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Big Buddha + Ngong Ping cable car HK

October 29, 2013October 29, 2013 ajay Leave a comment

I love it that everything runs smoothly in Hong Kong. After the hardship of going up, going down the mountain could only get better with well-paved trails and signs. The descent also got me closer to looking at the Big Buddha or the Tian Tian Buddha which I only got to admire from the postcards and pictures in the past.

This pic even got me closer to the Buddha, but did not take anymore the flight of 268 steps. After the descent, I sort of magically landed in a park where the rest of the tourist civilization was

In the park, there was a way going to Wisdom Path which is distinguished by huge wooden columns of different sizes. They feature calligraphy work in Chinese characters.

More walking & photos on the way to Ngong Ping 360 and the cable car.

Finally, we arrived at the Ngong Ping 360 outpost. You get your cable car tickets here and begin the journey. Tickets cost HKD$94 per person for a single journey in the standard cabin and $135 for round trip. The crystal cabin with a glass bottom costs more at HKD$149 for a single journey and $213 for round trip. Wouldn’t really recommend paying more for the crystal cabin since the view all around is scenic already.

My favorite was the view of Hong Kong International Airport where I saw planes take off and land.

Otherwise, there’s also the view of the mountains, the great body of water called the South China Sea and the Tian Tian Buddha.

The whole cable car ride spanned 5.7 kilometers and lasted only 25 minutes. But it was certainly a welcome relief for someone who’s just been up a mountain. Before we knew it, we were at the Tung Chung station catching the MTR train back to where we started.

Website: http://www.np360.com.hk/en/

Climbing Lantau Peak, Hong Kong’s second tallest mountain

October 25, 2013October 25, 2013 ajay Leave a comment

Climbing Lantau Peak was one unexpected thing to do in ‘touristy’ Hong Kong. I had mentioned to a reliable guide that I wanted to go hiking in the territory, so I was expecting some leisurely walking on plains and plateaus. I never imagined that the hiking would involve a steep climb to Lantau Peak, Hong Kong’s second highest mountain which was about 3000 feet above sea level.

I ended up huffing, puffing and calling out the name of my ancestors, LOL. But the resulting scenery certainly made up for all the sweat.

The closer we got, the nearer the view of the surrounding mountains and the South China Sea in the background …

A glimpse of HK’s iconic (residential) buildings, even high up in the mountains -

Refreshing to see this from where I stood…

This sign indicated that we were getting nearer. “Distance to Post” -

Finally, the peak! I bet you this was easier said than done. I dreamt of succulent roasted goose and delectable dumplings to motivate myself to reach the top

On the way down, a glimpse of the Giant Buddha (more on this in another post)

Verdict: overall a fun hike but best to be physically fit. If someone like me was able to do it unprepared, then you can definitely do it if you come prepared.

Unlike in the Philippines, the hiking trails in HK (in this case, the way to Lantau Peak) were neatly laid out. There’s no chance of getting lost if you follow them but no toilets or snack stops along the way. The surroundings are also kept clean.

Time to peak: 2-3 hours, depending on your pace

How to go to Lantau Peak: Take the MTR to Tung Chung station (where the Citygate outlets are) then take a bus or taxi to Mui Wo. Ask to be dropped off at the start of Lantau Trail.

Snapshots: Hong Kong Flower Show 2013

March 18, 2013March 18, 2013 ajay Leave a comment

It was a great time to be in Hong Kong last weekend. Weather was cool and balmy. Am not always in HK but it’s refreshing to be here because it’s so vibrant (in fact, a city that never sleeps!), is a melting pot of cultures and everything runs with great precision. Of course, there’s great food and shopping in every corner

Am glad some friends sounded me out about the 2013 Hong Kong Flower Show which is ongoing until March 24 at the Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. This is an annual event organized to promote the cultivation of flowers and greening in the territory.It kinda reminds me of our own Panagbenga Festival in Baguio or the Rose Parade in California. Entrance tickets were sold for only HKD$14 per person which was so worth it considering nature’s beauty in bloom which everyone admired that afternoon.

Bed of vibrant tulips in different colors mixed with other flowering plants.

The creativity of the participants were manifested in these animal shapes surrounded by flowers.

Everyone had fun with the photo ops, including me! It was all simply photogenic

Nice landscaping -

More cuteness -

Victoria Park looked cozy. It’s nice stumbling upon this urban oasis in a city that is always full of shoppers and tourists.

Exclusive savings on Cathay Pacific with Citibank Credit Cards

March 13, 2013March 13, 2013 PRNEWS Leave a comment

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