Hong Kong is known for being a busy, bustling metropolis full of high rises and plenty of people. But one of the most amazing things about this city is also the proximity to nature. Be that the beautiful trails just a few minutes from the skyscrapers, or the lovely, laid-back islands, all with their own personality, that are just a ferry ride away.

On our first trip to Hong Kong, we were lucky enough to spend a whole weekend on Lantau Island, the largest island in the area, due to my husband coaching at a running camp there. It is just a 30 minute trip from the central pier via fast ferry or one hour on the slow ferry.

We stayed at the Silvermine Beach Resort in Mui Wo. It is situated right on the beach front with lovely views and if you have an energetic little one, like we do, it is in very easy reach of the promenade and beach which is great for letting them expend that extra energy! Here are a few ways to spend your time on Lantau.

BIG BUDDHA TEMPLE
After leaving central Hong Kong we arrived in the cute town of Mui Wo and from there caught a bus to the Po Lin Monastery. Home of the Big Buddha. You can also opt to arrive by the Nong Ping 360 cable car, leaving from the Tung Chung MTR Station.

It was a deceptively cold and very foggy when we reached the mountain top location and our first stop was the warmth of the Po Lin Monastery vegetarian restaurant. The restaurant is a cavernous space with lots of tables so you shouldn’t need to wait long for a seat. The meals are a set menu, cheap and cheerful and definitely worth stopping for, especially if you are vegetarian like us.

After exploring the temples we made our way to the steps leading to the Big Buddha, which was mysteriously shrouded in a thick blanket of fog. After climbing the 268 steps we found ourself at the foot of the Big Buddha, which even in the mist was an impressive sight at 34 metres in height. After walking around the statue, and looking inside the small museum, it was back down to Ngong Ping Village. Whilst the village piazza is very commercial and touristy, is a good spot to have your photo taken with Hello Kitty if you have a keen little one in tow, or find a cozy cafe to warm up whilst you wait for your transport home.

TAI O FISHING VILLAGE
Tai O Fishing VillagIe is famous for its stilt houses built on the tidal flats of Lantau Island. It is a great place to wander and observe this traditional lifestyle. There are also lots of great seafood restaurants and cute shops nearby in a maze of little laneways. It is an easy journey from Mui Wo village by bus.

FAMILY FRIENDLY HIKING
There is lots of great hiking on Lantau Island, from easy strolls to strenuous hikes. Whilst my husband was off running the more strenuous trails with his training camp, I strapped Layla into the Ergo Carrier and took a stroll around a flatter path which hugs the coastline, eventually stopping at a deserted little beach to splash our toes in the water and explore the rock pools.