Walkabout Lantau Island, Hong Kong, China

Lantau Island, the largest of Hong Kong’s 260-plus islands, was the destination for a memorable day of exploration, reflection, and discovery. Known for its lush landscapes, cultural landmarks, and quaint villages, Lantau offered a perfect blend of serene natural beauty and vibrant traditions. With a journey spanning ferries, buses, and steep climbs, it was a day to remember.

The trip to Lantau began with a small personal celebration: hitting 100 subscribers on my YouTube channel. It was a modest milestone but meaningful nonetheless, as I had started the channel to share my life in China with friends and family back home. With a renewed sense of gratitude and purpose, I boarded the ferry to Lantau Island, ready to take my viewers along on another adventure.

The ferry ride itself was a throwback to my childhood, evoking memories of trips to Catalina Island with my parents. The smell of diesel fuel, the early morning chill, and the hum of engines created a familiar sense of nostalgia. As we departed Hong Kong’s bustling Central District, the skyline faded into the mist, and Lantau's green peaks began to dominate the horizon.

Disembarking at the island’s ferry terminal, we were greeted by rows of bicycles—a nod to the island’s slower pace of life. Commuter bikes lined the docks, a stark contrast to the fast-paced streets of Hong Kong proper. From here, we boarded a bus for the ride up to the Ngong Ping Plateau, home to the famous Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.

The bus ride was a scenic journey through Lantau’s rolling hills and dense forests. Despite a minor kerfuffle with a fellow passenger over priority seating, the trip was smooth and gave us a preview of the island’s natural beauty. As the bus climbed higher, the vistas expanded, revealing glimpses of rugged coastlines and tiny fishing villages tucked into the bays.

The Ngong Ping Village, nestled at the base of the Big Buddha, was both a tourist hub and a cultural waypoint. While it had the commercial feel of a theme park, complete with a 7-Eleven, souvenir shops, and gelato stands, it still held a charm of its own. A curious cow wandered through the village, adding a touch of whimsy to the scene.

The Big Buddha, or Tian Tan Buddha, was an awe-inspiring sight. Standing 34 meters tall and weighing over 250 metric tons, it is one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world. Completed in 1993, this bronze marvel represents the harmonious relationship between humans, nature, and faith. The climb to the top—268 steps—offered not only a chance to reflect but also panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and sea.

At the summit, intricate statues surrounded the Buddha, each representing one of the six paramitas, or perfections, in Buddhism. The air was filled with the scent of incense from the nearby Po Lin Monastery, and the hum of prayers created a serene atmosphere. Though the climb was steep, the reward was well worth it.

After descending from the Big Buddha, we made our way to Tai O, a traditional fishing village on the western coast of Lantau. Tai O is known for its stilt houses, which rise above the tidal flats, offering a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations. The village was a stark contrast to the urban sprawl of Hong Kong, with its narrow alleys, drying racks of salted fish, and the pervasive scent of the sea.

The vibrant market was a feast for the senses. Vendors sold everything from barbecued seafood to Tai O’s famous doughnuts—crispy, sweet treats that were impossible to resist. As we wandered through the village, we stumbled upon dried chili peppers, tiny baitfish, and freshly caught seafood hanging out to dry. It was a living, breathing tapestry of traditional Hong Kong life.

For dinner, we joined family members at a local restaurant, feasting on freshly caught fish and shellfish. The simple yet flavorful meal, enjoyed against the backdrop of Tai O’s picturesque canals, was a reminder of the island’s deep connection to the sea.

As the day wound down, we returned to the city with full stomachs and full hearts. The hustle and bustle of Mong Kok awaited, where we introduced first-time visitors to the vibrant Temple Street Night Market. The transition from Lantau’s tranquility to Mong Kok’s neon-lit chaos was jarring yet exhilarating—a perfect encapsulation of Hong Kong’s diversity.

Lantau Island is a place where ancient traditions meet modern tourism, where the spiritual and the scenic coexist. From the towering Big Buddha to the stilted homes of Tai O, the island offers a window into Hong Kong’s rich history and cultural tapestry. Whether you're a pilgrim, a foodie, or an adventurer, Lantau has something to offer everyone. For me, it was a day of reflection, discovery, and gratitude—a journey as much inward as outward.