On our third day in Hong Kong, we decided to take advantage of the clear day and ventured up to Victoria Peak, which is situated on Mount Austin in the western half of Hong Kong island. Locals simply call it The Peak.
We had three options to reach The Peak - 1) take the subway to a tram that climbs the mountain 2) take the escalators up the hills to the mid levels and then walk a bit back downhill to the tram 3) climb the mountain by foot. We went with option #2 on the way there and option #1 on the way back. Had we more time in Hong Kong, we would have considered climbing the mountain, but we didn't want to spend all day here. Plus it was really hot!
Hong Kong Escalators
I'm a huge fan of the public transportation system in Hong Kong and the escalators are no exception. Since much of the city is vertical, the escalators make it easy to ascend to the higher neighborhoods without breaking a sweat.
We had three options to reach The Peak - 1) take the subway to a tram that climbs the mountain 2) take the escalators up the hills to the mid levels and then walk a bit back downhill to the tram 3) climb the mountain by foot. We went with option #2 on the way there and option #1 on the way back. Had we more time in Hong Kong, we would have considered climbing the mountain, but we didn't want to spend all day here. Plus it was really hot!
Hong Kong Escalators
I'm a huge fan of the public transportation system in Hong Kong and the escalators are no exception. Since much of the city is vertical, the escalators make it easy to ascend to the higher neighborhoods without breaking a sweat.
Boarding the escalator (or in this case a moving walkway)
On our way up
There is a lot to look at along the way. The streets of Hong Kong seem to scream at you.
One of the many apartments situated along the escalator
Zoological & Botanical Gardens
We rode the escalators up from our hotel to the mid levels then cut across toward the tram to the peak via the Zoological and Botanical Gardens, where our path took us past a variety of flora and fauna. The most interesting aspect of this park is how it was built into the hillside of HK Island amongst a slew of skyscrapers, but from inside you feel like you're in a tropical forest.
We rode the escalators up from our hotel to the mid levels then cut across toward the tram to the peak via the Zoological and Botanical Gardens, where our path took us past a variety of flora and fauna. The most interesting aspect of this park is how it was built into the hillside of HK Island amongst a slew of skyscrapers, but from inside you feel like you're in a tropical forest.
Walking under the road to get to the gardens
I love sloths. This one was laying on its back, eating whatever was in that little cage upside down. Who knew laziness could be so funny!
Raccoons were part of the zoo exhibit. I guess they aren't pests in HK.
Victoria Peak
Continuing our walk eastward from the gardens, we reached the base of the peak tram. It's a bit of a wait to board the tram - an old cable car chugging its way up the mountain - but while you wait you can view displays about the history of the peak and how tourists and residents reached the summit in the old days. Back in the 19th century, Victoria Peak attracted many Europeans because of its view and cooler temperatures. Wealthy Europeans purchased property up here and before the tram funicular was built in 1888, they reached the peak by sedan chairs which were carried by locals up and down the steep slope. Victoria Peak remains an exclusive residential neighborhood and is the home of Hong Kong's most expensive properties.
Continuing our walk eastward from the gardens, we reached the base of the peak tram. It's a bit of a wait to board the tram - an old cable car chugging its way up the mountain - but while you wait you can view displays about the history of the peak and how tourists and residents reached the summit in the old days. Back in the 19th century, Victoria Peak attracted many Europeans because of its view and cooler temperatures. Wealthy Europeans purchased property up here and before the tram funicular was built in 1888, they reached the peak by sedan chairs which were carried by locals up and down the steep slope. Victoria Peak remains an exclusive residential neighborhood and is the home of Hong Kong's most expensive properties.
Back in the day, this is how the wealthy residents ascended Victoria Peak.
Today there is a tram funicular. One can also drive.
Lots of tourists visit The Peak, especially on clear days.
At the top, you exit the tram into - you guessed it - a mall. You have to make your way to up a bunch of escalators, between each of which you are forced to complete a circuit past all of that level's mall shops, in order to reach the viewing area on the mall's roof. But it's definitely worth it for the amazing views!!
Upon arrival, you must go up several escalators in a mall.
It's worth it. Hong Kong has the most skyscrapers in the world. Classified as buildings with more than 14 floors, Hong Kong has around 8,000, almost double that of New York - its nearest rival. (About.com)
Kowloon Night Out
That night, we took the subway over to Kowloon watch the sunset over the city and scope out the beautiful night views of HK Island. We grabbed a promenade-front table at Deck N' Beer, strangely one of the only outdoor bars on the water in Hong Kong, and had some drinks while taking in the nighttime views across the water. The night view was spectacular, as if a giant computer chip emerged from the water. I've never seen a skyline covered in so many branded electronic billboards. Imagine Times Square New York times 100. That is the Hong Kong skyline. As a marketing person, I found myself calculating the cost of a logo in lights on the skyline. Good old Samsung didn't stop at a giant electric billboard. At 8pm, Samsung sponsored a short but entertaining show, where different buildings on the HK side light up and shoot lasers to music played on the Kowloon side. When it came to brand presence, Samsung was definitely the king of Kong.
That night, we took the subway over to Kowloon watch the sunset over the city and scope out the beautiful night views of HK Island. We grabbed a promenade-front table at Deck N' Beer, strangely one of the only outdoor bars on the water in Hong Kong, and had some drinks while taking in the nighttime views across the water. The night view was spectacular, as if a giant computer chip emerged from the water. I've never seen a skyline covered in so many branded electronic billboards. Imagine Times Square New York times 100. That is the Hong Kong skyline. As a marketing person, I found myself calculating the cost of a logo in lights on the skyline. Good old Samsung didn't stop at a giant electric billboard. At 8pm, Samsung sponsored a short but entertaining show, where different buildings on the HK side light up and shoot lasers to music played on the Kowloon side. When it came to brand presence, Samsung was definitely the king of Kong.
Sun setting over Hong Kong
A junk sailing by
Bruce Lee
Deck N Beer, strangely one of the only bars on the promendade
Enjoying the view from Deck N Beer
Strolling along the promenade at night, enjoying the colorful view of Hong Kong
Hong Kong
The junk is back!
We had a great night out in Kowloon!
We had another fantastic day in HK and were looking forward to the rest of our time there which included a giant Buddha, meeting new friends and more great eats!
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