Hello Hong Kong! (Day 3.1) Everything About Ngong Ping | Lantau Island

The Big Buddha

On our third day in Hong Kong, I planned to put in our itinerary an adventure to the famous NGONG PING 360! Why? It's because we didn't have cable cars in the Philippines and I wanted to experience riding on one. It is called Ngongping 360 because you'll have a 360° view of the jaw-dropping preserved natural ecological environment of Ngongping area in Lantau Island. Guests will be travelling through a cable car in a 5.7 kilometers stretch between Tung Chung and Ngongping village where famous tourist spots are in place. It's approximately a 25-minute ride each way.

How to get there?

We traveled by MTR to Tung Chung Station, Exit B. Then just walked towards the adjacent building where the cable car terminal is located.

The Ngong Ping Cable Car Experience

Foggy view but it's still breathtaking.

I pre-booked discounted tickets on Klook to save time and money. TIP: Pick a Crystal cabin cable car (glass bottomed cabin) on the way to Ngongping while you still have all the energy to watch the incredible sceneries along the way. Then, just select a regular cabin (It's cheaper!) on the way back because I bet you only wanna take a nap after a full day of walking.

Underneath us is a vast protected forest.

While on the way to Ngong Ping you will pass through many scenic views of thick green forest, teeming river and also the airport. When we went there, it was cloudy and windy so we really feel fresh while taking selfies! 😁😂😁

The Ngong Ping Village

Finally, after 25 minutes of spectacular journey through the cable car, we arrived at Ngong Ping village. Along the way, you will see 8 drums that represents different wishes. You can beat the drum as loud as you can until the gods can hear you screaming to give you luck, health, fortune and so on.

Infront of the Ngong Ping plaza

Ngong Ping village is just culturally themed and fairly new so don't expect to see  old historical buildings. It was built to cater tourists flocking in Ngong Ping area because it's a top tourist destination where The Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery and The Wisdom Path is located.

7eleven in Ngong Ping village

There's loads of stores, coffee shops, restaurants & souvenir shops within the area. That's why you won't get hungry after taking a whole day walk in this 1.5 hectar site. And don't you worry, there are also toilets around for your necessity.

Upclose Tian Tan Buddha

Strong Riri beside General Makura who represents 5am-7am of the day and Rabbit of the 12 Chinese Zodiac. He is armed with an axe.

From the Ngong Ping Plaza, you'll have to walk for about 15 minutes going to Tian Tan Buddha or "The Big Buddha". This bronze giant buddha was erected in 1993 and is one of the largest buddha statues in the world with a height of 34 meters. On each side of the pathway, there are 12 Divine Generals that guards Tian Tan Buddha. Every general symbolizes a Chinese Zodiac sign, holds a particular weapon and represents two specific hours of the day.

Steep staircase to the Big Buddha

Once you went through the Divine Generals, you will see right away the staircase to the giant buddha. It is consist of 260+ steps. Whew! 😰 It's really tiring, yeah, but you can also rest in between... Take pictures or just simply enjoy the fabulous view!

Behold the Big Buddha!

After conquering the stairs, congratulate yourself because it's not that easy going up to the  top of Ngong Ping plateau where the buddha was laid down. As you can see, the Buddha's right hand is in the mudra of "imparting fearlessness"  which shows the compassion of the Buddha to save all sentient beings from their suffering then the left hand is resting on the lap while the palm is turned upwards. This mudra is called "fulfilling wishes". The buddha sits on a lotus throne with his legs crossed symbolizing purity like a lotus growing out of mud.

Bodhisattvas

On the first layer of the podium of the Buddha, you can see three deities or Buddhist goddesses with their offerings.

Pilgrims praying to Tian Tan Buddha

This is what I actually love about travelling especially to a different country. You'll get to know and experience their culture and religion. Just like all these Buddhist pilgrims praying and doing rituals. We came across their group while going upstairs. They are playing a pre-recorded religious instrumental music in their phone then they bow down every step of the way. Yes, you read it right. They bow every single step. So, just imagine the patience, dedication and their faithfulness to Buddha...It's truly amazing.

Po Lin Monastery

A picture of Po Lin Monastery taken from the top of the Big Buddha

Just near the staircase going to the Big Buddha is the Po Lin Monastery. When translated, Po Lin means "precious lotus". Lotus is a very important symbol in Buddhism because it represents PURITY.  Of course, you'll see pilgrims frequently go here to pay respect and give offerings to Buddha. 

The Wisdom Path

Ending our tour in Lantau here at the Wisdom Path. It's just me and my husband. We left our daughter Riri to our mothers because they're already tired walking and their feet are aching so bad. #SignOfAging 😂😂😂

Well, it's actually a good thing that they didn't come because it's around 10-15 minute walk. Only few tourists go here, perhaps because you'll go through the forest. You'll hear crickets and geckos making sounds and muddy pathways along . The Wisdom Path is an attraction in Lantau Island that comprises 38 steles or upright monuments that have a written centuries-old Chinese verses called Heart Sutra. FYI: Heart Sutra is famous prayer of Buddhists. The steles are formed like the number "8" which represents INFINITY. We might not understood the calligraphy written on the beams but what's important is we still enjoyed the wonderful sights that Lantau Island offered. Truly memorable and absolutely infinite peace all over the place. Thank you Lord for giving us a chance to journey through Lantau Island. Xié xié!!! 🙌🙌🙌