Who: Tam Le and Mark Mallo of Denver
Where: Po Lin Monastery, at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Out and about: The Po Lin (Precious Lotus) Monastery is the home of the world’s largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha (Tian Tan). The Buddha is 34 meters high and weighs 250 tons. You’ll have to climb 268 steps to reach the top but once there, the view is incredible.
Travel tip: The Monastery and the Buddha are open to public between 10:00 AM and 5:45 P.M. The entrance fee for the exhibition is $20 (Hong Kong, approximately $2.50 US) but the fee is waived for those purchasing a vegetarian meal package that includes a visit to the museum at the base of the Buddha. The cost of the meal package is $60 or $100 (Hong Kong). Take the more expensive ticket (an additional $5. US), you’ll not only get better food, but a nicer dinning room and your own table. A card with Tian Tan Buddha printed on it will be given to visitors free of charge as a souvenir. If you are going back to Hong Kong Island or Kowloon, leave the Monastery before 2:00 PM to avoid the crowds.
