300 Steps to Serenity: Big Buddha in Hong Kong
Monday, August 12, 2013I’m going to be very honest when I say I’m not a big fan of cities. I don’t like crowds and abhor traffic. I don’t enjoy shopping or the nightlife as much as most people.
So when Sole Sister Stephanie and I traveled to Hong Kong earlier this year, I had some hesitations. In my mind, Hong Kong was just another big city to avoid. I can imagine busy people hurrying to the next destination. This journey might feel impersonal, alienating even.
But one place we visited made me change my mind.
On our last day in Hong Kong, we decided to venture out on our own to see the Big Buddha statue in Po Lin Monastery. We packed our bags and luggage, took a train from Disneyland then a bus to the base of the mountain.
Steph was not a big city girl either. We both have to admit that discovering the beauty of nature in Hong Kong was a grand experience. Our bus took us to the beautifully tranquil mountains and the coast. Then we finally arrived at the base of the monastery.
There it was from the distance, the Big Buddha. It was surrounded by this lush greenery and the fading daylight made this scene almost surreal. We felt a sense of peace- like a homecoming upon seeing this sight.
And that, is always the goal.
How to Make This Trip Happen*:
- Emirates offers flights to Hong Kong via Dubai, taking you to one of Asia’s key business hubs.
- The Big Buddha is in Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, Outlying Islands
- Getting There: 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.
- 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.
- Catch ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo, then take New Lantao Bus 2 to Ngong Ping Village, which takes around 40 minutes.
Source: http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/see-do/highlight-attractions/top-10/the-big-buddha-po-lin-monastery.jsp#ixzz2bAP8T7LR
- Alternately, you can take the cable car to the Big Buddha. Unfortunately, it was down for maintenance during that time.
- Make sure you keep your luggage at a hotel or airport locker so you don’t have to carry it around like we did.
- Filipinos do not need to secure a visa for stays of up to 14 days.
*Information is updated as of Aug 12, 2013
Some text and all photos credited to Stephanie Dandan of Satori
Feeling serene,
Sole Sister Lois
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1 sole trails
I was there a few weeks ago and was amazed how beautiful the view is (minus the dreadful cable car ride) though i didnt get any wonderful photos like yours! Keep em comin'. :)
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