[PLACE] 20141218 The Peak @ Victoria Peak

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Hong Kong is well known for its outstanding night view of its city scape, thanks to its high density of concrete buildings. When the sun goes down (around 6:30pm local time, depending on season), the city came to life with spot lights and neon lights filling the dark sky.

The best place to have a glance of the award wining night view definitely belongs to Victoria Peak with its elevation 400 meters (approx. 1,300 ft) above sea level overseeing the HK Island. Day or night, the Victoria's peak will guarantee a scenic view of the busy cityscape beneath (except during heavy mist/fog).

The iconic The Peak Tower with its wok-shaped structure is seated on the peak along with The Peak Galleria which offers dining, shopping and entertainment facilities. The Peak has a lot to offer to visitors, whether you are here for a romantic date, for a nature walk, to have a quick shop or even for an educational trip. There's something for everyone.

If you have extra cash to spare, you can opt go up to the Sky Terrace 428, which is a platform on top of the tower for a better view. If you have extra time, you can visit the Madam Tussaund's Museum located within the tower to have a chance to take pictures with your favourite Hong Kong stars.

The Peak is opened 10am until 11pm weekdays and 8am until 11pm weekends and public holidays.

TO GO


The Peak is accessible via the Tram Terminal located at the hill foot. To get to the Tram Terminal, you can either take the public bus 15C, public cab, tram or MTR.

MTR
Take the Island Line (Blue) or Tsuen Wan Line (Red) and get off at Admiralty station, Exit C1. You are required to walk some distance along the Hong Kong Park before arriving at the terminal and do take note that it is a uphill slope.

Please ignore the bus route as the Google Map is not able to show the shortest walking route.



Tram
The tram doesn't stop directly at the terminal, and in fact, the nearest stop (Murray Road) is far from it and requires some illegal crossing.


Public Bus
Public bus 15C is the most recommended travelling method as it stops directly at the Tram Terminal and save yourself some torturing uphill climb (like what I did!!). You may catch the 15C bus at the Star Ferry Pier Terminal or the bus stop at MTR Central station, exit D1.

ATTRACTION



The journey starts at the lower Tram Terminal where you will be required to purchase the ticket, or simply just use the Octopus card to save the hassle. A return adult ticket will cost HKD40 (RM19) while a single journey ticket will cost HKD28 (RM13). You will be charged HKD28 first if you are using the Octopus card, and the remaining HKD12 will be deducted automatically when you return for the peak terminal. The line can be very long during peak hours, hence better plan your schedule ahead to avoid disappointment in missing the sunset.


The Peak Tram Historical Museum is located within the terminal after the entrance but I couldn't care less to read due to the huge crowd. The staff allows the crowd in by batches instead of by line, hence some unruly or least "civilised" tourists will try to make their way through by pushing you aside. Each journey takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Each batch is approximately 80 pax.


The tram system consists of only two cabins, which acts as a pulley for each other during the ascend and descend, counteracting the forces and reducing work done. The two cars will meet each other in the middle of the journey where you get to wave and say hi to strangers. Some parts of the climb are as steep as 45°!

TOP TIP: Try your best to secure the seats facing right because that's where the sceneries are.


Once arrived at the peak terminal, you will pass through some souvenir market. The prices of the merchandise here is definitely higher than what you can find at the lower grounds. Make your way up two storeys for the exit to The Peak Galleria.


An old tram cabin is transformed into Tourist Information Centre.

I didn't get to take the picture of the iconic Peak Tower due to the rain. The rain also made me worried on the possible fog, or worst still, unable to get out if it won't stop.


I have made my research prior to my trip and know a few free photo spots to capture the scenic nightscape. As time is running out, I suit up with my camera's rain coat to the nearest spot, right behind the peak terminal entrance known as the Lion's Hut (太平山狮子亭) GPS: 22.270985, 114.150705.


I spot a perfect location right at the edge and set up my gorilla pod to secure my position. The rain still haven't stop and I'm trying my best to keep my camera and lens dry even with the lens hood on, as you noticed the rain drops at the top right of the picture above. Noticed there's an ongoing construction at the lower ground of the hills which I think will obstruct the future view from this angle.



The sky has turned dark around 6:30pm without the magical sunset hue due to the rain, but thankfully the rain has subsided and I managed to take a few test shots while waiting for the buildings to turn on the magical light. The gorilla pod allowed my camera to be at the forefront as compared to other tourist with their tripod behind me and had to be careful with other tourists passing by during long exposure shots. Any movement towards their tripod will totally ruin the long exposure shots.


The picture above is the result of a multiple attempt. Even though the lights are not fully switched on yet but I'm satisfied with the outcome and have to pack up and head down hill for my next destination.


The journey downhill was a long wait as everyone was flocking down the peak after the sunset. The queue at the peak terminal was about 45 minutes, wasting precious time and I missed the Lightshow at the Victoria's Harbour. Nevertheless, no regrets coming over to the Peak and thank God for the clear night view after the rain, else all effort will be wasted.

SUMMARY


The Peak is an entertainment hub which has everything to offer from dining, shopping to entertainment. It is the Number 1 destination in Hong Kong and it is a must visit for the dying nightscape. If you have extra time and extra cash, then you will be able to enjoy more facilities that the Peak is able to offer. Do make sure you double check the weather report to avoid disappointment.

Attraction
☆☆☆☆☆
scenic view and other facilities that caters for different needs
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆☆
Entrance Fee
Nil
HKD40 (Return ticket for Peak Tram)
HKD48 (Sky Terrace 428) 
Opening Hours
10:00am until 11:00pm (Weekdays)
8:00am until 11:00pm (Weekends & Public Holiday)
Wifi
Selective areas 
Parking
Ample 
Website
http://www.thepeak.com.hk/ 

Lower Tram Terminal GPS: 22.277704, 114.159432
The Peak GPS: 22.271122, 114.149994
Photo spot GPS: 22.270985, 114.150705

farscope

Malaysian lad, engineer by background, banker by profession whom passionate in photography, food and travelling.

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