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Travel bucket list idea:

Po Lin Monastery

Hong Kong, China

|www.plm.org.hk|
Bucket List Experience
Exterior of a traditional Buddhist temple with people walking up the steps

Credit Shutterstock.com/Alan Tan Photography

Last updated: 05 April, 2024
Expert travel writer: Lee Cobaj

The century-old Po Lin monastery is the most famous centre of Buddhism in Hong Kong, and offers visitors an insight into the spiritual side of the city.

Two towering Pai Lau (entrance gates) mark the beginning of the complex, which comprises three halls, and many smaller buildings. Inside, the three main halls are vivid with ornate gold decorations and infused with the scent of incense. The Grand Hall of 10,000 Buddhas is a must-see; named for the thousands of glowing Buddhas in the vast main room.

The star attraction, though, is the 112ft-high bronze Buddha, seated meditatively upon a lotus base modelled on the ‘altar of heaven’. Weighing in at a staggering 250 tonnes, the statue is situated 268 steps above the main complex. There are wonderful views from the base of the Buddha across Lantau – Hong Kong’s largest and greenest island.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

A stunning cable car ride to Ngong Ping departs from Tung Chung, which is on the MTR line. Avoid queues by booking space on the cable car in advance online. Alternatively, you can catch a ferry from Central to Mui Wo, where bus 2 will go directly to the Po Lin Monastery.

Vegetarian monastery meals are included in the price of entry to the exhibition halls underneath the Buddha, or head for the authentic food stalls at the nearby picturesque stilted fishing village of Tai O.

A hiking trail from Tung Chung is available, though this is best done down the mountain. Tours offering a day trip to the different sights on Lantau can also be booked.

When to do it

The monastery is open all year, seven days a week. Weekdays are the best time to visit. The monastery can get very crowded with locals at weekends.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Private 5-Hour Driving Tour of Lantau from Hong Kong
Enjoy exploring Lantau island on this private 5-hour customized tour that introduces you to the nature and tranquility just outside of Hong Kong. With skip-the-line access you can see the famous Big Buddha, the 500 year old Tai O fishing village known as the Venice of Hong Kong. All being transported by a luxury 7 seater throughout the journey including access within the restricted roads on Lantau island. This drive will be a truly amazing half day out seeing the natural scenery of the untouched parts of Hong Kong without the hassle of various transports and queues.

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Join us for one of the must-see places on your Hong Kong adventure, a day-trip to Lantau island, in the comfort of your own private party in a luxury private vehicle, plus optional VIP option. Lantau is known as Hong Kong’s green lung, like stepping back in time 50 years when you visit. Most of the stunning island is untouched and can only be accessed by public transport. We will navigate you and your guests seamlessly through the highlights in this full day private tour. Highlights include: - skip the line access and the 24-minute ride of the Ngong Ping cable-car (upgrade for private Crystal+ cabin) - Po Lin Monastery and Big Buddha - Tai O fishing village by foot and by boat - a boat ride for the pink dolphins and a look at Hong Kong-Macau- Zhuhai tunnel / bridge (upgrade for private boat) - full day private car option and VIP car option (no public transportation necessary)

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Private tour Lantau Island - Big buddha and Tai O Village

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Whether a first timer or a returning traveller to Hong Kong, this 7-hour interactive private tour provides fascinating insights on the territory's geography, history and geopolitics. Lantau is not only one of the most protected and under populated area of Hong Kong, it is also the biggest island of the Special Administrative Region. This private tour will showcase various parts of the island such as TUNG CHUNG, NGONG PING  where the giant buddha sits, PO LIN Monastery, Tai O fishing village and its pink dolphins. We will travel by train, bus and boat. HIGHLIGHTS Learn about Hong Kong's past, present and future history - insider knowledge with a private tour guide Enjoy Ngong Ping Cable Car featuring stunning views See the local wildlife (buffalos and pink dolphins) Experience the local culture Taste local food Fast track access - avoid long queues

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