There are several vantage points in Hong Kong where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city’s jaw-dropping city skyline and this post documents a visit to what I consider, two of the finest spots.
Victoria Peak
Hong Kong is one of my favourite Asian destinations and I always look forward to spending time there. Taking a ride on the Peak Tram offers stunning views over the city and I consider it to be the perfect place to visit on your first full day in Hong Kong. The Peak Tram opened in 1888 for the use of the British governor and those people residing on The Peak, and nowadays it can be enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike.
Getting to the Peak Tram lower terminus
The starting point for taking a ride on the Peak Tram is easily reachable from either the MTR Central or Admiralty Stations. From Admiralty we enjoyed a stroll through the delightful Hong Kong Park on our way to the Peak Tram station.
Purchasing Octopus Cards
I suggest purchasing Octopus Cards, (similar to the U.K. Oyster Card. Octopus cards can be obtained from ticket kiosks in MTR stations at a cost of HK$150 (£15.31) which includes a $100 (£10.21) top up. The HK$50 deposit can be refunded at the end of your stay, less a small administrative fee of HK$11. Please note that there is also a Tourist Oyster Card available but at HK$39 (£4) but with no stored value or refund, it doesn’t offer good value.
Tickets for the Peak Tram
Standard adult tickets for the Peak Tram cost HK$108 (£11) with combo tickets also being available at HK$168 (£17.15) which includes access to the Sky Terrace. Another option is to purchase single tickets and to ride the tram to the top of The Peak and then to return downhill on the No.15 bus. Taking the inexpensive (and frequent) bus service down to Central is almost as exciting as the tram itself especially if you sit on the upper deck and hold on tight as the bus twists and turns it’s way down the steep hillside. The views equal those on the Peak Tram and you can save valuable time as there are often lengthy queues waiting to board the tram from the upper station.
The Peak Tram
Once you’ve purchased tickets, passengers then walk through a short passageway that is lined with historical information relating to the history of the Peak Tram, with one of the original carriages being displayed.
The steep, uphill journey takes around 10 minutes and provides spectacular views along the way. Do try and sit on the right hand side as from there you can take in the dramatic views looking down as the tram climbs to the Peak.
Sky Terrace 428
The Sky Terrace 428 standing at 428 metres above sea level is the highest viewing platform in Hong Kong, offering a stunning panoramic view across Hong Kong harbour. As we were in possession of the ‘combo ticket’ we just needed to take a series of escalators up to the viewing terrace.
The mid-morning haze was just starting to lift when we arrived enabling us to enjoy the far reaching views.
The Peak Circle Walk
We then popped into the Peak Galleria shopping centre for our morning coffees before setting off along the Peak Trail which winds its way around Victoria Peak. This is a delightful walk and is lovely and peaceful as most visitors just pause for photo opportunities near the Peak Tram station and don’t venture any further.
The trail starts on Lugard Road and is 2.4 km long and offers spectacular views around the island on a clear day. Lugard Road is named after Sir Frederick Lugard who was Governor between 1907-1912. Much of the walk is under dense tree cover providing welcome shade beneath the canopies of Indian rubber trees and other sub tropical vegetation.
Helpful information boards are provided at regular intervals explaining the local flora and fauna, the trail ending at Harlech Road and can of course be taken in either direction. Along the way we spotted locals, some out for a morning jog, whilst others walked their dogs or practised Tai Chi in the small parks.
Sky 100 Hong Kong Observation Deck
After enjoying breathtaking views from Victoria Peak we decided to spend the afternoon taking in the views from another of Hong Kong’s heights, this time from the 100th floor Observation Deck of Sky 100.
Getting there and buying tickets
The easiest way to reach Sky 100 is to take the Tung Chung Line MTR to Kowloon Station. Follow signs from the MTR station to the International Commerce Centre by walking through the underpass at ELEMENTS to get to Sky100’s entrance. Standard entrance tickets cost HI$186 (£18.93) but do check the Sky100 website for current offers. Another option is to purchase a GO-City Pass as for a single price, it’s possible to gain discounted entrance to three or more of Hong Kong’s attractions. Sky 100 is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm and until 10.30pm on Fridays and weekends. One of the best times to enjoy the city skyline view would be at sunset but bear in mind that it is likely to be much busier then.
The Observation Deck
After showing our tickets at the desk we were led to the lifts and once inside we soared up to the 100th floor in just 60 seconds, riding on what is thought to be the fastest lift in the city. Stepping out onto the enclosed observation deck of the tallest building which stands at 393 metres we enjoyed breathtaking 360 degree views from the full height floor to ceiling windows.
As we made our way along the observation deck each view seemed to be better than the one before. We marvelled at the panoramic views of Hong Kong Island, across Victoria Harbour and of the Kowloon Peninsula. Information boards detail the views from each lookout point.
In between soaking up the dramatic views visitors can take a look at the interactive multimedia exhibition which celebrates the city’s historical and cultural heritage. Other facilities include a cafe and gift shop where you can buy souvenirs to take back home.
Our visit was supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and as always all views and opinions are entirely my own.
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