Lantau Island

Although Hong Kong is a city of massive skyscrapers, lights, and activity from the millions of people that live and visit there, it is also a place of magnificent mountains, specifically to the south toward Lantau Island. As the largest island in Hong Kong, Lantau Island is known for its beauty but also for the “Big Buddha”. As you enter the city, you will be amazed at the green hillsides of shrubs and grass.

However, the hilltop on Lantau Island is what brings visitors from near and far. Without doubt, the island is a quirky place that is a blend of marshy fiends, cattle, temples, winding mountain paths, trees, flowers, and villages. Some of the temples found on the island are quite impressive while others are small and tranquil. You will also discover a number of magnificent waterfalls that cascade into secluded ravines. The slopes on the island are dotted with rare flowers and trees and if you watch offshore, you might be fortunate enough to see a pink dolphin.

Life on Lantau Island is slow and lazy but diverse. For example, on the east coast of the island is an area that is home to yuppies, almost a resort like haven. Then in the southeast cove, you will find several restaurants and pubs, some that feature mud-wrestling contests. Again, this type of modern development mixed in with the ancient temples and the massive Buddha on the hill make this a quirky yet charming island.

You should also take time to visit nearby Shek Pik, which has some type of mysterious rock. As one of the top archaeological sites in Hong Kong, excavations over the years have unearthed all types of relics from the Stone and Bronze Ages. Although Lantau Island does not have an impressive history, we do know that the two emperor boys from the Song Dynasty fled to the island in an attempt to avoid the Mongol invasion. We also know the island was important in guarding shipping routes that went through the Pearl River to Guangzhou.

In addition, Lantau Island was a place where pirates came in small boats and that under British rule; the island remained a rural area, a place where life would move at a different pace from other cities in Hong Kong. For many people, this island has become a place to vacation, a place to enjoy beautiful beaches, wide, open spaces, and tremendous hiking. However, people have slowly been developing some parts of the island where today, you can golf, shop, and eat.

In addition to all of this, Po Lin, a very well known monastery sits high on the plateau. Although considered by some to be gaudy, Po Lin stands in the place where three monks came to establish a meditation retreat in 1905. As a part of the construction, stone huts were built along with other types of recluses. Then in 1970, new buildings were erected and opened and a bronze Buddha added. Today, you can eat in the airplane like hangar restaurant at Po Lin or simply walk around the grounds to enjoy the tranquility of this place.

Other gorgeous places to visit while on Lantau Island include Lantau Pak, which is the second highest mountain in Hong Kong or Sunset Peak. From these vantage points, you can watch the sunrise or sunset, which is truly magnificent. Many of the trails follow woodland or grassy slopes with gentle streambeds that scramble over rocks and boulders. Lantau Island is an incredible part of Hong Kong that is simply stunning and peaceful.


Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

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