The long haul jets fly into the newer airport on Lantau Island, which is only a thirty-minute high speed train ride to Hong Kong proper, but there are a few nice places to visit on Lantau, so don’t be in too big a hurry to leave. It’s beautiful, green, mountainous terrain, often hidden in low clouds or fog. If you’re too jet lagged for an excursion when you land, Lantau is also a good option for your exit day, particularly if your flight is in the evening, as many trans-Pacific jaunts are.
Whether you are a Disney Resort lover or not, there’s something very cool about at least getting a Hong Kong Disney t-shirt. The resort is a major stop just 10 minutes from the airport, and a separate, private rail line takes you on a short ride to the mouse magic. Disney Hong Kong is small, essentially the equivalent of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom with a few EPCOT rides thrown in. Unless you’re looking to spend the night there, it’s an easy day excursion.
The main attraction on Lantau, however, is the Big Buddha and the buddhist monastery. The buddha is the biggest in the world, located with the temple in the midst of a series of low mountains in the center of the island. A cumbersome, one-hour bus ride will take you there, but a reasonably cheap cable car ride does the job in 20 minutes, and the views are as advertised.
The “town” at the bottom of the hill below the Big Buddha does Disney proud in its replication of access to easy opportunities to part with souvenir dollars. Approached with the right attitude, though, the shops are cute, small, clean and abundant. Everything from trinkets to collectables are sold there, and it’s a gold mine for the serious souvenir shopper. Small, tame dogs abound in the village, which is interesting since it’s the only place I encountered in Hong Kong that had “no pet” signs.
of The temple is a spectacular photo op, even in the rain when I was there. It’s a quiet site, smoldering with the aroma incense and tea. Little restaurants are available – vegetarian only – and there is ample room to sit or wander, which is saying something for Hong Kong. In short, Lantau Island is a justified top pick for visitors to Hong Kong.
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