Being known for its impressive skyline, high population, buzzing nightlife and fast paced lifestyles, we have the tendency to forget that only 25% percent of Hong Kong is actually developed, and 40% of the remaining area is made up of country parks and nature reserves. The largest island of Hong Kong is that of Lantau, where the international airport and Disneyland are kept out of the way of the busy city workers. On the eastern coast of this eclectic island is the quaint, modest town of Mui Wo, an access point for hiking opportunities, bicycle tracks, hostels, beautiful hidden rock pools, vast beaches, campsites and plenty of weekend getaway ideas.
If you fancy some authentic quality seafood, you can take a stroll down the Mui Wo Cooked Food Market by the pier, or hop on a coach and visit the gorgeous sandy beaches of Pui O or Cheung Sha to walk amongst the buffalo, have a splash about and relax with a cool beer. If the direct ferry from Central doesn’t quite take your fancy, you can hop on the MTR at Hong Kong station and get a bus from Tung Chung to get to any of these wilderness must-sees.
Sam, 24, Grown up in Discovery Bay
Along with his two brothers, Sam was adopted at the age of 3 by British parents and whisked away to the open plaza of Discovery Bay, located on the North East coast of Lantau, where he grew up amongst the trees, taking advantage of the wilderness around him and meeting plenty of friends. After coming back from studying in the UK and moving to Hong Kong island, Sam spent 5 months living on Cheung Sha beach where he worked as a manager at the bar, enjoying the weekend city-escapers and relaxing on the sand and up the hills in his spare time.
Bahce Turkish Restaurant
Shop 19, G/F, Mui Wo Centre, 3 Ngan Wan Road, Lantau Island
Daily 11:30am – 10:30pm
Authentic Turkish cuisine located within an arms reach of the Mui Wo ferry pier. Grab some hummus, baba ganoush and hearty kebabs either to eat in or to take up the hills on your day out adventure.
#weekend #escape at #muiwo with my best friend #kebab
A photo posted by Leslie Tam / 譚焌釗 (@chut_lez) on
The Gallery Bar & Restaurant
26 Tong Fuk Village, Lantau Island | Mon-Sat 6pm – 1am; Sun 12pm – 1am
Down on Tung Fuk beach, a short bus ride away, and run by a gentlemen known as ‘Grumpy Dave’ to the locals, this is a great spot to chill out with your mates and eat some quality Western food by the sand. Here is great for grilled fresh seafood, meats, pastas and burgers.
The Stoep Restaurant
50 Lower Cheung Sha Beach, Cheung Sha Lantau Island | https://thestoephk.com/ | Mon-Fri 12pm – 7pm; Sat-Sun 12pm – 8pm
Just down the road from the main street, located on the shore is this bright orange and blue eatery, serving up a delicious combination of South African and Mediterranean food. Munching on quality roast chicken and barbecued meats while looking over the pretty koi pond and frolicking in the sand isn’t a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
#friedcheese #hummus #salad #seedloaf #vegetarian #lunch #thestoep #cheungsha #lantau #hongkong 🤗
A photo posted by @rktoro on
Zack, 22, Grew up in Mui Wo
Having moved to the wilderness before he could even open his eyes, Zack has grown up a proper Lantau boy. The peaceful community flourishes with other like-minded families, moving out of the concrete jungle into the, well, actual jungle to enjoy the quiet and experience a more nature filled upbringing. Zack says growing up here with the other kids was great, there are always new places to explore and you’re never without exciting things to do. He has just spent 3 years studying game design in Hong Kong and finished his fourth and final year in Savannah, Georgia. Keep an eye out on your app store as he is currently working on making his very own game right now!
La Pizzeria
Shop C, G/F, Grandview Mansion, 11 Mui Wo Ferry Pier Road, Lantau Island | Tue-Fri 11am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm; Sat-Sun 11am – 11pm
A fond memory for plenty of Lantau dwellers as this Pizzeria has been around for years. The menu is full of Italian classics and the atmosphere is cheerful and friendly.
Taco Chaca
Shop No.9, G/F, Mui Wo Centre, 3 Ngan Wan Rd, Lantau Island | Daily 12pm – 10pm
Zack swears this Is the best Mexican around, with their fluffy, filling burritos and frozen margaritas to accompany. And within site of the ferry piers and bus terminal, it’s an easy pit stop on your way home.
A photo posted by The Traveling Party (@eattraveldrinkph) on
Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar
Shop 11, G/F, Mui Wo Centre, 3 Ngan Wan Road, Mui Wo, Lantau Island | Mon & Wed-Sat 12pm – 11pm; Sun 12pm – 12am; Closed Tuesday
We all love our share of cheese, but how about a plate of Friday yak cheese? With a small port of cranberry sauce on the side, this is definitely a little guilty pleasure of those venturing to the island.
Born in London and whisked away to Hong Kong at 2 years old, I have grown up surrounded by fast paced cultures and international events. They have shaped my attitude to the world from a young age: the world is small and I want to explore it all.
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