Ngong Ping 360

Here's the last entry for our November getaway in Hong Kong. Since we're pressed for time, we decided to skip Ocean Park and head over to Lantau Island instead.  Lantau is the largest island in Hong Kong and apparently almost double the size of Hong Kong island itself. It is famous for its soaring mountains and lush valley. 

Ngong Ping 360  is must-see tourist destination in this island, located at the western part of Lantau Island is one of the highlights of our Hong Kong trip. Getting here was a breeze ( literally ) as it was windy inside the MTR.  From TST, alight at Tung Chung station and the cable car should be right adjacent to it.  We arrived at around 1030 am on a Tuesday morning. I had this slightly realistic expectation that it will not be crowded for 2 reasons. 1. It's a weekday 2. It's off peak.  But lo and behold, looks like everyone thought of the same thing and we walked into a long queue of people who were waiting their turn to buy the tickets. Yes, it wasn't even the queue to board the cable car. My fell face and heart sank. We're supposed to finish early and head back to TST for last minute shopping but I scrapped the idea as it would be close to impossible to make it back by 2:00pm. 

We bought the Crystal Cabin at $255HKD. Piece of advice should you want to visit to avoid long queues, purchase your tickets online. Advanced booking can be made up to 14 days prior to visits.

The 25-minute exhilarating cable car ride traversing to 5.7 km is not for those with a faint heart or fear of heights. But sure enough if you would dare to face your fears, I can assure it's worth every penny spent. The journey to Ngong Ping offers 360 degrees astonishing bird's view of South China Sea and lush greenery. 

As you step out of the cable car, you will be greeted by the culturally-themed village showcasing culture and spiritual integrity of Ngong Ping. 

Tian Tan Buddha or famously known as Big Buddha is 34 metres tall and weighs 250 tons. The right hand of the Buddha is held up as a “Fear-Not mudra” – a manifestation of the great vow to eliminate suffering from all sentient beings. The left hand is placed on the Buddha’s thigh with his palm facing out and fingers slightly pointing downwards. This is known as the “Wish-Granting mudra”, signifying the compassionate vow to grant happiness to all men. The Dharma cakra in the palm represents the everlasting turning of the Wheel of Dharma and the dissemination of the Dharma to every corner of the world.

A climb of 268 steps should take you to the Giant Buddha. I did this the first time I went but opted to wander around the area this time and explore the monasteries. And I couldn't be happier that I did. 

We spent the rest of the little time we've had roaming around the temples and taking photos of the area. For almost 3 hours spent queuing for the ticket alone, I'd say Lantau Island was well worth the experience. Be sure to include this touristy spot on your itinerary and spare an hour or two for shopping at the Citygate outlet. 

Xo,

Jhesy