HK: Lantau Island and Big Buddha

Lantau Island and the Big Buddha

Lantua Island is the largest of the Hong Kong islands and home of the Po Lin Monastery and its 26m (85ft) high bronze Buddha. It also has stunning hiking trails and ancient fishing villages on stilts. In years gone by Lantau was a base for pirates and smugglers in the 19th Century. 

Our ferry ride 

G and JDK at the entrance

A glimpse of the big buddha with protectorate generals

JDK and I have a zen moment with our free ice creams

The Buddha was huge and had a swastika on his chest, which is a Buddhist symbol for the four virtues.

Buddha in the landscape

Hiking to Tai O
After out Buddha visit we decided to hike one of the many trails on the island. This particular trail took us from Sham Wat Wan to Tai O. A cab driver dropped us off in the village where we bought a few beers by engaging in some sign language with the locals and then headed for the trail.

JDK and bananas

The hiking trail

Tai O fishing village

Local village residence

The slough

Stir fry snails

BBQ oysters for lunch

Dried calamari, grilled and served

The abacus

Drying fish

Yummy......