Is it Worth Visiting Lantau Island: A Detailed Guide

Lantau Island is the largest outlying island of Hong Kong, located at the mouth of the Pearl River. It is well known for its stunning nature, serene environment, as well as cultural and historical sites. But is it really worth a visit for travelers? In this guide, we’ll take a detailed look at Lantau Island’s attractions, transportation, and other aspects to help you decide if it’s worth visiting.

Attractions on Lantau Island

Lantau Island has a lot to offer for visitors, from natural scenery to cultural landmarks. Here are some of the top attractions:

Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery

The Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, is the largest outdoor sitting Buddha statue in the world. It is located at the Po Lin Monastery, which is a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site. The site is truly impressive, with its massive Buddha statue, serene atmosphere, and picturesque mountain backdrop.

Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car

The Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car offers breathtaking views of Lantau Island’s natural beauty. The 5.7-kilometer ride takes you from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping, passing over mountain ranges and the sea. This is a must-try experience for travelers to Lantau Island.

Tai O Fishing Village

Tai O Fishing Village is a traditional fishing village on the western coast of Lantau Island. It is known for its stilt houses, seafood, and unique local culture. Visitors can take a boat tour through the village’s narrow waterways to see the stilt houses and enjoy the peaceful scenery.

Cheung Sha Beach

Cheung Sha Beach is a long and wide sandy beach on southeastern Lantau Island. The beach offers a peaceful environment for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. It is also a popular spot for water sports such as surfing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding.

Transportation to Lantau Island

Lantau Island is easily accessible from Hong Kong’s urban areas, thanks to its developed transportation network. Here are the main ways to get to Lantau Island:

MTR

The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is the most convenient way to get to Lantau Island. The Tung Chung Line connects central Hong Kong with Tung Chung, a town on Lantau Island. The journey takes around 30 minutes from Hong Kong station.

Buses

Buses are another option for getting to Lantau Island. Various bus routes run from urban areas to different parts of the island, including the Big Buddha and Tai O Fishing Village.

Taxis

Taxis are available in Hong Kong and are another option for getting to Lantau Island. However, they are more expensive than other transportation methods.

Is it Worth Visiting Lantau Island?

Based on the information above, it’s easy to see why Lantau Island is worth a visit for travelers. Its attractions are diverse and impressive, ranging from natural scenery to cultural landmarks. The transportation network is also convenient and easy to use.Moreover, Lantau Island offers a different side of Hong Kong that is much more serene and laidback than the busy city center. This makes it an ideal destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace and quiet.In summary, Lantau Island is a highly recommended destination for travelers to Hong Kong. With its stunning attractions, convenient transportation, and serene atmosphere, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Insider’s Guide to Hong Kong: Is it Worth Visiting Lantau Island? A Detailed Guide

If you’re in Hong Kong and looking for a change of pace from the city’s towering skyscrapers and busy streets, a visit to Lantau Island might just be the perfect trip for you. Located in the southwest part of Hong Kong, Lantau Island is Hong Kong’s largest island and offers visitors breathtaking scenery, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures.

Here’s everything you need to know about determining if a trip to Lantau Island is worth it, and how you can make the most out of your visit.

Local Attractions

One of the most popular attractions in Lantau Island is the Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha. It is a massive bronze statue that stands at 112 feet tall and 250 metric tons. Visitors can climb the 268 steps to the platform to get closer to the statue and to enjoy the panoramic view of Hong Kong.

Away from the Big Buddha, another great attraction to visit is the Po Lin Monastery. This stunning Buddhist monastery is home to many ancient artifacts and traditional Chinese paintings. Visitors can join a guided tour to learn more about the history of the monastery and to admire the beautiful architecture.

If you’re looking to connect with nature, a visit to the Hong Kong Disneyland will surely ignite your inner child. You can enjoy various rides such as the It’s a Small World, Space Mountain, and the Pirates of the Caribbean, among others.

Dining Spots

Lantau Island has an abundance of restaurants that offer delicious and authentic dishes. One of the most popular places for local foodies is the Tai O Heritage Hotel Restaurant. This restaurant serves up a variety of traditional Cantonese dishes, including dim sum, congee, and Chinese roasted meats.

For a taste of the sea, The Stoep is a great dining spot overlooking the picturesque Tai O fishing village. They offer a range of seafood dishes cooked in traditional South African and Portuguese styles.

Cultural Experiences

Lantau Island boasts several cultural experiences that are both unique and fascinating. The Ngong Ping Cable Car is one of the most popular ways to get to the island, and it offers visitors panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and sea. During this 25-minute journey, you can learn about local history and culture through a multimedia exhibit inside the cable car.

Another cultural experience that’s worth visiting is the Wisdom Path, located near the Big Buddha statue. It is an outdoor exhibit consisting of 38 wooden columns inscribed with the Heart Sutra, a revered Buddhist scripture.

Local History

If you’re interested in the history of Lantau Island, do not skip the Tai O Heritage Tour. This curated tour by the Hong Kong Tourism Board takes visitors through the traditional fishing village of Tai O, where you can witness fantastic stilt-houses, the household shrines, and local industries.

Another excellent place to learn about the island’s past is the Airport Core Programme Exhibition Centre, which offers a glimpse into the transformation of Lantau Island into an international transport hub.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For visitors looking to get away from the crowds, hiking Lantau Trail is a perfect way to explore the island’s natural beauty, mountainous countryside, and coastline while getting a good workout. You can opt for a guided tour or choose from a series of trails that vary in skill level.

A unique experience, not to be missed, is the Cheung Sha Beach. This secluded beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation, with limited facilities and infrastructure.

In conclusion, a visit to Lantau Island is definitely worth a day-trip if you’re looking to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle, learn about the local culture and history, and explore the natural beauty and scenic landscapes.