YHA Ngong Ping SG Davis Youth Hostel (Lantau Island)

Depends on your purpose for visiting this area, you may or may not find this hostel convenient. I chose this hostel solely because I planned to check out Tai O and do an early morning hike up Lantau Peak. There’s actually not much in the area except the Giant Buddha, the beautiful monastery, and the Wisdom Path if you choose to include it. This is the only hotel/hostel in the area. There’s no supermarket or convenience store nearby, so I highly suggest bringing plenty of food and drinks before arriving. You might also want to bring your own slippers! The hostel has a water purifier, hot and cold showers, a microwave, fridge, a spacious kitchen, and other essentials. I didn’t cook during my stay—I bought food from Tai O instead. Nonetheless, it was super convenient for me since I like to go slow and enjoy things at my own pace. Note that a membership fee of 150 HKD is required, and there’s also a refundable deposit of 500 HKD, unless you damage something on the property. Karen and Mark were super nice—I had a great chat with both of them!

Tung Chung - 2 nights - private double room Expectation/Reality: this is the only provider of accommodation in the area so expectations need to be managed. They have the ability to essentially set terms, so the negative reviews here are likely from the folks who didn’t read the find print. The photos match the space very well. However the hostel reached out over what’s app a number of days before the booking asking for the $150 membership fee and $500 deposit, which I was not comfortable providing until arrival, however the hostel was okay with that. Security: very good, there is a gate lock and a lock to the door, very safe. Hygiene: overall very clean, no concerns. Hospitality: the check in and out process is all over what’s app, so you are at the mercy of how responsive they are which can be frustration when trying to get in. Once you are in, it’s fine. Social Atmosphere: good social spaces. Overall: given they essentially have a monopoly on accommodation in the area. It’s a pretty good spot. I accidentally broke the key and they came and fixed it the next day, but took off $50 from the deposit. So handle the keys gently. Over pretty good place.

We had an enjoyable stay. Great location for hiking and sightseeing, very peaceful setting, lovely views of Lantau Peak and close to the Big Buddha, the chairlift and good bus connections to all over Lantau Island. The buildings have seen better days, as you expect at a youth hostel, but the showers are hot and effective, the kitchen and BBQ facilities are good and the bed is comfortable. The manager is very personable and friendly and it was nice to meet his family. There are few shops to buy ordinary supplies in Ngong Ping, except a very basic 7/11, so you need to stock up before arriving or be prepared to eat at the expensive tourist outlets in the 'village' or at Po Lin monastery. Tourist facilities shut down by 5-6pm.