Hong Kong Trip: Lantau Island

(Late Post: This trip happened last 2012)

More Hong Kong exploration here! But this time, Lantau Island's other attractions was our destination. Lantau is the largest island of Hong Kong and this is where the airport and HK Disneyland is also a part of. The Ngong Ping Village is also a part of their attractions, which is a culturally themed village that was designed to reflect the cultural and spiritual integrity of the area. Part of the itinerary was to also ride a cable car.

From our jump off point which was the Tsing Yi MTR station, we hopped on a train going to Lantau Island. I have looked forward to going here and see some scenic and iconic spots.

Beautiful and intricate buttoned-up wall at the Maritime Square at the Tsing Yi MTR station.

Could not pass up a photo op, of course!

Heavy breakfast it was for us. That iced milk tea was so good!

Unfortunately, the Ngong Ping 360 cable car operation was off on that day due to technical concerns so we had to ride a bus. A bus! Whatever happened to my long-awaited dream of experiencing the cable car? Well, zilch it was. The travel time for the bus was around an hour each way.
On the other hand, we also got to see the scenic route as we passed by.
It was still, sort of, a win situation.

Upon arrival at the Ngong Ping Village, we immediately basked in the sights and let our eyes take in the view, 360 degrees style. 

Welcome!

The Tian Tan Buddha Statue.
It is large bronze statue that was completed in 1993. Sitting 34 meters high, it is also known as the Big Buddha.
I came here with a girl friend but when she saw the climb that we would have to make, she buckled and opted to be left at the base. She stayed there and relaxed while I climbed up and took photos of the sights which I showed to her after going back down. It took 268 steps before you reach the top. There was a minimal fee that I paid and that included some tea which I would get at the top but I did not pushed with it.

Level with the clouds!

Some other statues that were placed at the peak.

The dogs of Ngong Ping. They all looked healthy, well-kept and well-behaved. They were used to a lot of huan presence and activity already.

The Po Lin Monastery. One of the most important Buddhist sanctums and has been dubbed "the Buddhist World in the South". Lots of flowers surrounded the monastery, in and outside. Very beautiful!

Look at those fuchsia pink blooms! So beautiful!

It was quite a climb but so worth it. Will I do it again if given the chance to go back?
YES, definitely!

You will find shops and dining places here at the village. It was fun exploring the nooks and crannies of this place. 

This is where we bought souvenir items for friends back home.I rather loved these bug-sy key chains.

On the way back to the hotel, we picked up some food because we were so famished! Hong Kong was where I had my first Gong Cha milk tea. And these breads were heavenly! I splurged on them!

One thing we always have to remember when we visit other countries is to respect their customs, traditions and religion. We are on foreign soil and not back in our motherland. And this way, we can have a better appreciation of our experiences.

I loved Lantau Island but I wish that I would get to try the cable car on my next visit.


~Lovelee~


Check out my previous posts:
- Hong Kong Disneyland 
- Hong Kong City Tour

Hong Kong Trip: Strolling Around The City

(Late Post: This trip happened last 2012)

A walk around around the city center is not complete in any trip. That's where you, sort of, immerse yourself in your host country's culture and experience their daily lives around the metro. 

So, a good breakfast is needed to start the day. Our package included the complimentary breakfast already at the Cafe de Coral, this is like their Jollibee in Hong Kong, its a big Chinese fast food joint there. A lot of their branches are scattered everywhere and their food is good. 

Free! 

After a quick breakfast, we boarded our tour bus and went on to the city. Our hotel was located over at the New Territories so it was quite a long drive, but it was a comfortable ride and we get to sightsee. The MTR would have been faster but not much sights.

On the way to the city.

Our first stop, the Avenue of the Stars. Hong Kong's take on Hollywood's famous attraction that pays tribute to their famous individuals such as Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan and a lot more! It attracts a lot of tourists and is located at the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade that is easily accessible by walking or with transportation. 

It was so foggy that we could barely see the opposite harbor. And it was a chilly morning. Very nice though that limited us in seeing the sights.

The second stop was the mid-level of Victoria Peak. But alas, no view! So foggy!

Ladie's? Hehe.

Third stop was a visit to Hong Kong Jewellery. We were oriented with the history of jewelry-making and of the business before we got to see the goods. Taking of photos inside the shop is not allowed so that was a minus because they have a lot beautiful pieces set in different stones and a lot in Jade because the Chinese consider this to have a lot of mystical qualities that is why possessing one is important. 

I bought a small necklace and if I remember correctly, I paid for HK $100 for it. I wore it for a short time but since the chain was not real gold or silver, it tarnished over time, I'm acidic, that's why. The pendant was still good though, it maintained its quality.

Then there's shopping! But I did not buy anything, I was keen on spending more on food and other stuff. Last on my priorities was shopping.

Sniffing around but no actual purchase. Stingy!

The scenery outside our hotel..mountains. We were very far from Kowloon and other tourist attractions but with the fast MTR, traveling was a breeze. And from our location, Tsing Yi, Disneyland is near, just a couple of train stations away. The airport is near too.

Pleasant scene. With the mini bus on the side, before we boarded going to the MTR station.

The sight from our hotel floor. 

By the way, HK have the Octopus Card that can make your travel more easy and convenient. It can be used in paying for most public transporations ( Bus, Minibus, Ferry, Peak Tram, Tram & MTR Trains) as well as settling payment for fast food restos, convenience stores, vending machines and many more. This is a very convenient tool to have when going around and it comes in reasonable denominations.

The amazing Octopus Card reader. Just touch your Octopus Card here and you're set! 

Yay! Jollibee! A photo op that we can't miss. Love your own, right! We stayed inside while waiting and we just observed the customers, mostly kababayans, but with other nationalities too. 

A visit to the heart of Hong Kong is also a must. Here, life is more fast-paced and dynamic. It's like our Makati, Ortigas and Global City.

The IFC Tower at night

Lunch at the Can-Teen! 

Their food looked and tastes amazing! And very filling too!

The tourist-y shots!

Explore more!

Shopping time! For souvenirs and other stuff. So many things, so little budget. Haha!

Just explore where your feet will take you. But make sure to stay safe.

Many restos, stalls and eateries are scattered in the city so you will not have any trouble if you have gotten hungry from all the sightseeing. It's just a matter of choosing where your eyes and tummy will take you.

Dinner time! Walking has made us very hungry.

On our way to see the Symphony of Lights at the harbor. We had to be a bit early so we can find a good spot before all the others flocked in. It gets very crowded there.

There it is! Done now. It was a foggy night so that lights on the show were not that prominent. But it was still a good show. 

I know there were still lots of places that we have not visited but this was still a great experience for me, After all, this was my first out-of-the-country trip.

An important travel tip that I would like to impart is to know the address and telephone numbers of our embassy in the country that you are visiting because you just never know, better be prepared. Also store a copy of your passport, credit card and other relevant docs or identification in a USB or online so just in case you lose them while traveling, you still have proof of your identity. 

Should I be able to visit here again, I will not get a package that includes a city tour because they basically bring you to places that is kind of limiting to other possibilities. I mean, with careful itinerary research and planning, you can get whole lot more experiences than you paid for. More attractions and shopping places and most importantly, you are in control of your time. 


~Lovelee~

Check out my previous posts:

Hong Kong Disneyland