Just several days ago, my friend and I were having a conversation about future possible trips, and we realized we both wanted to go back to Hong Kong. Our exchange also reminded me of that HK trip I took more than a couple of years ago (which makes this post another #throwWAYback travel post). As I am going through the photos, sifting through them to find which I should include, I am feeling that urge to go back. Maybe this time, with friends.
Now, don’t get me wrong. The HK trip I had was with the parentals and my aunt, and it was a great one. In fact, it was a memorable one, and one that made me realize I should bring them on trips more often. (The thing is, most of the trips I take are not for the “weak of knees”, know what I mean?)
If I had to choose what to complain about regarding our trip, it would be only one thing: that I had to do everything myself. From planning the itinerary to figuring out how to get from point A to point K, checking out the maps, acting as a human navigator, getting lost…. and all they’ll do is follow me. Haha! No help from them at all. Not even an attempt to look at the map.
One good thing about it, though: they NEVER complained. They probably figured they didn’t earn the right to do so. 🙂
But, enough of that. Let’s get to the juicy parts, shall we?
Our first stop once we checked into our hotel: the NGONG PING, which is a highland area in Lantau Island, famous for being the location of the Po Lin Monastery and Tian Tian Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha.
From Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, we had to take the MTR to get to Tung Chung in Lantau Island. Once you surface from the station in Tung Chung, you will find yourself at the CityGate Outlets, a popular spot for shoppers. At that time, with the company I had, shopping was the last thing on our minds, so we walked a bit past it, and right in front of the Tung Chung Post Office, there was a very long queue for the Ngong Ping 360.
Tip #1: It will take around 45 minutes from Tsim Sha Tsui to Tung Chung. This is quite a popular attraction, so queues are, well, to be expected. Be there early to avoid the thickest crowd. If you find yourself in this long queue, BE. PATIENT. You’ll get to the ticket counter eventually.
Ngong Ping 360 is basically a cable car system where visitors will get to Ngong Ping via a cable car ride via a 5.7km ropeway from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping. Another option to get there is by bus through a mountainous path, and it will take around an hour and a half. We decided (well, I decided) that we go to Ngong Ping via a cable car, and leave it via bus. That way, we’ll experience both.
Finally, we got to the windows, got our tickets…
…and then another long wait in a queue for our cable car.
We chose the Standard Cabin because (1) it was cheaper, and (2) my companions were not sure they’d be comfortable looking through the glass floor of the Crystal Cabin when we’re already up in the air.
Then we finally got into our cabin. Each cabin holds up to 8 passengers. There were the 4 of us, and two elderly couples – retirees from mainland China.
When our cable car finally went on its way, I was feeling all sorts of thrilled. The view was amazing, the ride was surprisingly smooth – no queasiness, if my folks are to be believed. The cable car ride takes around 30 minutes.
Finally, we caught a glimpse of the Big Buddha from afar! I felt my excitement building up.
When we arrived at Ngong Ping, we did not waste any time in camwhoring. Shameless, really, but if you’re as excited as I am, you’d be justified. 🙂
After a few minutes, we decided to hit the “town”. Since we came here without having had any decent breakfast (in-flight meal does not count, by the way), we decided to look for somewhere to eat.
There were a lot of food places to choose from. If you want Western food, you’ll find it here (they even have SUBWAY). If you’re feeling some Asian grub, there’s plenty, too. I was intrigued by the name of this shop pictures above, but I wasn’t really feeling any desserts. I was looking for something substantial.
So we decided on this place called “Zen Noodle Cafe” instead. The place was packed, it looked clean, and it seemed they don’t make their customers wait a long time.
The walls were filled with graffiti, tastefully done up to make it part of the zen-like decor.
And the food was every bit as sumptuous as expected. (And that’s saying something, because honestly, when I’m really hungry, taste is the last thing on my mind).
After eating, we decided to walk through the Village Square. There were lots of souvenir shops and tiny alcoves for photo-taking opportunities. Just look up, and you’ll see the Big Buddha looming over you.
At the end of the Village Square, you will get to walk the Bodhi Path and end up at the Bodhi Square, where the highlight is the Bodhi Wishing Shrine.
Did I make a wish? Not really. Partly because, at the time, I was already feeling lucky just being there. Honest.
Ending this post with this photo that I just HAD to take. Because it’d be against my nature if I didn’t.
So…. how does one enable a toilet…? (J/K!)