January 7, 2024
"Embrace the detours, they often lead to unexpected and beautiful destinations."
-Anonymous
Life is full of detours, but the unexpected ones usually end up in beautiful destinations. That is true. The Lantau Island in Hong Kong, perhaps has the best places to make detours. You can even get lost in there, but you'll find yourself in a hidden gem. Of course, getting back on track isn't a problem, or you may want to stay a little while immersing in nature. That'll be the best experience.
On the last day of 2023, I embarked on a new journey with a new friend and visited the famous monastery on Lantau Island. (This will be shared one of these days) One of the ways to get to this certain monastery was through a cable bar. However, there's a trail following the cable line, originally built for the rescue and maintenance of the Ngo Ping 360 Cable Car. But now it's one of the most famous trails on Lantau Island.
This rescue trail connects Tung Chung and Ngong Ping. Starting from Tung Chung, or either way, it would take about four hours to complete the trail to Ngong Ping, where a popular tourist destination is located. Adventurers usually take this trail to get to the tourist spot for double fun and adventure. There are trails along the way too, where one can make another detour that would take him to a beautiful destination.
By the time we decided to take the rescue trail back to Tung Chung after exploring Ngong Ping, it was already four o'clock in the afternoon. When I asked a man how long the rescue trail would take, he estimated that it would take four hours. If we follow the entire trail, we should arrive at eight in the evening. We therefore chose to visit the Midpoint Overlook, which is roughly twenty minutes from my location, rather than finishing the trail.
We were worried about spending the night on the trail because it was getting gloomy and I didn't want to ruin my friend's first hiking experience. My friend was the reason behind my decision to visit the Midpoint Overlook instead of finishing the whole trail. We saw some cattle, which is a common tourist attraction in Ngong Ping Village, before we entered the rescue track. However, feeding them is forbidden to prevent nuisance and disturbance of their natural habitat.
Cable cars from this point seem to be almost within reach. We can even hear the conversations of the passengers.
The trail is almost aligned with the cable car and paved with wooden boards, so it's easy to follow. It consists of stairways made of wooden boards and concrete-paved paths. Our goal was only to reach the Midpoint Overlook, as we were short on time.
Pausing and posing, because why not? This staircase is beautiful, so I took the chance to create a little moment while on this trail.
We proceeded, and after a few more steps, the majestic Lantau Peak came into view. This is one of the places on my bucket list. And hopefully, I could hike it before the cold season ends. It's a peak where you can catch a stunning sea of clouds.
This path is going to Lantau Peak and the continuation of the Ngong Ping 360 rescue trail. But since we didn't plan to complete it, we made a detour to the left.
And on the left is the last stretch to the Midpoint Overlook. A beautiful stairway to heaven, as I named it, lol. I should have counted the number of stairs.
At the midway point to the top is this scenic view. Three of the most popular tourist attractions on Lantau Island are the Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, and the majestic Lantau Peak.
Closer shots of them. It would have been more ideal if a DSLR camera had been used. One of these days, I'll offer you a detailed tour and a closer look at these stunning locations. Additionally, for clearer photos, it's best to visit these locations in the morning on a clear day. The view was gloomy because it was already half an hour before five in the afternoon.
A selfie with this scenic view is a must. The longer I stare at this photo, the more I yearn to hike Lantau Peak soon.
And there it is: the Ngong Ping 360 Midpoint Overlook, which offers a panoramic view of Lantau Bay from the distance, the Lantau mountains, Ngong Ping village, and the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car.
Quick shots of the cable tower and cars from the deck. It's definitely a perfect spot to catch them. Imagine if I took the complete trail. It must be fun to hike with cable cars overhead. I actually will if I had no company.
One shouldn't leave without taking a souvenir shot.
It was a short walk with an incredible experience. Another bucket list has been checked. I can't wait to take you to the aforementioned tourist spots.
See you next time!
(All photos are mine)
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