Lantau accommodation from AU$119

At 147.16 square kilometres, Lantau Island is the largest island in Hong Kong and half made up of national park. The landscape has forests and mountains galore, including the 3-064 foot Lantau Peak, the country’s second highest mountain. The island’s nickname is "the lungs of Hong Kong".

The airport

Hong Kong International Airport is on the small island of Chek Lap Kok, which is only accessible from Lantau Island. It opened in 1998 to replace the now-closed Kai Tak Airport. One of Asia’s busiest airports, HK International is THE WORLD’s busiest for cargo. While you’re there, you can check out the Aviation Discovery Centre, the Dream Come True Education Centre, and stacks of places to shop or dine. There’s also fantastic shopping – (check out the next section for more info).

Things to do

At Ngong Ping 360, you can be suspended in a crystal cable car on a 25-minute ride over some of Lantau Island’s most impressive sights, including clear blue ocean, mountains, grassland and a Giant Buddha statue! Standing at 34 metres tall, the Tian Tan Buddha sits on top of a pedestal with a three-storey gallery of Buddhist items inside. It’s opposite the Po Lin Monastery and only a short walk from Ngong Ping Village, which is right at the end of the cable car’s journey.

Lantau Island is the home of Hong Kong Disneyland. With seven different themed areas, you can explore a mystical mansion, climb a vine into Tarzan’s tree house or walk down Main Street and say ‘hi’ to all the Disney characters. Hong Kong has a reputation for shopping, and Lantau Island doesn’t drop the slack. Citygate Outlets has brands galore, while the airport itself features two malls: SkyMart and SkyPlaza, offering 280 retail and 80 food outlets combined. Now you know what to do if you miss your flight!

The holiday village of Pui O contains Hong Kong’s longest beach: Cheung Sha. Three km’s long and divided into two sections by a headland, this beach has mountain views around it and restaurants close by. For a great view or a sunrise to remember, take the two-hour climb to the top of Lantau Peak at four a.m so you can watch the sun rise at six!

Events

The most exciting time of year in Hong Kong is between 27 June and 31 August 2014, when the city bursts to life with Summer Spectacular festivities. There are two months worth of summer days, jam- packed with energetic parties, live entertainment and special summer sales at the shops. So put on your party pants and get ready for this citywide celebration.

Getting there

Start by booking your flight to Hong Kong and Lantau Island accommodation with us. It’s easy to get around Hong Kong by train or you can take a bus or taxi. While you’re here, don’t forget to check out the sights on Hong Kong Island like The Peak, Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong Space Museum. Beautiful nature, unique attractions – and it’s easy to navigate too! Wot’s not to like about Hong Kong?