The Perfect 12 Hours in Hong Kong with Kids: Lantau Island Adventure
Two years ago, we made a relatively last-minute decision to take the whole family to Hong Kong. What started as a short, perfunctory business trip for my husband turned into a three-week Hong Kong and Philippines adventure with our 3-year-old and 6-month-old.
Why? Because maternity leave doesn’t last forever and sometimes you just have to grab the opportunities when they arrive and figure out the finances and logistics later.
And I’m so glad we did.
Hong Kong turned out to be an absolute eye-opener. It’s not traditionally the easiest destination to tackle with a baby and toddler (lots of sightseeing, multiple forms of transport, and plenty of stairs!), but we got through it - and it was 10000% worth it.
We spent 10 days exploring the city - visiting The Peak, museums, night markets, and of course Disneyland - but this one day on Lantau Island was by far our favourite. It was hectic, magical, and we all collapsed into bed that night. But it was also a 10/10 adventure that showed us a completely different side of Hong Kong.
If you’ve only got one full day to escape the skyscrapers, here’s how to spend the perfect 12 hours in Hong Kong with kids on Lantau Island.
Morning: Tung Chung & The Ngong Ping Cable Car
We started the day by taking public transport to Tung Chung, the gateway to Lantau Island. From there, we hopped on the Ngong Ping Cable Car - hands down the highlight for the kids (and honestly, the grown-ups too). The ride offers sweeping views of mountains, ocean, and even planes taking off from the airport.
Tip: Book your tickets online in advance. You’ll skip most of the long queues and, if your budget allows, pay a little extra for the glass-bottom cabin. The views - and the squeals of excitement - are unforgettable.
Midday: The Big Buddha & Po Lin Monastery
At the top, we arrived in Ngong Ping Village and made our way to the Tian Tan Big Buddha. Climbing the steps with a toddler in tow was no small feat, but the reward was spectacular panoramic views across the island and the South China Sea. The atmosphere at the top was serene and calming - a total contrast to the busy city we’d left behind.
We also explored the Po Lin Monastery, with its incense-filled courtyards, colourful temples, and intricate details that made it feel like we’d stepped into another world.
Afternoon: Beachside Lunch at Cheung Sha
By midday, we were ready to swap temples for sand. A quick taxi ride took us to Lower Cheung Sha Beach, one of Hong Kong’s longest and most beautiful stretches of coastline. We settled into Bathers Beach Restaurant for a relaxed lunch. Toes in the sand, cocktails in hand and plenty of space for the kids to run wild on the beach - it was blissful. The slow pace and ocean breeze were the perfect reset after a busy morning.
Evening: Sunset Ferry Ride
After lunch, we grabbed another taxi to Mui Wo Ferry Terminal (tip: check ferry times in advance). We boarded the ferry back to Central Hong Kong just as the sun was dipping towards the horizon. Watching Victoria Harbour turn golden while the kids leaned over the railings, spotting boats, was one of those magical travel moments you never forget.
It was the perfect, peaceful ending to a very busy day.
Why We Loved It
In just 12 hours, we managed to squeeze in:
• Temples
• Mountains
• Beaches
• Harbours
It felt adventurous, cultural, and still totally doable with little ones. Hong Kong may not be the easiest destination with babies and toddlers, but Lantau Island showed us that it can be family-friendly and unforgettable.
If you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong with kids, I’d urge you to set aside one full day for Lantau. It might just be your favourite too.
A Little Reflection
We actually took this trip about nine months before I discovered the travel business opportunity I’m now part of - and I still think about all the benefits and perks we could have enjoyed if I’d booked it as a travel agent. Today, I’m lucky to be part of a team full of intrepid travellers who share tips, stories, and support each other along the way. If you’d like to see the faces behind our adventures, head over to our Meet The Team page and find out more about some of our agents.
And if you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to travel more and make it work for me too,” then you might just find our team is the place for you. Click here to find out how you can join our team.