Difficulty: 3/4
Distance: 4.5 kilometres
Duration: 2.15 hours
“Cherish your solitude. Take trains by yourself to places you have never been. Sleep out alone under the stars. Go so far away that you stop being afraid of not coming back.” -Eve Ensler
This is a really great trail especially if you want to combine it with some sightseeing, as it either starts or ends at the famous Big Buddha (Ngong Ping) and Po Lin Monastery (which I have yet to properly explore!)
The great thing about this hike is that although challenging, it’s over before you know it because it’s so short. In my opinion it’s more difficult to start from Ngong Ping/Big Buddha because of the steep ascent (stair after endless stair). What we did, starting from Pak Kung Au, was a more gradual and enjoyable, scenic incline.
Get there:
- Ferry from Central to Mui Wo, then bus 3 or 3M to Pak Kung Au
- From Tung Chung MTR take bus 3, 3M, 11, or 23 to Pak Kung Au
Path on the dotted red line!
Lantau Peak is the second highest peak in Hong Kong and the highest point on Lantau Island, with a height of 934 metres (3,064 ft) above sea level
We did the hike on Valentine’s Day and picnicked up top!
My hat flying off my head – it was incredibly windy up top, and foggy as well. Needless to say we had no view but that of clouds and mist…
In Chinese Lantau Peak translates to “Chinese Firebird (Phoenix) Mountain”
This hike felt so much easier than Sunset Peak… even if Lantau is higher up…
Views beyond the mist
Vicci Beechee
Where to eat:
Afterwards, grab a bite at Bahce the Turkish restaurant that I LOVE right by the Mui Wo Pier. I would normally recommend The Stoep at Cheung Sha Beach but the last time I tried it it was so bad! Quality had declined horribly and since it relocated the new place is so meh… If you have time to go to the beach, though, by all means bus it to Upper Cheung Sha Beach and try the other restaurants there.
At Bahce, get the Fish Shish Kebab and Falafel. Delicious everytime! 🙂
Bahce Turkish Restaurant 花園土耳其餐廳
Shop 19, G/F, Mui Wo Centre, 3 Ngan Wan Road, Lantau Island
大嶼山銀運路3號梅窩中心地下19號舖 2984 0222
You can alternatively take the bus to the Tung Chung MTR Station to head home.
Let me know if you found this useful – enjoy!
HK Files 
Oh my days … this hike is so cool! But it wasn’t easy haha … We went all the way from Pak Kung Au to Lantau Peak, the most painful part was the steep ascent down to Ngong Ping! Stairs were quite big step for us girls who have shorter legs :p Anyway thanks for introducing this trial we love it lotssssss ❤ Every part of the trial is scenic and very very rewarding 🙂
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Wow I’m so happy you did it, and all girls too! There are few things that make me happier than empowered, adventurous and independent ladies! 😉 Keep hiking and soon enough you’ll realize you can do so much more in less time 😀 Was the sky clear on top when you went? We didn’t see anything when we did!
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It wasn’t too bad actually! We saw quite clear views with occasional fogs along the hike and at the peak! I guess March is a good timing to hike! It was slightly windy and sunny at the same time, I’ve got a little sun burnt! and yea you’re right, girls power 😀 Next time we’ll try Tai Mo Shan out! I heard that’s awesome too 🙂
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Hi there! I am planning a solo trip to HK in April and wanted to make the hike up to Big Buddha. I wanted to ask you first if you think it is safe to do so alone? Second, do you think I will get lost alone? Is the trail fairly outlined? I am sleeping in HK so I was going to take the ferry to get there.
How much time do you think the hike and back will take? Should I do something else while I am on the island as well?
Thanks,
Kalina
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Dear Kalina,
That’s cool that you’re doing a solo trip to HK in April! Definitely do the hike up to the Big Buddha – there are many ways to do it including:
1. Lantau Peak (difficult)
2. Ngong Ping Rescue Trail (longer, challenging)
3. Lantau Trail Stage 4 (reversed) (mostly on the road)
4. Shek Pik Country Trail (medium)
I wanted to ask you first if you think it is safe to do so alone? – Yes you can but I wouldn’t advise it. But definitely yes you can.
Second, do you think I will get lost alone? – Not if you’ve researched, have GPS on your phone, and are smart 🙂
Is the trail fairly outlined? – More or less, yes. But then I’m thinking from the perspective of someone who’s used to the signposts in HK. You need to remember your start and end points, and recognise trail markers (e.g. yellow ones are for the Lantau Trail, brown are for country trails, etc.)
I am sleeping in HK so I was going to take the ferry to get there. – Sounds good to me! 🙂
Good luck Kalina!!! Maybe you could join a hiking meetup group or put together a few people from couchsurfing? x
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Hi Kalina. I don’t know if you left for Hong Kong yet, but I just did the hike solo today. It’s fine to do it alone! Just do your homework.
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Just wanted to say a huge THANKS for putting up so much helpful information on hikes in Hong Kong! Never knew there was so much to see and I’ve been living here for 15 years! Your photos are gorgeous and just make me want to go everywhere (yes, I have stalked your entire blog haha) Now I have a great itinerary for the summer! Thanks again! :*
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I’m happy you find this helpful!! 😊 have fun girl!! Xx
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Hi Yeni, may I know how long is the ferry ride from Central to Mui Wo? Is it recommended to go to Disneyland on the same day right after the hike since its nearby?
Thanksss
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The fast ferry from central to Mui Wo is around half an hour. I think you can go to Disneyland if you do the hike super super early…. 😆
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Hi Yeni, thank you for your redommendation. I did this hike during a crew layover today and it is indeed a very nice hike.
Those who can’t get enough should continue up to Sunset Peak and descend on Stage 2 of the Lantau Trail. Lunch will taste even better thereafter.
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Well you’re a trooper! Glad to hear you enjoyed !
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I agree! Wish I were fit enough to do that!
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Hi Kalina,
Chanced upon this when i googled ” hiking alone on Lantau “. Informative , thanks.
Can I check if the start point is clearly marked in English? ( i can’t read much Mandarin stuff ), starting from Pak Aung Au to Ngong Ping is stage 3 in reverse ?
My first time hiking in HK. I’m a spectator for the Lantau50 race this Sunday, hiking up to a few of the checkpoints. Definitely not used to the signages in hk cos ive only been there once!
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Yes most are clearly marked in English 🙂
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Hi Kalina,
Chanced upon this when i googled ” hiking alone on Lantau “. Informative , thanks.
Can I check if the start point is clearly marked in English? ( i can’t read much Mandarin stuff ), starting from Pak Aung Au to Ngong Ping is stage 3 in reverse ?
My first time hiking in HK. I’m a spectator for the Lantau50 race this Sunday, hiking up to a few of the checkpoints. Definitely not used to the signages in hk cos ive only been there once!
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I know this question is late, late, late, but I am planning to go to HK in February, and I want to hike sections 2 and 3 of the Lantau trail. Looking at the profile of each section, it seems that it would be easier in general to go in reverse direction from Ngong Ping to Nam Shan, plus that would have the added advantage that you would get to Sunset peak closer to sunset. But are there other factors to consider? Like maybe is it a one-way trail (ala Inca Trail) or maybe it is actually harder in that direction because descending is so hard on your knees (ala the Grand Canyon). I would appreciate your thoughts on this. Thanks.
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Hi Amy,
The trails are not one way, you can do it in the direction you described. However, it’s a very steep ascent from Ngong Ping. If you’re used to uphill hikes, then no problem. It’s also a very steep ascent to Sunset Peak. At least your downhills will be a gradual walk… Let me know how it goes! Enjoy 🙂
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Hi Julienne,
Last tuesday I guided six of our Airline crew members on this hike. It was the best Hong Kong experience ever for many of them.
Your blog is my source of inspiration when I visit Hong Kong!
⛰⛰⛰
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Oh my god! So happy to hear… which one did you do?!
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Hi Yeni,
Coming from a European time zone Hong Kong is usually known as a party destination among crews. Therefore I was surprised to find six to join me for the Lantau peak hike from Pak Kun Au to Ngong Ping. We left Wan Chai at 10 and it was already quite hot when we started hiking. The faithful cloud over the summit promised some shade for later though.
One of us descided to turn around after he felt the heat on the stairways to heaven up the eastern slopes. He took the time to enjoy a one hour nap on the sunny hills before catching the bus to Mui Wo though.
The rest of the group was in very good shape except one who forgot to open the link to your post that I had sent her and who thought we were going on a morning walk in the park.
As we all know you can replace fitness with stubbornness and ambition and she made it to the top with cheers and a smile on her face and even down with the help of the Great Buddha waving to her.
Since we left the Tai‘O fishing village excursion for some other time we even made it for our dinner appointment at Jo Jo‘s Indian Restaurant at 8 and everyone could go back to what Hong Kong is knows for among crews…
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What adventures! And your crew do sound quite fit, great to hear you take your 48h layovers to hit the trails. It looks like you know quite a few of the local eats as well 👏🏾👏🏾 haven’t even tried Jo Jo’s or the black squid ink noodles yet ?!
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During the years of crew layovers in Hong Kong, I was able to hike Sharp Peak, Wilson trail from Stanley to Quarry Bay, Sunset peak after Lantau peak (sore calves guaranteed), Dragon‘s back many times (only for the black ink seafood spaghetti at the Shining Stone restaurant in Shek‘O afterwards) and up and around the peak to name a few of them. We usually have a 48 h layover with one day completely off and not always is the weather in Hong Kong made for hiking⛈🌪💨☔️…
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Hi dear! Thanks for this blogpost 😉 I have fun hiking up to big Buddha! Is not very difficult for a person like me who is overweight and doesn’t excerise regularly 😊 However I take like 3.5 hours total to reach big Buddha. Thankful for your guide 😎
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So happy you did it! Congratulations 🙂
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