Day 1. Hong Kong - Macau solo backpacking trip.


My first day in Hong Kong was rainy and foggy. I was supposed to hike up the Dragon's Back trail but I had to change plans because of the bad weather. I decided to visit the famous Tian Tan Buddha in Ngong Ping. From there, I met another traveler and we took a quick tour around Tai O village.

TIAN TAN BUDDHA, NGONG PING, LANTAU ISLAND


Tian Tan Buddha, also known as The Big Buddha, is one of the popular tourist attractions in Hong Kong. It is a large statue of Buddha Shakyamuni located in Lantau Island.

How to get there?

Take the MTR (Tung Chung Line). Get off at Tung Chung Station (Exit B). From there, you have two options. It's either you take the cable car or the bus.
Ngong Ping 360 cable car is just 2-3 minutes walk from the station. Just follow the signs. Roundtrip for adults costs around 185-255HKD, depending if you will ride the standard or crystal cabin.

If you opt to go by cheaper means, take the bus. From the station, take a short walk to the bus station near Tung Chung Town Center. Take the New Lantau Bus No. 23. Bus fare is 17.2HKD from Mondays-Saturdays and 27HKD on Sundays and public Holidays.

What to do around Ngong Ping?

From the cable car terminal/bus stop, you can walk around the Ngong Ping 360 village. There are dining restaurants and souvenir shops that you can check out.
A short walk from the village, you can already see the staircase leading you to The Big Buddha. Keep your lungs and legs ready as it will take you 268 steps up to the platform.
Once you've reached the platform, you will notice "The Offering of the Six Devas" statues surrounding the Big Buddha.
Take your time at the top. Admire the quiet and peaceful view of the surroundings.
After the Tian Tan Buddha, you can also visit the Po Lin Monastery. It is just a few steps away from the entrance of the Big Buddha.
Access to the Tian Tan Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery is free of charge.

TAI O VILLAGE, LANTAU ISLAND

Tai O is an old fishing village located in Lantau Island. Visit Tai O to experience a different side of Hong Kong, away from the tall buildings and busy streets.

How to get there?

From Tung Chung, Bus No 11 drops off directly to Tai O. But since we are from Ngong Ping, we took the Bus No 21 from there. Tai O is just a 15-minute bus ride from the terminal in Ngong Ping.

What to do around Tai O?

Immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle by walking around the narrow alleys of Tai O.
A short stroll around the community and you'll see the stilt houses built over the waterway. There are also some locals offering a boat tour around the village for 20-30HKD.
Being a fishing village, Tai O is known for its dried seafood and salted fish. Any street you take, you'll definitely pass stores or restaurants selling these goods.
And, lastly, don't leave Tai O without trying these egg waffle from the famous Egg Puff Uncle.
Unlike the usual egg puffs that are cooked electronically, Uncle makes his waffles by traditional charcoal grill. And, I swear, it's yummy! :)


Check out the rest of my Hong Kong adventure here:
Day 2: Lion Rock, Amah Rock and The Peak - https://prildelrosario.blogspot.com/2017/06/travel-2017-hong-kong-lion-rock-to-amah.html
Day 3: Kowloon - https://prildelrosario.blogspot.com/2017/07/travel-2017-hong-kong-kowloon-hong-kong.html
Day 4: Macau - https://prildelrosario.blogspot.com/2017/07/travel-2017-macau.html