

Backwaters, Buddhas, Beaches and Boerewoers
(A Lantau Crossing)
Lantau is the largest outlying island in Hong Kong, almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island proper. More than half of Lantau Island has been
designated as Country Park area. Its tranquil and green environment makes it a popular spot for nature lovers and hikers. This hike will allow
you to sample most of Lantau's delights.
Once relatively thriving fishing and farming towns at the end of the road, Ma Wan Chung and old Tung Chung now look more like derelict
copies of the more famous Tai O as they nestle at the foot and in the shade of a massive new public housing estate.
Though money has been spent renovating the pier, it is doubtful just how long these old buildings will be able to withstand “progress.” To
fully compare the old and new worlds, we wander through the ehousing state to reach the old Tung Chung fort on the other side.
After the fort, we start our ascent passing Lo Hon and other monasteries along the way to reach the Po Lin Monastery which probably is
Lantau's most popular tourist attraction. Set amid spectacular mountain scenery, the monastery shares the Ngong Ping Plateau with the
famous Big Buddha, the world's largest, seated, outdoor, bronze Buddha statue. Should you be so inclined you can walk up the 268 steps for
a closer look at the 26-metre-high, 202-tonne wonder.
Safely down again, we break for a pot of locally grown tea and a snack at the Tea Garden, before descending the mountain side through
shrubs and woodland to Tong Fuk and then along the shoreline to Cheung Sha where South African culinary delights await us right on the
beach.
Hansen's Hikes
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by Hansen's Events
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... exploring Hong Kong's other side...
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