This is the third episode of my Hong Kong–Macau 2017 blog series—one that took me a while to finally sit down and write. Life happened, as it always does, but some stories are worth coming back to.
Day three brought us to Lantau Island, and to this day, it remains one of the most unforgettable parts of that trip. Lantau Island is one of the most popular day-trip destinations in Hong Kong, known for its scenic landscapes and cultural attractions.
A First Ride Above the Clouds
We left our guesthouse at 8 AM and took the MTR Tung Chung Line to its final stop—Tung Chung Station. From there, it was just a short walk to the terminal of the Ngong Ping 360.
It was my first time riding a cable car, and I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation.
Before boarding, I noticed that there were different types of cabins available—from standard cabins to the famous Crystal Cabin with a glass floor. We went with the Crystal Cabin, which was already enough to give us a breathtaking experience.
As the cable car slowly lifted us off the ground, Hong Kong began to transform beneath us. Buildings gave way to mountains, and the city’s noise faded into silence. The ride, which lasted around 25 to 30 minutes, stretched across lush forests and rolling hills and even gave us a distant view of the airport and the sea.
At some point, I found myself just staring out the window, completely quiet. It wasn’t just the view—it was the feeling of being suspended between the sky and the mountains, somewhere between excitement and calm.
For first-time visitors, the Ngong Ping 360 cable car isn’t just transportation—it’s an experience on its own. It offers one of the most scenic ways to see Lantau Island, especially on a clear day when visibility stretches far across the landscape.
Floating above the vast greenery, I realized that Hong Kong had more to offer than just skyscrapers and city lights. Up here, it felt peaceful—almost untouched.
Ngong Ping and the One That Got Away
Our first stop was Ngong Ping Village, a charming cultural village nestled in the mountains. Shops, cafés, and souvenir stalls lined the area, but all eyes were drawn to one thing—the iconic Tian Tan Buddha, sitting quietly atop the plateau.
Also known as the Big Buddha, this massive bronze statue is one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world. It symbolizes harmony between people, nature, and faith and has become one of the most important cultural and spiritual landmarks in Hong Kong. Visitors usually climb a long staircase to reach it, where panoramic views of Lantau Island await at the top.
We were so close.
But sometimes, travel has its own plans. A fun run event was taking place that day, and access to the Big Buddha was temporarily closed.
I remember feeling a small pang of disappointment—but also learning, even then, that not everything in travel goes exactly as planned. And that’s okay. Even from a distance, its presence felt calm and powerful—like it was quietly watching over the island.
Tai O: A Different Side of Hong Kong
Included in our cable car package was a bus ride to Tai O, a place that would leave a quiet but lasting impression on me.
From Ngong Ping, we took a bus down to the village, where time seemed to slow down.
Often referred to as the “Venice of Hong Kong,” Tai O is one of the oldest fishing villages in the city, known for its traditional stilt houses built above tidal flats. For generations, the local fishing community has lived in these homes, relying on the surrounding waters for their livelihood.
Tai O felt like a different world entirely—far removed from the fast-paced rhythm of the city. Known for its stilt houses and fishing heritage, it offered a glimpse into a simpler, more grounded way of life. It was the kind of place that didn’t try to impress—it simply existed, quietly and authentically.
We arrived just in time for lunch but decided to go on a boat excursion first.
The Boat Ride and the Bridge I Didn’t Understand Yet
Along with a few other tourists, we boarded a small boat near Tai Chung Bridge. The ride took us past stilt houses, open waters, and distant mountain ranges.
The boatman spoke in Cantonese, pointing toward structures in the distance—bridges under construction, perhaps, or something more significant. At the time, I didn’t understand what he was saying.
But I remember looking at that bridge and feeling curious.
Years later, I would realize that moment was connected to something much bigger—something I would finally experience in 2025.
Funny how travel works like that.
Lunch by the Water
After the boat ride, hunger finally caught up with us. We found a local seafood restaurant with an open view of the river.
A middle-aged man welcomed us warmly and took our orders. He recognized my friends as Filipinos right away, then turned to me and asked if I was Malaysian. I smiled and told him no.
He shared that he had once lived in the Philippines and even attended church there.
It was such a simple conversation—but one that reminded me how small the world can feel when you travel.
The Bus Mishap (and an Unexpected Scenic Ride)
On our way back to Ngong Ping, we accidentally missed our stop.
We had dozed off.
When we woke up, we were already back at Tung Chung in the city.
For a moment, panic set in—but thankfully, our voucher allowed unlimited bus rides. So we hopped on another bus and made our way back.
Strangely, I didn’t mind the mistake. The extra ride gave me more time to take in the scenery—the mountains, the quiet villages, and the winding roads of Lantau Island.
Sometimes, getting lost gives you more than sticking to the plan.
Po Lin Monastery and a Quiet Pause
Back in Ngong Ping, we visited the beautiful Po Lin Monastery, known for its vibrant architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Founded in the early 20th century, the monastery is one of Hong Kong’s most important Buddhist sites and is closely linked to the nearby Tian Tan Buddha. Its halls, adorned with intricate details and bold colors, reflect traditional Chinese design and spiritual symbolism.
Seeing the monastery up close, with the Big Buddha watching from afar, felt grounding in a way I didn’t expect. Walking through the monastery grounds, I felt a quiet sense of calm—a contrast to the excitement of the day. The scent of incense lingered in the air, and for a moment, everything slowed down.
We stopped by Starbucks afterward—partly for coffee, partly to rest—and picked up a few souvenirs before heading back down via the cable car.
City Lights at Victoria Peak
By evening, we found ourselves heading to Victoria Peak, one of the most famous viewpoints in the city. Also known simply as “The Peak,” it is the highest point on Hong Kong Island and offers a sweeping panoramic view of the skyline, Victoria Harbour, and the surrounding islands. For many visitors, it’s considered a must-see, especially at night when the city lights begin to shimmer.
After navigating long queues for the Peak Tram, we were finally rewarded with a breathtaking night view of Hong Kong. The skyline shimmered with lights, and for a moment, everything felt surreal. From the peaceful landscapes of Lantau Island to the vibrant skyline below, Hong Kong revealed two completely different worlds to us in just one day.
We had a quick dinner at Burger King afterward but didn’t linger too long. The day had been long, and exhaustion finally caught up with us. Still, it was the kind of tiredness that comes from a day well spent.
From the quiet mountains of Lantau to the dazzling cityscape below, Hong Kong showed us two completely different worlds in just one day.
The Last Day and a Promise to Return
Our final day in Hong Kong unfolded at a slower pace—no rushing, no long queues, just a chance to soak in the city one last time. We wandered through the familiar streets, stopping for last-minute shopping, savoring small bites of street food we had grown fond of, and taking quiet moments to simply observe the rhythm of the city.
Each corner felt familiar yet fleeting, as if Hong Kong itself was quietly bidding us farewell. We lingered over our meals, watched the passersby, and let the little details—the signage in Chinese and English, the scent of freshly baked egg tarts, the hum of the MTR—sink in fully.
By 9 PM, we made our way to the airport, carrying luggage and souvenirs, but also memories etched into every moment of our trip. Sitting on the plane, I felt a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction, the kind that comes only from days packed with adventure, discovery, and laughter.
And yet, deep down, I knew something important: this wasn’t the end of my Hong Kong story.
It was only the beginning. A city that had opened its doors to me once would welcome me again someday, and I was already looking forward to that return—ready for new streets to explore, new faces to meet, and new memories to create.
Practical Tips for Visiting Lantau Island
Traveling to Lantau Island can feel overwhelming at first, especially for first-time visitors, but the journey is actually quite straightforward once you understand the routes.
The easiest way to get there is by taking the MTR Tung Chung Line and getting off at Tung Chung Station. From there, the Ngong Ping cable car terminal is just a short walk away. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, buses are also available and offer scenic routes across the island.
If you’re planning to visit the Big Buddha, it’s best to check for any scheduled events ahead of time, as access may be limited during special activities—something we learned the hard way during our visit.
For those heading to Tai O, consider combining it with your Ngong Ping trip. The contrast between the quiet fishing village and the modern city makes the experience even more memorable.
Lastly, try not to rush your itinerary. Lantau Island isn’t just about ticking off attractions—it’s about enjoying the journey, the views, and even the unexpected moments along the way.
A Look Back
This trip to Hong Kong and Macau in 2017 was my first out-of-the-country experience with friends—a journey that sparked something in me that would only grow stronger with time.
*** My friends and I went to Hong Kong and Macau in 2017 as part of our first out-of-country trip together. This is a migrated/reposted blog. ***
