Lantau Island is regarded in Hong Kong as being the only major touristic island. The island itself being bigger than Hong Kong Island, is filled with adventure and fantasy through it’s mix of natural and manmade beauty. Located west of downtown Hong Kong, the island is also a connecting point to the city’s main airport, Hong Kong International Airport.
Lantau Island is bound to have activities for everyone, from those looking for sporty activities to more cultural activities like sight-seeing around the island. Having been to Hong Kong several times before, i thought I’d seen all there is to offer, but my mind changed when i visited Lantau Island and this is why.
Lantau Island is known as a family friendly tourist destination that is heavily marketed for families, and very rightly so. In the south east of the island lies Hong Kong Disneyland Resort nestled by the coast. To the north east is where Tung Chung lies, with a mix of commercial and residential developments, probably the most busy area on the island. To the north of Lantau is where Hong Kong International Airport is located, an extension called Chep Lap Kok.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
A perfect resort getaway for young families and couples. Hong Kong Disneyland is just one stop away from the Airport and has 8 different zones in the park. Hong Kong Disneyland is a resort that you could you spend 2-3 days in and you would be kept busy with all there is to do. With 8 different zones, it will be easier to do Disneyland across two days if you’re planning to stay in the resort. Meet all your favourite Disney characters and get there early to ensure you have the shortest queues for the attractions and rides in the theme park. Otherwise, for ease of queues everywhere, plan to go during the local schooling period and NOT on a public holiday or long weekend!
Hotels:
- Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel – Indulge in timeless elegance
- Disney Explorer’s Lodge – Discover a world of adventure
- Disney’s Hollywood Hotel – Celebrate the art of storytelling
Hong Kong Disneyland Zones:
- Main Street USA
- Adventureland
- Fantasyland
- Tomorrowland
- Toy Story Land
- Grizzly Gulch
- Mystic Point
- World of Frozen (Newly Opened)
- Stark Expo
The newest zone to open in Hong Kong Disneyland is the World of Frozen, which opened in the fourth quarter of last year. Set to bring the charm and magical experience of Arendelle to Hong Kong Disneyland, guests will be able to immerse themselves in the winter wonderland theme, even with themed suite options to enhance your stay experience at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
Citygate Outlets Shopping Mall
Conveniently located right next to Tung Chung MTR station on Lantau island, City Gate Outlets is a sizeable factory outlet shopping mall with big mid-tier brands. These outlets are indeed a shopping haven that most tourist know Hong Kong as, with most outlets commonly having 30-40% off individual items on top of storewide discounts and reductions. With a mix of clothing and lifestyle brands, it makes for the perfect shopping getaway where you could spend a whole day, or even longer at.
Some brands include:
- Calvin Klein Jeans
- Diesel
- MaxMara
- Adidas
- Nike
- Armani
- Bath & Body Works
- Ecco
- GEOX
- G2000
- Lacoste
- Levis
- Ray-Ban
- Swarovski
Ngong Ping 360 & Ngong Ping Village
Ngong Ping 360 also known as the cable car attraction on Lantau Island offers stunning views of the island, starting from Tung Chung all the way up to a peak altitude of 570m above sea level, ending at Ngong Ping Village. Ngong Ping Village is the gateway to seeing the Tian Tian Buddha on the peak of the hill. Each way, up and down the mountain takes a total of 25 minutes. Look out across the ridges on your way up to see the International Airport from a different perspective, or try and spot the hiking trail directly below your car.
Ngong Ping offers three types of cable car cabins:
- Standard Fare – normal cable car shared with 10 people max
- Crystal Fare – Crystal cabin with glass floor of the car, shared with 10 people max
- Crystal+ Fare – Crystal+ cabin with transparent glass floor and walls of the car, shared with 10 people max.
- Riding in a private party or alone also costs extra.
You can get tickets for Ngong Ping 360 here.
Ngong Ping village is an aesthetically reminiscent village with traditional Chinese architecture from the dynasty age. Old traditional houses line the main street with souvenir shops selling all sorts of gifts and a tea house at one end. There are also minimal places to grab a meal in the village. Be warned, that the village is a tourist trap for food with even the crowded restaurants which looked better offering sub par to decent quality food. Your best bet there would be to grab something more familiar like Subway, or planning to eat before or after your visit.
Tian Tian Buddha
Tian Tian Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha is one of the most iconic places to visit in Hong Kong. Perched upon a hill top which consists of 268 steps up to the top, the view from the top is beautiful, overlooking various fronts of Lantau Island and the wider Hong Kong region. The temple itself is a columbarium for many who have perished over the years. One notable individual is Anita Mui, local icon from 20 years ago who is laid to rest here. Walk in to see the cultural and Buddhist artefacts at the top of the temple, or buy yourself a crystallised souvenir in the form of a crystal bracelet.
Be in awe as you come up close with this gigantic monument. Don’t forget to take many pictures at the top as well with those great scenic views that oversee the Po Lin Monastery.
Tai O Fishing Village
And of course, how can we forget Tai O Fishing Village on Lantau Island. The most accurate representation of what life in Hong Kong would have been like before globalisation and civilisation took over the busy port city. A quaint little fishing village that keeps its simple customs and traditions. Cross Tai Chung and Sung Ki bridge where you can take photos with stilt houses, rolling green hills and boats passing through the channel in the background. Take a day trip and walk around the village like a local or explore the Tai O ancient trail and take a boat trip to see the village from the water.
Enjoy the rustic charm of this seaside village by indulging in the local street food such as Tai O’s ‘husband rolls’ (traditionally shrimp and pork), fishballs, marinated cuttlefish and tofu pudding which can be found at Fuk Hing Hong.
