I am not from Hong Kong, but I have visited a bunch of times and climbed the peak daily on some visits. However, my partner, Gen, is from Hong Kong and is acting as my official source for all the insider info that someone who grew up next to this iconic peak has to offer.
Don’t Take the Victoria Peak tram
Gen says the tram is crowded and expensive, but walking is free! I have been on the tram; it’s a cool way to get up, and the vintage tram cars are pretty, but it does get busy. Even on weekdays, busloads of tourists from Mainland China flood the popular areas–the good news is that Victoria Peak covers a large area and there are plenty of peaceful spots left.
If you are wondering how to get to Victoria Peak, there are a couple of options. Gen recommends walking from Admiralty MTR station instead of Central, it can be quieter but a bit further. However, walking from Central, you can take the famous mid-level escalators–it isn’t the most direct route, but it’s a good reason to ride all the way up. Just remember, there are no escalators going down! So don’t rely on them to get you back to Central.
Walk to or from Pok Fu Lam
We have walked up from here on several occasions, and the experience was very peaceful; in fact, I ran up the hill several times whilst staying nearby–but that’s not for the faint-hearted. From Kennedy Town MTR station, the last stop on the Island Line, you follow the road up and up to the base of the steps pictured below.
I’m not going to lie, there are a lot of steps–I lost count, but after a while, it turns into a winding path with plenty of signs to point you in the right direction. The best thing about starting from Kennedy Town is how much closer it is to the Pinewood Battery, an old colonial gun emplacement complete with bunkers and toilets. I’m sure kids would love exploring this–I’m a big child nd enjoyed it greatly.
At the first flat section after the battery, there is a public outdoor gym with a few vendors selling drinks and food from carts. From here, you can choose a few different paths; one goes to the Victoria Peak Garden, while another goes directly to “The Peak,” where the tram stops and yet another winds past some old mansions with incredible views.
What’s at the Top of Victoria Peak?
Well, you can’t actually go to the real peak–or the natural highest point because it’s a radio station, but this really doesn’t matter, there are incredible views from points all around, and the peak tower area has views over both sides of Hong Kong Island.
High up at the peak tram station lies the peak tower, a shopping complex with gift shops and restaurants. It’s not my favourite spot as it gets super busy and seems like a modern monstrosity in such a naturally beautiful place, but hey, that’s one guy’s opinion . There is also a Madame Tussauds and plenty of viewing platforms for photos.
The Trail Around the Peak and Down
Gen says don’t be lazy! Take the time to walk the winding trails down the mountain–you won’t regret it. The peak trail down from the peak tower is well-maintained and takes you through some great tropical forest with plenty of the iconic Indian rubber trees dangling their roots down towards the ground.
If you want to make a day of it, why not head out with a backpack and explore the expansive Aberdeen and Pok Fu Lam country parks? Both have plenty of well-marked trails, picnic spots, and BBQ areas.
Nearby Activities
First and foremost, there is not much food up there, and considering most of our days in Hong Kong are planned around meals, this is a critical factor in planning. There are a few restaurants in the Peak Tower, but they are busy and expensive.
On one occasion, we headed up after having breakfast at a very old school Yum Cha spot in Kennedy Town; Sun Hing restaurant, not that that’s going to help you–all the signs are in Cantonese, as is the menu. Gen took me to the big stack of steaming Dim Sum baskets and lifted the lids so I could grab whatever looked tasty.
If you end up in Central, there is no shortage of food options. Why not have lunch before heading over to the ferry pier and taking the iconic Star Ferry to Kowloon? Or if it’s around Chinese new year, check out the giant flower market.
Victoria Peak is a great day out, and probably the best view of Hong Kong you will get, just be sure to set off early so you’re nice and high when the humidity clears.
