Exploring Victoria Peak

My intention this morning was to leave early to go and visit Victoria Peak. I set my alarm for 7:30. I got up. But by the time I'd faffed about, showered, and discovered that my fruit salad was frozen (but then I thought, It's not going to kill me, so I ate it anyway 😀), I didn't leave the hotel until 9:45! 

I caught the MTR to Central, which is becoming quite normal, then got a ding ding to Murray Road, and then did a ten-minute uphill walk to the Peak Tram. That area is just full of shiny skyscrapers. I walked past the back of St John's Cathedral, which looks a bit out of place in the midst of all the modernity. 

It was a better day today - sunny and clear. I was hopeful of good views once I got to the top of Victoria Peak. So, I went and caught the tram. I could have gone by bus (it would have been considerably cheaper), but I wanted to experience the history and just the ride in the tram. It's one of the steepest inclines in the world for a tram. 

I had read that I could just get on board using my Octopus card. That was a bit misleading. I still had to queue. But it was well organised. I waited about 30 minutes. When I bought my tickets, I bought the combined ticket of the tram and the Sky View, which I wasn't going to do. But then I thought, well I'm only here once, so why not? 

Once I was on the tram, I realised there are glass windows in the roof as well as around all the sides. So you get a very good view as you're going up of the vista opening up below you of Hong Kong. Also, because it's so steep, it's a weird feeling because all the skyscrapers appear to lean. Obviously you're the one that's leaning and the skyscrapers are straight 😀.

When you reach the top of Victoria Peak in the tram, you are channelled into a modern shopping centre - surprise, surprise! It's on five levels. There are all the usual suspects, the Starbucks, etc. There are breathtaking views on every level. So I probably didn't need to pay the extra to go up on the Sky View terrace. There are lots of selfie studios. And also, bizarrely, there was a Mr. Simms traditional sweet shop. The last time I saw one of those was in York. It was a bit odd finding it there!

So, I continued up and then went through the barrier for those who've paid to go onto the Sky View deck, which is all outside. I couldn't help but be impressed. It was spectacular. I took far too many photos. It was a bit annoying because obviously it's a major tourist attraction and there were hundreds and thousands of tourists trying to do selfies - why can't I be there by myself for uninterrupted views? 😂🤣Read more