Lantau Peak base is only a short 15 minute walk from the Big Buddha. This is the second highest mountain in Hong Kong and highest on Lantau Island (934m) and is a popular (if punishing) hike to the very top. The hike will not be on the to-do list for most tourists, but anyone doing the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car ride and Big Buddha, can easily walk around to the base. It’s worth taking the extra time to do this because it is so strikingly scenic. The pyramid-like Peak was formed from volcanic activity during the Jurassic period. The volcanic rocks give it a rugged, angular look as it rises up sharply from the surrounding landscape. At the base, is the Wisdom Path, a simple but powerful set of monumental wooden pillars carved with the complete verses of the Heart Sutra. The path from the Buddha is well sign-posted and is a flat, paved walk the whole way.

I hiked all the way from the Tung Chung station (took me about 2 hours). First part up to about 500m where the Big Buddha is a nice hike but you can also skip it and take the cable car and start from there. Starting from Big Buddha, the path is quite good with steps made from rocks. It took me about 1 hour to the top, and 30 minutes down. Do note I am an experienced hiker. If you are not in shape, this paet of the hike can easily take 2 hours to go up and 1 hour to come down. Fascinating view, I would definitely recommend it.