Hong Kong's Lantau Island Paradise: 32 Things to Do
Jaded by the city? Explored every nook and cranny of the island? Lantau offers a whole new world of eating, drinking, exploring and excitement.
What to Do
1) Clam Up
Hit almost any of Lantau’s beaches at low tide and you’ll see people digging in the sand. They’re treasure hunters, of a sort—they’re looking for the juicy and plentiful clams which flood our balmy waters in the summer months. Wok them up with black beans and garlic: sometimes the guys who rent bags and spades near the beach will do it for you.
2) Add Pedal Power
There’s plenty of biking fun to be had on Lantau: it’s a great way to improve your local knowledge and firm up your thighs at the same time. Several shops will rent you a bicycle for the day—the Friendly Bicycle Shop behind McDonald’s at the Mui Wo ferry pier is well established (2984-2278) while a new place has just opened next to the Silvermine Beach Resort (weekends only).
3) Go Fishing for History
The historic fishing village of Tai O is famous for its dried seafood, pungent purple shrimp paste and houses on stilts. It’s great for long ambling walks, cheap boat tours and some decent restaurants. Try the delicious charcoal-grilled egg puffs on the street: the outside should be crisp and smoky, and the inside light and fluffy. Buses run from Tung Chung, Mui Wo and Ngong Ping.
4) Think Pink
Hong Kong seems an unlikely place for our super intelligent aquatic dolphin cousins to call home, but we’re lucky enough to have the (increasingly) rare pink variety. Hong Kong Dolphinwatch runs boat trips every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday to see them; It’s $420 for adults and $210 for children under 12, including return-trip transport, a luxury cruiser, information sheets, a detailed presentation from experienced guides as well as light refreshments on board. www.hkdolphinwatch.com
5) Hang with Bovine Buddies
The subject of a raised concern since a driver plowed through a herd of them a couple of years ago, Lantau’s assorted buffalo and cows are a startling yet welcome sight. Usually completely placid—unless you drunkenly try to ride them and get gored for your efforts—they’re popular with local denizens, as long you’re not a driver who comes across them sitting in the middle of the road.
6) Live the Life Aquatic
If you’re suffering from Disney fatigue, or just want a few moments of tranquility, a boating trip on the calm waters of Inspiration Lake—a 15-minute walk from the theme park itself—is a no-brainer. Part of the extended Disney site, the recreation center has a total area of around 30 hectares, and consists of an artificial lake—the largest in Hong Kong—a boat center, arboretum and jogging trail. Pedal boats and bikes are available to rent from 10am-5pm.
