Cultural Heritage Archives

Aberdeen Group Tour

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

Your Aberdeen group tour will conclude the tour with a bowl of traditional boat noodles from a sampan, traditionally prepared by local fisherman.

Price: HKD$ 500

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 (3 hours)

Inclusions: Expertly led by licensed guide and owner of the 103K-instagram page @explore_hongkong, the tour includes a 30-min Sampan ride on the Aberdeen Harbour and a bowl of traditional boat noodles!

Exclusions: Public transportation

Highlights

Visit Aberdeen, the birthplace of Hong Kong. Learn about Aberdeen’s earliest role as a vital enclave for trade, incense manufacturing and fishing, a legacy that endures to the present day.
Visit the Road-side shrine in Aberdeen and the hundred-year-old temple, which have guarded the harbour for decades.
Learn how important the God and Goddess of the Sea are to fishermen in Hong Kong at the Tin Hau Temple in Aberdeen and Hung Shing Temple on Ap Lei Chau.
Continue the journey on a Sampan and take photos in front of the iconic Hong Kong Floating Restaurant.
Conclude the tour with a bowl of traditional boat noodles prepared on a sampan!*

*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

Make the most of your visit by taking a Lantau car tour with your very own driver and guide. With our door-to-door service, collecting you from and returning you to your hotel, airport or cruise ship, we can make this the most memorable day out.

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.

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.

The Big Buddha
Po Lin Monastery
Tai O Fishing Village

Ngong Ping 360 cable-car
Cheung Sha beachside lunch
Tai O Waterfall and rock pool
Hong Kong DolphinWatch experience

Lantau Island Car Tour

As one of the only tour companies licensed to access the restricted access zone of Lantau Island, a car tour with Hong Kong Greeters opens the door to this fascinating part of Hong Kong. Lantau is known as Hong Kong’s green lung, and you can imagine stepping back in time 50 years when you visit.

We will visit the Po Lin Monastery and Big Buddha statue, where we will help explain the importance of Buddhism and how it is represented in the hearts, minds and belief system of the people of Hong Kong. We will also be walking the 268 steps up to the Tian Tan Big Buddha, which was erected in 1993, rises 34 metres into the air and faces north, to look over the people of China. It is a magnificent statue and pilgrims flock to it from across Asia.

A visit to Lantau Island can also incorporate a visit to the traditional fishing village of Tai O, which features stilt houses inhabited by fishermen and their families. This relaxing village is one of the best-preserved places on Lantau, indeed the whole of Hong Kong, largely owing to the efforts of the local community and it is a place to just really slow down.

We can also weave in a trip on the Ngong-Ping cable-car for you to experience the breathtaking landscape surrounding the Big Buddha.

The VIP Hong Kong Tour

Travelling across most of Hong Kong in a day, we will use some of the most exclusive transport to get to the most breath-taking and memorable sights in Hong Kong, Kowloon and Lantau Island. I am one of ToursByLocals’ top-rated and award winning private tour guides.

Please note that this tour is completely bespoke and below is a sample of what we can do during your visit in 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.

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

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

Peak to Piers Tour

Experience an authentic Hong Kong tour with one of it’s top-rated private guide
companies. Immerse yourself in the real essence of Hong Kong, away from the tourist traps. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a companion, our tailored tours ensure you discover the city’s untold stories. Delve into the island’s rich history, master public transportation, savour local cuisine, and navigate a bustling metropolis teeming with 7.2 million inhabitants. From must-see attractions to hidden neighborhood treasures, we’ll unveil the best of this magnificent city, allowing you to truly embrace its charm. If you prefer, we can venture off the beaten path, exploring the lesser-known streets that define Hong Kong’s pulse. Choose how long you wish or have time for, and let us create an unforgettable journey just for you.

See our full table of prices and availability calendar here.

Experience the vibrant allure of Hong Kong with our active itinerary. Enjoy “skip-the-line” access to Victoria Peak, and bring along kids below 16 years for free. Our adventure begins with a classic Star Ferry ride across Victoria Harbour, setting the stage for exploration of local neighborhoods and the unveiling of their hidden gems. Prepare to be enthralled as we share the untold stories behind Hong Kong’s famous skyscrapers and heritage buildings. Ascend to the Peak via the iconic Peak tram, operational since 1888, and bypass the queues with us. Immerse yourself in the grandeur and historical significance of the Peak district and Hong Kong. Traverse the city on the charming “ding-ding” tram, immersing yourself in the lively street markets that embody the local spirit. Indulge in a culinary delight at one of the best local dim sum restaurants, savoring the iconic Cantonese cuisine that is a must-try in Hong Kong. Conclude the journey with a ride on the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator, and uncover the secrets of the Man Mo Temple, the majestic Wong Tai Sin Temple in Kowloon or the stunning Chi Lin Nunnery.

Immerse in the essence of real Hong Kong on our walking tour. Discover the city’s sights, smells, and tastes while delving into its history and culture. Indulge in incredible street food experiences, from pineapple buns to egg tarts and dim sum to char siu. Join us for an unforgettable culinary adventure in Hong Kong!

Embark on our private walking tour of Hong Kong and embrace its efficient public transport system. Experience the MTR, buses, and ferries that seamlessly connect the city. Witness Hong Kong up close and personal, gaining a true understanding of its offerings. Our family-friendly tours cater to all ages, providing strollers for young children and tailoring the itinerary to your preferences. Explore the city with ease and comfort on this unforgettable journey.

Join us for a customised walking tour with Hong Kong Greeters and uncover the best of both worlds. While we embrace beloved tourist spots like Victoria Peak and the Star Ferry, we’re also dedicated to revealing the hidden side that eludes typical tourists. With your new local friend, explore breathtaking skyline views, wander through fascinating historical lanes, indulge in street food delights, immerse in vibrant markets, admire scenic water views, and delve into cultural treasures at enchanting temples. Experience the authentic essence of Hong Kong like never before on this unforgettable journey.

Transportation
Public transport

Meeting point options
Hotel, airport, cruise port

Inclusions
Private guiding service, exclusive access

Exclusions
Public transportation, food and drink

Hosted in (languages)
English, Spanish, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Chinese

Best for / tour type
Best for couples, best for families, best for business travellers, best for cultural experience