I nearly didn’t go. After varied bits of research across forums and website I came to the understanding that because the cable cars were out of action to see the Buddha I would have to walk for at least three hours (they open back up around June 2017 https://www.np360.com.hk/en/explore-np360/cable-car/ ). I figured that with the short amount of time I had, but the large amount of jetlag it would be too much to do on this trip. Boy am I glad I listened to that little nagging voice and decided to go because Lantau Island BLEW MY MIND. For me it was a completely awe inspiring, spiritual island of zen that did not involve three hours of walking, luckily!
I’ve written this blog in two sections, so you can read about how I got there and got around, you can find my experience of the lovely Lantau and all its wonderful offerings here.
Getting to Lantau
The MTR
The Island is the largest of the Hong Kong Islands and is accessible via the very easy to navigate MTR. From my hotel, the Best Grand Western in Tsim Sha Tsui, I could have easily taken the MTR from Jordan Station, changing at Lai King, then onto Tung Chung station (Lantau Islands MTR stop) but instead I decided to walk to West Kowloon. My concierge exclaimed in horror that it was at least a thirty minute walk (how would I cope?!) but I wanted to see as much of the city as possible and West Kowloon station offered a direct MTR so this was an easy decision for me. I stopped to eat some terrible eggs and sipped some terrible tea en route and gazed at the never ending construction along my journey. Like London there seems to always be new space found to build new things.
I soon reached the station, purchased my Octopus card (the simplest way to get around) and headed towards my train. The MTR from West Kowloon took about 25 minutes with the final leg taking you above ground so you can gaze out of the window as you cross the Islands and glide alongside the open water.
The Ferry
If you’re not taking the MTR then the ferry would be a another way to get there, but do look into this carefully and make sure you have enough time. The ferries go from from Central on Hong Kong Island (so if you’re staying on the mainland you can get a Star ferry across first) to Discovery Bay on Lantau. I didn’t do this route myself but from what I can see to get to Ngong Ping, Tai O or Mui Wo (unless you fancy a hike) you will need to get across to Chung Tung (where the MTR comes in) and then go on from there. You can find out more info here: http://www.hongkong.net/transportation/ferry http://www.lantauonline.com/lantau-ferries
Get a Taxi
You could also quite easily take a taxi. Judging by my fare from the airport (which is now part of Lantau) I can guess it would be around 45 minutes from Tsim Sha Tsui area and cost around $350HK.
Hire a car
Another option would be to hire a car and drive from the mainland across. If you’re confident with driving abroad (if you are coming from the UK they drive on the left too so that a bit easier) then this would be a great option. Next time I go I hope to do this, then I can stop off at all the beaches and viewpoints and have a day on a more relaxed schedule.
Getting around: Ngong Ping
There are many things to be seen on Lantau (you can read my guide here), luckily a handful of them are in the same area of Ngong Ping, so my guess would be that most tourists would start by heading first to that area or towards Tai O fishing Village (which are in different directions and require different buses). If the cable cars are in action then this would, and probably should be your first choice of travel (get there early morning or else you’ll be in for a long queue). They go from Chung Tung and will then glide you up above the mountains and through the clouds to Ngong Ping village where you can visit the Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery and the Wisdom Path, as well as access to hikes up further into the mountains.
The cable cars were in repair (they are planned to be opening again in June 2017 https://www.np360.com.hk/en/explore-np360/cable-car/ ) so my best option was to take the bus (No. 11) from Tung Chung to either Tai O and then onto Ngong Ping or the other way round. I opted for Ngong Ping and all its sights first and hopped on the No.23 bus across the Island. On a map this may look like only a short distance but these are no straight, flat roads. The bus chugged and strained while making its way up the steep mountain roads and windy passes. But views of lush forest and sandy beaches took my breath away and the 40 minute ride went by in a whizz, I felt invigorated by the time I reached Ngong Ping and ready for some serious tourist-ing.
My trip around this area was amazing, but too much to fit into one post! You can find that all here.
Getting around: Tai Lo
Once I had finished gawping at the sights I decided to make my way across to Tai Lo fishing village. From Ngong Ping station (located just at the back of the village) you can take the No. 21 bus across to the Tai Lo. I waited at the bus stop which worryingly showed the next bus was about 40 minutes away. I was assured that one would be along sooner and to wait which I impatiently and reluctantly did. Ten minutes later my bus pulled into the station and I apologised in my mind for doubting the locals who would know better than me about how things worked here, and set off on my 20 minute journey for the village. If you are feeling less patient or if the queues look too daunting (I think at busy times you could be in for a bit of a wait) then there were taxi’s available also. A ride from Ngong Ping to Tai Lo would set you back around $100-$150HK.
I spent about 90 minutes at the Tai Lo, both on foot and on the sea hunting for Dolphins and gawping at the houses on stilts (you can find out more here) before heading back across to Tung Chung to get the MTR home. If you choose to do the same route then the No.11 bus will take you back in around 30 minutes but be aware, this is a popular route to do and the queues were pretty long. After the relaxed bus schedule from Ngong Ping I was unsure what times to guide my stay at the village by. When I arrived to get at bus, one was full up and leaving and a second came along about 20 minutes later. I made it onto this one but the end of the queue didn’t and had to wait for the next, so make sure you leave plenty of time if you have other plans.
Hiking in Lantau: Just a note, if you do wish to hike from Tung Chung to The Buddha then this can be done. It’s a longer trek but if you have the time it looks beautiful. There are lots of blogs and forums offering advice, the most detailed one I found was here: http://runlily.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/how-to-hike-to-big-buddha-ngong-ping-on.html
And if you are wanting to trek from Mui Wo, there’s a great blog about it here: http://thisgirlabroad.com/mui-wo-big-buddha-hike-lantau-trail-hong-kong/
Don’t forget to check out my Lantau experience here and why I thought Hong Kong was so magical here
