Lantau Island attractions are many and varied, and access to the island is ever easier with the many ferries and the MTR.
Here are some of the most popular things to see and do in Lantau Island, they cover a range of interests and activities, some very popular for families with kids, specially the day trips to Hong Kong Disneyland and the Pink Dolphin Cruise.
One of the most popular day trips from Hong Kong combines several of Lantau's most popular attractions: The Big Buddha, the Ngong Ping
Cable Car, the Po Lin Monastery and the Tai O Fishing Village.
The Hong Kong Big Buddha
The Hong Kong Big Buddha in Lantau Island is one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world.
Tian Tan, as it is also known, is made of bronze and sits atop the Ngong Ping Plateau, the 260 step staircase will bring you to the three tier podium where it rests.
The views from the podium are magnificent and you can go around in a 360 circle to enjoy Lantau Island's beauty: the valleys and mountains and the islands and sea just beyond...
The Ngong Ping Cable Car
The Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car is definitely the recommended way to get to the Big Buddha.
The 20-minute ride takes you over some of Lantau island's most beautiful scenery. You can choose from a regular Cabin, or a "Crystal" cabin, which has a transparent bottom...
Nearby, the Ngong Ping Village is well appointed with modern facilities and serves as the central point and transportation hub for the many highlights and tourist attractions in the area which can be combined during your visit, such as the Po Lin Monastery and the Tai O Fishing Village.
The Po Lin Monastery
The Po Lin Monastery in Lantau Island is a Buddhist temple and complex which despite being a popular attraction to tourists, still maintains its essence and traditions and is well-frequented by loyals.
A visit to the monastery is easily and frequently done together with the Big Buddha as they are literally accross from each other.
It is specially lively during the Buddha's Birthday celebration in May.
Tai O Fishing Village
The Tai O Fishing Village in the Western coast of Lantau Island is a quaint and picturesque enclave in a pretty setting on the coast framed by the mountains. There's much activity surrounding the harbour, the traditional seafood market and the daily routines in the stilt houses, a photographers dream and definitely worth the trip.
If you are already visiting the Big Buddha, then it is a short bus or taxi ride, about 15 minutes. You can easily spend a couple of hours just walking around the market and taking one of the little boats to explore around the harbour and the stilt houses for a close up view and perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive Pink Dolphins.
Hong Kong Disneyland
Come say "Ni Hao" to Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and the Gang! Hong Kong Disneyland is the smallest of the Disney Parks, and even though the selection of rides and attractions is limited (although growing) there are plenty of magical moments to be had at the land of Mouse.
The small size of the park and family-friendly set up makes it a perfect place to spend the day with small children. Particularly for toddlers and children under 10, the park will be a very magical experience, whether it is your first time at a Disney park or a repeat visitor.
There is the familiar Disney perks: the parade, the fireworks, meeting Mickey and Friends... In our Complete Guide you learn about the different lands and most popular rides, on our Tips for Visiting, we tell you about where to buy discount tickets and how to skip the lines at the popular rides.
Pink Dolphin Watch Cruise
Pink Dolphins are a rare and endangered species, it is believed that the dolphin population in Hong Kong waters is only about 100-140 dolphins and perhaps about 1,000 in the Pearl River Delta.
There are regularly scheduled dolphin watch cruises year-round, organized by Hong Kong Dolphinwatch, an organization actively working to protect the dolphins. The cruises sail on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
The trip is conducted in a way that minimizes disturbance to the dolphins, and it is at the same time an educational experience as the guides are very knowledgeable about the Chinese dolphins and are more than happy to tell you all about them, their habits, characteristics, habitat and the plight they face.
Lantau Day Trip: Putting it all Together!
The Big Buddha, Tai O Fishing Village, Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping Cable Car... this day trip bundles together some of the top attractions in Lantau Island.
It can be done easily on your own using many kinds of public transportation, and on this day trip you will definitely experience most of them: MTR, buses, ferries, taxis, and the fab Cable Car to bring you to the Ngong Ping plateau.
Here's more on the Big Buddha and Lantau Island Day Trip
Or, if you prefer, take a guided tour with pick ups at many centrally Hong Kong and Kowloon hotels, no guessing which bus to take or which MTR line, what could be more convenient?
Nearby Sights in Lantau Island
Don't miss any of the other nearby attractions in Lantau. These can all be done on a DIY day trip or a guided tour to the Island and will certainly cover most of Lantau Highlights:
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Most Popular Excursions in Hong Kong
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