Of the 235 islands that comprise Hong Kong, Lantau Island is the largest. It has a unique fishing village, very attractive mountain scenery (the highest mountain is Lantau Peak at 3,000 feet), and an impressive rocky coastline. There are also pretty white beaches. Surprisingly, not incongruously, some modern developments are nestled in the foothills. The island offers a pleasant respite from the sometimes cacophonic noises of a big city.

The ferries from Central District arrive at the town of Mui Wo on Silvermine Bay. The trip takes about an hour, and the ferry passes lots of tiny islands on its way to Lantau. The area of Silvermine Bay has a beach and lots of little restaurants. (Most of the restaurants specialize in seafood.)

Po Lin Monastery is located on the Ngong Ping Plateau at an altitude of 1,700 feet. This is not an ancient site; the monastery was opened in 1970. The main attraction of Po Lin is its 250-ton, 102-foot-high Great Bronze Buddha statue. It is the largest Buddha statue in Asia. At Po Lin, there is also an excellent vegetarian restaurant operated by the monks and open to the general public.