Good authentic South Asian food?
When Jenny run out of cookies and you are leaving HK having promised to deliver a tin or two?

Skipping the big Buddha and cable car while going to Tai O is a big mistake.

Last ferry from Cheung Chau on Saturdays is at 11:45p.

Unlimited MTR day pass for $55 can be bought at MTR stations, with your passport. But with your itinerary, it's a waste of money. You should just get a regular Octopus.

I was born in Hong Kong and still visit 3-4 times a year. I have been in restaurants in there and I stand by my statement. To each his own.

They're both nice in different ways imo. I hadn't been to either in a few years until returning to Lamma last week and absolutely loved it. Great walk across the island, nice beach, nice lush countryside, frozen pineapples to get you through the hot hilly walk then wrap up with fresh seafood before catching the ferry back. Whichever one you decide to go to, I'd try to go on a weekday.

Totally agree. Lamma did have that more natural, free-spirited feel. Always enjoyed walking through Lamma.

Randomly drove up to Ngong Ping today with a few friends...I know some people might appreciate it, but to be honest, it's definitely not worth the time investment.

Why is unlimited MTR a waste of money? Is there something like an unlimited pass for X days instead of 1 day? MTR cards work on busses too right?

You need to add the words "for me". I do walk up there regularly and enjoy it every time again. Then a good meal at the vegetarian restaurant. Then head on to Lantau peak.

I think the tourist one day unlimited pass for $55 is for MTR only, not AEx nor trains to China border crossing.

I think the reason that was posted was simply that it would take many trips to reach that amount, and Octopus takes care of the convenience angle.

If it's not usable on buses, then it would be even poorer value.

Of course my favorite form of transportation is Star Ferry, which takes tokens or Octopus card :) ^

MTR passes are only good on MTR trains (excluding the Airport Express and border stations), light rail in northwest Territories and the connecting "K" buses run by MTR. Not good on regular buses, trams, peak trams, cable car, ferries, minibuses and anything else.

Multiday tourist cards that combine Airport Express rides can be of better value, but only if one's taking the Airport Express AND go to plenty of places by MTR, which the OP isn't.

I have taken at least a dozen foreigners to Lantau, and I have yet to hear one that says climbing the stairs and seeing the Big Buddha or riding the cable car is a waste of time. [Spending time in "Ngong Ping Village" is, and there's hardly anything worth seeing in Po Lin Monastery these days.]

Thanks all for the input, especially rkkwan. I think I will stick with the latest itinerary for now, and add things depending on how I feel when I'm there and what friends want to do.

Any other last minute tips?

Any recommendations for where exactly in Chungking I can find good SE Asian food?

Just use the same rule for the rest of Hong Kong. Look for the lineup and join them. During the wait would be a good time to chat up with people of that ethnic group to get recommendations.

Can I take the airport express from HKG to HK station at around 9-10pm, and then taxi to the IC? Will that save me a bit of money and time?

Also, is bus 15 available at the Peak for returning to central pier?