Hong Kong Lantau Island Tour - The Big Buddha and Tai O
The Big Buddha, Tai O Fishing Village + NP 360 Cable Car
Me Jamie, your host, I am English and I have lived in Hong Kong since January 2nd 1972 - I know the place.
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Hong Kong Lantau Island Tour - The Big Buddha and Tai O
The Big Buddha | Po Lin Monastery
The NP 360 Cable Car | The Tai O Fishing Village
Watch out for misleading tour itineraries which are rampant
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The Big Buddha on Lantau Island - an amazing experience | image taken by Jamie
Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha)
Origin and Conception
The Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, is a monumental bronze statue located at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. The idea for its construction was conceived in the late 1970s by the monks of Po Lin Monastery, who sought to create a significant Buddhist landmark to symbolize peace, prosperity, and harmony. The project gained formal momentum when the Committee for the Construction of the Tian Tan Buddha Statue was established by Po Lin Monastery on December 26, 1981, to oversee its design and construction. The initiative was driven by the desire to promote Buddhist teachings and create a cultural icon for Hong Kong, reflecting the spiritual connection between humanity, nature, and faith
Please note that you have to walk up 268 steps to get this close to the Big Buddha, it is worth the effort
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One of the 2 Po Lin Monasteries next to the Big Buddha on Lantau Island - an amazing experience | image taken by Jamie
Po Lin Monastery
Origin and History
Po Lin Monastery, located at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, was founded in 1906 by three monks from Jiangsu Province: Venerables Da Yue, Dun Xiu, and Yue Ming. Initially called the “Big Thatched Hut,” it was a modest retreat for meditation, far from Hong Kong’s bustling urban center. In 1924, it was officially renamed Po Lin Monastery, meaning “Precious Lotus,” symbolizing purity and enlightenment. The monastery grew over time, becoming a significant center for Buddhist practice and Chinese cultural heritage.
This is the NEW Po Lin Monastery which opened in 2014, the original monastery is directly in front of it
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The NP 360 Cable Car on Lantau Island, from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping, a 25 minute ride - an amazing experience | image taken by Jamie
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car and Village
Origin and Development
Ngong Ping 360 is a 5.7-kilometer bicable gondola lift system connecting Tung Chung to Ngong Ping, designed to enhance tourism to the Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. Initially called the Tung Chung Cable Car Project, it was rebranded as Ngong Ping 360 in April 2005 to reflect its panoramic 360-degree views. The cable car opened to the public on September 18, 2006, after a trial run and safety improvements following Typhoon Prapiroon’s damage in August 2006. The adjacent Ngong Ping Village, a 15,000-square-meter retail and entertainment center, was built to complement the cable car, offering shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions like Walking with Buddha and the Monkey’s Tale Theatre
The views from the Cable Car are simply amazing
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The totally unexpected and unusual Tai O Fishing Village on Lantau Island - an amazing experience | image taken by Jamie
The Tai Fishing Village
Origin and Development
Tai O Fishing Village, located on the western coast of Lantau Island, Hong Kong, traces its origins back to the Ming Dynasty when fishermen began settling in the area, drawn by its strategic location at the confluence of the Tai O River and Creek. Named "large inlet" for its waterways, the village became a significant fishing and trading port, with its iconic stilt houses (pang uk) emerging in the 19th century to adapt to the tidal environment, primarily built by the Tanka people. Archaeological evidence suggests human activity in the region dates to the Stone Age, but permanent settlement is documented from about three centuries ago, with the village peaking at a population of 30,000 due to thriving industries like salt and fish production.
Over time, Tai O faced challenges, including a decline in traditional industries, leading to a population drop to around 2,000 today. The village endured natural disasters, such as a major fire in 2000 that destroyed many stilt houses, and modernization pressures, yet it retains its cultural heritage through traditions like the Dragon Boat Water Parade, recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011. Efforts to preserve its character include the transformation of the 1902 marine police station into the Tai O Heritage Hotel and a 2013 government revitalization project, though concerns persist about the fading fishing lifestyle as younger generations move away and tourism grows.
For some reason and I simply do not understand why but people still refer to the Tai O as the “Venice of the East” which is ludicrous, I have been to Venice and there is simply NO comparison, Tai O is unique in Hong Kong and just enjoy the place and ignore silly labels
Go to my Book Now Page for all details including a Booking Form and a Calender to show my availability - any questions? you can contact me by contact form or E - Mail for a prompt reply, please also do not forget to give me your name.
For Family Tours - Kids 17 and under at the time of booking are FREE OF CHARGE and are always welcome on my tours! You would be amazed at how many companies treat kids any age over 11 to be an adult with adult pricing, read the small print!
Please read - Some important considerations with regards to my Private Lantau Island Tour | The Big Buddha and the Tai O Fishing Village
This has become a wildly popular tour to do in Hong Kong.
Lantau Island has many protected areas from an environmental point of view and this includes the Big Buddha and Tai O which means transport options are limited.
Any vehicle accessing these areas must have a special permit which are strictly regulated and in very limited supply which means that private cars and tour coaches generally cannot access these areas unless they have the permit.
This means that transport options to Tai O and the Big Buddha are public buses and taxis for pretty much everyone and of course the NP 360 Cable Car
To compound the difficulities only blue coloured taxis can go to these places and there are only 75 of them!! and they can be very hard to get and forget calling them or using apps, a standard reply is one hour!
Generally speaking I do my Lantau Tour in reverse order to pretty much every other tour company
We will travel to Tung Chung on the MTR (Subway) and then take a public bus to Tai O., they are single decker buses and quite comfortable, after Tai O we will take a bus or taxi to the Big Buddha whichever is available, it is a relatively short ride.
After visiting the Big Buddha we will then take the NP 360 Cable Car to Tung Chung and then we get the MTR (Subway) back to town.
Most tour companies take the cable car both ways which in my mind is simply not necessary given the large and unavoidable lines in the morning, the view is the same both ways so doing it one way seems to be a very sensible option
My private tour of Lantau from Hotel pick up to Hotel drop off is 8 hours.
Please note I will cover public transport costs, MTR (Subway), buses and taxis for the Lantau Island Tour only
I do NOT cover the cost of the NP 360 Cable Car, this is very expensive (even one way) it is however worth it. (You will need to pay for your tickets, I always pay for my own ticket)
I should also stress that quite a few tour companies particularly those offering cheap prices on Tripadvisor | Viator will ask you to find your own way from town to Tung Chung on Lantau Island (roughly one hour from your hotel) by MTR (Subway) and then after the tour you have to find your own way back to your Hotel from Tung Chung! I am with you every step of the way, there and back
Please also note that the NP 360 Cable Car is down for scheduled maintenance 2 or 3 times a year for short periods, I do keep track of this and will let you know if it clashes with your tour date.
If you have any questions then please contact me.
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Another of the many splendid statues next to The Big Buddha on Lantau Island - an amazing experience | image taken by Jamie
Hong Kong Lantau Island Tour
My introduction to Lantau Island was a not so memorable one, it was in early 1972 and a spring break “camp” so to speak and the chosen place was the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island and back then there was no Big Buddha, there was no NP 360 Cable Car, it was out in the boonies 101 and I hated our time up there in the mountains slumming it in a 1 star hostel
We stayed in the Hostel at the Monastery and the purpose I guess was to show us young kids from well off families that there is a different side of life to the one we lived. Lesson learned and lets move on.
… and yes, I have been going back ever since but mainly to the Tai O Fishing Village which has not changed much since I was kid
Everything changed on Lantau Island in 2006 when the NP 360 Cable Car opened, the Big Buddha had already opened in 1993, the Government spent a lot of money building road access between Tung Chung and the Big Buddha and then onto Tai O but for some reason (and even today) there is only one company allowed to operate a bus service to these locations and the bus frequency is still a major issue because of the massive influx of tourists and yes, because of strict laws (to protect the Island) regarding transportation you basically cannot access these places in a Private Car which require a special permit and those are very scarce indeed. so it is basically public transport (bus, taxi and the cable car)
The Cable Car was the game changer and I did my first Lantau Tour as described above in April 2011 and I have been doing them on a very regular basis ever since and now there are probably 50 - 60 Tour companies offering the tour
In a nutshell, this is a tour NOT to be missed.
A word caution, an inevitable development in Hong Kong has been the explosion of cheap group tour companies who list on Viator and Tripadvisor
These are not companies that have all the values that Private Tour Companies have, they offer group tours and I mean large group tours, typically between 20 - 50 in the group led by robotic local guides who have to work to a memorised script and speak through a microphone, having been on them, well quite simply, they have one aim and that is NOT to lose a guest, they spend a lot of time doing head counts and herding you like cattle whilst yelling redundant facts and figures and they have no particular interest in one on one conversations if you have questions.
But that is not the worst of it (you get what you pay for) they use fake images on their listings and one company (who i have wrote about frequently) who offer 3 variations of exactly the same Lantau Island tour at 3 price points and try working out the difference? and in their case it is what they do not say that is the problem, it feels very much like bait and switch and remarkably Viator and others find this acceptable, but what do they care!
For most people the NP 360 Cable Car ride is what they really want to do and this companies case this is an optional extra, in other words you book the tour because of their amazing fake images on the listing and the super low price and at the end of the tour you are given the option of paying EXTRA for the Cable Car ride (which is very, very expensive) or taking on your own a public bus (and remember you are up in the mountains) and I am always speechless that more people do not complain about this, their listings have false information, false images and they really, really push you to write a 5 star tripadvisor review.
So what I am saying is that you really do get what you pay for and the cheap prices are just a lure, you must read the small print, oh and in most cases you barely get a competent tour guide and I do feel for them because it is the company that is unscrupulous not the poor guide.
On a much more positive note, my friends and I work to a different playbook.
I in general will only work with a maximum of 6 guest and these are not group tours where it is 6 strangers, my small groups are families or friends and most of the time it is just 2 people and you have my undivided attention for 8 hours and i actually know stuff and I am a bit of a storyteller.
Lets face it, you have booked me because I am English and have lived here for 53 years and you actually want to learn something about Hong Kong because you are rather curious about this amazing city state with a long, long history, you will learn NOTHING of note on a cheap group tour or coach tour where you are with 20 - 50 other people, with me, it is just you and me and you can ask me anything you want, I have a reputation for speaking my mind, I am a one of a kind.
If you have any questions just ask.
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Just a few of my guests I have taken to Lantau Island | all images taken by Jamie
Please note that when you book a tour with me, you get me, no one else.
Discover Hong Kong with a Private Tour: 10 Compelling Reasons
A private tour of Hong Kong offers an unparalleled way to experience this vibrant city. Tailored to your preferences, these tours provide flexibility, insider knowledge, and a personalized adventure. Here are ten reasons why a private tour is the ultimate way to explore Hong Kong.
Intimate Group Size
Limited to 1–6 people, a private tour ensures a cozy, personalized experience, allowing you to connect deeply with the city and your guide without the chaos of larger groups.Customized Itineraries
Your tour is crafted to match your interests, whether you’re drawn to bustling markets, serene temples, or stunning views. Enjoy unmatched flexibility to shape your perfect day.Set Your Own Pace
Move at a rhythm that suits you. Whether you linger at a scenic spot or breeze through attractions, the tour adapts to your energy and preferences.Flexible Scheduling
Choose your preferred date and start time. Plus, private tours can be surprisingly cost-effective, offering premium experiences without breaking the bank and yes I pick you up and drop you off according to what you wantSkip the Lines and Skip the Crowds
Maximize your sightseeing time by avoiding congested tourist spots. Your guide navigates the city efficiently, ensuring you spend more time exploring and less time waiting and I do this without asking you to purchase so called skip the line tickets which are so expensive and simply not worth it, there are other ways and I know them,Insider Expertise
Benefit from a local guide’s deep knowledge of Hong Kong’s culture, history, and hidden corners, unlocking insights you won’t find in guidebooks or online sources or on cheap group tours, i have lived in Hong Kong for 53 years, I know the place and I am an information junkie and master storytellerOn-the-Go Flexibility
Change plans mid-tour if inspiration strikes. Want to detour to a new spot? Jamie can adjust the itinerary seamlessly to suit your whims.Unforgettable Memories
Share exclusive moments with family or friends, creating stories you’ll cherish. From stunning views to candid photos, your guide ensures every moment is captured.Immersive Learning Experience
Dive deep into Hong Kong’s rich heritage through engaging storytelling and interactive experiences, making your journey both educational and entertaining, one thing I am not is boring and I am not a crusty old academic type!Hassle-Free Exploration
Travel effortlessly between attractions with a guide who handles logistics, leaving you free to soak in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Hong Kong with ease.
A private tour of Hong Kong isn’t just a trip—it’s a tailored adventure that blends fun, discovery, and convenience, all led by a dedicated guide who’s as excited about the city as you are.
Jamie, 53 years and counting living in Hong Kong
I am a Yorkshireman and English, we should have no communication problems!
Yes, I am able to take last minute bookings for my Private Tours
My insider tip 1
Please note that in general if you book a tour on Viator or Tripadvisor you generally have NO control over what guide will lead your Lantau Island Excursion Tour and this is the most important component of the tour. I urge you to check the actual company website and book via their website and do not forget to read Tripadvisor reviews as well
My insider tip 2
For the Lantau Island tour, if you are researching tour companies you need to read what is offered and then read it again as many as the companies (Viator, Tripadvisor, Get Your Guide etc) offer tours of 5,6, 7 and 8 hours and it can get very confusing.
Anything that is less than 8 hours generally means that something is being left out, my tour is 8 hours and I have covered above what we will be doing and seeing.
My insider tip 3
Please check the NP 360 Website as quite a few times of the year the cable car is down for maintenance which can be anywhere from 3 - 21 days, they always have a banner on their home page advising of any down time - please note I can still do the tour by bus if it is down (which I have done more than a few times)
My insider tip 4
My Private Tours are a combination of walking and using public transport and we go at a pace that suits you, I have never owned or driven a car in Hong Kong and I am somewhat of an expert on public transport, you want to know what makes Hong Kong tick well, travelling on the subway, buses, ferries, trams etc gives you that insight an insight you will not get sat in the back of a car and it enables us to cover a lot more ground on our tour.
© Jamie Lloyd | J3 Consultants Hong Kong | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong |
| 2010 - 2025 All rights reserved. |
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