3 Great Hikes on Lantau Island, Hong Kong
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Shaded by canopies of banyan trees and waxy palms, the trail meanders past old orchards and abandoned huts.
Lizards resting along the path and fiddler crabs on the beach skitter away at the crunching sound of our approaching feet.
We’re stepping out in Hong Kong on one of the best hikes on Lantau Island!
Eventually, after following the shore of a tidal creek, we reach the quaint fishing village of Tai O.
In Tai O, corrugated-iron houses perch on stilts over streams. Old men play mah jong and sell dried salted shrimp in the streets. And villagers live the same unhurried pace they’ve lived for generations.
Can a hike be any more fascinating?
Hong Kong hiking
This is Hong Kong? True, the city is better known for its dizzying shopping, neon-lit skyscrapers and the energy of people, people everywhere.
But more than 70% of the territory’s land mass is made up of rural mountains, forests and over 200 outlying islands.
Almost half of Hong Kong is protected by 23 country parks.
There are more green spaces, hiking trails and beaches, all close to the central action, than most cities can boast.
When the fancy strikes, it’s easy to flee into the great outdoors! Nature lovers will find tons of things to do in Hong Kong for kids and adults, including some great hiking trails.
Best Lantau Island hikes
We love hiking – and we have to tell you that the hikes in Hong Hong really are quite a treat!
Take lush, hilly Lantau Island. Hong Kong’s largest island, it’s popular with day-trippers who catch the ferry over to visit (a 30- to 50-minute ride).
Many come to see the world’s largest seated outdoor Buddha.
Sitting atop a mountain at the Po Lin Monastery, the 110-foot high bronze Buddha has drop-dead views of the island and surrounding emerald waters.
But to gaze at what the Buddha sees, you have to climb 268 steps to reach the base on which he rests.
The monastery also serves delicious vegetarian lunches, prepared by grey-robed monks.
From there, you can enjoy one of the best hikes on Lantau Island – the Tai O hiking trail.
1) Tai O hike
From the Big Buddha, this hike takes you mostly downhill, about four miles through the countryside to Tai O.
The hike is scenic, but the real treat is the tiny stilt village of Tai O at the end. It’s a trip back in time – and a photographer’s dream.
A wide creek splits Tai O in two. On some weekends, you can still cross from side to side on the slow rope-pulled ferry that was operated by old women of the village for 86 years, until a new drawbridge was built in the mid-1990s.
Stroll Tai O’s streets, and you can’t help but feel the pressures of modern-day life fall away.
The villagers have lived for generations in stilt houses above the tidal flats. The houses are inter-connected so you can walk on board planks from house to house.
Wandering into an old Chinese calligraphy shop, we watched the silver-haired proprietor mix inks for his paintings and weigh supplies on ancient balance scales.
You see children riding rusty bicycles, ding-a-linging their bells as they weave in and around gawking tourists.
The local people traditionally relied on fishing for their livelihood. But today they’re more likely to be seen selling salted fish and shrimp paste, displayed in baskets, to tourists strolling the streets.
Also be sure to pop into the Kwan Tai Temple.
Dedicated to the Chinese god of war, it was built in 1488 and is the oldest temple in the Tai O fishing village. We saw devotees burn incense and pray for prosperous fishing and farming harvests.
Then enjoy a delicious seafood lunch…
Hands down, this is one of our favorite hikes in Hong Kong!
2) Hiking the Lantau Trail
There’s also the Lantau Trail.
A circular 44-mile hiking route, divided into 12 sections, it winds through forests of acacia and pine trees.
Some sections are relatively flat and easy. Others? Well, let’s just say you’re going to know where your thighs are the next day!
Wildlife is plentiful. Birds, butterflies, lizards – and yes, even snakes and spiders – are spotted.
On the coastal cliff section that we walked along one day, there wasn’t another soul in sight. Talk about escapism!
3) Mui Wo hike
Another hike we’ve enjoyed on Lantau Island is the hike to Mui Wo, where no-frills seaside eateries serve tasty prawn and duck specialties.
Apart from a few other hikers, the only living creatures we encountered on this trail were cranky cows.
Now you know about hiking Lantau Island!
So don’t forget to pack your sneakers or hiking boots when you visit Hong Kong!
Because there are oodles of places to stride out, enjoy nature and get away from it all. And the hiking trails on Lantau Island offer some of the best hiking in Hong Kong.
Have you enjoyed any hikes on Lantau Island?
What’s your favorite Lantau Island hiking trail? Let us know in the Comments below.
Experience more of Asia!
Thailand: From Bangkok’s gilded temples to Phang Nga Bay’s dream islands, check out the bucket list places to visit in Thailand.
Bali: Watching Balinese dance? Indulging in couple’s spa treatment? Luxury glamping? These are just some of the oh-so romantic activities you can enjoy in Bali!
China: Zhangjiajie is a hidden treasure if you love mountains, nature and hiking. Here’s a 4-day Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountains itinerary for luxury lovers.
Our top travel tips and resources
Hotels: Booking.com is perfect for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. We especially like Booking’s flexible cancellation policy!
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Car rental: Renting a car is often a great way to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the lowest rates.
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Photo credits: 5 to 7, 9 to 12 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase
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