Ngong Ping
We took the MTR from Tsuen Wan Station to Lai King. We also interchanged trains to get to Tung Chung. The aerial tramway, Ngong Ping 360, was only a short-walk away from Tung Chung Terminal.
When we got to the NP360, the long queue for ticket purchasing welcomed us. Good thing we already booked our round trip tickets online the night before. We paid 220 HKD per person for the crystal cabin.
It's safe to say that buying tickets beforehand, rather than on the actual day of the tour, was the best thing to do. Not only did we get discounts, we also got to properly read the different packages they offer in the comfort of our hotel room. In addition, we moved one queue closer to get to Ngong Ping. Because the actual queue to get to ride the cabins starts after you purchased your ticket. So save the waiting time for this part, rather than in ticket purchasing.
Despite the long lines, the view was simply priceless. The 25-minute cabin ride of elation was sublime. We got to admire the magnificent creation of skies, mountains, waters, and lands, all at once—in a panoramic view. It was such a thrilling experience.
The crystal cabin is a bit more expensive than the standard cabin. This is because of the crystal cabin's glass floor. It gives you a better full view down below. But both cabins circulate on the same cable, so you get to enjoy the view either way.
After the superb cabin ride, Ngong Ping continued to overwhelm us with its beauty.
We bought adorable hats for 120 HKD each before we started touring the village. We just couldn't handle the heat of the sun without protection any longer. It was silly of us not to bring hats in the first place, anyway.
We cooled down a bit at a coffee shop. Iced Latte for me, all the way.
We also dropped by a souvenir shop to claim a free photo (from the hats we bought). But we ended up buying two more copies for 220 HKD. It came with a card to access the soft copies, too.
As expected, the climb to get to the Tian Tan Buddha was exhausting. And with the intense heat, the struggle only worsened.
But the magnificent view kept us going.
When we got to the top, all the pain went numb. The wind rushed through my hair. The view was priceless. To be able to observe the beauty of the Big Buddha up close gave me such a rewarding feeling.
Everything just looked glorious.
Across the Big Buddha was the equally popular Po Lin Monastery. This Buddhist complex houses several old and new temples.
Despite the number of tourists frequenting the monastery, its impressive structure was well-maintained. The intricate details seen in all corners of every temple would just put you in awe.
Latest addition to the monastery, The Great Hall of the Ten Thousand Buddhas, made me even more fascinated. The golden interior of the temple was completely mind-blowing. Taking photos of the inside of the temple, however, was restricted. There were still some unbelievably disrespectful tourists, though. Sigh, disappointing humans.
Before we left, we also lighted some incense—priced at 20 HKD and up—and paused for a short prayer.
Our last stop: a small store for some ice creams, and fried dim sums. One stick for 20 HKD. Absolutely scrumptious.
On our fourth and last day, we decided to just explore Tsuen Wan.
Tsuen Wan
Tsuen Wan is one of the 18 districts of Hong Kong, and is located in the New Territories. There are many shopping centers close by. Beautiful parks and historical temples can also be found in town.
We checked out before noon, and left our luggage at the hotel. We then had lunch at a nearby restaurant before we started walking in the busy streets of the province.
We bought some pastries, and Rice Noodle Roll for dessert. Yum!
We visited some parks, too. Even tried blending in with the locals as we roam around town for the last time (but were obviously taking photos).
When our shuttle service finally arrived at the hotel, we got to the airport in no time. Again, there was no traffic. The travel seemed faster than the first time. Also, because I was too busy enjoying the view of the island. Four days passed by too fast.
Hoping to go back and see more of Hong Kong, someday. Already dreaming of you.
(c)
No comments:
Post a Comment