First time I heard about the Lantau Island of Hong Kong was in a program called Extreme Engineering aired at Discovery Channel. This program was about the construction of Hong Kong New International Airport (Chek Lap Kok Airport) and gave a detailed account on how they joined two islands in the sea to construct a world-class modern airport. When I planned a trip to Hong Kong, I read about some must visit places of Hong Kong, those are located near or on Lantau Island like Disney Land, Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha), Po Lin Monastery and Tai O Village. Later, I spent a full day on Lantau Island and it was really a memorable experience to visit those places.
How to Reach Big Buddha Statue? Also known as Tian Tan Buddha, this is the most famous attraction of Lantau Island. I was stayed in Tsim Tsa Tsui, so I used a combination of Metro trains and buses to reach Big Buddha. From Tsim Tsa Tsui MTR station, I caught a metro train to Tung Chung. Tung Chung is the nearest MTR station to Big Buddha. It took nearly one hour to reach Tung Chung from Tsim Sha Tsui. I had to change metro two times at Mei Foo and Lai King in order to reach Tung Chung. But if you take metro from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central first, then from Central , you can directly get a metro to Tung Chung on Tung Chung Metro line. Just before Tung Chung, there is another interchange at Sunny Bay, from where you can catch special trains to Disney Land.
Located in North Lantau, the residents of Tung Chung were primarily fishermen and farmers. But after the opening of Chek Lap Kok Airport in 1998, it became a new generation residential and business center. It is also famous for Citygate Outlets,a large shopping mall, just outside the MTR Station, where you can get branded items on amazingly discounted prices.
From Tung Chung MTR Station, there are two ways to reach Big Buddha:
First way is to use the Ngong Ping Cable Car up to the Ngong Ping village, which is just at 5 minute walking distance from Big Buddha. Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal is near the MTR station only, about 3 to 5 minutes walking distance. Opened in 2006, the cable car is a 5.7 kms bi-cable ropeway. During the 25 minutes ride,visitors can enjoy the spectacular views of Tung Chung Bay, HK International Airport, South China Sea and its Beaches, The Giant Buaddha and Lantau North Country Park. This journey is expensive, but very exciting. A standard cabin ticket cost for round trip is HKD 165 for adults, HKD 85 for children (3-11 years) and HKD 115 for senior citizens (65+ years with HK identity card) (July 2015). The crystal cabin, private cabin and sky lounge are also available and cost much more than the standard cabin. You can also book the cable car tickets online from their website. The cable car operations remain suspended during the maintenance, so always check the serviceability before booking any ticket online. They generally update their service schedule on the website. During weekdays, the timings of cable car operations is 10:00 AM to 18:00 PM, while on weekends and public holidays, it operates from 09:00 AM to 18:30 PM.
Second way to reach Big Buddha is by using NLB buses operated by New Lantau Bus (NLB) Company. The bus terminus is between Citygate and the cable car terminus and is easy to find, although there are no signboards. Bus No. 1R and 23 operate from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping Village with 15-45 minutes frequency. These buses take 50-60 mins to reach Ngong Ping Village and costs HKD 17.20 on weekdays and HKD 27 on Sundays and Public Holidays. You can also get a full day pass at the costs of HKD 35 (March 2012) . Holders of this pass is eligible to travel on all NLB routes on the day which this pass is validated for use (Except N, S, 1R, B2 & B2P routes). Route no. 23 passengers boarding in Tung Chung area must board before 15.30 PM. The below route map of NLB Buses gives you a fair idea of the bus numbers and routes on Lantau Island.
I was interested to travel by the cable car till Ngong Ping Village and then by a bus further to Tai O village. But when I reached Tung Chung, I found that cable car was unserviceable. With no choice, I bought a full day pass for NLB Buses and boarded Bus No. 23 to Ngong Ping. One hour bus journey from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping was very scenic due to the beautiful hilly island, lush-green forests, scenic beaches, fresh air and clean winding mountain roads. The bus dropped us just outside the main entrance of Big Buddha premises near Ngong Ping village. When we alighted from the bus, we were welcomed by chilled wind. It was very cold there.
At Tian Tan Buddha Premises:
Just after the main entrance, there was a series of giant statue of The Twelve Divine General, six at each side of the road. In some Buddhist denominations, they are considered as the protective deities and each represents 2 hours of a day. The whole area was very neat and clean despite of a large crowd of tourists.
Moving further, I reached to a circular platform decorated by many colorful flags. This circular platform is known as Di Tan (Altar of Earth). Altar of Earth is where the monastery holds it major functions and ceremonies. In front of this circular platform, there is a series of 268 steps leading to the statue of Big Buddha. There is no entrance fee to visit this statue. Entry to the Big Buddha remains open from 10:00 AM to 17:30 PM.
After climbing on these stairs, I reached to a giant bronze statue of Lord Buddha sitting on a lotus flower on the top of 3-platform altar. It depicts Sakyamuni who sits on a lotus pedestal in meditation position. The statue is named Tian Tan Buddha because its base is a model of the Altar of Heaven or Earthly Mount of Tian Tan, the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.Construction of this statue was started in 1990 and finished in Dec.1993. The Buddha statue is 112 ft tall and considered as one of the world’s tallest outdoor bronze seated Buddha statue. Every feature of the Buddha statue has a symbolic meaning of religious significance.
There are three floors beneath the Buddha statue: The Hall of Universe, The Hall of Benevolent Merit, and The Hall of Remembrance. A number of invaluable items are displayed in this three-storey exhibition hall. There is an entrance fee of HKD 25 to visit these halls and photography is not allowed inside. This fee also entitled a visitor to get a free vegetarian snacks at Po Lin Monastery Vegetarian Restaurant. For an extra HKD 35, you can get a simple vegetarian lunch and again for extra HKD 40 (Total HKD 100), you can get a deluxe meal. It is believed that the third floor houses a relic of Gautama Buddha, consisting of some of his alleged cremated remains. There is a huge bell, controlled by a computer, that rings 108 times during the day to symbolize the escape of the 108 troubles of mankind.
Please note that the opening hours of vegetarian restaurant is from 11:30 AM to 16:30 PM. Deluxe meal services start from 11.30 AM onwards, while regular meal services start from 13:00 PM onwards.
There are 6 bronze statues on the two sides of the Budhha, 3 at each side. These statues are known as “The Offering of the Six Devas” and are posed offering flowers, incense, lamp, ointment, fruit, and music to the Buddha. These offerings symbolize charity, morality, patience, zeal, meditation, and wisdom, all of which are necessary to enter into nirvana.
The entire area around the statue was full of tourists with people enjoying clicking pictures around the statue. The high statue also offers a grand view of surrounding areas. The monastery and the village looked beautiful despite of misty weather.
Walking Towards The Wisdom Path: Just adjacent to the circular platform, you can see a well-paved trek path leading to the wisdom path, 15 minutes walk from Big Buddha. There is a very large wooden inscription of the Heart Sutra set within a figure ∞ to symbolise infinity.These 38 wooden columns or obelisks which are reminiscent of bamboo tiles were used in ancient times to form the number ∞ .
While returning from the Wisdom Path, suddenly the weather became foggy and it was very difficult to sight the Big Buddha Statue. I thanked god to reach there on time that enabled me to clicked some clear pictures.
Later, I also visited Po Lin Monastery and Ngong Ping Village, on which I will write the next post.
WOW, love your description.
I am a former tour-guide here and find your info exceptionally informative and straight forward for any visitor.
One thing that might be added/highlighted to make it a full day trip and round out the experience is an add on trip down from Ngong Ping to Tai O. As a tour-guide, I always loved to show off the quiet side of Tai O.
Thanks for the suggestion. I did enjoy my trip to Tai O. It’s a beautiful village. I will include your suggestion in the post.
Hello plan to visit this place next week. I am planning to take the cable car from Tung Chung to Big Buddha. But from Big Buddha to Tung Chung i will ride a bus. Where i can buy the ticket and is it possible? What time does the bus normally leave? Thank you so much.
Hi, it’s possible. You will get the bus ticket inside the bus only from the ticket conductor. Normally last bus departs at 0710 PM. Do confirm with the locals about the last bus timing.
Hi. Thank you for this helpful itinerary. Would like to know , what will be the alternative bus to ride going back to Tung Chung later than 3:30PM if we cannot ride on Bus#23 at 3:30PM. Thank you!
Hi, you can take the cable car ride, and at the worse, hire a private taxi.
Hi. Thank you for this informative blog. I will be in HK by January 26 for Chinese New year and I plan on visiting Lantau first. since cable car is under maintenance, (my sister’s in Somerset Hotel and we agreed to meet at victoria park) Are my directions correct?
HK airport to tung chung (via S1 Bus)
Tung chung to ngong ping (via New Lantau Bus 23)
[enjoy buddha, polin, wisdom path, etc]
Ngong ping to tung chung (Bus 23)
Tung chung to HK central (MTR)
HK central to Tin Hau (MTR)
..Then I’ll get my direction from there. Please respond. Thanks!
Yes, you can go ahead like this. Enjoy. 🙂
Very helpful information. What is the best day to visit weekday or weekend? Going there this march. Thank you
Hi, it’s better to go there during the weekdays to avoid the large crowd on the weekend. 🙂
how much is the cable car fee?
Hi, Cable Car service is anticipated to be suspended for approximately 5 months from early January 2017 for the Rope Replacement Project. You can book the tickets online also. Standard Cabin Round Rtrip Cost is HKD 185. Single Trip cost is HKD 130.
hi! im really not good with directions… i got confused. 😀
since cable car is not available during our visit at the island, should i take the bus rom tung chung to ngon ping village?
is the Big Buddah located in NgongPing Village?
I would greatly appreciate your replies to my querries. Im really lost! im an idiot when it really comes to directions…
Hi,
You are right that Big Buddha is situated at NgongPing village. You can take a bus from Tung Chung to NgongPing Village. Enjoy. Have a nice trip. 🙂
Hello, my husband and i will just layover in hk for 7 hours and we’re thinking of going to ngong ping. I already have the route going there from airport via bus but i cant seem to find routes going back to the airport. Would you know which bus/route to take?
Hi, You can use the cable car, or you can return back by the same 1R and 23 number buses to return back to Tung Chung Terminal for onwards travel to the Airport.
Hi, your blog is very helpful regarding riding the bus from Tung Chung to the Big Buddha. Should I also ride the Bus #23 from Lantau Island to go back to Tung Chung?
Yes, you can ride the same bus # 23 to go back to Tung Chung. 🙂
Do you know what’s the earliest time the buses from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping and vice versa are available? Or they’re available 24/7?
No, they are not available 24/7, but from Early Morning to the Evening. May not be after 0500 PM, I don’t know the exact timing though.
Hi thank you for the informative post! I’m planning to go to Disneyland after visiting the Big Buddha. Do you think it might be possible to spend just a morning visiting the Big Buddha and leaving for Disneyland by noon?
Hi, It’s possible. But you have to do it in hurry. Better to use cable car to save time. 🙂
Hi, how much did you spend all in all in Ngong Ping? Can you provide a break down? I am planning to go there soon. Thank you!
Hi, All the cost details are mentioned in this post. There is no entry fee for the Lantau Village. No fee to visit Big Buddha Statue. But, to visit the relic room beneath the statue, you have to buy a ticket. To know the latest prices of the cable car, please refer their official website.
hi, its great guide you have here.
may I know if 4 full days in Lantau is enough to cover all the attractions ? I plan to stay in Tung Chung for 5 nights. Out of the 4 days one day is meant for Disneyland.
Is Tai-O a great place to go?
Thanks much!
Hi, 4 days is really a good time to cover Lantau Island. You can go for the trekking also. Tai O is a beautiful village, definitely worth visiting, because you have enough time. It is a nice place to see stilt houses on the water, local fish market, fishing activities etc. 🙂
Amazing Webpage and very informative!
My family and I are planning on visiting Lantau Island sometime on August. Is the cable cart experience worth it? considering that it is quite pricey (running on a budget). If we decide not to take the cable cart, what other forms of transportation are available to get to the island itself and how much would that be?
Also, is the entrance to the island free? We’re very much running on a budget or trying to spend less as much as we could so that we could see more of hong kong in the short time that we are there.
Thank You very much for your time and keep up the great work 🙂
Riza.
There are no entrance fee for Lantau Island. Entrance fee is only for Po Lin Monastery AMD for the relics room beneath Buddha Statue. Cable car should be worth experience, however, I couldn’t took that, as it was non-operational. You can also go there by a bus.
hai,planning to visit lantau island this year..do u have any idea how much the cable car is?and how much is the entrance fee in lantau island and big buddha?thanks
Hi, A round-trip in standard cabin costs HKD 185 while in Crystal Cabin, its HKD 255. No entry fee is required for Big Buddha, but HKD 25 fee is applicable, if you want to visit exhibition halls beneath the Big Buddha Statue. This fee also entitled a visitor to get a free vegetarian snacks at Po Lin Monastery Vegetarian Restaurant. For an extra HKD 35, you can get a simple vegetarian lunch and again for extra HKD 40 (Total HKD 100), you can get a deluxe meal.
Thank you so much for your reply very helpful to us..would like to ask too re-disneyland how much the entrance fee there?all in fee..tnx
Hi..the review is really very helpful…planning to go to this FEB. wanted to know something…how far is the airport from there? any mode of communication directly to the airport? was planning to take a day trip there and catch a flight same night at 9pm..will it be possible?? is there any clock room for luggages’ ??
Hi, it’s not too far from the airport. You can get a bus (no. S1) from the airport to the Tung Chung Terminal and it approx. takes 20 minutes. From there, use cable car to reach the Lanatau Buddha. Otherwise also, you can reach there by buses in one hour. You have plenty of time to visit Lantau from the airport. 🙂
Hi. Nice review. I will be in hong kong this december. I will be having a 12 hours stop in hk. Im arriving at 5 am. Is it possible to go the peak in the morning and in lantau to see the buddha i n the afternoon? I will book my cable car tickets online.. thanks
Hi, The Peak and Lantau Island both are at considerable distances. You can visit both the places in a day, and it’s very much possible, but that will be very hectic schedule. My suggestion is to visit only one with the other nearby places. 🙂
This post is awesome.. I will be arriving in HK Int’l Airport Noon Time(10:30), will i have enough time to visit the Big Budha from 12noon by Bus and return to HK Main Land in the evening time after dinner? or do you suggest i take a hotel there and just go to the mainland the next day? Q__Q
It’s possible. And, if you use cable car, then it will be very good. You will get more time to spend at Lantau.
lord Buddha! looks very big and pretty. lucky me !!to see this post
Can I go from Peak to Big Buddha after half day city touring at the peak..?? Enough time to go there before Big Buddha Entrance Close?? Any transport option to visit Giant Buddha..?
Appreciate for your kindly response.
Hi, half day is not enough to visit Big Buddha, even if you are planning by cable car. Better to go next day.
Hello, this blogpost is really helpful. Il be visiting again hongkong this coming april, may i just ask, since uve said from this post that you stayed at tsim sha tsui. How and what modes of transportation uve taken to get back to your hotel/hostel after your visit of tian tan? A detailed explanation would really be a big help. Thank you my Friend.
Hi, I already mentioned the modes of transportation to reach there in this blogpost. For the return journey,I could again use the same modes of transportation in reverse order. But from Tian Tan, I went to Tai O fishing village and then back to Tung Chung MTR and return to the Central by MTR. Then, I enjoyed a tram ride and again took the star ferry to reach the Victoria Harbour from Central. Tsim Sha Tsui is at the walking distance from the harbour.
hi, is it possible to visit big buddha, po lin monastery and the peak in one day….and how to go the peak from there…
thanks
Yes, its possible, but hectic. Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery are situated in a single complex and need an entire day, so after visiting them, you can rush to The Peak. From Big Buddha, catch a bus or cable car to Tung Chung MTR Station. From there, go to Central MTR and from there The Peak Tram Station is only 10 minutes walk. It should take at least 2 hours from the Big Buddha.
thanks for the info…it will help alot
I’ll visit HK this November and will stay at Hollywood Hotelnear Disneyland. Aside from Disneyland I’d like to see the Big Buddha statue and Po Lin monastery. What How will I go to Tun Chung to ride Ngong Ping cable car, or reach Big Buddha and Po Lim Lin in monastery? what are my transportation options?
Appreciate your response! Thanks.
Hi, the best option is to use MTR from Disneyland to Tung Chung. They are very close. Catch a train from Disneyland to Sunny Bay, the next station. Interchange another train to Tung Chung from Sunny Bay. Tung Chung is the next station after Sunny Bay. From Tung Chung, you have the options of NLB Buses as well as the cable car. Have a nice trip. 🙂
Hi, how many minutes would it take going to the Big Buddha using the cable car? And also is there a ferry from Tsim Tsa Tsui going to Lantau? If there is, is it much faster to get there rather than taking the MTR? Thanks
Hi, The Cable Car takes about 25 mins one way for this 5.7 kms journey. There is no ferry to Lantau Island. Its better to go there using MTR and then cable car. But, in the peak seasons, waiting time to get into the cable car can be upto 2 hours. In that case, its better to go there by a bus from Tung Chung Station.
If you want to get the cable car for a special experience then I suggest buying it online and printing out or photographing the ticket. They also have discounts if you buy online. It will grant you a quick entrance, you won’t have to queue up to buy a ticket then go to another crazy long queue to go into the cable car. And you’ll be on a shorter line if you buy a bit more expensive crystal clear cable car instead of an ordinary one.
I took a cable car to get there and get the sky high view, which was great, but I only took one way journey. When I went back I took a bus, which was also great as I got to see lakes a bit closer and the journey was through such scenic places. And I didn’t have to wait in a long line again for the cable car. Of course it was much cheaper!
If you are on a budget you can use the bus to get there. It will certainly save you a lot. And when you go up to the buddah you’ll be able to see plenty anyway.
Thanks for the information. It will surely help the other people. Happy Travelling.
Hi Boss,, Do you have any idea what time is the last bus from Big Buddha? i was planning to go there straight from Airport Noon Time before going to HK Man City. or maybe just take the cable car on the way back
The last bus departs between 5 PM to 6 PM. Don’t know the exact time.
Hi! Is there an entrance fee in Big Buddha?
Hi, There is no entrance fee for Big Buddha, but if you wish to visit the relics room beneath the statue, then a separate fee of 25 HKD is applied and that also entitle you for a breakfast/lunch at the monastery canteen.
Hey, I know it’s quite an old post but.. kinda stuck and even internet won’t help.. How do I get from HK airport to Lantau island, Big Budda.
Hi, HK airport is near Lantau Island. Take a bus (S1 or S64) from the airport to Tung Chung. From there, you have the option of the NLB Buses as well as Ngong Ping Cable car. HK airport is about 5 kms from Tung Chung and it takes another 45 mins from Tung Chung to Lantau by NLB bus.
Thanks! Happy solo traveling!
Hello Thanks for the information. Is it possible to buy teh cable car tickets using OCTOPUS CARD ?
Hi, they don’t accept Octopus Card these days.
Again a place I haven’t visited. See, I am still to visit so many places on earth.
Gorgeous pictures and it’ll be my guide when I visit it. Thanks.
nice.. a detailed post and good clarity pics.
Wow…Wonderful place and great photographs..:-)