Full-Day Private Tour of Lantau Island Including Big Buddha and Tai O

Lantau Island, the largest outlying island of Hong Kong, beckons visitors with its captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage. Embarking on a full-day private tour, adventurers can enjoy the island’s diverse offerings, from ascending the iconic Ngong Ping Cable Car to witnessing the towering Bronze Buddha and serene Po Lin Monastery. But the true gems lie in the charming Tai O fishing village, where a boat tour unveils the unique ‘tanka’ boat culture and floating seafood markets. With a knowledgeable guide by their side, travelers can uncover the rich tapestry of Lantau Island, leaving them eager to explore further.

Key Points

• Full-day private tour of Lantau Island, including visits to top attractions like the Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, and the fishing village of Tai O.
• Tour includes a one-way cable car ride, public bus rides, and a boat ride at Tai O, as well as a set lunch.
• Tour is suitable for reasonably physically fit participants, with a walking distance of 5-10 km.
• Flexible meeting locations and early morning departure to ensure ample time to explore the attractions.
• Cancellation policy offers full refund for cancellations over 1 week in advance, and partial refund for cancellations up to 48 hours before the tour.

Tour Overview

The full-day private tour of Lantau Island typically includes a visit to the island’s top attractions, covering a total walking distance of 5-10 km, and is suitable for reasonably physically fit participants.

Guests will enjoy a professional guide throughout the tour, as well as a one-way cable car ride, public bus rides, and a boat ride at Tai O.

The tour highlights include the iconic Ngong Ping Cable Car, the majestic Big Buddha, the serene Po Lin Monastery, and the charming Tai O fishing village.

Visitors may even have the opportunity to spot the elusive native pink dolphins during the boat tour of Tai O.

Inclusions

This full-day private tour includes a professional guide, a one-way cable car ride, public bus rides, a boat ride at Tai O, and a set lunch at the Tai O Heritage Hotel or local cafes.

The cable car ride takes visitors up to the top of Lantau Island, where they’ll find the iconic Big Buddha statue and Po Lin Monastery.

The boat tour through the fishing village of Tai O offers a unique glimpse into the traditional way of life.

With these inclusions, travelers can fully enjoy the cultural and natural wonders of Lantau Island without having to worry about logistics or transportation.

Meeting and Pickup

Participants can meet the guide at either Tung Chung MTR Station or their hotel, depending on their preference and the tour schedule.

Weekday tours depart at 9:40 AM from Tung Chung or 8:40 AM from the hotel, while weekend and holiday tours depart at 8:40 AM from Tung Chung or 7:40 AM from the hotel.

This full-day private tour of Lantau Island offers a flexible meeting location to accommodate different schedules.

The early morning departure times ensure participants have ample time to explore the island’s top attractions, including the iconic Big Buddha and the charming fishing village of Tai O.

With a private guide, participants can enjoy a personalized experience tailored to their interests.

Ngong Ping Cable Car

After meeting the guide, participants embark on the iconic Ngong Ping Cable Car, which whisks them up the mountainside for a breathtaking aerial journey over lush valleys and dense forests.

The 25-minute ascent offers stunning panoramic vistas, including sweeping views of Lantau Island’s rugged natural landscapes. The cable car ride is a highlight of the tour, providing an exhilarating and unique perspective of the island.

Comfortable, modern gondolas with glass floor panels offer unobstructed views.
Participants have the opportunity to spot wildlife like deer, wild cattle, and birds of prey from above.
The smooth, steady ride includes intermittent stops at scenic viewpoints.
The cable car provides access to the renowned Ngong Ping Plateau, home of the iconic Big Buddha statue.
The cable car is a convenient transportation option to reach the top attractions on Lantau Island.

Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery

The towering bronze statue of the Big Buddha, one of the largest of its kind in the world, stands as the focal point of the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island.

Visitors can approach the grand staircase leading up to the statue, taking in its impressive size and serene expression as they climb towards the top.

The monastery, a renowned Buddhist complex, surrounds the Big Buddha with its ornate prayer halls, temples, and serene gardens, providing a tranquil setting for exploration and contemplation.

Guests can wander through the grounds, admiring the intricate architecture and seeing the peaceful atmosphere of this spiritual destination before continuing on to the next stop on the Lantau Island tour.

Tai O Fishing Village

Nestled amidst the tranquil waterways of Lantau Island, Tai O Fishing Village offers visitors a unique glimpse into Hong Kong’s traditional way of life. This quaint settlement, known for its stilt houses and thriving fishing industry, has endured as a hub of cultural heritage, drawing travelers eager to enjoy its timeless charm.

Visitors can expect to:

• Set out on a boat tour to explore the village’s winding canals and spot its famous ‘tanka’ boat people
• Wander through the bustling market stalls, where locals sell fresh seafood and handmade crafts
• Visit the historic Kwan Tai Temple, a Taoist shrine that has stood the test of time
• Sample authentic Cantonese delicacies at the village’s traditional eateries
• Witness the age-old techniques of saltmaking, a practice that has been central to Tai O’s economy for centuries.

Boat Tour of Tai O

One of the must-do experiences in Tai O is the boat tour, which allows visitors to navigate the village’s intricate network of waterways and witness the unique ‘tanka’ boat culture up close.

During the tour, you’ll drift past stilt houses, floating seafood markets, and traditional fishing boats. The boat operator will share insights into the locals’ way of life, explaining how this fishing community has adapted to living on the water.

You may even spot the elusive pink dolphins that inhabit the surrounding waters. The boat tour is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the charming and picturesque setting of Tai O, providing a glimpse into a centuries-old way of life.

Cancellation Policy

Travelers can receive a full refund if they cancel their tour more than a week in advance, while cancellations made between 7-2 days prior to the tour date are eligible for a 50% refund.

Unfortunately, there are no refunds for cancellations made less than 48 hours before the tour.

The tour operator has a straightforward cancellation policy that provides flexibility for travelers:

• Full refund for cancellations over 1 week in advance
• 50% refund for cancellations 7-2 days before the tour
• No refund for cancellations less than 48 hours prior
• Cancellation policy applies to the entire private tour package
• Refunds are processed promptly upon receiving the cancellation request

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many People Can Participate in the Private Tour?

The private tour is only for the participant’s group, so the number of people who can participate is flexible. The tour is not a group tour, allowing for a personalized experience tailored to the participant’s preferences.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Our Preferences?

Yes, the private tour can be customized to suit the participants’ preferences. The tour operator is flexible and willing to modify the itinerary or activities based on the group’s interests and needs.

What Happens if the Weather Is Bad on the Day of the Tour?

If the weather is bad on the tour day, the operator will likely reschedule the tour or offer a partial refund. They’ll work to accommodate clients and ensure their safety, though outdoor activities may be impacted by poor conditions.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour. Participants can take photos at the landmarks and attractions visited, though they should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines provided by the guide or site management.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour does not provide any meals or refreshments, so bringing your own is allowed and recommended, especially for snacks or special dietary needs.

Recap

Lantau Island offers a diverse array of cultural and natural wonders.

From the majestic Ngong Ping Cable Car and the awe-inspiring Big Buddha to the charming Tai O fishing village, this private tour provides an immersive experience.

Travelers can witness stunning panoramic vistas, explore serene monasteries, and gain insights into the island’s rich heritage.

With a knowledgeable guide, this comprehensive tour showcases the captivating highlights of this remarkable destination.