Last Updated on May 24, 2021 by Tina
In 2017, I did a solo hike to Lantau Peak in Hong Kong. After completing my hike, I walked for about 15 minutes and reached the Po Lin Monastery and Tian Tan Buddha. I was so happy when I saw the shops because finally, I will be able to drink water (I forgot to bring water for my hike).
The shops outside the Po Lin Monastery are selling refreshments and souvenir items. After finishing one bottle of water, I bought postcards that I sent my sister and myself when I got back to Tung Chung.
Po Lin Monastery
Po Lin Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in Hong Kong founded in 1906. It is one of the most renowned and most popular tourist destinations in Hong Kong.
At the grounds of the monastery you’ll see the temple, the monks’ houses, shops that sell incense and a vegetarian restaurant. There are incense burners of different shapes and sizes near the shops that sell incense.
Tian Tan Buddha
Opposite the Po Lin Monastery is the Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha. It is a large bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. The statue is 34 meters tall, weighs over 250 metric tons, and was constructed from 202 bronze pieces. To get a closer look at the statue, you have to climb 268 steps. Yep, I counted it.
How to get to Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery
By bus to Ngong Ping bus terminus
Take MTR to Tung Chung and Disneyland Resort Line and get off at the Tung Chung station (last station of the Tung Chung Line). Go to Exit B and take Bus No. 23 at the bus terminus beside the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Terminal. Get off at Ngong Ping bus terminus (the journey takes about 50 minutes).
By cable car
Take MTR to Tung Chung and Disneyland Resort Line and get off at the Tung Chung station (last station of the Tung Chung Line). Go to Exit B and go to the Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal. Take a 25-minute cable car ride to the Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal.
By hiking the Lantau Peak
Take MTR to Tung Chung and Disneyland Resort Line and get off at the Tung Chung station (last station of the Tung Chung Line). Go to Exit B and take Bus No. 23 at the bus terminus beside the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Terminal and get off at Pak Kung Au Bus Stop. Before getting on the bus, tell the bus driver to drop you off at Pak Kung Au. There is no LCD or broadcast to show the bus stop inside the bus so tell the driver beforehand. Hike to the summit of Lantau Peak and then go down to the other side. Follow the path that goes to Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.
