Today’s plan appeared deceptively straightforward.

Leave the Regal Kowloon Hotel, cross Victoria Harbour, ride the famous Peak Tram, admire Hong Kong from above and return safely to the hotel.

Simple.

Of course, experience has taught us that even the simplest travel plan can acquire additional walking, unexpected detours, several meals and at least one moment when both of us quietly wonder whether the other knows where the hell they are going. Helen has a far better sense of direction than me once we are away from home, although HK is proving difficult.

Still, we set out with confidence.

Or something closely resembling it.

From the Regal Kowloon to the Harbour

We left the Regal Kowloon at around 9 am following a disjointed nights sleep. The hotel bed resembles a slightly padded granite slab, set in a room with air con that seems convinced we like added humidity, oh and curtains that won’t quite close to block the light out.

Our initial destination was the Star Ferry terminal at Tsim Sha Tsui, reached by walking towards the waterfront along Salisbury Road. A little Google Mapping showed the 103 bus to be a far better option, shorter morning stroll and dropped right at the door for Peak Tram. Should be a good return option as well. A Circle K provided coffee and pork buns for breakfast, long live the easily used Octopus Card!

The morning was slightly overcast but rainfree and the walk gave us another chance to watch Kowloon come to life!

The day began at street level. That would soon change considerably.

The Search for the Peak Tram

The bus took us under the harbour and then wound it’s way through the busy Hong Kong streets as the various neighbourhoods came alive for the day. Eventually we found the right stop for the Lower Peak Tram Terminus.

Riding the Peak Tram

The Peak Tram is one of Hong Kong’s most recognisable experiences, and today we finally climbed aboard.

We had purchased the combo tram and Sky Terrace tickets before arriving so skipped the queue and waited patiently for a few minutes before boarding.

Once underway, the tram began its steep ascent through the greenery and buildings of Hong Kong Island.

The angle quickly became impressive.

Nearby buildings appeared to lean at increasingly unlikely angles, while the city dropped away beneath us. We spent much of the journey looking in awe at the apartment blocks built into the hillside.

One moment we were surrounded by the towers of Central; shortly afterwards, we had arrived high above the city.

It was considerably easier than walking.

Technology: helping travellers avoid walking uphill since 1888.

Exploring Victoria Peak

At the top, we emerged into clear skies and not too crazy a crowd, being early has its advantages.

Our first view across Hong Kong was breathtaking, that is after my fear of heights dealt with the narrow escalators and pushy travellers.

From above, the dense towers, harbour and surrounding hills created a completely different picture of the city. Streets that had seemed enormous from ground level became narrow lines, while ferries appeared to move quietly across the water below.

We spent time gazing at the views and marvelling at mans ingenuity. The views towards Victoria Harbour and Kowloon were spectacular.

Naturally, we took photographs.

Then we took several more photographs in case Hong Kong had changed significantly during the previous thirty seconds.

Somewhere down there was our hotel. We were fairly certain of this.

A Walk Around the Peak

After taking in the main views, we explored more of the Peak area.Well we headed across to The Peak Galleria, nothing like the Galleria back home in Morley!

The Important Matter of Refreshment

Eventually, sightseeing led to the inevitable question:

Where should we eat?

We stopped at Maks Noodles, suggested by Sandy on our food tour yesterday and ordered their Wonton Noodles, steamed veg and green tea. The meal was tasty with the noodles being the standout. Chopsticks though are still not my preferred utensils, too much concentration needed 🤣

High-altitude refreshments—because admiring scenery is hungry work.

What else does The Peak have to offer?

After our refueling session we headed back into Sky Terrace 428 and at Anita’s suggestion visited Madam Tussauds where we made lots on new friends! I even tried to smack some sense in to Donald, not sure it will work. I did though make inroads with other world leaders. Helen chatted with Audrey and gave Chris a big hug. Marilyn and I stood on a vent. While we both also greeted a few musical legends.

Our special souvenir though is our ding-ding tram art piece, sketched for us in moments. Just need to find a wall to put it on!

Coming Back Down

After a few hours exploring the Peak, we returned to the tram terminus for the journey downhill.

Descending was a different experience from the ride up. The steepness was just as noticeable, although gravity now appeared to be taking a much more active interest in proceedings.

The return tram was loud, three young boys screamed with excitement and waved and yelled at everyone around them.

We watched the city rise around us as we descended towards Central.

A Peak Performance?

The day gave us one of Hong Kong’s classic experiences and a chance to see the city from an entirely different perspective. A great day out, now chilling before we venture out for dinner and hopefully a spectacular light show. Today is the anniversary of the handover of HK back to China, so the light show could be huge!