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Lantau is the largest of Hong Kong’s islands and is almost double the size of Hong Kong Island itself. It is located 10km west of Hong Kong Island and is about 25km in length. The island has a lot of tourist attractions to offer and one day is not enough to see them all. You can, however, enjoy a visit to one of the the most popular visitor destinations, not only in Lantau but also in Hong Kong, the Ngong Ping 360. Adjacent to the Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal, Ngong Ping Village is an impressive cultural themed village, incorporating three major attractions - Walking with Buddha, Stage 360 and Motion 360. The village has gift shops, restaurants and café’s. If you want to get the perfect picture of the village, make sure to go there as soon as it opens. Ngong Ping is really popular with it's Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) and a lot of people go there to visit. How to Get to Ngong Ping 360?
Read also: How to Get Out of Hong Kong International Airport?
Read also: How to Get Out of Hong Kong International Airport?
2. The Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha)
Tian Tan Big Buddha, popularly known as just the Big Buddha, is I think the most recognizable among the attractions in Ngong Ping 360, not to mention overpowering them all. I said that because wherever you take pictures, the Buddha is always on the background. It's so big that it can be seen across the bay as far as Macau on a clear day. Aside from the Big Buddha the podium is also the perfect location for a panoramic view of the island and the Po Lin Monastery. It's really a very peaceful and tranquil shrine if only people are not adding up every minute. We went there at the opening of the Ngong Ping Village but I can't get a single shot without the people. I can't blame them though because it's all worth climbing the many steps to see the Buddha upfront.
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Read also: Self-Service Lockers at the Citygate Outlets
3. Po Lin Monastery
Po Lin Monastery is another popular attraction in Ngong Ping 360 in Lantau Island, Hong Kong. A visit at the themed village is not complete without visiting the Monastery. It's a must see next its extension, the Tia Tian Buddha or popularly known as the Big Buddha. The monastery's popularity was gained when the Big Buddha was erected in 1993 and was dubbed the "Buddhist World in the South". It has become a practice of people that after visiting the Big Buddha they go directly to the Po Lin Monastery or the other way around.
4. Ocean Park Hong Kong
From Ngong Ping 360, we just dropped our luggage at the Hotel and went straight to Ocean Park Hong Kong. We're already running late, and the worst thing happened, the taxi we're in had an accident. So after all that and the hotel, we arrived in Ocean Park at around 2:30pm. Oh well, at least we still had enough time to explore some of the attractions in the park. We didn't plan on riding anyway.It's different matter, though, if you are planning on riding the thrilling rides there. Not only that you need time to explore the park and trying the rides, but you really need to have the energy. If you are going to visit for just a day or a short time, make sure to plan your visit carefully. Check their website and the map and choose the attractions and rides that you want to try. Oh and don't forget to bring a lot of patience, because you will definitely get tired and lose your patience along the way. How to Get to Ocean Park Hong Kong?
5. Kowloon Walled City Park
If you see Kowloon Walled City Park today, you wouldn't think that it has a very deep and troubling history dated back to the Qing Dynasty. It was first set-up as an outpost to manage the trade of salt and called Walled City, a city within a city. Although, a lot of guards were stationed there, nothing happened, until the First Opium War between British & Qing Dynasty. Even when Hong Kong was ceded to British Empire by the Treaty of Nanking (peace treaty that ended the First Opium War between British & Hong Kong), this city was free from all British influence. And to make sure that it will stay free, the emperor felt that it needed to be strengthen and so they improved it and built defense walls. How to Get to
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Read also: Luggage Storage Service at the Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal
6. The Trick Eye Museum
The Trickeye Museum, an art gallery with paintings created using 'trompe l'oeil' techniques that give each 2D art piece the illusion of being in 3D originated in Seoul, Korea. It has become popular that they made another 2 domestic and two overseas branches, in Singapore in Hong Kong. The museum let the visitors interact with the paintings, posing themselves just right so that they look as if they are part of the original work. You need to get the perfect spot, to get that effect. You have to pay attention to instruction posted in each painting as to where you stay for posing and taking pictures. Trick Eye Museun Hong Kong features around 50 optical illusion paintings and installations over 5 different themed zones.
7. Sky Terrace 428
The Sky Terrace 428, is the highest viewing platform in Hong Kong, perfect location to see the stunning view of the city. It's 360-degree panoramic view is a must try when you visit the Peak.
There's nothing much to see up there, only the skyscrapers and the island, so you don't need a lot of time to visit. They said the best time to visit is in the morning and at night so you can see the island lit up. However, it still depends on the weather, because it gets foggy in Hong Kong, you won't be able to see the city.
There's nothing much to see up there, only the skyscrapers and the island, so you don't need a lot of time to visit. They said the best time to visit is in the morning and at night so you can see the island lit up. However, it still depends on the weather, because it gets foggy in Hong Kong, you won't be able to see the city.
8. St. John Cathedral
St John's Cathedral, Hong Kong, a cross-shaped structure, stands in the heart of the city's financial downtown district. It can be seen as soon as you steeped out from Central Station going to the Peak Tram lower terminus. When you see the cathedral, you would think that it's just built recently because of the bright clean color, but it's not. It was completed in 1849 and extended in 1873. It was damaged during World War II in 1941 and all services only resumed in 1945.
9. Clock Tower
The clock tower is located just along the way to where the Symphony of Lights can be watched. It was erected in 1915 and standing 44 meters tall. This red brick and granite tower is preserved as a Declared Monument. It looks nice at night and I saw a lot people sitting around, maybe waiting for the show to start.
10. 1181 Heritage
1181 Heritage is used to be the headquarters of the Hong Kong Marine Police. Not it's turned into a shopping mall, a heritage hotel and an exhibition hall. Several building & artifact of historical interest have been preserved and restored in this building. At the north end of 1881 Heritage stands the main building of the Former Marine Police Headquarters. It was built in the early 1880s. Inside are the cells where pirates and smugglers were held. We we're not able to go inside because we're running of time. Another reason to come back!
Read also: Hong Kong Day 3: Nan Lian Garden | Chi Lun Nunnery | Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple | Hong King Disney Land11. Symphony of Lights
Syumphony of Lights is a multimedia show that set Victoria Harbour ablaze every night since 2004. It's recognized as one the world’s most spectacular light shows. It has become the signature icon for Hong Kong, showcasing the vibrancy and glamorous night vista of the city. When I visited, I enjoyed watching the galleon sailing more than the show. A lot of people, including my boss love it, so maybe I'm just weird. The show always starts at 8:00pm so make sure you schedule your visit so you won't miss it.
Read also: Hong Kong Day 4: Flower Market | Bestmart 360° | Crystal Jade Restaurant12. Jade Night Market
The Jade Night Market, officially known as Yau Ma Tei Jade Hawker Bazaar located in Yau Ma Tei in Hong Kong has a long history dating back to the 50's. Original traders in the market came from Guangzhou in Mainland China. After a decade of trading, there were only 10 shops, but then it boomed by the beginning of 1970's, to over 100 shops. By the middle of the 70's, the Jade became popular and one of the most sought-after Chinese souvenir for good-luck charms. In Chinese characters, Jade is a combination of the words beauty and purity, but Jade is not just a precious gemstone. Chinese people believed that the stone brings luck and prosperity. It also helps ward off ghosts, bad luck and has a positive influence on one's health. Nowadays, not only Chinese has that belief but also a lot of people from different part of the worlds. Jade color varies from green to yellow, brown and even pure white. It can be worn as an accessory and at the same time as good luck charm.
Read also: How to Get to Jade Night Market?
Read also: How to Get to Jade Night Market?
13. Nan Lian Garden
From all the tourist sports I've been to in Hong Kong, this is the one I love the most. It's very peaceful, serene, quiet and relaxing. It feels like a magical forest at the center of all the tall buildings. Every time my friends ask me about Hong Kong, I'm too excited to tell them about this garden. I can't stop my self showing them the pictures I took while telling them how I would love to go back. I can stay there all day reminiscing or just taking in the classical beauty of the place. Nan Lian Garden is a beautiful escape from the busy day in the city. Although it's at the center of the city, once you're inside you won't remember that you're still in the city. Unless of course, you look up and see the tall buildings around. But still, even when I saw the building every time I look up, I don't mind at all because I feel at ease in this garden.
Read also: How to Get to Nan Lian Garden?
Read also: How to Get to Nan Lian Garden?
14. Chi Lun Nunnery
Adjacent to the Nan Lian Garden is a very large monastic complex called the Chi Lin Nunnery. It is a Buddhist temple home to about 60 nuns. The nunnery was built in 1934 but remodeled and reconstructed in 1990 and was finally opened to the public in 2000. To get inside the nunnery, you will enter the Shan Men, the main entrance of the monastery. Literally, it means the mountain gate as most monasteries are situated in the mountains, far from the civilization. When one enters the mountain gate, one leaves everything behind.
Read also: How to Get to Chi Lin Nunnery?
Read also: How to Get to Chi Lin Nunnery?
15. Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple
Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple or just simply Wong Tai Sin Temple is located just a station away from Nan Lian Garden. The temple is passable through a large memorial arch and covers an area of about 18,000 square meters. The temple is home to three religions: Taoism, Confucianism & Buddhism. It is said to grant all wishes, no wonder it's that very popular among locals and tourists and the most busiest temple in Hong Kong. It is busier and more popular than Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery. The temple was built to commemorate the famous monk of yore, Wong Tai Sin also known as Huang Chu-ping. He said to be the healer of the wounded, savior of the dying and punisher of the evil. He was not only worshiped by the sick but also businessmen with problems. The structures of the temple represents the five Geomantic Elements: Metal (Bronze Pavilion), Wood (Archives Hall), Water (Yuk Yik Fountain), Fire (Yue Heung Shrine) where the Buddha of Lighting Lamp is worshiped, and Earth (Earth Wall).
Read also: How to Get to Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple?
Read also: How to Get to Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple?
Hong Kong Disneyland, is the 5th Disney Theme Resort in the world and the 2nd in Asia's, next to Tokyo Disneyland. It's popularity almost put the other themed park in Hong Kong, the Ocean Park Hong Kong out of business. The park is not only popular among Chines people, visitors from neighboring countries flock there too to experience happiness of being a kid again. I, for one, was really excited and was running just to take pictures with the mascot of Buzz Lightyear and Daisy Duck, which I wasn't able to because they went for a break. I know I should have taken pictures with Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse, but I know it's going to be crowded so I was contented to take pictures with my favorite cartoon character, Stitch and a bonus picture with Woody! Disneyland is one of the man's greatest creation that takes people to a happy place. It's not just for young people to enjoy but also for young at heart. A very amazing idea that comes to life and for sure will live forever! Might not be the same but for sure, better!
Read also: How to Get to Hong Kong Disneyland?
Read also: How to Get to Hong Kong Disneyland?
17. Hong Kong Flower Market
The street where the market starts does not have a lot of flowers yet, only plants so I thought it's going to be boring. However, when we kept walking, I started seeing a lot of flower displays. They are of different colors, some are real, most are not, but, it's still enjoyable. They are beautiful and cheaper than the flowers in Manila. My friend wanted to buy some to give her mother, but afraid that it will be confiscated at the airport. Me? I just enjoyed looking and taking pictures of them. How to Get to Hong Kong Flower Market?
Disclaimer: This list depends on your preferences. Don't use this itinerary if you are traveling with kids or oldies as this is very tiring. For other itinerary options for people with kids and oldies, please click the links below.
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