Lantau Island Hotels and Accommodation Guide

Among all the outlying islands, the greatest in size and possibly in atmosphere is Lantau. With a land mass twice that of Hong Kong Island, Lantau is still rather traditional, keeping with its rural village lifestyles. The place is tranquil and its serenity has attracted many beleaguered urban dwellers. Lantau is also suitable for the building of many Christian and Buddhist monasteries.

Although the island is larger than Hong Kong Island, its population is only about 25,000 people, thus space and peace is guaranteed. The island's calm atmosphere is only disrupted on weekends or public holidays by visitors seeking relief from their hectic schedules.

In Cantonese, Lantau means 'broken head', perhaps because of its rugged dignity that is dominated by Lantau Peak, which rises 933 meters (3,086 ft) above sea level. Lantau is now very much heard of due to the opening of the new international airport in 1998. Chek Lap Kok international airport is on a tiny islet called Chek Lap Kok. Also, new housing blocks have been built in northern Lantau to house the innumerable airport staff and airline employees. Bridges have also been linked to the airport from Kowloon and Hong Kong. Nevertheless, even with the rapid development on Lantau, the island continues to remain rural.