1. The PEAK TRAM Experience
For most visitors to Hong Kong a trip to admire the views from Victoria Peak is high on the agenda and the most famous way to do this is to ride the tram from the Peak Tram Lower Terminus in Central.
The famous furnicular tram has been in operation since 1888. Prior to that the only public transport option to the Peak was to be carried up in a sedan chair! In the intervening years there have been several modernisations to the original coal burning system, most recently upgrading in 1989 to a micro-processor electric drive system, however throughout its history the Peak Tram has evolved from being the most elegant way to travel to Victoria Peak into a major tourist attraction.
The highlight of the trip included in affordable China tours are the views. Obviously these continually change due to development. They still encompass the natural beauty of the Peak, but the greenery is now competing for space with hundreds of skyscrapers. The views are best enjoyed from the right hand side of the tram (both going up and down) so grab a seat on this side if possible.
People are allowed to stand if all the seats are taken. I have never done so but its quite entertaining watching people adjust their stance to compensate for the steep gradient of the track. The trams run at 10 to 15 minute intervals.
At various times of the day the queues do become quite long with up to a 45 minute wait to board. Trams start operating at 7am. I have arrived at the Lower Tram Terminus at 9am on a couple of occasions and both times there was no queue. The busiest time is late afternoon to early evening as everyone going to the Peak at this time will enjoy both day and night views.
Adult return tickets are currently HK$40.00. Children (aged 3 to 11) and Seniors (65 or over) can get a return ticket for HK$18.00.
There is a Peak Tram Sky Pass available also which combines the tram ride with entrance to the Sky Terrance view platform. Sky Passes are HK$65.00 and HK$31.00 respectively. The Sky Terrace is the highest 360 degree observation deck in Hong Kong and its an unusual building but there are other free viewing platforms close to the Upper Terminus. The final tram of the evening descends at midnight.
The Peak Tram Historical Gallery is located at the Peak Lower Terminus. This is a facinating display of memorabilia collected over 100 years and includes a replica of one of the first style of Peak Tram carriages. You can visit the Gallery for free if you have a Peak Tram ticket.
2. Madame Tussauds
Opinion is divided about Madame Tussauds (top attraction in Hong Kong for best tours of China). Basically you either like looking at wax models of famous people or you dont. If you do then the wax museum in the Peak tower may be on your "things to do" list while in Hong Kong.
I ended up going to Madame Tussauds by default. The Peak Tram queue was very long and on a whim my friends and I decided to bypass the line by buying a combined tram/ Madame Tussaud ticket which allowed us to board the next tram ahead of other people. The combination tickets are still available though I'm not sure you are still able to bypass the queue.
When we arrived at the Peak we decided to have a quick look through and really 30 mins is all that is needed. The figures are divided into sections. There are Kung Fu actors (Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan) Hollywood stars, royalty and various world leaders and of course sports stars.
Adult admission is HK$170
Child admission is HK$100 (3 - 11 only)
3. Yes. Everyone goes once.
Victoria Peak is the must see tourist attraction of Hong Kong Island. Everyone one goes at least once. My personal advice is to pick the very first day with nice weather and go immediately. During my first visit in 2004 I waited and said I'll go tomorrow. This gave me nice weather on my trip to the Railroad Museum out in the NT, but it left me with pretty blah pics from the peak.
Most people will go up via the Peak Tram. There is also a bus to take you up or down the hill.
All I can add to all the other tips is if you have a day worth going up here weather wise go. Do NOT wait until tomorrow or your pics will surely show it as the weather changes. My most recent visit we had foggy weather so there was zero visability. Amazing how weather can impact a trip.
4. Victoria Peak by day
Its hard to know where to start with my "To Do" tips but I guess the ever famous Victoria Peak is a great place. I think if you come to Hong Kong and you dont go up to the Peak, then you are truly missing out on a great experience. And whether its by day or by night, you will be in awe of the view, that is without a doubt. We went up to the Peak on our first day in Hong Kong, so apart from settling into our Hotel and neighbourhood, it WAS the first thing we did!!!
At 552 metres, Victoria Peak is the highest point on HK Island, and therefore will give you the most amazing 360 dgerees views of Hong Kong that will truly take your breath away. The Peak is where you will find very expensive real estate and a very windy road up to the Peak Tower. Both times we went there, we opted to take the bus up (much cheaper than the tram) and the trip up and back is very interesting with lots to see.
Also at the Peak is Madame Tussauds's Wax Museum and Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant and shop, along with various other shops and restaurants.
As I said, we found the best and cheapest way to get to and from the Peak was by way of bus. Just catch the MTR to Central and then take Exit A (Connaught Road) and make your way to Central (EXchange Square) which is a HUGE bus terminal. Once you find the bus terminal, its very easy to find the bus you want, as each bus depot is clearly sign posted in english with the number of the bus and where it goes to. You need to take Bus 15C to the Peak and the cost was only $9.80HK and you just pay using your octopus card.
There is a free observation deck at Peak Tower but I would recommend you pay the $30HK to go up to the Sky Terrace for even better views. Peak Tower Sky Terrace is open from 10am til 11pm Monday to Friday and from 8am til 11pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays and its definitely worth paying $30 for!
The peak is very popular and make contribution to Hong Kong's tourism in China.
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