Ten Thousand Buddha’s Monastery. Finding the Right Path.

The entrance to the Monastery may be difficult to find but once you discover the right path, scaling the peak is enlightening in more ways than one.

The path to the peak of the Monastery.

More than ten thousand Buddha's on both sides of the way up to the Monastery.

The 4^th day was supposed to be our loose day. We went to the Ten Thousand Buddha’s Monastery in Sha Tin, one of the New Territories of HKG, north of Kowloon. Quite far compared to where we’ve been in the past days, and anticipating the more than 400-steps going up the Monastery, close to a hundred more that the Tian Tin Buddha in our first day, we made it as the only itinerary for the day.

Stars of Victoria in Space.

Victoria Harbor. Avenue of Stars. Space Museum

The "Dukling Boat." Traditional Chinese (wooded) boat. It sails you around the Victoria Harbor. A piece of historical junk.

Victoria Harbor at Night. Usual Sight.

On our third day, we went out later in the afternoon and gave ourselves time to take it easy in the morning! We wanted to go back first, to Kowloon Park and see the nearby Kowloon Mosque, then back to Victoria Harbor for the HKG Space Museum. They are all walking distance from the hotel and passing by the Victoria Harbor instead of the interior streets of Kowloon may be a better idea. By the time we were at the Victoria Harbor, there were already a lot of activities going on at 2:00 PM. We became so engaged that it was already dark when we realized we have not gone to any of the places we wanted to first!

One of several stage performances along Victoria Harbor.

[SEE more pictures of activities going on at the Victoria Harbor in MY FLICKR HERE!]

Images: The Path to the Tian Tin Buddha/Po Lin Monastery

Here are other images of Ngong Ping Village where the Tian Tin Buddha and Po Lin Monastery are located via the Skyrail/Cable Car.

Read ARTICLE here.

Bus Station in Tung Chung opposite the Skyrail/Cable Car going to Ngong Ping.

 

Way to go up the Skyrail Terminal.

Cultured. Informed. Cheap Finds.

Museum of History. Science Museum. Symphony of Lights. Temple Street Night Market.

Fascade. Museum of History.

On the second day, the Symphony of Lights most anticipated. The venue being close to our Hotel, we decided to do it later in the night. During the day, we planned to go to Nathan Road for some cheap meals and bargains. However, our feet led us instead to the nearby Science Museum and Museum of History. The child wanted the former, the adults, the later for some culture and history.

Paddles. Science Museum.

During our entire stay in HKG, time was never a priority. It was already over past lunch, 2:00 PM, to be exact, when we’re done with both museums. We still decided to check out Nathan Road for lunch or any local restaurant which we may find along the way, as the need arises, and in case we can no longer reach Nathan Road for lunch. We were not able to reach Nathan Road anymore and landed instead at McDo in Kowloon Park.

Octopusing Hongkong

Ngong Ping Village. Tian Tin Buddha. Po Lin Monastery. Skyrail.

Octopus Lane. Central Ferry Terminal.

Arriving at the Hongkong Int’l Airport was irate free, except for the very long queue in the Immigration which took us an hour, even with 6-counters open. It was long enough that our luggage carousel had already another set when we’re done. It took us another hour to have lunch, make some calls back home, deposited our luggage at the Airport and purchased an Octopus Card, Hongkong’s (“HKG“) prepaid and refundable card used for public transport (the MTR and Bus) stores, groceries and fast foods. It’s a must if you go around HKG by foot and public transport, just like we did. It’s convenient, reliable and very efficient!

HKG International Airport

Upon arrival, went direct to Ngong Ping Village where the Tian Tin Buddha (also known “Po Lin Buddha”) and Po Lin Monastery are located. From the airport, we took the Bus going to Tung Chung and started swiping our Octopus card. Opposite the bus station in Tung Chung is the Skyrail, the station of the cable cars going straight to the Po Lin Buddha, all under HGK’s tourism project called Ngong Ping 360. Thanks to a stewardess of Cathay Pacific who was with us in the bus and gave us all the necessary directions. Unfortunately, I forgot her name but she was of big help.

Take U to the Philippines by Apl. de. Ap.

Here’s the latest promotional video by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with MTV Asia, featuring proud Pinoy Apl. de. Ap of the Black Eyed Peas.

With hip-hop artist Apl. de. Ap and MTV behind the project, this is meant to tap the MTV generation tourists to visit the Philippines. Hereunder is the lyrics of the song:

I’ll take you to the Philippines (Whoa)

I’ll take you to the Philippines (Hey)

I’ll take you to the Philippines

(Take it back, Take it back, Take it back)

(We can go there… We can go there)

Jump on a plane, pro’ly jump on a train

Just you and me yeah just you and me

I can take you where I come from right

Where the water’s so warm with the sunlight

Shine all day, Really shine all night

Ma I like you, Yeah I like you

She shine al day all night too

I could be your boyfriend, I could wife you

Let me take you to the place where I come from

Take you to my hometown cause i wantcha

Where it rains all day no thunda