The best things to do on Lantau Island

Written by Time Out Hong Kong

On Lantau, you can go from the beaches to the Big Buddha to a bar-restaurant in Discovery Bay all in the same day. For those who love getting out and being active, Lantau is the paradise you’ve been looking for, but it has loads to offer history buffs and culture vultures, too. Whether you want to hike to a sunset viewpoint or take a glass-bottomed gondola to the tallest seated Buddha in Hong Kong before going back down to a restaurant by the sea, Lantau has something for you.

Ngong Ping 360 and the Big Buddha

The star attraction on Lantau is the 34-metre Tian Tan Buddha, known as simply the Big Buddha, which rests high up on a hilltop. The best way to get there? The Ngong Ping 360 cable car that climbs from Tung Chung to tranquil Ngong Ping Village with stunning views of the Lantau landscape, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Big Buddha. The 25-minute, air-conditioned ride even has the option of a glass-bottom crystal cabin that offers a novel, unobstructed view straight down! The drop-off is just a 10-minute stroll from the foot of the 268 steps to reach the base of the statue. From the top of the stairs, not only do you get breath-taking views over Lantau’s verdant mountain terrain and across the South China Sea, you also get a bird’s eye view of the century-old Po Lin Monastery and its many colourful murals, which you can visit after descending the steps.

Wisdom Path

Stroll another 10 minutes from the foot of the Big Buddha steps and you’ll find yourself at Wisdom Path Get me there {{title}} {{taRatingReviewTotal}} {{taRatingReviewText}} Address {{address}} Website {{website}} More info , which traces a series of 38 wooden steles (upright monuments) containing verses from the centuries-old Heart Sutra — one of the world’s best-known prayers revered by Confucians, Buddhists and Taoists alike. These steles display the Chinese version of the prayer, based on the calligraphy of famous contemporary scholar Professor Jao Tsung-I, and are arranged in a ∞ pattern, which represents infinity. Professor Jao's calligraphy and painting masterpieces are incorporated into the design of the commemorative plaque and the site map displaying his biography and academic achievements. Find out more about Professor Jao and his work at Jao Tsung-I Academy.

Tung Chung Fort

This well-preserved fort dates back to 1832, and it has quite a history. When the British took control of Hong Kong in 1898, the fort was abandoned. During World War II, Japanese forces occupied it, after which it served as a police station and then a college. The fort today stands as a relic of a bygone era, complete with six old muzzle-loading cannons and Chinese archways. If you’re really into history, don’t miss the nearby Tung Chung Battery, too.

Cheung Sha Beach and Pui O Beach

When it comes to sandy escapes, the village of Pui O has two top contenders in Cheung Sha Beach and Pui O Beach . Both feature stretches of lesser-trodden shoreline. While Pui O is the more remote of the two, Cheung Sha, with its three kilometres of white sand, is one of the longest beaches in Hong Kong. You can also try your hand at water sports like kayaking, windsurfing and kiteboarding here. Cheung Sha is popular with day trippers and will fill up on weekends and holidays, so get down early to claim the best spot on the sand.

Discovery Bay

Long a preferred landing spot for expats and families Discovery Bay Get me there {{title}} {{taRatingReviewTotal}} {{taRatingReviewText}} Address {{address}} Website {{website}} More info , or DB for short, is the beating heart of laid-back Lantau. From ice skating at Discovery Bay Ice Rink, to shopping at the Discovery Bay Sunday Market held every second Sunday in DB Plaza, there are various lifestyle events and campaigns to engage visitors year-round. For dining, D’Deck offers oceanfront al fresco options with 180-degree views. The 400-metre Tai Pak Beach is perfect for outdoor activities with related facilities. Adjoining DB North Plaza is Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong, boasting 325 superbly appointed rooms and suites, plus a uniquely designed seaside Pavilion for a memorable leisure experience.

Lantau Trail

Seventy-kilometre Lantau Trail cuts a path across the island, incorporating some of its most memorable viewpoints and wildest nature. The trail is divided into 12 sections of varying difficulty. Some of them can be pretty gruelling, so it’s no surprise that this trail makes up much of the course for the annual TransLantau ultra-marathon and remains a popular weekend destination for hikers and trail runners. Don’t miss the hike to Sunset Peak; at 869 metres, it’s the third-highest point in Hong Kong. As its name suggests, it offers the best sunset views on the island, if not the whole SAR. Visit in autumn or winter, when the surrounding silvergrass shimmers brightest.

Tai O Fishing Village

With roots tracing all the way back to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), Tai O Fishing Village Get me there {{title}} {{taRatingReviewTotal}} {{taRatingReviewText}} Address {{address}} Website {{website}} More info oozes history and heritage. Home to the Tanka people, a community of fishermen who traditionally built their homes on stilts above tidal flats, the village is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Lantau. Boats navigate the channel between houses, stirring up the smell of the sea and offering great photo ops. But Tai O has so much more to offer than snaps for your Instagram feed. Some entrepreneurial locals have turned their stilted homes into restaurants and cafes including Solo, which serves a range of teas, speciality coffee and homemade cakes. Tiramisu with a view, anyone?

Tai O Heritage Hotel

One of the few heritage hotels in Hong Kong, this landmark occupies the former Tai O Police Station and has a charm that is unparalleled on the island. Perched on top of a small hill near the ferry pier, Tai O Heritage Hotel offers beautiful sea views from its historic arched facade. The entire space is a trip back in time, from the tiled Chinese-style roof to the French windows and fireplaces in the rooms. Those curious about the hotel’s history will enjoy the free daily guided tours the hotel offers.

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