3 Magical Discoveries in Lantau Island

Magical#1 They say, you can make wishes or say sincere prayers there."

Magical#2 It was so calm there.  The amazing view of Lantau Island from atop was breathtaking.  It was a good place to meditate indeed. 

Magical#3 The clouds touched the mountain's peak. The mountain's sod touched the sea.  The tall and mighty trees are deeply rooted in the mountain.  My fingers touched the clouds (camera trick).

1.  NGONG PING VILLAGE.  It was so packed with entertainment.  You won't miss it.  Souvenir stores, food stalls, entertainment are busy.

After the longer cable ride than of Ocean Park's, we were welcome with the tidy, organized, gardenlike beauty of Ngong Ping Village.  It was so clean and beautiful.  Though the weather was hot, it was worth it!

Ngong Ping village center piece

Mom walked ahead of us.  She said we have to still climb the long stairs to see Big Buddha.  My brother and I was thinking it could be tiresome but hey we're already there so why not. The pavement road was so vast.  We passed by this Geisha Stick-your-face artwork and of course didn't miss it at all.

Chesca as Geisha

busy Ngong Ping Village

Ngong Ping Village looked so festive with the butterflies lanterns. From there you see the high mountains from afar and a vast pavement.  Cows and goats were just free to roam.  A lot of stores are busy with tourists.  Food stalls are strategically placed as well.

The kids had fun walking under the sun.  I took their photo with one of the guardians of buddha.  Look at this.

just posing in the middle of the pavement road...so clean!

just run free girls...

From afar, you will notice the dark clouds on the mountains. It looked so close yet so near.  No matter the weather, we had our adventure!  Upon arriving at the gate of Big Buddha, we all hiked upstairs for Buddha.  

"They say, you can make wishes or say sincere prayers there."Magical1

Hmmm, I was thinking what will be mine.  The stairs were really many to take (268 steps) but it aint a problem if you get to stop once in  a while. Don't walk what you cannot bear.  I said to myself if others can, why can't I?  

2.  TIAN TAN BUDDHA.  The big buddha seated so comfortably.  You have to climb 268 steps to reach the top. What about him?  Who is Big Buddha?

The Big Buddha (its official name is Tian Tan Buddha) is 34-meter bronze statue that was built in 1993 and faces north to overlook mainland China as sort of a guardian.  While its youth is somewhat surprising to many, the site draws religious pilgrims all over Asia.

Visitors climb 268 steps to reach the top of the Buddha, where panoramic views over Lantau Island are worth carrying camera gear for.

http://lajollamom.com/big-buddha-po-lin-monastery/#What_is_the_big_Buddha

Tian Tan Buddha, the GOAL!

Chesca and Noelle getting ready for the climb!

Finally...resting and taking the moment with Tian Tan Buddha
112 ft high and 250 metric tons - The 2nd largest sitting buddha outside
1st is the one in Taiwan

So what did we see when we got to Big Buddha?  We saw 6 smaller bronze statues known as "The Offerings of the Devas" surrounding Tian Tan Buddha.  They offer him flowers, fruits, incense, music, ointment or light (lamp).  Each is a symbol representing patience, morality, wisdom, charity, zeal and meditation.  

It was so calm there.  The amazing view of Lantau Island from atop was breathtaking.  It was a good place to meditate indeed. Magical2

For me, all I felt was peace and gratefulness.  Ever since my mom told me her unique experience when we first visited there, I always wanted to visit too.


3.  HEAVENS MEET EARTH.  When you reach the top, all you see are these beautiful landscape.  Your heart will be at peace.  It's like God is telling you "I am mightier than all, even your problems."

The clouds touched the mountain's peak. The mountain's sod touched the sea.  The tall and mighty trees are deeply rooted in the mountain.  My fingers touched the clouds (camera trick).Magical 3

Stratus clouds hovering the mountains of Lantau Island

let your sight feast and be inspired by these (photo by Ness See)

So green and calm mountains (photo by Ness See)

God is truly the great Architect. His design is perfect! (photo by Ness See)

I looked for my mom, my brother and the kids because Ness and I were late due to the photos and videos we took. hahaha.  We found them at the exit area waiting for us.  Going down was easier!  A sense of accomplishment enveloped my whole being.  Truly travels like this DO help a lot!  I was happier because we were a family! We were all thirsty when we came down. hahaha.  My legs were still ok.  I guess it's mind over matter.  We walked to the bus station to leave Ngong Ping Village.  As expected, due to tiresomeness, fell into a power nap.  We woke up when the bus was almost arriving the drop off area.  

Going down and yet still taking this mom and daughter pic with Buddha

worth the 268 steps

Come and visit Lantau Island. Who knows you'll have 3 magical discoveries too!