When in Hong Kong, one of the popular regions is Lantau Island. Besides Hong Kong Disneyland, the Ngong Ping attractions including Ngong Ping 360, Ngong Ping Piazza, the Wisdom Path, and the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery are also must-visits for first time visitors to Hong Kong.
Lantau Island's proximity to the Hong Kong International Airport makes a great first destination when reaching Hong Kong on an early flight. Otherwise, it is about 40 minutes to get to Tung Chung MTR Station from the Kowloon area.
How to get to the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery?
1. MTR + Ngong Ping 360
First, one needs to take the Tung Chung line all the way to the last station, MTR Tung Chung. From there, a popular way to get to the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery is via the Ngong Ping 360 cable car.
The Ngong Ping 360 is a cable car that takes one from Tung Chung to the Ngong Ping region. The cable car terminal is located a 5-minute walk away from the Tung Chung MTR station.
Aside from being a transport over, you may also wish to try out the glass bottom Crystal Cabin to feel as though you are floating throughout the 25-minute ride! It does cost more than the regular cabin, but if you wish to save some dollars, instead of a two-way glass bottom crystal cabin, get a one-way standard cabin plus a one-way glass bottom crystal cabin!
Costs:
MTR ride from Tsim Sha Tsui - 16.9 HKD (2.90 SGD) adults, 8.5 HKD (1.45 SGD) children using an Octopus Card
Ngong Ping 360
Standard Cabin Round Trip - 210 HKD (35 SGD) adults, 100 HKD (17 SGD) children, or save about 7 SGD when you book online
Crystal Cabin Round Trip - 290 HKD (49 SGD) adults, 180 HKD (30 SGD) children, or save about 11 SGD when you book online
One way Standard + One way Crystal Cabin - 265 HKD (45 SGD) adults, 155 HKD (26 SGD) children, or save about 6 SGD when you book online
2. MTR + Bus
Should you not want to take the cable car, you may also want to take Lantau Bus 23 from the Tung Chung Town Centre Bus Terminal, located 3 minutes away by foot from the MTR station. This is a more affordable option to get to the Big Buddha but the bus ride itself takes about 45 minutes and a further 8 minute walk.
Costs:
MTR ride from Tsim Sha Tsui - 16.9 HKD (2.90 SGD) adults, 8.5 HKD (1.45 SGD) children using an Octopus Card
Bus ride from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping - 17.2 HKD (2.95 SGD) on weekdays, 27 HKD (4.60 SGD) on holidays
3. Ferry + Bus
From Hong Kong island, you can also take a ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo, before transferring to New Lantao Bus 2 to the Ngong Ping Village. The entire journey takes about an hour or so.
Costs:
Ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo
Standard Ferry - 13.60 HKD (2.30 SGD) adults, 6.80 HKD (1.20 SGD) children
Fast Ferry - 26.80 HKD (4.60 SGD) adults, 13.40 HKD (2.30 SGD) children
Bus from Mui Wo to Ngong Ping Village - 17.2 HKD (2.95 SGD) on weekdays, 27 HKD (4.60 SGD) on holidays
Big Buddha
The Big Buddha was erected in 1993, took a total of 12 years to complete, and is located on the top of a hill. Do remember to wear good walking shoes when visiting as you will need to climb a long flight of stairs... 268 steps to be exact!
Many devout Buddhists would make that pilgrim each year, to catch a closer look at the giant Buddha.
The scene at the top is majestic and gives one a good eye view of Lantau island - the mountains and the sea (if you can survive that climb!).
Po Lin Monastery
Don't forget to also visit the Po Lin Monastery located right opposite of the giant Buddha, the entrance is marked by the white gates. One of Hong Kong's most important Buddhist sanctum, the Po Lin Monastery is also known as "the Buddhist World in the South". Many devout monks live in this monastery and you can even enjoy a vegetarian temple meal at its vegetarian restaurant.
This entire visit would take about half a day, thereafter, you could head back to Tung Chung station and go for some shopping at the Citygate outlets!
Citygate Hong Kong
The Citygate Outlet is an outlet shopping mall that carries various brands and has several dining options. What's great is that the entire complex is air-conditioned, great for a super hot summer day!
As compared to outlet shopping in Europe and the United States, Citygate can't really beat those experiences. However, this is one of the closest outlet shopping mall to Singapore and is popular amongst many Singaporean tourists! For those who have 2-3 hours to spare before their flight, you may also want to visit this complex for some last minute shopping!
Have you been to any of these places? Share with us your experiences!
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