Tian Tan Buddha: How to Plan the Perfect Trip to the Hong Kong Big Buddha

Are you looking for a unique and memorable experience in Hong Kong? Do you want to witness one of the most impressive and iconic attractions in the world? If so, you should not miss the Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Hong Kong Big Buddha, on Lantau Island. This 34-meter tall bronze statue of Buddha is not only a stunning sight, but also a symbol of peace, harmony, and spirituality. In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about visiting the Tian Tan Buddha, including how to get there, what to see and do, where to stay, and when to go. Whether you are a solo traveller, a couple, a family, or a group, you will find something to suit your preferences and budget. Read on and discover how to plan the perfect trip to the Hong Kong Big Buddha.

How to Get to Tian Tan Buddha

There are two main ways to get to the Tian Tan Buddha: by ferry and bus, or by cable car. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on your time, money, and comfort level. Here is a comparison of the two options:

Ferry and bus:

This is the cheaper and more adventurous option, but also the longer and more crowded one. You will need to take a ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo, which takes about 40 minutes and costs HK$18.5 for an adult. Then, you will need to take a bus from Mui Wo Bus Terminus to Ngong Ping, which takes about 50 minutes and costs HK$17.2 for an adult. The bus ride is scenic, but also bumpy and winding, so be prepared for some motion sickness. You will also need to queue up for the bus, especially on weekends and holidays, as the buses are often full. The total travel time is about 90 minutes, excluding the waiting time.

Cable car:

This is the more expensive and more comfortable option, but also the faster and more scenic one. You will need to take the MTR to Tung Chung Station, which takes about 30 minutes from Central and costs HK$25.5 for an adult. Then, you will need to take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping, which takes about 25 minutes and costs HK$235 for an adult for a round trip. The cable car ride is spectacular, as you will enjoy panoramic views of the Lantau Island, the South China Sea, and the Tian Tan Buddha. You will also avoid the traffic and the crowds on the road. However, you will need to book your tickets online in advance, as the cable car is very popular and often sold out. The total travel time is about 55 minutes, excluding the waiting time.

Tip:

If you want to save some money and still enjoy the cable car ride, you can opt for the crystal cabin, which has a glass floor and costs HK$315 for an adult for a round trip. Alternatively, you can take the cable car one way and the bus the other way, which costs HK$200 for an adult for a standard cabin and HK$255 for an adult for a crystal cabin.

What to See and Do at Tian Tan Buddha

The main attraction of the Tian Tan Buddha complex is, of course, the magnificent statue of Buddha. The statue is 34 meters tall and weighs 250 tons, making it one of the largest and heaviest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and faces north, unlike most statues of Buddha, which face south. The statue is also designed to harmonize with the natural environment, as it represents the relationship between man and nature, people and faith.

To reach the base of the statue, you will need to climb 268 steps, which can be challenging, especially in the hot and humid weather. However, the climb is worth it, as you will be rewarded with a closer look at the statue and a stunning view of the surroundings. You can also go inside the statue, where you will find three floors of exhibition halls that showcase the history, the art, and the culture of Buddhism. You will also see the relic of Buddha, which is a sacred bone fragment of the historical Buddha, Gautama Siddhartha. The relic is housed in a glass case and surrounded by offerings and flowers.

The entrance to the statue is free, but you will need to pay HK$78 for an adult to go inside the statue. The opening hours of the statue are from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm daily, except on heavy rain days. To avoid the crowds and the heat, it is advisable to visit the statue early in the morning or late in the afternoon, preferably on weekdays.

Other Attractions Near Tian Tan Buddha

Besides the Tian Tan Buddha, there are some other attractions near the statue that you can explore and enjoy. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Po Lin Monastery:

This is the most important Buddhist temple in Hong Kong, and the home of the Tian Tan Buddha. The monastery was founded in 1906 by three monks from Jiangsu Province, and has since grown into a large and impressive complex. The monastery features several halls, courtyards, gardens, and statues, as well as a vegetarian restaurant and a souvenir shop. The most notable hall is the Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, which houses a 1.4-meter tall golden statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, along with thousands of smaller statues of Buddha. The monastery is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, and the entrance is free.

Wisdom Path:

This is a tranquil and scenic trail that leads to a series of 38 wooden steles, or pillars, that are arranged in a figure-eight shape. The steles are inscribed with the Heart Sutra, one of the most important scriptures in Buddhism, in Chinese calligraphy. The Heart Sutra is a prayer that expresses the essence of wisdom and compassion, and the figure-eight shape represents infinity and harmony. The Wisdom Path is a short walk from the Tian Tan Buddha, and the entrance is free.

Ngong Ping Village:

This is a cultural and entertainment hub that is located near the cable car terminal. The village is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese village, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions. You can find souvenirs, snacks, and handicrafts, as well as experience some cultural and educational activities, such as tea tasting, Chinese opera, and kung fu. Some of the attractions in the village are the Walking with Buddha, which is an immersive multimedia show that tells the story of the life of Buddha, and the Stage 360, which is a live stunt show that reveals the secrets behind some famous action movies. The village is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, and the entrance is free, but some attractions may require a fee.

Tai O Fishing Village:

This is a quaint and charming village that is located on the western coast of Lantau Island. The village is known for its stilt houses, which are built on wooden poles above the water, and its fishing culture, which dates back to centuries ago. The village is also a popular spot for dolphin watching, as you can see the rare and endangered pink dolphins that inhabit the nearby waters. You can take a boat ride from the village to see the dolphins, as well as the salt pans, the mangroves, and the old Tai O Police Station, which is now a heritage hotel. You can also sample some local delicacies, such as dried seafood, salted fish, and shrimp paste, or buy some souvenirs, such as handicrafts, paintings, and accessories. You can reach the village by taking a bus from Ngong Ping, which takes about 20 minutes and costs HK$6.6 for an adult.

Where to Stay Near Tian Tan Buddha

If you want to spend more time at the Tian Tan Buddha and the surrounding attractions, you can choose to stay at one of the accommodation options near the statue. Here are some of the best ones:

Ngong Ping Village:

This is the most convenient and affordable option, as you can stay at one of the guesthouses or hostels in the village. You will have easy access to the cable car, the Tian Tan Buddha, and the other attractions in the village, as well as enjoy the lively and festive atmosphere of the village. However, you may not have much privacy or comfort, as the rooms are small and basic, and the facilities are limited. You can expect to pay around HK$200 to HK$300 per night for a room.

Tai O Heritage Hotel:

This is the most luxurious and historical option, as you can stay at a former police station that was built in 1902 and converted into a boutique hotel in 2012. The hotel is located on a hill overlooking the Tai O Fishing Village, and offers stunning views of the sea, the mountains, and the stilt houses. The hotel features nine colonial-style rooms, each with a unique name and theme, as well as a rooftop restaurant, a glass-roofed garden, and a heritage interpretation center. You will also have easy access to the village and the dolphin watching tours, as well as enjoy the tranquil and nostalgic atmosphere of the hotel. However, you may need to pay a premium price, as the rooms are expensive and often fully booked. You can expect to pay around HK$1,500 to HK$2,000 per night for a room.

Silvermine Beach Resort:

This is the most relaxing and scenic option, as you can stay at a resort that is located on a beautiful beach on the eastern coast of Lantau Island. The resort is surrounded by lush greenery and mountains, and offers a peaceful and relaxing escape from the city. The resort features 128 rooms, each with a balcony and a sea view, as well as a swimming pool, a spa, a gym, and a restaurant. You will also have easy access to the beach and the nearby attractions, such as the Mui Wo Market, the Silvermine Waterfall, and the Silvermine Cave. However, you may need to spend more time and money on transportation, as the resort is far from the Tian Tan Buddha and the other attractions on the western side of the island. You can expect to pay around HK$800 to HK$1,000 per night for a room.

When to Visit Tian Tan Buddha

The best time to visit the Tian Tan Buddha is from October to March, when the weather is cooler, drier, and clearer. You will have a better chance of seeing the statue and the scenery without fog, haze, or smog. You will also avoid the typhoon season, which runs from May to September, and can cause heavy rain, strong wind, and flight cancellations.

However, this is also the peak season, when the Tian Tan Buddha and the other attractions are more crowded and more expensive. You may need to book your tickets and accommodation in advance, and be prepared to queue up for the cable car, the bus, and the statue.

If you want to avoid the crowds and the costs, you can consider visiting the Tian Tan Buddha from April to June, or from September to November, when the weather is still pleasant, but not as busy or as pricey. You may encounter some occasional showers or fog, but nothing too severe or frequent.

You can also visit the Tian Tan Buddha in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is not too harsh and the crowds are not too large. You may also catch the sunrise or the sunset, which can create a magical and serene atmosphere.

You can also visit the Tian Tan Buddha on weekdays, when the visitors are fewer and the tickets are cheaper. You may also enjoy a more peaceful and quiet experience, as the monks and the locals go about their daily rituals and prayers.

Tian Tan Buddha Tours

If you want to have a hassle-free and guided experience, you can opt for taking a tour to the Tian Tan Buddha. There are several options for taking a tour, depending on your time, budget, and interest. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Full-day tour:

This is the most comprehensive and convenient option, as you will visit the Tian Tan Buddha and the other attractions on Lantau Island, such as the Po Lin Monastery, the Wisdom Path, the Ngong Ping Village, and the Tai O Fishing Village. You will also enjoy a round-trip cable car ride, a vegetarian lunch at the monastery, and a boat ride to see the pink dolphins. The tour lasts for about 8 hours and costs around HK$1,000 per person.

Half-day tour:

This is the most time-efficient and flexible option, as you will visit the Tian Tan Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery, and choose between a one-way or a round-trip cable car ride. You will also have some free time to explore the Ngong Ping Village or the other attractions on your own. The tour lasts for about 4 hours and costs around HK$500 per person.

Private tour:

This is the most personalized and exclusive option, as you will have a private guide and a private vehicle to take you to the Tian Tan Buddha and the other attractions on Lantau Island. You will also have the freedom to customize your itinerary and pace, and enjoy a more intimate and interactive experience. The tour lasts for about 6 hours and costs around HK$2,000 per person.

You can book your tour online or through your hotel, and read the reviews and ratings of the tour operators and guides. You can also compare the prices and the inclusions of the different tours, and choose the one that suits your needs and expectations.

The Tian Tan Buddha is a must-see attraction in Hong Kong, as it offers a unique and memorable experience that combines culture, nature, and spirituality. By following this guide, you will be able to plan the perfect trip to the Hong Kong Big Buddha, and enjoy the best of what Lantau Island has to offer. Whether you are looking for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a longer stay, you will find something to match your preferences and budget.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the Tian Tan Buddha and the surrounding attractions. And don’t forget to share your feedback and experiences with us on Tripoto, the world’s largest travel community. We would love to hear from you!