A Bronze Buddha on an Island of Natural Delights - Discover Hong Kong
By Cruising With Honey - 20:50
Discover Hong Kong - Day 2 in Hong Kong
Cable cars and a bronze Buddha
Being suspend 414m in the air with nothing but some glass and metal separating me from the earth below did not immediately strike me as something I would ever willingly do.
In fact, it set off a clamour of alarm bells that ricocheted around my brain. Compounding this commotion was my daughter’s anxious voice reminding me quite loudly every 3 mins in the taxi on the way to take the cable car from Tung Chung, “But mum we are both afraid of heights.”
“It’ll be fine,” I heard myself saying out loud in my most fake reassuring ‘mum voice’ – the one mums reserve to instil comfort.
Neither my brain, nor my rapidly beating heart were, not convinced.
As the taxi dropped us off at Tung Chung station, I resolved that this was one of those moments that I had to pull up my big girl pants; if I panicked, she’d panic and we’d both miss out on what was set to be spectacular day in Hong Kong.
The Ngong Ping 360 cable car connects the suburb Tung Chung to Ngong Ping on Lantau Island. The trip takes about 25 minutes and travels at a smooth 6km per hour. Ngong Ping is home to the second largest seated Buddha in the world, the Tian Tan Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery.
Our lovely guide for the day, Luna was waiting for us, and in a little hop, skip and jump, we were in the cable car and heading up, up, up.
IT WAS MAGICAL
There was no time to feel nervous as I was busy trying to drink in the breathtaking 360-degree views. My phobia of heights melted away as I snapped a million pics of the lush Lantau North Country Park (apparently you can hike up, but I’d much prefer the cable car), the Macau Bridge and Hong Kong Airport. Lovely Luna explained to us the history of the cable car – which she gets to ride every day! Now that’s a commute.
The cable car we were in was a standard cabin, but I was promised that our return cabin would be in a Crystal cabin. More about that later. During the 5.7km ride, the cable car made its way through several stations. From past experiences in cable cars/gondolas, this is the part that can get bumpy, but this was as smooth as silk. Honestly I almost did not want the trip to end, but the mammoth gleaming Buddha in the distance was beckoning.
Nong Ping Village, Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery
As my daughter and I climbed the steps, Luna explained that this Buddha was constructed like lego. The monument is made up of 202 bronze pieces that were clicked together on top of the three-level altar.
While I am not a Buddhist, I admired not only the astounding architectural feat but also the cultural and religious significance of Tian Tan. The serenity and peace I felt when I reached the top was palpable and I took a moment to once again recognise my privilege for having experiences around the world, just like this one.
Nong Ping Village is a lovely place where shops sell cute souvenirs, statues shine and wild cows roam free. Yes, I said cows. I LOVE cows. When you visit, please be mindful that these are wild animals, so admire from a distance.
After a tour of the Po Lin monastery, which was resplendent with 1000 Buddhas, it was time for a vegetarian lunch. Soup, rice, vegetables, tofu… the meal was simple and simply delicious.
A step back in time
Our next stop was Tai O fishing village, a short bus trip from Nong Ping. Walking through the markets, wonderful aromas filled the air.
There was street food, restaurants, shops selling everything from starfish to coffee. It was my kind of place, a bustling insight into a working fishing village and glimpse back in time.
A scenic river cruise and a visit to the interesting fisherman’s village - where we toured one of the above-water homes – and then back to try even more street food. This time, I sampled sweet treats and had literally the most delicious black sesame mochi I’ve had in my life.
My mind was collecting and processing memories - the day had zoomed by so quickly. Before I knew it we were back in the cable car – this time in the Crystal car which offers 80% field of view and is almost completely transparent. I took some pretty funny and cliched pics.
I would be remiss not to give a huge shoutout to our tour guide Luna who was absolutely spectacular. Knowledgeable, generous, kind and warm. I’d return to Hong Kong just to do a tour again with her. Also, If you’re the kind of traveller who loves to visit the sites but you don't like crowds, Lantau Island is perfect. At no time during the day did I feel rushed, crowded or swarmed with people.
Once again, Hong Kong Tourism Board had made reservations at a well-regarded restaurant for our dinner, The Chinese Library in Tai Kwun, which is located on the top floor of the old Central Police Station.
No books, just food
I don’t think I’ve ever had a better Chinese meal. I’m not sure if I ever will.
Every dish was expertly created ensuring a balance of flavours and textures. The menu included Cantonese, Sichuan and Shanghai dishes The plush surroundings were offset by moody lighting and the service was impeccable. Do yourself a favour and if you only have ONE night in Hong Kong, eat here.
Even though our stomachs were overflowing, our final stop for the day/night was the Cardinal Point Rooftop Bar on the 45th floor of the Landmark building. We were late - dinner has exceeded 3 hours and we sheepishly entered this almost-secret lift to the rooftop where I was warmly greeted and ushered to the terrace.
This was very fancy indeed! I sampled a delicious margarita, and Hope had a passionfruit mocktail. I felt quite underdressed even though I was in a lovely skirt/dress combo, but it seemed to me as if I was surrounded by every Hong Kong fashionista within a 5km radius. It was just so, so… cool! If you ever get the chance to visit, dress up to the nines. The bar offered sweeping views of the bright lights of the city. It was just the perfect place to have a cocktail
Like nowhere else on Earth
Hong Kong is like nowhere I’ve been. It’s busy and enthralling and stylish and has the perfect mix of nature, city, modern amenities and interesting historic sites. I can’t wait to explore more!
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