Aberdeen Sampan + Public Housing Estate Group Tour

This is a tour where you can appreciate the nature, learn about the history and culture of Hong Kong and experience the life of local fisherman all at once!

Join us on an inspirational group tour, exploring Aberdeen, the cultural birthplace of Hong Kong. This includes Ap Lei Chau, the fourth most densely populated island in the world. During the 3-hour tour, we will be on foot and take a traditional wooden sampan fishing boat, and dive into the harbour’s history.

Enjoy a bowl of boat noodles, traditionally prepared by local fisherman, whilst enjoying the beautiful view of the Aberdeen Harbour on a sampan. You would be able to take photos in front of the iconic Hong Kong Floating Restaurant.

We will then visit one of the oldest public housing estates in Hong Kong to learn about the history of public housing development and understand more about how one-third of Hong Kong population live their lives in this second most expensive city in the world. A small hike around the area allows us to see the hundred-year-old waterfall and the seashore shrine which houses thousands of statues of Gods and Goddess, guarding people in the area for decades.

Let’s explore Hong Kong with us like a local!

Price

HKD$ 580

Transportation

Walking and Sampan ride on Aberdeen Harbour

Meeting

Lei Tung MTR station, Exit A1

End Point

Aberdeen Bus Terminus, Aberdeen

Time

11:00am to 2:00pm

Inclusions

Expertly led by licensed guide and owner of the 116K-instagram page @explore_hongkong, the tour includes a 30-min Sampan ride on the Aberdeen Harbour and a bowl of traditional boat noodles* and local food in one of the oldest cafés in Hong Kong!

Exclusions

Public transportation

Highlights

Explore Aberdeen, the birthplace of Hong Kong. Learn about Aberdeen’s earliest role as a vital port of trade, incense manufacturing and fishing.
Explore Ap Lei Chau, the fourth most densely populated island in the world, including the culturally significant Hung Shing Temple and Shui Yuet Temple
Continue the journey on a Sampan and take photos in front of the iconic Hong Kong Floating Restaurant.
*Enjoying a bowl of traditional boat noodles on a Sampan
Learn how important the God and Goddess of the Sea are to fishermen in Hong Kong
Visit one of the oldest public housing estates and understand about how one-third of Hong Kong population live their lives in this second most expensive city in the world.
A small hike to see the hundred-year-old waterfall and the seashore shrine which houses thousands of statues of Gods and Goddess, guarding people in the area for decades.
Visit one of the oldest Hong Kong cafés for local snacks and drinks

*tasting might change due to availability

We also provide this tour virtually if you are unable to join in person. Check it out here.

Big Buddha & Tai O – private Lantau car tour

Lantau Island Car Tour: Discover the Hidden Treasures

Comfort, Convenience, and Exclusive Access

Make the most of your visit by taking a Lantau car tour with your very own driver and guide.
Enjoy door-to-door service, collecting you from and returning you to your hotel, airport, or cruise ship, ensuring a seamless and memorable day out.
Experience comfort and convenience as we navigate Lantau Island’s attractions in a private car.

Choose from our car options:

Premium Toyota Alphard: Ideal for groups of up to 5 passengers, offering spacious and luxurious travel.
Luxury Mercedes V-Class: Perfect for larger groups of up to 6 passengers, providing a sophisticated and comfortable ride.
Benefit from our exclusive license to access the restricted zone of Lantau Island, offering unique opportunities not available with other tour companies.
Our knowledgeable and friendly guides, fluent in English, will ensure you make the most of your time in Hong Kong.

Flexible Itinerary and Tailored Experience

Choose from a variety of options to include in your itinerary based on your interests and time constraints.
Enjoy the flexibility to customise your tour and create a personalised experience.
If you have a specific destination in mind that is not listed, simply inquire, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Lantau Island Attractions: Unveiling the Gems

1. The Big Buddha: Visit the iconic Big Buddha statue and Po Lin Monastery.

- Explore the importance of Buddhism and its representation in the hearts, minds, and belief system of the people of Hong Kong.
- Ascend the 268 steps to the Tian Tan Big Buddha, a magnificent statue rising 34 meters into the air, offering panoramic views and attracting pilgrims from across Asia.

2. Tai O Fishing Village: Immerse yourself in the charm of the traditional fishing village.

- Wander through stilt houses inhabited by fishermen and their families.\Experience the relaxed atmosphere and slow pace of life in one of the best-preserved places in Hong Kong.

Additional Options to Enhance Your Experience

Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car: Take a breathtaking ride on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, offering stunning views of the landscape surrounding the Big Buddha.
Cheung Sha Beachside Lunch: Indulge in a delightful beachside lunch at Cheung Sha, savouring the flavours of Hong Kong.
Tai O Waterfall and Rock Pool: Discover the natural beauty of Tai O with a visit to the waterfall and rock pool, immersing yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings.
Hong Kong DolphinWatch Experience: For nature enthusiasts, embark on the Hong Kong DolphinWatch experience and encounter these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Unlocking the Charms of Lantau Island

As one of the only tour companies licensed to access the restricted zone of Lantau Island, a car tour with us opens the door to this fascinating part of Hong Kong.
Lantau Island, known as Hong Kong’s green lung, offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore its captivating beauty.
Let us craft a personalised Lantau Island car tour that exceeds your expectations and creates memories to last a lifetime.
Contact us today to embark on an unforgettable journey through the hidden treasures of Lantau Island.

The VIP Hong Kong Experience

Embark on an unforgettable VIP experience as we pick you up from your hotel and take you on a mesmerising 18-minute helicopter ride above the world-famous Victoria Harbour skyline, granting you panoramic views of the picturesque beaches and bays of South Hong Kong Island.

Next, we’ll journey to the majestic and vibrant Wong Tai Sin Temple. A place where you can connect with the divine and make offerings to fulfil your heart’s desires. You’ll even have the opportunity to have your palm read by skilled fortune-tellers, adding an intriguing twist to your day.

For lunch, we’ve secured a table at a two-Michelin star restaurant, three options available subject to availability.

Our adventure continues as we ride in the private cabin of the Ngong Ping cable car, treating you to breathtaking panoramic views of the countryside and the bustling Hong Kong International Airport. The journey leads us to the serene Po Lin Monastery and the iconic Big Buddha, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquility and grandeur of this sacred site.

As the day gently transitions into evening, we’ll make our way back to Hong Kong Island for an enchanting sunset cruise on a private cruiser. Savor your preferred beverages as you bask in the breathtaking panorama of Victoria Harbour, where the city’s towering skyscrapers come to life against the canvas of the setting sun. This exquisite experience serves as the perfect crescendo to a day brimming with extraordinary moments.

Please note that this tour is completely bespoke and above is a sample of what we can do during your VIP experience in Hong Kong. Feel free to customise this tour with additional elements, including the Jewish Heritage of Hong Kong.

Shore Excursions

While your ship is in port, make the most of your visit by taking a private car shore excursion around Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula with your very own driver guide. We take all the stress out of your visit with our door-to-door service, collecting you from and returning you to your cruise ship terminal.

As well as offering comfort and convenience, we are one of the few tour companies licensed to access the restricted access zone of Lantau Island by car. Our knowledgeable and friendly guides all speak excellent English and will ensure you make the most of your time in Hong Kong.

We have a number of shore excursion car itineraries. The first is a classic Hong Kong Highlights tour taking in several better-known destinations. We often recommend this to first time visitors as it takes in many of Hong Kong’s best known and most iconic spots.

However, if you would prefer to go further off the beaten track to see another side of Hong Kong, we would recommend our Explore the New Territories tour. There are plenty of fascinating spots that are difficult to access by public transport and also tend to be a little less crowded.

Listed below are some of the options we could include in your itinerary depending on your interests and time constraints. Your itinerary is completely flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs. If you have a destination in mind that is not listed, please enquire and we will accommodate your request if possible.

Hong Kong Highlights Shore Excursion

Hong Kong Island:

Victoria Peak
Man Mo Temple
Stanley Market
Aberdeen

Kowloon:

Wong Tai Sin Temple – Make a wish at Hong Kong’s most vibrant temple
Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery – Enjoy a beautiful garden and tranquil retreat
Mongkok’s Markets: Bird Garden, Flower Market, Goldfish Market, Ladies Market

You can view our tour booking page here for a shore excursion of Hong Kong and Kowloon

Lantau Island for Big Buddha & Tai O Shore Excursion

Lantau Island:

The Big Buddha
Po Lin Monastery
Tai O Fishing Village
HKZM Bridge

You can view our tour booking page here for a shore excursion of Lantau Island for Big Buddha and Tai O

Explore the New Territories on a Shore Excursion

Sai Kung for the National Park or the seafood promenade.
Tai Po District: Wet market, floating fishing village in Sam Mun Tsai, Tsz Shan Monastery* and Guan Yin Statue.
Kadoorie Farm.
Abandoned villages and fortified walled communities in Sha Tin.
The 10, 000 Buddhas Monastery in Shatin.
Monkey Mountain the native (and very tame) Macaques monkeys. *Please do not feed the monkeys under any circumstances.
Jat’s Incline: An amazing panoramic view.
Shopping at Sum Ngai Brass Factory or Yuet Tung China Works

*A visit to the Tsz Shan Monastery must be booked at least four weeks in advance.

You can view our tour booking page here for a shore excursion of the New Territories

Cruise ships we receive booking for 2023-24: Celebrity Solstice, Westerdam, Costa Delizoiza, Costa Serena, Celebrity Millennium, Diamond Princess, Queen Mary II, Serenade of the Seas, Mein Schiff 6, Insignia, Royal Princess, MSC Bellissima, Norwegian Spirit, Quantum of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, Coral Princess, Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Sojourn, Seven Seas Explorer, Silver Muse, Silver Nova, Viking Orion

Lantau Island Full Day Tour

Lantau Island is known as Hong Kong’s green lung, and you can imagine stepping back in time 50 years when you visit. Most of this stunning island is untouched and can only be accessed by public transport. I will navigate you seamlessly through the highlights in this 8 hour private tour. Highlights include, a private car transfer from your accommodation to the cable-car, skip the line access at the cable-car (I am a licensed guide and so you will avoid the long lines), the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery and Tai O fishing village.

I will help you to understand the meanings of the stories that make this place so special, and how the teachings weave their way into Chinese culture and society on this experience. We will arrive by cable-car via skip-the-line access and enjoy the stunning and dramatic landscapes of Lantau on the 24-minute panoramic ride. Once we arrive to the top of the mountain, we will continue by foot to explore all corners of this uniquely different part of Hong Kong. Many times travellers visit this area as a first introduction to Buddhism, let me open it up for you! There are many things to see, but not that easy understand, such as Buddha’s story, a visit to the memory palace connected to the Big Buddha statue, and the word “emptiness” in relation to the faith – perhaps the most misunderstood word in Buddhism. I can also show you a hidden place where you will be able to “speak” directly to the Buddha. These are the things that you will not learn from a guide book.

This is an in-depth look at Tai O village. This is a must-see for anyone interested in visiting the real Hong Kong. This relaxing village is one of the best preserved places on Lantau Island, indeed the whole of Hong Kong, largely owing to the efforts of the local community… and a place to just really slow down. Situated at the end of the Pearl River Delta, where it meets the South China Sea, its history and culture are intrinsically linked to its geographical location. We will take a small boat ride to view the stilted houses for a close up look at how people live in this small enclave. There is a chance to view the Hong Kong- Macau – Zhuhai bridge from the open estuary and maybe a pink dolphin or two. Then we will visit the Tai O Heritage hotel, a former colonial police station which was converted in 2013. This has a story all on its own. Finally, we will wander through the market streets, say hello to the villagers who live there, and see all the home-made produce (much of which is linked to the preservation of fish).

Read more on this unique corner of Hong Kong on our blog – Tian Tan Buddha