When cycling, please remember to always follow road safety regulations, wear proper protective gear and stay alert, especially on unfamiliar or busy routes, to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.
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As Hong Kong’s largest island, the verdant, mountainous Lantau Island is home to many hiking trails and nearly 50 enticing towns and villages. Among them is the resort town of Discovery Bay, which offers breathtaking nature, outdoor adventures and fine restaurants only a 25-minute ferry ride from the heart of the city.
Its proximity to Hong Kong International Airport, the extensive retail offerings at Tung Chung New Town, and the family theme park of Hong Kong Disneyland has kept Discovery Bay a popular neighbourhood since its creation in the 1980s.
These landmark developments are interconnected by trails snaking over rolling hills that pass through white-sand beaches, old villages and heritage sites. One great way to explore this side of the island is to take a walk through the relaxing route that links the charming coastal town of Mui Wo and Discovery Bay, which is suitable for all fitness levels.
One of the first sights greeting you as you step off the ferry is a collection of hundreds of parked bicycles, some of which are for rent. Many enjoy cycling here and visit nearby villages along the way.
After a refreshing stroll along the seaside promenade, you will reach the white-sand beach of Silver Mine Bay. Continue walking along the beach to the sign for ‘Discovery Bay’ near the end of Tung Wan Tau Road. A paved slope marks the beginning of a long ascent. Pace yourself, and do turn around from time to time to admire the spectacular views of Mui Wo’s coastline.
After a moderately strenuous hike, you will reach the Monastery of Our Lady of Joy Abbey, founded in the 1950s by the Trappists. It’s home to 14 monks and closed to the public, but visitors are welcome to stroll down the hill to explore the Pax Intrantibus garden, known for two granite pillars at its entrance and the East-meets-West-style pavilion where a Virgin Mary statue stands. In this tranquil setting about midway through your journey, you will find benches where you can sit and relax your tired legs.
The abbey used to be known as the Trappist Monastery before 2000. It was also the site of the local popular Trappist Dairy from the early 1960s to the 1980s. Production has since moved to Yuen Long, and its milk and yoghurt offerings are still sold throughout the city.
After following the meandering pathway that passes through villages along the bay of Nim Shue Wan, you will arrive at the resort-style neighbourhood of Discovery Bay.
Situated next to the ferry pier stop, the circular oceanfront DB Plaza is a great spot to sit and relax as you people-watch.
In addition to its good range of restaurants and shops, it also hosts a monthly Sunday market with stalls selling locally produced handmade arts and crafts.
You can recover from the hike while enjoying al fresco dining at D’Deck next to the plaza, which offers an array of international cuisines, from Chinese and Thai to Italian, Spanish and Mexican.
Don’t leave the island without taking a barefoot stroll along Tai Pak Beach’s 400-metre-long stretch of soft white sand. The city’s first man-made private beach, the area was created in the 1980s using 300,000 cubic metres of sand imported from Mainland China.
It’s also home to Hong Kong’s largest beach playground, featuring a mini zipline, plus attractions such as a rope bridge, numerous climbing frames and obstacles, slides and swings.
Another 30-minute stroll along Discovery Bay Road will take you to Central Park, the communal heart and the largest public park in Discovery Bay. The park features tree-lined paths, ponds, streams and waterfalls. Families often have picnics sitting out on the grassland while children play ball games.
Many visitors love to relax here in the shaded areas by the water while enjoying birdsong and watching turtles and koi carp swim.
A stone’s throw away from Central Park is the hotel Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong. Its Pavilion, also known as the White Chapel, is one of the most Instagrammable hotspots in Discovery Bay. This waterfront, 16-metre-tall, triangular prism-shaped glass house is, unsurprisingly, a popular wedding venue.
The most photogenic spot is at the triangular front door, where you can capture the building’s geometric form, flanked by lush mountains behind the chapel and the sparkling sea.
If you happen to visit just before a wedding, you may see a horse-drawn carriage bringing the soon-to-be-married couple to the venue.
The waterfront resort also offers guests an idyllic escape away from bustling city life. Visitors can wind down after a hike and soothe their weary limbs in the spa, or savour sea and mountain views while sipping a cool drink. You can also enjoy all-day dining and drinks at the cafe and the sports bar. Or, if you wish, extend your day trip to an overnight stay at the hotel.
Next to the hotel is the palm-tree-flanked outdoor shopping centre, DB North, which offers a good selection of cafes and restaurants, as well as an impressive European-style clock tower — another popular photo spot for Instagrammers.
One of the first sights greeting you as you step off the ferry is a collection of hundreds of parked bicycles, some of which are for rent. Many enjoy cycling here and visit nearby villages along the way.
After a refreshing stroll along the seaside promenade, you will reach the white-sand beach of Silver Mine Bay. Continue walking along the beach to the sign for ‘Discovery Bay’ near the end of Tung Wan Tau Road. A paved slope marks the beginning of a long ascent. Pace yourself, and do turn around from time to time to admire the spectacular views of Mui Wo’s coastline.
After a moderately strenuous hike, you will reach the Monastery of Our Lady of Joy Abbey, founded in the 1950s by the Trappists. It’s home to 14 monks and closed to the public, but visitors are welcome to stroll down the hill to explore the Pax Intrantibus garden, known for two granite pillars at its entrance and the East-meets-West-style pavilion where a Virgin Mary statue stands. In this tranquil setting about midway through your journey, you will find benches where you can sit and relax your tired legs.
The abbey used to be known as the Trappist Monastery before 2000. It was also the site of the local popular Trappist Dairy from the early 1960s to the 1980s. Production has since moved to Yuen Long, and its milk and yoghurt offerings are still sold throughout the city.
After following the meandering pathway that passes through villages along the bay of Nim Shue Wan, you will arrive at the resort-style neighbourhood of Discovery Bay.
Situated next to the ferry pier stop, the circular oceanfront DB Plaza is a great spot to sit and relax as you people-watch.
In addition to its good range of restaurants and shops, it also hosts a monthly Sunday market with stalls selling locally produced handmade arts and crafts.
You can recover from the hike while enjoying al fresco dining at D’Deck next to the plaza, which offers an array of international cuisines, from Chinese and Thai to Italian, Spanish and Mexican.
Don’t leave the island without taking a barefoot stroll along Tai Pak Beach’s 400-metre-long stretch of soft white sand. The city’s first man-made private beach, the area was created in the 1980s using 300,000 cubic metres of sand imported from Mainland China.
It’s also home to Hong Kong’s largest beach playground, featuring a mini zipline, plus attractions such as a rope bridge, numerous climbing frames and obstacles, slides and swings.
Another 30-minute stroll along Discovery Bay Road will take you to Central Park, the communal heart and the largest public park in Discovery Bay. The park features tree-lined paths, ponds, streams and waterfalls. Families often have picnics sitting out on the grassland while children play ball games.
Many visitors love to relax here in the shaded areas by the water while enjoying birdsong and watching turtles and koi carp swim.
A stone’s throw away from Central Park is the hotel Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong. Its Pavilion, also known as the White Chapel, is one of the most Instagrammable hotspots in Discovery Bay. This waterfront, 16-metre-tall, triangular prism-shaped glass house is, unsurprisingly, a popular wedding venue.
The most photogenic spot is at the triangular front door, where you can capture the building’s geometric form, flanked by lush mountains behind the chapel and the sparkling sea.
If you happen to visit just before a wedding, you may see a horse-drawn carriage bringing the soon-to-be-married couple to the venue.
The waterfront resort also offers guests an idyllic escape away from bustling city life. Visitors can wind down after a hike and soothe their weary limbs in the spa, or savour sea and mountain views while sipping a cool drink. You can also enjoy all-day dining and drinks at the cafe and the sports bar. Or, if you wish, extend your day trip to an overnight stay at the hotel.
Next to the hotel is the palm-tree-flanked outdoor shopping centre, DB North, which offers a good selection of cafes and restaurants, as well as an impressive European-style clock tower — another popular photo spot for Instagrammers.