Exploring Hong Kong: Lantau Island

Yesterday was an amazing day filled with wonderful memories. I spent the entire day exploring the west portion of Lantau Island. I walked from my hotel to the subway station and rode to Tung Chung. Due to the weather, cable cars were not available to go up the mountain, so I took a bus.

After you get off the 45 minute bus ride up the steep and winding roads, this is the center area of the Buddhist sites. To the right of the beautiful arch you can see the Big Buddha on a mountain.

I started my adventure by climbing the 260 stairs that leads to the Big Buddha. It was breathtaking. I was humbled to see many native people so touched by this statue. I think that this is one of Hong Kong’s greatest gems.

I also went inside the Buddha, which includes many old and religious writings, statues, and paintings. Cameras are not allowed, so all I took were memories. I also bought a jade lotus bracelet that was blessed by monks. All donations and profits are currently helping the repair of the monastery. The elderly women told me that it will provide good health, sleep, and will help you achieve your dreams.

The Buddha is surrounded by breathtaking sights outside. Here you can see the harbor and (very small) islands.

This part of the island is also very well known for it’s monastery. There were many smaller buildings with buddhist statues and symbols. Inside the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery cameras were not allowed, but I did take a few pictures from the smaller buildings.

It was amazing to see actual monks in this area. There were probably around 50 monks, a few of which were women. They were preparing for a ceremony for later that day.

Because the weather cleared up by the time I was ready to leave, I decided to take a cable car back. It was a bit more expensive than the bus, but well worth the extra money.

The views from the ride are indescribable. I had the entire car to myself, and I took many pictures. It took me through the mountains and I could see the Big Buddha as I was leaving.  In the picture the cable cars are riding over harbor that is near the airport.

I had an amazing day in Hong Kong, and I’m looking forward to the next few!