Lantau Island - Hong Kong

Lantau Island is the biggest island in Hong Kong. The Lantau Link connects central Hong Kong with the Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok. Previously one can only get to Lantau Island via the ferry but with the establishment of this link, the road and rail connections now connect Lantau Island with mainland Hong Kong.

How To get There

 Getting to Lantau Island is best using rail. as much as Lantau Island is very much promoted for visiting, there are various limitations as to how one can get into the island and stay there.

 To begin with, only light blue taxis are allowed to roam in the island while the other two colour coded cabs (red and green ones) are not allowed into the island. other modes like ferries and buses will include a 50% additional charges to get into the island on weekends and public holidays. Tourists who rent cars (which are highly unlikely even in mainland Hong Kong) will find that a big portion of Lantau Island is designated and protected national park therefore cars are not allowed there.

Hence, the train is the best way. From the Hong Kong Station, one can take the Tung Chung MTR line which goes directly into the island. Ferries operated by the New World First Ferry departs from the Outlying Islands jetty daily. 

Inside Lantau Island.

 Inside the island, travelling is slightly different. There are buses and taxis availabe but due to its natural winding and hilly roads, one might find this to be of some difficulty.

However, thre is a 5.7kilometer cable car availabe between Tung Chung and Ngong Ping. Known as the Ngong Ping 360, this is one of the great ways to see the island. On the cable car, one would be able to see most of the wonderful terrains in within the island and the seas side as well. One should also be able to view the Hong Kong International Airport and the Tian Tan Buddha Statue from inside the cable car as well.

Accommodation

Lantau island is a growing tourist destination, historically it has been a place for people who come for picnics or a short vacation. Therefore as of recent years, there has not been any major developments to the addition of budget inns.

Made up mostly of campsites and guesthouses, one will find that there are two main hostels and another 10 campsites where one can find affordable and budget accommodations.

 For the more adventurous ones, you can rent small cabins at Sunset Peak which costs about HKD300 per cabin. There are several small cabins for hikers at Sunset Peak which go for $300

Attractions at Lantau Island

 The most enticing thing about Lantau Island so far would be the Hong Kong Disneyland. The latest of this American franchise was opened in 2005 and is a replica of its original in Los Angeles. The smaller version however is still very much used by tour agents all over the region to bring people here. Divided into four zones namely Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Main Street USA, tickets here cost about HKD290 to HKD350 for adults and HKD200 to HKD 250 for children.

 As mentioned earlier, the Ngong Ping 360 is a great way for sightseeing in Lantau Island which will include seeing the Tian Tan Buddha an over 250 tonnes and 34 meters tall Buddha statue. Made of bronze this is the world’s largest outdoor statue. Below the statue there is Po Lin Monastery which is 100 years old and houses 3 bronze Buddha statues representing the past, present and the future. Also at this monastery can one find a vegetarian restaurant.