|TRAVEL| Lantau Island, Hong Kong

Another day of my solo adventure in Hong Kong.

This day was dedicated to Lantau Island, Hong Kong. It is one of the many islands which makes up the Chinese territory of Hong Kong. It is also Hong Kong's largest outlying island.

I missed to see the beauty of this island when I first visited Hong Kong so I see to it that I would explore it this time.

First stop is the Ngong Ping, it is one of the tourist attractions in the island. The Ngong Ping 360 cable car takes the visitors from the Tung Chung MTR station to another of Hong Kong’s amazing sights, the Big Buddha and the nearby Po Lin Monastery and some other place to see.

I had a day trip here, actually this is my second attempt during my stay due to the storm signal. Good thing on my second try, I get to see the Big Buddha, the monastery and was able to ride the clear cable car.

Exploring solo at Lantau Island. So, which way to go first?

I started riding the MTR then rode a bus which is going to Big Buddha. I just walk and check some signs in order to start my day. I first head to the Bid Buddha and was able to reach the top.

Tian Tan Buddha

Picture first before going up to see the Big Buddha

Tian Tan Buddha is a large bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, completed in 1993, and located at Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, in Hong Kong. The statue is sited near Po Lin Monastery and symbolises the harmonious relationship between man and nature, people and faith. It is a major centre of Buddhism in Hong Kong, and is also a tourist attraction.

I had to ask a favor to a stranger so I can have this solo picture as a remembrance before going up to see the Buddha.

After reaching the top. Selfie with the Tian Tan Buddha since I am alone.

Big Buddha is the first place of call. Standing at a height of thirty-four meters, around one hundred twelve feet, the bronze statue is one of the biggest Buddha statues in the world. This beautiful statue sits on a throne of lotus which symbolizes purity in Buddhism.

On each side of the staircase, there are three Bodhisattvas (six in total). For those who don’t know, Bodhisattvas are Buddhist deities who help mortals reach enlightenment.

Under the Big Buddha lies a mini-museum about the life of the Buddha and his path to enlightenment. 

I stayed for some minutes, savour the peacefulness and the view on top. You would be able to see almost the whole view of the island. The view is amazing when you are at the top.

Wisdom Path

Next stop, I walked and walked until I found the Wisdom Path. I loved it since there was a little number of visitors there. I think we were just five people who went that time.

Just check the signs and you will find yourself reaching the Wisdom Path

You will not get lost as long as you check out on the signs. I rely on it since I am alone and I can only see few people who are going there while some are already going back.

Photo Op at the Wisdom Path, courtesy of a stranger.

Wisdom Path traces a series of 38 wooden steles (upright monuments) containing verses from the centuries-old Heart Sutra — one of the world’s best-known prayers revered by Confucians, Buddhists and Taoists alike. These steles display the Chinese version of the prayer, based on the calligraphy of famous contemporary scholar Professor Jao Tsung-I, and are arranged in a ∞ pattern, which represents infinity. Professor Jao’s calligraphy and painting masterpieces are incorporated into the design of the commemorative plaque and the site map which display his biography and academic achievements. 

Po Lin Monastery

Solo means a lot of selfie pictures.

Po Lin Monastery is my next destination. Then I just walk around and asked the people around for some directions on how can I go to Ngong Ping Village.

Po Lin Monastery is a Buddhist monastery, located on Ngong Ping Plateau, on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. 

You can still see the Big Buddha from the Monastery

Po Lin Monastery, on the other hand is located near the Big Buddha statue is the monastery. It was first built in the 20th century, the Buddhist monks were attracted by the seclusion. Po Lin (also known as ‘precious lotus’ monastery became very popular and a place of pilgrimage in the 1920s when the first abbot was appointed and the Great Hall was built.

Ngong Ping Village

Next stop is the Ngong Ping Village. Fortunately, I met again the student I met in the wisdom path trail.

He is the one who took my picture here too.

Phot Op at the entrance of the Ngong Ping Village

Ngong Ping Village is a retail and entertainment centre adjacent to the cable car's upper station. It was built next to the Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal, occupies a 15,000 square metre site and has been designed to mirror and uphold the cultural and spiritual veracity of the Ngong Ping area. 

Good thing, I came just in time for the show. I was able to watch and enjoy it before roaming around the village. It is not so huge so you will really be able to explore it in some minutes.

Just before buying the Ngong Ping Cable Car ticket

I bought a ticket to ride the crystal cable car as my way of getting back. I really enjoyed my day. Thankful for the good weather that time and see the wonderful nature view that Lantau Island has to offer.

Selfie while riding the clear cable car.

No wonder tourists and locals love to visit the island. It was indeed a very relaxing place.

How to go to Lantau Island?

Via MTR:

• MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B, then take Ngong Ping Cable Car, which takes around 25 minutes. Then walk for around 10 minutes to the monastery; or,

• MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B, then take New Lantao Bus 23 from Tung Chung Town Centre, which takes around 45 minutes. Then walk for eight minutes; or,

Via Ferry from Mui Wo:

• catch ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo, then take New Lantao Bus 2 to Ngong Ping Village, which takes around 40 minutes.

If you have an internet connection, you can easily google map it, the details are accurate.

Have you been to Lantau Island? Share your experience in comments!