Sweat your way to the top of Lantau Peak, the second-highest point in Hong Kong. The 934-meter summit offers astounding views of the entire island, particularly at dusk. A Lantau Peak sunrise is perhaps one of the most gorgeous in the territory, provided of course you’re up for a little night hiking. From the Mui Wo ferry pier, take the no. 4 or 7P bus and jump out just before the top of the hill, at either Sam Uk Tsuen or Nam Shan stops (or just take a taxi to Nam Shan).
...Over Rocks
If a 45-degree hike isn’t stimulating enough, then hang off jagged rocks over the choppy ocean. Test out Lantau’s rock-climbing scene at the Eagle Crag and Temple Crag of Pui O. Here you can clamber to your heart's content on Hong Kong’s finest pristine granite and volcanic rock. Check out www.hongkongclimbing.com for more information, or call 2782-6682.
Nude Beach? Maybe
Various organizations have been proposing nude beaches on Lantau for several years now. Though there aren’t any official buff beaches in Hong Kong, a remote spot between the Upper and Lower Cheung Sha Beaches is a favorite among illegal nude sunbathers. Few outsiders know about this spot, but do remember that the police occasionally patrol the area and that going nude is indeed illegal. To get there, take the minibus from the ferry terminal and ask the driver to let you off at Lower Cheung Sha Beach. Walk up from there, following the clothing trail. The evenings can be busy, so be warned.
The Rock Pool
True, it isn’t Iceland, but Hong Kong has it’s own little rock pool. This hidden gem is an ideal, secluded spot for a natural dip. Breathtakingly beautiful, this place beats any natural spa and best of all, it’s free. The rock pools are a 10-minute walk from the Discovery Bay ferry pier, en route to the Discovery Bay Golf Club. Walk straight up from the pier and when you hit the main road, turn right. Follow signs to the golf club, and you’ll find the rock pool halfway up the hill.
Go To Tai O
Tai O is one of Lantau Island’s last remaining fishing villages, where fishermen still use ancient techniques to sun-dry their catch. Because most the structures in the village are built above the water on stilts, the area has been labeled the “Venice of Hong Kong.” But, Venice’s fine Italian dining can’t hold a candle to Tai O’s salted fish and shrimp paste (often sold out of doorways). Not too long ago, Lantau was nothing but sleepy fishing villages like this, so one trip here will provide you with a terrific blast from the past. Tai O can be reached by bus from Tung Chung, Mui Wo and Ngong Ping and by ferry from Tuen Mun and Sha Lo Wan.
Visit One of the Six Prisons on Lantau
The Chi Ma Wan Correctional Institution, Chi Sun Correctional Institution (formerly the Chi Ma Wan Drug Addiction Treatment Centre), Ma Mo Ping Prison, Tong Fuk Centre, Sha Tsui Detention Centre and the maximum security Shek Pik Prison are all located on the island. Shek Pik Prison is currently home to one of Hong Kong’s most notorious criminals, the Jars Murderer, a taxi driver who dismembered his female victims and kept their sexual organs in glass vessels.
Roman Catholic Monks
If you're in the mood for some quiet reflection, this is your place. Halfway between Mui Wo and Discovery Bay, you’ll find a home to a number of Roman Catholic monks of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance. Take a walk around the Trappist Haven Monastery at Tai Shui Hang. First established in the 19th century and now called Our Lady of Joy Abbey, the monastery is famed for having produced Trappist milk (known as “priest milk” in Cantonese slang). However, the factory has since been moved to Castle Peak in Yuen Long, and the cows have been relocated to mainland China. The monastery can be accessed by the Kai-to ferry from Peng Chau Island (itself accessible from the ferry piers outside IFC). It can also be found off the hiking trail from Discovery Bay to Mui Wo (via Nim Shue Wan).
Ngong Ping 360
Get acquainted with the island's newest attraction by jumping on this 5.7km cable car ride as it climbs to the Ngong Ping Village theme park and Po Lin Monastery. The cabins glide over the South China Sea and the verdant mountainous terrain of the North Lantau Country Park for 20-25 minutes and provide some of the best panoramic views in Hong Kong. A single trip costs US$7. The cable cars are located right outside the Tung Chung MTR station.
“Authentic” Culture
It’s easy to lament the rise of a homogenized fast food culture at the expense of more authentic traditional arts and lifestyles, but sometimes you just have to admire the strange blend of the pseudo-old and new. So sit back, relax and enjoy the show at the Ngong Ping Village, which has several major attractions, including an opportunity to “walk with Buddha” via an immersive, multimedia center. There’s also a family show at the Monkey’s Tale theater and several “traditional” Chinese teahouses. Or just grab a gelato from Italian store Da Dolce on your way to the big Buddha statue, which was, by the way, built during the early 90s. You can access the Ngong Ping village via the Ngong Ping 360. It is adjacent to the car terminal in Ngong Ping and is a short five-minute walk from the Buddha statue.
Authentic “Meat”
Try out Po Lim Monastery’s vegetarian restaurant for a taste of Chinese vegetarian food, an artform where soybean byproducts are sculpted into replicas of meat and fish, eerily similar in both taste and texture. Inquire at the Big Buddha’s ticket booth.
Weird Wildlife
Forget Africa, check out the weird animals roaming free on Lantau. The island is home to giant moths the size of dinner plates and one-and-a-half-foot bats. And of course, there are endless amounts of feral, free-range cows wandering the island. These gentle giants are everywhere, so be careful where you step.
Buffaloed
Pui O is the place to go for water buffalo fans. Yeah, they may go into your garden and eat all your vegetation, but they are still adorable, just as long as you don't get too close. Recently, the Agriculture and Fisheries Department has been removing the beasts from the island and locals are in the midst of a major fight to get them back. Support them by joining the Lantau Buffalo Association, www.lantaubuffalo.com.
Pink Dolphins
Lantau is a nature hub, but are pink dolphins (actually white) a freak of nature? Come see the seemingly mythical wonder for yourself. Hong Kong Dolphinwatch has been running boat trips to visit the animals for the past five years. Ten percent of the profits from the organization go towards research for Friends of the Earth's Water Action Group, which is a charity aimed to raise public awareness of Hong Kong’s coastal environment. Call 2984-1414 for details.
Got Balls?
The Discovery Bay driving range is perfect for driving a few balls and is open to the public. Particularly scenic at night when all lit up, the driving range offers the chance to practice your putting long into the witching hours. The driving range is accessible via the Discovery Bay Golf Club located on Valley Road in Discovery Bay (2987-7273).
Ahoy, Matey
The boat club at Tai Pak beach hosts sailing races every other Sunday in the waters surrounding Lantau. The club encourages new members, claiming the best way to sail is to just “turn up and crew.” The club emphasizes the social aspects of sailing, by holding frequent informal lunches on the beach. If you consider yourself a good sailor check out the club’s annual regatta where Hong Kong-based clubs compete in a weekend of non-stop racing and partying. Call the Lantau Boat Club at 9365-1018 for more information.
Fat-bottomed Girl?
Cycling in Lantau provides the perfect opportunity to relax and take in the stunning surroundings while working your bootylicious behind. Behind the McDonalds at the Mui Wo ferry pier is a small bicycle shop where you can rent a bike for a day. “The Friendly Bicycle Shop” sells accessories and offers tune-ups. Mui Wo is the starting point of the Chi Ma Wan Peninsular XC bike path - ideal for either exploring Lantau or escaping from Hong Kong’s hectic concrete jungle.
Go Camping Under the Stars
Camping under a starlit sky? Not in Hong Kong, you say? Disbelievers should take a trip to the Tai Long Wan campsite in Lantau’s south country park. To access it take bus 11 from Tung Chung town center or bus 1 from Mui Wo towards Tai O. Get off at Shek Pik Reservoir’s West station and go backwards up the stage 8 of the Lantau trail to Tai O for about 30 minutes. The highlight of the campsite is its proximity to the Tai Long Wan village and the Shek Pik reservoir, the largest in Hong Kong. The campsite has basic toilet, barbecue and table facilities.
Eco-Tourism?
The Treasure Island resort, along Pui O beach, bills itself as an “eco-Adventure Centre.” There are also a few restaurants along the beachside, with a focus on Mediterranean food. And then there are a few stalls selling beach balls. Maybe the campsite and bicycle rental shops are what they are referring to. This place is definitely kid-friendly though, so be warned. Call 2546-3543 to book in advance.
Wakeboarding
If being tied to a boat and dragged through water sounds like fun, check out Wakeland. Wakeland offers wakeboarding lessons on a lake by professional coaches and instructors. The site is 10 minutes in a taxi from Tung Chung station. There are a variety of packages including a “girls Wednesday out” where women are charged US$58 per person, 10am- 6pm. The standard rate is US$78 per hour during the week and US$90 on weekends. There is also a young riders package, which has discounted rates. Check out www.wakeboard.com.hk or call 3120-4102 for more information.
Blue Taxies
Terminalitus
You can drink yourself into a stupor in one of the many bars at the airport. Then proceed to “Private” shop where you can try on some scanty lingerie, or hit WH Smith and get your fix of international newspapers. If you want to relax in style, try and blag your way into the business class lounge, but be sure you haven't consumed too much duty free alcohol.
Asia-World Expo
Be one of the 13,500 folks going to check out Eric Clapton Live in January. Or drop by to gawk at beautiful women during the 2006 Chinese Cosmos Pageant. Or visit the Tobacco Expo at Hong Kong’s newest, shiniest, most bloated expo center. For more event info, visit www.asiaworld-expo.com.
Nightly Fireworks
Where else can you see nightly firework other than Disneyland? Well, nearby Discovery Bay is one place. DB realtors have started using Disney’s night fireworks spectacular as a selling point for potential buyers. This may be a case of too much of a good thing though, as there have been plenty disturbing-the-peace complaints from DB residents.
Or Just Go Fishing
Get some tackle from Triton Fishing Equipment, the largest fishing supply store in Hong Kong (www.tritonhk.com). You can fish anywhere you can find water on Lantau, and seeing as it’s Hong Kong’s largest island, that’s pretty much everywhere.
Lantau Getaways
Want a quick getaway for your third honeymoon? Need to go MIA for the weekend? Here's where to stay.
The Silvermine Beach Hotel
This venue is a ten-minute walk from Mui Wo ferry pier, and has reasonable room rates and long-staying packages. Situated right on the beach, it also has an outdoor swimming pool, gym, sauna and tennis courts. 2984-6800.
The Regal Airport Hotel
The Regal Airport Hotel, located on Chek Lap Kok, has rooms starting from US$100 a night. The stylish hotel has a wide array of dining options including the Café Aficionado which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets to the China Coast Bar and Grill which prides itself on high-quality prime Angus beef. The hotel also houses an indoor and outdoor pool, a spacious gymnasium, sauna and a recreation center that includes a miniature golf driving range and mini-car racing. 2286-8888.
Novotel Citygate
The Novotel Citygate hotel, located in Tung Chung, offers all-day dining facilities with three restaurants and one bar. Rooms start from US$92. 3602-8888.
The City Girl’s Guide to Lantau
“Oh my god, so like my Gucci bag is totally going to get scratched walking through these bushes. Good thing I didn’t bring my favorite Chanel one.”
Lantau is a natural paradise, but not one of the shopping variety. However, if you are a spoiled Hong Kong girl who likes her creature comforts than you might need a slightly different itinerary to the standard mountain biking and hill climbing.
We suggest: 1. Taking an air-conditioned ferry from Central to Discovery Bay. 2. Making one of your little minions find you a golf buggy. 3. Proceeding to drive this golf buggy up to the rock pools.
4. Tan by the flowing waterfalls and blast your iPod to block out the noise of those annoying birds. 5. Drive your cart to Tung Chung, where you can party it up at Mood Bar and Nightclub. 6. After drinking copious amounts of Sex on the Beach, stumble straight past to the MTR for an air-conditioned ride home.
