Showing posts with label Cable Car. Show all posts

[PLACE] 20130803 Panorama Langkawi @ Burau Bay, Langkawi


Panorama Langkawi is one of the must visit especially for first time visitors. At 700 meters above sea level, Panorama Langkawi was the brainchild of Tun Dr Mahathir (former Prime Minister of Malaysia) during his helicopter flight across Mount Machinchang (tallest peak of Langkawi) in 1999.

Completed in 2003, the Panorama Langkawi is a full fledged tourist attraction with an oriental village located at the bottom of Mount Machinchang, a world's longest curve suspension bridge, a longest mono-cable car system, along with other tourist attractions to make your visiting experience a whole.

The highlight would definitely be the SkyCab and SkyBridge where the former would elevate you to 708 meters above sea level to the second highest peak of Mount Machinchang overseeing the whole Langkawi island via it's 360° platform deck. Visitors can also access to the SkyBridge via the Top Station which is suspended on a single pylon, 100 meters above ground. Definitely not for the faint hearted and acrophobic person.

However, visitors must be aware of the OPERATIONAL HOURS to avoid disappointment which can be traced at their official website.

Oriental Village, Burau Bay, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Telephone: +604 - 959 4225
Opening Hours: Check the schedule above.

TO GO


Panorama Langkawi is located remotely at the west side of the island, nearby Berjaya Langkawi Resort. The entrance to the SkyCab cable car is located within the Oriental Village, which is a themed recreational park with various attractions, although maintenance is not up` to par. 

I would recommend to rent a car to get to the Oriental Village instead of hiring a cab due to the location and flexibility, the cost of hiring a cab (depending on your origin) can cost almost of the cost of renting a car in Langkawi.



ATTRACTION


The Oriental Village is basically just a side attraction to make the whole experience a whole. The main attraction of Panorama Langkawi would be the cable car ride up to the second highest peak of Mount Matchinchang, where the observatory deck and the SkyBridge is located.


The SkyCab is usually packed with long queue especially during the peak season. Adult ticket price is RM35 (it was RM30 during my visit) currently but MyKad holders will be entitled for a discount, in other words, there will be a Malaysian and non-Malaysian price.


The cable car, or the gondola is relatively small which can fit 6 person maximum.


The journey up takes about 15 minutes with total distance of about 2.2km, ascending about 680 meters. There's a middle station in between where you need to disembark and continue with another cable line towards the top station due to geographical reason. Along the way up, you get to enjoy the sea view and forest view of the million years old rain forest and also the limestone mountains.


You will also be able to see the SkyBridge from the cable car when on the way up to the top station. Unfortunately for me, the SkyBridge was closed during my visit due to safety reasons and repair work was long delayed due to funding issue. Recent check shows that the SkyBridge was reopened in Feb 2015, after the long delay.


It was a cloudy day due to the rainy season during my visit, making the whole scenery to be Genting alike with the thick mist. Once you reach the top station, you will be able to see a few booth selling post cards and souvenirs for tourists. The path way will lead you up to a junction where there are two observatory deck at both sides of the walkway.


You get to view the SkyBridge from the above where it makes you wonder the engineering marvel to actually construct it with a suspension bridge supported by a single pylon, built in-situ using helicopter as crane, assembling the parts piece by piece.


It was still misty and I'm running out of time. We are suppose to be able to get the magnificent view of the Andaman Sea, overseeing the Thai border. This is also a very good sunset spot for those who wished to take a breathtaking sunset sea cliff shot.


The corridor interconnecting both decks. The sky started to clear off during the noon just before I decided to leave the deck.


Switched to my ultra wide angle lens to capture a wider view of the scenery, with an ugly telecommunication tower obstructing the overall view.


Although not fantastic, the colours of the sea started to pop out after the mist has cleared.


The west side of the island with the blend of the sky and the beautiful turquoise blue colour of the Andaman sea.


The top station with a steep drop down. Time to pack up and move to my next destination, i.e. the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls, which is just next to Panorama Langkawi.

SUMMARY


The main attraction of Panorama Langkawi will definitely be its breathtaking sea view at 700 meters above sea level. The SkyBridge is also an experience that you cannot miss if you are here but definitely not for the faint hearted. It was unfortunate that it was closed during my visit. All other attractions like the Oriental Village is just add on to what nature can offer. Would recommend for anyone who is first timer in Langkawi and nature lover. 

Attraction
☆☆☆☆☆
beautiful seascape and nature with fresh air
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆
need more upkeep
Entrance Fee
Cable Car - RM35 Adult return ticket
Oriental Village - Free
Other attractions - refer website
Opening Hours
Please refer to official website for scheduled maintenance
Wifi
Limited
Parking
Yes
Website
http://www.panoramalangkawi.com/

GPS: 6.371064, 99.671546
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[PLACE] 20141222 Baiyun Mountain 白云山 @ Baiyun, Guangzhou


Located north-east of Guangzhou City, the Baiyun mountain range is a famous tourist spot since ancient time. The name Baiyun 白云, which literally means "White Cloud" well describes the scenery above that covers in mist and clouds especially during damp seasons.

The mountain range span across an area of 28km² with more than 30 high and low peaks. The highest peak, which is the Moxing Summit is at 382 meters above sea level. There are many scenic spots like Yuntai Garden 云台花园, Mingchungu 鸣春谷, Moxingling 摩星岭, Mingzhulou 明珠楼, Yunxi Ecological Park 云溪生态公园 etc in the Baiyun Mountain area.

Similar to Luhu Park and Yuntai Garden, the entrance of Baiyun Mountain is accessible via public transportation like cab and buses but not the Metro. At the entrance, public can choose to either take the cable car to the first summit or hike up the hiking trail via foot. Alternatively, you may also drive up the using the mountain roads.

The cable car ticketing counter is next to Yuntai Garden with total journey of 1.6km with approximately 15 minutes travelling time ascending about 200 meters. You get to see the hiking trail and trees along the cable car pathway.

Entrance fee is chargeable at RMB5 (RM2.80) per pax. Return ticket for cable car is RMB40 (RMB25 up, RMB15 down). The entrance fee for the respective scenic spots are charged separately. There's also a shuttle service for those who prefer to walk less. Each shuttle service cost RMB8 to RMB10 from location to location.

Guangyuan Middle Rd, Baiyun, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
广州市白云区广园中路
Nearest Metro Stations: Nil
Telephone: +86 020 3722 2222
Opening Hours: 06:00am until 05:00pm (to be verified)

TO GO


 Disclaimer: Google services are barred in China. You need to either bypass the "Great Wall" or use a VPN. Alternatively, you may use their domestic sites such as Baidu Map.

Unfortunately, there's no direct Metro station for Baiyun area. Alternative transportation includes public buses and cabs. There are many buses travelling through this route including bus number 175, 179, 199, 218, 223 or the tourist bus No. 1 from Zhongshanba Terminal. Depending where you are coming from, do check out the bus routes via Google Map before you travel. Typical cost of an air-conditioned bus cost about RMB2 to RMB3.

There's one Baiyun Park Metro Station, but that's at the West Gate and further away from the Cable Car Terminal. You can choose to take a bus from that Metro Station to the Southeast Gate.


There are a few gates for Baiyun Mountain range, but do head to the South Gate where the cable car terminal is located, next to Yuntai Garden.




ATTRACTION



I continue my journey to Baiyun Mountain after my detour to Yuntai Garden. The cable car terminal is just next to the garden's entrance. Luckily there's not many visitors during my visit and I don't have to wait at all for my cable car. The return ticket costs RMB40 (RM23) which includes some free vouchers for pictures but never fall for any "free" things in China. Just discard the vouchers will do.


The 12 minutes ride across the 1.6km path has a bit more to offer other than convenience with the colourful trees underneath coupled with hiking trails and mountain roads.


I also spotted this temple known as Nengren Temple 能仁寺 along the hiking trail when reaching the top. 


There's this square after the exit from the terminal, saying "Baiyun Mountain Welcomes You (白云山欢迎您)". Many tourist will have a picture here for safekeeping.


Above the square there's a platform known as "Dusk View Spot (晚望)", which actually means the area for sunset and nightview because the sun will set at this direction usually around 6pm.


This is the view of the platform. It is actually a very wide space with trees and huts around. The Guangzhou City is towards the right side with a very wide opening.


This is the actual view from the platform. Unfortunately it is mid noon and the sun is no where near settings. As you can see from this picture, the buildings are actually quite far away from the mountains and with no large landscapes or signature buildings, the view is actually just...normal. From here, you will get to see the cable car at the bottom right side of the picture. (Pardon my picture with the vignetting and patching due to the CPL filter).


In between the platform and the square, there's an intermediate space showcasing statues of Confucius and the also the a few of the famous 中国二十四孝 (24 touching stories of filial children) stories.


During my visit, there's this Transformer exhibition going on, which has a lot of replica Transformers installed with some mechanical arms for movement. This is useful to attract local crowd but nothing special for foreign tourists because Transformers is not the main reason I'm here.


Walked along the streets further up away from the square you will see the number of visitors getting less. From here onwards will involve a lot of physical walking, unless you opt for the shuttle service which comes at a fee. There's a junction after you walked some distance where you need to choose which path to follow. The path on the left involves more walking at a longer distance while the right path involves more stair climbing at a shorter distance. Both routes will eventually lead to the peak.


I took the shorter route, which means I have to climb more stairs. Not long after that I reach this spot known as the Nine Dragon Spring (九龙泉) but unfortunately it is closed for renovation and recovery. I only get to take the picture of this small little spring before moving on.


There are many interesting spots and vantage points along the way, some of which I do not know what meaning does it bring. Nevertheless, my next destination is Moxingling, which is the highest peak, which also means that I need to keep on climbing.


Stairs.. more stairs!! But luckily the stairs are covered with trees and the air is refreshing. To be honest, I didn't felt tired at all after all the climb, perhaps it is due to the weather? or the fresh air? or maybe the spiritual energy around the mountain that fuels me up. I did saw many visitors giving up halfway, panting and resting after the long climb, but I just kept going.


There's also some interesting corridors along the stairs, which makes your whole journey less boring because you kept seeing new things.


Half way up I stumbled upon this small little house which writes 轩墨仙, which is actually a spot where ancient writers and scholars gather. There are some exhibits of calligraphy and books inside.


I didn't spend much time here and left after I took a few pictures. The journey up continues with more stairs and stairs.


Eventually I reach a spot that meets the crowd who took the longer route via slope. There's a bee farm and a military camp at this area which is also known as the 观云阁 (literally means Cloud Observing Pavilion).


However, the pavilion is closed during my visit and there's nothing much to observe from there to be honest.


The climb up to slope continues with another 200 meters more to go. 


Lazy people or the elderly can opt for the electrical shutter car.


I have been continuously climbing for close to 30 minutes and I thought I finally reached my destination, Moxingling. My.. my I was wrong. To read more, please continue to my next post about Moxingling.

SUMMARY

Baiyun Mountain is a very scenic place, filled with lush greenery and vegetation. It provides various vantage points overseeing different angle of Guangzhou City. If you are a nature lover and a hiking fan, would suggest you to spend a day here to explore all the different peaks at Baiyun Mountain range.

Attraction
☆☆☆☆☆
Very scenic and refreshing place. Close to nature.
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆☆
Cleanliness is well kept
Entrance Fee
Varies according to area
Baiyun Mountain: RMB5
Cable Car Return Ticket: RMB40
Mingchungu: RMB10
Xinghai Park: RMB5
Others: RMB3 to RMB10
Opening Hours
06:00am until 05:00pm (to be verified)
Wifi
N/A
Parking
Yes
Website
Baiyun Website - English Version

GPS:
Cable Car Terminal: 23.157015, 113.295640
Baiyun Square: 23.171753, 113.300479
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[PLACE] 20141217 Big Buddha 天坛大佛 @ Lantau Island, HK


Tian Tan Buddha, or also known as Big Buddha is a popular tourist attraction in Hong Kong located at Ngong Ping village, Lantau Island. Completed in 1993, the 34m (112ft) bronze statue of Buddha weighs more than 250 metric tonnes, and sits atop the peak of Mount Yuk Yue.

Soon after it is completed, the Big Buddha has overwhelmed Po Lin Monastery's popularity and became the main attraction for the area. Besides Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery, visitors can also visit the Ngong Ping Village (which has been developed into a tourist spot) and the Wisdom Path. If you have extra time to spare, you can also opt for a bus tour around Lantau Island to visit fishing villages like Tai O to experience a different style of Hong Kong.

There are three floors beneath the Buddha statue which is also opened to Public but attracts an entrance fee. These floors, known as the Hall of Universe, the Hall of Benevolent Merit and the Hall of Remembrance are museums that exhibit various Buddhism relics. If you want to know more about the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery, please do visit the link below. It has a very comprehensive history of the Big Buddha, including the design, construction and assembly of the bronze statue during the 1980's.

Source: Wikipedia, Po Lin Monastery website

The Big Buddha is located nearby the Hong Kong International Airport. Hence it is recommended to pay a visit to Big Buddha after your arrival or before your departure. There are luggage cabins available for rent at the airport or at Tung Chun MRT at different rates. Best time to travel will be during weekdays where there are less locals and during cooler season like winter (Nov - Jan).

The Big Buddha opens 24/7 from 10am to 5:30pm daily while the Po Lin Monastery opens from 8am to 6pm daily.

TO GO



I visited Big Buddha right after my arrival at HKIA. I took the E22 bus to get to Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal. The bus comes every 15 minutes and the journey will take about 25 minutes to arrive at the Tung Chung Terminal. Alternatively, you can take the MRT, Tung Chung Line and drop off at Tung Chung Station.




Once you arrived at the terminal, there are two main methods to travel to Big Buddha. First being the cable car, known as Ngong Ping 360 and the second being public bus, particularly, Bus 23. Both located at the same area, beside Citygate Outlets, a shopping complex with good bargains.

Ngong Ping 360 (Cable Car)



The cable car is the favourite method as it offers you a 360° panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and seascape. However, the ride doesn't come cheap with adult ticket price at HKD165 (RM75) per pax for standard cabin. If you have a little cash to spare, then you can opt for the Crystal Cabin which has a transparent cabin floor to allow you to have a bird's eye view of the landscape underneath. Adult ticket cost HKD255 (RM116) per pax for the additional see through privilege. Travelling time is 25 minutes per ride.

Lines can be long during peak periods. It is advisable to book your tickets online prior to your journey. Unfortunately, there is no discount for early bird tickets. The cable car operates from 10am to 6pm during weekdays and 9am to 6:30pm during weekends. Do take note on the scheduled maintenance period for the cable car to avoid disappointment. 


Public Bus (Lantau Bus 23)

I took the public bus option as it is a more economic way to travel. Once you drop off from the Tung Chung Terminal, walk out to the open air terminal where you will see white colour mini buses, operated by Lantau Island Bus Operators. Look for Bus 23 (not to be mistaken with E23). Weekday adult fare only at HKD17.20 (RM8) as compared to the cable car's exorbitant price. Weekend adult fare will be close to HKD30 (RM14) if not mistaken. The bus does accept Octopus card and make sure you have one because the driver will not entertain for changes, not a friendly driver anyway.


I personally prefer the bus ride as it will pass by villages along the mountain roads, giving you a more down to earth and close to reality experience as compared to the more commercialized and touristy cable car. However, the bumpy ride will not be comfortable as it travels through hilly roads. Along the road you will have the scenic view of the mountains, sea cliff and also a Reservoir (Shek Pik Reservoir). Total travelling time is 45 minutes. Recommended for budget or adventurous travellers, not recommended if you have car sickness. A short video of the bus ride will be posted.


ATTRACTION



Upon the arrival, you will be welcomed by the Buddha statue and the main entrance stone arch. If you are travelling by the cable car, you will end up at the other end of the Ngong Ping village.



The map above offers a better perspective of the surrounding where you will see the cable car terminal and all the shops and stores along the way to the entrance of Big Buddha.

Map source: http://www.np360.com.hk/


There are many restaurants, cafe and entertainment stores at the "village", which is now transformed into a tourist spot. Do expect tourist prices for the services and merchandise sold here. If you have extra time to spare, then do pay a visit to the "Walking with Buddha" which will showcase the enlightenment path of Siddhartha Gautama.

  
I was running out of time as I arrived late at 4pm in the evening, hence I skipped all the entertainment at the village and straight to the Big Buddha.


The entrance will lead to a square in the centre where the ceremony for any Buddhist celebration will usually be held at. Along the way there's stone statues of deities at both sides of the walkway towards the square. The Big Buddha is located at the 3 o'clock of the stairs while Po Lin Monastery is at the 12 o'clock location. 


*Stamina alert!* You will need to climb a total of 268 stone steps before reaching the Big Buddha. However, I don't seem to be able to find what the 268 symbolizes as I understand every detail of the construction of the Big Buddha have been well designed.

Along the stairs you might bump into sincere devotees that are performing 5 steps a kneel and 10 steps a pray (五步一跪十步一拜) action. 


Before you reach the top, take a break and have a good view of the Big Buddha before continue the remaining climb.


Once you reach the lower platform, you will notice 6 deities offering different items to the Buddha, 3 at each sides. They are known as the "The Offering of the Six Devas" and are posed offering flowers, incense, lamp, ointment, fruit, and music to the Buddha. These offerings symbolise charity, morality, patience, zeal, meditation, and wisdom, all of which are necessary to enter into nirvana.

Source: Wikipedia

There are three platforms in total, with the highest right at the foot of the Buddha statue. Here, you will notice some devotees circulating the statue 3 rounds with the palm closed (praying gesture).


You will be able to have a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the sea bay behind.

Sun is setting and I'm running out of time to visit Po Lin Monastery and the Wisdom Path. This post shall be continued when I have the chance to visit Hong Kong again.

SUMMARY




Tian Tan Buddha is a must come if you a Buddhist or if you do not mind a spiritual trip. Do allow half a day for this trip as there's much more to offer than just the Buddha statue alone.


Attraction
☆☆☆☆
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆☆
Entrance Fee
Free (payable if enter museum)
Transportation fee 
Opening Hours
10:00am until 5:30pm (Daily)
Wifi
N/A 
Parking
Ample 
Website
Po Lin Monastery website 

Tung Chung Station GPS: 22.289994, 113.939675
Ngong Ping 360 GPS: 22.290207, 113.938570
Big Buddha GPS: 22.254163, 113.905146
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