Attractions: Lantau Island

Lantau Island is the largest island in Hong Kong and almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island. This island has gained international fame recently as the site for the Hong Kong Disney World. The fabulous Chek Lap Kok Airport has also been completed on Lantau Island. What was once a relatively peaceful spot, is fast becoming a popular tourist destination. Despite this however, there are still some nice spots to visit here and with a little effort, you can find yourself on quiet beaches and away from the crowds.

Most of Lantau's population and a large percentage of Hong Kong's ex-pat population live in Discovery Bay. This is the most spoilt and developed part of the island although the beach is decent and the facilities here are good. There are numerous restaurants here, none of them shine but all serve up good, fresh food. The Star Ferry hovercraft (HK$25) connects with the bay at regular intervals throughout the day.

Although much of Hong Kong's population live here, the vast majority of the island is uninhabited due to the fact it is densely covered with mountains. (Hence the island's Chinese name, Tai Yue Shan or Big Island Mountain.) The highest of these peaks (and the second highest in Hong Kong) is Lantau Peak. You can climb to the top of the peak although this involves some preparation as it takes at least one day. There is a Youth Hostel at the mountain to stay in which helps to break up the hike and the views from up here are well worth the effort. There are also good walks which are less strenuous in Lantau Country Park.

Mui Wo is the main town on the island. This is a pleasant place with a great restaurant, the San Lee Chinese on the bay. A five kilometer cycle ride or bus trip (No.7) from here will bring you to a great beach at Pui O. There are also other good beaches nearby. Among the best are Fan Lau and Cheung Sha.

There is a pretty little ancient village at Tai O with some fantastic and authentic Cantonese seafood restaurants. Most of these are not named but it is a safe bet to try one of the ones with lots of locals eating! Near here is an ancient Buddhist Monastery, the Po Lin. Here is seated a Giant Buddha on the hilltop, 34 meters high and weighing 220 tonnes, which took 10 years to construct. The views of the surrounding countryside from the base of the statue are stunning.

How to get there: Monday to Saturday - Ferries leave from the pier #6 in Central between 6.10am and 11.50pm to Mui Wo. The trip takes approximately half an hour. The last ferry back to Central from Mui Wo is at 11.30pm. Sunday - Ferries leave from the same pier every half an hour between 7am-11.30am. The last ferry from Mui Wo is at 11.30pm. From Mui Wo you can take a bus or hire a boat or bike to get around the island. For up to date information call the Ferry hotline on 2131 8181. You can also get to Lantau via the new highway and the Tsing Ma Bridge. The airbus connects with Central but is not as convenient or scenic as the boat.
Cost: The boat costs between HK$10 and HK$32 depending on the type of ferry and day.

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