Tuesday 22 June 2010

The Peak

We took a train to Central MTR, to walk to the Peak Tram Terminus. We followed the road signs outside the MTR station to the Terminus. It must have been at least a 15-minute walk. Uphill at that too!
We saw many Filipino maids gathering outside the area at Central MTR for an open-air concert it seemed. I didn't know the HK culture is so similar to Singapore's - maids getting off days on Sundays and gather with their friends at a common area.

The commercial and perhaps residential buildings at Central The fountain at the Lower Peak Tram Terminus

The Peak Tram tickets
We bought the 3-in-1 combo package (Peak Tram+Madam Tussaud's Wax Museum+Sky Terrace). An adult combo cost HK200 (S$36.50) while a senior or child's combo cost HK100 (S$18.25).

It was a mistake going to The Peak on a Sunday. The crowd was horrifying! The Peak Tram came and went a few times before we finally got a spot on it. It wasn't pleasant to squeeze yourself through among the hordes of strangers.

One new thing I learnt though: that Japanese are not all polite. They jump queue too!
It's finally here!

It's not an overstatement to say that the Peak Tram is a must-try in Hong Kong. It is one of the oldest forms of transport in Hong Kong and has been around for over 120 years.

It was one of the highlights of our trip to Hong Kong. As it moved swiftly up the track, it tilted at more than 45 degree. It was quite an experience. I don't think it went as far as 90 degree as I had read though. When it came down from The Peak, my father noted that it could pull on a brake to adjust the speed.
The Peak Tram from The Peak
At the Sky Terrace

The History panels

The Peak Tower

It was a rather clear day when we went up The Peak, but we didn't think much of the supposedly magnificent view after a while. I mean, there's nothing much you can do except to view, right?

Our Sky Terrace tickets only allowed us to go up to the Sky Terrace once, so we looked at the night view of Hong Kong from The Peak Tower, which many others were doing. I have to say that the night view of Hong Kong is superior than Singapore's.


The wheels of Peak Tram
In the Peak Tram, descending from The Peak.

A seat in the Peak Tram.

A nice experience it was in the Peak Tram. Do give it a try if you ever go Hong Kong.

Getting to The Peak:

1) Central MTR Station Exit J2.

2) Walk straight on to the road signs that direct you to the Peak Tram Terminus on Garden Road.

Alternatively, take Bus 15C outside Central Pier 6.

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