Pui O on Lantau Island is a popular destination for beach goers, campers, and anyone who wishes to experience a tranquil rustic vibe in Hong Kong. The picturesque area consists of multiple villages next to a beach and a river that flows into the sea. The area is also protected by the Pui O Wan Bay, and sits at the base of Sunset Peak.

Pui O sits at the base of Sunset Peak

We often find ourselves enjoying a relaxing day at Pui O Beach on the weekend or sometimes after a hike. Unlike its more commercial neighbours, Cheung Sha Beach or Mui Wo, Pui O offers a more laid-back and peaceful vibe.

Enjoying the shade on Pui O Beach

So, if you’re planning a visit to Pui O, this guide can provide you with all the necessary information that you need to make the most of your day.

How to get to Pui O

Pui O can be reached from either Mui Wo or Tung Chung by bus, car, or taxi.

Pui O Beach main entrance

From Mui Wo

To reach Pui O from Mui Wo, you must first arrive at Mui Wo by ferry. The ferry timetable can be found on the operator’s website.

Once at Mui Wo Ferry Pier, you can board buses 1, 2, or 4 to alight at San Wai Tsuen.

South Lantau Road is where the bus stops and most of the villages are situated in Pui O

Mui Wo is also connected to Pui O by Lantau Trail Section 12, a very popular hiking route. We have a comprehensive guide to the Mui Wo to Pui O Hike that you can follow.

From Tung Chung

To reach Pui O from Tung Chung, take bus number 3M and alight at Lo Uk Tsuen.

Things to do in Pui O

Once you arrive at Pui O, there are plenty of ways to spend your day. Here are some of our favourite activities in Pui O.

Unwind on Pui O Beach

Needless to say, Pui O Beach is the main attraction at Pui O. The beach is accessible via a 5-minute walk from the main South Lantau Road.

The road leading to Pui O Beach

This 260 metre long beach is offers unobstructed views of the bay, with the towering Chi Ma Wan Peninsula’s rocky crag on one side.

The most notable feature about the beach is the colour of its sand. The first time I visited Pui O Beach I found the black and yellow colour slightly odd. But I soon learned that the black colour comes from the erosion of the surrounding rocks.

While at the beach, make sure to walk to the end near Chi Ma Wan Peninsula to see the estuary where the river flows into the sea. Next to the estuary is also a Tin Hau Temple.

Pui O Beach offers the following facilities:

• Barbecue pits
• Changing rooms
• Showers
• Toilets
• A fast food kiosk
• And not to forget, Treasure Island (more on that below)

Restaurants at Pui O

Over the years, quite a few restaurants have come and gone at Pui O. Among the ones that have survived, Bella Ciao is currently our favourite restaurant in Pui O.

Bella Ciao Lantau in Pui O

Bella Ciao is situated Lo Wai Village, on the main South Lantau Road. The restaurant serves up some delightfully authentic Italian comfort food. Their pizzas are definitely worth trying.

What’s unique about Bella Ciao is that not only is it a restaurant, but also an Italian grocery store. Perfect for grabbing some pasta, sauces, or oils on your way out.

Also located in Lo Wai Village is Mau Kee Restaurant. For those craving some Hong Kong style food, Mau Kee is quite a popular option.

Mau Kee Restaurant in Pui O

And finally, situated on Pui O Beach is the famous Treasure Island Beach Club Restaurant. Although we’ve found the food at the restaurant to be average, it more than makes up with the views of the sea and fun atmosphere.

Beach activities and staycation

Luckily Treasure Island is more than just a restaurant. It also offers rentals equipment for water-sports, camping and cabana options for you to plan a staycation.

Camping on Pui O Beach

The Pui O Beach is also a popular campsite. The campsite is free and open to the public.

Pui O Campsite

There are plenty of camping spots in the camping site, each separated by wooden a fence which adds a nice touch.

The campsite and barbecue pits at Pui O Beach

To learn more about the campsite and the process to apply for process, visit the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s website.

Hikes near and around Pui O

Situated at the junction of Sections 11 and 12 of the Lantau Trail, Pui O offers plenty of hiking options in the vicinity. Below are our favourite hike near and around Pui O.

Mui Wo to Pui O Hike, Lantau Trail Section 12

As mentioned above, one of the best ways to arrive at Pui O from Mui Wo is on foot. And the 8 km distance between Mui Wo Ferry Pier and Pui O Beach is bridged by the Lantau Trail Section 12.

Can’t miss these signs to Pui O

I would classify the hike as relatively easy and quite picturesque. Along the trail, you can admire the gorgeous coastline of South Lantau and really add that workout to earn your beach day.

Stunning coastal views of South Lantau from Section 12 of the Lantau Trail

And if it happens to be hot day, ending your hike on Pui O Beach is a great way to cool off with a swim.

The final stretch – blue waters await!

You can read our comprehensive guide to the Mui Wo to Pui O Beach Hike to familiarize yourself with the trail.

Chi Ma Wan Country Trail

The towering crag of the Chi Ma Wan Peninsula on the south side of Pui O offers a few hiking and biking trails. Most notably, the 18 km Chi Ma Wan Country Trail, the longest country trail in Hong Kong.

The Chi Ma Wan Country Trail entrance

However, you can also undertake a much shorter route slightly inland on the peninsula. This 5 km hiking trail covers the two highest points (Lo Yan Shan and Miu Tsai Tun) and provides hikers with an impressive bird’s eye view of Pui O Beach. And as a bonus, the hike also passes the Shap Long Irrigation Reservoir, a picturesque reservoir situated on the peninsula.

You can find complete details on the Chi Ma Wan Peninsula Hike in our detailed guide.

Pui O to Cheung Sha Beach, Lantau Trail Section 11

On the other side of Pui O, Lantau Trail continues towards Cheung Sha Beach. At over 10 times the length, Cheung Sha Beach is a far more popular beach on Lantau Island.

However, unlike Section 12, Section 11 of the Lantau Island doesn’t offer the same views or thrills. The trail is mostly shaded and flat for the most part.

Quite an easy hike to Cheung Sha Beach

Nonetheless, it offers a hiking route between Pui O and Cheung Sha Beach, and an opportunity to experience more of Lantau’s wilderness.

This section of the hike is quite scenic

Read our complete guide to Lantau Trail Section 11 to learn more about the hike.

Our Guide to Pui O, Lantau Island

Here’s a rewritten version for improved readability:

We hope you found this guide to Pui O and Pui O Beach helpful. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit, we strongly recommend planning a day to enjoy the beautiful beach.

Pui O Beach and Pui O Bay on a glorious summer day

Why not hike from Mui Wo, then grab lunch at Treasure Island or Bella Ciao, and then spend the rest of the day chilling on the beach?

The beach, river, and fertile land of Pui O

If you wish to explore more beautiful coastal areas on Lantau Island, check out our guides to Mui Wo and Silvermine Bay, Cheung Sha Beach, and Tong Fuk Beach.

As always, feel free to share this post on the social media channel of your choice and leave us a comment below.