Hong Kong is physically small on the map, but you’ll be amazed at all the different sides this city has to offer within a 2hr commuting radius.
So if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the amount of concrete in the city or the number of people packed along the pavements.
Then it’s time to explore Lantau Island.
HOW TO GET THERE
Lantau Island has become a lot more accessible with Tung Chung’s MTR station. (It’s the last stop on the orange line)
From there, you can catch a bus, minibus or taxi to other areas of the Island.
WHEN TO GO
As a rule of thumb for all things in Hong Kong – avoid the weekend and public holidays.
As a traveller with time – you have the luxury of visiting places when it’s not busy. So any weekday would do the job.
You’ll want to reserve a full day, if you plan to really make a trip of it.
WHAT TO DO
The first touch point would be Tung Chung – which has the Citygate Outlet Mall. It’s a good meeting point, place to grab brunch or dinner to start and end your day as the mall is connected to the MTR station.
Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride & Ngong Ping village – It boasts a pretty hefty title “10 best cable car experiences in the world”. So if you’re not afraid of heights and you love amazing views then this one is for you.
Ngong Ping 360 can be reached by a number of buses. Click here for more info.
Tickets start from $75 HKD for a single standard Kid’s ticket to $315 HKD for an adult’s round trip crystal cabin ticket. (Though prices may change and you’re best to click here for the most up to date prices)
Personally, I think a single trip up or down the mountain is enough because it’s the same views.
Once you’re at Ngong Ping village you can walk to Po Lin Monastery – a Buddhist monastery with a private nunnery next to it. Even if you don’t want inside, it’s a beautiful area outside.
From there you can walk to the Big Buddha – a massive bronze Buddha statue. There are a bunch of steps that lead up to the foot of the statue and a small temple right below the statue you can explore. You also get great views of the surrounding areas. But it is a bit of a workout walking up those steps.
Tai O fishing village – is one of the few places where you can still see how Hong Kong was before the city was built – a humble fishing village. Explore the street stores of locals selling dried seafood goods and other locally produced items.
A lot of people across the city stock up on cheap dried seafood items here for soups and other dishes.
Explore the unique architecture unlike anywhere else in Hong Kong. Tai O is ultimately a shanty town where residents built their homes on top of the water with wooden stilts and metal sheets.
You can get to Tai O by bus from Tung Chung or by ferry, which makes this a very accessible city escape.
DON'T MISS OUT ON...
When you’re at Ngong Ping 360 Village – Explore the Hong Kong souvenirs shop. Unlike the usual tourist stuff, a lot of the items are locally produced, designed and created in Hong Kong. Super unique and more interesting than a magnet!
When you’re at Tai O – Hop on a boat ride where you can weave along the town’s canals and out into the open waters. Or snap a photo at the blue rope drawn ferry bridge.
Don’t forget about trying the giant fishballs made by hand locally, but also all the other unique street snacks found only in Tai O.
