Hong Kong is not the kind of city you visit without an agenda. Even if that agenda is as simple as sightseeing and shopping, you need a reference point to navigate the bustling city streets and crowded alleys. Fortunately, Hong Kong’s metro (MRT) is one of the best and cheapest in the world. Just purchase an Octopus card for multi-rides and map out your destination before you get packed like sardines into a subway car in this cosmopolitan city of 7 million.
One of the highlights of our Hong Kong visit was a leisurely ride through the mountains in a glass gondola. (Read my full travel story.) It was a relief after navigating the über crowded Victoria Harbour area. Whether your destination is the Big Buddha or you just want to take in the fog-laden scenery, riding in a glass gondola is a spectacular visual treat. The cable car links rural Ngong Ping with urban Tung Chung. We gladly paid extra to ride in the glass-bottom ‘crystal’ cabin to see fishermen waist-deep in the shallow bay, hikers the size of ants on the rugged train between mountains, and boats streaming across the water. (Book on the Ngong Ping 360 website to get 10% off. Though the website was down when I tried to do this, I simply asked for the discount at the ticket window.)
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Just before we reached Lantau Island the Big Buddha came into spectacular view. As the largest sitting outdoor Buddha in the world, he’s hard to miss. A pleasant walk through a commercial village and we were nearly face to face with the big guy. We noticed the swastika symbol on several icons around the grounds. Interesting how pagan symbols have been appropriated for political and religious purposes throughout the ages.
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With the fog and cool breeze, this is such a peaceful place. The smell of fried food from vendors in the tiny village mingles with the incense lit by visitors on their way into the temple.
We opted not to climb the 268 steps to reach the statue. Lazy or just preserving ourselves for the rest of our journey through Indonesia? I vote for the latter.
Hong Kong’s pastries must be some of the best in the world, next to Paris, that is! I enjoyed an apricot croissant every morning we passed this petite bakery.
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Win a Travel Package from Global Girl Travels!
Enter our giveaway below to win a travel package valued at $750!
Prize Package:
- 2-night stay at Holiday Inn Macao Cotai Central in a superior room
- 1-day Shrekfast breakfast for two
- 1-day Grand Orbit breakfast for two
- 2 admission tickets to Ocean Park Hong Kong
- 2 admission tickets to Ngong Ping 360
Hurry! Giveaway ends September 15, 2014 at 12:00 a.m. CST.
Rules:
- Winner is responsible for airfare and all travel expenses.
- Hotel reservations must be made at least two weeks before preferred check-in date. Blackout dates apply.
- The prize is not transferable, refundable, and will not be replaced if lost.
- The prize cannot be redeemed for cash or any other services, and cannot be used in conjunction with other promotional offers.
- The room prize is based on single or double occupancy per room.
- Additional guests staying in the same room are subject to an extra charge as advised at the time of reservation. There is a limit of four guests per room.