VICTORIA PEAK (TAI PING SHAN)
Traveler Description
Hong Kong’s number one tourist destination features the Peak Tower and the Peak Tram, the city’s oldest mode of public transport.
Address: 1 Lugard Rd
Phone: 852 2849 7654
Traveler Reviews
a bit disappoining
Reviewed on Jul 13, 2009
This is a great way to see the city if you’re short on time, but I found it rather anti-climactic as, before I did this, I took the spectacular bus journey to Stanley Markets!
This should be your first stop on a clear day!
Reviewed on Jul 8, 2009
Once the haze / fog started to lift a bit, we headed up to Victoria Peak on the tram ? trams have been in use there since 1888. Once we got to the general area, signs to the Tram Terminal were easy to find and follow. The tram goes up an incline so steep, the buildings look like they are leaning at a 45 degree angle! The trip up was much quicker than expected. This lookout point sits on the mountain overlooking the entire city (396 meters above sea level). When we got to the top, there was so much to take in — although with the clouds, you really could only see the HK Island side. While we had lunch, the clouds began to clear and the view got even better! We picked the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co for lunch — definitely not Chinese, but best view for less than the cost of some of the other places. Lunch locations were a little pricey, but the views were worth it! Prices in shops are on par with the other tourist destinations. There are ATMs at the top and western style restrooms available, although a bit of a walk from the shops / restaurants down some very long hallways. A second walk out to the observation deck after lunch brought breathtaking views of the skyline. It’s really odd to look down on the skyscrapers from the Peak when you know from walking around them that they are huge. Compared to home, it’s very odd to be in a city where everything is built up rather than spreading out to find more space. It?s a wonderful place to view both the HK and Kowloon sides — when you get a clear day, take advantage of it before the opportunity disappears! Photo tip for the Peak Terrace: There is an outside railing and another level right above it. If the photographer in your group stands at the top of the steps and shoots down at you next to the railing, it?s a much better angle to see you above the city skyline! We took the tram up (one way) and paid to visit the Peak Terrace as well – $37HK per person. It was worth it! Since you can buy a one way ticket, we did that and then took the local bus (#15C) down $9.80HK. You?ll want to have something close to exact change, or put money on your oyster card ? drivers don?t give change. Views along the way were awesome ? especially from the left side of the bus. It seems to be straight down in many places! Bus will take you all the way to the Star Ferry Pier, or you can hop off sooner if you?d like!
Amazing view
Reviewed on Jun 16, 2009
I love hong kong for its lights and views. To get the best of these, you either come to the peak or go to the arena of stars, both offer amazing views of the skyscrapers, especially in the evening.
Recommended – both day and night
Reviewed on Jun 8, 2009
Hi all, Stayed in HK in November for 9 nights. This is the best view you will get of the city and if you are a professional photographer like me, definately bring your tripod for the night time pictures. Absolutely stunning but expect a small wait for others as they all try and get the rightmost corner which is the bexst, unobstructed shots of the cityscape. Well worth it once you get the spot!! Loads of others up there just loving the view and plenty of people to talk to. Peak tram is cheap and quick. Beware the crowds but if you have an octopus travelcard you can beat the admission and get it cheaper as well!! Doesn’t take long to arrive or depart and plenty to do up there. Nice views of some of the most expensive houses on the island on the way up too, plenty to see and do. Restaurants are expensive – I was going to eat in Bubba Gump’s but settled for a tshirt or two instead. Prices are at a premium due to the outstanding dining view you come to expect there. Other eateries are available too, a few coffee shops inc a starbucks and shops. There is an Electronic Arts (EA) shop on the top where you can sample the latest games and buy merchandise – I bought some Burnout themed items which weren’t really that bad in price – but who cares in the long run eh?!? Big tip – to beat the queues, get on the bus from the stops and arrive outside early. To be honest, the queues do move quickly and its expected wherever you go on holiday to face a few waits as everyone is there for the same reason. Another tip, watch the rikshaw drivers. He asked me to pose on his rickshaw and took a photo with my camera. Then produced a card hidden away on the rikshaw that requested $20 HKD for the picture! I gave him 5 for his bravado!! Hope you find this review useful and enjoy yourselves.
Excellent – once you escape the Peak Tower
Reviewed on Apr 10, 2009
The experience was almost ruined for me by the abomination that is Peak Tower. I was returning after about 23 years and had good memories of the Peak, the Peak Tram and the view. I was disapppointed to find it so difficult to find the exit from the Peak Tower so that I could see the view. However, once I did – after about 20 minutes of searching! – I enjoyed the Peak and the view. Commercialisation is one thing but this is excessive.