What Is the Lantau Island Closed Road Permit? Why Can't Regular Cars Enter South Lantau? Tiger Limo's Legal Access to Hidden Gems

Many people planning a trip to Lantau Island assume they can simply drive there or hire a car. But if your destination is South Lantau — Pui O, Cheung Sha, Tong Fuk, Tai O — there's a crucial rule most visitors don't know: Most of South Lantau is designated as a "Closed Road" area, and regular private cars are not permitted to enter.

What is the Lantau Closed Road?

The Transport Department of Hong Kong has designated the southern part of Lantau Island (the area south of Shek Pik Reservoir) as a restricted zone. Any vehicle entering this zone must hold a Lantau Closed Road Permit issued by the Transport Department. Without this permit, private cars — including taxis and ride-hailing services — are strictly prohibited.

The restricted area covers: South Lantau Road corridor (Pui O, Cheung Sha, Tong Fuk); Tai O; Fan Lau; Roads south of Shek Pik Reservoir.

If you take public transportation, of course this is not an issue—buses and taxis have their own quotas and permit systems. But if you want to charter a car and travel comfortably and freely, you must make sure that the company vehicle you book has a valid Lantau Island pass.

Why does this restriction exist?

The closed road system was established to protect South Lantau's natural environment and manage traffic congestion. Roads in South Lantau (especially South Lantau Road) are narrow and winding. Allowing unrestricted private vehicle access would cause severe congestion and ecological damage. The Transport Department therefore strictly limits the number of vehicles entering the area.

What about vehicles without a permit?

Unauthorised vehicles can only reach Tung Chung, Ngong Ping (via Tung Chung Road), and Disneyland. To go further south, visitors must transfer to public buses — Ngong Ping 360 or Lantau Bus (NLB) — which is the standard option for most tourists.

The downsides: infrequent bus schedules (especially on holidays); difficult transfers with luggage or children; inaccessible remote attractions; traffic consumes most of the day.

Why can Tiger Limo enter South Lantau?

All Tiger Limo vehicles hold legally issued Lantau Closed Road Permits from the Transport Department. This means you can travel directly from Hong Kong city centre or the airport straight to any South Lantau attraction — no transfers, no waiting for buses, no permit worries.

What to see in South Lantau (accessible only with a permit):

Since we have a permit to go, what's actually fun to do in the south of Lantau Island?

1. Pui O Beach — One of Hong Kong's most beautiful beaches with fine sand, sunset views, campsites and BBQ areas. Much quieter than Repulse Bay.

2. Cheung Sha Beach — Hong Kong's longest beach, split into Upper and Lower Cheung Sha. Plenty of restaurants, shops, and water sports.

3. Tong Fuk — A quieter beach option, ideal for those seeking peace and sunshine.

4. Tai O Fishing Village — "The Venice of Hong Kong". Stilt houses, dried seafood, traditional snacks, and dolphin-watching tours. Located at the southern tip of Lantau, public transport takes nearly an hour from Tung Chung. Our charter service drops you right at the market entrance.

5. Fan Lau — Hong Kong's southwestern most corner with a historic fort, lighthouse, and spectacular coastline. No bus access — only reachable on foot, but our permitted vehicles can get you within a 10-minute walk.

6. Shek Pik Reservoir — Lantau's main reservoir with stunning scenery and thousand-year-old rock carvings.

Recommended Itinerary: South Lantau Day Trip

City centre → Pui O Beach → Lunch at Cheung Sha (seaside restaurant) → Tai O Fishing Village → Ngong Ping / Tian Tan Buddha (if time permits) → Return to city

全程由泰加旅運嘅豐田阿爾法或平治 V-Class 豪華包車接送，持證直達，唔使轉車，唔使排隊，一家大細或三五知己輕輕鬆鬆玩足一日。

Why choose Tiger Limo?

- Legal permits for the entire South Lantau road network.
- Toyota Alphard and Mercedes V-Class luxury fleet with spacious independent seats.
- Professional drivers familiar with Lantau roads, trilingual service (Cantonese, English, Mandarin).
- Flexible itineraries tailored to your schedule.

Pro tips:

– Book in advance during holidays and peak seasons.
– If you want to do water activities (in Changsha you can go canoeing or surfing), it is recommended to bring spare clothes.
– The best time to visit Tai O is in the late afternoon near dusk, when the lighting is good for photography and it's not too sunny.

Want to visit Lantau Island next time? Don’t let transportation restrictions affect your itinerary. Taiga Travel’s Lantau Island pass with private car service takes you directly to the most beautiful hidden spots.