While Lantau Island had been recommended to me several times, the research had left me confused. I kept thinking that because the cable cars weren’t working (they are planned to be opening again in June 2017 https://www.np360.com.hk/en/ ) I would have to walk from Tung Chung all the way there, I do like a walk but this seemed pretty excessive on my short schedule! However my fears were soon put to rest by the hotel concierge and the Island trip was back on. You can read about how I navigated my way to and around the Island in more detail here but below you’ll find all you need to know about the Island’s best spots and why I loved it so much.
When to visit
The Buddha is open 10am-5.30pm daily and does get pretty busy especially on the weekends. If you’re going on the cable cars you should think about getting there early as the queues can get big, I also heard this was the case with the buses. Plan accordingly so you can get the most from your day. I left my hotel around 8am and arrived on the Island around 9.30. By the time I got the bus and to the Buddha it was about 10.30, the crowds weren’t too bad, so for me this was a good time to start. Lantau island offers much to see and do, luckily you’ll find a collection of some of the best bits in the same area, Ngong Ping.
Ngong Ping
Ngong Ping is the jewel in the crown of Lantau, not only will you find the famous Big Buddha statue, but also Ngong Ping village and square, Po Lin Monastery and the Wisdom Path. All these are well sign posted and within strolling distance of one another.
Ngong Ping can be accessed by the cable cars https://www.np360.com.hk/en/ in about 25 minutes. The crystal car looks pretty awesome, but if you’re scared of heights you might want to give it a miss! They open back up in June 2017, so if you do go on them please leave a comment and let me know about your experience.
Ngong Ping Village
Once off the bus or cars you’ll find yourself near the Village, I used the bathroom (lovely and clean!) and had a brief look in one of the tourist shops. To be honest it felt like a set from an American theme park and was not my thing at all. Purpose built shops selling pretty much the same thing again and again but overpriced. I wouldn’t waste too much of your time there as everything else is so wonderful.
Ngong Ping Piazza/Square
Follow the Bodhi Path from the village where you’ll be watched over by the 12 Divine Generals as you make your way towards the central Ngong Ping Piazza. This is the beautifully maintained central space that links the main visitor attractions in this area, look out for the resident cows who go about their business oblivious to the camera flashes and tourists around them.
At the other end of the square you’ll see the Pai Lau archway or Mountain Gate that will guide you into Po Lin Monastery, depending on your time of day I would visit the Buddha first as a basic vegetarian lunch (I found it delicious, but you can upgrade if you wish) is included in your entry ticket inside the Buddha (if you choose to go in) so might be worth getting this first.
Tian Tan / The Big Buddha
My first glimpse of this wonder actually brought tears to my eyes. The grandeur of the statute, yet overwhelming sense of peace I felt from being in it’s presence took me a moment to get my head around. Let me tell you, I was not expecting an emotional or spiritual experience whilst on my jollys in Hong Kong! It’s hand is raised to offer blessings to all and you know what, I reckon I got one. Erected in 1993 it may not have a long history but there was something so magical about it, that I felt almost nervous climbing the steps up.
Entrance to the Buddha and the tiers surrounding it are free but if you wish to go inside you’ll need to purchase a ticket, $45HK gets you entrance and a basic, but lovely vegetarian meal ticket for at the Monastery afterwards or you could pay extra ($120HK total) for a three course meal.
The 268 steps up are really no great hike. You’ll find dragonflies and beautifully patterned butterflies dancing all around you as you climb, only momentarily interrupting the amazing views and photo opportunities from the stairs, so if you do need a rest you’ll have plenty of opportunity. I was there around 10.30am so although there were crowds, I was not overwhelmed and the climb to the top took me about 15 minutes with lots of photo stops.
Once at the top you can circle around underneath the shadow of the Buddhas resting lotus leaves and admire the Bronze Bodhisattva’s while you take in the panoramic views from the lower tier.
If you did wish to go up to the top viewing platform, you’ll need to purchase a ticket which allows you entrance into the inside of the Buddha, as mentioned earlier. It’s pretty cheap to go inside and offers exhibitions across the three floors. The highlight is the Buddha’s bone relic; three coloured crystals representing bone, hair and flesh which can be viewed from a distance on the third floor. No pictures can be taken inside, but you can step out onto the top tier and snap away at the views to your hearts delight.
The Wisdom Path
Just a short walk from the central piazza, follow the signs and you’ll be led there through a tree lined pathway, past what could have once been the tea shop (there were signs to it but other than the old shack no tea shop appeared!) and out to breathtaking views of the South China Sea.
Look up and you’ll see the path climbing up onto the mountainside (it’s not too much of a trek) adorned with wooden columns, arranged in a pattern to represent infinity and each carrying verses from the Heart Sutra, a cherished text honoured by Buddhist, Confucians and Taoists. The walk is peaceful and calming and with the backdrop of the blue sea and green mountains it offers you time for a meditation (if you so wish.)
For me it was another moment of complete loveliness and joy on this wonderful Island.
Po Lin Monastery
Just a few steps from the central Piazza and through the Mountain Gate you’ll find yourself in the beautiful (I’m using that word a lot here I know, but everything really is!) Po Lin Monastery. Built by three monks in 1906 it now offers visitors an opportunity to wander amongst the many temples wonderfully decorated at every door, pillar and post. It is a feast for the eyes.
Take your time, look up at every opportunity because there is always something new to see.
Afterwards you can make your way to the vegetarian restaurant where you can use your meal ticket if you purchased entrance into the main Buddha. If you don’t have a ticker there’s no problem, they offer a selection of dim sum and other veggie delights at super cheap prices, so you can give everything a try.
Tai O Village
Tai O village is around a 20 minute journey from Ngong Ping (see my journey guide here) and is a treat to explore either by foot or by water (I did both.) It’s only small but once off the bus you can uncover the sites and sounds of the village through the bridges and walkways that connect it.
The village originated in the 19th century during the Ming Dynasty and soon became one of the most important fishing village in Hong Kong. Even now it was a like a step back in time and a glimpse into the real Hong Kong as I rambled through the stilted streets, smelt the fish stalls in their full glory and looked out onto the sparkling sea.
With the promise of dolphins I hopped onto a boat tour (it was around $35HK) which first took us out amongst the stilted house, some look like they are in better shape than others! The village is a gem and worth taking the time to explore it from the boat, along with on foot.
The boat then sped up and whisked us out onto the China Sea. I’m not sure what my actual chances were but we didn’t spot any pink dolphins, however it was a lovely addition to my trip and I would definitely recommend it.
To help you work out your route, you can read my Lantau Island travel guide here
Other things to do in Lantau
See the dolphins: There are some organised trips that should give you a better chance of spotting than me! Find out more here: http://www.hkdolphinwatch.com/index.php
Beaches: Lantau has some beautiful beaches, which you’ll see as you glide above on the cable car or whizz past on the bus, you could even get some water sports action in. There’s a good website here with info: http://www.arounddb.com/articles/life-on-lantau-articles/cover-story/45315-discover-five-of-lantau-s-top-beaches
Other areas to explore: Mui Wo also offers a beach area to explore along with watch towers and the Silvermine waterfalls that sound wonderful, worth a trip if you have time on the Island.
Vipassana: If you fancy enjoying the beautiful energy and views of Lantau, but in silence then why not try a retreat: http://www.mutta.dhamma.org/new/HKVMC_ENG/HKVMC_Home.htm
Hiking around the Island: There’s so much to see and do and a tonne of little and big treks to suit most peoples fitness levels, you can find more here: http://www.lantauonline.com/the-lantau-trail-overview
