This island is home to the world’s tallest seated outdoor bronze Buddha. It’s also a place of peace and tranquillity compared to Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. We spent almost a full day here and it’s one of the things we’re really glad we did. The Po Lin monastery at the foot of the steps up to the Buddha welcomes all – they were even offering free food samples when we were there. You then climb 260 steps to the most amazing sight. The Buddha is absolutely huge and the view is fantastic. You can take the MTR to get to Lantau Island but we went by high speed boat from the Central Ferry pier which was great fun. We then took a bus to the Buddha. Alternatively, consider joining the Organised Day Trip. Don’t go on a Sunday as there are surcharges on public transport. This is an extract from our free Hong Kong City Guide.
One of the smaller statues that surrounds the Buddha
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR VISITING LANTAU ISLAND
Your journey to the site by bus will be a long and winding one, but you do get to observe life on Lantau Island out of the window along the way. The first glimpse you get of the Buddha is usually an awe inspiring one. Sometimes the statue is even shrouded in cloud! Similarly, if you head to the site via the MTR operated Cable Car (formerly the Sky Train), you’ll get some great views along the way. Don’t be tempted to ignore the Monastery and just climb the Buddha’s steps. We feel that you need to spend time at both to understand why the site is so special. Allow plenty of time for climbing the steps as it’s further than it looks. Under the Buddha’s pedestal you’ll find an exhibition space too. The Po Lin Monastery is open to the public from 9am until 6pm daily. Access to the Tian Tan Big Buddha is available from 10am until 6pm daily. Entry to the Monastery and access to the Buddha are both free. Take the stress out of getting there by joining the Organised Day Trip.
At the cable car station in Ngong Ping you’ll find a retail and entertainment centre which is also worth a visit if you have time. We would say that the Buddha and the Monastery are the main attractions in this part of Lantau Island though. The other notable attraction on Lantau is Disneyland which has it’s own transport links and hotels.
Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island
LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS
The Buddha and the monastery are located at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. To get there, take bus Number 2 from the Lantau ferry port. Alternatively if you arrived on Lantau Island at the Tung Chung MTR Station, take bus number 23. Journey time on both busses can be lengthy. The fastest (and most expensive) option is to travel by cable car from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping. The journey takes 25 minutes. Alternatively, consider joining an Organised Day Trip.
MORE ON LANTAU ISLAND
Day Trip to the Lantau Island Buddha - From our Tours & Activities pages
Lantau Island Hotels – Disneyland
Hong Kong Hotels – Outlying Islands
Wikipedia – Lantau Island
Wikipedia – Tian Tan Buddha
Wikipedia - Po Lin Monastery
Wikipedia – Ngong Ping Cable Car & Village
Po Lin Monastery website
