Lantau Peak Hong Kong
Hong Kong's second-highest peak, famed for its challenging sunrise hikes and iconic Big Buddha views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For the iconic sunrise views
Lantau Peak Hong Kong
Best Time
For the iconic sunrise views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hong Kong's second-highest peak, famed for its challenging sunrise hikes and iconic Big Buddha views.
"The sunrise from Lantau Peak is a must-do, even with the tough climb!"
Check the Weather First! βοΈ
Clouds can ruin the sunrise view. Check forecasts carefully before you go .
Bring Plenty of Water π§
The hike is strenuous and humid. Stay hydrated throughout your trek .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunrise Spectacle
Witness the sun paint the sky from Hong Kong's second-highest peak. A truly breathtaking start to the day.
Giant Buddha Views
The iconic Tian Tan Buddha offers a serene backdrop to your mountain adventure.
Challenging Summit Trail
Conquer the steep ascents and descents for rewarding panoramic vistas of Lantau Island.
Planning Your Visit
Sunrise Hike Prep
Getting There & Back
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hong Kong Lantau Peak at sunrise - looking for some advice
Check the Weather First! βοΈ
Clouds can ruin the sunrise view. Check forecasts carefully before you go.
Bring Plenty of Water π§
The hike is strenuous and humid. Stay hydrated throughout your trek.
Enter the clouds and reach for the sky. Completed one of the wettest and hardest hikes Iβve ever done by summiting Lantau Peak, Hong Kong, the second highest peak in the city.
Visiting Victoria Peak and Lantau Island
Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes π
The trails can be steep and slippery, especially on the descent.
Consider Crystal Cable Car π
For Ngong Ping, the glass-bottomed cable car offers unique views and a separate queue.
Hong Kong. Awesome hike up to the mountain above the Buddha.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check the Weather First! βοΈ
Clouds can ruin the sunrise view. Check forecasts carefully before you go.
Bring Plenty of Water π§
The hike is strenuous and humid. Stay hydrated throughout your trek.
Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes π
The trails can be steep and slippery, especially on the descent.
Consider Crystal Cable Car π
For Ngong Ping, the glass-bottomed cable car offers unique views and a separate queue.
Start Your Hike at Night π
To catch the sunrise, you'll need to hike in the dark. Bring a headlamp!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking sunrise views from Lantau Peak, calling it a truly rewarding experience despite the challenging hike. The iconic Big Buddha and scenic cable car ride are also highlights. However, the unpredictable weather can sometimes obscure the views, and the steep trails can be demanding.
"Itβs not long. But claims are steeper
Beautiful views. Walk above clouds
Challenge yourself to go the extra distance
Some areas are very steep and need to walk with care
A great hiking experience"
mathisha yapa
"Had a great time on this hike. Worth the view especially after visiting the Big Buddha. It's basically a constant stair master for 700m. There were many people going up and down along the way. Each step is quite steep at times, so people do have to double step going down which may make it more tedious."
c s
"It hiked up and down 600 meters in about 3 hours. Second highest peak in hongkong, but it is far most beautiful than Tai Mo Shan peak. It is easy trail, but okay for general public."
A L (εζι )
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
π πΊοΈ Getting There
To catch the sunrise, you'll need to start your hike in the dark. Many hikers take a taxi to the trailhead near Pak Kung Au or hike from Mui Wo/Ngong Ping. The cable car to Ngong Ping operates later, so it's not ideal for pre-dawn starts.
The most common trailheads are Pak Kung Au or the path from Ngong Ping. You can reach Pak Kung Au by bus from Tung Chung. For Ngong Ping, consider the cable car.
Yes, you can hike from Ngong Ping, but it's a longer and more challenging route. Many opt for the shorter, steeper path from Pak Kung Au for sunrise hikes.
Buses are available to reach the general vicinity of Lantau Peak, such as to Ngong Ping or Tung Chung, from where you can start your hike or take a taxi to a trailhead like Pak Kung Au.
After descending to Ngong Ping, you can take the cable car or bus back to Tung Chung. If you descend towards Mui Wo, buses are available from there.
π« π« Tickets & Entry
No, hiking Lantau Peak itself is free. However, if you plan to use the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, you will need to purchase tickets for that experience.
Lantau Peak is accessible 24/7 as it's a natural hiking trail. However, for sunrise hikes, you'll be hiking in the dark, so a headlamp is essential.
There are no entrance fees for hiking Lantau Peak. The costs are associated with transportation to the trailheads or attractions like the Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.
Yes, booking Ngong Ping 360 cable car tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak times, to save time and potentially secure your preferred time slot.
While you can visit anytime, the most popular time is for sunrise. Be aware that this requires a very early start and hiking in the dark.
π« β°οΈ Onsite Experience
The hike is considered challenging, especially the steep sections. The descent can be particularly tough on the knees.+1 It's not recommended for absolute beginners without proper preparation.
Wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing and sturdy hiking boots with good grip. Layers are advisable as temperatures can change. Bring a headlamp for pre-dawn hikes.
The hike from Pak Kung Au to the summit and back can take around 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level. The route from Ngong Ping is significantly longer.
There are no facilities at the summit itself. You'll find amenities like restrooms and food options at Ngong Ping Village after your hike.
The hike is quite strenuous and steep, making it challenging for young children or those with limited mobility. The walk around Ngong Ping Village is more accessible.
πΈ πΈ Photography
The summit offers panoramic views, especially during sunrise. The Tian Tan Buddha and the surrounding landscape also provide excellent photo opportunities.
Sunrise is spectacular for dramatic light and colors. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also offer beautiful lighting for landscape shots.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. However, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive views, and a tripod can help with low-light sunrise shots.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, be mindful of any specific rules at religious sites like Po Lin Monastery.
Arrive well before sunrise to find a good vantage point. Experiment with different compositions, including the silhouette of the peak against the colorful sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
π¨βπ©βπ§ Families with Kids
πΆββοΈ Adventure Seekers & Hikers
πΈ Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lantau Peak Sunrise Experience
However, the magic of the sunrise is heavily dependent on the weather. As one Reddit user noted, 'First, you need to be lucky with the weather. I camped at Sunset Peak and there where clouds during sunset and sunrise, so no view for me'.
Beyond the sunrise, the hike itself offers a significant physical challenge. The trails are steep and can be slippery, particularly on the descent, which has been described as 'unbelievable amount of squats getting down again'.
Navigating Lantau Island: Beyond the Peak
In Ngong Ping Village, the Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) is a must-see. This colossal bronze statue is a significant Buddhist site and offers a serene atmosphere. Nearby, the Po Lin Monastery is also worth exploring for its traditional architecture and vegetarian cuisine. From Ngong Ping, many visitors take a bus to the charming fishing village of Tai O, known for its stilt houses and unique culture.
Transportation on Lantau can be managed efficiently. Buses connect key points like Tung Chung, Ngong Ping, and Tai O. Weekdays generally see less frequent bus services compared to weekends.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit