Travel - Hong Kong (Outlying Islands)

Outlying Islands Map	There are more than 260 outlying islands in Hong Kong but only four Lantau Island, Cheung Chau Island, Lamma Island and Peng Chau Island have appreciable residential communities that can be easily reached by ferry. Relaxing and peaceful if you are visiting these islands in weekdays but jam-packed during weekends and holidays. Places of Interest
	Lantau Island
	Cheung Chau Island
	Lamma Island

	Lantau Island This is the largest island being twice the size of Hong Kong Island, but only has a population of about 30,000. The Hong Kong International Airport is located off the north west coast of the island and the famous Mickey Mouse kingdom, Disneyland, is under construction near to the airport. Exploring the mountainous walking trails, enjoying the un-crowded beaches or visiting the temples and fishing villages around the island is quite an experience.
		Places of interest 1. Po Lin Temple 2. Lantau Peak (Fung Wong Shan) 3. Lo Hon Jin (Temple) 4. Tung Chung Fort 5. Kwun Yam Monastery Mui Wo Tai O

Home Page

Top

At 26 meters high and weighing 202 tonnes, this is the world's largest Bronze Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama statue. It sits peacefully on top of a lotus pedestal adjacent to the temple Memorial Hall and is reached by climbing 286 steps. A display of the Buddha's "Sariras" is located inside the Bronze Buddha.

The 164 segments of the statue were made in China and assembled on site; the total cost was about USD9 million which was donated by the Buddhists around the world. It was completed in 1990. The Buddha's hand symbolizes "Peace and Religious Freedom".
Before walking into the main temple compound, a Happy Buddha (Maitreya Bodhisattva) with a big belly (representing great broad-mindedness) and wearing a sweet smile on his face (representing greeting people with a smile and treating others with generosity) is sitting at the center of the first hall; Wai Tou Po Sai is sitting behind, together with Four Heavenly Guards, two on each side, representing the Protectors for practitioners of Buddhism. Three Buddha(s) and Kung Yin Po Sai are located in the main temple.

Vegetarian lunch is served in the dining hall. It is worth staying overnight to witness the superb sunrise.

Take a ferry from Outlying Islands Ferry Pier in Central to Mui Wo, then change to No.2 bus. Or from Tung Chung MTR, take bus no.23 from the Terminal. (Lantau Island Map)

Outlying Islands Map

Mui Wo

Silvermine Bay is located here. It only has a population of 4000 and offers a wonderful sandy beach equipped with water sport facilities.

Take a ferry from Outlying Islands Ferry Pier No. 6 in Central to Mui Wo.

Tai O

This is the largest town on the island with a population of 6600, mainly Tanka people who live in houses built on stilts above the water.

To Tung Chung MTR, take No.11 bus from Tung Chung town center.

Kwun Yam Monastery

About 10 minutes walk after one enters through the front gate, then up concrete stairs which lead to an octagonal shaped traditional Chinese building, where the main temple is housed.

Kwun Yam Po Sha and 18 Arhats are located in the ground floor main hall, climbing up wooden stairs from the back of the hall leads to Buddha's hall. Five Buddhas sit on the circular altar with several circles of small Buddhas arranged on the ceiling. (see photos below)

Vegetarian lunch is served in the dining hall till 2pm.

From the Editor:- Information from Mrs. W. Ling (Canada)
Located near the dinning hall is a bronze plate crafted with "Tai-be-chow" in Indian Sanskrit firmly concreted in the side of a stone-table. Be sure to bring along white paper and pencil to brass-rub the image, as it is an unusual script that is difficult to locate elsewhere.

Take Tung Chung MTR to Tung Chung, then No.11 bus from Tung Chung bus station.

Outlying Islands Map

A slow pace, no car zone and a quiet life attracts a large number of western residents. The ferry pier is located on the west side of the island; Tung Wan Beach is on the eastern side.

There is a week of religious ceremonies with children in traditional Chinese dress parading through the streets during Cheung Chau Bun Festival in April/May.

Take a ferry from Outlying Islands Ferry Pier.

Places of Interest

Outlying Islands Map

30 to 35 minute ferry crossing from Central takes you to one of the most popular islands for holidaymakers. It is not short of hotels, resort houses, bars, restaurants and shops selling handicrafts. Spending half a day here sampling the mouth-watering seafood and observing the life-style of locals is highly recommended.

Take a ferry from the Outlying Islands Ferry Pier in Central either to
Yung Shui Wan or Sok Kwu Wan .

Yung Shui Wan

	2. Pak Tai Temple
	3. 3000 year old Bronze Age Stone Carving - Located below the Warwick Hotel.
	4. Kwun Yam Temple - Goddess of Mercy Temple
	5. Kwan Kung Pavilion

	Tin Hau Temple (see 1 on map)

	Hung Shing Yeah Beach (see 2 on map)

	Pavilion (see 3 on map)

	Sok Kwu Wan (see 5 on map)

	Hong Kong Introduction Hong Kong Island Kowloon New TerritoriesOutlying IslandsUseful Information
		Travel Index

	bus stop in Tung Chung	front gate
	main temple
	Kwun Yam Po Sha	Buddha's Hall

	Praya Street - Main Street


	By the Sea front