Ngong Ping 360

Since we got only three days to explore Hong Kong (excluding the first day when we arrived at almost midnight) during our recent visit there in December 2014, we tried going to Tian Tan Buddha via Ngong Ping 360 cable ride.  We have been to Tian Tan Buddha before but we took the bus when we first visited the place.  The bus ride took almost 2 hours from Tung Chung MTR Station to Tian Tan Buddha.  Via cable ride, the journey took only 25 minutes to get to Ngong Ping Village which paved way to Tian Tan Buddha.  

at the Ngong Ping Station in Lantau 

It was not my first time to ride cable car.  I already rode cable car in HK Ocean Park, in Sentosa, Singapore and in Guia Fort, Macau which last 8.3, 6 and 2 minutes, respectively.  This cable ride was then the longest I ever had and should I say, the most adventurous. Hehehe.

Let me share first the ticketing queue experience. - Ang haba!!! It was almost lunch time na kasi when we got to the ticketing station.  There were already lots of foreigners forming snaked queue.  Good thing for locals that they had a different queue.  Besides, there was also another queue (shorter one!) for those who booked online.  We should have done that! Tumingin lang kasi ako ng fees.

Groupie while in queue - sabi ko naman sa inyo, ang haba di ba??

The fees for the ride vary depending on nationality (locals have lower fee), one way or round trip, and type of cabin. There are two types of cabin, standard and crystal cabin.  The crystal cabin has glass flooring which enables you to see the view right beneath it.  I wanted to try the crystal cabin even just for one way but my companions were not as adventurous as I was so we didn’t experience the glass cabin.  Mas kakaiba sana ang experience, baka masakit sa tyan yon hehehe.  Anyway, we paid HK$165 per adult and HK$135 per child plus 10% discount courtesy of MTR Tourist Pass (those were for round trip). 

the ticket

Though it was only in standard cabin which we rode, the experience was still awesome and nakakangatog ng tyan.  We were awed with the panoramic view - Tung Chung Bay,  the green flora and fauna - the countryside of Hong Kong! While in transit, we also saw beneath us the Ngong Ping Trail - the footpath used as access for maintenance and rescue trail for Ngong Ping 360.  It is a  must-go route for hiking enthusiast.  Then, the most rewarding site - Tian Tan Buddha sitting on top of a mountain!

Tung Chung Bay

Ngong Ping Trail

Must have photo hehehe

Ayan na yong Buddha!

Closer view of the Buddha

To make the experience lasting, photo souvenirs were taken before the ride and were made available at souvenir shops located in the stations at the other end of the ride.  These photos were also available in key chain and snow globe.