Buddhas and fisherman-an alternative side to Hong Kong (Lantau)

Member Name: llamass

Product:	Lantau
Date:	28/05/09 (14 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Nature and an awesome Buddha statue

Disadvantages: Disneyland on a otherwise undeveloped island

Lantau is an island of Hong Kong and famous for it's giant bronze Buddha and also for having disneyland.

Reaching Lantua is simple with the Tung Chung metro connecting it to the centre and takes around 25 minutes. The alternative is to take one of the slow or fast ferries departing regularly from the outlying islands pier in central HK. I would recommend the ferry as the scenery of the islands that look like they have been dropped into the ocean from the sky is beautiful and the local fisher boats are an alternative to the glitz and size of Hong Kong city.

Once on the island take bus 2 from the ferry pier or 23 from the metro and wind up through the mountains to the Tian Tan Buddha. Entrance is technically free but visiters are required to buy a ticket for the vegetarian restaurant (cheap snacks are around HK$25). After this ascend the steep steps leading up through swirling clouds to the imposing Buddha towering above you. It is a spectacular sight to have a 34 metre high bronze rather placid Buddha gazing upon you. The top is often cloudy but it constantly changes and most people who hang around at the top for a while will be rewarded with at least a brief view across the lush mountains down to the sea.

Tai O is also a good place to visit on the island and is a traditional fishing village built on stilts over the water. There is also a white sand beach. Great place to relax with the mountains above you and sparkling water in front. Buses reach here from the metro stop and ferry pier.

Summary: Great place for a day trip or to stay overnight away from the bustle of Hong Kong city.