[See, Eat] Hong Kong, Lantau Island – One Day in Ngong Ping(昂坪)+Tai-O(大澳)

Felt that it might be good that i put in my trip down here too, although it happened years back. Hope that this will help you with your planning to Hong Kong.

Heading to Ngong Ping will take up one day or two day, if you plan to hike up. Otherwise like most tourist does, take the cable car up spend around half day or so head back to Tung Chong station take a bus to Tai-O for another half day or few hours then back.
As it was their Monsoon season, it was raining almost everyday. I spent a week in Hong Kong, which i think it would be unnecessary for most people to do so. Cause Hong Kong is good for short trip but if you stay there for too long you would be bored for people who love shopping and  eating only. However, if you are planning for some hiking , trekking getting out of the city and exploring the countryside or outlying island in Hong Kong, staying longer is not a bad option.

Once arrived at Ngong Ping station, you could have a walk at Ngong Ping Village:

Tian Tan Buddha/The Big Buddha

How to get there?

Cost?

Getting to the up to view the big Buddha is free, however if you want to visit the three halls which is situated 3 storey below the Big Buddha status there is a entrance fee  of 25HKD.

To note: 

No photography inside the Hall.

Operating Hours:

Monday to Sunday (including public holidays)
10:00 – 17:30

What to see?

268 Steps up:

At the top:

Po Lin Monastery 

The monastery was founded in 1906 by three monks from Jiangsu Province, China and was initially known as “The Big Hut”. In 1924, it was renamed to its present name. The main temple houses three bronze statues of the Buddha – representing his past, present and future lives – as well as many Buddhist scriptures.

The Main Shrine Hall of Buddha:

Operating Hours:

Monday to Sunday (including public holidays)
08:00-18:00

Cost:

Free

Po Lin Monastery –Vegetarian Lunch

Where?
On the left of the Main Shrine Hall
(facing the Main Shrine Hall)

Operating Hours?

Monday to Friday (except public holidays)
11:30-16:30

Saturday, Sunday & public holidays
11:30 – 19:00

Cost:

60HKD Per person (Normal Meal)

100HKD Per person (Deluxe Meal)

**Not sure if the price have increase or not

What I had?

Food are served according to the number of guest.

1 Guest will have 3 side dish, 1 Soup (三菜一湯) +Rice

Wisdom Path

After my lunch i headed down to the wisdom path:

Another 15 minutes walk:

Getting near:

Reached, gloomy weather:

Beautiful view here:

Last stop in Ngong Ping before getting down to Tung Chung station.

A short break here before getting back:

Home made tea:

Bye~Ngong Ping~!

Tai-o

How to get there?

Get to MTR Tung Chung Station. Take bus 11 to Tai O bus terminus (the journey takes approximately 50 minutes.)

Or

MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B. Take Ngong Ping Cable Car to Ngong Ping Village (approximately 25 minutes). Take bus 21 to Tai O terminus (approximately 20 minutes)

Or

Take a ferry from Tuen Mun-Tung or Tung Chung

Cost?

Bus 11- Adult

Weekday: 11.80HKD

Weekend:19.20HKD

Children Below 12 & Senior citizen 65 and above: Half Fare

Reached Tai-O:

Map:

What to see?

Understanding Tai-o culture and history:

Street market:

Walking to the Pavilion:

A different view of the fishing Village:

To the pavilion:

um…bad weather can’t see anything:

Head back to the bus stop and found this little street stall selling tradition Gai Dann Zai (Egg waffle):

Yummy! Traditional Hong Kong Style Egg waffles made over charcoal flame:

**Is a rare sight to see this now in modern Hong Kong City, as the charcoal flame have been replace by electrical stoves due to cost efficient and safety issues.

That end my day in Tai-o, after i took the bus back to Tung chung station to have my dinner.

Tung chung Citygate outlet mall, which i think is a great place for shopping if you are interested to visit some branded outlet stores in Hong Kong.

Wish that i could go back again to revisit this places that i have been to . Sad to say that recently, I have been lazy to go far out in Hong Kong just wanna stay in my hotel or wander around in the bustling city.