What to do on Lantau Island
We’ve rounded up the best things to do on Lantau Island. Enjoy some of the island’s beaches and restaurants and go on a few hikes. There’s so much to do!
Visit the beach
Lantau has some of the best beaches in Hong Kong, some of them being Cheung Sha (upper and lower) and Pui O beach. Lower Cheung Sha beach is the most commercialised part of Cheung Sha. It consists of restaurants, camping and glamping sites, and of course the main beach which gets pretty crowded during the summer. Upper Cheung Sha beach on the other hand is less crowded and is a lot wider than the neighbouring beach. We definitely suggest having a swim and tan in upper Cheung Sha and ending your beach visit by going to the lower part and having an amazing meal at one of the beach-front restaurants while watching the sunset.
Pui O beach is one of the most popular beaches in Lantau and is only a 25-minute bus ride from Tung Chung. This beach is home to Pui O’s beloved water buffalo’s that at times walk on the beach and actually interact with visitors when they feel comfortable. When first entering the beach you will come across an amazing restaurant that has a view of the entire horizon called Treasure Island Beach Club. Carrying on to the left of the restaurant are the newly renovated public restrooms along with barbeque pits and seating areas. Once you actually step foot on the beach you will very easily notice the rows of picnic benches that sit underneath the trees. These are perfect for keeping you rested and shaded from Hong Kong’s hot climate. Feel free to bring your own snacks and food but remember to pick up after yourself as the water buffalo’s thoroughly enjoy human food.
Take a hike
If you’re looking for a hike with the best views and sunsets, Lantau Island has got you covered! Sunset Peak is Hong Kong’s third highest peak and Lantau’s second-highest mountain. The hike is very popular among Lantau residents as it has the best views hence the name. Get your thighs and calves ready because you’re in for a gruelling stair climb. Be sure to bring along a flashlight since descending from the peak after dark can be dangerous. If you are new to hiking, consider catching the sunrise instead. While it’s not a long trail, it does start with a back-breaking set of stairs that rise 400-plus metres in height depending on which route you take to get there. Your legs will feel like jelly afterwards but this hike is one of the best workouts!
Like the Sunset Peak Trail, the hike from Mui Wo to DB is just as challenging but also just as fulfilling. The Lo Fu Tau Country Trail is a scenic hike that takes you from Mui Wo to Discovery Bay. We recommend starting the hike from Mui Wo as you would be hiking down instead of up. The hike will take you past Silvermine Waterfall and once you’re closer to DB, you encounter large boulders called Standing Rock. These boulders are laid out on top of a hill which makes for insta-worthy photos.
Tai O
Tai O Fishing Village is one of the last remaining villages of its kind in Hong Kong. Food stalls, scenic walks and the Tai O Heritage Hotel are all amazing things Tai O has to offer. Houses on stilts occupy two sides of a shimmering emerald canal, while a lush picturesque mountain radiates in the backdrop. Though Tai O has always had a large industry in fishing and salt production, it is now slowly dying out. Many locals have since transformed their homes into restaurants and food stalls for the public. Tai O’s food stalls have something for everyone! The stall owners cook delicious meals as well as snacks like meat and fish on sticks for you to walk with while you explore. You can find all sorts of dried seafood in the market, ranging from dried squid, scallop, fish, prawns, and much more. If you aren’t already full from the food stall snacking, take a walk to the Heritage Hotel for an amazing lunch or dinner with a view!
Shop at Citygate Outlets
Citygate outlets is the best place to go for designer clothes on a budget. If designer clothes aren’t what you’re looking for then Citygate has a few things to keep you busy! This mall that has now been renovated with addit ional restaurants and shops has a little something for everyone. Citygate outlets has an endless choice of restaurants which include Outback Steakhouse, Starbucks, Oolaa, Pizza Express, Genki Sushi and so much more. The mall also houses an MCL cinema if you’re looking to watch the next blockbuster.
Please note that due to the ongoing pandemic, some places might be closed.
Ngong Ping 360
Take the bus, cable car or hike to the Big Buddha, either way it’s going to be so worth it! Ngong Ping 360 is full of restaurants for you to lounge at (especially if you’ve just hiked there) as well as amazing temples and greenery. Definitely one of the best and most famous places in Hong Kong for you to feel at peace and to get out of the busy city. Climb 268 steps to the base of the Buddha for a closer look at the 34-metre-tall statue and its surrounding verdant, mountain terrain. Conclude your Lantau cultural trip by visiting the century-old Po Lin Monastery, situated right next to Big Buddha.
