Hong Kong 香港

Lamma Island 

This is a small island about 40-50 minutes (by boat) away from Hong Kong Island.  On this small quaint island, the Hong Kong government does not allow any cars.  This island is a breath of fresh air.  There is a hiking trail that will take you around the island and show you some beautiful sights and scenic areas.  The trail isn’t very long or strenuous, it can be done in 1 ½ to 2 hours depending on how fast you hike.  It isn’t the most difficult hiking. I did see a family or two hiking the trail. The trail doesn’t have very many people frequenting it because of the time that it takes to get to and from Lamma Island.  There are a lot of seafood restaurants on this island as well.  So, after the hike you can enjoy a nice seafood lunch or dinner. 

Because there are no cars on this island, it seems to not be as polluted.  Lamma Island also has a small beach if you’d like to take a dip in the water and go for a swim.  Lamma Island is the perfect contrast to the hustle and bustle of the big city.  It is a place you can go to just get away from all of the clutter and stress of city life.   

How to get to Lamma Island? 

From the mainland (Tsim Sha Tsui): Take the ferry to Hong Kong Island.  Once there take another ferry towards Lamma Island.  The ferry to Lamma Island is at the same port.  It is very easy to get to Lamma Island.  However, it will be between a 40-50-minute boat ride.  

Po Lin Monastery 宝莲禅寺

This was one of the most impressive temples and Buddhas that I have seen in the world.  If there was a theme to this temple it would be gold.  Everything in the temple is a golden/bronze color.  Honestly, I haven’t a clue as to whether it is real or painted but regardless it still looks very impressive.  The Buddha is a huge bronze seated Buddha and really makes the temple go from a good experience to a great experience.  The Buddha is called the Heavenly Buddha and it sits atop a structure with stairs leading up to the top, kind of like a pyramid but not really.   

Not to mention that the view from the Heavenly Buddha looks incredible.  The Heavenly Buddha looks out upon the ocean several islands that lie in the vicinity of the temple.  The view alone makes the trip well worth taking.   

The Heavenly Buddha and temple are on a mountain quite a way away from the entrance.  It is possible to get there by walking but not recommended at all.  It would use up quite a bit of your time and energy.  Furthermore, it is not like hiking a mountain, it is more like trekking up the side of a road that takes you to the temple and Heavenly Buddha.   

How to get to the Buddha from the entrance: 

There are two/three ways to get to the Buddha and the temple from the entrance: the lift, the bus and the third possible way is by taxi.  

1. The lift– The lift or the cable cars are a good option to go to the temple.  The lift will give you a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area and will provide many great photo opportunities.  A view of the entire island will be visible from the lift.  The approximate time that it takes to get there is more or less the same as the bus.  The lift may move slower but it goes directly to the temple, while the bus makes some stops.  On the other hand, the lift may have a Disney-like waiting line.  When I went there the line was about a 90-minute wait and that may have been underestimated.  The lift is also an expensive option to choose.  If you are on a time schedule the lift may not be the best option.   
2. The bus– This is the mode of transportation that I recommend.  The lines for the buses are not nearly as long and can get you to the temple and the Heavenly Buddha much faster.  The buses are the cheapest option as well.  While the bus rides don’t offer the same views as the lifts, the scenery at the temple and Heavenly Buddha more than make up for any scenery that you may have seen in the lift.   
3. Taxis– Taxis are another mode of transportation that you can take to get to the temple.  I wouldn’t recommend taking the taxis unless you are pressed for time.  There is just no need to get a taxi and pay the full fare if you have time on your hands.  However, this is by far the fastest way to get there.  

Full disclosure I am not even sure how you would call a taxi within the confines of the temple area.  I have seen a couple people get dropped off by taxi at the temple but I haven’t a clue how they arranged that set up.   

How to get to the Po Lin Monastery? 

Take the subway to the Tung Chung stop.  Once there use exit B to leave the subway station.  Then, take a bus to Ngong Ping.  It will take approximately 2 hours to get there if you leave from Tsim Sha Tsui.