It comes as something of a surprise that Lantau Island (also known as Big Fish Mountain) is actually twice as big as Hong Kong Island - and, despite the new towns of Discovery Bay and Tung Chung, there is clearly considerable scope for getting offthe beaten track as more than halfthe island has been des- ignated a country park. With wild countryside, monasteries, old fishing villages and seriously secluded beaches, Lantau offers the best quick escape fi’om down- town Hong Kong - more than half the island is designated as “country park”. However, this tranquillity is unlikely to last, at least along the northern and northeastern shores, as Hong Kong’s airport at Chek Lap Kok and its associat- ed transport links are spawning a range of new conmaercial and residential developments, plus Disney World, slated to open in 2005-6.
The tranquillity of other parts of the island shouldn’t be fatally disturbed, and serious hikers nfight want to take advantage of the seventy-kilometre Lantau Trail, which links up the popular scenic spots on the island in twelve stages and is dotted along its length by campsites and youth hostels; for detailed infor- mation on this, pay a call to the Country Parks Authority in Kowloon (see p.744). Even ifyou intend doing only a short hike or a quick whip round the main sights, try to set aside a full day for Lantau, or plan to pay two or more visits, as the sights are scattered. Ifyou’re pressed for tinae, you could catch the Lantau Explorer Bus trip, operated by New World Fast Ferry ($130 per per- son, including return ferry trip, bus and guide; lasts five hours and covers the main sights).
The main point of arrival for visitors to Lantau Island is Mui To, otherwise known as Silvermine Bay, about one hour from the Outlying Islands Ferry Piers. Some of the Mui Wo boats stop at the small island of Peng Chau ear route. There are also a few ferries daily which connect Mui Wo with Cheung Chau. The other point of arrival is Discovery Bay, a residential area connected by frequent high-speed ferries (24hr) from Outlying Islands Ferry Pier 3.
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