A Compass to The Pearl of the Orient: West

Often depicted as solemn and decrepit by mainstream media, what remains uncovered are stretches of untouched nature waiting to be discovered.  From what we know, this country boasts some of the best dim sum in the world, vibrant shopping malls, and a well-established film industry; however, much is yet to be revealed about the landscapes encompassed within this bustling country. With Sedunia Travel, you may just be able to embrace these hidden secrets for yourself. Join us on a tour as we journey from North, East, South, and West.

Western Wonders: Lan Tau Island

Lantau Island, Hong Kong's largest island, is situated at the mouth of the Pearl River. Its rugged terrain includes Lantau Peak (Fung Wong Shan), the island's highest point at 934 meters, renowned for breath-taking sunrises. Adventurous hikers can explore the 70-kilometer Lantau Trail, a loop that begins and ends in the town of Mui Wo, traversing diverse landscapes and offering panoramic views. 

A prominent landmark on the island is the Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha. This 34-meter-tall bronze statue, completed in 1993, sits atop a lotus throne on a three-tiered platform. Visitors can ascend 268 steps to reach the statue, where they are rewarded with sweeping vistas of the surrounding area.

Adjacent to the Buddha is Po Lin Monastery, a significant Buddhist site founded in 1906. The monastery houses three bronze statues representing the Buddha's past, present, and future lives, along with numerous Buddhist scriptures. The site also features a lotus pond, prayer halls, a teahouse, and a vegetarian restaurant operated by local monks. 

A ten-minute walk from the base of the Big Buddha’s staircase brings you to the Wisdom Path—an outdoor installation of 38 towering wooden steles etched with passages from the Heart Sutra, one of the world’s most widely revered prayers across Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. These columns bear the Chinese version of the scripture, rendered in the elegant, contemporary brushwork of Professor Jao Tsung‑I. They’re arranged in a flowing infinity (∞) pattern, symbolising boundlessness. At the site, Professor Jao’s artistic legacy is further celebrated: his calligraphy and paintings adorn the commemorative plaque and an interpretive map that outlines his life's work and academic achievements. To learn more about his contributions, check out the Jao Tsung‑I Academy.

For those seeking a serene escape from the urban hustle, Lantau Island offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual tranquillity. The Lantau Trail stretches roughly seventy kilometers around the island, winding through some of its most breath-taking peaks and untamed landscapes. Split into twelve sections ranging from easy to arduous, it provides a challenging backdrop—that's why it’s a key part of the annual Trans Lantau ultra‑marathon and a magnet for weekend hikers and trail-runners alike. A highlight is Sunset Peak—Hong Kong’s third‑highest summit at 869 meters—which delivers spectacular sunset panoramas. For the best experience, plan your trek in autumn or winter, when the silvergrass on the slopes glows most beautifully.

The Pearl of the Orient beguiles travellers to journey through its undisclosed sites brimming with untouched nature and scenery, and Sedunia Travel holds the compass to this unforgettable experience. Let us plan your excursion across Hong Kong - we offer customization and tailor-made itineraries to accommodate all your travel needs! 

Visit: https://seduniatravel.com/holidays/asia/hong-kong/6d5n-discover-real-hong-kong-private/, call 03-2779 5480 (KUL) / 04-9420353 (PEN), or message on WhatsApp: https://wa.me/60321420222 for further enquiries.