At the mouth of the Pearl River, Lantau is the largest of all Hong Kong islands, easily accessed by metro, bus, ferry or water taxi. High rise developments are scarce by Hong Kong standards and away from Disneyland and the international airport, much of the island is green and peaceful.
On Lantau, white dolphins frolic along the coast, Tai O village in the north west still has traditional fishing boats and houses on stilts and forested slopes rise up to Lantau Peak. At 934 metres, it’s almost twice as high as the popular Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island.
Po Lin Monastery, Must-see in Hong Kong
You can trek up to Po Lin monastery but it is longer and harder than you think and essential to check the weather before setting off. The easier option, allowing plenty of time at the top, is to board the Skyrail cable car in Tung Chung for a 25 minute ride, which is breathtaking, dizzying at times and incredibly scenic on a sunny day.
Walk straight through the tourist village, all restaurants and souvenir stalls, and you reach Po Lin with its pagoda roofs sprinkled in the greenery. It was built by Zen masters 100 years ago and as one of the most revered places in Hong Kong, it attracts locals and visitors alike. There are marble balustrades and upturned eaves, winding corridors, shrines draped in orchids, gilded Buddha and Chinese lanterns and volutes of incense rising above it all.
You can order a vegetarian lunch, meditate by the lotus and lily pond or stroll through the small but lovely bauhinia park. Look out for the pedestal with a mysterious echo, the cauldron marking the reunification with mainland China and Hong Kong’s only tea plantation.
Big Buddha and Wisdom Path in Po Lin, Lantau
It’s tempting to linger around the temples, all red and gold with dragons watching here and there, but up on the hill, the Big Buddha awaits, sitting on a lotus-shaped throne, atop 268 steps. The 24 metre high bronze statue is said to be the largest of its kind in the world, weighing over 200 tonnes. With his hands implying compassion, the Buddha appears dignified and serene, a symbol of peace and stability.
Nearby is a Wisdom Path lined with 38 wooden pillars, inscribed with Sutra texts, revered by Buddhists, Confucians and Taoists, and a figure of 8 representing infinity. The last pillar is blank, meaning ‘nothingness’ or the road to nirvana.
Relax in the Silvermine Beach Hotel on Lantau Island
Among Hong Kong's top attractions, Lantau is worth more than a flying visit, especially for outdoor fans. The three star Silvermine Hotel offers value for money in an idyllic beach location, with sea and hill views, just a 10 minute walk from the Mui Wo ferry pier. It is a great base to explore the island, particularly close to walking trails, or to enjoy a peaceful night after a long flight.
The 128 rooms are simple but spacious, split between two wings separated by lush courtyards. Air conditioning and high speed internet access are available in all. Dining options include the Terrace Café, perfect for sunrise or al fresco meals, and two restaurants serving Asian and Cantonese cuisines, with BBQ, buffet and other options. The hotel has an outdoor pool, gym, tennis court, sauna and steam bath, excellent after a long hike.
Solange Hando - I am a travel writer, editor and photographer, contributing to a range of publications in the UK and worldwide.
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