Originally posted: 2015

After checking in and dropping off our bags, we didn’t waste any time. First on our itinerary: The Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha). ✨

Because the queue for the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car was insanely long, we decided to take New Lantao Bus No. 23 instead. It was definitely cheaper, but the scenic route took about an hour. Not bad, though — we got to see a lot of Lantau Island’s beautiful rural side.

🧿 The Twelve Divine Generals

Before reaching the Big Buddha, you’ll be greeted by the Twelve Divine Generals, each representing a Chinese zodiac sign and guarding the statue. They stand tall, armed, and majestic — I wish I could upload the photos, but the internet connection wasn’t cooperating at the time. (Maybe next time!)

🕉️ The Big Buddha Experience

One of the biggest highlights of our Hong Kong trip was this — Tian Tan Buddha, a towering bronze statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. It’s the second-largest seated Buddha in the world, symbolizing harmony between man, nature, people, and faith. And when you finally stand in front of it after all the steps and climbs, the view is simply surreal. 🙏🏼

We decided to take the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car on the way back — and it was absolutely worth the wait.

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🚠 Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car

The 20-minute cable car ride gave us a spectacular view of Lantau’s greenery, the sea, mountain valleys, the airport, and the city of Tung Chung coming into view. I was awestruck the whole time. It was quiet, calm, and deeply grounding. Definitely a moment to remember.

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🏛️ Bonus Side Trip: Museum Hopping!

Although these weren’t on our initial itinerary, we had extra time and decided to visit:

🏯 Hong Kong Museum of History

Located in TST, Kowloon
This museum instantly became one of my favorites. “The Hong Kong Story” permanent exhibit walks you through 400 million years of history across 8 massive galleries.

You can step into:

• A prehistoric village with stone and bronze artifacts
• Dioramas of Hakka village life
• A reconstructed Cantonese opera house, teahouse, and traditional medicine shop
• A lion dance celebration
• A temple, and old Hong Kong street scenes

It was immersive, colorful, and incredibly educational. Perfect for all ages!

 

Prehistoric Hong Kong:  The life-size exhibits give you a glimpse at the early inhabitants’ lives and customs.  There are also prehistoric artefacts of stone, pottery and bronze in display. 

Hong Kong Folk Culture displays. Picture above shows the customs displayed in a very colorful array of exhibits and replicas, this was perhaps one of our favorite galleries.

You also get to walk through the “center of the town” and typical scenes from every day life: a home, the town’s  temple,   a traditional celebration, a lion dance and a Cantonese Opera set. 

🔬 Hong Kong Science Museum

Also in TST, the Science Museum was interactive and engaging from the moment we stepped in. Spread across four floors and 500 exhibits, it covers:

• Light & sound
• Robotics & computers
• Life sciences
• Earth science and meteorology

Approximately 75% of the exhibits are hands-on, and there’s even a large area designed for kids to explore freely. It’s a must-visit for curious minds!

Kids will stay occupied with the interactive displays (about three-quarters of the museum is hands-on) – not to mention the chance to run around in the massive kids’ area designed just for them. A huge museum with a ton to do, 

🏡 Wrapping Up

After a long but incredible day, we took the Hong Kong MTR back to our guesthouse. Honestly, their public transport system is so efficient and organized — I couldn’t help but compare it to the system back home and wish for better for our country.

💬 Next Post: Day 2 – Part 1: Victoria Peak and More Adventures

Stay tuned for more Anjventures in Hong Kong! 🧳✨

With love,
Anj