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CATEGORIES
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Destination name Lantau Island, Hong Kong (HK)
Common nickname "The Lungs of Hong Kong"
Location Located west of HK Island in the South China Sea, Lantau is HK's largest island. Hong Kong International Airport lies directly off the northern coast of Lantau, so these tips are great if you have a layover day in HK. But if you're coming from Central HK, take the 30-minute fast ferry to Mui Wo (~$4US) for easiest access to outdoor adventures.
While 70 percent of Hong Kong is considered green space, over half of Lantau Island's 56-square miles are dedicated parks, replete with fast-flowing singletrack, verdant 3,000-foot peaks, clean beaches, waterfalls, free camping, and nearly 300 endangered, wild, lazy water buffalo. Adventures on Lantau are perfect for novice hikers and experienced trekkers, intermediate and advanced mountain bikers, surfers and experienced sea kayakers who are okay paddling in the wind.
Home of an ultramarathon and two of Hong Kong's highest mountains, the 70-kilometer Lantau Trail is a loop trail starting and ending in Mui Wo, where the ferry from Central arrives and departs. Rolling terrain with some steep climbs takes hikers through jungles, forests, and grasslands with sweeping vistas of the sea and surrounding islands. Along the trail, fishing villages and a Buddhist monastery present cool cultural destinations and side trips. The route is well-traveled and signed, ranging from concrete paths and stairways (slippery when wet) to rocky singletrack trails that ascend to unforgettable sunrises, sunsets, and one very Big Buddha. Divided into 12 sections, the LT can be enjoyed as day hike excursions or tackled in two to three days, with lodging available in stone huts at the top of Sunrise Peak (~$40/night) or free camping at various campgrounds (see below).
Experience one of HK locals favorite MTB trails pedaling from Mui Wo to the Chi Ma Wan peninsula and back (11k-18k roundtrip). Mountain bike rentals are available at the Friendly Bicycle Shop in Mui Wo for ~$20US/day. The trail is a mix of concrete paths and stairways, singletrack and dirt roads, ideal for skilled intermediate to advanced riders. For more information and trail updates, checkout the Riding Lantau (MTB) Facebook page.
Free camping is found at Pui O Beach and Nam Shan, including bathrooms, showers, BBQ grills, tent sites, and mosquitoes. Be prepared to filter water at Nam Shan. Private sites are at Cheung Sha Beach, Hong Kong's longest beach. Cafes and grills are located at both Pui O and Cheung Sha but no food is available at Nam Shan. Be alert when camping or hiking at night as squatters often live in these forests. Tents, surfboards, and kayaks are available for rental at both Pui O and Cheung Sha beaches. If needed, purchase propane before heading to Lantau (a surprising selection of cheap camping gear can be found in MongKok on HK Island). BRING BUG SPRAY!
The general rule for travel in HK is to avoid Chinese national holidays, especially Chinese New Year in January or February, depending on the lunar calendar. For updates on calendars, checkout www.discoverhongkong.com. For sunny, dry weather with the least amount of humidity and rain, autumn and winter (October to March) are the best time to visit. Temperatures are in the 70's year round, but summer (June to September) can be muggy and typhoon-prone. April and May are also exceptional times to visit but can be foggy.
Maybe not the most obvious treat for a post-hike or ride, but Bahce Turkish Restaurant in Mui Wo offers a delectable selection of mezze dishes, lamb kebabs, My Father's Eggplant Recipe, moussaka and beers on tap. Convenient location near the ferry pier.
Lodging options are limited on Lantau. There are some guesthouses, two hostels, and of course camping, but a bounty of accommodations suitable for all budgets can be found on HK Island. Dining alternatives on Lantau are not ideal for vegetarians or those seeking gourmet experiences, but world-renowned cuisine is a mere 30-minute ferry ride back to Central HK.
The sheer surprise of finding green space in one of the world's most famous cities. Whether you are looking for a quick way to stretch your legs during an airport layover or have a few days to explore the beaches and mountains of Lantau, this refreshing island is the perfect respite from the bustle of city life and skyscrapers found on HK Island. Hike by day and get swept away by the fascinating culture of Hong Kong's nightlife for a well-balanced, unique Asian getaway.
Besides Lonely Planet: Hong Kong, checkout Pete Spurrier's The Serious Hiker's Guide to Hong Kong or, depending on your goals, The Leisurely Hiker's Guide to Hong Kong for more details on trail lengths, logistics and suggestions. For the ferry schedule and current prices, visit www.nwff.com.hk.
