Sunday, May 24, 2009

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

Thursday, May 14, 2009

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

Sunday, May 3, 2009

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