

VICTORIA PEAK (THE PEAK)

MADAME TUSSAUD'S HONG KONG AT THE PEAK TOWER AND MONOPOLY DREAMS AT THE PEAK GALLERIA ARE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FROM 28th JANUARY 2020 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE AS A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE TO PREVENT SPREAD OF THE CORONAVIRUS (WUHAN PNEUMONIA)





The Peak is one of Hong Kong’s major tourist attractions and a “must visit” destination for visitors. Dominating Hong Kong Island this mountain (552 metres at the summit) offers spectacular panoramic views day and night across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, parts of the New Territories and several of Hong Kong’s outlying islands. The Peak also has some of the most expensive and desirable residences in the world and is home to celebrities, leading government officials and company taipans.



In summer a visit to the Peak where temperatures are often 5C lower than at sea level can provide cooling relief from the humid heat in urban areas below. However mists and low cloud all too often swirl around the Peak restricting views and to enjoy the Peak at its best it is advisable to try and choose a clear day.



The Peak is to most visitors the area around the Peak Tower, arrival point for the Peak Tram, and the Peak Galleria where there are shops, restaurants, café’s, viewing galleries and entertainment attractions. However the Peak has much more to offer in the form of scenic walks, tranquil gardens and a country park.





GETTING THERE

PEAK TRAM – The Peak Tram climbs seemingly almost vertically from its lower terminus next to Hong Kong Park to the Peak Tower in an exhilarating seven minute ride with spectacular views.

PEAK TRAM UPGRADE PROJECT AND TEMPORARY CLOSURES



Following the award to the Peak Tramways Company of an additional 10-year period operating rights from 2026 to 2035 for the Peak Tram the Hong Kong Government has also approved the company's upgrade plan. The project, estimated to cost HK$684 million is being wholly funded by The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Limited which owns the Peak Tramways Company.



The project, which began in late 2018 will see new tramcars which will increase the current capacity of 120 passengers per trip to 210 and include new air-conditioned queuing and waiting areas for up to 1,300 passengers and is expected to be completed in 2021. During the construction period there will be two service suspension periods, the first from 23rd April 2019 to 21st July 2019 (service recommences at 7am on 22nd July) followed by a suspension of about five months during the summer of 2020 for about five months. The Peak Tram will operate from a temporary platform at the Lower Peak Tram Terminus on Garden Road in between the two closure periods. The Peak Tower and Sky Terrace 428 will remain open as usual and the company is working with transport operators to ensure adequate alternative public transport to The Peak is available during the closure periods.



Since the first closure period from 23rd April a special bus route X15, operated by New World First Bus (NWFB), from Admiralty (West) Bus Terminus near MTR Admiralty MTR Station Exit B has operated direct to the Peak with no intermediate stops. This service continues to operate following resumption of the Peak Tram service on 22nd July 2019 but from 13th January 2020 the service is adjusted to operateso n Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays only, starting from Central Pier 6 via Admiralty to The Peak. The service operates hourly from 4-30pm to 9-30pm from Central Pier 6 and from 5-30pm to 10-30pm from the Peak. Existing NWFB bus routes 15 (Central Ferry Piers - Peak), 15B (Sunday and public holiday only) Hong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai - Peak) and NWFB route 15C (Central Star Ferry Piers - Garden Road Lower Peak Tram Terminus) operated as normal following resumption of the Peak Tram service on 22nd July 2019 but from 13th January 2020 route 15B is adjusted to operate hourly with the first and last departures from The Peak at 1pm and 8pm respectively and the frequency of route 15C is adjusted to 20-30 minutes. Green minibus route 1 (Hong Kong Station Public Transport Interchange - The Peak) continues to operate as usual.



The Lower Peak Tram Terminus is located on Garden Road and is served by New World First Bus (NWFB) route15C from outside Star Ferry Pier (Central Pier 8) on Hong Kong Island) and which also stops outside City Hall on Connaught Road Central. The service operates daily from 10am until 11-40pm and the journey takes about 10 minutes. The adult fare is HK$4.2. An open-top bus previously used on this service was withdrawn in March 2014 and the service is now operated mainly by single deck bus.





Bus 15C outside Central Pier 8 (adjacent to Star Ferry Pier - Central Pier 7).



The Lower Peak Tram Terminus can also be reached ON FOOT FROM CENTRAL OR ADMIRALTY MTR STATIONS within about 15 minutes walk. Garden Road where the Lower Peak Tram Terminus is situated is easily located by heading for the prominent Bank of China Tower (the very distinctive geometrically shaped glass sided tower with "forks" shooting up from the roof). Adjacent to the Bank of China Tower is the tall box-like structure of the Cheung Kong Centre and Garden Road runs uphill between these two buildings. The terminus is located near Citybank Tower at the first set of traffic lights. FROM CENTRAL MTR STATION take Exit J2 or Exit K. Exit J2 leads to Chater Garden from where Bank of China Tower is clearly visible. Exit K leads to Statue Square opposite the HSBC Building and the Bank of China Tower is visible to the left. From Bank of China Tower follow Garden Road uphill to the terminus. FROM ADMIRALTY MTR STATION take exit C1 and cross the bridge over Queensway to Pacific Place. In Pacific Place take the escalators on right which run up alongside the shopping mall. Go to the very top and cross the road to Hong Kong Park and follow the signs through Hong Kong Park to the Lower Peak Tram Terminus.



See separate section PEAK TRAM for more information about the Peak Tram.





Peak Tram on the final ascent to the Peak Tower



BUS 15C TO THE LOWER PEAK TRAM TERMINUS - New World First Bus (NWFB) service 15C (Fare HK$4.4) from Central (Star Ferry) outside Pier 8 to Garden Road Lower Peak Tram Terminus, also stops outside City Hall on Connaught Road Central. Daily 10-00 to 23-40. Frequency 20-30 minutes.

BUS 15 TO THE PEAK – New World First Bus (NWFB) service 15 (fare HK$10.3) from Central Ferry Piers 5 (Cheung Chau Pier)* and 6 (Mui Wo / Peng Chau Ferry Pier, adjacent to Star Ferry Pier)* provides a scenic journey to The Peak and terminates at the bus station under the Peak Galleria adjacent to the Peak Tower and Upper Peak Tram Terminus. From the upper deck there are spectacular views over Wan Chai, Central and across the harbour to Kowloon as the bus climbs the twisting Stubbs Road up to The Peak. This bus can also be boarded at Exchange Square Bus Station and on Connaught Road outside City Hall, Queensway in Admiralty and Queens Road East in Wan Chai. The service operates from every 7/15 minutes daily from 06-15 to 00-15 and the journey takes about 40 minutes.



*Note - Up until 10-00 daily all services commence at Exchange Square Bus Station. From 10-00 until 00-15 services commence at Central Ferry Pier 5.



Bus 15 for the Peak starts here outside Central Pier 5 then calls at Central Pier 6, next to Star Ferry Pier. Passengers wishing to claim the coveted upstairs front seats for the scenic ride stand a better chance by joining the bus at its starting point, Central Pier 5

Bus X15 (Fare HK$12.4). Revised routing and frequency from 13th January 2020. Operates Saturday, Sunday and public holidays only. From Central Pier 6 Admiralty to The Peak via Admiralty (Queensway), express service.. Hourly from 16-30 to 21-30 from Central Pier 6, hourly from 17-30 to 22-30 from The Peak.

Express bus route X15 from Admiralty to The Peak began operating on commencement of the first Peak Tram closure period in April 2019 and has continued to operate since its resumption but may be reviewed at a future date

ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS ONLY the following additional service operates to The Peak;



New World First Bus (NWFB) service 15B (fare HK$12.3) from Wan Chai (Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre Extension) via Causeway Bay and Stubbs Road. Frequency (revised from 13th January 2020) hourly from 12-00 to 19-00 from Wan Chai and hourly from 13-00 to 20-00 from The Peak. Journey time approx 30 minutes.

Sunday and public holiday bus 15B to Wan Chai and Causeway Bay at The Peak Bus Terminus





GREEN MINIBUS 1 TO THE PEAK - A faster bus service to The Peak is provided by Green Minibus number 1 (fare HK$10.2) although the views are not quite as scenic as those provided by the above franchised double deck bus services. The service starts from Hong Kong Station Public Transport Interchange (MTR Hong Kong Station Exit E1) which is located under the Four Seasons Hotel end of IFC Mall (the Green Minibus Terminus is somewhat hidden away behind the main bus terminus). The service travels via Connaught Road (where you can board near City Hall) and Peak Road and terminates at the bus terminus under the Peak Galleria adjacent to the Upper Peak Tram Terminus. On its upward journey only it makes a diversion via Mount Kellett Road and Matilda International Hospital. Journey time is about 30 minutes on the upward journey and about 20 minutes on the downward journey. The service operates a 5/12 minute frequency from 06-30 (07-25 on Sundays and Public Holidays) to midnight. On the return journey from The Peak, passengers can disembark in Central on Ice House Street, Peddar Street outside Central MTR Station, Two IFC Tower or at the terminus.





The entrance to Hong Kong Public Transport Interchange Green Minibus Station under IFC Mall. The bus station can also be accessed via the bridge and down escalators outside Hong Kong Station exit E1 (IFC Mall)









PEAK TOWER



The current Peak Tower was built originally in 1997 but a major refurbishment took place over a two year period during 2005/6 which included the internal structure being completely rebuilt, panoramic windows installed and a new viewing terrace being built on the roof. The refurbished Peak Tower reopened during November 2006.





Peak Tower and Peak Piazza





Peak Tower, viewed from Lugard Road



The tower opens from 7am to midnight and admission is free but there is a charge to enter the rooftop Sky Terrace 428. which is Hong Kong's highest viewing platform standing 428-metres above sea level. The tower has six levels and a roof terrace. The lowest level, podium 2 has souvenir shops. Podium 1 is the arrival level for the Peak Tram and has Peak Market, souvenir shops, Tang Dynasty Costume fashion and accessories shop, post office, Travelex foreign currency exchange, cafe and Madame Tussauds waxworks.





Marilyn Monroe at Madame Tussauds



The Ground floor is the departure level for the Peak Tram and has shops including Adidas, Crocs, Sunglass Hut, BSX, Giordano, Hard Rock Cafe Shop, Pacific Coffee, watch and jewellery shops including Swatch and Swarovski, juice bar, gelato shop, and jewellers. Level 1 is home to Burger King and Pearl on the Peak restaurants and "Madness 3D Adventure" a free interactive zone introduced in October 2016 featuring famous Hong Kong scenes and a photo shooting area where visitors can have photos taken by professional photographers set against iconic backdrops. From level 1 a set of vertigo inducing escalators lead up the open central core of the tower to level 2 where there are gift shops, TonyMoly fashions, Bank of China ATM, Japanese restaurant and Chinese restaurant which extends to level 3. On level 3 are photo shop, candy shop, Bubba Gump restaurant and Tien Yi Chinese Restaurant.





Panoramic windows and dizzying escalators inside the Peak Tower



SKY TERRACE 428 - From Peak Tower level 3 escalators lead to the Sky Terrace 428 which is open 10am to 11pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 11pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Access is via turnstile for which there is a charge of HK$50, increasing to HK$52 from 1 March 2018 (half-price concessions for seniors and children). Payment can be made by Octopus Card or tickets can be purchased from the customer service desk on the ground floor or at the Lower Peak Tram Terminus. Visitors arriving by Peak Tram can purchase a combined ticket for the tram and Sky Terrace 428 which results is cheaper than purchasing separately. For more information see “Peak Tram”. Views from the terrace, which is 428-metres above sea level and the highest viewing deck in Hong Kong, on a clear day are stunning. Visitors can see along the length of Victoria Harbour, the northern urban areas and harbourside of Hong Kong Island, all Kowloon and parts of the New Territories. There are fixed binoculars for which there is a charge and there are usually professional photographers touting for business. Also on Sky Terrace 428 is the Sky Gallery, an outdoor exhibition of local artwork.





Sky Terrace 428, Hong Kong's highest viewing platform offers stunning views over Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour and Kowloon



For more information about the Peak Tower see the Peak website;



http://www.thepeak.com.hk/en/home.asp







PEAK GALLERIA AND PIAZZA

Note - The Peak Galleria is undergoing a major phased renovation from early 2017 for a period of about 2 years. The viewing terrace is closed for the duration of the works except for a small section of south-facing roof garden. Some shops and dining establishments have been relocated within the Peak Galleria or have closed. The Trick Eye Museum is not currently affected by the works and remains open as usual

The Peak Galleria and Piazza



The Peak Galleria is located opposite the Peak Tower and houses gift shops, art shops, supermarket, bookshops, café’s and restaurants over three floors. Restaurants include Cafe Deco with spectacular views from two floors, Pho Yummee Vietnamese street food, Blossom Sushi, Maks Noodle, Tsui Wah Restaurant, Delifrance, Spaghetti 360, McDonalds and a Starbucks coffee shop. There is a 7-11 convenience store on the ground floor, and in December 2014, a Trick Eye Museum opened, located on level 3.

Trick Eye Museum, 3D museum opened in the Peak Galleria in December 2014

The roof has a free viewing terrace and roof garden which can be accessed by an obsevation lift and, whilst the views are not quite as spectacular as those from the Peak Tower Sky Terrace 428, they are still very impressive.





Peak Galleria's free viewing terrace. Renovation work in 2011 included installation of an observation lift to reach the terrace from the piazza. Note - The viewing terrace is closed from early 2017 for a period of about 2 years during major renovation work to the Peak Galleria. A small section of south-facing roof garden remains open at the opposite end of the Galleria.



The basement of the Galleria houses the bus and green minibus terminus and taxi stands. Free wi-fi is available at the Peak Galleria.





Inside the Peak Galleria



The Peak Galleria is fronted by a piazza for which a refurbishment programme was completed in mid-2008 as part of the Peak Improvement Scheme set up by the tourism commission. The piazza has outdoor café tables, seats, fountain and Victorian style architecture and is home to Hong Kong Tourism Board's Peak Visitor Information Centre housed in an old Peak Tram (see below) and is the venue for exhibitions and other events particularly at weekends.

In August 2015 plans for a 20-second 120-metre "Flightlinez" zip wire ride between take off and landing towers at each end of the Peak Galleria were approved. The operator would be Canadian based forestry company Greenheart and the attraction would operate from 10am to 10pm with a capacity of 120 riders per hour. Technical studies are being carried out by the Hang Lung Properties, developer of the Peak Galleria and Greenheart and consultations will also be made with the government's Electrical and Mechanical Services Department over noise and safety issues.

Peak Galleria website;



http://www.thepeakgalleria.com/en/about-the-peak-galleria/about-us.aspx



PEAK VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE



Hong Kong Tourism Board opened the Peak Visitor Centre in April 2008. The centre is housed in a heritage Peak Tram cabin which was is service between 1959 and 1989 and is installed under a Victorian canopy. The centre is open daily from 9am to 9pm and provides a full range of visitor information services.





Hong Kong Tourism Board's Peak Visitor Information Centre located in a vintage Peak Tram





LIONS PAVILION



Just a short walk along Findlay Road alongside the Peak Tower leads to the two-storey Lions Lookout Pavilion which has also undergone a recent renovation.

Moon Gate entrance to the Lions Pavilion

Both the pavilion and Findlay Road provide excellent viewpoints and photo opportunities. Also along Findlay Road are photographers and vendors offering paintings and souvenirs and quite often one of the few remaining rickshaw pullers touts for business although don’t expect anything more than a trip of a few metres and a photo.





View from Lions Lookout Pavilion, Findlay Road





Night scene at Lion's Pavilion





VICTORIA PEAK GARDEN



Victoria Peak Garden is a wonderfully peaceful, colourful and scenic spot near to the summit of Victoria Peak seemingly a world away from the frenzied crowds below. To get there follow Mount Austin Road (which starts almost next to the Peak Lookout Restaurant) uphill for about 15/20 minutes. On the way just past Mount Austin Playground is a viewpoint with more outstanding vistas over Hong Kong Island and Kowloon and the road also passes some of the most desirable residences in Hong Kong. Further up the hill the Gate Lodge of the Former Mountain Lodge (the Governor's summer residence) is reached at the entrance to the lower gardens on the left.





The Gate Lodge of the former Mountain Lodge on Mount Austin Road is located at the entrance to the lower part of Victoria Peak Garden



Continuing up the road to the top of the hill the road ends at the site of the Mountain Lodge. The Governors former summer residence was once located here and the site of its remains has been renovated and is once again accessible to the public, having been declared an archaelogical site and screened off behind hoardings for a number of years.





Site of the Mountain Lodge, the Governor's former summer residence



There is a viewpoint with views over the western side of Hong Kong Island, Lamma, Lantau and parts of Kowloon. The Governors Walk is a short gentle shaded walk winding round the perimeter of the gardens back to Mount Austin Road. The actual summit of Victoria Peak is dominated by transmission masts and it is possible to get very close to the summit by following the path from within the gardens towards the masts.





The Governor's Walk is a scenic short walk around Victoria Peak Garden back to Mount Austin Road



Substantial redevelopment of the gardens has taken place over several years, being completed in early 2010, and a new pavilion, benches, sun-dials, stone pillars, carvings and gazebos have been installed to induce a Victorian style theme in these tiered gardens.





The splendidly renovated Victoria Peak Garden provides a peaceful retreat close to the summit of the Peak





PEAK WALKS



The Peak has some wonderful tranquil and mainly shaded scenic walks. The most popular of these is the flat 3.5km circular walk along Lugard Road and Harlech Road which forms part of the Hong Kong Trail.





The popular mostly shaded circular walk along Lugard Road and Harlech Road



These roads both begin near the Peak Lookout Restaurant and the walk should take around 45/60 minutes although most visitors will feel the temptation to stop and enjoy the outstanding views along parts of the route. If starting from Lugard Road the walk soon emerges from the shade of the heavily forested slopes of the Peak to allow stunning views over the northern side of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and parts of Lantau.





Panoramic view from Lugard Road on the circular walk



Further along at the junction with Hatton Road there is a recently renovated garden with picnic area and toilet facilities. Continuing along Harlech Road there are views over Pok Fu Lam Reservoir and Aberdeen on the south side of Hong Kong Island and Lamma Island before reaching a waterfall and emerging next to the Peak Lookout Restaurant. For a longer walk instead of completing the circuit follow Hatton Road which descends steeply via the remains of Pinewood Battery, a historic military site, to Hong Kong University from where there are frequent buses to Central.





South Hong Kong Island (Pokfulam Country Park and Reservoir) from Harlech Road on the circular walk



Opposite the entrance to the bus terminus under the Peak Galleria is the entrance to Pok Fu Lam Country Park. There is an easy and pleasant downhill and mainly shaded walk down the wooded southern slopes of the Peak through the park and past Pok Fu Lam Reservoir to Pok Fu Lam Road from where there are frequent bus services to Central (cross to the bus stop on the opposite side of the road) and Aberdeen (stay on the same side of the road as the park entrance). This walk should take no more than one hour. Alternatively for a longer walk when descending the main path through the country park follow the signs for “Peel Rise” along Stage 2 of the Hong Kong Trail. The trail which is undulating at first eventually opens out to provide dramatic views over Aberdeen, Ap Lei Chau and Lamma Island before descending and winding its way along a water catchment to Peel Rise. At Peel Rise leave the Hong Kong Trail and follow the path down to Aberdeen. Allow about 2 hours for the walk from the Peak.





The Governor's Walk is a short walk around the perimeter of Victoria Peak Garden between Mount Austin Road and the site of the Mountain Lodge (see "Victoria Peak Garden" above).



There are several paths leading from below the Peak Tower down through Mid-Levels to Central. The most direct route is to take Findlay Path (next to the Peak Tram tracks in front of the Peak Tower) down to Barker Road Station and then follow Old Peak Road, once a busy route for coolies hauling sedan chairs, between the towering residential blocks of Dynasty Court and Hillsborough Court, across the traffic lights at Robinson Road, down Albany Road, through Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens and down Garden Road to emerge near Hong Kong Park and the Bank of China Tower. Although downhill all the way this walk descends very steeply in places and is not suggested for those with weak knees. To walk from the Peak to Central takes about 40 minutes.





Night view from Lugard Road





POLICE MUSEUM

The Police Museum, located at 27 Coombe Road, The Peak, is housed in the former Wan Chai Gap Police Station. The museum, which was renovated in 2010, is operated by Hong Kong Police and has over 700 exhibits in four galleries on two floors including an Orientation Gallery illustrating the history of the police force, Triad Society and Narcotics Gallery, Heroin Factory and Thematic Gallery with temporary exhibitions. This is an interesting small museum which is off the beaten track for many visitors. To reach the museum, visitors should disembark from bus 15 at the "Wan Chai Gap Road, Peak Road" bus stop from where there are direction signs to the museum which is about 5 minutes walk. The museum is open Sunday and Wednesday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Tuesday 2pm to 5pm. It is closed on Mondays and public holidays. Admission is free. For more information about the Police Museum see MUSEUMS - HONG KONG ISLAND





Off the beaten track for many visitors, but the Police Museum is an interesting small museum easily reached by bus route 15





DINING AT THE PEAK



There are a range of cafes and restaurants at the Peak offering alternatives from sandwiches and fast food to sophisticated international menus.



FAST FOOD AND SNACKS –



The Peak Tower has a BURGER KING, PACIFIC COFFEE coffee shop, HONG KONG DAY, Hong Kong style cafe and JUNGLE JUICE juice bar. The Peak Galleria has MACDONALDS, DELIFRANCE, STARBUCKS and a PARK'N SHOP INTERNATIONAL supermarket which sells drinks and snacks much cheaper than most other outlets at the Peak.



RESTAURANTS –



THE PEAK LOOKOUT restaurant located in an old colonial building has both indoor and outdoor dining and offers an international menu. The restaurant overlooks the southern side of Hong Kong Island towards Aberdeen and whilst the views do not perhaps compare with those fro some of the other restaurants at the Peak this restaurant has a wonderful ambience and reputation for excellent food and is a well established favourite with both visitors and locals. For full details see the restaurants website;



http://www.peaklookout.com.hk/





Peak Lookout Cafe



CAFÉ DECO (Café Deco permanently closed at this location on 24th July 2016 and relocated to the 20th floor, The One, Tsim Sha Tsui in September 2016) – located on two levels of the Peak Galleria with panoramic windows and outdoor balconies offering spectacular views over Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour and Kowloon this large international restaurant has an open kitchen and extensive menu.



http://www.cafedecogroup.com/outlet.php?oid=6&name=CafeDecoBar&Grill



PEARL ON THE PEAK – owned by Maxims Group this international restaurant located on level 1 of the Peak Tower is a new addition following renovation of the Peak Tower. The restaurant has stunning views and a comprehensive menu influenced by its Australian chef. There is no English website for this restaurant but opening hours are 12noon -2-30pm and 6pm to 10-30pm daily (to 11-30pm Sat, Sun and public holidays). Telephone 2849 5123



TIEN YI CHINESE RESTAURANT – on levels 2 and 3 of the Peak Tower the restaurant owned by RC Gastronomic has stunning views and a 6 metre high water wall. Speciality dishes include shark’s fins, bird’s nest and abalone.



KYO HACHI – located on level 2 of the Peak Tower this Japanese restaurant is also owned by RC Gastronomic and is sister restaurant to Tien Yi. Also enjoying spectacular views this restaurant has an intimate atmosphere with booths and

candlelit tables for two. There is a central sushi bar and teppanyaki counter featuring a “live show” performed by the restaurants chefs.