The Ultimate Tour - Visit the 2 most iconic sites in Hong Kong
The amazing Big Buddha and Victoria Peak in just 7 hours
Me Jamie, your host, I am English and I have lived in Hong Kong since January 2nd 1972 - I know the place.
A blog post with a difference
Please do visit Hong Kong | Travel, Tourism, Tours, Tips, Daily Life and my personal thoughts on Hong Kong.
Hong Kong | Pearl of the Orient
Customised Private Tours & Experiences in Amazing Hong Kong
Pearl of the Orient
Private Tours Cultural Tours Walking Tours Sightseeing Tours City Tours Night Tours Transit Tours Shore Excursions
Carefully Crafted Personalised and Customised Itineraries by Jamie | Hong Kong’s Most Experienced Private Tour Guide For :
Solo Travellers Friends Families Seniors Couples Business People
J3 Group Hong Kong | J3 Consultants Hong Kong | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong
Creating Memories That Will Last A Lifetime
Book Now
The Ultimate Tour - Visit the 2 most iconic sites in Hong Kong
The amazing Big Buddha and Victoria Peak in just 7 hours
This is another abbreviated version of my normal 8 hour private tour of Lantau Island in Hong Kong - over the years I have been asked to include a visit to Victoria Peak on HK Island first - in other words a private tour that covers the 2 most popular, amazing and important sites in Hong Kong today
Victoria Peak | The Big Buddha | Po Lin Monastery | NP 360 Cable Car (one way) with a 7 hour tour time.
7 hour SPECIAL Tour.
click on the image to enlarge
The greatest panoramic city view in the world from Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, I never get rired of this view! | image taken by Jamie
The amazing Victoria Peak (The Peak) Hong Kong’s most iconic views visitors | tourists miss out on
For the record I have been to Victoria Peak well over 6,000 times since 1972 and I have written many articles about it (see this sites menu and click on Victoria Peak Hong Kong.) It is the most visited attraction in Hong Kong with anywhere from 7 - 10 million visitors a year, virtually no one is aware that there are 4 places to get the view (one you pay for and 3 are free) and I always give you the 4 options so you can choose, the view above which is amazing is only available at ONE of the 4 spots, it is free but requires a gentle 20 minute walk to get there, the views at the other spots are just fine but NOTHING like this one.
In Hong Kong we say The Peak, visitors refer to it as Victoria Peak and actually the real name is Mount Austin! and to the local Chinese population it is called Tai Ping Shan and there are a few historial references to it also being called Ce Kei which was a nod to a famous Chinese pirate who apparently raised flags on the Peak when boats were spotted!
I speculate that the name Victoria Peak was an old colonial reference to Victoria City on Hong Kong Island the Peak was the centrepiece so to speak, whatever name you use is fine, personally I just prefer “The Peak” It also fits in nicely with the fact that we still have Victoria Harbour.
During my time as a Private Tour Guide in Hong Kong (2,350+ private tours completed) my mission in life was to give guests the opportunity to photograph the greatest city view in the World, sadly this sentiment is not shared by most tour operators in Hong Kong who take the path of least resistance and simply see the Peak as a quick stop.
click on the image to enlarge
The Big Buddha on Lantau Island - an amazing experience | image taken by Jamie
Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha)
Origin and Conception
The Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, is a monumental bronze statue located at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. The idea for its construction was conceived in the late 1970s by the monks of Po Lin Monastery, who sought to create a significant Buddhist landmark to symbolize peace, prosperity, and harmony. The project gained formal momentum when the Committee for the Construction of the Tian Tan Buddha Statue was established by Po Lin Monastery on December 26, 1981, to oversee its design and construction. The initiative was driven by the desire to promote Buddhist teachings and create a cultural icon for Hong Kong, reflecting the spiritual connection between humanity, nature, and faith
Please note that you have to walk up 268 steps to get this close to the Big Buddha, it is worth the effort
click on the image to enlarge
One of the 2 Po Lin Monasteries next to the Big Buddha on Lantau Island - an amazing experience | image taken by Jamie
Po Lin Monastery
Origin and History
Po Lin Monastery, located at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, was founded in 1906 by three monks from Jiangsu Province: Venerables Da Yue, Dun Xiu, and Yue Ming. Initially called the “Big Thatched Hut,” it was a modest retreat for meditation, far from Hong Kong’s bustling urban center. In 1924, it was officially renamed Po Lin Monastery, meaning “Precious Lotus,” symbolizing purity and enlightenment. The monastery grew over time, becoming a significant center for Buddhist practice and Chinese cultural heritage.
This is the NEW Po Lin Monastery which opened in 2014, the original monastery is directly in front of it
click on the image to enlarge
The NP 360 Cable Car on Lantau Island, from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping, a 25 minute ride - an amazing experience | image taken by Jamie
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car and Village
Origin and Development
Ngong Ping 360 is a 5.7-kilometer bicable gondola lift system connecting Tung Chung to Ngong Ping, designed to enhance tourism to the Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. Initially called the Tung Chung Cable Car Project, it was rebranded as Ngong Ping 360 in April 2005 to reflect its panoramic 360-degree views. The cable car opened to the public on September 18, 2006, after a trial run and safety improvements following Typhoon Prapiroon’s damage in August 2006. The adjacent Ngong Ping Village, a 15,000-square-meter retail and entertainment center, was built to complement the cable car, offering shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions like Walking with Buddha and the Monkey’s Tale Theatre
The views from the Cable Car are simply amazing
Go to my Book Now Page for all details including a Booking Form and a Calender to show my availability - any questions? you can contact me by contact form or E - Mail for a prompt reply, please also do not forget to give me your name.
For Family Tours - Kids 17 and under at the time of booking are FREE OF CHARGE and are always welcome on my tours! You would be amazed at how many companies treat kids any age over 11 to be an adult with adult pricing, read the small print!
Please read - Some important considerations with regards to this tour and the Big Buddha part of the tour on Lantau Island.
This has become a wildly popular site to visit in Hong Kong.
Lantau Island has many protected areas from an environmental point of view and this includes the Big Buddha which means transport options are limited.
Any vehicle accessing these areas must have a special permit which are strictly regulated and in very limited supply which means that private cars and tour coaches generally cannot access these areas unless they have the permit.
This means that transport options to the Big Buddha are public buses and taxis for pretty much everyone and of course the NP 360 Cable Car
To compound the difficulties only blue coloured taxis can go to these places and there are only 75 of them!! and they can be very hard to get and forget calling them or using apps, a standard reply is one hour!
Generally speaking I do my Lantau Tour in reverse order to pretty much every other tour company
We will travel to Tung Chung on the MTR (Subway) and then take a public bus to the Big Buddha., they are single decker buses and quite comfortable and all part of the Hong Kong Experience
After visiting the Big Buddha we will then take the NP 360 Cable Car to Tung Chung and then we get the MTR (Subway) back to town.
Most tour companies take the cable car both ways which in my mind is simply not necessary given the large and unavoidable lines in the morning, the view is the same both ways so doing it one way seems to be a very sensible option
Please note I will cover public transport costs, MTR (Subway), buses and | or taxis
I do NOT cover the cost of the NP 360 Cable Car, this is very expensive (even one way) it is however worth it. (You will need to pay for your tickets, I always pay for my own ticket)
I should also stress that quite a few tour companies particularly those offering cheap prices on Tripadvisor | Viator will ask you to find your own way from town to Tung Chung on Lantau Island (roughly one hour from your hotel) by MTR (Subway) and then after the tour you have to find your own way back to your Hotel from Tung Chung! I am with you every step of the way, there and back
Please also note that the NP 360 Cable Car is down for scheduled maintenance 2 or 3 times a year for short periods, I do keep track of this and will let you know if it clashes with your tour date.
If you have any questions then please contact me.
click on the image to enlarge
Another of the many splendid statues next to The Big Buddha on Lantau Island - an amazing experience | image taken by Jamie
click on the image to enlarge
Just a few of my guests I have taken on tour | all images taken by Jamie
Please note that when you book a tour with me, you get me, no one else.
Discover Hong Kong with a Private Tour: 10 Compelling Reasons
A private tour of Hong Kong offers an unparalleled way to experience this vibrant city. Tailored to your preferences, these tours provide flexibility, insider knowledge, and a personalized adventure. Here are ten reasons why a private tour is the ultimate way to explore Hong Kong.
Intimate Group Size
Limited to 1–6 people, a private tour ensures a cozy, personalized experience, allowing you to connect deeply with the city and your guide without the chaos of larger groups.Customized Itineraries
Your tour is crafted to match your interests, whether you’re drawn to bustling markets, serene temples, or stunning views. Enjoy unmatched flexibility to shape your perfect day.Set Your Own Pace
Move at a rhythm that suits you. Whether you linger at a scenic spot or breeze through attractions, the tour adapts to your energy and preferences.Flexible Scheduling
Choose your preferred date and start time. Plus, private tours can be surprisingly cost-effective, offering premium experiences without breaking the bank and yes I pick you up and drop you off according to what you wantSkip the Lines and Skip the Crowds
Maximize your sightseeing time by avoiding congested tourist spots. Your guide navigates the city efficiently, ensuring you spend more time exploring and less time waiting and I do this without asking you to purchase so called skip the line tickets which are so expensive and simply not worth it, there are other ways and I know them,Insider Expertise
Benefit from a local guide’s deep knowledge of Hong Kong’s culture, history, and hidden corners, unlocking insights you won’t find in guidebooks or online sources or on cheap group tours, i have lived in Hong Kong for 53 years, I know the place and I am an information junkie and master storytellerOn-the-Go Flexibility
Change plans mid-tour if inspiration strikes. Want to detour to a new spot? Jamie can adjust the itinerary seamlessly to suit your whims.Unforgettable Memories
Share exclusive moments with family or friends, creating stories you’ll cherish. From stunning views to candid photos, your guide ensures every moment is captured.Immersive Learning Experience
Dive deep into Hong Kong’s rich heritage through engaging storytelling and interactive experiences, making your journey both educational and entertaining, one thing I am not is boring and I am not a crusty old academic type!Hassle-Free Exploration
Travel effortlessly between attractions with a guide who handles logistics, leaving you free to soak in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Hong Kong with ease.
A private tour of Hong Kong isn’t just a trip—it’s a tailored adventure that blends fun, discovery, and convenience, all led by a dedicated guide who’s as excited about the city as you are.
Jamie, 53 years and counting living in Hong Kong
I am a Yorkshireman and English, we should have no communication problems!
Yes, I am able to take last minute bookings for my Private Tours
My insider tip 1
Please note that in general if you book a tour on Viator or Tripadvisor you generally have NO control over what guide will lead your Lantau Island Excursion Tour and this is the most important component of the tour. I urge you to check the actual company website and book via their website and do not forget to read Tripadvisor reviews as well
My insider tip 2
Please check the NP 360 Website as quite a few times of the year the cable car is down for maintenance which can be anywhere from 3 - 21 days, they always have a banner on their home page advising of any down time - please note I can still do the tour by bus if it is down (which I have done more than a few times)
My insider tip 3
My Private Tours are a combination of walking and using public transport and we go at a pace that suits you, I have never owned or driven a car in Hong Kong and I am somewhat of an expert on public transport, you want to know what makes Hong Kong tick well, travelling on the subway, buses, ferries, trams etc gives you that insight an insight you will not get sat in the back of a car and it enables us to cover a lot more ground on our tour.
© Jamie Lloyd | J3 Consultants Hong Kong | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong |
| 2010 - 2025 All rights reserved. |
Click on any image to enlarge to full screen
Current images from my Instagram feed
