Mui Wo
Mui Wo, the main ferry gateway to Lantau Island, offers a refreshing escape from Hong Kong's urban intensity. This sleepy coastal town, with its laid-back vibe, traditional village houses, and a long sandy beach, feels a world away from the skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island. It's the perfect base for exploring Lantau's wilder side, from mountain hikes to hidden temples.
Highlights & What to See
- Silvermine Bay Beach – A long, sandy public beach with calm waters, ideal for a lazy afternoon swim or a picnic with views of the distant islands.
- Mui Wo Mangrove Boardwalk – A short, shaded walk through a mangrove forest, where you can spot fiddler crabs, mudskippers, and birds at low tide.
- Silvermine Cave & Waterfall – A former silver mine turned atmospheric cave, followed by a refreshing waterfall – a cool retreat on a hot day.
- Trappist Haven Monastery – A serene monastery run by Trappist monks, known for its dairy products (try the fresh milk and yoghurt) and peaceful gardens.
- Lantau Trail Stage 1 – The start of the famous Lantau Trail, winding through coastal scenery and up to the hills for panoramic views of the South China Sea.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend half a day to a full day exploring Mui Wo, combining a beach visit with a short hike or a trip to the monastery. If you're keen on hiking the Lantau Trail, plan for a full day and stay overnight at one of the village guesthouses. For a relaxed pace, arrive mid-morning, enjoy lunch at a seafood restaurant, then take the afternoon ferry back.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Tai O – Lantau's stilt-house fishing village, famous for its sunset views and dried seafood market.
- Ngong Ping 360 & Tian Tan Buddha – Take the cable car from Tung Chung to the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery for a spiritual experience.
- Discovery Bay – An upscale residential enclave with a Mediterranean feel, great for a leisurely meal or a round of golf.
- Cheung Chau Island – A short ferry ride away, this car-free island offers more beaches, seafood, and the famous bun-snatching festival.
- Lantau South Country Park – Wild, unspoiled beaches and hiking trails, including the scenic walk to Cheung Sha Beach.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Tai O — Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Ngong Ping & Big Buddha — Fitri Agung aka fitri.agung on Flickr. / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Discovery Bay — Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Cheung Chau Island — Ceeseven / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Lantau Trail — Underwaterbuffalo / CC BY-SA 4.0