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Lantau Island

Throughout Lantau Island, the beautiful scenery and famous historical sites are truly fascinating. There is a chain of mountains that stretches from the higher elevations in the west to the lower ridges in the east. The highest peak in the mountain range is Phoenix Mountain, standing 935 meters (3,068 feet) high. It is the second highest peak in all of Hong Kong. The most popular attraction for tourists visiting Lantau Island is climbing Phoenix Mountain to view and admire the sunrise. Tourists often climb up at night, and reach the top before the daybreak. It's steep in places so tourists should be well prepared before setting out. Bring a flashlight.

After one of the most advanced new airports in the world, Hong Kong International Airport, was opened on a man-made island in northern part of Lantau Island in 1998, your coming here becomes more convenient.

Things to do in Lantau Island

Tai O Fishing Village

There are 47 villages on the island. Three of them, Mui Wo, Tai O, and Tung Chung are being developed as new towns. In addition, more than 78.4 square kilometers (30.3 square miles) of its territory has been designated as Wild Countryside Park. Tai O, also known as "The Venice of the Orient", is the largest settlement on Lantau Island. Crisscrossing canals run the length and breadth of the small fishing harbor. In addition, homes built on stilts over the water are a common sight here. Tai O was once a garrison town but has now become a peaceful fishing harbor. Salted fish is a local specialty. Tai O was once the largest city on the island. In the 1970s, Tai O started to attract holiday visitors, and today the town is prosperous and busy.

Po Lin Monastery

In Ngong Ping on Lantau Island stands the Po Lin Monastery, which owns the famous Tian Tan Big Buddha. About 23m (112ft) high, it's the biggest bronze Buddha in the world.

Beaches

The most beautiful beaches in Hong Kong are scattered along the southern coast, the area around Cheung Chau Island, and the vicinity of Tai O, which is about 3.2 kilometers (2 miles), 20 minutes by bus from Mui Wo.

The Big Buddha

Ngong Ping Piazza

Hong Kong Disneyland

After your eyes being delighted in the natural beauty of Lantau Island, you may pay a visit to Hong Kong Disneyland. The tranquil, natural environment and Hong Kong Disneyland make the island a popular spot for not only nature lovers and hikers but who like large entertainment parks as well.

Others Attractions

Besides enjoying the attractions above, what to do in Lantau Island? Taking Ngong Ping 360 to overlook Ngong Village is also a great experience! In addition, you can participate in many outdoor activities in the Wild Countryside Park such as hiking, camping, swimming, and fishing. Or you can have a barbecue in the mountains far from the hustle and bustle of the towns.

Entrance Fee	Free for entering the island, but attractions inside may charge entrance fee.
Opening Hours	All day

How to get to Lantau Island

1. Visitors can take ferry from Central to Mui Wo to reach the island.

	Mon. -Sat.	Sun. & Holidays
Service Hours	00:30 - 23:30	00:30 - 23:40
Returning Time	3:40 - 23:30

Note: There are slow ferry and fast ferry: the slow one takes 50-55mins; the fast one takes 35-40mins.
2. Take Tung Chung Line to Tung Chung.

Further Reading:
Top 10 Things to Do in Hong Kong

12 Best Places to Visit in Hong Kong for First-Time Visitors

- Last updated on Apr. 26, 2024 -

Questions & Answers on Lantau Island

Asked by melinda from PHILIPPINES | Sep. 24, 2023 18:10

how to go to shenzhen from hongkong? how to secure visa to shenzhen

Answers (2)

Answered by Olivia | Sep. 25, 2023 23:30

I prefer traveling by MTR because one does not need to worry about traffic jams. There is Shenzhen VOA available but the success rate to get it for Philippines passport holders is very low recently. So to ensure a smooth trip, you'd better apply for a China visa in advance.

Answered by Tommystix | Apr. 26, 2024 13:53

Visa not needed for USA or phillipine if you stay under 90 days

Asked by Alexis from USA | Sep. 15, 2023 20:22

can I get to Tung Chung from Tai O by ferry / water taxi?

planning to take cable car from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping; then bus 21 to Tai O. Can I end my visit by returning to Tung Chung from Tai O by ferry / water taxi?

Answers (1)

Answered by Andrew | Sep. 17, 2023 22:33

Yes, you can but generally there are only 4 shifts everyday.

Asked by Lorenz from PHILIPPINES | May. 09, 2017 03:32

Hi. regarding the Hong Kong Lantau Island cable car.

Is there already a specified date as to when the cable car will be opened? Thank you.

Answers (1)

Answered by Lucy from CANADA | May. 12, 2017 01:17

Referring to the official website, Cable Car service is suspended for approximately 5 months from 9 January 2017 for the Rope Replacement Project.

Asked by Lea arlalejo from PHILIPPINES | Apr. 16, 2017 11:16

How much the entrance fee if I'm going to Hong Kong Lantau island and the cable car?

Answers (1)

Answered by Naomi from FRANCE | Apr. 16, 2017 21:52

There is no entrance fee of the island, and you just need to pay for the ticket of the attractions you will visit on the island. The standard cable car of a single trip will coat HK$86/adult, and HK$125/adult for a round trip. The crystal cable car of a single trip will charge HK$130/adult and HK$188/adult for a round trip.
Notably, the cable car service is suspended for around 5 months from 9 January 2017 for the Rope Replacement Project.

Asked by Giselle from PHILIPPINES | Mar. 20, 2017 05:14

How can I go to Ngong Ping Village via cable car from HK Airport?

Answers (2)

Answered by Zoe from GERMANY | Mar. 20, 2017 22:21

Upon landing, take bus no.E21 from Airport (Ground Transportation Centre) to Fu Tung Shopping Centre, Tat Tung Road. It takes around 20 mins on the way. The ticket fare is 4 HKD per person. Then walk to the Lower Cable Car Terminus. Take the cable car to the destination directly.

Answered by Giselle from PHILIPPINES | Mar. 21, 2017 00:41

Thank you. :) You are very helpful. :)