Full day on Lantau Island

Question

We are staying on Hong Kong Island and my plan for the day is: from Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal (Exit B of Tung Chung MTR station), take a 25-minute cable car ride to Ngong Ping. Walk around village. The Big Buddha is about 10 minutes on foot from Ngong Ping Village. Afterwards bus 21 to Tai O fishing village and bus 1 to Mui Wo where you can catch ferry back to HK. Any feedback? Is this correct information? How many hours should we allow for the day (Including from HK and back)? Is it worth to to take a boat excursion from Tai O? Are there places to get dinner there or should we plan on dinner in HK? Thanks

Answer

Your plan for a full day on Lantau Island is generally correct and feasible. Here’s a detailed breakdown and advice to help you plan efficiently:

1. Cable Car to Ngong Ping

From Tung Chung MTR station, Exit B leads directly to the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Terminal. The 25-minute ride is accurate.
Consider the crystal cabin option if you want a glass-bottom view.
Weekends and public holidays can get crowded, so it’s best to start early, around 9:00–9:30 AM.

2. Ngong Ping Village and Big Buddha

Ngong Ping Village is compact; walking around and visiting shops usually takes 30–45 minutes.
The Big Buddha is about a 10–15 minute walk from the village entrance. Allow at least 30–45 minutes to climb the stairs, enjoy the view, and take photos.

3. Tai O Fishing Village

Bus 21 from Ngong Ping Village takes around 40–50 minutes to reach Tai O, depending on traffic.
Walking around the stilt houses and exploring the village can take 1–2 hours.
Boat excursions are popular for seeing pink dolphins or the scenic coastline. They usually last 20–30 minutes. This is optional but recommended if you enjoy short boat trips.

4. Mui Wo and ferry back to Hong Kong

Bus 1 from Tai O to Mui Wo takes about 45–50 minutes. Buses are less frequent than in the city, so check the timetable.
Ferry from Mui Wo to Central takes about 35–45 minutes. Make sure to allow time for waiting and boarding.

5. Timing for the whole day

From starting at Tung Chung MTR to returning to Central, you should allow around 9–10 hours to move at a relaxed pace and include meals and small breaks.
Example schedule: 9:00 AM leave HK Island, 9:45 AM cable car, 10:10 AM Ngong Ping Village, 10:30–11:15 Big Buddha, 11:30 AM bus to Tai O, 12:15–2:15 Tai O visit (including optional boat ride), 2:30 PM bus to Mui Wo, 3:15 PM ferry to Central, 4:00–4:30 PM return to HK Island.

6. Meals

Ngong Ping Village has a few casual restaurants and snack stalls but options are limited.
Tai O has local seafood and street food stalls. You can have a light lunch there if desired.
For a proper dinner, it is easier to return to Hong Kong Island, where there is a wider variety of restaurants.

Overall, your plan is well-structured. Starting early and keeping flexibility for waiting times, bus schedules, and optional boat rides will ensure a smooth and enjoyable day on Lantau Island.

Full day on Lantau Island

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