The major attraction at the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island is the Giant Bronze Buddha. This 198-ton statue is perched atop a sloping green hillside in the mountains of Po Lin. Visitors can ogle from down below, climb the steps to get up close, and even venture inside. The hollow statue shelters a museum, where elaborate murals detail the life of the Buddha (born some 2,600 years ago), and exhibits display various gifts to the monastery and two tiny pieces of what is purported to be the holy relics of the cremated Buddha. After the climb, visitors can replenish with a hearty vegetarian meal at the monastery's restaurant. There are no private cars allowed beyond a certain point on the island, as it is a natural reserve. Visitors can take a bus from Tung Chung (across the channel from the airport) or, take a ferry from the Central and Western District to Silvermine Bay, and take a bus from there up to Po Lin. next...