Day 3, Part 1 - Hong Kong

August 21, 2011 - Ngong Ping 360 cable car and Tian Tan Buddha Statue (Giant Buddha)


We bought our ticket for the two-way Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride at Dragon Hostel at a discounted price of HK$ 98. Original price is HK$ 115.

The  Tian Tan Buddha Statue or Giant Buddha is situated in Lantau Island so we had to ride the cable car to cross Tung Chung Bay. The 25-minute (5.7 km) ride gives you a spectacular view of Tung Chung Bay, the mountains of Lantau Island and Airport Island.

cable car ride

mountains of Lantau Island

Hong Kong International Airport

If you are planning to visit the island, make sure that you arrive at the cable car terminal early in the morning to avoid the long lines. Ngong Ping Village has a several shops where you can buy souvenir items as well as restaurants. I like the laid back atmosphere of the shops.

As we only have limited time, we only spent a few hours taking pictures in Lantau Island to head on to our next destination.

You have to climb the 268 steps to get a close encounter with the Giant Buddha. However, you have to pay a separate admission fee.

The view from the cable car and visit to Lantau Island give you a refreshing feeling after going through the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of the city.