Lantau Island feels like a completely different world from the rest of Hong Kong. Just when you think the city is all skyscrapers, neon lights, and endless movement, Lantau opens up with mountains, forests, quiet villages, and open sea views. This is where Hong Kong breathes.
For many travellers, Lantau is a day trip. For others, it becomes the most memorable part of their journey. It’s spiritual, raw, peaceful, and surprisingly vast — a reminder that Hong Kong is much more than its skyline.
A Brief History of Lantau Island
Historically, Lantau Island was home to fishing communities, salt production, and small rural villages. For centuries, it remained isolated from the urban development happening elsewhere in Hong Kong. Buddhism played an important role here, shaping temples and monasteries that still define the island’s identity today.
Only in recent decades did Lantau begin to change, especially with the development of the airport and improved transport connections. Yet despite this, large parts of the island remain untouched, protected, and deeply connected to nature.
How to Get to Lantau Island
Getting to Lantau Island already feels like part of the experience.
One of the most scenic ways is by ferry from Central Ferry Pier to Mui Wo Ferry Pier. The ride takes about 30–40 minutes and offers open views of the water and surrounding islands. It’s calm, relaxing, and a beautiful contrast to the busy city.
Another popular option is taking the MTR to Tung Chung, which brings you straight onto Lantau Island. From there, buses, cable cars, and taxis connect you to the island’s main sights.
Ngong Ping 360: Rising Above the Island
One of the most iconic experiences on Lantau is the Ngong Ping 360. This cable car ride lifts you high above the mountains, forests, and sea, slowly revealing how green and dramatic Lantau truly is.
The journey itself is part of the attraction. As the city disappears behind you, the island unfolds beneath your feet. It’s peaceful, slightly surreal, and unforgettable on a clear day.
Tian Tan Buddha: A Spiritual Landmark
At the top of Ngong Ping sits the Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha. Reaching it requires climbing a long staircase, but every step feels intentional.
The statue is enormous, calm, and commanding without feeling overwhelming. Standing here, surrounded by mountains and silence, the contrast with Hong Kong’s urban core couldn’t be stronger. It’s not just a photo stop — it’s a place that invites reflection.
Po Lin Monastery: Quiet and Reverence
Just steps away from the Buddha lies Po Lin Monastery. Incense drifts through the air, monks move quietly through the grounds, and visitors instinctively lower their voices.
The monastery feels alive rather than staged. Whether you stop briefly or linger longer, it adds depth and meaning to your visit to Ngong Ping.
Tai O Fishing Village: Life on Stilts
On the western side of Lantau, Tai O offers one of the most unique scenes in Hong Kong. Wooden stilt houses line the water, boats drift slowly through narrow canals, and daily life unfolds at its own pace.
Tai O feels nostalgic and grounded. Walking through the village, tasting local snacks, and watching fishermen at work gives you a glimpse into a way of life that has survived for generations.
Hiking and Nature on Lantau Island
Lantau is also a paradise for hikers. Trails wind through mountains, forests, and coastal paths, offering some of the most rewarding views in Hong Kong. Whether you choose a short walk or a full-day hike, nature here feels expansive and restorative.
This side of Lantau often surprises people the most — it’s wild, quiet, and deeply refreshing.
How to Move Around on Lantau
Once on the island, getting around is easy but slower — which is part of the charm. Public buses connect ferry piers, villages, Ngong Ping, and beaches. The bus ride up to Ngong Ping is especially scenic, winding through mountains and offering incredible views.
Taxis are also available, but many travellers choose buses to fully experience the landscape.
Where to Eat on Lantau Island: Simple, Local, and Surprisingly Varied
Eating on Lantau Island is very different from eating in central Hong Kong. You don’t come here for endless restaurant choices or trendy dining scenes. Food on Lantau is more practical, more local, and often tied to where you happen to be exploring that day. And honestly? That fits the island perfectly.
Some days you sit down for a traditional vegetarian meal at a monastery. Other days, after a long bus ride or hike, a quick burger is exactly what you need. Both experiences feel equally right on Lantau.
Ngong Ping Village: Easy Stops Near the Big Buddha
Around the Big Buddha and Ngong Ping Village, you’ll find several casual restaurants serving Chinese dishes, noodles, and set meals. These places are clearly aimed at visitors, but they’re convenient, warm, and reliable — especially after climbing all those steps up to the Buddha.
The food here is straightforward rather than spectacular, but the location makes it worth it. Sitting down with a hot meal while surrounded by mountains and open skies has its own kind of charm.
Po Lin Monastery: Vegetarian and Traditional
If you want something more meaningful, eating at Po Lin Monastery is a unique experience. The monastery serves traditional vegetarian meals, usually simple but nourishing.
This isn’t fancy food — it’s calm, balanced, and deeply connected to Buddhist tradition. Sharing a quiet vegetarian meal here feels like part of the spiritual journey rather than just a lunch stop.
Tai O: Fresh, Local, and Full of Character
Food in Tai O feels the most authentic on the island. Small family-run restaurants line the village streets, serving seafood, noodles, and local specialties.
Here, meals feel homemade and unpretentious. Sitting near the water, watching boats drift by while eating something freshly prepared, is one of the most memorable ways to experience Lantau’s slower pace.
Cafés and Coffee Breaks on Lantau
Café options on Lantau are limited but growing, especially around Tung Chung and Mui Wo. Small coffee shops here tend to be relaxed, friendly, and less rushed than those in the city.
These spots are perfect for slowing down, journaling, or just sitting quietly before heading back into Hong Kong’s intensity.
Where to Stay in Kowloon
Staying in Kowloon puts you right in the middle of Hong Kong life.
The Peninsula Hong Kong is a true icon, combining colonial elegance with world-class service right on the harbour.
For a more modern and affordable option, Hotel ICON offers stunning views, thoughtful design, and a great location near the promenade.
