Victoria Peak of Hong Kong

Victoria Peak is certainly the number one tourist destination here. The Victoria Peak provides a stunning bird’s-eye view of the world-famous Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong skyline as well as Kowloon. It is a great place for wandering around day and night, for visitors and locals alike.

Getting There
• Peak Tram - town station at Garden Road in Central, few blocks behind the Bank of China Tower.
• Open-Top Bus No. 15C from Central Pier 7 (next to Star Ferry) to Garden Road peak tram station.
• Bus No. 15 at Exchange Square bus terminus in Central.
• Green minibus No. 1 at Central (Hong Kong Station Public Transport Interchange).
• Taxi from Central would cost around HK$100.


Open-Top Bus - Peak Tram station
Peak Tram station is connected to Pier 7 in Central by open-top bus number 15C. If you want to go to the Victoria Peak, this is a great way to experience Hong Kong.

Once you get off the Star Ferry, turn right to Pier 7 and the 15C bus terminus is there.

You might start your tour to the Victoria Peak by open-top bus, follow by peak tram. You can take a bus ride to return to Central. This is the most interesting route to explore the Peak of Hong Kong.

Daily: 10:15 to 23:55 (from Garden Road Tram Terminus)
Daily: 10:00 to 23:40 (from Central Pier 7)
Every 10-20 minutes

HK$4.20 (Air-Conditioned or Open Top)


Walking Tour – the Peak Trail

Along Lugard Road at the Peak of Hong Kong, there is an extremely easy-to-walk scenic trail. This circular path offers an easy stroll with incredible views. On Sunday, even locals walk with their puppies. This is definitely a walk that should not be missed. It is sure to heighten your experience at the Peak of Hong Kong.

This extremely easy and pleasant walk at the Peak of Hong Kong is about an hour. It might take a little longer if you want to spend more time on the stunning views.

Lion Pavilion – multi-level observation deck
Lion Pavilion is a vantage point where you can overlook the beautiful city of Hong Kong across the Victoria Harbour to Kowloon Peninsula. Just next to the Peak Tram station, the Lion Pavilion at the Peak of Hong Kong is full of tourists day and night. I am sure your experience here is going to be unforgettable.

Taking photos here might need a bit of patience. But you can buy service from street photographers who occupy the best photogenic spots for you. An 8R instant print would cost around HK$100.

Peak Tower
For ages, Peak Tower (Locals call it “Fools Pavilion”) has been a landmark of Hong Kong. This current Peak Tower is an award winning design. The building is highly visible even from sea level and is intended to symbolise Hong Kong. It offers one of the best views in the world and creates a backdrop to the spectacular cityscape of Hong Kong's Central district.

The Peak Tower incorporates the Peak tram station, with viewing platforms, restaurants and retail outlets. Madame Tussauds features more than 100 wax works covering three floors and five themed areas. This is an interactive and absorbing entertainment experience at the Peak of Hong Kong!

Peak Galleria and Other Goodies

Above the bus terminal, the Peak Galleria is another assortment of shops and restaurants, including Café Deco, The Hard Rock Café and MacDonald’s. There is also an excellent collection of souvenirs and handicrafts at reasonable prices. Of course there are observation decks where you can admire Hong Kong at various angles.

Right opposite to the Peak Galleria is the Peak Café. This historical restaurant is another hallmark of the Peak of Hong Kong. Its outdoor terrace offers incredible views of the city.

The Peak of Hong Kong is a very prestigious area where the richest people live. You might want to spend some time take a look at the beautiful houses around. The quarter of the Chief Secretary of HKSAR is located on 15 Barker Road. You’ll see it when you ascend or descend the Peak on a bus ride.

Travel Tips: the Peak of Hong Kong

Open-Top bus plus Peak Tram is certainly the best transportation to visit the Peak of Hong Kong. Peak Tram station at both Garden Road and the Peak has long queue on Sunday and holidays. Make sure to go early and avoid the crowd.

Hong Kong Travel Blog - The Peak of Hong Kong

Disneyland Hong Kong

Location: Lantau Island

Disneyland Hong Kong was opened in 2005, the newest among all Disney theme parks in the world. An adult ticket costs HK$350 and varies on special days. It is a highly targeted destination for visitors from mainland China.

Disney Journey Starts with MTR

It takes around 45 minutes from Central to the Disneyland Hong Kong by MTR. There are two resort hotels and shuttle buses run on a circular route connecting the two hotels with the Park and the MTR station.

Resort Hotels
Resort hotels are rare in Hong Kong. The Disney's Hollywood Hotel and the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel are 5-star resorts, with excellent facilities. If you want to stay here, be prepared to put up with the noise as there are many kids running around you, mostly from mainland China.

The Disneyland Hong Kong opens daily 10.30am to 8pm. It is a good strategy to go early and play as many games as possible. Make sure to pick up maps and guides at the entrance.

Within The Disneyland
One of the cultures of Disneyland is queuing. Disneyland Hong Kong can’t be an exception. Fortunately the lines won’t be terribly long except on holidays. On regular days, 10 minutes is quite an average.

My Favourite Points of Interest
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic – A terrific 3-D Show
- Jungle River Cruise - There are four lines depending on the guide’s language
- Tarzan’s Treehouse – Rafting and rope climbing
- Festival of the Lion King - A 30-minute musical on the story of Simba
- Autopia – cart driving, good for those who look for a safe game. More exciting games at Tomorrowland

Re-Entry Policy
You must be familiar with this if you’ve been to other Disneyland in the world. Stamped your hands and you can return to the Park whenever you want within the same day. So you might want to take a break and had dinner at the hotel and come back watching the daily firework at 8pm.

Anna’s Notes:
Disneyland Hong Kong features many other famous Disney games such as Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and a daily parade. There are plenty of gift shops and restaurants. Unfortunately our hand stamps only allow us to return to the Park on the same day. My recommendation is go early in the morning. Unless you really want to try out the resort hotels here, you don’t really need to stay overnight at the Park.

Travel Information
Disneyland Hong Kong Tickets are available at the Park’s main entrance, online and some dedicated points in town.
Admission: HK$350/Adult on regular days, variable on special days
Opening Hours: 10:30 – 20:00 on regular days, variable on special days
Transportation: MTR Tung Chung Line, change at Sunny Bay to Disneyland

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Disneyland Hong Kong

Ocean Park - Hong Kong

Location: Wong Chuk Hang, southern part of Hong Kong Island

Ocean Park is ranked 7th among the top ten most popular amusement parks in the world, according to forbes.com’s announcement on June 1, 2006. Figures indicate that it outperforms the newer theme park Disneyland.

The Park recorded just over four millions of visitors in 2005. It is one of the world’s biggest marine and educational themed parks.

It is an ideal place for you take your kids for a day of outing. Children can make fun in Hong Kong while learning at the Park.

Best-of-the-Best of the Ocean Park, Hong Kong

Please make sure you don’t miss any of the following:
· Cable Car – be patient, there might be long lines on Sunday and holidays
· Ocean Theatre – it’s always full, go early and look for your favourite seat
· Sea Jelly Spectacular – latest state-of-the-art attraction of the Ocean Park · Giant Panda – no need to go to Sichuan, kids would love to see them
· Red Panda – the newest member of Ocean Park
· Atoll Reef – biggest aquarium in Asia with rare breeds, huge and beautiful fishes
· Shark Aquarium – Asia’s first underwater tunnel gives you an undersea feeling

Travel Information
Transportation: Admiralty MTR Exit B2, change to Citybus 629.
Adult: HK$10.6, Children: HK$5.3

Admission:
Adult: HK$208, Children (3-11): HK$103, Under 3: Free

Some travel agents might be able to get you better rates.

Opening Hours
Daily 10:00 – 18:00 Sunday & public holiday 09:30 - 19:00

Tickets are available at:• Ocean Park main entrance and Tai Shui Wan entrance• MTR Admiralty Exit B nearby Citybus route 629 terminal• MTR Customer Services Centre at Admiralty station

Travel Tips: Ocean Park, Hong Kong
The 629 double-decker bus ride is a fun experience. Take your children to the front of the upper deck to catch all the excitement and feel the pulse of the city of Hong Kong.

Bring lots of water. There are lots of food stalls and restaurants inside the Park, though expensive. Please expect to sweat a lot in the summer heat. Hong Kong can go up to 33 degrees Celsius in June, July and August. Bring a small towel, it would work better than a handkerchief. Of course don’t forget your hat, sun glasses and comfortable walking shoes.

Please spend at least one whole day at the Ocean Park. Otherwise you won’t have enough time to visit all the interesting spots.

My Mini Photo Album - Ocean Park

Sea JellySea Jeally
Dolphin Show

View my Sea Jelly videos at my other blog
View my Ocean Park Photo Album at my other website

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Ocean Park

Hong Kong Botanical & Zoological Garden - 香港動植物公園

Location: Albany Road, Mid Levels, Hong Kong

Being the most historical garden in Hong Kong, the Botanical Garden accompanies the growth of many Hong Kongers, including myself. Almost every Hong Kong people had their footprints here. When I was young, my mother took us here almost everyday after dinner.

The Hong Kong Botanical Garden is believed to have the best geographical location, in terms of Chinese astrology. At a very prestigious area of central Hong Kong, surrounded by state-of-the-art commercial and residential buildings in Central, its main entrance is just opposite to the former Governor’s House. From the colonial days, you can find a statue of KG VI, the father of current QE II.

Hong Kong Botanical & Zoological Garden

The central fountain here is a previous-generation landmark of Hong Kong. Almost every Kong Kong people had taken photos here. The pinales tree next to the fountain is one of the oldest trees in Hong Kong – see photo below.

The main garden is mainly botanical together with birds while the junior garden is zoological, both connected by a short subway. All the animals here are my friends especially the ring-tail monkeys.

Travel Information
Transportation: MTR Admiralty Station. Change to bus 12A to MacDonnell Road. Enter the Park via footbridge over Garden Road.

Opening Hours:
Fountain Terrace Garden 6am - 10 pm
Green House/ Education and Exhibition Centre 9am - 4:30 pm

Other Areas 6am - 7pm

Admission: Free

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Hong Kong Botanical & Zoological Garden

Hong Kong Park - 香港公園

Location: Mid Level, Hong Kong

I am going to introduce a couple or parks in the urban area. Hong Kong Park, located at mid levels Central, Hong Kong, is very easy to access. As it is nearby Central and Pacific Place, many people come here to do their scenic lunch either at the restaurant or with their own lunch boxes.

The park features a very beautiful lake with fishes, turtles and flowers, with a backdrop of Hong Kong’s state-of-the-art commercial buildings in Admiralty and Central. You can just walk over to the Cheung Kong Center or the Landmark to continue your way exploring Central Hong Kong.

Bird Watching
Unlike bird watching in the wild, you can do it in the aviary here. With hundreds of beautiful birds, including rare breeds, you must enjoy your tour here. Free guided tour is available every Wednesday. Gather at the Conservatory at 8am. The tour is around two hours. Just walk in without pre registration.
Conservatory – Green House
The Conservatory showcases seasonal flowers is connected to a tropical garden. This is one of the must-visit places whenever I come. See my photo album below.

Museum of Tea Ware
Nearby the main entrance is the Tea Museum, specializing in the collection, study and display of tea wares. If you are interested in the art of Chinese tea, you can buy some tea related souveniors here. A Tea House serving Chinese vegetarian food is just next door. Workforce around this area always come to enjoy a relax lunch with Chinese tea and light music. Travel Information
Transportation: MTR Admiralty Station. Exit to One Pacific Place. Continue your way by escalator up to Island Shangri-La level. Hong Kong Park is just opposite.
Opening Hours: 06:00 – 23:00 (Park), 09:00 – 17:00 (Aviary, Conservatory)

Photo Album – Hong Kong Park Hong Kong Travel Blog - Hong Kong Park

Lions Nature Education Centre - 獅子會自然教育中心

Location: Sai Kung, Kowloon

The Lions Nature Education Centre showcases the very best of Sai Kung's natural charms. Opened in 1991 as a joint venture between the then Agriculture and Fisheries Department and the Lions Club of Hong Kong and Macau to help promote environmental protection.

The centre features a little of almost everything rural to be found in Hong Kong and is a popular destination for school and club outings.

The centre also has a number of permanent indoor exhibitions. Three are devoted to Hong Kong's fishing and farming industry and protected natural areas. The Shell House contains an impressive collection of shells, many of which are no longer to be found in Hong Kong waters.

Sunday morning visitors can pick up homegrown organic produce sold in a mini market on the grounds. Any day of the week one can drop by the centre's cafe, which is run by employees with hearing disabilities, and enjoy a stunning panorama over the countryside up to Pyramid Hill and Ma On Shan.

Travel Information
Transportation: MTR Diamond Hill Station, change to bus 92, get off at Pak Kong Station. The Centre is just opposite.

Admission: Free

Opening Hour: 09:30 - 17:00 / Exhibition Halls: 09:30 - 16:30 (Close on Tuseday)

Closed on Tuesdays and the first two days of the Chinese New Year.
Suggested time of visit: Two hours

Photo Album

For myself, I find the Shells and Agricultural Plantation most interesting and spend most of time there. Many the vegetables, I have only seen them on dining tables, but never in a field. Here they are - see my photo album.

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Lions Nature Education Centre

Ma Wan Park 馬彎公園

Location: Park Island (Ma Wan Island)

Opened in 2007, Ma Wan Park has attracted plenty of local and overseas visitors.

Tsing Ma Bridge
Ma Wan Park offers two advantages. For photographic fans who want to take a good landmark photo of Hong Kong, this is the place. From Park Island pier towards Ma Wan Park, you will pass by a beach where it is an ideal place to take photos of the Tsing Ma Bridge, which is an important gateway to Lantau Island where the Hong Kong International Airport is. It is also the world's seventh-longest span suspension bridge

Ma Wan Park is also an ideal place for treasure hunt. Pick up a questionnaire at the entrance, and you can start to explore the park and find answers to the questions. Undoubtedly it is also an ideal place outside the classroom for children's liberal learning. The park have invited heuristic experts in children activities to design activity courses for learning with fun in the classroom of nature, focusing on learning strands of “Self & Personal Development”, “Society and Culture”, “Science, Technology & Environment”.

Major Attractions

* Rainbow Wall
* Sweet Garden
* Windmill Station
* Adventure Journey
* Hilltop Lookout
* Heritage Centre
* Solar Tower
* Noah’s Ark

Travel Information
Admission: Free, however some activities would require a fee
Open Hours: 09:00 – 18:00 - Mon, Fri & Sat / 08:00 to 18:00 - rest of the week
Transportation: From Pier 2 in Central, take ferry (approximately 25 minutes) to Park Island, then walk to the park. HK$20 per trip.

Click photo for a larger view

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Ma Wan Park