Hong Kong > Victoria Peak

At half past eight, I leave the hotel with two travel companions. We take the metro to Hong Kong Island, which requires two transfers. At the Point North metro stop, we get off. Immediately, we find ourselves among tall skyscrapers. Typical British double-decker buses drive through the streets. Even the tram has two levels, which makes it look a bit strange — narrow and tall. When crossing the street, you have to be careful because in Hong Kong they drive on the left, while in the rest of China they drive on the right. I haven’t had breakfast yet this morning. I buy a ham and cheese sandwich at a bakery. A little later, when we want to order coffee but one companion does not, we’re told that a purchase is mandatory. He leaves the place and waits outside. In the Causeway Bay district, we have a view of the Kowloon skyline. We pass Victoria Park, the largest park in the city. By the water is the Noonday Gun, where since 1840 a cannon is fired every day at twelve noon. We gradually reach the center of Hong Kong Island. The skyscrapers get taller and traffic busier. Because we have different interests in the city, we decide to split up. I walk to Golden Bauhinia Square, where the convention center shaped like a large bird is located. From here, I have a nice view of Victoria Harbour and the skyline behind it. Through Tamar Park, I arrive at Statue Square, the central square in the Central district.

Hong Kong - The boats in the harbor with the Hong Kong skyline in the background

Many old historic buildings have been replaced by tall tower blocks. It is sometimes surprising how poorly maintained some residential towers are — something you wouldn’t expect in such a city. Around the square, it’s busy with people and traffic. Large groups cross the street when the pedestrian light turns green. There are also many pedestrian bridges, allowing you to cross entire stretches above the traffic. As I move westward, the streets become narrower. I walk along Hollywood Street, a street with antique shops combined with restaurants. The side streets slope steeply upwards. This is the Soho district, South of Hollywood Street. I arrive at Tai Kwun. A guard explains that this was the former prison, now turned into a museum. I’m not really in the mood to visit the museum, so I continue through the streets toward the Man Mo Temple. Along the way, I pass the Central-Mid-levels escalators — the longest covered escalator in the world, with a total length of 792 meters. It took two and a half years to build. Because of these escalators, the Soho district became more accessible and is now a trendy neighborhood. I take the escalator up.

Hong Kong - The tram to Victoria Peak in Hong Kong

From Soho, I continue to the Man Mo Temple. I don’t have to look for it, as several tour buses are parked in front. The Man Mo Temple is a Taoist temple from 1847 dedicated to the gods Man and Mo. Inside, I see a mix of praying people and tourists wanting to take nice photos. I decide to take a middle path and only make an overview photo. Many incense spirals hang in the temple. The smoke from these incense coils gives the temple a special atmosphere. After visiting the temple, I walk back through Hollywood Street. In one of the little restaurants, I order a chicken wrap. The cola is included. It’s now half past one, and I want to visit Victoria Peak. On the way to the cable tram, I pass St John’s Cathedral, a cathedral from 1852. A service is underway inside. Discreetly, I admire the church from the doorway. At the Peak Tram, I buy a return ticket. It’s not busy, so I can immediately join the next tram. At first, I don’t notice how steeply the tram climbs. Only when the surrounding buildings appear tilted do I realize the incline. I arrive safely at the top and get off at the Peak Tower. From the top floor, you can pay extra to enjoy the panoramic deck view. I decide not to. I want to walk around the Peak instead. But I can’t find the exit from the Peak Tower at first. It turns out to be on the second floor of the tower. From here, the Peak Circuit starts — a nearly four-kilometer loop around the famous mountain.

Hong Kong - The impressive view from Victoria Peak

Along the way, I have a view of the skyscrapers. It’s cloudy, but the view remains beautiful. Around half past three, I’m back at the Peak Tower. I take the tram back down. I follow the signs to the Star Ferry. At the harbor, I have to look carefully for which pier I need. When I ask someone, he offers to take me across for thirty dollars. That seems a bit expensive. When I ask about the green line—the ferry to Kowloon—he directs me to pier seven. The ticket machine is open for maintenance. A man standing nearby offers me a ticket for four dollars (fifty cents). I get a blue token. It feels a bit shady, but a few meters later I can pass through the gates with the token. The historic green ferry arrives just in time. Since 1888, ferries have run between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Within a few minutes, I’m across at the Clock Tower. I continue to the metro station and travel three stops back to the hotel. In the evening, we have dinner with the whole group. It’s the last night of the trip. Strangely, three travel companions have decided not to join. I’ve never experienced that before. After dinner, we thank Frank for all his good care during the trip. Thanks to his actions, the trip went smoothly without too many problems. Frank, in turn, says he also enjoyed traveling with us. Everyone was helpful and always cooperative. After dinner, I return to my hotel. I have walked over 30,000 steps today. I think that’s enough.