Lantau Island: The Largest Island in Hong Kong
Want to escape the skyscraper forests of Hong Kong's urban area? Lantau Island is the city's largest and most captivating outlying island, perfectly blending spirituality, nature, and local culture.
From the iconic Tian Tan Buddha and the serene Po Lin Monastery, to the 5.7-kilometer panoramic journey on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, this island offers unforgettable experiences around every corner.
- Location: Southwestern Hong Kong
- Opening Hours: all day
- Ticket Price: free
Best Time to Visit Lantau Island
The best time to explore Lantau Island is in autumn, from October to early December, when the weather is most suitable for outdoor activities. Temperatures stay comfortably between 20℃ and 28℃, humidity is much lower than in summer, rainfall is minimal, and the sky is usually clear.
This weather not only gives you the best views from the Ngong Ping 360 cable car but also makes it easy to take perfect photos of the Tian Tan Buddha against a clear blue sky.
Related Reading: Hong Kong Weather
Highlights of Lantau Island
From iconic cultural landmarks and hidden beaches to theme parks and hiking trails, Lantau Island offers a diversity of experiences that few destinations can match.
Tian Tan Buddha
The Tian Tan Buddha is the world's largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha, standing 34 meters tall on the Ngong Ping Plateau. Climbing 268 steps takes you to the foot of the statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and sea.
Inside the Buddha's base are three exhibition halls, which house a sacred relic of Siddhartha Gautama, a pearl of the Buddha.
Po Lin Monastery
Po Lin Monastery was first built in 1906 and is located right next to the Tian Tan Buddha. The monastery features beautiful halls, quiet lotus pond courtyards, and three huge golden statues of Buddha.
Don't miss the famous vegetarian restaurant inside the monastery, where you can enjoy a simple yet hearty multi-course vegetarian meal prepared by the monks.
Wisdom Path
About a 10-minute walk from Po Lin Monastery is the peaceful outdoor installation, the Wisdom Path. This site features 38 giant wooden monuments inscribed with the Heart Sutra, arranged in the shape of an infinity symbol, with Lantau Peak as their backdrop. This path allows you to take a quiet walk through nature and Buddhist calligraphy.
Lantau Peak
Lantau Peak is 934 meters high, making it the second-highest mountain in Hong Kong. From Po Lin Monastery, a hike of about 1 to 2 hours will take you to the summit, where you can watch the sunrise.
Sunset Peak
Sunset Peak is 869 meters high and offers wide and open views. In autumn and winter, you can see golden grass covering the hillsides, as well as views overlooking the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the South China Sea.
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is located in the northeastern part of Lantau Island. This magical park has 8 themed areas, where you can experience popular rides such as Mystic Manor and Tomorrowland. You can easily reach the park by taking the MTR Disneyland Resort Line from Sunny Bay Station.
Lantau Trail
The Lantau Trail is 70 kilometers long and is divided into 12 sections, linking beaches, peaks, and villages. Even just walking a short section allows you to experience stunning natural scenery. Most of the trail is protected by the South Lantau and North Lantau country parks, offering hikers a peaceful experience away from the crowds.
Tai O Fishing Village
Tai O is often called the Venice of Hong Kong. It is a charming stilt-house village where life has remained largely unchanged for over a century. As you walk along its narrow alleys, you can see traditional dried seafood shops. And with good luck, a short boat trip out to sea may even let you see pink dolphins.
Cheung Sha Beach
Cheung Sha is the longest beach in Hong Kong, stretching over three kilometers and covered in golden sand. Its calm, clear waters are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. A few cafes by the beach offer cold drinks and light meals. The beach rarely gets too crowded, making it an ideal place to enjoy a relaxed afternoon.
What to Eat in Lantau Island
Lantau Island's food scene is incredibly diverse, ranging from Buddhist vegetarian cuisine to fresh seafood in the fishing villages. Here are a few must-try flavors on Lantau Island.
Street Snacks
Tai O is famous for its dried seafood and lively street snacks. Must-try treats include grilled squid, shrimp paste egg waffles, and glutinous rice balls. And don't miss the legendary deep-fried doughnut (Saa Jung) from Tai O Bakery.
Buddhist Vegetarian
The Po Lin Monastery Vegetarian Restaurant is located right next to the Tian Tan Buddha. It serves a quiet set menu of vegetarian dishes. For just HK$30, you can choose any 3 dishes. Dining in the peaceful temple environment is itself a unique experience.
Cooked Food
The food stalls next to Mui Wo Pier serve mainly fresh seafood, stir-fried dishes, and Hong Kong-style roast meats. The atmosphere is casual, and the prices are reasonable. Most of the seafood here is locally caught, and the lively market vibe adds to the flavor.
Related Reading: Must-try Hong Kong Dishes
Lantau Island Cable Car
The Ngong Ping 360 cable car is 5.7 kilometers long, connecting Tung Chung with Ngong Ping. It is the longest system of its kind in Asia and is known as one of the world's top 10 cable car experiences.
During the 25-minute journey, you will enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of Hong Kong International Airport, the South China Sea, the Tian Tan Buddha, and the lush North Lantau Country Park.
The Ngong Ping 360 cable car departs from Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal, located at 11 Tat Tung Road, on the northwest coast of Lantau Island. The terminal is right next to Tung Chung MTR Station. You can take the MTR Tung Chung Line to Tung Chung Station, and then Eexit from Exit C.
| Opening Hours | Monday to Friday | Saturday to Sunday | Public Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 to 18:00 | 9:00 to 18:30 | 9:00 to 18:30 | |
| Ticket Price | Standard Cabin | Crystal Cabin | Panoramic Cabin |
| HK$205 | HK$240 | HK$395 |
Lantau Island Ferry
There are 2 ferry routes to Lantau Island. The first runs between Central Pier No. 6 and Mui Wo. The second runs between Tuen Mun and Tai O.
You need to queue up at the pier to board the ferry, and pay the fare on board. Payment methods include Octopus, WeChat Pay, UnionPay QuickPass, PayMe, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and UnionPay), and cash.
Please note that cash payment is only accepted in Hong Kong dollars, and no change will be given.
Central Pier No. 6 to Mui Wo
| Date | Monday to Saturday | Sunday and Public Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Departure Time | 6:10, 7:10, 8:30, 9:00,10:30, 11:10, 12:30, 13:10, 14:30, 15:10, 16:30, 17:20, 18:00, 19:00, 20:00, 21:20, 10:00, 23:00 | 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 18:20, 19:00, 21:00, 23:00 |
| Ticket Price | HK$33.5 | HK$48.5 |
Mui Wo to Central Pier No. 6
| Date | Monday to Saturday | Sunday and Public Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Departure Time | 7:00, 8:05, 10:00, 11:30, 13:30, 14:10, 15:30, 16:10, 17:30, 16:10, 19:30, 21:30, 23:30 | 8:00, 9:20, 10:00, 11:20, 13:20, 14:00, 15:20, 17:20, 18:00, 19:20, 20:00, 21:20, 22:00, 23:30 |
| Ticket Price | HK$33.5 | HK$48.5 |
Tuen Mun to Tai O
| Date | Monday to Friday | Saturday to Sunday and Public Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Departure Time | 8:00, 9:00, 11:00, 12:45, 15:15, 17:30 | 8:00, 9:15, 11:00, 12:45, 15:15, 17:30 |
| Ticket Price | HK$21.6 for an ordinary ferry HK$27 for a fast ferry | HK$21.6 for an ordinary ferry HK$27 for a fast ferry |
Tai O to Tuen Mun
| Date | Monday to Friday | Saturday to Sunday and Public Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Departure Time | 9:30, 11:30, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 19:00 | 9:30, 11:30, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 19:00 |
| Ticket Price | HK$21.6 for an ordinary ferry HK$27 for a fast ferry |
HK$21.6 for an ordinary ferry HK$27 for a fast ferry |
How to Get to Lantau Island
Take a Taxi: After getting in the taxi, show the driver 请带我去大屿山 (Please take me to Lantau Island in English).
By Bus: There are a total of 28 bus routes on Lantau Island.
| Bus Number | 2 | 2 | 3M | 3M |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route | Ngong Ping to Mui Wo Pier | Mui Wo Pier to Ngong Ping | Tung Chung Station Bus Terminal to Mui Wo Pier | Mui Wo Pier to Tung Chung Station Bus Terminal |
| Monday to Saturday Ticket Price | HK$20.4 | HK$20.4 | HK$12.5 | HK$12.5 |
| Sunday and Public Holiday Ticket Price | HK$37 | HK$37 | HK$19.6 | HK$19.6 |
From the Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway to Lantau Island
Take a Taxi: It takes 30 minutes and costs HK$233.
By MTR + By Bus: Take the Tuen Ma Line to Nam Cheong Station, then transfer to the Tung Chung Line. Take Exit D, walk 150 meters to Fu Tung Plaza, then take Bus 11 to District 18 Cemetery Stop. Finally, walk 100 meters.
From Hong Kong International Airport to Lantau Island
Take a Taxi: It takes 20 minutes and costs HK$70.
By Bus: Take S56 or S1 from Cheong Tat Road to Tung Chung Station, then walk 70 meters to the Tung Chung Tat Tung Road Bus Stop. Take Bus 23 or 3M to the District 18 Cemetery Stop, then walk 100 meters.
Related Reading: Hong Kong Transportation
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