September 9, 2015 by Melo Villareal
Fun Things To Do In Lantau Island, Hong Kong
With the growing number of flight promotions and excellent deals for accommodations, taking a trip to Hong Kong for the weekend with your friends, your family or even all by yourself has become that much easier, cheaper and more accessible than ever.
Bronse Statues surrounding Lantau Island Big Buddha
But if you’re tired of the usual shopping and eating that you’ve been doing over your frequent travels—or if you just want to add something to your expected Hong Kong experience—why not try visiting Lantau Island, the largest of Hong Kong’s outlying islands? A bit farther from the hustle and bustle of the city center itself, it will feel like quite a treat to visit it. Here are our top 10 things to do when you visit Lantau Island!
Entrance of Ngong Ping, Lantau Island
Here are some of the activities you can do in Lantau Island:
1. Visit Po Lin Monastery
Po Lin Monastery – Lantau Island Attractions
One of the most famous attractions in Lantau Island, you’re sure to achieve inner peace and serenity by talking a relaxed stroll in one of its many beautiful gardens. With its exquisitely detailed architecture and three large Buddhas surrounded by color and lotus petal lights everywhere, it feels like walking into a floating dream when you visit. Don’t miss the Great Hall of the Ten Thousand Buddhas!
2. Marvel at the Big Buddha / Tian Tan Buddha
Tian Tan Buddha in Lantau Island
Also known as Tian Tan Buddha, the Big Buddha draws devotees from everywhere who wish to admire its bronze majesty. For those willing to brave the long hike up, it’s worth it to see this incredible sight—combine it with that view high up, and you’ll feel a sense of awe creep up on you as you look at one of the biggest seated Buddhas in the world.
3. Take a tour of Tai O Fishing Village
Tai O Fishing Village
The lovely stilt houses, great prices for fresh and dried seafood, and the picturesque view of the harbor have made taking a trip of this old village very popular with photographers. Definitely a must see!
4. Go to Hong Kong Disneyland!
Hong Kong Disneyland
Near Lantau Island, Magic and excitement await here—there’s a reason why this island attraction is most popular with families on tours. Don’t miss the fireworks show over Sleeping Beauty’s castle. Try as many of the rides as you can, and get some pictures with Mickey and friends before stopping by the Hong Kong Disneyland souvenir shops!
5. Go pink dolphin watching
dolphin watching
Pink dolphins are a highly endangered species, but thanks to Hong Kong’s Dolphinwatch, there are regularly scheduled dolphin watch cruises all year which will not disturb them and will allow curious tourists to admire them in their natural habitat. These friendly creatures are absolutely adorable!
6. Walk along the Wisdom Path
Wisdom Path by Andreas via Flickr
If you’re feeling like tapping into the energy of tranquility in the area, this walk has a series of 38 wooden steles with verses from the Heart Sutra, arranged in a pattern to represent infinity. You’ll also get a beautiful view of the South China Sea from there!
7. Ride the Ngong Ping cable car
Ngong Ping cable car
If you’re planning to visit the Big Buddha and aren’t up for the long hike, this is definitely an awesome way to go about it! Though it’s only a 20 minute ride, you’ll be able to have an amazing view of the ocean and some of Lantau Island’s most beautiful attractions. Feeling brave? Get the “crystal” cabin, which has a transparent bottom.
8. Watch the sun set at Cheung Sha Beach
Cheung Sha Beach Sunset
This quiet, solitary beach is great for a quick, cooling dip in the calming waters. There are also a few eateries nearby in case you want to indulge your appetite after a day by the sea. It’s not as well known as the other spots, but with a beautiful view of the horizon as the one there, it ought to be!
9. Visit the Silvermine Waterfalls
Silvermine Waterfalls by James Cridland via Flickr
Great for a quick uphill stroll, this site is known for its charming waterfalls, which will provide you with a refreshing dip in its pools or a nice place to have a barbecue or picnic with your fellow travelers. If you’re up for it, you can also peep into the nearby abandoned Silvermine Cave—a rather eerie place.
10. Stop by Inspiration Lake
Inspiration Lake by Ricky Chan via Flickr
If you’re tired of the whirlwind energy of Disneyland, this site is only a 15 minute walk away from the main park. You can ride a bike in peace or rent a pedal boat, or visit the soothing arboretum. Its artificial lake is the largest in Hong Kong!
How to get to Lantau Island
By Train: The Tung Chung MTR line is the fastest way to get to Lantau if you are going to the north of the island. The Tung Chung line also connects with special rail services at Sunny Bay that take visitors directly to Disneyland. The trip to Tung Chung takes around 25 minutes all the way from Hong Kong station.
By Boat: Ferries depart from the Outlying Islands pier in Central, to the west of the Star Ferry terminal. The largest operator is the New World First Ferry.
By Bus: Since the opening of the Lantau Link, a number of buses also cross over to Lantau, although they are considerably slower than the MTR and less scenic than the ferries. The local bus timetable in Lantau Island is available online. http://www.newlantaobus.com/nlb.html
Read more http://outoftownblog.com/top-10-fun-lantau-island-hong-kong/
