Lantau Island aka: 大嶼山,大屿山

my island home

Despite evil dissuasions from my traveling companions who did not want to go to Lantau, stating reasons about the inaccessibility and the lack of scenary, I have to say that it is not as difficult as said to get to Lantau island.

It takes a subway ride and a bus ride to find Serenity. It was misty and surreal when I finally climbed onto the top most level of the stairs to see the biggest Buddha in Asia. I’ve also decided to walk the Wisdom Path because it is something wise to do. Trekking across muddy paths because it was raining before, we finally came to a clearing which has wooden inscriptions staked onto the ground and it was a breathtaking sight!

I found my gratification in the Lantau trip then.

I made it to the top of the stairs and was able to go in around the Buddha. The view was amazing!

Check out the Big Buddha. You’ve gotta climb this daunting flight of steps to get up there but I was proud of myself when I got up to the top. Wonder how the old folks manage it. Views from the top are good. At sunset there’s this “misty mountain” effect. Didn’t care too much for the museum thingy though. Lantau island is worth visiting if you wanna catch a glimpse of something other than the urban life. Bear in mind that the transport system isn’t as good and there might not be rides at night so you’d have to take a taxi. But taking the buses through the mountains is hair-raising! The drivers are speed demons and hurtle up and down the roads though they’re windy and sometimes have sections where there’s only ONE lane for two-way traffic.

this is an amazing way to get out of the urban hamster-cage.

if you start with going up to see the Buddha, grab the ticket with the meal, it’s quite a large portion but delicious!

it’s important to go quite early, first to beat the huge rush, but mostly to give yourself a chance to climb Lantau Peak. on the way to it, there’s a small pavilion and tall engravings of the Heart Sutra [Wisdom Path]. i’ve seen many people go up the Peak the one way and back down the same, but going the other way offers a great view of the airport (amongst other things). You would end up back on the road where you can catch the bus, or follow the signs and keep going.

Be sure there’s no rain in the forecast, bring plenty of water, and have a Clif bar close by.

Great place! It’s a nice break from the city life of Hong Kong Island. There’s some great food in the vegitarian restaurants in the Monastaries. The buddah is fairly impressive, and there’s a great walking track near Mui Wo that takes you through the old village and towards a waterfall.

most amazing views ever …

Climbing the giant buddha’s always fun, but I go for the vegetarian food. Amazing how the “chicken” you’re eating turns out to be taro. Be sure to check out the monastery while there. What peacefulness… Go hiking too; the night sky is beautiful when you get away from Hong Kong’s city lights.

i stayed on lantau, in the Youth Hostel there. Alone.

the first night there was a german guy called Geronimo. but he left. so i was alone, next to the buddha, in a forest. it was surreal

i decided this one day – i would travel alone from hong kong island i took the ferry to lantau…to be alone…think…go to the monastery there. it was incredible. i sat in awe in front of the largest outdoor buddha..(in sitting position or something) nevermind that isnt the important part and just took everything in. i connected with myself that day in a away i never had before.