bearing inscribed prayers from Taoists, Buddhists, and Confucians. The path is easily accessible, taking only 15 minutes to reach from the Tea Garden, and provides breathtaking views of the South China Sea. It is an ideal hiking trail for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in nature's beauty.

While en route to the Wisdom Path, visitors will pass through an abandoned village. This village, though now in disrepair, holds a unique allure as it offers a glimpse into the lives and stories of the people who once called it home. Visitors can take a moment to explore the abandoned houses and imagine the history that still lingers within their walls.

After visiting the Ngong Ping Village, visitors have several transportation options to return to Tung Chung Station. They can either take Bus number 23 or the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car. Alternatively, visitors can choose to explore Tai O Fishing Village by taking Bus number 21. It's important to note that the waiting line for Bus number 21 can be long on weekends, but there are also taxis available in the area.

Tai O Fishing Village

If you're looking for an authentic Chinese fishing village experience, Tai O Fishing Village is a must-visit destination on the Western coast of Lantau. To get there, you can take bus number 21 from outside the main gates of Ngong Ping for around $17HKD. Although most of the residents in Tai O belong to the Hakka ethnic minority, the village embodies the traditional way of life of Chinese fishing communities.

Nestled in the harbour, the fishing village boasts a quaint seafood market and charming stilt houses that are perched above the water. These wooden abodes offer a picturesque sight, particularly during the breathtaking sunset.

When visiting Tai O, you have the opportunity to participate in a Dolphin Watching Boat Tour. These tours offer the chance to see the rare and endangered Pink Dolphins, which inhabit the surrounding waters. The Tai O Fishing Village and waterfront area have signs advertising the tours, and vendors will approach you to purchase tickets. It's an experience not to be missed for those interested in wildlife and conservation efforts.

If you're planning to return to Tung Chung from Tai O Fishing Village, consider taking bus 11. The journey typically lasts around 1.5 hours and it's worth noting that the line for the bus can be quite long on weekends. However, buses depart very frequently, so you won't have to wait too long to catch one.

When visiting Lantau Island, don't forget to make a stop at the City Gate Outlet Mall before heading back to Hong Kong via the train at Tung Chung Station. This mall offers a wide variety of discounted designer and sporting goods, including popular brands such as Calvin Klein, Armani, Burberry, and Nike. Along with shopping, visitors can also enjoy a range of dining options and a large supermarket stocked with imported western goods.